Tilly Rose

Snow dreaming.....

2012-02-09T20:24:00.000Z

Hello lovelies!

Brrrrrrrrr it's sooooo cold....

Everyone I talk to is soooo excited about the snow.

How about you my lovelies?

I think I must be the only one who just absolutely hates the cold and snow!

I love freshly fallen snow when no-one has walked on it,

when it is all crisp and sparkly....

but as for the rest of it all....it's a big NO from me!

It's too cold, too icy, and not fun at all.

I find myself sitting and wishing my days away....

to the lovely balmy days of summer.

To strawberries....

To gorgeous refreshing lemonade....

To summer tea parties....

And to lovely trips at the seaside....

I guess until then I will have to stay happy

snuggled under my blanket with a hot water bottle

And of course.....a scrummy hot choc!

Do you fancy joining me?

Tilly

x x x

What kind of a day has it been for you?

2012-02-01T16:41:00.000Z

Hello lovelies!

It's been a frosty old day here today....

you know the kind where you want to stay under the duvet all wrapped up

and hide from the world....

With my old bones, cold and frost are a hinderance

to say the least..but hey!

To keep me smiling....

today's been a bits & bobs-kinda day....

You know the sort.....

The sort where you just don't know what to do,

but you want to do something.....

So what did I make?

Mmmm....I'm gonna keep you guessing for a little

while longer ladies!

I'm in the middle of a lovely new project that

involves my gorgeous vintage linens & laces

so will reveal all very soon....promise!

Until then I guess I'll just keep on sewing

to keep on smiling!

How about you ladies?

Tilly

x x x

Joe, Bill,Ted,.....

2012-01-31T09:10:00.000Z

Morning lovelies....

How are you all doing?

Did you have a good weekend with your loved ones?

I had a gorgeous weekend with

friends and family ending it by

watching the end of Birdsong with Mr T

When I read the book a couple of year ago I was

reduced to tears and again on Sunday, the same thing happened.

Such a moving story...

I defy anyone to watch it without feeling anything at all???

Mr T and I absolutely adore going on holiday

to France with it's idyllic villages and gorgeous towns etc...

How very different to the experiences of those young men and boys.

I say boys as many were just that...boys.

The same age as my two sons are now.

My lovely sons who love a game of footie, a pint and

have their whole lives ahead of them....

Such a waste of soooo many young lives....

Years ago I worked in a care home and I had the priviledge

to meet and get to know some of these 'young boys'

Each one had their stories of their families, their jobs,

their memories of life in the UK but never anything more....

I understood why back then but after seeing something like Birdsong

you understand why even more.

Every one of the men....Joe, Bill, Ted...

I got to know them all.

They were such lovely gentle folk,

scarred by their time in France, showing the fear and desolution

on their faces despite the years that had gone by

and were just grateful to have someone chat to them.

They never listened to the news, turned off documentaries about

France or Germany, and never watched anything about war except

on Armistice Day and then I would see real tears, from grown men who

were heart broken by their memories but united by their grief...

The other side to that equation were all the ladies left behind

without their sweethearts, their husbands or children without their fathers.

I got to know three very dear ladies at the home, who had all lost their sweethearts....

Annie, aged 104 who never married and had devoted her life to the

Salvation Army "for some peace for this world" as she would always say...

Lily aged 98, who was engaged to her love and after losing him had never forgiven...

Violet, aged 96 who had lost her fiancee but had found love during the second world war

but had never forgotten her first love whom she had adored with every bone in her body.

Listening to their tales of life back home made me feel so very sad.

None of them understood why their boys had had to endure such cruelty.

I'm not a religious gal but a firm believer that we meet people in our lives for a reason.

This wonderful courageous group of beautiful people

helped me appreciate everything, every day

We need programmes like Birdsong to make us realise

just how fortunate we are to be able to snuggle up

with our loved ones in our safe warm houses...

So I hope you don't mind lovelies, but this post is in honour

of all those beautiful people who gave their lives for us to have

our freedom today.....

Tilly

x x x

The Joys of Winter...

2012-01-25T08:42:00.000Z

Hello lovelies!

How are you all this week?

Here in gloomy, grey wet Peterborough, I've been doing lots

of the above....

Singing and Dancing in the rain!

I shouldn't grumble as it could be worse and be snow,

but rain is so gloomy don't you think?

I LOVE that film though don't you?

Every time it rains (and boy does it rain at times!)

I can't help but sing that song...

Did anyone see it on Christmas Day?

I just love that dance routine with the sofa.

Sorry...I digress as usual!

Back to pretty miserable here this week.

I know it's Winter despite being mild but this season does still get to me.

By February I've had enough drudge and gloom...

There has still been loads of this....

wearing warm scarves....

and loads of this...

warm scrummy soup...

which as much as I love I'm just not a winter girl.

Coming from the Fens, I long for the beautiful skies to be back again...

and the bright flowers in our gardens with Mr Bumbly

floating past saying hello ...

Of course I don't want these just yet as it always means

Summer's on it's way out...

but wouldn't it brighten our dull days?

So...grumbling aside...

Winter does bring along

it's joys as does every season and for me,

I always associate it with staying warm inside, snuggled on the sofa,

with some fab films or dramas on TV.

I know loads of you are enjoying 'Call The Midwife'

Wasn't Miranda fab?

That role was written just for her surely!

I was also absolutely enthralled by the programme

that followed...

'Birdsong'

I read this novel some time ago and was so taken with the story.

So moving...

Hope you all enjoy it to...

Have a lovely day

what ever you may be doing...

I'm off to do some shopping (in my wellies...yes it's still raining!)

Cheery Bye for now

Tilly

x x x

P.S Oooh before I go, just remembered,

I saw my first snowdrop yesterday!

How wonderful.....

Good 'ol BBC....

2012-01-16T16:13:00.000Z

Hello lovelies...

It was so nice to write again yesterday that I thought I would

keep it up before my mojo goes and do another post!

I know, I know....no posts for ages then two in one weekend!

I'm worse than a bus!

As a lover of all things vintage I was sooo excited

about the new BBC series 'Call The Midwife'

starting this weekend.

I love looking at any production which has to portray all the authentic

props and costumes...

The BBC did us proud....

wasn't it a brilliant production?

Vintage isn't always about lovely linens and lace....

and pretty memories...

It's also about the hardships that are Grandmothers endured

in harsh times when 'Make Do & Mend' really did mean that...

When I watch a production like last nights programme it's always

the little details that enthrall me...

like the ripped brown nets at the window, the warped and battered old

table in the kitchen, and the scraped old prambulators that provided a safe haven

for little ones....just like life would've been in years gone by for some families

Our relatives took life as it was thrown at them and I

soemtimes think us modern day girls with all the luxuries that

we allow ourselves to have, sometimes

forget those little details.

This series is a lovely gentle reminder that behind all that hardship though there

was always love and friendship...

I can't wait for next week's episode with Miranda Hart as

the new midwife on the scene...

What did you think lovelies?

Is it a thumbs up from you to?

Do let me know....

Tilly

x x x

Happy Doodling in 2012!

2012-01-15T09:04:00.000Z

Hello my lovelies!

Belated Happy New Year Wishes to you all....

It seems absolutely ages that I ventured into blogland to say hello

to you all even though I have kept up to date with your news.

Life has been so very manic since I opened Tilly's Vintage Workshop

last July.

