I have not posted for a couple of weeks due to being poorly. I live with Labyrinthitis/vertigo, mildly every day, but I picked up a cold and cough and the condition took me off to Viv's spinning world. Ugh, vile, horrid nasty condition it is. It seems to really kick off with cold infections or stress, neither of which is easy to avoid from time to time. Anyroadup, I now have a Specialist to go and waste a few hours of my precious time with. To be probably told that I have to 'live with it' and he/she will probably suggest a few exercises to try!
Sorry, cynical grumpy old woman alert!
My 'making' mojo had taken a short holiday break too whilst all of this has been going on. In the last few day I have managed to rouse the troops and get back to it, a little.
Firstly, I found a lovely old booklet showing one how to make felt flower corsages..Well, I was going to go into business making these babies....this time next year I was going to be a millionaire! Ever the optimist! Well, it must have taken 4/5 hours to make just the one, so thats that idea out of the window. (Not literally). 
I have been making purses and bags from that lovely soft, washed worn French cloth, that has the delicious hand darning. Front...
Back...
Front...
Back..
This little coin purse is made from a vintage embroidered tray cloth... I thought the embroidery was adorable.
A couple of envelopes, one with vintage wallpaper and millinery flowers and 
the other, an envelope dated 1966, sent to Japan and duly returned to sender. I had the wonderful task embellishing the envelope, which has the most exquisite markings and Japanese handwriting.
Whilst wallowing in my misery, I have had two lovely surprises ... amy and I arranged a swop. As you may be aware I adore Amy's work and so it was with great pleasure I received this wonderful work. Amy thank you, I absolutely adore her...your part of the bargain will be sent soon. 
I also won this fantastic Orchid pendant handmade by jo of Tanglefrost. Thank you Jo, for your beautiful piece and for all the lovely, kind things you have written.
Finally, we have all been agonising as to whether we should have another dog. Daisy is certainly lost without Rosie, but we cannot agree on what flavour to have. Many people have suggested getting another dog, not to replace Rosie but to kind of fill the huge void that is left. This baby is a Griffon Bruxellois. I wondered if any of you kind ladies out there have any advice with reference to this breed. The current husband and Holly want a Border Collie!!! I don't think we will ever agree.
photo courtesy of http://www.doggies.com/
64 comments:
Some beautiful makes and swaps here. I hope you soon feel better. I know what you mean about seeing specialists. I have seen so many people over the years about my dodgy back and as you say the upshot is, you'll have to learn to live with it, blah blah blah.
Twiggy x
so glad you're back, hope you recover fully real soon! such lovely things you posted today, thank you for sharing them with us!
Lovely purses Viv, I do hope you start picking up soon. Re your dog conundrum can I suggest you get a border collie and sneek a griffon do-bury-whats-it in as well as it doesn't look as though it would take up much space, so then you would all be happy.
Viv, this new work is heartbreakingly beautiful.
I'm wild about your new header!
And I'm awfully partial to Border Collie's too. They are very loyal and protective.......
xx
julie
Sorry to hear you've been feeling crap . . how on earth did you manage to make all that yummy stuff as well? Reckon whoever walks the dog the most should have a majority vote . .. and that's usually the woman of the household so you should be fairly safe!!
Sorry to hear you've been unwell :( Your bags and purses are so pretty and I love Amy's painting/collage. I see you'll be at the Homepun Fair at Easter - I'll see you there! Hope you feel better soon x
You do such Lovely work and had great swap too, I'm a huge fan of roses, radishes and love her work too!!
I know how you feel with the Labyrinthitis/vertigo, I had it badly once about 7 years ago and now everytime I pick up a bug I get a small dose of it, especially if it's a sickness and Diarrhoea bug for some reason. An awful thing to live with.
Hugs and sympathy
Micki x
Hi Viv, so sorry to hear you've been a bit under the weather! I've missed your posts! I love the little draw string bags & purses. Good luck with the doggie decision. We love dogs too, but have to just stick with our 2 cats because we don't really have a large area for dogs to play. Great movie, and I love that little dog. Finally, thanks for following my blog, I do so adore your hand stitched vintage envelopes, and your work inspires me! Hugs, Becca
So sorry to hear you've been poorly. Hope you're all mended soon. I love your things on this post, I just wish I could pick some of them up and feel them! We have a border collie crossed with a collie, and she's amazing, but was a lot of work when she was young, too clever for her own good, and had to be occupied constantly. They won't just go for a walk, either, they have to have something to 'do' all the way round as well, throwing a ball etc. Keep us posted, though.
