Warm Fires, Hot Soup and Ancient Crepe

Recently I was given an exciting couple of carrier bags filled with all sorts of craft bits and pieces. They belonged to a former crafter and came via her daughter.

We had a great time unpacking it all. There was a huge pile of fabric which will be just right for my beach blankets.

There was a wonderful pile of crepe paper which is VERY old but of very high quality. I might be reviving an old craft of mine which was making crepe paper poppies. This is a craft I began in the 1970`s.

There is no date but on the back a book is advertised at 2/6 which would make it 1960s.

Along with the crepe paper were packs of all kinds of crafting wire as well as all the petal patterns. It was quite poignant.

I can`t wait to try the poppies again.

Another item was an old curtain. I pulled it apart and wondered what to do with it. In the end I made bunting.

Having cut out and pinned 25 flags, I went to bed thinking they were not special enough to complete the project. Next day I damp pressed one and then decided to add some very old braid .... I have stacks ..... and this lifted the look. My brother suggested this idea.

I can see this bunting hanging behind Gandalf or even behind the fernery.

Another intriguing item was the sewn parts of a rag doll. After a wash and press I stuffed her. Today she has gained hair, a petticoat and a dress. The knickers went wrong ..... they did not come high enough in the waist. I am having to make up the patterns. I will post more pictures when she is complete. I am happy with her so far.

There is nothing I like better than someone`s unfinished project (but not always!!!)

There were a few things I cannot use and they are put aside for charity.

We have had a couple of visits to the garden. Gosh it has been cold. But we have kept warm by doing the pruning .... apples and pears. I have trimmed the hedge at the back of the orchard.

Barrow loads of chipped bark completed the path at the side of the polytunnel. And then home to the warm fire and hot soup.