I put my heart and soul into it in order to get things up and running

which it is and doing really well I have to say....

but the downside to that, is it left me with very little time to just 'doodle'

Do you know what I mean when I say 'doodle along' in life?

I've always loved doodling...

you know the sort of things....

people watching

listening to people's fleeting conversations as they pass you by

sitting and writing lists of 'to do'

dreaming of that gorgeous cottage you'll own one day

writing snippets for my novel on a balmy summers evening

watching children splash in the puddles on a rainy day

catching a glimpse of a gorgeous sunset...

I guess you get the picture by now!

Well all of those lovely gorgeous things had disappeared from my view

for a while as I was such a busy bunny, so over Christmas I decided

I needed a well earned snooze from Tilly's!

I needed to get back to being a doodler again...

So I spent a lot of time crocheting, catching up with friends,

drinking loads of white wine, watching movies with Mr T,

and making loads of 'To Do' lists!

I even managed to grab a spot of gardening

I'm feeling fully refreshed again now and Tilly's is open again

for all my lovely customers in 2012.

Lots of lovely workshops planned, exciting new projects ahead and

I've even started to work as a consultant designing tactile resources for a local school.

My hard work has finally paid off!

Having said all of that, I'm a simple girl at heart who just enjoys the 'doodling'

side of life...

My one New Year's resolution is to blog again...

regularly!

So until my next post...

Have a lovely relaxing day today, doodling with your loved ones!

Toodle ooo for now lovelies...

Tilly

x x x

Psst...Have you heard?

2011-12-01T19:24:00.000Z

Hi hunnies!

Have you heard.....

that Christmas is heading our way?

Yes indeedy my lovelies.

Today is 1st December which means we are officially on countdown to....

the BIG day!

Hurray!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE this time of year....

writing all the lists,

checking the pantry,

sourcing gogeous festive nibbles,

and decorating our home to welcome all our visitors.

But for me, one of the most lovely things on

my list of 'To Do's '

is to decide on all the lovely makes I want to create for all my special friends.

I have to say the lovely Kirsty Allsop this year

has really put a dampner on my enthusiasm for handmade as

I feel she is sometimes making a mockery of the

whole ethos of Handmade & Make Do & Mend....

but....

nonetheless I won't be deterred.

I have my lists ready.

Since opening Tilly's Vintage Workshop & Craft Studio this year

I've had sooo many lovely comments about my handmade goodies

so I know that not all of us are tarnished with the same brush.

What are your plans for pressies this year?

Do try and support Handmade if you possibly can...

Thanks lovelies!

Off to grab a sherry and a mince pie I think....

it is nearly Christmas you know!

Enjoy your evening hunnies

~Tilly ~

x x x

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:30:00.000Z

Hello lovelies

Just a quick wish to all my lovely friends

celebrating today.....where ever you may be.....

Have a wonderful time with your loved ones!

Big warm snuggly hugs from me to you

~ Tilly ~

x x x

Hello lovely peeps.....

2011-11-22T08:56:00.000Z

Hello my lovelies!

How are you all doing?

It has been absolutely ages I know.....

I bet some of you may even of thought I've dropped off the edge of blogging?

Well hunnies I have to say,

life has been sooo manic these past few months getting

Tilly's Vintage Workshop off the ground.....

Things like blogging and writing have had to take a back step for a wee while

Instead oodles of sewing, crocheting, knitting, patchwork.....

have all filled my days at my lovely barn at various workshops.

I've met some wonderful people through Tilly's

but haven't stopped thinking about my lovelies here in blogland!

I've had very little time to sit and browse and catch up with

all your latest creations and news but have dipped in and out when I can.

I've not even manged to get to my lovely craft and vintage fairs

for various reasons which I have missed so very much.

Thank you for all your support hunnies with my new adventure

over this past year.

I have to say I'm absolutely loving every day

and so glad I took the decision to take the plunge!

Even when I am still having a tough time with my friend Fibro....

Now and again she lets me play which is lovely!

Tilly's has taken me to places that I thought I would never

experience, meet new people I never thought

I would meet and most of all opened up my passion for vintage fashion

even more than I ever imagined possible.......

Mr T & Tilly have just returned from a well earned rest in Paris

(my FAVOURITE place of all!)

and I have had such a fab time relaxing watching life slowly pass me by.

My intention was to sit and blog while we were there and catch up with you all

but my laptop decided that it wasn't playing ball!

But I've returned home with lots of exciting new projects and inspiration

for Tilly Rose next year so am a very happy bunny!

Every day I am still doing my Kathleen Kelly twirl when I go to work....

and beaming like a cheshire cat!

But despite all of the above, I really do miss you all so very much....

I do hope you will still keep popping into Tilly's world and saying hi

when you can....

I know the festive season is now upon us and

we will all be busy bees making our homes so comfy and inviting.....

so before it gets soooo very busy I am sending you all such lovely cuddly

warm hugs from me to you to say a very BIG thank you for all

your lovely comments and suppot this year.....

I will toodle off now folks and go and make a cuppa I think

and catch up with all your news!

Byee for now hunnies....

Speak again soon

Tilly x

All the P's...

2011-10-01T07:34:00.000+01:00

Hello lovelies...

How are you all doing?

I can't beleive just how fast this year is whizzing past....

October already?????

Oh my...

Where has time disappeared to?

Did it nip off to Sainsburys for some shopping?

If any of you mange to find it do tell....

It's always at this time of year that I start to think of all the P's ahead....

The summer has faded (or in our case in the UK, never arrived!)...

and so my thoughts wander towards colder times but brighter colours.

Plush plump pumpkins waiting for new homes

to be lovingly turned into pieces of art...

Poppies delicately swaying in the wind reminding us of

sadder times, of courage that you and I will never know....

Plenty of hooking going on in the dull evenings to create

snuggly blankets that beam with a riot of colour....

Plenty of Parisien thoughts of course....

ooh la la mon amies!

(not long to go..hee hee!)

Probably hours of pensive thoughts if I'm lucky!....

(although not sure I could stay up there for long!)

plots, people and places...all vital for a good read...

Pick a colour...I have one of every one to

make sure I stay warm in the coming months!

Pots loads of blogging......

I can't wait!

and finally....

just to enjoy every P possible!

You see ladies that's what will be added to my

patchwork quilt of life over the next few months....

How about yours hunnies?

Enjoy your weekend with your loved ones...

Huge hugs to you all

~Tilly~

x x x

Special Autumn happiness...

2011-09-29T09:53:00.000+01:00

Hello hunnies!

What a gorgeous sunny Autumn day here in the

Cambridgeshire Fens...

What's it like down your way?

If we could have Autumn weather all year round

I would be a very happy bunny!

Not too hot, nice and comfortable....

I'm loving all of the gorgeous colours that are appearing also...

They make me feel all warm and snuggly inside!

I'm really not looking forward to my fingers turning blue,

having my nose feel like an ice-cube and

staying inside in the dry horrible central heating....

but until that happens I'm enjoying indulging

in a little Autumn happiness.

How about you ladies?

September this year will hold extra special memories

for me also my lovelies....

I'm dying to tell you all....

Tilly Rose has been featured in a local magazine

to celebrate the opening of my Vintage Workshop & Craft Studio.

It's the first time I've ever been in print!

If you have five minutes you can read all about it here....

Tilly's Vintage Revival

I'm so excited that I am beaming non-stop

and bursting at the seams!

So following on from my lovely news

I'm now on countdown to Paris....whoopie!!!!!!

