More Pincushions

A lovely surprise package arrived from Linda, organiser of our pincushion swap! Not one, but two pincushions (the little one is a finger pin cushion) and in my favourite colours: pink and green.

And this blue version of the pincushion I made for Grandma Rockton is on its way to Linda.


Ros x

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

For a peak at this year's Chelsea Flower Show and this amazing sky garden click here.

Pin Cushion Swap

Here's my monogrammed pincushion/needlecase from my swap partner. This is going to be perfect for hand sewing projects, especially on the move (see below for a little story!). The machine quilting is so fine and neat and the cream satin ribbon just finishes it off nicely. Thank you Corina, it is truly beautiful.


And inside, lots of useful pockets!



My pincushion to Sandra (Grandma Rockton) was made with a mixture of cotton fabric and wool felt and some hand embroidery. I used little plastic pellets in addition to the polyester stuffing to give it extra weight and the pattern came from this delightful book.



And a big 'Thank you' to Linda (Quilt Cookie) for being our lovely swap host.



Just before I go I'd like to share this little corner of my garden. Last spring I bought a tray of sweet williams for bedding plants. Here they are, still in the same pot a year later, looking absolutely gorgeous. And to think I nearly threw them out with all the other annuals at the end of the autumn!

I have a few more garden flowers to show you, but that will have to wait for another day. After weeks of dry weather it is finally raining - only the second time in the last month. This is England for goodness sake - what has happened to our rain??!!

Ros

PS The little story I have to share concerns a husband and a mountain bike and a short trip over the handlebars! Enough said! I have been spending quite a bit of time in hospital waiting rooms and car parks (better I decided to wait in my car with my music and sewing than in a windowless corridor in the outpatients department). My vintage embroidery projects were just right for such occasions! Broken bones are healing nicely.

A rare chance to unwind!

Every once in a while you pick up a book which is very hard to put down again. For me The Quilter's Daughter was one of them. An Amish community, a love story, family tragedy and a second chance at happiness for Abby. It was a very enjoyable read and probably a book I would never have picked up myself. Thank you Marion for lending me the book, and I can't wait to read the sequel, The Bishop's Daughter!

The author has a delightful website, and well worth a visit.

Ros

May, Month of Mary

The Holy Rosary prayer
(click here for the whole rosary)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art though among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Fr Werenfried van Straaten:
In the divine economy of salvation, Mary has a pre-eminent position. The redemption of mankind began in her virgin womb and, in accordance with the will of God, is only carried to completion with her co-operation and at her intercession, The honour the Church pours on her has its grounds in this sublime calling. Mary is the mother of the Son of God. She is the most beloved daughter of the Father. She is the spouse of the Holy Spirit. Because of her co-operation in our Lord's work of redemption she is raised high above angels and men. She is worthy of all praise because she is full of grace and because her holiness - already full at her immaculate conception - proved itself for a whole lifetime in her perfect obedience to the will of the Father.

Wedding photos

If you haven't already overdosed on the wedding, you might like to see these beautiful photos of William and Catherine here.


"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire."
St Catherine of Sienna
opening words from the Homily of the Bishop of London during the royal wedding