Gone To Earth

Vintage Button haul

Don't tell me I don't give you a good time on holiday, now help me wash these buttons.

Look at all these! What a lot! It took a while but I think we uncovered some treasure - lots of unusual and interesting buttons. They were a 'donation' fron one of Mr Primrose's new 'found' cousins. (I don't think she was really lost but you know how it is.) The children have never experienced family wider than the four of us, and it's been an interesting experience for them. Now, they find they've cousins (second cousins I suppose they are really) in Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada - a bit far away for a casual drop in type of family relationship. However, they exist and we're taking the opportunities to meet them when they arise and it's quite fascinating.

It isn't that clear in the photo but these buttons have an egyptian motif on them - I suspect it's supposed to be Tutankhamun.

I love these wooden lozenge shaped ones and the artdeco-ish ones.

It took us an age to wash them all, pull out the bits of cotton, stab ourselves in the fingers with seam rippers (that was me!) Most of them had been used - but these green ones were still on the card.

The writing on the back says they cost £4 - I find that hard to believe. Perhaps it was a note relating to something else.

More buttons!

Miss Rosie seems to think that someone would like these to sew onto a wedding dress. Ummmm!

..... and a few interesting buckles.

I don't have uses for them all - so once I washed them all I'll do something about giving them away (to good and responsible homes you understand), so check back if you're interested.

All I need to do now is see if little Miss Rosie will help me put them into bags; black, green blue etc. then we can wash the rest another time. Mustn't use all our 'fun' allowance in one day must we now!

Tutorial Re-purpose your jeans - make a Denim Bag

Whilst sorting out clothes that no longer fit, have disintegrated and otherwise just need to go (and make room in bulging cupboards for stuff we do need). I was surprised how much denim there was in the pile. Some were just grown out of, others were barely hanging together, no longer fit even for gardening in. What to do ?

Recycling I thought and then I remembered reading a book called 'Patchwork Pizzazz' by Lise Bergene. In it she describes making bags (quilts and cushions) using a 'frayed edge technique', which she'd come across on one of her trips. She uses quilt weight cottons as well as denim in her 'frayed' projects. I think others may call this approach 'scrappy'. Just think though denim and fraying ......that's a marriage made in heaven isn't it?

I can't argue that this is a totally eco-friendly project unlike Dottycookie who is re-purposing sheets (What happened to the Barbie sheet?) or Linaloo who issued the re-purposing challenge but these little bags are quite good fun to make. There's a lot of scope for quite varied styles from shabby chic to just plain shabby, as many 'looks' as there are for jeans I suppose.

Let me know what you think to the tutorial - I need your feedback. I'd like to get better at it you see.

To create a characterful denim bag

First identify the pair or pairs of jeans that you're going to butcher cut up. (It's definitely best to get permission from the jeans' owner before you cut them up. People can be 'funny' about these things and I'd hate to cause any arguments.)

And yes, I know you're all 'growed up' people but think about your precious fingers when chopping up denim. Those seams can be tough - take care!

Another friendly piece of advice is that you should only embark upon this project if you're psycholoigcally strong enough to cope with all the little thready bits it creates that secretly migrate to the furthest reaches of your house. (Check the calendar - any important visitors about to pop in? No. O.K, maybe you can get on now.)

You will need;