I promise to take loads of lovely piccies for you all.

Toodle pip for now hunnies...

~Tilly~

x x x

Celebrating Joie de Vivre.....

2011-09-22T15:02:00.003+01:00

Hello hunnies!

How are you today?

I'm really enjoying my day off...in slobby PJ's!

Bliss...

I haven't had a proper day off in ages

with getting Tilly's Vintage Workshop off the ground

but now I'm up and running and often tripping over myself

catching my own tail,

today....

Tilly's having a dreamy day!

I spend alot of time day-dreaming...

It's a fabulous hobby...

so good for the soul....

I do recommend it folks!

Today I'm thinking of my favourite city....Paris

Why you ask???

Well as many of you may remember

I write a regular feature for my lovely friend Mimi

who is the editor of a gorgeous online magazine

Belle Inspiration

Mimi lives in Paris...

the city of my dreams....

Belle Inspiration celebrates that lovely saying

'Joie de Vivre'

Joie de Vivre actually expresses the cheerful enjoyment of life,

the joy of eating, the joy of anything one might do....

an exultation of spirit.

Belle captures all of that special loveliness in every article and page

with a wonderful french influence.

It really is a gorgeous read for us romantics who love the best in life!

Here is a little taster from the last issue....

Are you feeling inspired?

Mimi has worked so hard at promoting her lovely magazine

and now to celebrate her success a year on, Belle Inspiration is finally

able to go to print!

I am soo excited.....

Each magazine has a special focus on a different country.

To celebrate Belle's 1st birthday she is visiting....

Britain!

and....

wait for it.....

Tilly Rose is going to be featured!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woop Woop!

(Can you tell I'm a little teeny weeny bit excited!!!!!!)

I can't wait to see my writing in a printed magazine.

A dream come true for me.

I shall be stocking Mimi's magazine at

Tilly's Vintage Workshop & Craft Studio

I can't wait to shout out loud to my customers that

Tilly Rose has been featured

and written by yours truly...

So you see ladies, that's why my head is full of

fluffy cotton wool dreams of Paris....

I am busy saving my pennies to go and visit

my lovely friend Mimi in a few weeks

and share a few pattiserie moments.

I can't wait to walk down the Champs Elysee again with Mr T

in the evening....

Sit with a coffee watching the world pass by in one of those

gorgeous street cafes....

Of course while I'm there I may have to look at apartments...

just in case I become that millionaire....

you never know do you girls!

Until then I guess I will just have to save those pennies for my

ticket for my all inclusive holiday

If you do have five minutes please do go and visit

Mimi's website....

Belle Inspiration

Why not treat yourself to a years subscription

of 'Joie de Vivre'....

go on...you know you want to!

I'd better stop waffling on now hunnies...

I think a lovely fluffy hot choccie is a calling..hee hee!

Au revoir for now my lovelies!

~Tilly~

x x x

Celebrating....

2011-09-13T21:43:00.001+01:00

Hello hunnies!

How are you all?

Hope you had a lovely weekend with your loved ones....

I'm enjoying being a lazy bean today

recovering from a lovely weekend

celebrating with Mr T.

(He won't thank me for showing you his piccie!)

On Saturday it was my birthday and

was our 23rd Wedding Anniversary

so we just had to go out for the evening to celebrate!

I can't believe Mr T & I have been together for 25 years now....

That makes me feel so old!

I'm not one of these who say it has been an amazing

25 years of happy wedded bliss because I have to say

I dont believe anyone who says that, how ever happy they are...

but I'm very lucky I've found my best friend.

We share everything together.

I don't think you can ask for more...

I firmly believe it takes time to really love someone,

to treasure them

and give your soul totally however things are.

Over the years we have had some upsets like everyone

that have tested our strength but we have always been

lucky in that we always work as a team.

Following on from our lovely holiday in Cornwall

where I discovered I do actually enjoy eating fish,

I thought it would be lovely to celebrate our Anniversary somewhere different....

so I booked us in to a very posh Fish Restaurant

on Saturday evening!

It was scrummy!

I even tried sea bream for the first time....

very experimental for me!

Mr T had a fab time with his seafood platter

as he loves his fish.

Isn't it strange at the grand old age of forty something I've only just learnt

I do actually like something?

Up until now I've always decided it was a big No No to fish....

all the skin and bones...it just puts me off....yuk!

But clearly not???

I've decided I'm obviously a posh girl at heart who only eats the best...hee hee!

As that posh fish was very tasty!!!

However posh I maybe (or not as many of you know!) and as nice as it was though,

I'm afraid I will still always love curling up with a gorgeous pizza in front

of the telly with a real weepie...

How about you ladies?

What's your favourite snuggly meal?

There's something comforting about snuggly into your favourtie sofa or armchair

and enjoying some comfort food....

You can't really do that with a posh fish dish can you!

Mmmm....

I really must stop talking about food.

It is making me hungry!

Now where's that pizza menu ???

Speak again soon hunnies...

have to dash right now.....

all that talk about has made me want to order....

Toodle-ooh

~Tilly~

x x x

Belated Twinwood!

2011-09-11T19:19:00.000+01:00

Hello hunnies

Happy Sunday wishes to you all!

I'm a little late with this post so I do apologize

but I have some fabulous pics for you that

I know you will still want to see it!

Over the Bank Holiday weekend

Mr T trundled off in Bessie to Clapham, Bedford.

It was to Twinwood Vintage Festival.

Twinwood celebrates the bygone era's of

1930's, 1940's, 1950's, and 1960's

It is held on the site of the old RAF base at Clapham

and where the Glen Miller Museum is.

It was celebrating it's ten anniversary this year and

is a mini version of Goodwood Festival

Oh buy were we treated to a wonderful delight!!!!!!!!!

Loads of vintage stalls....

Beautiful vintage jewellery...

I loved this beautiful dress....

I soo wanted to bring it home to Tilly's Vintage Workshop.

It was made in a beautiful rayon fabric that had a flock design.

Alas I didn't realise no-one took cards and we hadn't taken a

huge amount of cash with us....

Next time I will go armed!

There was something for everyone....

Fancy having your hair and make-up done?

I was fascinated at all the techniques and really wanted to

have a go but there was such a long queue!

All the girls wanted to look glamorous with their hair!

There was something to tempt the men to....

Can you see Tilly driving this old gal?

I love old cars!

There were so many gorgeous old gals that day

I would need a huge forecourt to house them..hee hee!

Whilst there you could also learn to Lindyhop

or Jive...

Lessons were all day and there was a dance floor

with all the live music for you to practise

your new steps....

It was just F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!

Mr T and I sat and listened to 'Frank Sinatra' in the drizzley rain

(huddled together under an umbrella)

Us Brits know how to do everything in the rain!

Some hardened dancers even carried on dancing....

We also had a chance to visit

Twinwood Museum which is on the site.

Oh boy....that was fascinating!

It is run by volunteers who have built a steet scene,

1940's house, have loads of exhibits and who love to share their

passion for the 1940's with everyone.

The house made me think of my Nan which made me smile....

It was just like her kitchen I remember visiting

as a small child.

The Drapers shop was my favourite

(of course!).....

Recognise any of these goodies from your childhood?

We had such a fabulous day I can't wait for next year's now!

It was a whole day brimming with gorgeous

vintage loveliness everywhere you looked.

People were dressed in the most amazing costumes...

even small children.

For me it is just so lovely that so many people share that passion for

byone days...

the music, the clothes, the styles....

