In between covid and a very nasty chest infection over Christmas I did actually have a couple of days when I felt very nearly well – and certainly well enough for my long and very eagerly anticipated trip to Harry Potter Studios with Rosie, Freddie and Florence. This isn’t a theme park in the sense that there aren’t any rides, but there is so much to see and learn about the making of the films. Everywhere was dressed for Christmas….
Above is the Gryffindor Common Room (very cosy-looking) and the Great Hall looking very festive. I was most interested to learn that the Christmas Puddings were made of concrete with steel leaves so that they could be set fire too again, and again, and again…….
My favourite part however, was a visit to Professor Sprout’s Herbology Greenhouse. I have always identified a little with Professor Sprout, being somewhat wild and woolly-haired (if I allow it to do its own thing), and also very enthusiastic about gardening.
The greenhouse didn’t disappoint…
You could even try pulling your own mandrakes! The really lovely surprise for me though was being able to study Professor Sprout’s robes quite closely….
Imagine creating all that beautiful embroidery and beadwork of stems, leaves and vines echoing the embroidery found on some nineteenth century smocks, adding tassels and trims, and then having to distress and damage it all to make it look like an old gardening robe! Even the fabric was overdyed unevenly in faded earth tones so it looked well-worn and loved.
And finally, leaving Professor Sprout to her mandrakes, I just wanted to remind you about the the Big Back Issue sale which has just 48 hours left to run before it disappears for another year.
From now until 14 January there’s a massive 75% off all back issues of the Bustle & Sew Magazine, right back as far as issue 1 (February 2011) until December 2024.
There’s no limit on the number of magazines you can order, so don’t delay as this is your only chance this year – the Big Back Issue sale won’t be repeated until 2026!!
Just CLICK HERE or on the sale image above to visit the Bustle & Sew website and grab yourself a bargain!
I’ll be back soon with more news, but until then, very best wishes from us all here at Bustle & Sew HQ.
And wherever you are, please stay safe and warm.
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