In Stitches

Dizzy and Creative in their new tops

We've been looking through our summer wardrobe, discarding the tired old and faded clothes and then realising that there was not a lot left! 

This inspired us to rummage through other drawers and cupboards and we found the February 2015 issue of the Sew Home and Style magazine (www.sewmag.co.uk), and with it  a FREE Simplicity (simplicitynewlook.com) pattern for a pretty summer top.  

Now really enthusiastic, we dug deeper and found some pieces of fabric and decided to have a go at making our own new tops. We fought a bit over the colours, but eventually agreed that Dizzy would dazzle with purple silk, and Creative would highlight her eyes with a pretty blue.

Here are the results.  What do you think? We are really proud of ourselves and plan to make more clothes soon.


Dizzy went out gardening (not before changing out of her lovely new top), and spent a relaxing afternoon in the sunshine, amid scent and colours. She came upon this beautiful rose, with it's voluptuous shape and deep scent reminiscent of Grandma's bathroom.  

However, neither Dizzy or Creative can put a name to this lovely flower, which starts it's bloom as a vibrant coral pink, fading to salmon and apricot hues as the flower opens fully. Do you know the name of this rose? Please add a comment if you can help us to identify it.

Pontia Daplidice butterfly, photographer Lee Hurrell

This is a picture of the beautiful female Pontia Daplidice butterfly, taken by photographer Lee Hurrell. We love the delicacy of the markings on this fast flying, rare visitor to the UK, have you seen one this summer? 

We kept our eyes peeled in the hope of spotting one when we visited National Trust property Buckland Abbey, Devon - once home of Sir Francis Drake (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey). 

On a warm sunny morning we delighted in the beautiful wooded setting and followed the trail of giant footsteps which lead the visitor towards the ancient buildings nestling at the heart of the valley. 

Peter and David take us for a ride!

We were welcomed by fun and cheerful volunteers Peter and David who gave us a ride the buggy. They were in stitches as we all posed for a snap.

Dizzy - I know they weren't in uniform, but I still had to hold Creative back, you know what she's like! 

There is so much to do and discover in this rich setting full of history and surprises. We strongly recommend a visit this summer, whatever your age or interest.

Drake's Drum

In keeping with our Buckland Abbey visit, our Quote of the Month comes from Sir Francis Drake himself: "There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory"

Dizzy and Creative
Girls making Art Work
Dizzy and Creative copyright 2013 with CarolAnn Design Studio and Jay Hooper, Orchard Learning Studios.   All rights reserved

Summer Sensations

Dizzy not yet ready for the beach!

The long-awaited burst of warmth saw us preparing to head for the beach. First job was to dig out the swimwear and try it on, test for moth holes and midriff bulge.

Creative: Dizzy! I'm sorry to have to tell you.... I think you need a little visit to the beautician, before you expose anything further in public!

Suitably chastened, Dizzy made the booking and we took ourselves off to see the lovely Tara at Tara's Treatments in Woolwell, Plymouth (www.tarastreatments.co.uk). 

Tara's Treatments provides the best service!

'Helping' each other!

Tara knows her beauty stuff and also supports the Look Good Feel Better charity for women with cancer. She helps with skin care and make up in monthly workshops at The Mustard Tree at Derriford Hospital (www.lgfb.co.uk).


As well as Tara's gentle ministrations we gave each other some assistance with our treatments. After much mirth and merriment, we emerged in much better shape and fearlessly ready to meet the sunshine and display a little flesh.

The Cool Rider Album release

Our London cousins Boo and Bea LaCheste sent us some exciting news from London.   
Monday 29th June saw the launch of the brilliant original cast recording of Cool Rider. 
This cult musical saw a week-long run in the West End in 2014, following a one night concert performance at The Duchess Theatre.        
Now, following a funding drive through the Kickstart initiative, there is a terrific album which soared into the top ten in the i-Tunes UK soundtrack recording chart before the first day of release was over (www.cooriderlive.co.uk).  We think it's well worth a listen.

Leather outfit for 3-month old T-Bird!

Boo and Bea are urging us to go to London for the offical launch party, but so far we've only got as far as making the cutest leather outfit for one of the producer's 3-month old nephew. We may have to make more for ourselves, when we go to party!

When we saw Orchard Learning Studios at Cotehele House last month (www.orchardlearningstudios.co.uk) we met Jay Hooper who was teaching the art of making Dorset Buttons.  Carol Ann of Carolann Design Studio (www.carolanndesignstudio.co.uk) learned the techniques from Jay, and is now combining the ancient skills with her own contemporary designs to incorporate these into her new product range.

Carolann Design puts her own stamp on a traditional craft

Jay will be running Dorset Button workshops on 23rd July at the stunning Madhatters Studio in Plympton, Devon - get signed up now! (www.madhattersstudio.com)

Quote of the month:

It takes two to speak the truth, - one to speak, and another to hear
Henry David Thoreau

Dizzy and Creative copyright 2013 with CarolAnn Design Studio and Jay Hooper, Orchard Learning Studios.   All rights reserved