A Visit to Boulters Lock & Ray Mill Island

Earlier this week I took an extended lunch break and headed down to the river to see the Swan Uppers pass by. Even though I live walking distance from the Thames, do I ever go for a stroll along the riverside? No, I do not. Going to see the Swan Upping was a great opportunity to (re)discover just what I've been missing.

I reached the river at Maidenhead Bridge (built 1772-77, apparently!) and headed towards Boulters Lock where the Swan Uppers were scheduled to arrive at about 1pm.

Maidenhead was a fashionable resort in the late 19th and early 20th Century, with people boating along the Thames and taking tea at the riverside hotels. The Thames at Maidenhead pops up in a W.H. Auden poem about love and the area appears in one of my favourite films, Kind Hearts and Coronets, as the place where Ascoyne D'Ascoyne takes his mistress for their (fateful) weekend away.

Just next to the bridge is the now derelict Skindles Hotel which used to be notorious as a place visited by people having affairs!

It was a gorgeous sunny day, perfect for a walk along the river - though it was a bit breezy so I had to keep a firm hold on my hat to stop it blowing in the water.

I love that Three Men in a Boat -themed weather vane. Jerome K. Jerome was not a fan of Maidenhead, judging from the mention it gets in the book!

Boulters Lock was immortalised in this painting by Edward John Gregory. When I was a kid, there was a big re-enactment of the painting for the 100th anniversary (so much fun!). I was rather sad that the painting wasn't on display when I visited the Lady Lever Art Gallery this spring (the gallery was undergoing renovations at the time, boo).

Next to the lock is a very unusual telephone box - a green one! This type of kiosk was the first standard type introduced by the Post Office. The box was installed by the lock in 1926, then restored and moved to its current location in 1979. Apparently there are now fewer than 50 green kiosks left and very few as old as this one.

I arrived at Boulters Lock with plenty of time to spare, so I went for a wander around Ray Mill Island. This part of the Thames has lots of small islands on it, and Ray Mill Island (formerly the site of a flour mill - as you might have guessed from the name) is now a public park.

I have fuzzy memories of feeding the ducks here when I was little and there were lots of families out enjoying the park when I visited - including one kid who loudly announced that this was "the best day ever!"(so cute).

The park is a lovely place to explore and you get a great view of Boulters Weir from the island.

There's also an aviary!

 

And lots of cute guinea pigs! 

After a good look round the island, it was nearly time for the Swan Uppers to arrive so I headed back to the lock to buy an icecream and wait for them to arrive.

You'll have to wait until my next post to see photos of that... so be sure to pop back on Monday! :)

UPDATE: Click here to read about the Swan Uppers.

How To: Felt Swan Brooches (or Swan Collar Clips!)

Have you heard of Swan Upping?

It's a historic ceremony dating from the 12th Century, where the Queen's Swan Marker and the Royal Swan Uppers row down the Thames to conduct an annual census of the swan population. They wear traditional red uniforms, row traditional wooden boats, and (as they pass Windsor Castle) stand to attention and salute "Her Majesty The Queen, Seigneur of the Swans".

My hometown is one of the places on the Swan Upper's route each July, but I've never actually witnessed it. I'm hoping to change that this year, and have got the date marked in my diary with a firmly worded Note To Self to make sure I'm not busy with work (like I sadly was last year). I'm rather looking forward to it!

Why am I talking about Swan Upping, you wonder? Well, it's because today I'm sharing a tutorial for making a little swan (or two) out of felt :)

This tutorial originally appeared in a bookazine called Adorable Animals, last year. It was designed as a tutorial for making cute swan collar clips but if you don’t fancy the idea of collar clips (or, like me, just don’t own many clothes with collars) you can just make a single swan and wear it as a brooch.

I chose light blue as a background to my swans as the white and orange both show up clearly against it and it looks like the swan is gliding on some water... but if you're making these to wear with a favourite outfit you could use backing felt that matches your garment instead.

