Outings
Friday, 18 December 2020
I think my highlight was recreating our wedding from 30 years ago. Same chap, same dress, same church, same gate. This time our three beautiful children were with us.
The May was in full blossom, the sun shone all day long and I felt so full of love that I am quite sure my feet only just touched the ground. Magical memories in the midst of mayhem x
Ren x
Friday, 27 July 2018
Straight back to age 6 when the great drought of 1976 happened...
The grass is tinder dry and we are rather feared of fire. Fires in various parts of the country already :( so we are being extra vigilant.
Late evening trip down to the river to swim. Well... they did, I didnt... Im a terrible wuss about water ;)
Youngest had little fish nibbling her toes which was tickly. How lovely :)
Winky and Jack are keeping busy, catching sunshine, ticks and fleas. I shaved Winky at the start of the Summer and my goodness, just as well I did! She looked like she'd had a fight with a shaver (which she sort of did...) but she loves being fur coat free. It got so long and knotty with sticky burrs etc and the comb was hurting, so shaving was the only option really. I left her wonderful Elizabethan ruff, because removing it would have been A Step Too Far.
The meadow is ringing with the sound of grasshoppers playing their legs.
Busy purse replenishing with Mr F. Lots of new Merry purses going in the shop ready for Winter and gift giving. This is the first batch. There will be greens in the third batch, followed by purples and reds. Great with a ragglebloom key fob.
This was my favourite. It had hot summer written all over it.
Take care my dears and drink plenty of tea.
Ren x
Wednesday, 6 December 2017
My goodness, who knew leaving the house for 3 hours could be such an adventure. An adventure that included; indecision, fear, shock, joy, disbelief, disgust, then more shock... and they wonder why I like staying home ;)
We rarely go out for meals. Years of scrimping to buy home etc have instilled almost miser like tendencies in me. Except for giving to charity or family, I like doing that :) (and buying seasalt dresses...). But, I am trying to loosen the purse strings. So, with this in mind we decided to throw caution to the wind yesterday evening, and six o'clock saw us in my little car heading down the big hill in search of a pub and food. It was really exciting. Yep, major. For about 2 miles...
I was driving as a treat for Mr F who always drives. I'm okay day and night on the lanes, but my silly head goes yumpy on big roads. I saw lights ahead further back the lane, over the top of the hedge, and dipped mine. Then time slowed down... a landrover, with a big light bar on the roof which was the equivalent to a flood lit Wembley stadium, was hurtling towards us. And I do mean hurtling, because he wasn't stopping. At all. He started skidding on the muddy road and went UP the hedge and came down again, juddering to a halt right in front of my little cars bonnet. A split second more and he would have rolled over onto us. Squat. End of. I'm not exaggerating either.
Mr F was highly animated beside me in the passenger seat. My ear on that side was very red with embarrassment. He was so cross. I've had near misses before, but that was so close. All I can say is that Lady Fate smiled on us last night.
So... on I drove in search of a pub and sweet tea, because I needed some pronto. First village pub, looked through window, saw very meaty menu and thought, no good. Crossed road, looked in next pub window, empty. Back in car. Heading to next village, parked, found pub and found a sign outside saying No Food on Tuesday night. Okay. Back in car. Fed up. Heading home. Stop car on way home, pull in layby, ask ourselves "what are we doing?", turnaround car, head back to first pub in other village. Park up, go in, greeted warmly, look at extensive, fantastic menu, that included lots of vegetarian meals hidden from people snooping in windows :) and order tea.
It was so lovely. They even turned the flashing lights on the Christmas tree off for me so I wouldn't get a migraine. The owner is a retired Thatcher and he was so lovely. I think he may be a relative having seen his surname outside when we were on our way out. He was also a migraine sufferer. Really lovely man. The food was exceptional and the service equally so.
As I was just emptying my teapot before the journey back home, I saw something unbelievable on the table opposite that made me cringe. Forgive me for talking about a stranger, but, o my goodness, what have manners come to? The table opposite was a party of 4. Two women and two men. The chap in question had some sort of meaty dish. I think they are called ribs because he picked them up with his hands, but going by his following behaviour, he possibly always used his hands to eat. I was happily drinking my tea and chatting to Mr F, when I spotted over his shoulder, this other chap, flossing his teeth with a folded £10 note.
Yes, you heard that right. Picking bits of meat out of his teeth with a used, dirty bank note, in plain sight. It took about 10 minutes, and I expect he paid for the meal with it too. He even used two hands, getting the note right in there at the back of the mouth and chatting away as he did so. Urgghhh.
The Queen flossed... who knew...
I am home, civilised behaviour and all. Teapot at elbow, installed in my rightful place, my workshop. Ready to mark up the next batch of leather for snipping. My kind of bliss and grateful for it.
Ren x
Thursday, 30 November 2017
November has most certainly been a month of boots.
Lots to report for November, get comfy. Most notably, new tall boots have just started being added to the shop. Only a couple of Moonshine boots, but, happy to say that we have made lots of Tinker boots in various sizes. I'm fast reaching 'boot out' so its a small batch by manufacturing standards, but a marathon when its a cottage industry like us.
Really liked the first Tinker boots in Dark Oak and Kingfisher.
The November camping stint went well (by camping standards). Mr F got to see his bikey friends, and I camped in the van in frosty conditions in Winter which was a bit of an adventure. I can honestly say that the pub Did Not know how to make a decent cup of tea. It was grey and lukewarm... One was Not amused. I ending up having to move onto the hard stuff at the public bar, having just milk instead. It was a small room, stuffed to the ceiling with leather clad males and a wood burner roaring in the background. I got so dehydrated that I woke on Sunday morning with a splitting headache and was ready for home. Felt very guilty because I did not say goodbye to the party.
On a lighter note... little pink kettle and tea making facilities on the back of our van at 7 o'clock on a frosty Sunday morning drew quite a crowd. I was inside the van, behind the curtain, quietly nursing my head, but Mr F (the trooper) was brewing up out front and chatting to chaps. The conversation with these 'chaps', who we had never met before was quite amusing :) They chatted among themselves for a good 10 minutes. The conversation was mainly about a Woman called Tina's, ample, incredibly wobbly bosom, which was prominently displayed where they sat, propped in front of her on the table for the evening. In thick South End London accents I heard details of how the "sight of 'Tinas t*ts' all night" had driven some of them to retreat and hide in their freezing tents. Unable to contain themselves. Much raucous laughter and expletives followed.
One chap then commented on how organised Mr F was having a tea cosy for the pot 'and everyfink'. Mr F then replied, that it was down to the wife and pointed inside the van.
"What! You've got a lady in there?" one said in a terrified voice.
"Cor blimey, we've been effing and jeffing and all sorts out ere".
Frantic Mumbled murmurings of apologies followed... then one chap said loudy, "Tescos have got medium cheddar on offer at ours, 2 for 1, blimen lovely stuff it is".
Once the 'cheese on offer' conversation was exhausted they drifted away and headed to the sanctuary of the pub. Possibly first checking to make sure 'Tina' was absent ;)
Didn't I laugh :)
I was indeed covered in cling wrap and am happy to say that my inking is complete. Beyond happy with this. I am healed now too with just a smidge of itchyness left. Huge thanks to such a clever artist Flavia Verda, who brought together all my ink, new and old. My story is complete.
Pimpernel Moonshines, now finished and all but ready to list.
Now then, the running bit of the title... Started last week with a friend doing a little bit of off road running. Possibly 'runpuffing' would be a better way to describe what actually happened. I can hear you laughing you know...
Its okay, I don't mind...
We had a good laugh too...
I'm not buying special clothing or shoes. Its a definite, use what you've got activity for us. My thoughts are that if early surfers last century could go surfing with wardrobe doors and knitted swimsuits, then I can do a bit of running in a skirt. Yes indeed.
I wore my Connie shoes, laced up snug. They were brilliant. I did'nt slip, my feet felt great, no sweaty toes or socks and they really enjoyed the adventure. I may make myself some Clara to use exclusively for this past time.
Heart was pumping for England so I'm assuming its going to be good for me. Aiming for twice a week.
What 10 pairs of boots look like partly made. Table now clear and ready for the next batch of marking up. Cobwebs I think. And a new variation of Cobweb which I'm calling Neverland.
Finally cut 2 more tunics in a lovely linen viscose I bought years ago. Yes, I know the curtains are the same fabric... I bought rather a lot at the time :) The colour is a definite no for me, and the pattern to be honest, but over dyed a dark blackcurrant its going to hopefully look rather nice.
My new toy, sorry, meant to write tool then. A stronger, easier eyelet setter. After setting 500 eyelets on the boots my hand nearly fell off... hence, the new, easier to use tool. Pretty colour too, which is always a bonus. Mr F never buys tools because they are a pretty colour. Its a good job someone here knows their priorities isn't it.
Finished Tinkers, taken this morning on the back step. What a trio.
Next boots to list will be Cobweb, Moonshine and more Tinker.
Last words... (thank heavens you gasp).
December tomorrow, we get to play christmassy music and put up the little plastic tree :)
That's about all I'm doing for Christmas. In fact I'm weaning myself off Christmas. I love this time of year, but its driving me a bit mad. Its an environmental disaster for one thing, and the hype and expectation is beyond belief... I'm humbugging so I must apologise if you are Christmas fan. I hope you enjoy every minute x I will too, but in a much tinier way :)
Custom collection is set to open after the 25th December. Keep it under your paper hat ;)
Did you read all that? You deserve a hot cup of tea! I need one after writing it, let alone reading it...
Thank you my dears, Ren x
Friday, 27 October 2017
Esther vintage fairy shoes in dove grey.
I've had such a busy week, but then half term always is for parents is'nt it. I am very aware though that these times will pass, and that for me in fact, this is most probably my last half term with my youngest. This time next year she will already have turned 18, and so the luxury of outings mid week etc will be gone forever, never to return. So I made sure I took some time off this week so we could be together. It was so lovely.
I worked last weekend to make sure I really cracked on with the outstanding orders. There were lots of Victory red shoes and I must say, they rather cheered me on to the finish line. I've made so many custom shoes and boots this year that I'm feeling a smidge burnt out... it really is time to take a break from custom.
I did manage to squeeze in cutting out 2 new tunic dresses which made me ever so happy. I have been meaning to for months but have'nt had time. The fabric is glorious linen / viscose blend, and the print is rather pretty too, but... unless I want to look like I just lost a fight with a curtain, the colour is a definite NO. I fear I am too old for white and pink :)
I've bought some dye to pop them in the machine for a colour spin. One will be deep blackberry, and the other a teal colour. I can never find dye colours I like so I pop it in a jam jar and add a teaspoon of different colours to tone them down or blend new ones. It's so exciting waiting for them to finish the cycle...
We went on a long awaited family trip to Dunster Castle. Crossed the border to Somerset which was something in itself. Littlest drove us in 'her car' which was very exciting. Well, I expect it was... truth be told, I was keeled over in the back with my eyes closed for most of the journey. The older I get, the more I hate long journeys and motorways. Give me a lane with tall hedges and barely enough room to get a car down it, and I'm the happiest woman alive.
LUNA vintage fairy shoes in Victory red.
PUCK fairy shoes in Victory red.
I finally sewed up the last batch of Hendreary hats Ive been knitting and got them listed. Hoping these will be popular for gift giving.
Youngest (who is studying Agriculture) did a few days of farming and was in her element. It was lovely to see. I do love seeing my children happy in their lives.
We visited 2 castles in one week! Went to local Castle Drogo and indulged in lunch together. The gardens were going to sleep, but still full of colour and form. Views across the valley to home are always lovely to see from this side.
Don't mention paint to me. I've literally had enough of it now...
The stairs, doors, front room, beams, airing cupboard, floors have all been finished at last. It's been 2 years of what seems like non stop decorating for me. Happily, I washed my last brush out this morning once the porch floor was finished. Home looks the bees knees and I am very proud. These pictures are in progress shots, so the floor probably does'nt have its top coat on. It does now :)
The last thing I would like to do before Christmas is strip the varnish off the kitchen sink and sand and oil it. I should never have put varnish on to start with. It locks in any water that gets under it and stains the wood. We were going to update the kitchen and pop an old stainless sink in that I have, but to be honest, I can't be bothered! Decided to make do and mend and be grateful with what I have already.
Porch floor which was a terrible mess looks so much better. Only finished it this morning!
The stairs all top coated in this picture, but, underneath and floor in progress.
Plus, as if doing the house isn't enough, Mr F has started on the Cabin in the woods. Ripped out the back wall and is shifting the toilet. Here he is putting a new supporting beam up. Unfortunately... I am going to have decorate the Cabin when the building work is finished, but that won't be any time soon so thats okay. I am turning back time in there to 1930. My little time warp to visit and drink tea, and for family to come and stay in.
As all orders are finished (in my workshop at least, Mr F still has work to do on their bottoms...), I dipped into the leather pile and marked and cut my first stock today. It felt a real treat. Absolute creative indulgence. Selfish shoemaking. Non prescriptive creativity. It was a joy. Look out for updates of finished stock. Its all going to be very unique and spontaneous. Proper battery charging stuff, hopefully not just for me, but, for you as well. There are after all, only so many pictures of black Lunas you can show ;)
Happy weekend my dears, Ren x
Sunday, 21 August 2016
Summer is sulking. Really sulking. We have gone from warm days full of sun to wet, windy misery. Its quite a shock. We all know it happens but nothing prepares you for when the weather decides a week of Summer is quite enough to be going on with.
Note: extremely long, over enthusiastic, boring ramble about cars will follow (where I pretend I know what Im talking about, and don't, but continue anyway)...
We went on a quick trip to Exmouth yesterday evening to view a Morris Minor that was up for auction on ebay. We were interested to see what £1500 would buy you. Something rather rusty and needing major work by the look of it.
It turns out that my 1959 original probably isnt as bad as we previously thought, and there are murmmerings of restoring him. I use 'restore' in the loosest sense. He won't be restored, he will be made roadworthy, which is a very important difference to note. Mr F has restored vehicles before. It takes much time and much money, and then more time and more money. I really don't want him to have to go through this with my car so I am opting for him being made into an original, not restored to original (the car, not the Husband). Looking into the possibility of having riveted patches uppermost on the body panels, brass hinges and all sorts of repurposed changes. Also have decided that a nice bright tweed on the interior panel trim would look rather snazzy too. He will be an ongoing project thats driveable. Being a 1959 classic he is MOT and road tax exempt, and with fully comprehensive insurance at £130 he is a cheap runaround. I bought him in 1987 for the princely sum of £650. I drove him till I couldnt fit anymore children and prams into him and took him off the road in 1997 I think it was. Ive missed him ever since :(
Husband put a hefty servo on him so the brakes can stop on a sixpence, the engine was rebored and restored and runs a treat, plus it was the 1098cc which makes a huge difference in a Morris. The 948cc engines couldnt pull the skin off a rice pudding... It did over 30 mpg which isnt bad for a classic (old landrovers do about 13/17 mpg so its very important to have access to a press that can replicate £20 notes). It had good ground clearance for off roading, which I have to do sometimes up here in the woods. The lights were so bright, the horn so loud, the heater so hot...
I am crossing fingers and toes that I can have him back. Looked underneath today and the rust falls out by the handfull. Not good. He shall have to be stripped of trim, seats, carpets etc and be tipped on his side I was informed, thus exposing his 'nether regions' to close scrutiny and the welder. Mr F informs me this is 'the only way' to cut all the rot out and 'do it properly'. Hoping to keep parts costs down to under £1000, which as I won't be buying a donor car is acceptable. What can you buy for £1000 and run yearly for £130? I see it as a good long term investment.
Ive got some major creeping to do...
Thursday, 21 April 2016
Just finished making this knee length jacket (aran weight) 2 nights ago. Its been my ‘in between’ project since finishing the last double blanket a couple of weeks ago. Pure 70s! I love it. I made another one in turquoise / grey last year but forgot to share it. The children seem to snaffle it about the house when its chilly of an evening. Self drafted pattern, crocheted on the wing ;)
Very pleased with the collar.
I’ve runaway today. Up at 6:30 to get to the train station. I’m off to Bristol to visit Middlest.
Taunton station. I am officially a tourist as I’ve left Devon!
Right chaps… how do you cope with nerves? I’ve been on the train 15 minutes and feel sick as a pig. My ‘bubble’ is being somewhat crushed in here… I sound a right fruit cake! Oh hang on a minute, that’s right, I am a right fruit cake… ;) phew… will be better when I’m back under supervision with one of the children :)
This is how happy I feel :) I’m 46 years old and I’ve never been on a train by myself or bought a ticket ever! Children always look after me because I go to bits in crowds. I’m wearing my new crochet jacket and am very aware I look like Molly Weasley sat on this bench… not a bad look though ;) I have yarn and a tiny hook and 2 hours of travel today to make something.
My darling girl x She pedalled like a woman possessed to meet me off the train so that I wasnt left alone. Arriving dripping with sweat and beaming because her Mumma was there. In Bristol, right there and within hugging distance. I am so lucky to be a Mother.
Went to a fabulous cafe called the rainbow cafe in Bristol and had tea. It was covered in crochet, and quite honestly bearing in mind what I was wearing I was lucky I didn’t get mistaken for a squishy armchair and sat on ;)
Even the teapots were rainbows :) That concludes the great train adventure. After sharing it on instagram and facebook I was humbled and grateful for all the wonderful words of support for a nervous wreck. I am not alone. We are never alone... nighty night all x
Sunday, 31 January 2016
January involved oodles of shoes and a few boots for stock, so all in all it was a busy month in the studio. It was good to get back to work after Christmas.
Home involved lots of knitting, birthdays, bottle feeding lambs, fire appreciation and general life.
I found some lovely customer pictures on Instagram. Its so wonderful to find shares! Thank you so much x Please tag shares as #fairysteps or #fairystepsshoes
Trips over the Moor featured very high on Januarys agenda.
I moved my sewing room from one of the attic rooms back down to a spare room downstairs. It took all of one Sunday and was exhausting, but made me very happy indeed.
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