Weather is Changing

The weather is changing today, its getting colder and the critters of DeVere were active. I didn't quilt today, I enjoyed a cup of hot tea, a good book American Wife and a view from the window of all the acitivies on the grounds. The goldfish are moving slower in the pond and the wood pigeon and magpies are busy gathering seeds. A good day to be inside.

English Garden & Patchwork Daisy

The little patchwork quilt is progressing. I've added some yellow peddles made from a Beatrix Potter print. The quilt is basted and ready for quilting. As I think of where this little quilt was made I believe its name should have a flower theme so Patchwork Daisy is seeming to fit. The pictures are more from the lovely gardens I walk in every day. Today is another sunny day---could not ask for better weather. Yesterday I learned that last year at this time London had snow.

English Embellishments

Today I went shopping. I found a delightful little shop Patchwork Corner in Hemel Hempstead, England, about 5 miles from DeVere. I was thrilled to find embellishments that I have been looking for in the states. They had so many it was hard to choose, but I settled on three Trellis by Quilters' Resource Inc. and two others by Embellishment Village. I was also able to purchase an Assortment of Batiks in a variety of colors, perfect for my miniature quilts and applique.

Patches to Patchwork

This little patchwork started as a few 2" squares I brought with me to England. I want to make a miniature that I can frame, so I thought this would be a good time and the perfect place to make it. This is my first completely hand pieced miniature quilt. The top is taking shape and I will be adding some applique tomorrow. The gardens are always a surprise. The little patchwork and I discovered these beauties right outside the back door. This is an estate that offers surprises around every corner. Great for exploring.

Gardens of DeVere

These are just a few pictures of the beautiful of DeVere Venue at Hunton Park, England. I have completed Loving Hearts and what a beautiful backdrop to photograph this little quilt than in these wonderful gardens. The gardens are getting ready for fall, but are still quite beautiful and full of color. The Loving Hearts little mini quilt is made from vintage cottons and homespun fabrics. The base is an antique nine-patch that I bought at a country auction west of St. Louis, Missouri. The hearts are homespun for New Jersey. All other fabrics came from my collection, some older than others, but all at least 20 years old. I have dedicated Loving Hearts to the many people who volunteer their time and monies to others. The quilt is 98% hand stitched. No batting, just layers of fabric, with ragged edges. The hearts have some small zig-zag machine stitching on the edge. I lap quilted the quilt, and it kept calling for more quilting, so there is quite a bit of quilting on this piece. A small charm gives a little sparkle to the piece. The size is approximately 11 x 11 5/8 inches. Loving Hearts was started in USA and completed at Hunton Park, UK.

Greetings from the UK

Vacationing and Quilting in England, what more can a girl ask for? The first 6 days of this extended holiday was spent touring with my husband and seeing all the many sites in the City of London. Now, I'm based outside of Watford, England in a charming place called DeVere Venue at Hunton Park. I will be blogging more as I will be here until November 7. So check back now and then for updates. I'll now be touring other parts of England with a former student, Christine, who is interning in the area. My husband, Bill, arrived home Wednesday October 21 and is tending to all the household chores. What a great guy!!!

DeVere is a Manor House built in the early 1900's and converted to a hotel and meeting rooms in its later years. The grounds of DeVere span 22 acres with wildlife, walking trails, gardens, fountains and just the perfect place to relax and reflect. Making the trip with me is the Loving Hearts mini quilt that I started before this trip and a patchwork/applique mini quilt (to be named later) that I plan to work on while I'm here. Christine works during the day so I spend my time doing local exploring and quilting. I'm throughly enjoying this relaxing lifestyle. The weather has been beautiful temps in the 60's and maybe a light fog or mist but no rain.