Make a Lavender Bag
How To Make a Lavender Bag
By Rachel Fearnley
Lavender bags are easy to make and are functional, pretty gifts for yourself or others. I have lavender bags dotted around our home. I much prefer the natural smell of them, compared with the synthetic fragrances from shop bought air fresheners which are often very overpowering.
Not only do they make lovely air fresheners, because lavender is a natural insect repellent, they are great for putting in wardrobes and drawers to keep moths at bay from precious clothes. They are also ideal when travelling; simply add them to your suitcase or overnight bag and they will help to keep clothes smelling fresh.
Another advantage of having homemade lavender bags around the home is that it has been scientifically proven that lavender can aid sleep naturally. Therefore, having a few lavender bags to tuck under your pillow or to keep on top of your pillow during the day, may help you have a good night’s sleep.
Lavender bags can be made with many different fabrics; however, my preference is always a good quality cotton or linen that is tightly woven. Because you don’t need much fabric to make them, you can use off-cuts or small pieces of fabric that can’t be used for other projects. This of course adds a sustainable dimension to them which is even better.
A lovely option, when choosing the fabric is to look at old clothes that are beyond repair. Maybe an old summer dress, skirt or blouse that has a pretty pattern, or a shirt that is heading to the charity shops. I like to use fabric from old clothes that I have previously loved wearing, it gives the fabric a new lease of life, continues the narrative but also acts as a reminder of happy times wearing the garment.
If you don’t have any old clothes that you are ready to cut up, you can often find really pretty fabric in charity shops. Sometimes I have used an old, plain white linen shirt for the lavender bags and have embroidered on a simple design to create something extra special. Another alternative is to treat yourself to one of our Print in a Box Experiences where you can hand print your own fabric and then sew it up into lavender bags (we supply everything needed in the box including a sachet of our homegrown lavender).
To create your lavender bags, you will need small pieces of laundered and ironed fabric, sewing thread, scissors, pins, a sewing machine (but not absolutely essential, you can also hand sew the bags) and lavender. If you do not have a supply of dried lavender, there are many on-line shops where it can be purchased. Or as an alternative, maybe ask a neighbour or friend who has lavender if you can have a small bunch from one of their plants. You could then repay their gift by giving them a lavender bag or two as a thank you gift.
To make the lavender bags, cut out two pieces of fabric for each bag. The size will depend on how big you want your finished bags, but I generally cut the fabric to 9 cm square. You can also make them as rectangles, hearts, circles – the possibilities are endless. However, if you are new to sewing, I think a simple square one will be a fantastic project.
How to Make the Lavender Bag
1. Put the fabric right sides together (so that the patterned sides are facing each other) and carefully pin in place. Sew round all the sides, leaving a 1.5 cm seam allowance. Remember to leave a small gap along one of the edges to enable you to turn the fabric the right way out.
2. Carefully trim off the excess fabric at each corner. This will give you a neater, sharper corner.
3. Turn the two pieces the right way out so that you can now see the pattern. Very carefully, using a blunt pencil or similar, poke the corners out to create a sharp finish. Iron the bag, paying particular attention to the open seam – iron this so that the two halves meet up neatly.
4. Carefully add the lavender to the bag, you don’t need to fill the bag completely; I tend to use another filling too, for example a small quantity of rice. Carefully close the opening and ensure that the two pieces of fabric line-up neatly together. Either hand stitch or use the machine to sew up the opening.
5. Sit back and admire your work.
If you have very small pieces of fabric, you could perhaps sew some together to form a patchwork for the bags. You can also add vintage buttons or lace to the bags to create additional interest.
For more information visit the website at www.rachelfearnleydesigns.co.uk
Festival of Libraries 2024
Manchester Celebrates the Joy of Libraries
Central Library, Manchester
Manchester City of Literature is preparing to celebrate the joy of libraries with Greater Manchester and the world when the Festival of Libraries takes place from Wednesday 12th to Sunday 16th June 2024.