I love your embroidered purse and envelopes, lovely lovely stuff ... I want all of it!
Sorry to hear you have been poorly, sounds horrible. I just love the things you have been making especially the corsage,the little bags and the swan purse. I am hoping they may make an appearance in your Etsy shop.
Ann x
current husband eh! You must tell us all when it's time for the upgrade!
You poor thing...I've had that and its vile, frustrating and officially yuk! Love the japanese letter, absolutely beautiful and some lovely swaps too. I vote for your choice of pup!Its great to have you back Viv x
Can't believe I've only just found you, you have a wonderful blog.
Love your makes and what lovely swaps.
Hope you feel better soon.
Beki xxx
Hello Viv just thought I'd pop by and say Hi. Sorry you have been unwell, my best friend suffers from the same thing and I know how hard it has been for her.
Your purses and bags are exquisite, and the corsage! you will have to treasure it since it took so long.
Jenny
re: choosing a new dog - i'd suggest going to the re-homing center have a look around and see if you fall in love :o)
i rather like the look of whippets at the moment but usually go for larger breeds of the heinz 57 variety
my last two being collie/lurchery types.
hope you get better soon x
Sorry to hear you've been feeling poorly I've missed you. love your purses.Thank you to the link to Amy I love her work!! Good luck with the dog.
some lovely purses posted.. Feel better..
I would say welcome back but I didn't know you were gone. I just found your blog.
Your purses and just wonderful.Do you do the embroidery yourself? I just love them.
Only get a border collie if you have sheep or cattle for it to work. They need lots of room and things to do. Our dog herded the chickens.
So sorry you have not been feeling well. Hope it all gets better. Your purses are really cute. And I LOVE those bags!
My dad used to breed border collies and I cant recommend them eough as good and faithful friends, lovely natures and oh so clever...I love your purses and what lovely gifts...lucky lucky you...I was so sorry to hear you have been unwell, sending hugs to you and glad you are feeling better...
Wowzers Trousers Viv, love the new header, so pretty so vintage so right!
Ooh the corsage, ooh the new collages especially japanese envelop, ooh the purses, all scrumdiddlyumptious!
Glad you are felling better, that dizzyness must be so horrible. Take care of yourself. I must go and look at everything on this post again!
Sarah x
Please e-mail me if you have a chance as I want to send you something! mysterious!
so sorry to hear that you have been under the weather, hoping you are feeling 100% again soon. LOVE the felt corsage, I have several vintage ones that I wear & have some felt to make some.. thanks for the warning about the time it takes! take care, Lizzie x
Sorry cannot give advice on doggies.. as I am the ultimate "cat person" !!!
Poor you. I get labyrinthitis from time to time too and know how horrid it makes you feel. Drunk without the fun of drinking. Really love all your makes.
We have 3 cairn terriers and I would agree with a comment in the book we have about them which says once you have had one you will never be without one. They delight in pleasing you and have really lovely characters.
A x
Hope you're soon feeling loads better Viv. You're an inspiration to us all with all those wonderful things you make, love the flower corsage it makes me smile. Lucey xx
Hi Viv
The current husband comment made me smile. Lovely description.
Everything is as gorgeous as ever, but sorry you've been on a bit of a go-slow. Hope you're back up to speed and that the specialist will say sensible things and not make ridiculous comments which will transform you permanently into a grumpy old woman, as it wouldn't suit you!!!!
Love Sue xx
Hi Viv,
many years ago I had a very bad vertigo for a very long time. For 1/2 year I couldn't even sit up, only lie around without moving my head. Several nights I hit my husband a black eye, when moving my head while draming I tried to steady myself. After several specialist and therapists only a kinesiologist could help. Maybe we can have a talk at our Homespun Fair.
Your new header is aboslutely lovely, it looks so Beatrix Potter like, so springs and fresh, it elates me.
Take care, see you soon.
Gertie x
So sorry you've been unwell.
Your embroideries are delightful.
