done quilting

 I know its hard to believe because I only just told you how I was quilting my economy block quilt,

but I have finished hand quilting already.

My first idea for binding was a solid red..

however I remembered this fabric my Mum gave me.

Its a dark burgundy which I think could actually work,

with the interests of using what I already have 

I shouldn't hesitate should I?

I think red may actually be to brash for this already busy quilt.

Plus I don't have any red

so I could getting binding today

couldn't I??

ps. I have mentioned before, I am now on instagram.

If you don't have the ability to join in

you can still see my feed here

there are lots of progress pics 

go take a look x

the dark side of quilting

Lately I've been tackling the economy block.

I went with my first plan to quilt with black.

Im a little unsure as always

Dont the stitches look like marching ants?

 Phew... Still a long way to go, but I'm enjoying 

courting the darkside x

Great Dixter house and gardens

  If I was a garden I would be Great Dixter,

the family home of the late Christopher Lloyd.

Christopher's gardening style was an anything goes approach.

This garden will seriously blow your mind.

Do not expect meticulous lawns or tasteful bedding.

Do expect wild abandonment and experimental planting!

This year I left some long grass in my lawn

and yes

I WANT some topiary yew amongst it!!

I left Great Dixter feeling refreshed

and with a changed attitude toward my own wild garden.

I already like my way of gardening

but to have the style confirmed in a beloved garden

is a freeing experience.

I just wish I lived closer so I could volunteer!

Christopher Lloyds vision is superbly continued 

by head gardener Fergus Garrett.

Great Dixter can be found in Northiam East Sussex

more info here

I really love Great Dixter.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

 Part of my Birthday celebrations were visits to 

some of those gardens you're always hearing about.

This one is Sissinghurst, home to the writer Vita Sackville West. 

I will let the images do the talking.

More info below.

 

The infamous 'white garden'

as seen from the tower.

 Sissinghurst in Kent is now run by the National Trust,

you will find it open on most days.

The garden is open at 11, 

though you can get there earlier.

You will need at least 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy all the gardens,

however you can pop in and out with your ticket

for refreshments or to sit on the lawn and soak it all in!

We climbed the stairs in the tower first to help

us get our bearings...and to locate the white garden!

I would suggest going in June to enjoy the white garden at its best,

as the rose on the centre pergola was already over.

 I really enjoyed Sissinghurst.....

but not as much as Great Dixter..

next up!