Bag exterior
• 2 pieces of denim fabric 23cm (9 inches) by 30.5cm (12inches) for the front and back
• 2 pieces of denim 5 cm (2 inches) wide and 30.5cm (12 inches) deep for the bag sides
• 1 piece of denim for the bag bottom 5cm (2 inches) wide by 23cm (9 inches).
Lining
• 2 pieces of lining fabric 23 cm (9 inches) by 30.5cm (12 inches) for the front and the back
• 2 pieces of lining fabric for the sides 5cm (2 inches) by 30.5cm (12 inches)
• 1 piece of lining fabric for the bottom 5cm (2 inches) by 23cm (9 inches).
Batting/wadding/fusible fleece
• 2 pieces of Batting/wadding/fusible fleece 23cm (9 inches) by 30.5cm (12 inches) for the front and back
• 2 pieces of Batting/wadding/fusible fleece 5cm (2 inches) by 30.5cm (12 inches) for the sides
• 1 piece of Batting/wadding/fusible fleece 5cm (2 inches) by 23cm (9 inches) for the bottom.
Backing pieces - this is the fabric you want to show through your design ('through the holes')
• 2 pieces of denim backing fabric 23cm (9 inches) by 30.5cm (12 inches).
Bag handle To make a bag handle like mine you need;
• 1 piece or pieces of denim sewn together 5cm (2 inches) wide and 89cm (35 inches) long.

(Note:

if you piece/sew denim strips together to make the handle remember to have the seams on the rightside of the fabric facing outwards)
• 1 piece of wadding/batting/fusible fleece 2.5cm (1 inch) wide and 86cm (34 inches) long.
• 1 piece of fabric 5cm (2 inches) wide by 89cm (35 inches) long.

Other (mostly) necessary pieces of equipment

• scissors (for cutting fabric, thread, etc)
• Cutting board
• Rotary cutter (optional)
• Ruler (optional)
• pins
• matching thread
• non-permanent fabric marker
• embroidery threads (optional)
• buttons (optional)
• sewing needle
• sewing machine
• denim sewing machine needle
• tape measure
• A4 piece of paper (optional)

Seam allowance is 1.5 cm (approximately half an inch) throughout.

When selecting the pieces of denim to isolate and cut out try to avoid having any weak/well worn pieces or tough seamed pieces in the stressy areas of your bag. I'm thinking of where the sides get sewn into the bottom piece and where you want to attach the handles. Permanent grass, mud or oil stains may not look too attractive either. So pick and choose and have a little fun. The denim can be pieced together to make bigger pieces, just put any seams on the outside (so we can fray 'em)

Step 1 Cut out the denim pieces.

It's a good idea to cut out the larger pieces first and then decide where to cut the smaller pieces from.

Try cutting off a leg piece then cut up the inside leg seam and open the fabric out. Use your ruler and rotary cutter to cut out your pieces.

If this proves difficult because of seams preventing the ruler laying flat and secure don't risk slipping with your rotary cutter. Use a piece of paper (newspaper - any sort of paper) to mark out a pattern and use that to cut out your bag pieces with.

You may wish to incorporate the jeans pockets into your bag. Take a minute to think about the look you're aiming for and then cut.



You can see where I was 'playing' around with a design on the paper. Didn't use it!

Cut out denim pieces for the handle

Cut out as many pieces as will make a handle 5cm (2 inches) by 89 cm (35 inches) long. We'll sew those together later.



These are the front, back, sides and handles pieces all cut out.

Cut out fabric to go behind the 'holey' design.

This fabric goes behind the denim. It shows through the 'holes' you fray in the denim, supports the denim in those weakened areas and adds a splash of colour in the seams.You can choose to be subtle with co-ordinating blues or garish with hot, exotic reds and oranges.

If you're going to make 'holes' on the back and front of the bag then you need a piece to go behind the front and the back only. If you want to add a 'fray design' in the bag sides then you will need side pieces too. Use the measurements as for the lining sides. (This will make perfect sense soon. I promise)



My 'support' pieces for the front and back on my bag. I used this fabric. Link

Cut out lining pieces

Cut out all the lining pieces (front, back, sides and bottom) and the fabric backing for the handle.

I chose a pretty little polka dot for my lining. Link



Cut out all the fusible fleece/wadding pieces

Cut out all the wadding or fusible fleece pieces. I've tried both sorts when making these types of bags and both work perfectly well.



What a lot of pieces!

Mark out your design

Now that you've cut out all your bag pieces it's time to mark out you design onto the denim. I tried out some different ideas with patches and hearts and all kinds of shapes.