Can I suggest a greyhound if you are undecided about which kind of dog to get. They are usually loyal, patient, calm, graceful, affectionate, and lovely dogs. So many are just discarded after their racing days are over, it's heartbreaking. Best of luck whatever you choose though.
... like a record baby ... round, round, round, round ...
So sorry to hear you have been poorly again Viv, I do hope you are feeling a lot better. I love all your latest pieces esp. the Japanese envelope stitching. Your gifts are absolutely gorgeous esp. the piece from Amy and I think you should get your way with the doggie ;o)
Hugs and best wishes
Carolyn xo
Hope you feel better soon Viv. Lovely makes as always!
I love the Japanese envelope.
The best thing to do re dogs...get one of each!
Kath
x
What a beautiful picture at the top your blog. It really captures spring.
Sorry to hear you've been unwell. I've had vertigo twice in my life so I sympathise. It is VERY nasty.
The Tokyo letter is very exciting and the felt flowers are really, really pretty. xx
wow - loving the work the swaps, the new look and here's hoping you feel better too . . . .
Happy making!
Amelia.x
What beautiful things! And...only get a border collie if your family needs someone to run the house.
I am sorry to read you have been unwell - I can only imagine how awful it has been for you. On a brighter note, your new makes are wonderful, and the corsage is very eyecatching!
Sending love
Julia x x x
Hi Viv
I am sorry that you have been so poorly, but you really do have a fantastic creaative mojo, your new items are absolutly beautiful. With regards to your next companion, have you thought about a slightly older rescue dog, they love you so much and just think how much they appreciate a kind and loving home, my Florence and Daisy before her came from the NCDL and I couldn't have asked for more faithful & loving companions.
Tracey x
Do hope the specialists are able to find a way to relieve you of these yucky symptoms, Viv. But delighted that your mojo is returning, as these beautiful creations clearly demonstrate.
Thank you so much for sharing my pendant and mentioning my blog too - very kind.
Hugs xxx
so glad you are back - I too have just had about of the same thing - isn't that strange but i have had some antibiotics to get rid of the infected sinus' and i now feel able to move my head without falling over!!!!
the envelopes are gorgous
Hi Viv,
Sorry to hear you have not been well.
The vintage fabrics look so beautiful made up as purses.
You must get your way on choosing the dog.
Hope you feel better soon.
M x
Hello Viv,
I am sorry to hear you have been poorly Labyrinthitis & vertigo are both something I can relate to as I have an incurable version that I have to live all the time with due to my deafness & damage to my inner ear,
I hope you will soon be feeling better & the world stops spinning for you really soon,
I just love your little felt flowers they are so pretty & spring like and your lovely Bag & purses are stunning as always,
Pam
Viv, I'm sorry to hear you've not been well, what a miserable time you've had.
I'm so glad you're back and up to showing us your wonderful work again! I love the envelopes, my favs! Mx
Hope you'll soon be fighting fit Viv, (love your new projects). The Griffon is cute too, but I know nothing about this breed I'm afraid. Border collies being intelligent working dogs need plenty to keep them occupied and two walks a day! Bye for now, Lesley x
Eat your heart out Cath Kidston.. your felt corsages are formidable.. in the French sense!!!!
I know you have been laid low of late Viv.. hardly surprising with all that life has thrown at you.. but your creativity is thriving and just gets better and better from where I am standing!
When we talk of getting a dog..which we do constantly..but not in front of the cat.. we always come back to Border Terriers.. great characters and look so cuddly.
As Good as it Gets.. is a cracker of a film.
MXx
soryto hear you've ben unmwell hope you can get some relief son.
I think your work is stunning ...the purses & the altered envelope simply gorgeous.
I grew up with Border collies - they are quite highly strung & need a lot of exerise where they will run round in circles & drive you mad dropping stcks to be thrown !
In my adult life I have had Golden Retrievers who will drive you mad with hair & slobber but are totally afectionate & gentle.
I would never have a very small dog but when I get to the point when I can't handle a big dod wil get a medium sied one - perhaps a mixed up one from the dog home. That's a long long way off as Dillon is only four !!! ( Dilon is breathing a sgh of relief here )
Hope you can come to an agrement !
Big healing shout out to my dizzy sista! Hope it passes soon chicky...we've just got a new/old rescue doggy...schnauzer/collie cross...no help wotsoever on breed advice but she's lovely!
