Time for a Bath

It's time for my birthday treat! Mr Marmalade has booked a room here ...

Can you imagine how ridiculously excited I am about visiting here ....

and this is the best bead shop I've ever been too so another visit is planned, and this time, i've been saving!!

Hope you are having a fantastic weekend!

A Special Place

This is a shelf for special things.

A miniscule selection from my vast stone collection! These are some of my favourites. Most of them came from Italy, worn silky smooth by the river which runs through the rocky Trebbia Valley where we have spent many happy days. They remind me of connection.

The wooden chalice belonged to my grandfather, and is Spanish as his father was. In the summer I put a glass of flowers in it. This is for my ancestors.

The disc of wood, I found. It has a horseshoe shape in the middle. It reminds me of how lucky we are.

The candle and holder is a gift from Mr Marmalade. The light of love.

The little pot was sent from Jennyflower who's father made it from a piece of Yew wood which has ancient and deep connection to the lore of the British Isles. It has long been revered for it's ancient protective powers, strength and longevity.

The doll came in a tin and was a mothers day gift from Jimmy a few years ago.

It has a little message tucked inside.

Garden Delight

Right ... before I was so rudely interrupted by the big boob scandal, I was going to tell you about my weekend in the garden.


It was glorious weather! Just right for tidying, sorting and planning in the garden, it was positivly scorching if you stood in the sunshine - of which there was plenty. Now as I've said before, I'm good at growing veg, but rubbish at flowery gardens, and I think this is because of my "everything must be beautiful AND useful" philosophy. But I like to sit in a pretty garden in the summer, so i've come up with a plan.

I want to make an "elemental" garden. North, East, South, West.

In the North there will be a bed where food grows. I have in this bed already strawberries, a fig tree, blackberries, gooseberries, and some herbs. I will add more fruit and more 'ornamental' edibles which I wouldn't grow in the allotment. North represents earth, and earth is where our stability and nourishment comes from.


In the East there will be fragrant herbs. East represents air. Air carries scent and sound, and awakens the senses, the imagination and the intellect. It is where the power of thought resides.


In the South there will be bright sunny flowers in shades of red, yellow, orange, pink and perhaps a little white. South represents fire, the heat of passion, warmth, sun, high energy and creativity.


In the West will be a "woodland" area. Dominated by a huge ash tree and a smaller holly tree, this is a shady area of the garden, where ivy grows, wood rots, and lots of shade tolerant herbs and flowers will grow. Being shady means that the ground is wetter than elsewhere. West represents water and emotion. The flow of feeling.


The lawn in the middle of all this is round to bring all of these elements together and provide a circular space suitable for meditation and relaxation.

There will be flowers for cutting: sweet peas, annenomies, tulips, dahlia's and roses, but most of the plants and flowers I plant will be herbs.

for drying ..

cooking ..

beauty ...

and medicine..


Talking of which. There's nothing quite like a bit of carrot cake and a cup of tea to help the gardening along!

A Big Boob!

Ladies, we have to talk.
This is important.
It could change your life!
This is a subject which is close to my heart in more ways than one!

Yesterday, after a full weekend in the garden, basking in the gorgeous, positively balmy weather, getting sorted for the coming growing season, I sat down to do some blog hopping but was waylaid by a sewing website describing how to sew your own bra. I like the idea of making a bra, and knowing the intimate details of how one is constructed will help my corsetry skills no end. BUT, for a long time I have been horrified at the traditional method of measuring one's assets because it just doesn't work whichever way you look at it. It's a crime against womanhood if you ask me.

This is not a case of divide and conquer. It is a matter of taking things in hand and getting to grips with the situation and it just so happens that I am a perfect example of how this traditional method does not work.

For many years I was often reduced to tears of frustration and hopelessness when shopping for underwear or swimwear. Using the traditional method rendered my search for the perfect fit utterly impossible.

Why? I'll show you.

These instructions are the same as you will find anywhere on the web, and also the method employed by Marks and Spencer and other lingerie fitting rooms countrywide.

The instructions say

"Taking exact measurements is the first step in making a bra that fits. You'll need to calculate your bra-band size and your cup size by measuring around the rib cage and full bust, wearing your best-fitting bra. (Large-busted women especially need support for accurate measurements.)"

I say:

Taking exact measurements is very very important. But this must be done WITHOUT a bra on in the first instance. How is it possible to take a measurement around your underbust area when there is a bra band or a couple of wires in the way?

The instructions say:

"Using a full-length mirror, measure around the rib cage, making sure the tape is level around the body and pulling it snug. To this measurement, add either 4 or 5 in. to get an even number. Example: if the snug rib cage is 29 in., add 5 for a total of 34 in. This is the bra-band size."

I say:

WHY add 4 or 5 inches to the underbust measurement? What you measure is what you are. You would not add this much in such an indiscriminate way if you were dressmaking.

