New Items for the Hall

I've taken a break from the creamy yellows of the bedroom, this week we are back in the hall.  I recently bought two Tony Knott pewter items, as I heard that he is retiring, and I thought that they would be perfect for the Stuart period feel of the hall.  I bought a water jug with a twisted handle and a quaich - a shallow two handled drinking cup.

I have to say that I was a little disappointed with the jug.  The finishing was really bad - there were slubs on the inside that blocked the jug, and on the bottom there was a lump of lead that prevented the jug from sitting flat.  The join lines and mould lines could also be seen.  I was quite disappointed, I had heard great things about Tony Knott's work, and I imagine it was just my bad luck getting the piece, but still....

So I got out my trusty Dremel and sanded off all the imperfections.  The jug looks much better now and I am happy with the little collection.  I can't wait to get some Glasscraft pieces to complete the scene.

On the opposite wall I have been playing around with a few items, to see what goes best, and I really like this painting-chair combination.  The ornate frame, which I won last year in Elga's giveaway, really works with the plain walls.  I'm not sure if I will keep the portrait of Allan Ramsay's daughter, but for the moment she really works.  

As for the Queen Anne chair - it's a bit of a disaster at the moment.  In fact, it was my very first kit, and I struggled a lot with it.... but I know where I can improve, and if not, I'll just have to break open the piggy bank and get a beautiful piece made!  (Hurry up birthday!)

It will be upholstered in a deep ruby red, to match the Chippendale open armchairs that I am working on.

And here is a little sneak peak of the rug I am making.  After the firescreen on 72 hpi, I decided my eyes needed a little rest, and so this piece is on I think 32 count linen....sorry about the pink colour, but it was what I had in my stash!  I think I will dip it in some cld tea before blocking, so dull the colour a bit.

The design up to the horseman on the right is not mine - it is Marika Bindel's, I think of Bindel's miniature ornaments fame, and it is a lovely piece to stitch.  I think originally it was designed as a wall hanging, but I loved the scene for a rug.  So I extended the design a little.  I hope it works!

Thank you for all your comments and suggestions about the birdcage, it's great to know that there is a wealth of mini information out there!

Jonquil