You will need:

The template provided at the bottom of this post
White felt
Light blue felt
1 or 2 black seed beads (size 9/0) (one bead per swan)
White, black and light blue sewing thread
Orange and black embroidery thread
One or two brooch clasps (one per swan)
A needle and sewing scissors

Plus (if you're making the collar clips) small pliers and a length of jewellery chain (at least 11cm)

I recommend using embroidery scissors to cut out the felt shapes - the small, sharp blades are perfect for cutting out small or intricate pieces of felt.


To make the swans:

1. Use the template provided to cut out two swans from white felt, reversing the template to cut the second swan. Sew each swan onto a piece of light blue felt, using white thread and small whip stitches.

2. Cut a length of orange embroidery thread and separate two strands from the rest. Use these two strands to stitch the swan’s beak, starting with a line sewn at an angle to mark the end of the beak (as pictured) then filling in the beak with a series of single stitches. Sew over the white felt until it’s covered, starting and finishing each stitch flush with the edge of the white felt and sewing the stitches close together to create a solid block of orange.

Repeat this step for the second swan.

 

3. Cut a length of black embroidery thread and separate two strands, as before. Sew three stitches at the end of the swan’s beak, marking out a triangle (as pictured) then fill in the triangle with more stitches. Make sure you leave space to add the swan’s eye in the next step!

Then sew a small black stitch on the orange beak as pictured – in line with the top of the beak, and close to the wide end. Take care not to pull it too tightly and distort the orange stitches.

Repeat this step for the second swan – the swans should be roughly symmetrical but don’t worry if they look a little different!

4. Add a black seed bead eye to each swan, sewing each bead flat like an o with three or four stitches. Each eye should be positioned at the point of the black triangle, as pictured.

 

5. Cut out both swans, so they are framed by a few millimetres of blue felt. Use the newly cut out shapes as templates to cut matching pieces of felt – these will be the back of the clips/brooches.

 

6. Turn over the backing pieces of felt. Add a brooch clasp to each shape near the top of the swan’s body, making sure you leave space to sew around the edge of the felt later. Sew the clasps in place with a double thickness of matching blue sewing thread.

 

(If you're just making a swan brooch, skip to step 9)

7. Use a pair of small pliers to cut a length of jewellery chain approx. 11cm long (or sized to suit your collars).

 

8. Place the swan backs in front of you so they are facing each other. Hold one end of the chain in position (just under the “inside” end of the brooch clasp, as pictured) and use a double thickness of blue thread to securely sew the end link of the chain to the felt.  Repeat to sew the other end in position on the second swan back, joining the swans together.

Tip: When sewing the chain to the second swan, make sure the chain isn’t twisted!

 

9. Place the front and back of one of the swans together, and sew around the edge with blanket stitch (or whip stitch) and light blue thread. Lift the chain out of the way as you sew past it. Finish your stitching neatly at the back, then repeat this step to finish the second swan.

 

Click here to view the template sheet & print it at 100%.

This tutorial is for personal use only: you can use it to stitch as many swans as you want for yourself or as gifts, but please don't make any for sale. You may borrow a few photos if you want to blog about this project, but remember to credit me and link back to the original source, and do not reproduce my entire post or share the pattern itself on your site. Thanks!

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Glorious Goldfinches

I love goldfinches. They are such pretty birds... and I have stitched a lot of them over the years!

I've only occasionally seen them "in real life" though, as they're an infrequent visitor to our garden.

So I was quite delighted last week when our birdfeeder was host to not one...

... not two...

... but THREE lovely goldfinches!

 

They've come back several times since then, it is such a joy to see them. I couldn't resist taking a little video of a pair of them enjoying the seeds. Birds are so awesome :)

(Can't see the video? Click here to view it on Google Plus.)

I am feeling quite inspired to work on some bird-themed patterns now!

Tempting Temptations

As I've mentioned a couple of times, I'm trying to focus on destashing this year. Using up the crafty supplies I already have, clearing out the ones I no longer need and resisting the urge to buy shiny new crafty things unless I need them for a specific project... decluttering my space and saving money in the process.

