Scrapbook magic

I have had a very enjoyable day with Annabelle and our wonderful, patient and inspiring tutor Margaret at  Scrapbook Magic. We have made a start on our mini pyramid boxes.

This project houses a mini album in the base drawer and the pyramid above opens up to reveal another pyramid which in turn has a surprise within. 

The photos show a completed pyramid. We won't be using frills and flowers on ours. I think my surprise will be needlework related.

Whilst at the workshop we saw a recipe book holder in the form of a kitchen dresser being worked on and have decided that this will be our next project.

What fun !!!!

Last week I made the cushion on the right. I loved the cushion so much that I made another one last night. It is slightly different as I didn't have quite enough of the original fabric to replicate exactly.

Time with my sewing machine

After spending time with my sewing machine earlier in the week quilting this afternoon I decided this to make a cushion for the house. 

I have based the front on a design by Jo Colvill but have constructed the cushion case so that the pillow can be removed for washing.

Some Quilting

This is a dear friend's quilt and I have quilted the centre panel for her. She will now quilt the borders and bind it.

It is a gift for her grandson, any little boy would be delighted with such a special quilt. An heirloom for sure.

A visit to the National Trust Gardens of Glendurgan

The Fox brothers Robert, Charles and Alfred were from a prominent Quaker family and were deeply engaged in exotic botany and horticulture. They founded the gardens at Trebah, Glendurgan (now a National Trust property), Penjerrick and Rosehill, in Falmouth, all currently open to the public and containing mature specimens on exotic plants and trees. Today we visited Glendurgan (Cornish: Glynn Dowrgeun, meaning deep valley of otters).

This thriving sub-tropical valley garden runs down to the Helford River at the fishing village of Durgan.

Boasting beautiful blooms in every season, this waterside garden flourishes from its sheltered ravine position. Although the view doesn't directly face the calm banks of the estuary, you can explore under lush canopies and wind through the exotic gardens to meet the water's edge.

Noted as a horticultural hotspot, Glendurgan is one of the best of Cornwall's characteristic valley gardens. Purchased by Alfred Fox in 1820, it was created following his brother's pioneering example at Penjerrick, where the innovative planting had already impressed many horticultural writers of the time. Alfred Fox planted Pinus Pinaster as windbreaks, as well as variety of vibrant trees and shrubs, and several orchards. The garden is an enchanting display of rare and exotic shrubs year-round, but is particularly popular for its spectacular spring magnolias and camellias.

One of the most exciting features is the cherry laurel maze dating back to 1833, where you can lose yourself. The house is privately occupied.

Truro Cathedral

Today has been spent in Truro with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law who are visiting with us.

We started with some retail therapy, followed by lunch, then a visit to the magnificent Cathedral with some more retail therapy to round off a perfect day.

I am always on the look out for embroidery and I found a beautiful altar cloth which I spent ages studying.