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It's cold, it's raining, it's time for a warming cup of coffee...
and we are Loving It!
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The cooler temperatures are kind to pretty flowers...
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and this week my ladies' choir went to sing at an Aged Care Facility, as we often do...
It is wonderful to see the joy on the old faces. A lady in the back row conducted us with one finger, all through the concert - so sweet.
Everybody loved our version of Lara's theme from Dr Zhivago:
Back in the Beatle olden days, we were all besotted by Omar Sharif, and when not copying the designs of Mary Quant on our old Singer treadle sewing machines,
we were attempting to copy the Russian fashions of Julie Christie and Geraldine Chaplin....
Well, those days are gone, but I'm not giving up on the faux fur, no, not I...
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Remember the car coat pattern and the leopard?
Well, a couple of single digit morning temperatures,
and I am on a sewing adventure:
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Collar's on, now to work on the sleeves...
Thinking of Europe, I would like to introduce you to two very attractive bloggers, both located in Rotterdam, The Netherlands:
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| Bee on lavender: Red Cardinal Garden of Neglect |
If you love flowers, and let's be honest, who doesn't, you must visit Madelief.
Her garden is an enchantment, and the photos gorgeous.
Whether you are a gardener or an admirer, you will love it.
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| Tough as nails Crucifix Orchid, Red Cardinal Garden of Neglect |
Valerie Poore, of Wateryways, writes about life on a historic barge which she restored herself, while teaching and writing books. I don't know when/if Val ever sleeps. I have enjoyed two of her books about her beloved barges: Watery Ways and Harbour Ways and it all sounds idyllic. There is no end to this woman's talents.
Val's barge, The Vereeniging, is moored in the vicinity of Rotterdam's famous and fabulous Cubic Houses...
Aren't they amazing?
Picasso by the harbour...
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Inspirational Art piece of the week:
Random free-form knitting by my friend V.
Will it become a shawl or a throw?
If it was mine, I think it would be framed and up on the wall...
So vibrant and such gorgeous colours!
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Happy weekend to you all
XXX
Hello Patricia,
ReplyDeleteWe would kill for that leopard coat! It absolutely shrieks Old Hollywood Glamour and this is so much needed in the rather dull world of denim which seems to be everywhere we turn. It is going to be fabulous and surely will transport you back to those heady days when Omar a Sharif made one's heart beat faster!
How delighted we are that you have made friends with our dear, dear friend Madelief. As you say, her blog is a sheer delight as, indeed, is she personally. She has enormous style and a keen eye for design, she is exceptionally creative and warm hearted. This shines through everything she posts.
And thank you for the introduction to another Rotterdam blogger. We have yet to meet her and shall be visiting soon. Rotterdam is such an interesting and exciting city on so many different levels. We loved it.
Hello Jane and Lance, Old Hollywood Glamour is what I am aiming for with this mad sewing adventure. Who knows where the coat will take me?
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing me to Madelief of the beautiful and stylish blog. I was instantly captivated by it all; now, naturally, Rotterdam has become high on my wish list of places to see. As you loved it, now I know it must be special! Thank you for your lovely comment.
I love this post Patricia. I was drawn in by the glorious cup of coffee, then captivated as I recalled my love affair with Omar. I saw the film 6 times at the cinema in a space of about 2 weeks.....and every so often I search out the DVD again, for another reminder of his gorgeous eyes. I was, of course, also in love with Julie Christie, and often think of her still, when I'm ironing sheets...which I have to admit to doing even though I think I shouldn't bother. Do you remember that scene ?
ReplyDeleteThen, the coat, its lovely...you are so clever....then the flowers and the boat living...and as for wild knitting...... I just love it.
Thank you for such a great read. Jx
Hello Janice, I do remember Julie Christie ironing the sheets, and yes, she was lovely. Omar's eyes would melt a heart of stone; whenever Dr Z comes on TV I have another look, even if just a few minutes. Glad you enjoyed my post. Px
DeleteGosh Patricia,
ReplyDeleteI love Dr.zhivago.. sad but so excellent.