I love sharing my passion with everyone

and for me I was in in Tilly Heaven!

I was so inspired to bring some of that gorgeous vintage spirit

to Tilly's Vintage Workshop that I can't wait to get going....

Hope you have a lovely week ahead hunnies....

Toodle Pip

~Tilly~

x x x

Ready to Rock n Roll again....

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hello my lovelies!

How are you all?

How has your summer been?

Did you have a lovely time with your family....

I've definately missed say hi to you all....

But I have to say I've just returned from the most gorgeous

holiday in Port Isaac in Cornwall.

For two whole weeks I did absolutely nothing but indulge.....

in EVERYTHING!

....Cornish ice-cream, pasties, fish & chips, beautiful evening sunsets,

taking photos, finding loads of vintage treasures, discovering gorgeous rocky coves,

and drinking loads of glasses of white wine with Mr T....

We stayed here in this beautiful cottage...

Inside it was like a little chocolate box of goodies...

and outside...

So peaceful....

We had no signal or internet for the whole two weeks

which was a blessing in the end as it made me sit and write

and write....

I still have loads more to write but at least I've touched base

and started again!

So maybe one day Tilly's novel may well be published????

So look out for the shelves in Tesco you may well just see

my novel sitting proudly on the shelf!!!

Did you like the gorgeous Hydrangea blooms nestling in the jug?

I was very sneeky and picked a few to bring home.

They will remind me of my time writing.

Mr T and I wandered all over Cornwall discovering her little gems.

Here is just a little taster of our gorgeous glimpse of Cornwall....

I have too many photos to show you all in one go

so I thought I would save them all for other posts

to cheer you when the days are getting grim and grey again....

We fell in love with Port Isaac.

I absolutely loved snapping at all the gorgeous piccies along our

travels.

You know me hunnies...I was fascinated by all the colours, textures,

you name it...I snapped it!

As well as all that snapping

I did manage to do some crocheting in between our days out to,

which was a little bonus!

(And it is something for me instead of Tilly Rose)

So now I'm back home after our lovely relaxing time

it's time to crack on and get going again...

On Saturday I am having an Opening Day

for my new business.

If you do fancy popping along and joining in the fun

then please do as it will be lovely to say hi!

It will be a great way of sharing all my lovely workshops

on offer with you all as well as some of Tilly's other ventures

in the pipeline....

I am thinking of holding a special Blogger Party

at my barn maybe in late Sept maybe?

A Sunday Vintage Tea Party maybe?

So do let me know if you would be interested

and I can maybe arrange something just especially

for us lovelies!

Well I have to go now hunnies....

It's been great to chat with you all again.

Unfortunately I have a huge pile of ironing awaiting...

oh the joys of reality!

Toodle pip hunnies

~Tilly~

xxx

Just a Quickie!

2011-08-10T12:23:00.000+01:00

Hello lovelies!

I want to say a huge thank you to all those of you have

said you've missed me in blogland!

With time being so short I had began to think

if it was worth carrying on with my blog even though I do miss doing it so....

But you've all made up my mind to keep chugging along for a little longer!

So I thought I would share a little of where I spend my time

in my day....

Welcome to my little world of

vintage linens and lace....

Tilly Rose....

I thought I would share some of my little creations

that I have been busy sewing.

Look at that beautiful french chantilly lace!

So delicate...

Always follow your dreams girls....

Hope this little one likes her keepsake...

I do love my hearts!

Thanks for popping in today!

Hope to see you all soon....

~Tilly~

x x x

How long???????????

2011-08-07T08:11:00.000+01:00

Hello my lovelies!

How are you all?

I really must apologize for disappearing on you for so long....

I have to say I have so missed writing

and telling you all about my busy adventures but alas

at the moment there is just not enough hours in my day!

You see hunnies as many of you know I have been setting up my new business

at the same time as working my notice from my beloved job.

Now that school term time has finished

I can concentrate fully on Tilly Rose....

I am blessed with seeing a beautiful field of gorgeous sunflowers

on my way to my barn every morning

which lifts my spirits no end!

And I can't help it but every time I go into my barn,

I have to do a little twirl just like

Kathleen Kelly in You've Got Mail....

I feel such a lucky gal to have finally set up my dream!

I can't stop smiling....

Time just passes me by when I sew...

and sometimes I forget that I can't sing at the top of my voice

to Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin....

or that I can't sway and dance to Glen Miller as

I have customers visit!

I shall be getting a reputation for being that mad woman in the barn

who's always singing and dancing!!!

Tilly Rose

Vintage Workshop & Craft Studio

The Barn

Hill Farm

Oundle Road

Peterborough

PE7 3UA

I've spent alot of time in between sewing promoting

my little venture and finding lovelies who want to

be surrounded by gorgeous vintage loveliness and learn a new skill...

I think the lure of delicious cupcakes at each workshop helps!

I've even been a clever bod and set up a Facebook page

if any of you fancy a nosey

at all my piccies and workshops so far....

Tilly's Vintage Workshop & Craft Studio

Do come and say hello hunnies!

As much as LOVING every minute of my day and enjoying

being my own boss (who's a slave driver I might add!!!)

I am really missing the simple things in life that make me smile...

Sitting and listening to my lovely friends the bumblies...

Sitting with my friends over a lovely glass of white in these summer evenings...

So on Friday Mr T and myself are driving a few miles

from our little place in the Fens to Cornwall.

A gorgeous cottage in the middle of no where awaits!

So for two weeks I will be doing lots of this....

and this...

(lots of crochet lined up ready!)

and this...

(yes I still have my masterpiece on the back burner waiting to be finished!)

and loads of this....

simply staring at life...

You never know maybe some of this....

Either way I know I shall have a faberooney time with Mr T.

I am hoping I shall spend sometime catching up with all your lovely blogs too.

I have so missed you all hunnies!

Until then ...

Toodle pip my lovelies!

Thanks for waiting patiently!

Huge hugs to you all

~Tilly~

x x x

Friday again????

2011-07-15T08:25:00.000+01:00

Hello my lovelies!

How are you all?

I can't believe it is Friday already....

This week has just flown by in a complete blur

(and not for lovely reasons I have to say)

I really would love to say I've been doing lots of this....

Sitting in the graden in the beautiful sunshine...

Or I would love to say I've been busy beavering away at my sewing machine....

making loads of gorgeous goodies to sell at my shop....

Or that I've had loads of gorgeous ladies sitting in my barn

enjoying themselves while I chat for England....

Alas no.....

I'm afraid a slipped disc and trapped nerve has put paid to all

those lovely ideas this week.

Pants!

I can only dream of happy things this week....

No worries

Normal service will resume next week hopefully.

Hope you'll all drop by as I have loads to share with you!

Have a lovely weekend hunnies

~Karen~

x x x

Fancy Some of Cath's Inspiration...

2011-07-01T08:05:00.001+01:00

Morning lovelies!

Lovely to have you pop by....

Fancy a little Friday Inspiration to cheer you for the weekend?

I have a real treat for all you lovelies!!!

Last Sunday I was soooo lucky to visit a little shop

that I know you will all love...

Can you guess?

Yes....indeedy....

Tilly Rose visited our lovely friend Cath Kidston!!!!!!!!!!

My lovely friend drove us to St Neot's where there is

a small outlet shop.

Oh boy we were all completely smitten and

surrounded in Kidston loveliness!

So.....being the lovely kind lady that I am....