The instructions say:

"Next, measure the bust around the fullest part, again keeping the tape level, but this time don't pull it snug"

I say:

Right .. this is where you DO need to be wearing a bra - just to keep them upright while you measure.

The instructions say:

"To determine the cup size, subtract the bra-band size from the full-bust measurement. The difference, in inches, tells you the cup size: 1 in. for A, 2 for B, 3 for C, 4 for D, 5 for DD (or E), 6 for DDD (or F), and 7 in. for FF. For example, if your bra band is 36 in. and the full bust 38 in., the cup size is B; you'll make a size 36B."

I say:

Riddlemeree! This is nonsense and un-neccessary mathematics! Why make things complicated and invent measurements?

Using this method, see what happens with my measurements:

Underbust: 30" (what I measure) + 4" (to get an even number) = 34 inches.
Full bust: 34"

Can you spot the boob already?

There is no differential which means I have a concave bust. Or in bra speak, I am a size 30AA.

This is me ladies!

Do they LOOK as if they are non existant?!

A size 34AA bra on me, covers about about as much as these do !

Is it any wonder I couldn't find a bra to fit and left all the lovely ladies at M&S completely perplexed while I quietly despaired every time they brought me a different bra having at once deviated from the inadequate formula they were using, included more than a touch of their own guesswork and been lost for words when each and every suggestion failed miserably and left me bulging in all the wrong places!

A badly fitting bra will give you no support, bad cleavage, and a bra strap which rides up your back in a most unsightly way as the weight at the front pulls it down. It will adversely affect your posture and your confidence - especially if you fit into the category of "fuller bust".



Luckily a couple of years ago, my Sister-in-Law started working for a relatively new company which has thankfully revolutionised this silly fitting method. She told me one day that as someone who is a size 8-10, my bra size should be no bigger than 30 inches because that is what I should measure around my ribcage. A bra band should be like a corset - ie; tight, so that the support comes from underneath and the strain on shoulders is minimised. She herself as a size 12, wears a size 32 bra. She then estimated with absolute conviction, despite my goggle eyes, that I would be an E or F cup, so still unbelieving, I booked myself an appointment at the shop she managed the very next day and tried on a couple of these new sized bras. She was absolutely spot on! I was a size 30E and my boobs never felt better! What's more than that, my bust must have heaved a huge sigh of relief because since wearing a correctly fitting bra, I have gained a cup size and am now an F! I mentioned this to my expert SiL - she said it was a common occurence amongst Bravissimo girls! Bust enhancement without the surgery or the huge bill! ... Now what could be better than that!?

So here's the rub. If you are a D cup or more, go to Bravissimo. If you are not quite a D, measure your rib cage, try bra's with that size band, and increase the cup size as necessary. Remember that smaller band = bigger cup size and vice versa.

I know that many of you reading this will already know this marvelous secret! But if you struggle with uncomfortable lingerie, try this whatever size you think you are, and trust me. It works!

Baby it's Cold Outside

We've had the most superb spring day here at the House of Marmalade today. Eggy and Peggy have been sunbathing, and Jimmy has been wandering around with only a t-shirt on. The sunshine has lulled him into a false state of spring security because he has decided, despite all my warnings to the contrary (ie: it's not warm when the sun goes down) to have a camp out in the garden tonight with his friends. But how wonderful is that childhood exuberance?

I'm not so easily seduced by a quick burst of sunshine, and so when the postman arrived with a parcel from Moogsmum, the contents were very welcome indeed! These GORGEOUS wristwarmers in pink and black - one of my favourite combinations are just the thing for when it's too warm to wear gloves, but to cold not to wear a coat - and despite the sunny weather and sunbathing activities around here, I still think it's a little too parky to strip off, so these will come in very handy indeed (pardon the pun). I have tried them already and they are wonderful! Thank you Moogsmum!

Another parcel arrived from TwiggyPeasticks. Just look at Marmaladey details on this box she has made for me with some of the bible pages I sent to her. Isn't it beautiful?

More pink and black ... wonder how they knew? ;)


Perhaps by the summer, I could whip one of these up?!

Basket Case

I needed somewhere to keep my "sofa craft" - knitting and embroidery - but rather than make yet another bag/pouch/folder/roll, I thought I'd use this picknick basket which has been living under the bed in the spare room.

I've had it for years, and it's been used for a multitude of things, including the transportation of food, and so the lining was a bit too manky for my lovely yarns and threads. After deliberating for days and days as to which lining would look best, I was suddenly struck by some inspiration when I spied Madge in the corner wearing one of Gertie's Dresses.

A picknik dress for a picknik basket. Now don't get me wrong. If this dress wasn't too small for me - and i've even been on a diet to try to fit into it, I would be wearing it! The next best thing, is to be able to gaze regularly at it's beautiful fabric.

And it just looks so perfect in the basket! I'm exceptionally pleased with how it turned out!

When using fabric from Gertie's clothes, I always make something for Miss T who gave me the dresses. Gertie was her grandma.

