December 2024

Advent is here, and the countdown to Christmas begins! The Christmas department is well-stocked (Tab on Home Page) and the small framed embroideries make a unique and lasting gift. Happy browsing!

Every year I try to remember that there are no rules for celebrating Christmas, and although I am a bit of a traditionalist at heart, change is fine too, as situations alter and I get older! With all the glitter and buzz everywhere it is easy to become distracted and miss the natural wonders that December brings as we dip deep into the darkest time of the year. This sunrise a couple of days ago stopped me in my tracks; the colours and brilliance behind the silhouetted trees just so beautiful. Teatime brings the sunsets across the fields behind the church, another glory to bookend the day. The old year is fading; a time for looking forward and looking back.

November 2024

The cycle of the seasons brings many changes to our feelings and how we live our lives, especially for those of us whose homes are in rural places away from the built environment. As the seasons turn, the colours of the garden here and the wider countryside slowly change. An annual cycle of dun browns and greys, then the vibrant greens of early spring, followed by brilliantly lit rainbows of the summer borders, before descending to monotones once more, after the final burst of Autumnal golds and reds of leaves, hips and berries. A couple of weeks ago I took this photo of the Lesser Reedmace Bulrushes around the pond, spotlighted in late afternoon rays of sunshine, striking in their brilliance.

I am very aware of how these colours evolve throughout the year; the changing palette seen through my windows suggesting new colour combinations. For instance I love the dark brown twigs against blue winter skies. Blues and browns in all their shades are interesting, having been seen together in nature ever since eyes evolved to see them.

October 2024

Recent gales have brought down many conkers, so the children come once more to the churchyard opposite our cottage to seek them out just as my children did many years ago. These tree seeds are very beautiful and I have grown several in pots over the years for the sheer delight of it!

We are swapping summer curtains for thick winter ones in one little room we sit in, and the sweep is coming tomorrow so we will begin to light the woodstove again. Autumn is here, and when the sun does shine it is a glorious time of year, with much still to enjoy. I am stitching all things Christmas and looking ahead to next year’s collection of William Morris cards for Kelmscott Manor which I make in the winter months. A new collection of WM cards will be available here very soon!