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