I thought I would share it with all you lovelies...

There were ooodles of fabulous gorgeousness all around.

Fancy anything?

Bags, bags, bags galore...

every colour, every style, every size....

Fabric just waiting to be cuddled....

Err...yes I'm afraid I did buy some....

I just couldn't resist!

Look at theses fab patchwork curtains...

oh my!

If any of you manage to get to the shop

make sure you have oodles of cash

as you will find sooo many goodies!

I'm just glad I had my Savings

Luckily I had enough pennies to buy some goodies....

I did buy you all a little treat though

so you don't feel left out....

Rose....my favourite!

Well hunnies...hope you enjoyed your little

Friday Inspiration....

Has it inspired you to get all rosey and colourful?

Hope you can drop by again next week!

Hugs

~Karen~

x x x

Friday Inspiration....

2011-06-24T07:20:00.000+01:00

Morning lovelies!

Happy Friday wishes hunnies....

How has your week been?

Thank you all soo much for your gorgeous well wishes with my new

venture...

'Tilly's Vintage Workshop

Craft Studio'

If any of you would like to keep up with all

my news you can find me on Facebook

here

Do please leave a comment to say you popped by....

I shall feel so rude if I've missed you and can't say

thank you!

So....lovelies...

fancy some vintage inspiration

in readiness for the weekend?

I've missed my little weekly spot of saying hello...

I have the kettle on....

fancy a lovely cup of tea?

Thanks Fi for your gorgeous cosy by the way....

I LOVE it!

I thought I would share some 1960 loveliness

with you all...

I came across this little beauty on Ebay

and thought it would be perfect for my Vintage Workshop!

It's a gorgeous pattern book from 1963

full of wonderful images.

So would you like a peep?

There are some really lovely designs.

Here's a little taster...

This one is my favourite!

I'm going to put this design in a frame for everyone to see.

Since I've left the book out for all to nosey through

EVERYONE has picked it up and adored the designs

and felt inspired.

Isn't it so lovely to share our love of crafting with others?

I have a huge collection of books in my Craft Library

for students to peep through on their coffee breaks.

I'm hoping it will inspire them to try other crafts.

Mmmm...I know I have a problem!

Yes indeedy...I'm a bookaholic.

Did you see any of your books there?

As well as classes at my Vintage Workshop

I am going to be offering a weekly session

for people to come and bring their sewing projects and

relax over a cuppa, hire a machine if they need to,

chat with others and gain loads of inspiration...

What do you think ladies?

Hope you've enjoyed your cuppa ladies!

Thanks for dropping by....

Have a lovely day hunnies.

I'm off to do some sewing for my craft fair tomorrow....

Hugs to you all

~Karen~

x x x

Busy bee, busy bee.....

2011-06-22T08:24:00.000+01:00

Hello lovelies

....my poor neglected lovelies!

It feels like ages ago that I came and chatted to you all....

Life in the Tilly Rose household is a little manic I have to say at the mo....

Setting up my little business is taking all my time and there just aren't

enough hours in my day.....

but I'm such a happy bunny!!!!!!!!!!

I keep skipping around my little home and pinching myself to tell me it's

all real....

I'm sure when the bank statement arrives it iwll be VERY real!

But for now I'm just loving setting up my new venture.

In between the madness I am making myself take days off to chill.

Last week I had a super day with my lovely friend

Gill from Dosie Rosie in Wells, Norfolk.

A bag of chips by the coast with a wonderful girlie chat was just what I needed.

Thanks hunny x x x

Aren't friends the most wonderful thing???

In between getting my Vintage Workshop ready and swanning off to the

seaside, I've been busy sewing for a few craft fairs.

My new Vintage Sewing Cases are proving to be very popular....

If you fancy one for a special someone please email....

They are priced at £6.50 + P&P

My lovely Rose & Lavender Pillows are also

lovely pressies....and they smell divine!

Here's my stall from last Saturday...

I do love doing fairs and meeting lots of crafty-minded peeps like myself.

A day chatting about fabrics and buttons and lace and yarn.....

well what can I say????

Bliss!!!!

Amongst everything else that is going on....

my thoughts are turning towards Christmas already...EEEEEEEEKKKKK!!!!!

I know, I know...too soon but you see there's only

littl 'ol me and a sewing machine.

I'm a slow sewer.... so I have start early you understand!

I have some new projects to work on in the mean time tho...

my new craft kits to sell in my craft studio.

What do you think ladies?

My 'Make Something Beautiful' Range will have a variety of kits.

So look out ladies...if you fancy them please email and I can let you know

the others in the range when I've finished organizing them.

karen@tilly-rose.co.uk

I've now organized some workshops so will share them all with you in my next post.

Have a lovely day hunnies!

Enjoy the roses...

Cheery bye for now my lovelies!

Karen

x x x

Progress so far....

2011-06-05T09:13:00.000+01:00

Hello my lovelies!

Happy Sunday wishes to you all...

Hope your weekend is ticking along nicely.

I'm spending the day doing absolutely nothing as

I have been working my little socks off this week.

My lovely empty barn is now beginning to look a little more homely.

Fancy a little peep?

Here's my barn on the outside...

It needs a makeover to entice people in but that will come in time...

Ok ladies, watch your step as we wander up the stairs...

Through the door to my workshop area....

Let me show you how it looks now...

A little prettiness helps to add a special girliness...

Shelving to house Tilly's obsession!

Inspiration boards to help create a little vintage loveliness...

A much needed area for us ladies to natter and discuss all the important matters in life...

What do you think so far girls?

I have two new ladies who will be helping me along the way....

Betty...

who is charge of keeping all those trimmings and lace straight and in order...

Gertie....

A little more sophisticated to watch over my lovely china....

I will always have tea and cakes on the go!

So welcome to Tilly's Vintage Workshop!

(as it is so far.....)

What do you think ladies?

Do hope you will visit....

I still have loads to do...curtains to make, piccies and bunting to put up,

pretties to be placed around the room, Tilly's shop to sort....

but I keep pinching myself to

remind me that it is all mine!

I've waited over twenty years for my dream to happen

and I want to soak up every minute of it...good and bad!

My tables and equipment will be coming this week and then....

Wagons roll......

For now tho ladies I'm feeling a little popped!

I'm going to enjoy slouching in my PJ's today....

Have fun whatever you are doing with your loved ones!

Hugs

~Karen~

xxx

Ooooh sooooooooo excited!

2011-06-01T07:49:00.000+01:00

Hello lovelies...

How are you half term holidays going?

Mine seem to be flying by!

I'm dying to share my news with you ladies....

Having decided to start doing sewing and craft workshops

when I leave work in July,

I have decided to bite the bullet and fulfill my dream of over twenty years...

I have rented a barn and I am turning it into

I am soooooo excited!!!!

The barn is situated on the most gorgeous

'Pick Your Own' Farm offering locally produced

fruit, veggies, herbs, honey, preserves,

locally farmed meat, eggs and home-made ice-cream.

It is called Hill Farm

and is situated in Chesterton, Peterborough, PE7 3UA

I am renting the upstairs of a barn situated

behind the farm shop.

It is the perfect location!

Would you like a wee peep?

I only picked up the keys at the weekend

and as you can see it is looking a little lonely at the mo!

The area is divided into two spaces.

One will be a craft shop selling my goodies along with other crafters.

The other will be where I will be doing my

Vintage Sewing & Craft Workshops.

I will also be offering 1:1 lessons for beginner's, children's workshops,

craft get together's, and a wide range of craft activities.

I am also setting up a sewing cafe where people can rent a machine by the hour.

I know I have loads of work to do but this has been a dream for over twenty years.

I can't wait!

All being well I am hoping to open by the middle of July.

Some of my workshops of offer are....

Vintage Bunting
Making memory quilts
Patchwork cushion
Vintage corsages
Vintage gifts
Beginner's Sewing
Beginner's Crochet
Beginner's Knitting
Rag rugging
Wet Felting

In my shop I will be selling all my goodies alongside items needed

for my workshops as well as my own craft kits (eventually!)

I'm sure you'd all like to see pics so don't worry I will

keep my camera with me to capture all the vintage loveliness!!!

What do you think ladies?

Fancy a visit to Tilly's Workshops?

the kettle will always be on if you do!

Enjoy your day hunnies....

~Karen~

x x x

A Sneeky Peek at Some Northampton Vintage Loveliness!

2011-05-26T17:53:00.000+01:00

Hello lovelies!

How are you all?

I know these are a little late but I thought you would like to see

some gorgeous vintage loveliness piccies from Northampton.....

Saturday was a fab day!

I always love going....meeting lots of my friends, being totally surrounded with

gorgeous vintage loveliness in every corner possible, wonderful 1940's music

and to top it all delicious tea and cake!!!!!!!

Here's my stall....

And here's a host of other wonderful goodies on offer.....

You can see there was a whole host of wonderful goodies just waiting to find new homes...

Ann &Trevor worked really hard to make it a lovely day

for us all...thanks folks!

I can't wait for the next one!

Speak again soon....

~Karen~

x x x

When one door closes...part 2

2011-05-20T07:57:00.000+01:00

Morning my lovelies!

What a beautiful day don't you think?.....

Sunshine glowing nicely, birds chirping their little tales to each other,

spring blooms now in full swing.....

Oh yes indeedy ....a beautiful day!

Thank you all sooooo very much for all your comments,

encouragement, hugs and love from my last post.

All I can say is a very BIG thank you from the bottom of my heart....

Unfortunately when Blogger went offline last week I lost my post and all the comments!!!

But none the less I had read them and knew you all cared

very much enough to leave me them.

I promised I would share with you some plans....

well here goes!

I've decided to start my own sewing and craft school offering private 1:1 tuition,

classes and workshops....

'Tilly's Vintage & Handmade

Sewing & Craft Classes'

My classes will be based around my passion for vintage inspired items

but also include beginner's classes in sewing basics, beginner's crochet,

crochet rag rugging, crazy patchwork, and Irish crochet.

I have sooo many ideas and not enough hours in the day!

I'm very excited....

My first workshop will be in two weeks time...eek!

I shall be offering a free workshop as part of

~~Peterborough Green Festival~~

People are invited to do a free craft workshop which highlights the talents of

local artisans in Peterborough with a keen passion for

green issues....

something I feel really passionate about.

I love convincing people to use old fabrics, trimmings, recycled bits and bobs

to create gorgeous items.

I'm very excited but a wee bit nervous I have to say!

I've designed these Vintage Corsage Brooches that I will be selling

at Nothampton Vintage Fair tomorrow to do

as a project for my workshop.

What do you think ladies?

Obviously people will make something slightly different

but I wanted something small and pretty that summed up

Tilly Rose and highlight my passion for upcycling

vintage fabrics and trimmings that was easy enough for a beginner to tackle.

I am hoping to get my workshops up and running in and around Peterborough

including the Fens, my home starting over the summer.

So watch out ladies I may be coming to somewhere near to you.....

Have a lovely weekend...

I would love to see you if you're visiting Northampton tomorrow.

Off to pack my goodies away now ladies!

Big hugs to you all....

~Karen~

x x x

As one door closes....part 1

2011-05-14T07:32:00.000+01:00

Hello lovelies...

Thank you for your welcome home wishes x x

Do you remember I said I had loads to share with you all in my last post?

Well now that I'm beginning to catch up with things again

I've have finally got around to doing a post

about some of the news.....

I didn't want to put this all in my last post so decided to split it into several small snippets

....hope you'll understand why when you've read it.

It's a bit of a long one so I've got the kettle on....

one sugar or two?

My lovely holiday helped me to

organise some ideas that have been swirling around in my head for ages

and finally 'crack that nut' as they say and after months of turmoil

and worry (I'm a born worrier!) I feel as they I have sorted out a few of the ripples....

As many of you know I suffer from Fibromyalgia and have done for most

of my life without knowing it.

I was diagnosed about seven years ago now and was determined at

the time that I would never get to this stage....

How wrong was I!

Fibromyalgia symptons are varied and immense at times for me.

Too many to mention here but needless to say I am in constant pain and exhausted all the time...

even on a good day...whenever they come around, which I have to say isn't very often!

Fibromyalgia controls my life every single minute of my day whether I want it to or not.

I'm a really tough old Fen girl who doesn't let alot get her down in life.

I try to smile my way through each day and ignore it

but Fibro has other ideas and we are in constant battle with each other ALL the time.

In my head I spend my days dancing and singing like

my lovely friend Doris....

but in reality my body has other ideas!

Finally reality has hit home and I have to face the fact

that Fibromyalgia has won the battle.

A girl can only take so much

...even if she is a stubborn tough old Fen one at that!

So, I've finally made that decision that I was

determined I wouldn't and has been eluding me for over five years.

In July at the end of term, after working for over 29 years,

I will throw in the towel and bale out.

As some of you know I work as a Specialist Early Years Advisor

for children with special needs and visual impairment....a job I adore.

I will leave my little darlings for someone else to giggle and smile with, sing songs with and

receive loads of gorgeous hugs from.

I know they will still have loads of wonderful moments

to share with others...but it's someone else's turn now.

Yes, I am finally finishing work for health reasons.

As well as Fibromyalgia I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I am now facing spinal surgery

on top of everything else.

I know one day that I will have to have surgery wether I want it or not

or suffer the consequences, but for now I will admit defeat and take things a little easier.

I have been immensely sad since having to make the decision.

So very sad....

Tears, frustration that Fibro has won, battles with my own determination of struggling on every day,

frustration with a body that won't work how I want it to anymore.....

but mostly...

huge sadness...

I love my work and over the years I have been so very honoured

working with some wonderful little individuals....

all beautiful in their own little way.

I have loved every minute...all their little quirky ways,

their tiny blinking eyes (and yes that's all some little treasures can do sometimes),

their squeals of delight,

their warm snuggly hugs and their wonderful infectious laughter,

but mostly

I think I will just miss knowing for some, I made them happy, albeit for five seconds sometimes.

The rewards are huge and I have soooo many beautiful memories

to hold in my heart and cherish....

I know some of you have been very worried about me over the last few months

and that is soooo lovely

...bless you all for caring so much x

I do hope you understand now why I've been very quiet?

It's been a huge wrench along this particular journey.

I just wanted to tell you about how it's been a really tough time for me.

Even tougher to have to admit to myself that I can no longer do something that I love....

You see I don't do 'I can't'...it's always what can you do then?

I'm just a bit rubbish at taking my own advice!

I wanted to write this post to highlight Fibromyalgia more than anything as I have

had to face so many professional doctors, nurses and consultants who have no idea

what Fibromyalgia is all about and yet there are thousands of us out there!

All suffering in our own little way.

You all know how much I love blogging but of late I've felt I haven't had much to say....

but I know I'll get that sparkle back soon.

So watch out lovelies!

Thank you for letting me share it with you....

writing it down makes it real if you know what I mean.

I always try to keep my blog cheery and full of happiness

but on this occassion I'm sorry but I hope you don't mind if it's not full of the joys of spring.

Never worry though as I know that summer days will be on their way soon...

With them new ventures for Tilly Rose will awaken.

I do have plans....

so keep those peeps open and I will share soon!

I'm a firm believer in fate... so as my door closes on this particular

journey another new one is already opening just waiting for

Tilly Rose to squeeze her way through.....

But that's for another post....

Thank you so much for reaching this far in my story

and lending me some of your time today....

You are all such lovely darlings!

Huge hugs

~Karen~

x x x

Back into the swing of things again......

2011-05-10T16:41:00.000+01:00

Hello lovelies!

How are you all?

I have so missed you!

As you know I've been on my hols up to sunny Northumberland.

It's taken me some time to get going again!

I have to say it was a much needed rest after a very trying few months since Christmas...

but refreshed and relaxed I'm now back into the swing of things as they say!

(I have loads to share with you all but will keep that for another day.)

I came home to a house full of teenager's washing and scrambled mess on the floor....

as you do

So my week of bliss and calm disappeared pretty quickly and reality soon hit home!

Oh well....c'est la vie!

I managed to get loads of writing done for my novel which I haven't done

since Christmas

....oh how I've missed it so.

It was fabulous just to sit and gaze at the sea and write.....

The lives of my five ladies are just waiting to unfold.

I have sooo many ideas for them all.

I just have to learn to type quicker so I can get my masterpiece published..hee hee!

One day maybe....

Having had a lovely lazy time,

I now need to get going again with Tilly Rose goodies.

We are going to be spending a lovely day in Northampton with my friends

surrounded by gorgeous vintageness on 21st May....

I can't wait!

Put the date in your diary girls!

If you are free it would be great if you could say hello!

There will be some fabulous finds and delicious homemade cakes

to tempt you when you need to rest your weary toes....

Okey dokey my lovelies!

Have to dash .....loads of lovely fabric waiting for a cuddle from Tilly!

Just before I go I must say a very big thank you to my lovely friend Carole.....

you know why :)

From one snooksie to another..... thanks hunny x x x

Cheery byee for now lovelies!

Hugs for you all

~Karen~

x x x

Easter happiness.....

2011-04-21T07:30:00.000+01:00

Hello lovelies

Thank you all so very much for your lovely kind words following my last post.

You are all a lovely bunch of friends to have waiting in the wings!

Blogland is a happy place to visit when you're needing a smile!

Some of you lovelies have even taken the time to email.....

Thank you for caring

x x x

Please don't worry I'm ok every now and then I have a wobble

whilst walking on life's path but hey I soon recover!

I'm a bit like a weeble....'Weebles wobble but they don't fall down !'

So....on to other things......

How are your Easter holidays going so far?

I'm busy packing our suitcases in readiness for our trip to

our beloved Northumberland.

We leave on Saturday....very excited!

We visited there in October and loved it sooo much we are going back....

We are lucky to have our sons with us for the weekend but they are having to return home for my youngest son's exams on Easter Monday which is a shame....

but we have the rest of the week to ourselves

which will be so lovely....

Loads and loads of walking on the beaches.....

Visiting our favourite place.....Bamburgh

Can't wait to taste their famous Bamburgh Bangers!

I also can't wait to visit here....

Barter Books in Alnwick.

Oh my...what a wee treasure trove of goodies for theose who love books!

I could spend ALL day in there and still never tire.

It is an Aladdin's Cave of secondhand books, maps, and lovely old editions just waiting

to be picked and taken home to a new family.

There are gorgeous old comfy sofas for you to lounge and read, a coffee shop and

tons of nostalgia thrown in for good measure.

I adore it!

One of the things I am really looking forward to doing while we are away

is getting back to my writing.

I have all my notes waiting to be typed, all my brainstorming ideas....

I just need the time to catch up.

I stopped when Mr T was rushed into hospital at Christmas

and I've never gotten back to doing it and

I do miss it so.

So the plan is to sit and write...watching the waves....and the clouds...

and capture all my wandering thoughts that I have floating around

in my head!

If there is any time left I also want to spend sometime reading.....

I have a huge pile of books that I seem to never

have time to read....

There just isn't enough hours in my day!

Well...for doing all the things that I want to do rather than the things I have to do anyway!

The last thing on my agenda is to enjoy spending time

with my best friend....Mr T

We seem to have been so busy of late and have had loads to worry us so....

We've worked so hard at getting Bertha in to shape, building our veggie beds

and tending our long garden that it will be lovely to just get away from it all

for a few days.

So my lovelies.....

I will leave you all to enjoy the Easter break in the sunshine.

Try to be good and not eat too many eggs!

Happy Easter wishes to you all!

I have loads of news to share....

so I will share it with you all hopefully next week

when I have some time to write up some posts!

Cheery -bye for now

Hugs to you all

~Karen~

x x x

New springtime beginnings......

2011-04-17T09:32:00.000+01:00

Hello lovelies.

Oh how I've missed you so....

Life has been very hectic for me of late.

Isn't it strange how life's path twists and turns.....

I've had alot of important decisions to make, lots of things to organise

and lots of busy times

which have all been taking my time and

not allowing me to do the things I love best...

I've tried to snatch five minutes here and there to catch up on all

your gossip but I haven't had much time to leave many comments....

Sorry peeps!

Much of my time has been spent on thinking things through.....

looking at every angle and waying up the options.

Unfortunately I've had little time to smell the roses as they say...

But hopefully, the tide is turning....

I've made the important decisions, moving forward and happy to watch

the small seedlings of the future begin to grow...

I know that as you are reading this you may all be wondering what on earth I am

rambling on about.....

I will share it all soon my lovelies.....

I just wanted to tell you all why I had disappeared for a while....

I try to write about all the positives in life on here....

as hard as that is sometimes but we all need a ray of sunshine every now and then

so I try my very best to remember that.

I don't like to write about anything too personal as I've learnt to my cost

that not everyone is as genuine as some....

that's all I'm going to say on that score.

I always try to be positive and upbeat.....

I love having little sayings all around my home to remind me to smile at everything.

Lately I have had to read them to stay smiling.

Sometimes life has it's own ideas....

Things that sometimes you just can't control...

and you have to travel down the path that life wishes you to do so.

I'm not a religious soul just one who believes in fate

and knows that somewhere my guardian angel is watching over me.

Faced with life changing decisions isn't always easy for anyone

but we all have to do it.....I guess it's part of getting older!

I'm also a firm believer in what's meant to happen will happen...

however happy or sad that maybe....

So, with all that in mind, I'm back on track a little more now having taken some time away.

Moving forward

and feeling a little more excited now to facing new ventures....

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

I will hopefully be back meambling away again soon.

Much love to you all

~Karen~

x x x

Bertha's Twenty Minutes of Fame.....................The Big Reveal!!!!

2011-04-06T14:10:00.005+01:00

Hello lovelies!

How are you all?

I've been a busy girl moving all my Tilly goodies into my cabin over the last few weeks...

boy what a task!

I didn't realise just HOW much stuff I have....

books, buttons, boxes, and more books!

Then of course there was all the fabric, ribbons, lace, wool, trimmings....the list just keeps on going!