You are really coming along with your lovely new coat.. it looks fab.
I will take a peek at the blogs..
thank you Patricia..
have a wonderful weekend.
val xxxx
It was a lovely movie, wasn't it Val, and a reminder of the Sixties, a very exciting era. Back onto that fur coat today, and maybe I can wear it tomorrow. Happy weekend. xxx
DeletePatricia,
ReplyDeleteYour faux fur coat is coming along nicely. It's going to be gorgeous! That is something that I would wear myself. The Vogue Russian fashions are delightful. I remember those sewing patterns very much, as my mom used to sew all the time, and every time I see them, it brings back such sweet memories of her. Ah, the red rose, how lovely. And that cup of coffee looks wonderful. Did you take that picture and make the swirling design? It's so cool. I miss the cold days like you are having now. It's going to be a hot one here - in the 100's, but the weekend should be a little cooler.
Have a beautiful and peaceful weekend, Patricia.
love,
~Sheri
Dear Sheri, I think the fur coat would go very well in California, with its retro Hollywood look! I love vintage patterns; that was a lucky Google find. I did take the photo of the coffee, which was made by a barista at a coffee shop out in the countryside. I think his talents are wasted there. Keep cool, I know how those 100s temps feel! xx
DeleteYour coat will be very stylish and very snuggly indeed I am sure! That cup of coffee is amazing, I have never seen one as fancy as that. Happy sewing this weekend. xx
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to snuggle into the faux fur, Amy. That coffee decoration was very impressive - best one I've seen for quite a while. Have a great weekend! xx
DeleteOh goodness I MUST go to Rotterdam, everything I hear about it sounds so exciting. I know both of those bloggers and enjoy them. Your picture of the coffee makes me feel like having one myself, except that it's 11 PM here in London ... so better not!
ReplyDeleteYes, please, Jenny, go to Rotterdam and show us your pictures; you are fantastic at tourism photography. Rotterdam is firmly on my wish list these days. No, definitely not that coffee at 11 PM - it is a very strong one!
DeleteWhat a great read... So cheering when things in my environment are so very mundane atm. Broken fingernails and dried out hands from cleaning etc. I've actually driven through Rotterdam (one Christmas morning) but that doesn't count as visiting or seeing! Must remedy that some day.
ReplyDeleteBlogging is great for cheering a dull moment - whether reading or creating blogs. That is exciting that you have driven through Rotterdam - was it snowing at Christmas? That would have been beautiful to see.
DeletePatricia, thank you!! I was just enjoying scrolling through you blog and reading the captions (as I do) when I came across the mention of the two Rotterdam bloggers. Even then it didn't cross my mind that one of them was me! Wow! That is a lovely thing to say and what great photos you have found of the cubist buildings! By the way, I am now following Madelief's blog. It's just gorgeous, isn't it? I love your leopard print car coat! Can we see you modelling it when it's finished? Thank you again, Patricia!
ReplyDeleteDear Val, you are welcome! I am glad you had a nice surprise by my Rotterdam post. Both the blogs are very interesting and enjoyable. I enjoyed finding the cubist photos, especially the one with some barges. I am imagining to myself that one of them could belong to you :) When the leopard car coat is finished, I will find a friendly photographer and try to get some good photos to show you...
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ReplyDeleteOh dear, I don't think I can match the last comment, says me, wickedly laughing!!! Like you, I prefer coffee, sewing and old films. Love the pictures - we really are behind the times on some of these building aesthetics. Glad your coat is proceeding - sometimes you just have to get on and do it - the worse that can happen is that it doesn't work out as intended,but it's looking good now :)
ReplyDeleteOh dear alright - got quite a shock when I saw that comment, thankfully deleted now (I hope). I am glad we like the same things, Sarah, guaranteed to bring joy to the heart. Currently the coat is 'resting' with a couple of books along the front curve, in lieu of ironing. Necessity being the mother of invention and all :))
ReplyDeleteThat coffee is pure art. Almost too pretty to drink. Yes, loved Dr. Zhivago; so memorable As other reader mentioned, I SO remember the ironing sheets scene. I can hear the clump of the iron as I type this!. LOVE< LOVE your new coat. So fashionable!! I will check out the two bloggers you mention. Lovely post, Patricia!
