Ladybird Book - Learning About Heraldry

Look what I found -

A fabulous vintage Ladybird Book from 1974 - "Learning About Heraldry".

Written by A E Priestley, and illustrated by B H Robinson, it is a wonderful wee book!

Actually learned a few things from it which will stand me in good stead for all my wandering around castles.

Found any great vintage bits and pieces recently?

Love, Liz

Crochet Twinset

I absolutely love this!

The crochet square cardie set is from the magazine "The Workbasket" published in April 1975 costing 35 cents.

There's a pattern for a top and long-sleeved cardigan - used to be called a twinset.  I love the colours used in the crochet squares. 

What are you making at the moment?  Share a link on the comments page and we'll all come and visit!

Love, Liz

Back in Time in Bo'ness

Bo'ness Railway Station - Outlander fans might recognise this from a scene in the TV series where Claire and Frank, both in uniform say goodbye.  The station was transformed with WWII posters and renamed "Milford Station" for the scene.

Apart from that, it is a fascinating place to visit.  It is part of the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway which puts on lots of events throughout the year.  You can step back in time and travel on a steam train.

I loved the vintage feel of the station and all the buildings around it.  There's a Railway Museum there which you can visit.

Bo'ness (or Borrowstounness to give it its full name) is on the banks of the Forth west of Edinburgh.

Just being there brought back memories of those special train journeys when I was little.

Love, Liz

Vintage Needlework Magazine

I came across this gorgeous vintage magazine - Weldon's Period Needlework, Needle Art Series No 5 - priced two and six!

It has the most fabulous illustrations.

I just don't have the patience to so such involved needlework these days I'm afraid to say!

The little bunny is so sweet.

I love the advertisements too.

Love, Liz

When Do You Cut Your Nails?

My Granny always told me that it was bad luck to cut my nails on a Friday or a Sunday and I was always puzzled as to why.  I came across this little rhyme in an old book and wonder if she heard it when she was a wee girl -

Of the Cutting of Nails

Cut them on Monday, you cut them for health;

Cut them on Tuesday, you cut them for wealth;

Cut them on Wednesday, you cut them for news;

Cut them on Thursday, a pair of new shoes;

Cut them on Friday, you cut them for sorrow;

Cut them on Saturday, you'll see your true love tomorrow;

Cut them on Sunday, and you will have ill fortune all through the week.

So think about what day it is next time you cut your nails!

Love, Liz

Craigmillar Castle - Edinburgh's Other Castle!

Edinburgh's other castle is situated about three miles south east of the city.  It is an amazing place to visit.  I was surprised to find it surrounded by countryside which makes it difficult to believe it is so near the city.

The Castle was built by local lairds of the name de Preston, sheriffs of Midlothian.  They owned lands at Gorton (near Roslin) and Craigmillar.  Building the castle probably began in the 14^th century with the tower house.  The Preston family were very much involved in Edinburgh's political life.  Over the years the castle was altered and added to and funds allowed and fashion dictated.

CraigmillarCastle is most associated with Mary Queen of Scots who used it as a summer residence and came here to recuperate after the birth of her son, the future James VI in 1566.  Craigmillar Castle is also where (it is rumoured) Mary (or at least her nobles) conspired to get rid of her husband Lord Darnley.  This was known as the "Craigmillar Bond".

Preston Coat of Arms

The estate was sold to Sir John Gilmour in 1660.  Gilmour was a lawyer and supported or Charles II.  He became president to the Court of Session.  He totally transformed Craigmillar by modernising it and making it a fashionable residence.  The family eventually moved to Gilmerton and the castle was let.  By 1775 it had fallen into ruin, attracting artists and poets who enjoyed its picturesque decay.

Trees now grow in the inner courtyard which add to the beauty of the place.

There is a P shaped ornamental pond in the grounds, probably dating from about the mid 16^th century.

This is what is called a rebus - device that uses pictures for words or parts of words.  The family name of Preston is shown by a cheese press and a barrel or tun of beer - Preston!

The views of Edinburgh from the battlements are amazing!

HistoricScotland have been looking after the Castle since 1946.