Thursday, May 31, 2012

High Tea, Union Flags and Pearly Queens

"Pearly Queen of Jubilee Gardens" by Ann Carrington

On the occasion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee I am thinking of Jolly Old England and my desire to return!  After spending a semester abroad in my early twenties, I was smitten with all things English and have patiently awaited a trip back for more than just a quick flea market shopping spree.  Ever since Sofia, JZ and I started watching Downton Abbey, I have been thinking of a Creative Week in the country side of England -  complete with textiles, tea and a visit to my friend Elizabeth Baer's beautiful home in Bradford-on-Avon - just a stone's throw from Bath.  So, as with all good ideas, Elizabeth and I have come up with a wonderful plan - why not bring a group of women to visit the museums, the horsehair weaving mill and a private stately home full of embroidery!  And why not stay in a Duke's home built over 300 year ago?  Imagine, we could have high tea at The Pump Room, stitch a Union Flag and maybe even try our hand at some Pearly Queen art!

Union Jack borrowed from Jane Weston's blog

High Tea at the Pump Room in Bath

Please let me know if you might be interested as we are planning our dates now and would love to have you join us!  If you are unable to come along but want to wish the Queen well on her 60 years of Monarchy, you can send her a congratulatory note - I am sure she would love to hear from you!


20 comments:

  1. Anonymous1:20 PM

    If only....what a fantastic time this will be.

    Penny

    ReplyDelete
  2. Please put me on a contact list! I'd love to be dreaming about it just in case it is a possibility!
    Susan Fuquay

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous2:59 PM

    I want on that dream list also, along with my dream list of going to France! Presently my life is up in the air, but I hope to at least see you in November!

    Julie B.
    tabbytribe@earthlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous3:05 PM

    Kaari,

    Please put me on your list too. I will be there for a conference July 10-13 and would be happy to come early or stay later, if it might involve crafting, quilting and jewelry. (I'm going to guess you have my contact info as I have ordered from you before many times -- I hate to put my e-mail here.)
    Jill Fraley
    Oh - or you can find me online at Washington & Lee Law School and get an e-mail there...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous3:51 PM

    Yes! I want to go to jolly old England with you! I will e-mail you at notions@frenchgeneral.com to send you my contact information. I have wanted to go tot France with you for years, but my heart belongs to England.

    Alanna
    New York,NY

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am in! Please let me know more details.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That sounds like a fantastic break..I wouldn't mind hearing the details once you've got it organized...The thought of running away and stitching sounds divine :o)

    As a early contribution and my bit towards the jubilee...if anyone wants the paper-pieced pattern for the Union Jack seen on my blog, the file is here (https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BybbXbS_ORRXdWhsZjlWaDd3S28)for people to download. It is very basic, but with some sewing experience you should be able to make sense of it :o)

    ReplyDelete
  8. dude, if anyone loves the uk as much as you do...you know its MEEEEE, matey.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Trip sounds amazing - plz add me 2 the list & love the idea of adding a trip 2 France as well - I was supposed 2 go 2 Paris this year 4 my BIG B'day but had 2 postpone till next yr due 2 Moms health & a death in the family - so 2013 is the year 4 a trip 4 me - although we've never met love ur posts & blog - trip idea sounds amazing!! Reva

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous12:53 PM

    Jolly good idea Kaari! Add me too please! See you in Auty on the 16th! Wheeeee! or should I say Oui?

    Michele

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kaari,
    I'd love to go! Please put me on your list! Cheers!!
    xx, Julie

    ReplyDelete
  12. lisa milam5:34 AM

    kaari -
    you KNOW I'm interested! sounds like another amazing adventure!

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  13. kaari...please add me to the list!

    blessings,
    danielle muller

    ReplyDelete
  14. LindaS8:42 AM

    I would be interested in a creative trip to England. Please add me to the interested list:
    lins4025@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would be very interested Kaari; I'm patiently counting the days to Chateau Dumas in a few shorts week. Merci!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kaari, please add my name, too!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yes!! Please add me to the list!
    Kim Morgan
    twmorgan03@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous3:20 PM

    Hi Kaari! Moving to that barn in NY this summer but would LOVE to go to UK in 2013! I thought I'd read where Janet Bolton was maybe going to be on a FG trip in 2013? If so, LOVE HER WORK!! Anyway, see you're in France! Have a blast and let's travel in 2013!!
    Best, Chrisie Cordrey/furniture maker
    *had difficulty navigating the 'identity' spot below so choosing anonymous for convenience

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous10:36 PM

    Yes please! I went with Debby S. and can't get enough. I've always wanted to go on a French General excursion. Please put me on the mailing list. :)

    Valerie Jones
    Sweetestpea33@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Kaari! My mother, Kim Morgan, went on the France trip last year and I have been dying to go on one of your trips since her return. Please put me on the contact list as you know more.

    mallory.combest@gmail.com

    Mallory M. Combest

    ReplyDelete