Sharing their love of libraries will be authors, poets, performers, artists and historians, including Konnie Huq, LYR (Simon Armitage, Richard Walters and Patrick Pearson) and Christopher Eccleston.
Taking part are the city region’s 133 libraries, including the internationally renowned Central Library, Chetham’s, The Portico Library and John Rylands Research Institute and Library, and everyone is invited.
The Festival of Libraries programme will be full of imagination, ideas, connections and discussion with exhibitions, author talks, performances, installations, live music, workshops and international collaborations which are all free to take part in.
The festival will also remind people the breadth of what libraries offer and the incredible contribution they make to communities as places that not only give access to books, but provide services, learning and creativity; all with an open invitation to anyone.
As a UNESCO City of Literature, Manchester believes passionately in the value of libraries and the Festival of Libraries, which is Arts Council England funded, is a reflection of this.
Konnie Huq, photo by Lara Downie
Bringing her Fearless Fairy Tales to the festival’s fun-filled Look for a Book trail is TV and radio presenter, screenwriter and children’s author Konnie Huq; who holds the record for being the longest Blue Peter presenter (1997-2008) and is an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and British Asian Trust.
Taking place during May half term this Family Friendly adventure is for book hunters everywhere to immerse themselves into, with clues to follow and evidence to gather in the quest to discover a copy of Fearless Fairy Tales. The hiding places will be libraries across Greater Manchester and the green spaces that surround them and the clues will be set by a team of librarian super sleuths.
Konnie Huq, says, “I’m thrilled that Fearless Fairy Tales is such a big part of Festival of Libraries 2024, off on a great adventure of its own around Greater Manchester’s green and community spaces for Look For A Book! I’m proud to be supporting libraries and our young people should be too, this is such a fun way to share the range of services and activities they offer. Good luck treasure hunters and I look forward to seeing the winners in June!”
It is with eager anticipation and considerable excitement that band LYR have been commissioned to write and record a new song for the Festival of Libraries. LYR is made up of British Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, singer-songwriter Richard Walters and multi-instrumentalist and producer Patrick Pearson and performances include Green Man, Latitude and Blue Dot festivals.
The track will be released in June and will be performed live at a special event taking place on Wednesday 12th June at Manchester Central Library. LYR will be collaborating in the writing and performing of the piece with a Manchester based artist.
Simon Armitage, says, “I wrote some of my early poems “cramming in a carrel at Central Library” so it’s a real thrill to be performing there, giving something back to the institutions which were a gateway to personal enlightenment and a place to get out of the rain.”
Christopher Eccleston by Johnny Ring
Actor, and Salfordian, Christopher Eccleston, who Festival of Library lovers will know for his critically acclaimed film, television and stage work – including Our Friends in the North, Shallow Grave and the soon to be released The Young Woman And The Sea – is the first name to be announced for the Inspired by Libraries talks.
These are a flagship series of events in the festival programme that give local residents and library users the chance to see a well-known figure in conversation about how libraries have impacted their lives, as well as a chance to put forward their own questions.
Previous speakers have included Michael Rosen, Gary Younge, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Stuart Maconie, Cheddar Gorgeous, Simon Armitage, Guy Garvey and Radzi Chinyanganya.
Christopher Eccleston says, “As an actor words are the tools of my trade. When I was growing up in Salford the local library provided a vibrant lifeline to the wider world. Libraries feed people’s interests and passions and provide access leading to connections being forged. I’m excited to be at Manchester City of Literature’s Festival of Libraries this year to share how I have been inspired and supported by libraries.”
Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England adds, “The Festival of Libraries showcases the fantastic range of libraries in Greater Manchester, from the Central Library and Manchester Poetry Library to the equally important local libraries which support their communities so well.
“I’m delighted that we are supporting this year’s festival through our National Lottery Project Grants programme and I’m sure that local people and visitors will enjoy the huge range of talks, performances and exhibitions alongside taster sessions for Lego and creative writing.”
Eccles Library by Samantha Guess Photography
This is the fourth Festival of Libraries. In 2023 the festival included 111 events and involved Greater Manchester’s whole library network making it a unique celebration.
