Bobbin Lace, A Gift for a Special Friend

The Corgyncombe Cottage Lacemakers Diane's bobbin lace pillow is dressed to do a bookmark with spiders and half stitch fans. The wooden bobbins are turned in a design called bees knees. The bobbins are spangled with beads that serve as weights to keep the bobbins from rolling about, for tension, and they also look so pretty. Collecting beads and spangling is great fun. Sometimes the Corgyncombe lacemakers, Diane and Sarah, get their beads from old glass necklaces. Their collection looks like a treasure chest!

Although there are many bobbins that are used whilst making the lace pattern, one works with only two pairs (four bobbins) at a time. There are two motions called cross and twist that make up the two stiches called whole stitch and half stitch. The Corgyncombe lacemakers make the type of bobbin lace called Torchon. A good book for beginning lace making is "The Bobbin Lace Manual" by Geraldine Stott.

The lavender sachet was made by Sarah. Along the border are whole stitch fans and spiders. The center square contains the roseground pattern. The pattern is from "Torchon Lacemaking, A Manual of Techniques" by Elizabeth Wade.

The letter box is full of some of the letters that Tasha Tudor sent to Diane and Sarah. The Corgyncombe lacemakers gave Tasha one of their handmade bookmarks called Love-in-a-mist, like the one pictured on the corgi card in the letter box.

Here is a link to: The Corgyncombe Courant, March 12th edition titled "Tasha Tudor Remembrances at Tea, Special Memories in a Box!" featuring the letter box.

This is part of what Tasha wrote: "Dear Diane and Sarah, Such a delightful surprise the other day to receive your nice letter full of your news, and with the charming photographs of Sarah making lace! I assure you I am impressed no end by your new skill and really treasure the dainty lace Bookmarker. Thank you so very, very much!!!" She goes on to say, amongst other things, how she is eagerly awaiting spring...

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Planting Peas!

Corgyncombe Garden Notes

The Corgyncombe Courant reports that the peas have been planted! In the photograph above, taken last year, is the garden basket filled with peas.

  

Last year's peas.

 

The soil has finally dried out enough to work, the stones have been picked off, and the other day the peas were planted. Most of the peas are eaten without being cooked. as they are eaten fresh from the pod. Whenever in the garden, those at Corgyncombe fill their pockets and aprons with peas to nibble on throughout the day. Peas are one thing that Diane has not canned because they are always eaten up whilst they are fresh. If a basket is filled with peas everyone grabs handfuls to eat fresh from the pod. 

Here is a link to: Some of Diane's canned goods

Here is a link to: More Vegetable Garden Photographs

 

At sunset, snow still lingers near the bottom of the hill, at the base of the snow fence.

During the winter the snow is usually to the top of the fence.

 

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Hot Cross Buns at Tea!

Corgyncombe Bakery

Hot cross buns were made using the receipt from "The Tasha Tudor Cookbook". They are so delicious with tea!
Pysanky eggs are in the old basket and lilies and tulips decorate the table. Beatrix Potter's Flopsy Bunny in a blue frock has arrived for tea.

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Daisy Bakes Hot Cross Buns

Darling & Domestic Daisy's Baked Goods

Darling & Domestic Daisy packing some hot cross buns in a basket. Daisy tells The Corgyncombe Courant that her hot cross buns are very popular this time of year.

All at Corgyncombe love Daisy's hot cross buns. The receipt for the hot cross buns is in "The Tasha Tudor Cookbook".

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Resurrection Sunday!

He is Risen!

A glorious sunrise on Resurrection Sunday morn.

An inspiring sunset at the end of the same day.

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Darling and Domestic Daisy's Baked Goods Now Delivers!

Here Comes Daisy's Delivery Wagon!

Daisy and Baby Doll pose for The Corgyncombe Courant photographer Diane Shepard Johnson. Daisy's wagon has her name and fancy detail painted on the back.

Darling and Domestic Daisy is very happy to be out and about with her wagon that she now uses for delivering her baked goods. This time of the year hot cross buns are a favorite at Corgyncombe. The receipt for hot cross buns is in "The Tasha Tudor Cookbook". Daisy is so glad that she can bring Baby Doll with her whilst delivering her baked goods and they enjoy the lovely scenery at Corgyncombe during their ride. They met some Robins along the way. Because of the chilly spring weather Daisy bundles Baby Doll up in a handspun and handknit bonnet and cape. The other day it even snowed. Along Corgi Creek they pause and pick some pussy willows.

Daisy driving her "Daisy" delivery wagon pulled by the Jacob sheep along Corgi Creek. Diane's husband made the thills and harness. Daisy has tucked some pussy willows into the front of the wagon.

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Flower Frocked Dollies

Corgyncombe Library Notes
"The Story of The Three Dolls" written by Josephine Scribner Gates and illustrated by Virginia Keep is on display at the Corgyncombe Library. Inside are such interesting stories as "The Story of the Gold Beads", "The Story of the Candy Heart", "The Candy Island", and "Borrowed Feathers". In "The Story of the Gold Beads" the girls decorate the baby, carriage, and her doll with flowers. The same author and illustrator also worked together to make a book called "The April Fool Doll".

Blossom Bugbee, a Hollyhock Doll made by The Corgyncombe Courant Reporters.

Corgyncombe Cottage has its own little doll called April... April Thistledown. Tillie Tinkham was inspired to make April Thistledown's sweet pea outfit by the Hollyhock dolls made by the reporters at The Corgyncombe Courant and was also inspired by an illustration of a lady dressed in a sweet pea outfit.

April Thistledown on a lovely morn.

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