But aaaargh, I am being so tempted by some lovely fabric you guys!

Specifically, this gorgeous bird print (from "Flock" by Michael Miller)...

 

... and this loveliness from Eloise Renouf's "Shape of Spring" collection. 

(Images from M is for Make) Nice, huh?

There are lots of reasons why I shouldn't buy this fabric. I have a big stash of un-used fabric already, I don't have any particular project in mind for these new prints so they'll probably sit un-used in my stash as well, I've already gone waaaay over my January budget by buying this dress and booking a spring holiday (oops!), I'd rather spend any spare cash I have on Nice Days Out, etc etc etc. But most of all having resolved to curb my crafty spending in 2015 I want to stick with it and not fail at the very first hurdle!

So, I am writing this blog post to help me resist this fabric's siren song. One of the great things about blogging about a long-term project (be it a crafty make or a personal challenge) is that it helps you stick with it. I do not want to be writing a confessional blog post in a few days or weeks time admitting to you all that I had no willpower! I will not buy this fabric. I will not buy this fabric. I will not buy this fabric.

Fingers crossed...

Crochet Hooks and Swans

I picked up a couple of craft magazines at the newsagent yesterday...

 

... the latest issue of docrafts Creativity magazine and a "bookazine" called Adorable Animals.

Regular readers may remember that I've done a few projects for Creativity over the past few months. For this month's issue I stitched a wrap for storing crochet hooks, which can easily be adapted for other tools:

You can spot my Adorable Animals project on the contents page...

... felt swan collar clips! If you're not a fan of the collar clip trend you could stitch one swan to be a brooch or attach the swans to a pair of hairclips.

The swans were soooo much fun to stitch. I adore anything bird-themed and making mini versions of anything is always such an interesting challenge!

Gift Ideas for Bird Lovers, from the RSPB

Regular readers will know I love birds... so, when someone from the RSPB got in touch and asked if I'd mention their shop on my blog I said I'd be happy to!

I've chosen a selection of bird-themed gifts, but do make sure to check out their full range (much of which features British birds and wildlife). 

First up, some lovely mugs and a biscuit tin for cheering up tea-time. The owl mug is part of a range of wildlife-themed homewares which I have been seriously pining after for months (I'm not sure I can justify buying another mug, especially as I'm trying to cut down on my tea-drinking... maybe some cake tins? or a shopping bag?)

 

Tom Frost Owl Mug

Bluetit Mug

Madeleine Floyd Birdsong Tin & Shortbread Biscuits

Charm of Finches Mug

  

Next, the most adorable purses ever. These kids clasp purses are so fabulous - I am quite tempted to buy one for myself (maybe the bluetit?) and add a longer strap.

 

Bluetit Purse

Puffin Purse

Robin Purse

Tawny Owl Purse

One of my favourite things the RSPB sells is their range of singing soft toys - gorgeous, cuddly birds that "sing" when you give them a squeeze. I also love the Bird Bingo game (illustrated by Christine Berrie) and the charming woodpecker doorstop

 

Mini Singing Bird - House Sparrow

Bird Bingo

Woodpecker Doorstop 

Singing Bird - Chaffinch

Finally, not quite a gift idea but definitely appropriate for Christmas: sweet little bird ornaments. I have a couple of sets of these that I bought from the RSPB shop several years ago, they're always much admired when I put them on the tree.

Glass Bird Decorations

How To: Make a Pair of Felt Blackbirds

To celebrate the launch of my new book, Super-Cute Felt Animals, I've been sharing a collection of free tutorials that you can mix and match with the designs from the book.

Today I'm sharing the last free project - a tutorial for sewing two felt blackbirds. The blackbirds were originally designed as part of the "In the Garden" chapter but didn't make the final line-up.

 

Like many birds, the male and female blackbirds are different colours. You can choose your favourite, make the pair of birds or use your imagination to create a new, colourful species!

To make Mr & Mrs Blackbird, you will need...