Festival of Libraries’ partners include Archives+, Central Library, Chetham’s Library, John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Manchester Poetry Library, NHS Libraries, The Portico Library, Working Class Movement Library, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Institute Cervantes Library and Greater Manchester libraries (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan).
For further information about the Festival of Libraries 2024 visit the website at www.manchestercityofliterature.com
Lesley Writes Her First Novel
Classic Car Owner Publishes First Novel
Lesley Anne Brown writes a novel
With a hotrodding husband and a UK drag racing champion for a son, Lesley Anne Brown’s adult life has been dominated by horsepower as she immersed herself in their passions. All the while harbouring an ambition of her own – to write a novel.
An idea ignited as Lesley and her husband laid eyes on a 1930 Ford Model A Phaeton in a showroom in Denver in 2007. Seven years, 32,000 miles, and 22 states later, they’d had one hell of an adventure in that car, and shipped it back to the UK where it is a regular at our NSRA shows.
Like most car builders, Lesley suffered from procrastination and excuses. More in hope than expectation, she added ‘write a novel’ to the list of 60 things to mark her 60th birthday and finally put pen to paper in late 2021. More than two years later, she now proudly holds a copy of her first novel, ‘Finding Carla’.
In our fascinating article, Lesley tells us her story of what inspired her to write the book and how she set to work on the project.
“My husband, Dave Brown, has been an American car nut since jeans were flared, hair was long and ‘55 Chevys weren’t even 20 years old! As an adoring girlfriend I tagged along and as a wife, it was one of the wedding vows I made, to remain part of the scene. However, it wasn’t until 2007 when I laid eyes on a beautiful hot-rodded Ford Model ‘A’ Phaeton in a showroom in Denver, Colorado that I finally ‘got it’.
Seven years, 32,000 miles and 22 states later, we’d had one hell of an adventure in that car, living The American Dream. It is now a familiar sight at car shows around the UK, with another 25,000 miles added to the clock and many more fabulous memories made.
With a car mad husband and a drag racing champion (Paul Brown) for a son, my adult life has been dominated by wheels and horsepower as I immersed myself in their passions. Meanwhile, I harboured an ambition of my own – to write a novel. Like most car restorers, I suffered from procrastination and excuses.
More in hope than expectation, I added ‘write a novel’ to my list of 60 things to mark my impending 60th birthday to spur me on and finally, I put pen to paper in late 2021 when I began creating Finding Carla. More than two years later I proudly held a copy of my first novel in my hand, admiring its distinctive front cover. It was just as I had imagined it right from the beginning of this long and rewarding project.
They say write about what you know. Well I had a wealth of experiences in the USA to draw from and I used these to write a tale about Carla, a prematurely retired 50-something mum and grandmother who jets off to America for the trip of a lifetime along the legendary Route 66, after her husband ups and leaves her out of the blue.
All bar one of the characters are fictional, but many of the events happened in real life, with the more outlandish stories actually being true! The book chronicles the background and landscapes of historic Route 66, bringing it to life through Carla’s eyes during an exhilarating and sometimes perilous journey in a classic 1960 red Corvette (my dream car!).
I have been delighted by the positive feedback and reviews I’ve received so far from men and women alike, including this five star review on Amazon which said, “Great read, Lesley’s style of writing takes you along with her for the ride through the twists and turns of the adventure along the famous Route 66.
“The various characters throughout the story definitely make the book fun and enjoyable. Hoping there is a sequel to come, made me want more adventures…” which has spurred me on to write a sequel.
Finding Carla is published by Wrate’s Publishing and can be purchased from authorlesleyannebrown.co.uk
For more information about the book, check out Facebook page Lesley Anne Brown – Finding Carla.
* Photographs show Lesley Anne Brown in the red Corvette featured in the novel, their Model A, and the first customer – their gorgeous granddaughter.
Idler Festival 2024
Idler Festival at Fenton House, Hampstead
Novelist Zadie Smith, photograph
by Ben Bailey-Smith
A joyful and thought-provoking festival of the arts will take place inside a beautiful, hidden 17th century house and garden in north London.
