Monday 3 March 2014

No More Twist!

Have you read “The Tailor of Gloucester” by Beatrix Potter? The tailor falls ill and is unable to complete the Mayor’s Waistcoat in time – but the mice come to the rescue, and finish the embroidery for him – apart from one buttonhole, because they have run out of ‘twist’ [thread] They leave a tiny note pinned to the garment, reading “No more twist”

mouse and needle

no more twist

v&a waistcoatBeatrix Potter used a genuine 18th Century waistcoat in the V&A museum as the basis for her design.

tailor

52 projectsHaving visited the V&A last week with Steph, I was reminded of the story this weekend as I completed my latest in the 52 Projects Challenge – my baby knitting for the LCM

Only in my case, it is not so much as case of  ‘no more twist’ but rather ‘no more 4 ply baby wool’  I have knitted up all that remains, to make a blanket, a cardi, a hat and two pairs of mittens. The smaller items are striped to use up every scrap!

IMG_1584

They will go off in the post today. Yesterday I was preaching at Hugglescote, and had a great conversation with Ann there about knitting for LCM and also for the Leprosy Mission. We make these gifts and have no idea who will receive them – but somebody, somewhere is going to receive a blessing, and feel God’s love. It’s good to be part of that chain. [LCM link here if you’ve lost it. Joy Gadsden is organising the babyknits from supporters]

11 comments:

  1. We made a play of that story in our home-education group years ago and didn't have enough children to play all the mice so we had to have some cardboard cut outs on garden canes operated by a couple of mums! brings back fond memories xxx

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  2. Did you have any help from the mice?

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    1. No - but Liz's cat seemed fascinated by the wool!

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    2. No - but Liz's cat was fascinated by the wool and the clicking needles

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  3. Yes, I have read it...and visited Gloucester where I bought a Tailor of Gloucester brooch!
    Jane x

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  4. Elizabethd is funny! I love that story. YOU are a speedy knitter, Ang!

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  5. That is very impressive! I did a little voluntary work with LCM when I was a teenager. It's good to know they are still going strong.

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  6. Excellent work. I am in awe. Also Hugglescote may be the greatest name of anywhere in the world - ever!

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  7. Your knits always look so nice. My handknits look very much homemade and a little rustic.

    I love the real vest that BP used as her inspiration!

    xofrances

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    1. When YOU say 'vest and pants' WE say 'waistcoat and trousers' . For us in the UK, 'vest and pants' are undergarments.
      The stitching on the original BP 'vest' looks utterly beautiful, when you see it up close.

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  8. Such beautiful knits. I'm sure they will be greatly appreciated.

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