2nd Attempt

Last week we went on a little holiday to our home place of Cheddleton in the Staffordshire Moorlands. We stayed in a lovely little bungalow with this great view of the rolling hills of the Churnet Valley that were my husband's childhood stomping ground. The only downside was not having a wifi signal.

The weather was trying to be kind to us and we had a little walk down to the steam railway. No coat I might add. The railway was closed for the day as it had a private function and the lucky guests were having a trip with some fine dining, silver service no less and it looked rather nice. If you so wished you could even get married on said train.

 

Opposite the railway is The Boat pub. It once made an appearance in Coronation Street when several of the male variety went off on a little canal and fishing jaunt. Below it the canal is having some maintenance work and new footpaths are being laid.

The River Churnet.

On the Sunday we went for Sunday lunch and on a sample menu it said Sun Baked Cheddleton Pork. Perhaps this is what they meant. Basking in the sunshine at the farm opposite the railway.

As you know I never leave home without some sewing and I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to get the centre of the Hertfordshire quilt stitched. I really tried but the first attempt was such rubbish that I almost gave up and binned it. Common sense prevailed and once back home I unpicked the the outer circle and the middle. The actual points were ok. Spray starch became my best friend and it stopped it from stretching. I also re cut new outer borders and in a different direction to how I had it before. Careful pinning and stitching and I am now pleased that it lies flat. Now I have to think about what happens next and find suitable fabrics for the scalloped border.

On the way home I managed a quick whizz round the Uttoxeter Quilt Show and a spot of retail therapy. I literally did have one hour and a little bit so didn't take it all in properly but these came home with me. I didn't even have time to take any photo's.

I also came away with a book that is new on the market and I feel a little personal challenge coming on. More on that another time.

Happy Stitching.

Shirley.x