Potfest in the Park 2015

Rob, Brock and I enjoyed our annual trip to Potfest in the Park at Hutton-in-the-Forest near Penrith.

[Please click on any photo to see a larger version.]

Entry is £6 per person and includes entry to the grounds and gardens of the house, as well as parking and, of course, access to the ceramics exhibition and sale.

We began with a walk around the wild flower meadow and walled garden. They were looking on top form, and buzzing with insects.

Then it was on to the exhibition and competition area. The theme this year was 'Biblical'. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my camera (the photos here are all taken by Rob), so didn't get a photo of the three pieces I voted for, but here are two of Rob's choices:-

 Jonah and The Whale

The Last Supper

Brock enjoying the day out

There were 130 potters showing off their wares, so plenty to look at and even buy...

Some lovely earrings I bought from Steve Woodhead Ceramics. I also have a pair of yellow ones, purchased a few years ago, which I wear all the time.

This adorable container with bird ornament is from Charlotte and Sigerd Bohmer of Germany. We have quite a few of their pieces now, as we buy one or two every year.

Nine Eggs - Making A Textile Art Wall Hanging

This piece has just been listed in my Folksy shop.

It was inspired by the lovely fresh eggs that my own chickens lay. We have kept chickens for over 10 years. We have two hens at present, (Connie and Lily, below), and a cockerel called Monty. A friend once commented that he spoke to his hard boiled egg every lunch time, because "each one is an individual". That thought stuck with me, and here is the result.

The first task was to tea-dye the lovely antique, woven fabric that I wanted to use for the background to each 'egg'. I then chose the fabrics that I wanted to use for the eggs. I chose a subtle palette, which is rather different to my usual bright colour schemes.

Each egg was hand cut to be slightly different in size and shape from the others. The 'eggs' were hand appliquéd to the background rectangles, then the individual rectangles were machine sewn together.

The front was ironed, then sandwiched with cotton wadding and a backing fabric, pinned all over, then hand quilted in cream and black threads.

Next comes trimming to size, and the binding - a fabric which I overdyed - it has a subtle brownish black colour. This is half attached by machine, and half by hand stitching.

The hanging sleeve is also attached at this time, and then the 'Fire Horse Textiles' label is added to the reverse.

Finally, a hanging dowel is sawn to length and sanded on the ends to prevent splinters.

Rather a windy day when I was taking the photos!

Carsethorn Beach and The Steamboat Inn

Rob, Brock and I had an outing to Carsethorn near Dumfries today. I see from looking at the website on the village that it originally started as a Viking village and trading point.

The weather was fantastic and we got to the beach at around 11.00 am in time for a walk before lunch at the pub.

[Please click on any photo to see a larger version.]

 Sand martin nests

 The beach had a layer of washed-up peat, which made interesting patterns as the tide went out.

Brock, or "The Photobummer", as we call him, since in most of our photos he is a retreating butt in the distance!

The Steamboat Inn Bar Area

There is a small, free car park next to the pub.

The Steamboat Inn is open all year round and serves food that has received some good reviews. They allow dogs in, which is always a bonus for us, especially on such a hot day.

The staff were all very friendly, as were the local people that we talked to. The pub is stuffed with bric a brac related to the sea, mainly, and has a good atmosphere. There was outside seating that was completely full by the time we left. You would need to reserve a table on busy days.  

The vegetarian choices on the menu are macaroni cheese or Mediterranean vegetable cassoulet in basil and tomato sauce, served with rice. The latter is also gluten free. We had one of each, with Rob choosing chips instead of garlic bread with his macaroni. With a pint of orange squash, a mineral water and two coffees, the bill came to £27.50. Both meals were very tasty, although I would add some beans to the cassoulet to add a bit of protein to the dish. Also it would be nice to see some more vegetarian and gluten free meals available. However, we will definitely be back!