A summer weekend of talks, workshops, comedy, music and philosophy, the Idler Festival melts into the tranquility of the 300-year-old orchard, sumptuous gardens, terraces and lawns of Fenton House in Hampstead, finding its way into the historic rooms of the 17th-century home. The Idler Festival runs from 5th-7th July 2024.
Rowan Williams, 104th
Archbishop of Canterbury
Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, novelist, Zadie Smith and poet and Alan Partridge sidekick, Tim Key, are among the first wave of artists confirmed for this year’s Idler Festival.
Among this year’s early highlights, the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, will be talking about The Seven Deadly Sins; great north London novelist Zadie Smith will come to the festival as her first historical novel, The Fraud arrives in paperback; comedian, actor, writer and poet, Tim Key will celebrate the publication of his new poetry anthology, Chapters.
Nina Stibbe and Peggy
Also confirmed , storied Manchester figure DJ Paulette will share the highs, lows and lessons of a 30 year music career and discuss the challenges facing female DJs in the industry; beloved comic writer Nina Stibbe will talk about friendship, failures and finding a fresh start in her sixties.
Singer, songwriter and Squeeze mainstay, Chris Difford, will arrive ahead of the band’s 50th anniversary tour later this year, which includes a swiftly sold out night at the Royal Albert Hall.
Comic and playwright Arthur Smith intends to reveal. “the true story behind Fenton House – a tale of murder, mayhem and lasagne.”
Writer and novelist Olivia Laing’s new book is an exhilarating account of garden-making and at the festival she’ll discuss the sometimes shocking cost of building a shared paradise on earth.
Presenter of BBC Radio 3’s mid-morning “Essential Classics”, Georgia Mann will DJ in the orchard. The line-up will continue to grow as the festival approaches.
For the weekend of 5th-7th July, Fenton House becomes a hive of half-paced activity, where festival goers are invited to do as much or as little as they please.
The walled gardens and house will buzz with the Idler’s favourite comedians, writers, musicians, philosophers and tutors; and, while there will also be beekeeping, ukulele, agony aunts, workshops, dancing, bibliotherapy and walks, loafing about under an apple tree is very much encouraged.
Tim Key will join the Idler Festival
Festival Director Victoria Hull says, “We are so pleased to be able to confirm the first group of artists who’ll be joining us in Hampstead this summer. These are all people with fascinating stories to tell.
“A quick look at our early headliners sees Rowan Williams, Zadie Smith, Tim Key, DJ Paulette to name a few – and gives the best illustration of the variety of characters, performances and conversations to be found at the festival. We can’t wait for our favourite weekend of the year. This is such an exciting start. The build-up begins now!”
Tucked away at the top of Hampstead, Fenton House is a 17th-century brick mansion which, during the Idler Festival, becomes a soundscape of harpsichord recitals.
Aside from its huge collection of early keyboard instruments, the House features collections of 17th-century needlework and Chinese and 18th-century ceramics. Fenton was given to the National Trust by the last owner Lady Binning in 1952.
The Idler magazine was founded by Tom Hodgkinson in 1993. Tom was joined by Victoria Hull in 2011, when they launched the Idler Academy, selling books and producing live and online classes and events.
Victoria founded the Clerkenwell Literary Festival in 1998, which broke the mould of literary festivals at the time by merging underground culture with established writers and mixing different genres in the programme.
The Idler Festival continues this eclectic programming, presenting an event somewhere between a very, very relaxed garden party, your dream school and the best-ever house party.
The Idler Festival runs from 5th-7th July 2024 and is at Fenton House, Hampstead Grove, Hampstead, London NW3 6SP.
Weekend Tickets are £135.
Day Tickets released in June are £60.
For tickets and more information click on www.idler.co.uk
Sixtyplusurfers Competition
Win a Liberon
Wood Care Bundle
Sixtyplusurfers has teamed up with Liberon to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Bundle of Wood Care Products to help you care for your wood surfaces around the home, worth just over £100.