And what better to remind one of one's grandma, than the smell of Lavender.

Card Holder Tutorial

Here is a tutorial for an easy peasy bus pass/card holder. If you download the doc from Scribd, it looks better. For some reason on Scribd it is displayed in a strange way. One thing I couldn't fit on the page; when done, give the card one more press with a shot of steam (remember to keep some greaseproof paper inside to stop the plastic sticking), then quickly put a heavy book on top. This will make it fold flat.

Bus Pass

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Health & Medicine Press Releases coaching football

Thankyou Everyone

Mr Marmalade says
THANKYOU
to you all for your lovely good wishes

The exam was difficult, but he did his best. Results soon!

A Fireman Climbing the Ladder

This is Mr Marmalade.

He is very busy.

Mr Marmalade has been studying for 18 months.

And he was still studying last night.

He has the first part of his exam TODAY!
and the second at the end of March

This is an exam on which his whole career pivots.
It's a very very very important exam.

Everyone is rooting for him.

GOOD LUCK P!!!

I've got everything crossed for you!

A Question of Time

I've been asked to give you a knitting update, so here it is. I will say in advance that I am much better at sewing! Here is a gratuitous shot to start off, of my valentine sewing project for Mr Marmalade who is suffering with back pain. It's a wheat pillow/hot pad.

So, back to the knitting. I bought a very inexpensive ball of red acrylic yarn to practice with, using a stash of needles I bought from ebay last year.

I started off with some plain squares, and then progressed to a stocking stitch, discovering at the same time, the effect of knit one pearl one.

Then I tried a stripey effect, and a waffle effect ...


And then a chequerboard effect

Then I had some gin, and my chequerboard effect went a bit wrong ...

Somehow the knitting turned backwards.

Note to self: Do not drink gin while knitting.

Then finally, after more practice, I nipped out on Saturday to buy a nice ball of cotton yarn, and some new bamboo needles. I love the bamboo needles, they are so light to work with. The cotton yarn is challenging as it has no give. But I ended up with my first complete project. A washcloth... I know .. it looks like part of some ancient garment that Time Team dug out of a trench.

It does look better in real life, and somehow it felt quite sacreligious to put it under a tap. But like most things, I have to tell you, that it looks much better wet.

Shine a Light!

This morning as I was basking in the warm morning sunshine, I sensed my first whiff of spring. The birds have started singing in the mornings and evenings, and there's that certain smell in the air which heralds a change in season. When an aeroplane passed overhead, painting it's crisp white jetstream on the perfectly blue sky, I just had to grab the camera. Such a difference to this time last week when all the white stuff was on the ground!

I've won a couple of awards too, the first from Julia at Primrose Corner and the second from Helen at Angharad Handmade. Thank you ladies for thinking of me and my blog and for your lovely comments and bloggy friendship! I find you both pretty inspiring too!


This one requires me to list 5 addictions. I think i've seen these awards on most of the blogs I read, so I will pass on passing it on if I may.

As someone with an addictive personality i'm an all or nothing sort of girl and generally have more addictions than you can shake a needle at. They are ever changing too, so here are my current 5 :

1) Booja Booja Chocolates - have you tried these yet? I received a box today, and one for my birthday last month, and one for Christmas, and Easter ... I could go on. Suffice to say, that if you haven't tried them, you are missing out on a whole lot of pleasure. What's more, they are organic, fair trade, vegan and gluten free. Good for everyone. Share the love that's what I say. Each box comes with a Boojagram. I have quite a collection of these!

2) Knitting. There has been a further spate of burned dinners and shoddy housekeeping at The House of Marmalade since I took up the needles and yarn. I'm loving my knitting habit, even though as yet, I haven't actually knitted anything - except squares. However, I can now knit a chequerboard design, a waffle design, and a stripe design. I even made my own pattern!

3) The internet. I get in a panic if I can't see my Mac within arms reach. I have quite an active mind, there's always something to look up, research, read or think about!

4) I'm with Helen on the tea addiction. My tea of choice is Yorkshire. Loose leaf. I make about 3 large pots a day (after I've had my 2 morning coffees). That's about 9 mugs. I think it started when I worked in the cafe last summer. My addiction to tea is so acute, that it has surpassed my taste for a gin and tonic in the evening. Luckily though, I am not quite as bad as Boy George yet because we all know what he forgoes for the sake of a cuppa!!!

5) As of today, I have a new favourite addiction which is 'gazing lovingly at, and stroking, my new desk light'. If I told you where it came from, I would have to kill you.


It is vintage, and was designed especially for it's purpose in a modern listed building. It is chrome and cream and has the most wonderful sliding mechanism allowing one to adjust it high or low, at an angle or not.

It's handy because a whole half of my sewing room has a glass roof, and therefore no lights in that section. When the daylight starts to fail, sewing is impossible with the little light available so this sits on the table in the dark half of the room.

The best thing about it, is that it looks even better at night!