It seemed like time for a picnic. I think people used to do this more often. We certainly did. Always fun, a simple sandwich outdoors has now become somewhat romanticized, don't you think?
Our inspiration today came from Brambly Hedge. This is the collection of Spring, Summer, Fall, & Winter.
The mice of Brambly Hedge just know how to live. Looking over the offerings, we decided all we needed was a few cakes and pies and an apple or two.
You have to include a cheery quilt or throw. I don't sit on the ground as easily as a six or eight year old any more so I threw a few pillows into the mix too. These are made with a vintage barkcloth fabric.
The lady mice go through all sorts of marvellous elaborations to prepare for their outing, which I know some of you consider all the fun. But we just made a stop at the bakery.
We filled the picnic hamper with vintage tablecloths and towels. Unfortunately by the time we got to the park a storm was blowing and threatening rain. We chose a bench instead, and fed most of the pastry to the ducks. I don't think that's P.C..
I appreciate modern machine made quilts for the hard uses of life. They have charm, and are less delicate than their vintage predecessors. I don't worry over an inexpensive quilt that can be tossed in the washer. And a cozy quilt just seems like a picnic essential!
We brought the storybook too, to pore over the masterful illustrations by Jill Barklem.
She deftly pins all of the domestic delights of life onto a single small page! And in the most appealing colors.
We came home sleepy, and decided that since we had everything at hand, our own backyard was glamorous enough for sprawling out on. Even without ducks. Besides, we were hungry all over again!
More vintage smocked pillows. Can you ever have enough?
Have a terrific weekend my friends!
Maybe there's an outing in it for you too. . . .
Jacqueline
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