If you would like to bring a favourite but faded piece of antique furniture back to life, then the right wood dye could be the solution. The item’s original vibrancy can be regained using Spirit Wood Dye.
Liberon’s Spirit Wood Dye can also help you to achieve the exact shade you’re after, since it’s offered in eight colours that can be mixed together for the perfect tone. It’s ideal for use on dense, hardwood furniture such as mahogany and oak, and is a traditional dye with extra absorbency whose solvents penetrate deep into the wood.
Liberon’s Spirit Wood Dye is ethanol-based, and its extra absorbency makes it ideal for already-finished timbers. It’s available in Antique Pine, Dark Oak, Ebony, Georgian Mahogany, Light Oak, Medium Oak, Teak and Walnut. You can over-coat it with wax, oil or varnish, and even use it to tint French Polish.
But what if you’re happy with the colour tone of your antique furniture, but it’s simply become dirty and grimy over time? A top-quality wax is ideal for tackling this. But what differentiates one wax from another?
Waxing furniture has been done for hundreds of years, and whilst traditional beeswax has its place, it is a good idea to seek out a solid wax with a modern formulation, which makes it more hardwearing. Choose one with a good content of carnauba wax.
Carnauba wax is found on the leaves of the carnauba palm, which is native to north-eastern Brazil. It is known as the ‘Queen of Waxes’ and contributes to the superior durability of the complete wax formulation, making it ideal for nourishing and protecting all types of wood, including lacquers and French polishes.
Seek out a solid wax not only with a good carnauba wax content, but which creates a highly lustrous finish to make wood look beautiful. The selected wax should provide good resistance to finger and water marks. Search for one with a pleasant aroma that can feed wood to help prevent it from drying out. Look for one that has a track record and great reputation in the care of antiques specifically.
Do not be tempted to cut corners with easy-to-apply spray treatments because they will over time damage the wood onto which they are applied. A high-quality wax polish can only benefit the timber. Its ability to protect it means it will not adversely affect the structural stability of the surface.
Liberon’s Wax Polish Black Bison affords a highly glossy and resilient finish, helps to cover marks and scratches, and will also assist in preventing wood drying out in the future. Applying a small amount at a time achieves a highly lustrous and hardwearing effect. It’s a good idea to test the product on a spare surface or inconspicuous area for colour, compatibility and end result before beginning.
The wax is available in 150 ml and 500 ml size options in the following 15 colours: Antique Pine, Clear, Dark Oak, Georgian Mahogany, Golden Pine, Maple, Medium Mahogany, Medium Oak, Neutral, Stripped Pine, Tudor Oak, Teak, Victorian Mahogany, Walnut and Yew. The 500ml option will provide 5-6m2 of coverage. A 1 litre version is also offered in three shades only. Wax finishes should not be used in the kitchen or bathroom since wax and water do not mix.
For more information about Liberon products visit www.liberon.co.uk
For tips and advice check out liberonUK on Facebook.
For Your Chance to Win
Tell us what type of wax is used in Liberon’s Wax Polish Black Bison?
a) Palm wax
b) Olive wax
c) Carnauba wax
d) Honeycomb wax
To Enter the Competition
Tell us what type of wax is used in Liberon’s Wax Polish Black bison?
Then send in your answer with your name, address and telephone number
to the Sixtyplusurfers inbox at sixtypluscomp@hotmail.co.uk
or click on the purple link below:
* Please label your entry Liberon
Wood Care Bundle Competition
* The prize bundle may vary from
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Barnsdale Gardens Batik
Barnsdale Gardens Batik Collection
Marie-Thérèse King, wildlife artist, specialising in Batik, is coming to Barnsdale for a second year
Barnsdale Gardens is proud to announce that Marie-Thérèse King, an esteemed wildlife artist, specialising in the ancient art of Batik, is coming to Barnsdale for a second year.
She will be exhibiting and selling her unique and exquisite artworks in The Studio, where you can meet the artist, watch her work on new designs and be the first to see her new ‘Barnsdale Gardens Batik Collection’ of artworks, inspired by the wonderful gardens which are based in the East Midlands.
