Southwold and Walberswick

Two of our favourite places to visit. Hubby had some time off and we could not seem to get ourselves organised to have some days out so took a last minute decision to visit Southwold.Journey there took ages as we got stuck behind a large static caravan being transported.
I always feel that it is a bit like stepping back in time when we go here. Although it is now a bit 'touristy' and sanitised. Also crowded. Parking is a bit of a nightmare.But still we had a pleasant lunch and walk round.There are some nice shops and galleries and of course the Amber shop is always worth a look. There is an interesting craft gallery/shop that I like to take a look round but sadly was shut . We did discover the charming little cinema down a back street.











Then we walked down to take a look at the ferry.Again something we had not done before.This ferry has been in the same family for about 5 generations and the present owner has written a book on its history.We happened to have Phil's brothers copy with us so we got it signed while we were there.As a little bonus there was a seal bobbing around as we crossed over from the Southwold side to Walberswick.Coffee and scones at the tea rooms were scoffed and then I held of the wasps so hubby could eat his sandwich.Again rather busy but we find the charm of this place is that there simply isn't much there.Didn't go down to the beach on this occasion





Nice to see some traditional crafts being used.

An amazing day out

We were recently very privileged to be allowed to view the private Ducati collection of Tony O'Neil. He is a friend of a friend, lucky for us. The collection is truely amazing with many iconic bikes. Heaven for us as we are great Ducati lovers and follow bike racing. The bike pictured above is the very famous Troy Bayliss Imola 2002 bike.This race is Superbike legend. Colin Edwards and Troy battled for the whole race literally bashing fairings throughout. Tony says that the bike had Colin's tyre marks up the fairing when he got it. We could not believe that we were standing inches away from it. There were also bikes that were raced by Carl Fogarty,Carlos Checa,James Toseland,Ruben Xaus,Loris Capirossi and so many more that I can't remember them all. It was such a rare treat and we are very grateful to our friend John for organising it and to Tony and Leslie for making us so welcome.

Rust Dyeing with Myfanwy Hart

My local Embroiderers Guild is a very lively and vibrant group.We seem to be bucking the trend and attracting new members all the time. They organise excellent speakers once a month and I am very disapointed that due to the hours I have been working I am not able to get to many monthly meetings any more. But I am able to get to the workshops as they are on a Saturday. The latest one was Rust Dyeing with Myfanwy Hart.
Myfanwy is one of the lovely ladies in the Boomers group over on etsy and we had met briefly at the Cottenham show.
I had extracted a few pieces of rusting metal from hubby and his garage.Not that easy to find as he is all about making sure that things don't rust.
After cleaning up the rusty items they were wrapped up in fabric and we added either salt water or vinegar water to accelerate the process. Some parcels had a tea bag or strong tea added as the tannin also has an effect on the cloth when combined with the rusting process.
These were then left overnight before being dried off and washed and ironed.
So another interesting washing line.Bit smelly though.
Myfanwy also bought hubby and shop along so there was time for a few purchases of delicious threads.
The picture shows the resulting pieces of fabric.Not quite sure what will become of them but a few ideas are bubbling under.
Thanks for a fun and interesting day Myfanwy.

Sutton Hoo

Recently visited Sutton Hoo. Have been meaning to get there for some time but as it happens Fen Edge Textiles were exhibiting there and my friends Nickie and Sharne are members of this group.
Hubby wanted to go to so it was a nice trip out together.
Sutton Hoo itself was interesting, in parts. There really is little to see there apart from a few humps where the burials were.The exhibition was very interesting but there are virtually none of the original artefacts there as they are all in the British Museum (I think)
Anyway we decided to test ourselves and did the long walk round the whole of the site.
Much further than I have walked in some time but the weather was glorious so it was most enjoyable.

I can't believe I didn't blog about this

How could I be so remiss as to not blog about going to one of the best gigs ever.
I am referrring to the soon to be superstar (if there is any justice in the world) that is Imelda May.
Hubby picked her up first from a Jools Holland programme and from that we watched everything that we could find on U tube. Then we managed to find her album in HMV and what a little gem that turned out to be.
So from then on we were on the lookout to see if she was gigging locally. Low and behold she had a booking at the Colchester Arts Theatre. 4 tickets purchased for us and some friends.
On the night it turned out to be a standing only gig,which we had thought that it would be but I had forgotten and not put on the most sensible shoes. Also only being 4ft 11in I tend to get lost in a crowd.
Support band was Tim Allalone and the 78's who started the evening off in a lively rocking style.
Then on to the main event.
Imelda May was magnificent. Her voice is amazing and I believe she could do any style but what we got was a blend of rockabilly ,blues ,jazz and ballads. The band behind her were one of the tightest I have ever heard .The main guitarist is her husband and apparently is way up there in the rockabilly world. We bopped and sang along and totally wore ourselves out. As hubby put it
" I felt like a teenager again til I woke up in the morning then I felt about 101"
A stonkingly good night!!

Janet Bolton Workshop

Had a wonderful time on Saturday at a workshop, organised by Embroiderers Guild, with Janet Bolton. I am an admirer of her work and have been for many years. She was very generous with her knowledge and techniques and although some of us didn't get very far I am sure we were all inspired. Unusually for me I came away with more ideas for development.
On Monday night it was our EG branch meeting and we were very entertained by the wonderful Kim Thittichai. Margaret and I went down to Hove earlier this year to do a workshop with Kim and had a great time. Very talented lady.

Mum and babies

Mum and babies
Originally uploaded by debsmuddle

These just appeared in our back garden the other day. Don't know where they came from. It put us in a bit of a flap as she couldn't get out of the back garden and the road is in the front. Eventually we guided her and babies out of the front and down the road. She seemed quite purposeful as if she knew where she was going so in the end we just let her.I do hope they are all ok. Someone commented on flickr that there have been reports of large broods this year. I think 11 is enough!