English Countryside

This photo was taken on a country walk. I think it is typical of how the English countryside looks at the moment, with the golden fields ready to be harvested. In some places the harvesting has been done and there are hay bales in the fields.

Tag Tuesday-Clocks

The theme for Tag Tuesday this week is Clocks.

For this week's tag, I  was really glad of the opportunity to  use a rather nice stamp of mine, which I stamped over a Victorian lady to make it feel even more vintage. The backing is cardboard which has been painted, and origami paper was used to make a border. Then paper flowers were added for a bit of extra texture. I photographed it against a pretty sketchbook.

Elusive dragonfly

I found this pretty little stream whilst walking near the river. There was a beautiful, bright blue dragonfly , which I tried to photograph, but kept missing it! I hoped that if I kept clicking I would pick it up, but it didn't work. I am pleased with the photos though, and you will just have to imagine the dragonfly!

Sashiko

I am always looking for hand sewing projects to do, the sort of thing you can pick up when you want to do some hand stitching, and not spend ages getting it ready. I was very pleased to find this sashiko fabric when I was in Village Fabrics in Wallingford recently. The sashiko pattern is already marked out, ready to get on and stitch! Then I had to buy the correct threads, needles, thimble (the little black object) as instructed in the library book I borrowed. 

This book, The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook by Susan Briscoe  has lovely illustrations, is very instructive, and the instructions look easy to follow. As the fabric has 8 different sashiko patterns on it, I will have trouble deciding which to do first! Susan's book will wet your appetite for sashiko, or you could just browse through the photos, diagrams and interesting  information about the history of this Japanese decorative style and the type of garments it was used for.

I can't wait to get started on the sewing , now I have everything ready. Just the thing for cosy autumn days indoors . Watch this space to see how I get on with it.

The Lock at Benson

These photos of the River Thames are taken at the lock at Benson, which is a nice place for a walk. There is a path which goes through the fields beside the river. I really like the  shape and texture of the wooden bridge.

Bouquet

I stumbled upon this beautiful bouquet in a cafe. I coudn't believe the colour of the rose!

Textures at Benson Lock

 I went for a walk with Richard at Benson Lock, and found the water to be in full flow.

The speed of the water made wonderful patterns. Richard always looks for fish, but I look for textures and photo opportunities!

I hope you like these photos!