The collection will include
♥ Delphinium and Cardoons – This design combines the silvery green leaves of the cardoon (artichoke thistle) with the endless tones of blues and purples that make up the tall, elegant delphinium flowers.
♥ Crocosmia and Echinacea – This piece details a vibrant mix of stems from the gardens of bright orange crocosmia, purple sweet peas, pink echinacea and all the butterflies and bees that enjoy feeding on them.
These are just two pieces, there are many more in the pipeline, each original will be on sale at Barnsdale during the exhibition, and some will have a very limited edition of prints available.
Marie-Thérèse says, “I’m delighted to be exhibiting my art again up at Barnsdale. I’m currently working away on a series of designs which are the Barnsdale collection, inspired by the amazing gardens there, each artwork will be unique to this special place, seen through my eyes as an artist.
“The thing that struck me was how many butterflies, birds and bees live alongside the flowers, shrubs and grasses, each area is different, and there are so many fabulous colour combinations. I love working with colour and line, all my pieces start with drawings, then they get translated into artworks either in collages or batik.”
Nick Hamilton owner of Barnsdale Gardens explains, “Marie-Therese spent 2 weeks with us up at Barnsdale Gardens last year and worked here as artist in residence. The studio at garden number 38 was set up to exhibit her exquisite batik artworks and drawings.
“This year they are inspired by our gardens here at Barnsdale and will add an interesting element for our customers, who will be able to enjoy the gardens which are full of roses in June. Our customers can take a memory of our gardens away with them in the form of some of her original batik art, drawings, or even a lampshade.”
Marie-Thérèse teaches workshops in printmaking, cyanotype, batik and collage and is hosting one of these at Barnsdale Gardens on 23rd June, which has proved so popular that it has already sold out!
Marie-Thérèse will also be organising an Art Holiday retreat in Portugal consisting of sun, printing, drawing and birdwatching. Dates for this years art holiday are from the 4th – 11th May 2024.
For more information, visit Marie-Thérèse’s website at www.mariethereseking.uk
There’s plenty to see and do all year round at Barnsdale Gardens!
For more information visit the website at www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
u3a Learning New Skills
Learn Rewarding
Skills with u3a
It is amazing to learn that even after it was founded 42 years ago, many people have not heard of u3a or know exactly what it is. But through u3a over 400,000 people are exploring new experiences and continually learning – positive ageing in action!
The u3a movement encourages those who now have more time on their hands, to come together and enjoy a whole host of subjects, skills and activities. There is plenty of opportunity to find a u3a in every region, and the number of members is growing every day.
Local u3as offer a wide range of interest groups chosen and run by the members. These vary from branches, with a diverse range including music groups, sports and art. In addition members can access online talks and workshops. Most of these opportunities are presented by members, sharing their knowledge or skills with others across the movement. There is also a wide range of talks on offer from well-known speakers and organisations.
Marlene Jones says, “My daughter says I’m in the best fitness of my life. I can keep up with her most of the time. That is down to the u3a. As well as the physical benefits, there are the social benefits. I’ve made lots of friends and we meet outside of netball for coffee and Christmas meals. It’s great fun, there’s plenty of camaraderie and we have a real laugh. They are a great bunch of ladies.”
Mac McKechnie says, “I would be lost without u3a. In 2018, I was struck down with Sepsis, and spent some time in hospital, and came out a different and weakened person. Fortunately, u3a was there still, and I had to adapt my lifestyle a bit as my mobility suffered slightly. This did lead to me creating and getting u3a Walking Cricket going as a sport, which has rolled out across Yorkshire.”
Lindsay Hewitt says, “It’s helped my painting enormously and it’s so engaging. I started painting in my garden during lockdown. It was a beautiful spring, so I was able to spend lots of time outside doing something I loved. It was around this time that I joined the u3a. I’d heard about the national u3a Scotland painting competition and entered my triptych piece, My Covid Garden and I won! I was delighted.”
If you are interested in joining visit www.u3a.org.uk