ReplyDeleteHello Sanda, Funny how we remember the ironing scene. I mean, there was a war on and she was ironing the sheets!! The new coat is moving on: sleeves are now in, and pockets being stitched on. A few cold days predicted this week, so it might make a public appearance. Thank you, glad you liked the post.
DeleteEnjoyed your post and think you are going to look terrific in your new coat. Since it is Summer Solstice here instead of Winter Solstice where you are I would be thinking of wearing it in a few months. Nice that you have so many pretty flowers in your garden during your winter months. I will be sure to check the blogs you mention.
ReplyDeleteDarla
Thank you Darla. Winter flowers make up for the months of hot dry summer, when even the grass dies, and only the most tropical of flowers manage to exist. Enjoy the Rotterdam blogs.
DeleteOnce again, such a colorful post with one thing linking to the previous thing with ease.
ReplyDeleteThe cubic houses! First time I see them - where have I been ? (: Interesting.. Wondering how it feels living in one?
I bet your new coat is soon ready to wear.
Wishing you a nice start for the new week!!!I
Thank you Mette, I like a good segue. Mr C thinks that is the best part of my blogging :) Those cubic houses look as if they would make me dizzy, but inside they look fairly normal. The coat is moving forward, and sleeves now inserted. Have a lovely week.
DeleteWhat a luscious coat Patricia, will be lovely to wear I'm sure. I must say those cube houses gave me a headspin! Will be sure to visit the new blogs.
ReplyDeleteCoat thanks you Barb, and will try to remain luscious! Those houses are so unique, but I suspect even standing there looking at them could make my head spin a bit too.
DeleteOh Patricia...you are a girl after my own heart♥️
ReplyDeleteThat coat is simply scrumptious!
I sewed most of my clothes thru high school and then onto work...
Betsy Johnson was my pattern of choice....
Love that you still have blooms....while into Winter...
Enjoy your week...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Thank you Linda - you must tell me the secret of making that cute little heart. I don't know Betsy Johnson patterns - are they still current?
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog. Cheers to you too!!
Betsy was a HUGE fashion icon in the late 60's and 70's....i do believe she is still designing....
DeleteThe heart is on my Ipad...but if you google "how to make a heart on a keyboard" you will certainly find out!
Thank you Linda, will do.
DeleteYou are very talented Patricia. Love your leopard coat. Lovely photos as usual! Nature has the most vivid colors. Good to know about the new (to me) blogs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debra, weather finally turning cold so need to finish the coat asap. Enjoy the blogs!
DeleteIt's certainly the weather for it, right now! xx
ReplyDeleteOoh old Omar was so handsome back in the day! I had forgotten how pretty Geraldine Chaplin was. That leopard coat is going to be fab, I am very envious of your sewing skills, I had to buy my leopard coat in the sale at Asos, I really like it though, I feel I cut quick a dash on the school run and surprisingly it seems to go with most things - as our friend FF would say, leopard is a neutral. I discovered Madelief's blog the other day through the Hattatts, isn't it great how we all form a loose network ( some of us looser than others, ha ha)? I will def check out the other blogger too, have a nice weekend Bxx
ReplyDeleteYes, Geraldine was quite the pretty little thing, and who wouldn't be in that pink fur outfit! Love the idea of leopard on the school run; think I'll try it with our grandson Little Aussie next time he is here. He loves animals, as it happens. Love the loose network of bloggers :) xx
DeleteWhat a lovely post, Patricia. Your coat is going to be gorgeous and I loved the cubist houses, though I wouldn't want to live in one. :-) Sorry I'm late - I'm trying desperately to catch up after the journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you Perpetua, sometimes I am surprised which posts turn out to be the popular ones - I can never tell! Glad you survived your journey, and don't be sorry - I am late with the next post, after all...:))
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