New life for our old tree

The magnificent oak trees in our neighborhood are almost 200 years old and some are getting to the end of their natural life .

 

 We were very worried about our favorite in the back yard. Large rotted holes in the trunk and it swayed alarmingly during the recent storms. We did not relish the thought of the neighbors suing us if a branch crashed through their kitchen.

 Reluctantly  ( 'cos we knew it would not be cheap) we called in some arborist for their opinion. Actually, we called 5. One took one look and said 'too dangerous', another immediately said 'Oh, that has to go'.

 Finally we chose   Shady Lane,  who promised to save the tree if they could and thought they could lighten the load from the main branch.

 I must say I was impressed. The 3 man crew showed up on time, were knowledgeable, polite, worked quickly and cleaned up!

They came with lots of cables  and stump grinding equipment. So what if we can't afford to eat out for a year.

Soon, the tire swing will be installed again in its rightful place. Last week we had an local alderman, a journalist and a social worker bemoaning that their childhood plaything was missing.

Not only do we have a handsome cathedral canopy and more light in the garden, we have firewood for a couple of years too.

A work in progress

My pitch at the Brickworks Farmers Market is a work in progress.

 Lots of space, but I am still working on where to put the table.  It was Knit in Public week so I bought my knitting and one person saw my tweet and cycled down to join me for an hour.

 As usual there was lots going on, it is a real happening place on Saturday mornings.

 This interesting troop from Grupo Axe Capoiera were performing and promoting in the sunshine, I must say they were easy on the eye. There were other entertainers too, but I was fairly busy and could not get down to see them.

A learning moment at my table that I always encourage.

Loved the way this customers tattoos played with the polka dot dress.

Positive feedback

If this is not positive feedback I do not know what is.

Last month I sold some 60s fabric from my shop. This is what Kaitlin and her mum, from 2Lefthandz made,
a fantastic hobo bag that is now for sale in their etsy shop. They even gave my shop (lots of shops here) a link in the description! Now, that is what I call good marketing.
Their bags are joyful and playful with lots of character.

Evergreen Brickworks market 2012

My first day back at the Evergreen Brickworks Farmers Market for 2012...I have sold there since the first season ...2007 I think. Nice to see everyone and I was made to feel very welcome.

 It is my favorite market.

 

This year I have a new spot at the back end of the Pavillion.  A bit isolated but I think I can make it work as I have two ready made 'quilt racks' ...the structures surrounding old machinery.  The space is somewhat quirky as it is an old industrial site. I have plans.....more  on this next week.

As usual my breakfast was delivered to me by  the great Chez Vous catering......Yummy.

Wardrobe memories

Lois, from 13threads has invited all who wish to participate, to join  in an  interesting thread, inspired by the  photographic project The Memory of my Wardrobe by Ida Taavitsainen.

Here is my story.

In late 1962 I met a Canadian fellow and we started to date, even invited him to my parents pub for Christmas.

His birthday is in late January so I set off one lunchtime with my boss, Carol Serokin, to buy a present.

We worked on Great Portland Street in London and it was just a 5 minute walk to Jaeger in Regents Street.  I found just the right thing as the said boyfriend was always cold in England with no central heating. A beautifully made camel hair waistcoat, the back is also camel hair and it is fully lined.

 The fawning salesman asked  if I wanted large or extra large. Carol, who was 5ft 7" and a bit on the tubby side was not a good model. I hesitated, said the boyfriend was much, much bigger, whereupon, salesman said " Madam must remember that Madam is so petite that any gentleman will seem large to her"

 I bought the extra large. I think he liked it.

We became engaged that April and married in September......still a great waistcoat.

Unsurprisingly many of the threads I have read refer to the now husband. 

I have been a follower and an admirer of 13threads ever since I began in blogland. I'm sure Lois would love to hear from you too.

Hermes alert...

An (or is it a) Hermes day at the thrifts earlier this week. I have not run across one since the first week in January

 I did not even realize it was a Hermes till I got it home, it was so crumpled and creased, just knew it was a lovely piece of silk. This one is called 'Puzzle' and is a gorgeous delphinium blue.

It was a bumper day for scarves, including this bright Dior, many are making their way into my  etsy shop.

 Except this Liberty paisley, an unusual shade of violet, that will join my ever growing collection

update on the scarves

An update on the redcurrants, as I call this pretty Liberty floral pattern.

I now have 4 different colorways in my collection. Interesting too, is the different printed logos.

All uppercase, all lower case, or a mix. I wonder if they were printed in different factories.

5 colorways on this charmer, the first that came my way had no logo at all, but I just knew it was a Liberty.

Paisley types are more difficult to sort, so I am starting with the easiest patterns. I think these two are from the 50s.

Actually, I wrote this post  last year, its in my reserve for times like today when everything is going tits up. ......Also, bloody blogger is at it again, telling my I do not follow any other blogs. Any of you have the same problem?