Life at pink's barn

Catherine’s original sampler was worked over one thread of the fabric – equivalent to 45 stitches to the inch!

Over the last week, Bill and I have tidied up after the chaos. My reward was a visit to Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants.

I always talk about how long linen will last – remember there was embroidered linen in the tombs of the pharaohs.

I joined the bidding trying to look like I did this all the time until the auctioneer pointed out that I was attempting to bid against myself.

I cannot describe the puffed-out chest and butterflies when my first book was published.

“This would be a special purchase for me, my first genuine antique sampler and I happily agreed that it could be instead of an eternity ring.”

Silk winders are now very collectable, particularly the mother-of-pearl varieties. The most famous and sought-after are come from Palais Royal sewing boxes.

When I discovered the nest, I was thrilled and now always leave little bits of thread near or on the bird table.

“We live in a conservation area and there are some very specific rules about this sort of thing.”

“Just in case you think I have taken up gambling, let me reassure you. I am talking about Kate Bowles, bookmaker extraordinaire!”

“After my recent success with the kitchen sideboard, I was fired up to have another go.”

“There was a loud crack and my lovely old wooden chair collapsed!”

“I like wearing chunky and interesting jewellery. I feel it can distract the eye from all else!”

I quickly learned that the golden rule of stencilling is ‘less is more’!

This child’s sample book was created in 1890 as a careful record of what she had learned at school.

Once I had discovered that if you make a mistake with a paint colour you can just cover it up again, there was no stopping me.