Nella's 21st Birthday in Norwich

I drove 8 hours across country to Norfolk at the weekend, joining Freya and Fergus in celebrating Nella’s 21st birthday. The weather was like summer and we sat outside in a student beer garden on her birthday. We took the birthday cake to the beach at Sheringham and Nella declared it her best ever birthday. We had a lovely time, catching up and sharing many laughs. I made it back to Devon in just 7 hours, despite the autumn clock change, driving the last few hours in the dark. 

I am so excited to get the keys to my cottage in Tavistock so I don’t have to drive a 40 minute countryside commute in the rain and moorland mist!

MIA at Malvern

 For anyone wondering where I have been... I was working this weekend at Malvern Quilt show - will post properly when I get time! Nessie had a lovely holiday with friends. Did not get slow worm house but will take the wee cottage in Tavi;) update to follow xx

I now know lots about the Accuquilt cutting system and think it is great. I bought some cotton duck fabric for my new kitchen - woodcut style whales and sardines. I am not exactly sure what to do with it but have not bought any fabric for ages and just fancied it!

Here are some pics taken at Malvern and of Nessie's holiday:)

Can I Look After Endangered Garden Animals?!

I spent Sunday morning being interviewed by a prospective Landlord and am now having second thoughts about a house that I thought was ideal. I have to make sure that the endangered Slow Worms and Newts in the garden thrive. I am not allowed to paint anything even if it is scruffy and can be evicted at short notice if the garden is not correctly maintained. On the other hand, I also saw a Bedford Cottage in Tavistock which is rather small but the Landlady is considerably more relaxed;)

I don’t actually need to rush into anything at all but I would like not to negotiate the rural lanes in winter and would actually like to stop living out of a suitcase.

I had another busy week at work with my first 2 customer quilts, making Overlocker samples then making a Publisher presentation about the settings for a project class. 

In my spare time I trawled Facebook Marketplace, fantasising the junk furniture I could buy to replace the treasures that I sold before moving. I  bought a £10 hat stand, ostensibly for the house with the endangered species but I guess it can go anywhere. 

I met cousins at Hound Tor for a lovely, autumnal walk and spectacular views of Dartmoor. I was worried that I might run out of fuel on the way back to civilisation and be enveloped by mists then hunted down by a Hell Hound. Fortunately, Nessie and I made it safely back to re-fuel at the supermarket in Tavistock!

Exploring the Area

My main focus at work this week was messing about with the L890 Overlocker so I can make samples for a forthcoming Masterclass. It is a great machine and easy enough to switch modes from overlocker to overstitch but when experimenting it would be great to have about 3 machines all set up for different settings. I aim to come up with some kind of project that includes gathering, rolled hem, zips, quilting and fringing.

I had been disappointed by the lack of response any local letting agents but as soon as I expressed an interest in a terraced house in Launceston on Friday, I was invited for a viewing. The house is great and the commute would be about 30 minutes on sensible roads but I don’t want to get my hopes up as there are other interested parties. It would be nice not to share the shower with giant spiders. The medieval town was well served with cafes, independent shops, and a decent Tesco with a Cornish pasty shop inside. My sat-nav took me on a convoluted tour so now I also know where to find the leisure centre. 

Nessie and I went on an expedition to an Apple Festival in Bere Ferrers that I had seen advertised.  The roads got narrower and even my Mini had to breathe in. Eventually we arrived in a tiny village, completely overwhelmed by visitors and a slightly odd event inspired by the apple harvest. There were Morris Dancers, a demonstration of wood turning, a display of different apples and a pie competition. People took along bags of apples and could get them juiced into old milk cartons. 

Our next stop was Tavistock, where I hoped to buy a 21st birthday present for Nella. I could have bought vegan goodies in the Refill shop but the shop-keeper sternly warned that Scottie Dogs were not allowed in. 

Our next stop was the Strawberry Fields farm shop which was holding an impressive Pumpkin Event. There was a great selection of local produce for sale and as many pumpkins as you could fit in the car.

It is weird not having a house or a workshop to potter in. It is not easy to jump in the car from here and go somewhere without driving for ages so I have just been rather “lazy” on my days off. I should try to make the most of it before I have to take back possession of my stuff and sort it all out.