An addition to Pinks Barn

An addition to Pinks Barn

Over 20 years ago we made the decision to build a double garage at the back of Pinks Barn, which would also enable me to have a separate office and we would get to put the cars away. We live in a conservation area and there are some very specific rules about this sort...
How I came to know my bookmaker

How I came to know my bookmaker

Just in case you think I have taken up gambling, let me reassure you. I am talking about Kate Bowles, bookmaker extraordinaire! I first met Kate when she stopped to chat and buy linen band at the Cross Stitch Guild stand at The Knitting & Stitching Show. I asked...
Distressed thread drawers almost done…

Distressed thread drawers almost done…

Many years ago, during my time as MD at The Cross Stitch Guild, I commissioned some thread drawers to be hand crafted for our members. The shallow drawer design was inspired by a vintage version designed for selling a particular brand of threads in needlework shops....
Time for something sweete

Time for something sweete

A stunning Elizabethan creation You are forgiven if you haven’t heard of these delicious little ‘sweete bags’ before – and no I haven’t got carried away with too many letter ‘e’s . These very decorative and extremely collectable...
Almost catastrophe!

Almost catastrophe!

I am sure I do not know how close I came to really hurting myself the other evening. I was certainly very shaken and bruised when, in the middle of typing some words for my esteemed Editor Jenny, there was a loud crack and my lovely old wooden chair collapsed under my...
The garden is glorious, but will anyone see it this year?

The garden is glorious, but will anyone see it this year?

I am not going to go on and on about the period of time in 2020 where we were effectively told to stay at home, but I do regret that none of my chums will see Pinks Barn garden at its best… I spent hours outside during the good weather in April and May, and now...