I sewed a running stitch using embroidery thread along the seam (my daughters favourite jeans have this design on them) and drew a square and then played about with some arty lines.



I embroidered the lines I'd drawn onto the front and the back and sewed on some little pink buttons to resemble flowers.



Still thinking about patches!

Get happy with the scissors Now that you've decided on your design you need to cut into the shapes you've marked out. The things you need to think about are;

• Leave about 1cm seam (approximately 1/2 an inch) allowance inside your drawn shape. It doesn't need to be perfectly accurate, it isn't that kind of project. The fraying looks good when it's a little random.
• If the shapes you've drawn are enclosed shapes like the square inside the square that I've drawn, cut out the middle square but I can only snip into the outer square. If I cut out both, the central square will fall out! I will be able to cut the square out later after stitching my design and avoid damaging the backing fabric.
• If you've drawn curvy, wavy lines which stretch fron one side of the denim front/back to the other then skip this section for now because you'll be able to insert your scissors between your sewing without risking cutting into the backing fabric.



Cutting into the middle square I've cut out the middle square but only snipped into the outer square, otherwise the middle piece will fall out. This way I'll be able to cut it out later.

Construction

This bag is quilted together as one piece. If you wish to install the lining separately then ignore the instructions concerning the lining. Construct your lining in the same way as the bag outer. The reason for constructing it as one piece is so that the colour of the lining shows in the outside facing seams - more of a colour sensation. You are of course free to choose. (I won't sulk!)

Making the bag exterior front/back panel

Make a fabric sandwich by

• placing the lining piece face down on your work table.
• Place the fusible fleece/wadding centrally on top with a even space all the way around. (The aim is that the wadding/fusible fleece will not show in the seams - they'll be enclosed by the stitching.)
• Place the 'backing fabric' right side facing up on top of the wadding/fusible fleece.
• Then place the denim fabric right side facing up on top of that. Phew! four pieces of stacked fabric.

You should now see your backing fabric peeping through your design (at least you will do if your design required you to cut pieces out at this point.)



Fusible fleece centrally placed on the fabric.



Looking good.

Sewing your design

If you're using fusible fleece, fuse your pieces together, ensuring that everything is square and even. If you're using a non-fusible wadding/batting then pin everything squarely together to prevent 'slippage' whilst you sew your design.

Stitch through these four layers, using your sewing machine denim needle. Follow the line of the design you've drawn. Complete the sewing for all of your design and for all pieces.



Prepare the bottom piece

• Place your 'bottom' lining piece right side facing down on your work table and place the fusible fleece/batting centrally on the top.
• Place the 'bottom' denim piece right side facing up on top of this. (Another sandwich.)
• Fuse together if appropriate, otherwise you may wish to  pin these layers together whilst you fix the bottom to the front and back pieces. Alternatively you could sew down the middle of the wadding to hold it in place.(If you're using a matching thread this will probably be almost invisible.)
Fusible fleece placed centrally on the bottom piece.



I pinned down the middle.

Attach the bottom piece

• Place one of the exterior (front or back) bag pieces right side down on your work table.
• Place the denim bottom piece, right side facing up against the bottom edge of the exterior bag piece. The linings should be facing one another.
• Pin the bottom piece to one exterior piece. Leave a 1.5cm open (unstitched) at the beginning and at the end of the seam to allow for sewing in the side pieces.
• Sew together using a 1.5cm (half an inch) seam allowance. Remember that the seams need to be facing outwards.
• Fix the other side of the 'bottom' piece to the bottom edge of the other exterior bag piece in the same way



I might have over done the pins a little!

If you lay your bag out flat it should look like this.



Exterior bag view



Inside view.

