New Zealand bound..

By the time you read this I'll be halfway there.

Back soon.

Picture from the lovely Derek Henderson.

Home

So, I write about creating 'Havens' all the time don't I? My home in NZ (above - last picture you'll see of moi for awhile - it's far too frightening!) was the living embodiment of all I believe in. Simple pleasures and a rested mind. My edible garden - tucked in amongst the roses and lavender were scattered a few rhubarb plants, cherry trees, herbs, tomatoes, coffee beans, lettuce and very cherished olive trees. Inside,  enough books to open a (small) library, and plenty of places to sit down and read them. An ample table that seated 10 (or 14) and big platters to serve roast chicken. Wooden floors, paint on the walls that looked like clouds, plump hand-made cushions and quilts. Pictures of family, souvenirs from travels far and wide and precious things passed down and found. Lastly, two dogs and an aging but determined moggy.

So London was meant to be the new and improved (because of the lovely Ed) version. Our flat here was meant to be temporary. I mean, come on, how could two adults, two rapidly growing children and a dog live in a two bedroomed flat with a small balcony. Ridiculous. Where were my reading chairs going to go, not to mentioned the prized table!

Except, here we are almost two years later. Circumstances have prevented us from moving. But never was this flat permanent in my head. Always planning, cycling around looking for a new place to live. Hopes dashed time and time again.

So I gave in. Ed's children made me. Last weekend I took myself off into the bedroom to read, so that Ed and O & F could have their time together. Less than three minutes later, both children were sitting on the bed asking me 'are you ok', what are you doing' and the killer - 'can we help'.

So now I'm home. Flat 9 in the Lavender Building is the best Haven I could ask for. Over the next month or so, No. 9 will get a bit of a transformation both physically and mentally. I shall practice what I preach, and maybe flick up a few piccies as we go.

Ed, Lily, Frankie, Oscar, books, art, copper pots and a few quilts - that's a good start isn't it?

Yesterdays class

Was just great. We had all sorts of lovely ladies who brought inspiring pieces of fabric that were important to them. Some could sew, some couldn't. It really didn't matter. They all left (hopefully) happy, fired up and creativity unleashed!

Next class is in June and I can't wait!

If I Can

You know we went to Kelmscott Manor on the weekend. It was fantastic and you should try and make it - only ten or so open days. However, this post is not about the house, it's about Mr Morris's philosophy on life. 'If I can' is what he embroidered into his first wall hanging and I have to say, finding this was the highlight of my day there. He had no barriers/borders to what he was. Designer, poet, philosopher, some say Marxist, rallier for the underlying idea of form, beauty and function. He believed you had to be able to physically create your thoughts for them to be valid and real.

Sometimes I find it hard to marry all the different facets of who I am together. After Saturday, I'm going to stop worrying. For me, Haven has been my underlying philosophy for probably my whole life. Creating safe, secure and uplifting environments in which to live is it for me - the thing that - wait for the kiwi term - 'rattles my dags'! And it doesn't matter whether I'm making quilts, teaching, or creating havens for others. That feeling when you visit someone who has created a haven is like no other is it?


If you could, what would you make or be? What makes, or would make your home a haven?

Mine is simple - Ed, books, reminders of my family in NZ, my dog Lily, my cooking pots and cook books, too many vases, lamps, quilts and - most surprisingly to me - Ed's children, which I never thought I'd have, but have fundamentally changed my life for the better.

Oooh - shall we write a book on this? 

The above is Frankie at Kelmscott - She definately can!

Well, well, well!

Pia is fantastic. If we lived in the same city, I'd be plying her with risotto and citron tart. I thought that whilst she was nailing the next book, she might want a giveaway. Ahem, she waited until she was back. Look here. To thank her - and all of you who visit me, I've whapped off 15% discount off the store, if you fancy a shop. Pop in this code - L2RRCW - at the checkout. So hopefully you might find something you like, or even better, you may indeed win one of my favourite cushions ( I remember the music playing when I pieced this! )

Whatever - enjoy your week.

Cassandrax