Tuesday 26 April 2022

Making And Mending In The Sunshine

 

After church on Sunday morning, we drove home via the little village of Hoe. Wed seen a poster. Adam, who had run the Spoon Carving Workshop last year, had told me about these events.
Held in the Parish Hall and adjoining space [where I had made my spoon] there were lots of stalls, and plenty of good refreshments. The event was very well attended. We began with tea and bacon rolls, eaten outsid ein the sun, then we looked around.
Tools were sharpened, new handles turned on the pole lathe. Cycles were being checked over out in the sunshine, and inside a lady was PAT testing small electrical goods.

We found out all we needed to know about making better compost

Adam couldn't be there- but his enthusiastic young son Logan [assisted by Mum Sabrina] taught me how to make leaf print bunting. Basically you find a fresh green leaf, put a piece of calico on top, and bash it with a hammer or a stone. In time the print will fade to a soft sienna colour. I'm pleased with my little fern flag.
Sabrina says they will survive a gentle wash in the machine!
There were two ladies doing sewing repairs - one on a torn down coat, the other a snagged nylon cycling jacket [been there, mended those myself] who encouraged me to come along to their Monday Craft Group. The display of their handiwork was lovely
Did I sew? they asked. Bob waited patiently whilst I enthused about The Postcard Project, and showed them some pictures. They were interested in the Norwich Stitch- and one said she knew it as "Waffle Stitch"
Afternoon tea and cake from the splendid Cake Stall, and then home. This was Proper English Village Life, IMHO - local people coming together to share skills and help others in aid of a good cause. Lots of people contributing, and a lovely atmosphere. Thank you to all involved. Mending was free [donations to Village Hall] and profits from the refreshments were going to the VH too.

Do you have Repair Cafés near you?










17 comments:

  1. We had a monthly repair cafe and pop up shop selling loose dry goods but sadly it folded during the pandemic. No sign of it reviving yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do hope it reopens again, they're a great idea

      Delete
  2. Thats really wonderful and I agree, sounds like the type of proper village life I've read about in books.x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved the leaf printing - something that would work well with children I think

      Delete
  3. I shall have to look up if one is near me. I love the idea of the leaf print.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SO easy, but you need fresh green leaves - it is a spring/summer craft. Logan said ferns and bracken are especially good. But not ivy

      Delete
  4. I've not heard of anything similar where I live! Sounds like a lot of fun!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great event. Brilliant!

    ReplyDelete
  6. We dont have such a cafe, but wouldnt it be good if every village had one?

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is absolutely lovely! Thank you for telling us about it. A win /win which ( as you know) is my favorite thing. You have quite made my day and I have been smiling since I read about it.
    Delightful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it great - glad it has made you smile

      Delete
  8. This sounds lovely, and we don't have anything like this where I live. England does have some pleasant ways of serving one another. I like the idea of the leaf bunting. I have no shortage of leaves where we live, and I am sure I can find some suitable fabric.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've only read about repair cafes on British blogs. Wish we had them here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perhaps you could start one in your community

      Delete

Always glad to hear from you - thanks for stopping by!
I am blocking anonymous comments now, due to excessive spam!