Bertha (my beloved summerhouse)

is still to be dressed in her finery as she is still slightly bare in places

but at least she is a little more decent now...

ready for visitors!

Would you like a peep?

Ok....

Here she is as a new arrival....

As beautiful as she is, she was needing a little tender love.....

So....paint pots came out, aprons were put on, kettle on ready for all the cups of

liquid refreshment needed.....

and this is the end result.....

She is now as white as a gorgeous Spring lamb

oozing of shabby loveliness....

Her shelves are now heaving with gorgeous goodies waiting

to be specially chosen for a Tilly project....

My mum's old and battered 1950's cabinet now stands in centre stage and looks more at home

with it's new surroundings....

(I think I should give her a name now!)

Any offerings???

I think she looks like a Beatrice or maybe Ruby?

I think she looks lovely with all the jars of scrumptious offerings....

I just need to add many more!

When I get time I did wonder wether to paint her....

any thoughts ladies?

Have any of you done the same?

Is it easy with all that varnish?

She's a grand old lady now so I don't want to make her ugly!

I've now got somewhere to display all my vintage tins and boxes

in the cabin...

Mr T is going to put up some shelves for me to display some of my vintage

china and gorgeous little quirky finds...I can't wait for that!

I've even manged to put up some piccies in the odd place.

Here's the one I chose in Paris last summer!

I love looking at it as it holds such happy memories....

I do have one more treasure to add...

I just need to find a frame.

It's a beautiful illustration from my lovely friend Kazzy

from Mermaid's Purse....

Isn't her drawing just so gorgeous?

Thanks hunny sooo much xxx

The next thing to do now is to make my Bertha some flowery curtains...

you see Bertha agrees with me that a girl can NEVER have enough flowers!

I have it all in hand, I just need the time to get sewing !

We can't paint the windows and the outside for six months

so by the end of the summer

Bertha should be sparkling....

just in time for all those gorgeous Pimms I shall be sipping

whilst sitting out on the veranda with my hunny!

Well lovelies....

What do you think?

Do you likey???

I love her dearly!

I just know we will have lots of wonderful times

together come rain or shine!

Have to dash now hunnies.....

off to make some gorgeous bunting for Bertha!

Toodle-ooh

~Karen~

x x x

What lovely people in Stony Stratford!!!

2011-04-04T21:48:00.000+01:00

Hello my lovelies!

Have you all had a good start to your week?

I hope so.

I am on count down to Easter school hols...

a much needed rest!

I mentioned in my last post I would share some of Tilly's rambles over the last few

weeks....

On saturday Mr T and Tilly trundled off again in Bessie

(my beloved old banger!)

nice and early...

It was such a beautiful sunny Spring morning....

This time we were heading for Stony Stratford near Milton Keynes....

It was to the lovely Alternative Vintage & Handmade Fair.

We had a really lovely day

...meeting loads of happy shoppers!

I don't often indulge in showing off my wares

so I thought I would be very cheeky and show you some pics of Tilly's stall.....

I hope you don't mind!

It's lovely to receive so many lovely comments about you're work...

it lifts you're spirits so....

Last year I had decided that for health reasons I would stop doing Tilly Rose.

Unfortunately sewing and crafting is a compulsion...

I just can't stop!

So at the beginning of this year I took the decision to test the water again with two shows.....

Fibromyalgia is only allowing me to do a little of what I really would like to do

but.....

I'm so pleased I returned to it!

My next fair is in Northampton again.

It would be lovely to catch up with you all...

Just before I disappear....

I've had so many people say to me that they have tried to leave a comment

on here but

for some reason blogger won't let them???

I've tried to change the settings a couple of times now to see if I can change the cause but????

So can I ask a very BIG please....

would you be so very kind to email me if you have had any problems?

My email is karen@tilly-rose.co.uk

Bless you x

Will speak again soon my lovelies!

Toodle-ooh for now....

~Karen~

x x x

Springtime Vintage Treasures!

2011-04-03T21:20:00.001+01:00

Hello lovelies!

Wowie.....what a long time it has been since I've said hello to you all...

Things have been a little hectic here lately

hardly having time to catch my breath if you know what I mean.....

How are we all doing?

Enjoying this gorgeous springtime sunshine???

I do hope so!

I've had a few serious decisions to make of late

which have not been easy...

but finally I think I've managed to work things out....

I've also been busy with another Vintage Fair which I will share with you

as soon as I get my photo's ready.

For now.....

I just want to share with you my lovely day last Friday.

An early start....

the sun was shining.....

tickets at the ready.....

I was off to .....

All you vintage lovers out there would simple have been in heaven!

The car park was heaving when I finally managed to get in.....

(after queueing for over an hour just to get to the entrance!)

cars as far as the eye could see....

.....all like me looking for a gorgeous bargain!

It's the first time I had visited the fair all by myself.

I felt a little daunted at first but soon managed to get my 'bidder' head on!

I was on the look out for linens, china and some gorgeous goodies...

There were soooo many stalls....

Treasures hiding in every corner possible!

I loved this last stall!

I wanted to buy the lovely linen sitting on the chairs sooo much

but they were a little pricey for little 'ol me :(

But never worry...I found some gorgeous linens

which made my day!

They were filming for Bargain Hunt while I was there....

cameras capturing all the wonderful treasures on offer!

Would you all like a little peep at my lovely vintage goodies?

I was really happy with them all.

Just look at that beautiful irish lace!

I can't wait to use them !

I'm going to be very cheeky and use them for our home this time

and not for Tilly Rose.

As much as I love finding goodies for Tilly I do get a bit peeved

with myself that I never seem to buy things for us!

If you get a chance do make a visit sometime.....

you'll simply love it!

Don't forget to write the date of

the next one in your diary...Oct 2011!

Hope you all have a lovely week ahead....

Speak soon

~Karen~

x x x

Springtime Loveliness.....

2011-03-24T22:32:00.000Z

Hello lovelies!

How are you?

Isn't it just simply wonderful to have some much needed sunshine?

Yesterday I just had to have a wander into our garden to have a little nosey

at the gorgeous rainbow of colour awaiting for me.....

The birds were joyful in their opera arias.....

...whilst fluttering in and out of the trees, busy building their new homes

I started with seeing the wondrous pinks on offer....

Followed by the delicate lilacs....

The odd white blossom sparkled....

Of course there are lots of gorgeous shades of blue around at the minute....

Not forgetting the big and blousey yellows....

The colour combo's looked lovely too...

Not to be out done by all the beautiful shades.....

the greens still hold a special place in my heart too...

My heart skipped a beat every time I saw a new bud, a new leaf or

a profusion of Springtime loveliness!

Can you see the sun shining through all the flower's petals?

Mother Nature is so very kind to us all....

Beauty can be found hiding in every corner at the moment.

New beginnings, new life and new jewels to be found.

I am soo excited that I can start to spend time outside again...

I feel free when I can get outside again.

Just looking up to the blue sky in the mornings

and at the sunsetsat night....

Oh yes indeedy I am one very excited bunny!

I'm also very excited at growing our veggies this year in my new

beds that Mr T has been working hard on getting ready for planting....

Don't they look fab....

The topsoil is coming this weekend so hopefully we can start sowing soon!

Yippee!!!

Oh boy I can't stop dreaming of happy days in the garden.....

Have a lovely weekend my lovelies....

in or out of your garden!

Speak soon

Hugs

~Karen~

x x x