TAKE CARE
xxxxxxxxxxx
How lovely to see you back:-)
I get those millionaire ideas all the time too.... It's a pity that we're not computer or IT createurs instead...
About your little dog... I have a Bichon Havanais or B. Habanero, not sure about the trsnlation to English... It'a absolutely the best breed I have ever had, and I have had bigger dogs before... So much fun, and so much tolerance in one sturdy little dog.
Once upon a time when there was Circuses around, this was the favourite dog breed to train. SO you can imagine how easely trained they are...
I keep my Chilli cut, he looks half poodle half schanuzerylike. And they don't shed any hair at all:-)
Love your envelopes!
Fabulous, gorgeous things, only recently found your blog and i love it. I notice you're doing a fair in Ludlow, i'd love to pop across and see you there. I live in Montgomery and am just opening,hopefully, an eclectic shop of sorts here, planning permission permitted! Sorry to hear of your Labyrinthitis, I suffer from it too and it's so horrible, I used to work for a doctor and he did give me some exercises to combat it that worked, he drew a series of diagrams and i had to move my head to various positions (difficult) to dislodge the calcium?? particals lodged in the sensory bits in your ear (he was much more technical). Thanks for sharing your lovely work.
Thanks Viv, will definitely be at the fair and will seek you out. Hope you're feeling better.
Gorgeous work. I think its a good idea to get another doggie soon. we didn't and are now dogless.
I love that film and the dog is wonderful..
I've some experience of labrythitis and I'm sure there are some remedies...please be patient and if the specialist is worth his salt he should get it fixed...
I love reading your blog..
Take care
Jude
hi Viv - I'm passing on a blog award to you as I'm always inspired by your blog. see my blog for details. lovely post - hope you're feeling 100% soon.
Sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well. I love all your beautiful creations and lucky you swapping and receiving such wonderful gifts from other talented bloggers. I adore that embellished envelope from 1966 - the year I was born! I would definitely get another dog if everyone is in agreement. They certainly do add so much love to the family. Wishing you well. Have a great weekend. :) Tammy
Hello Viv,
I'm so sorry that you have been feeling poorly. I have a friend who struggles with this. She had to kick caffeine. Yikes! Your photos today are BEAUTIFUL! You're so talented. I love that puppy and I have to tell you that while I was in Australia, I saw the cutest puppy EVER. Have you heard of a cavoodle?
Love the new work especially the envelope and the purse. New to blogging and i find your blog inspirational. Hope you are feeling better . I have a friend who suffers from the same thing and when it hits it really hits. Valleri x
Viv - I hope you are feeling better - I love the new banner BTW
57 comments....Wow! I have missed you. Your new things are lovely. I do like those felt flowers. I am not blogging much I have been so busy that I really do not have the energy for it. I do hope that your vertigo gets better I can not even imagine how crazy it is. Take Care. jenny
Viv - it's good to have you back. Sorry you have been poorly - must be awful. The felt flowers are lovely - although as you say don't think you'll make millions on those if they take that long!! Love your bag and purse and ... everything! xx
Happy Easter Viv!
I have a photo of your necklace that I will post on the blog soon!
Love
Becky
OH My mom has vertigo too and yes other illnesess can make it worse. It can knock her out for days. SOO Sorry
I just found your post. I do hope you're feeling better now & able to enjoy Easter. I love what you're making. Will keep surfing back. Happy easter. x
First of all...where do you get all of that wonderful vintage French cotton/linen fabric??? Of course, it's impossible to find around here. I'd settle for old flour bags, but I have a heck of a time finding those, too.
As for that little black muffin of a dog...Oh my goodness...if you don't want him, ship him/her here to San Antonio and I would smooch him right up!
Hi Viv, great to see you on Sunday and your 'current' husband!! I wish I'd known it was your silver anniversary.. congratulations to you both, you are such a lovely couple together.
That dog... oh my god.. a griffon whatever it is .. I need me one of them immediately. Too damn cute. If I'd have known you were wanting a pupper I'd have posted you one of mine :).. xxx
Hello Lovely!
Just checking in, how id it all fo at the fair? I was thinking of you and all those gorgeous new things,
Love Sarah x
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