Sew in the sides

• Make a fabric sandwich with the side pieces in just the same way as you did for the bag bottom.
• Fuse your pieces together if you're using fusible fleece or pin everthing securely together down the middle of the side piece if you're not.
• Place the short edge of the side piece together with the short edge of the bottom piece. Linings should be facing one another. (The photograph should help to clarify this!)
• Sew the bottom (short edge) to the bottom piece of your bag, leaving the 1.5cm seam allowance open at each end so that you can sew the sides up without too much stress. I've marked this with a pen (Removable - don't panic.).
• Repeat this for both sides.



Looks a bit unlikely at the moment doesn't it?



Attach the side pieces

• Take the attached side piece (now sewn to the bag 'bottom' piece) and pin it to the side of the bag front piece. (long side to long side.)
• Check that all the fabric is tucked securely into the seams and nothing has got rucked up or wrinkled. It should be fairly straightforward to fix everthing together.
Remember that the seams are on the outisde and sew. Repeat for the other sides.



Nearly a bag - I quite like the look with the top turned over.

Completing the top edge

Now we need to sew around the top of the bag. It looks like quite a tight fit but just remove the extension 'table' piece to your sewing machine and it should fit around it quite nicely.

• Sew approximately 5cm (2 inches) down from the top edge if you want to turn over the top as I have. If you don't want to, then sew all the way around at least 1.5 cm (1/2 an inch) from the top edge. If you've made a separate lining then insert this into your bag and top stitch it into place in the same way.



More snipping!

O.K. now is the point at which to do a little more snipping.

Start by completing any snipping/cutting out of your design.

• Next snip vertically into the seam allowances being careful not to snip your stitches at approximately 0.5cm to 1cm (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 an inch) intervals all the way around your shape.
Do this for every shape, front and back and for all the outward facing seams including the top edge.

Don't forget

though that sometimes less is more and it's easier to snip more fabric away later than try and add some back in!



Can you see all those little thready bits bidding for freedom!

Making the handle

• Join all the pieces of 5cm (2 inches) wide denim together using a 1.3cm (1/2 inch seam) until you have a strip approximately 35 inches long.

Seams are on the right side facing out.

• Place the fabric strip for the handle rightside facing down onto your work table.
• Place the 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide wadding/batting/fusible fleece centrally onto this.
• Place the denim strip you've created rightside facing up onto this.
• Make sure that sides are all neatly aligned and pin or fuse everthing into position.
• Machine stitch 1.5cm (1/2 inch) down one long side of your strap, and then down the otherside, again 1.5cm (1/2 inch) from the edge. It is possible because of the width the handle to sew four equally spaced 'stitched lines'. This makes a really strong and sturdy handle.Sew across the handle ends 1.5cm (1/2inch) from the edge.

Snip into the seam allowance all around the handle and at the handle ends. Same as before at 0.5 to 1cm intervals (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 and inch) and being careful not to cut into your stitches. Do this to any outward facing seams where you've sewn strips together to make the handle length.

Fix handles to the bag

• Position the handle 10 cm down on the bag 'side' panel. (If you're not going to turn the bag top over you may wish to attach your handle higher up the bag.)
• Sew both ends of your handle to your bag 'body'. I sewed a rectangle and then sewed across the diagonal both ways.
• Ensure that you leave a 1.5cm (1/2 inch) at the sides and the bottom of the handle to ensure that these will fray. (For once fraying = good)

I've marked where I'm going to sew.

For a bit more decoration I sewed buttons over where the handle is fixed to the bag.

The bag complete with handles! You can see all the snipping.

To complete your bag

• Put your bag in the washing machine and wash it. Note: because denim frays you may prefer to wash it in a wash bag or pillowcase to avoid getting all those bits on other items. A cool wash will do.
• All the 'agitation' (Hopefully not yours!) causes the denim to take on that really frayed look and the lining and 'backing fabric' colours should show beautifully in the seams too.

Wash completed. Dry your bag! If you happen to be using the tumble dryer - that helps with the fraying too.

Inspect your bag. Does your design show up as well as you hoped? I found that I hadn't cut enough fabric away from the outer square in the middle of my design so the 'backing fabric' didn't show up as well as I wanted it to. So, I snipped out a little more and washed and dried it again. Love it now!

One view without the top edge folded down.(It's stuffed full of tissue to help it stand up!)

Another view with the top edge folded down.

Congratulations if you got this far and if there's anything I've missed or just not explained very well, just contact me and I'll try and be clearer.

If you try out this 'frayed technique' to make a bag I'd really love to see it.

Fabriccy bundles, Amy Butler and a few questions

........ but not necessarily in that order!

I've had a lot of fun today putting 'fabriccy bundles' in the shop.

Za Za by Erin Michael

Amy Butler fabrics - damask rose palette

I've added some three, four, and five piece 'bundles' or should I say 'collections'? See I can't even decide what to call them.

What do you think? Do you think they're o.k?

Sadly, I can't claim all the credit for the content of these 'bundles' as these fabrics have been designed in palettes so ..... what can I say? I enjoy that 'bit' you know when you place fabrics side by side and the colours, patterns all interact to completely change the look and feel of something - pure magic.

You can see this quite clearly on Amy Butler's own website. She has an 'Inspiration' section and you can see how she achieves lots of different looks from one pattern or idea with the different colour/pattern combinations. Nothing less than brilliant! Not to mention helpful.

If you do visit Amy's site then you just have to take look at the 'free' (yes - really free!) projects that Amy posts. There are quilts, cushions, eye pillows, yoga bags, card holders, portfolio's - just loads. (You did look didn't you?) They're in PDF format and everybit as well written as her published patterns. Go on, be inspired or should it be 'risk being tempted' (say the last phrase in a very deep voice for the full effect, preferably with an echo).

Amy has also just issued an update to her 'Birdie Sling pattern', which if you've purchased this pattern you'll find here in the pattern updates, hints & corrections section of her website. The e-mail says that this is an improvement on the previous instructions as opposed to correcting an error or ommission.

So, I know this is two posts in one day but I'd really love to know if you think that there are any other bundles I could/should add to the shop? Comments are very welcome, I hate to think i'm sitting here alone.

One more thing has anyone tried 'crazy patchwork', and are there any particular books you'd recommend. I feel like trying something different you see.

A walk - Enid Blyton style

Today is the first day of the school holidays and for us it's been quite a few hectic last few weeks of term. So, when today dawned all lovely and warm well we just have to go out and enjoy it. (Please don't remind me about the ironng I should be doing - I've managed to jam the door shut on it - it'll be fine......)

So, Enid Blyton style we packed up a picnic, ham sandwiches, apples, nectarines and plenty of water but sadly no 'lashings of ginger beer", apparently it might corode number one son's brace. (You wouldn't believe the adventures we have with that brace. Mishaps with malt loaf, like you wouldn't believe and I've had to cut him free from the duvet cover - don't ask! But thank goodness for tiny, tiny sewing scissors.) Off we went to an extremely chocolate box pretty village not far from us called Wadenhoe.

It sits alongside the river Nene as the river winds it's way up the valley. The church is set up above the village on the top of a small but steep (believe me it's steep. I've climbed mountains with a more friendly gradient than this little thing.) hill.

Apparently, I have to forgive it for being steep because recent excavations have revealed the remains of medieaval buildings, possibly a manor house but probably not the remains of a castle.

Everytime I walk up here though I wonder how the elderly get to church on a Sunday or how brides navigagte the route in beautiful long flowing gowns dodging sheepie droppings or at this time of year the enormous evidence that cattle leave behind. Does someone walk ahead with a shovel? So, you'd need to add an extra roll to your wedding plans then? ....'Head shoveller' ? perhaps. (Now, you just know that'll cause arguments.)

Hunting field crickets.....

Down by the river in one direction narrow boats were moving through the locks and you could hear the whoosh of water either filling or draining out of them. (Ooh! I'm getting all sentimental.)

We walked up to the Mill house and through the fields a little way and we found these.

It's haymaking time! Look at these 'rolly pollies'.

Now hang on a minute - what you do mean you can't get on it?

When we returned to the car these gentlemen were sitting outisde under the trees playing a squeeze box and singing good old folk songs, and doing it very well. A cross between the Dubliners and Kate Rusby with a deeper voice.

This was one of those special days that can't be planned and have to be enjoyed for what they are - golden.

Looking out across the valley.

Life continues...

This is what I collected from school today!

I detest this part of the school year. I know that seems a bit strong but my daughter left primary school today. I can't cope with the whole saying 'goodbye' thing. As a child I'd just walk away and avoid the situation as an adult I've had to learn to deal with it. So, it's been a day full of goodbye's and leavers services in church and tears and having to recognise that those next steps are into that near adult world. A world where you have to start to let go a little more and hope that you've taught them well enough.

No longer can wrap you wrap them up safely away from the world because time is urging them on and life is beckoning them forward. I'll stop now. It's all getting too sad. I suppose it's not just a big change for her but for me and all the other Mum's of year 6 children. No more 'walking bus', chats in the morning, struggling with guitars, cello's, P.E. bags and the latest class project. Now it'll be just waving as you pass each other in car parks waiting for the various bells to ring and release the little darlings.

In church they were each presented with a year photograph and a dictionary plus a DVD of excerpts from their school life. The bit as parents you don't get to see. All those school disco's and trips out, goodness only knows what that'll be like. Will I need a box of tissues to catch tears of sadness or laughter? It could go either way. I think I'll wait 'till she comes back from her friends party so that we can watch it as a family. (umm! Is that a good idea - big brother doesn't need feeding more ammunition)

But joy, it must be the summer holidays. Panic!!!! I wonder how long it will be before one of them decides that there's nothing to do...... Ahh! Remember the allotment - that'll keep us more than a little occupied and then we're away for a while. I'm sure we'll have more than enough to do.

Happy Summer (school) holidays everyone.

Hello..

If you're dropping in from my now redundant 'Earthworks blog' hello!  If you're just dropping in, well hello to you too!  It's lovely to have visitors and well, Bernard is very pleased to see you.

Tales of the unexpected.....

Yesterday was a funny old day. It began innocently enough, depositing the children at their various schools and returning to quietness, solitude and a much needed cup of coffee. I was busy, busy, busy writing the *** tutorial (Am I just slow or something? It seems to take me ages. I'm sure other people have a magic wand or some such.). A gorgeous little blue-tit had just got murdered in front of my eyes in an explosion of tiny blue feathers (Yes, we have a sparrowhawk! Nature red in tooth and.... but it could have waited until I'd eaten my toast. Honestly!), all was normal.

Then I got Flickr mail. A company wanted to now if they could use a photograph of a crochet hook roll I'd made. Oh! fame at last, well obviously the photo must be just so extraordinarily fantastic ..... but hang on a minute.... who are you? why do you want this?

They appeared to be quite legitimate as a company and I did check them out but they wanted the photo to illustrate a crime story about a police officer being attacked by someone with a crochet hook! Now, I know flickr sets are about showing what you do, networking with others, and sharing ideas etc. but do I want to have my 'creations' associated with such a horrible thing? I don't think so.

That particular crochet hook roll was made for my mother's eldest sister. She's must be about 76 years old now. I could just see her turning up to her crocheting/knitting group with her crochet hook roll which she assures me she's very fond of and someone saying "Hey, isn't that 'roll' the same as the one that that woman had? You know the one who attacked that police officer? That was nasty ......" She'd be absolutely mortified.

You never know what's going to turn up do you?

Things to do.....

Note to self...... Remember to finish this and post tutorial!

Remember to take son to orthodontist. (You want a red brace? Are you sure?)

Remember to take daughter to guitar lesson - before school.

Remember to volunteer to drive children to end of term rounders match.

Remember to prepare picnic for family to take to daughters Open Air concert tonight (PS. Remember umbrella, groundsheet or something similar to sit on. (It's raining cats and dogs out there. What can I make that doesn't go soggy in the rain?))

Remember to go shopping for the picnic. (Thermos flasks plus soup - anyone?)

Remember to collect all said children from the other school including son and transfer back to the first school by the end of the day.

Remember to collect daughters' uniform for new school, which is at the school where the rounders tournament is but you can't collect it before 4:30p.m. (Two journeys then plus queue!)

Remember to fill in all the appropriate consent forms for both children's extra curricular activities.

Remember to buy end-of term disco tickets for daughter upon pain of death by extreme pestering.

Ring .........

Aaahh! Don't panic! Just breathe deeply - inhale the lavender bag (well not the whole thing - just the perfume).

Go make a cup of tea and find something to sew!

Hope your end-of-term is less frenetic!

A tale of two buttons....

Sorry! I couldn't resist the title.

My two little buttons have morphed and this is what they became.

The blue one became the middle of a yo-yo which I trimmed with a little ric-rac. I think it looks quite olde worlde, vintage like . Nice simple touch to add to a t-shirt.

The little burgundy red button became the centre of an embelishment for a 'sometime soon project' (is this an SSP as opposed to WIP? ) of a summer hat - for me. I just can't decide whether to make this one or this one. (Decision making is definitely not my strong point.) Is it greedy to make/have both?

I like the effect of nesting two yo-yo's together, it makes them look a bit flower like. (The fabrics are these)

Thinking about it, yo-yo brooches would probably be a great thnig to make to sell at a craft fair. They've got that kind of 'folksy' charm about them, making a fantastic addition to a 'crafty' outfit and they'd not be too expensive to make. Use up lots of odd and ends of fabric too.

If you want a tutorial for making yo-yo's then you probably can't do better than this. . (I think Marmadaisy said that in her hat 'recipe' too and whenever two blogers agree well, you have to check it out don't you?.)

It ' s a jungle out there....

We've been trying to get hold of an allotment for YEARS! We're surrounded by fields here. You'd think that somone would have a piece of spare land we could use. Our local authority says that once there are 6 (I think that's correct) people on a waiting list they have to source more land. Maybe they do. What seems to happen is that as the waiting list gets longer the council writes to people to check that they are still interested and ask for written confirmation of their interest. I'm guessing this doesn't happen - so it takes forever and nothing seems to happen. Meanwhile, I'm told that allotments change hands between families and that as long as the rents are paid noone checks up on who is actually paying it. So, I suppose it comes down to who you know and I obviously don't know the 'right' people. Such is life!!

Desperate times demand desperate measures or whatever that saying is so.... we've adopted part of a previously uncultivated field. At least, it hasn't been cultivated since at least the second world war! A while then.

Part of this field is being used for other purposes but there is a strip down one side which we can have. The drawback is it's not going to be easy. (I/we must be abolsutely insane. I mean I like a challenge but flippin heck.) You just have to look at the pictures to see that.

trailer anyone?

The strip I'm talking about goes beyond that hawthorn bush you can see at the back. I don't like the idea of taking it out - but at least leaving the work until late summer means that we won't be disturbing any nesting birds. We're only going to tidy up the perimeter leaving the trees and bushes as they are.

The field stretches away behind this bush and borders onto horse paddock.

I'm sooooo excited. I know that it looks daunting and impossible and .... and.... but if we do a bit at a time, I'm sure we can get to do something with it. My daughter loves growing stuff and my son's always ready for a bit of demolition (and eating) - a great project through the summer holidays.

In the meantime we can enjoy the blackberries, apples and plums that are growing there. So, we will have a kind of harvest to enjoy - even if it's not one we planted.