Latest makes for Bridport

It's been a busy old day here with a lovely visit from my auntie and her two small grandaughters. Just loaded up my van with some bits for the Bridport Vintage Market tomorrow and thought I'd share this week's makes quickly with you. Sadly it's been a bit dull here weather wise, so not very bright pictures I'm afraid!

UPDATE - horse memo, pink cushion and dress sold - thank you!

Blue heart lavender pillows sold - thank you!

A customer order - nearly complete!

And a patchwork baby blanket for my new niece to be! Only 4 days late so far... hurry up little one.

Have a lovely sunny Sunday whatever you're up to!

Highs and Lows

Things have all been a bit up and down round here recently. If you've been reading for a while you might remember that when we moved house earlier this year we inherited Dusty, the world's friendliest bantam. She quickly endeared herself to all who met her, even those who said they didn't like chickens. Sadly she disappeared last week. We let her out in the morning and when we got home she wasn't waiting at the back door as usual. We knocked on doors but with no luck. Not a feather in sight. We assume she was taken by a fox or maybe a cat although she's lived here for several years free range. Obviously we were all a bit gutted as she was such a character. We'll have to think carefully as to whether we get any more as I'm not keen to have them in a run all day.

On to brighter things. We took a trip to West Bay on Saturday and to this shop in particular. I had met Jackie, one of the owners at a vintage market and she wanted to stock some of my things. The Beach Hut is a nice mix of vintage and new children's clothes, toys, books, gifts... and well worth alook if you're in the area.

On the way in the Jammers spotted a new play park and what a nice one it was too. All wood and ropes with some more imaginative equipment. Even Mr Jam couldn't resist this swing thing.

After all that swinging we were in need of a spot of lunch and tried this sweet little cafe in the old station building (right next to the play park).

When the rain came I set to work on finishing off the smallest Jammer's quilt. I made the Pussy Willow patchwork weeks ago and she has been patiently waiting for me to do the sandwiching bit ever since. At least she can sleep well now! You will notice yet more Lloyd Loom sneaking into this shot. Thank you for all your comments on my last post.

Now for something completely new - well to me anyway. People often think I sell jams and jellies given my name so after picking a huge bowl of strawberries I thought I'd try my hand. I must admit I was a bit hofified at how much sugar you had to put in!

And the boiling bit got a bit scary. Lucky the pan was tall or we'd have been in a right mess.

It seems to have turned out ok but of course the proof will be in the tasting and I've got a couple of eager volunteers lined up to try it.

Next project is a baby blanket for the new arrival my sister is expecting any day now... better get sewing this weekend. Enjoy yours whatever you're up to!

Loving Lloyd Loom

Did somebody mention Lloyd Loom? Ah yes it was Fading Grace whose blog I am loving.

Sophie's post coincided with selling this ottoman I'd recovered and I was inspired to dig out my book. Yes, I have to admit at one point I was a bit of a Lloyd Loom anorak!

I also had a root through old pics for some of the stuff we've had over the years. All loved by us and the cats. Unfortunately back in those pre children days I didn't take many photos so most of it came and went with no visual record. However there are pieces that stick in my mind. The lovely green three seater sofa that I had Ian Mankin cushions made for before realising it really did take up most of the kitchen and we sold it. The excitement of finding a blue dome topped linen bin and the disappointment of getting to an old lady's house who had some Lloyd Loom advertised, only to discover it wasn't at all. She told me she called it "my Lloyd Loom" and I didn't have the heart to walk away without it even though it was horrible.

We still use the term "my Lloyd Loom" to describe the stuff that's not!

Anyway Eldest Jammer arrived and there I was tucked up on the maternity ward eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mr Jam. Would he be bringing me flowers, chocolates, something for the new arrival? Of course not! As only he could he arrived with the book below (this is 10 years ago, we'd just discovered Amazon) and a brie and cranberry baguette (I'd been missing soft cheese and the hospital food was horrible). The other new mums must have thought we were nuts!

I would have been the yummiest mummy in town with one of these! This is how the whole thing started (for Marshall B. Lloyd, not me - sadly) with prams or should I say carriages.

Eat your heart out Quinny and Bugaboo. You can't beat a pram made from paper!

Having experimented with and patented a technique for weaving paper string around wire struts the company began to consider furniture in the early '20's. All based on sound research. 1 in 96 people buy a pram and it lasts an entire growing family. 1 in 24 people is a furniture buyer - me I'm both!! And so the beauties below were born...

A great book I'd recommend if you're into Lloyd Loom and contains some beautiful photos, old and new. Also lots of information on the styles, colour charts, finishes as well as how to date the furniture by the label.

Colourful old advertising.

Which one would you choose?

I'll leave you with Eldest Jammer growing up with Lloyd!

And I happened upon this old photo of my unit 10 years ago! More of that another time...