- the template sheet at the bottom of this post
- black felt, approx. 3 ¼ x 6 in (8 x 15 cm)
- light brown felt, approx. 3 ¼ x 5 in (8 x 12 cm)
- brown felt, approx. 3 ¼ x 4 in (8 x 10 cm)
- small pieces of black, white, dark grey and orange felt
- matching sewing threads
- light brown, brown and dark grey embroidery floss (thread)
- round black sequins – approx. ¼ in (6mm) in diameter
- stuffing & a pencil or other small stuffing tool
- needles, pins & embroidery scissors (great for cutting out small felt shapes!)

1. Use the templates provided to cut out the pieces you need.

For Mrs Blackbird, cut two light brown blackbirds, one brown wing, one set of brown legs, one dark grey beak and one white eye. Also cut out a small black felt circle for the pupil.

For Mr Blackbird, cut out two blackbirds and one wing from black felt, one eye from white felt, one beak from orange felt and one set of legs from brown felt. Also cut out a small black felt circle for the pupil

2. Pin the wing on one of the blackbird shapes as pictured, and sew it in place with a line of running stitch around the edge in matching sewing thread. Then remove the pin.

3. Sew the eye, pupil and beak in position with whip stitch in matching sewing threads.

4. Now it's time to decorate the birds. For Mrs Blackbird, cut a length of brown embroidery floss and a length of light brown embroidery floss. Separate half the strands of each colour (so for six stranded floss, use three strands). Switch to a larger needle if necessary and use the brown floss to sew lots of single stitches for the “feathers” along the back of the blackbird. Then use the light brown floss to backstitch a series of curved lines along the wing, as pictured.

For Mr Blackbird, sew rows of round black sequins on the blackbird’s wing using black sewing thread. Sew each sequin in place with two stitches forming a straight line across the sequin, so your stitches face the same direction.

 

Then cut a length of dark grey embroidery floss and separate half the strands (so for six stranded floss, use three strands). Switch to a larger needle if necessary and use the floss to backstitch a line flush along the bottom edge of the wing.

 

5. Place the legs on a matching scrap of brown felt. Use brown sewing thread and running stitch to sew the legs to the backing felt, starting at the top of one of the legs. Sew the layers together with small stitches, following the outline of the legs and turning the felt back and forth as you sew to help keep your stitching neat on both sides. Then carefully cut around the leg shape, so you end up with a pair of legs that are two layers of felt thick.

6. Position the legs on the back blackbird shape, as pictured. Sew them in place with sewing thread to match the backing felt (light brown or black) taking care to sew into the light brown felt not through it.

7. Place the front and back blackbird pieces together. Trim any excess felt from the dark grey beak if necessary, so it matches the beak on the back blackbird shape. Then sew the edges of the beaks together with matching dark grey sewing thread and small whip stitches.

8. Start from just under the beak and begin sewing the blackbird together with matching sewing thread and whip stitch. Sew down the bird’s belly and around the tail, turning the bird back and forth as you sew past the legs to help keep your stitching neat on both sides.

 

9. Stuff the tail and then stuff the rest of the blackbird gradually as you sew up the back with more whip stitches. Finish your stitching neatly at the back.

Click here to view the template sheet in another window/tab, and print it at 100%.

This tutorial is for non commercial use only: you can use it to make as many felt blackbirds as you want for yourself or as gifts, but please don't make any for sale. You may borrow a few photos if you want to blog about this project, but remember to credit me and link back to the original source, and do not reproduce my entire tutorial on your site. Thanks!

Super Cute-Felt Animals is published by CICO Books, RRP £12.99. It includes 35 fun felt projects, each with illustrated step-by-step instructions. It's available to buy at Amazon UK and Amazon USA and many other bookshops.

Please note: the Amazon links in this post are affiliate links.

Enjoyed this free tutorial? Buy me a "coffee" and help support my blog!


Subscribe to my newsletter for a monthly free pattern and visit my crafty tutorial archive for lots more free projects.

Visit my shop to buy my printable PDF sewing patterns: