When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
'tis near Halloween.

~ Author Unknown

*Witchy-poo vignette by Little Shoppe of Sorrows
little witch in pram by Kaf of Grimitives

I have often heard pieces of lace, snippets of ribbon, ruffles and pink glitter referred to as girly things...


Be it paintings of Victorian children, delicate whitework quilts or yes even Prada handbags... these material items we covet bring a sense of euphoria to our sometimes everyday lives.


They can encourage an enrichment or appreciation for the delicate brushstrokes which cover the canvas, the detailed fine hand-stitching of a vintage gown, the master craftsmanship of a dollmaker or the quality design put into the tiniest detail of the things we love...
girly things.

* Painting by Lord Fredrick Leighton

Inspiration

If you are a fabric and needlework addict like me then this is heaven on earth. Row after row of demonstrations, guest speakers, workshops and vendors... there is something to tickle every fancy imaginable.
So much beauty and inspiration to last throughout the long Winter months ahead...
And if that is not enough to set one's heart aflutter then the special collection at the Textile Museum will certainly fill the need.

I certainly know where I will be come early Friday morning!

Life

I often cocoon myself from the perils of the world... choosing to stay sheltered from its harm and sadness.

But these past few weeks of flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis and the sudden death of a family member, Father of four, not yet 50 has brought me out of the confines of my paradise to the tragedy that befalls us all.

As with most faces of disaster we learn to pick up the pieces, reunite and move on...
Cherish every moment you have with loved ones be they human or four legged, devote yourself to finding the beauty in everything that surrounds you and indulge in time for yourself...


I for one have picked up my knitting needles and handspun wool (from a girlfriend that has spun and dyed these threads of delight) to pursue one of my Wintertime passions and once again shelter me from harm...