DIY royal needlework

Did you know that The Royal School of Needlework helped Sarah Burton create the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress? I highly recommend a visit to the RSN at Hampton Court Palace…though be prepared to feel like you’re travelling back to a much slower time.




Early 20th century mothers would regularly spend their evenings sitting quietly in a corner, indulging in a little needlepoint. How much more enterprising and productive than swigging a glass of Chardonnay in front of reality TV…

 

Anyway, if you’d like to have a go at some curiously crafty embroidery yourself, the RSN has a special sampler kit to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The design is delicately embellished with Swarovski crystals, which are included in the kit, along with all the materials and full instructions.

And if you’re looking for an unusual needlework box, we’ve got just the thing at ShopCurious. How about one of our royal commemorative tins? These ones were produced as souvenirs of The Queen’s coronation in June 1953, and would make perfect Diamond Jubilee gifts – as well as accommodating all your pins, needles and thread.

Oh, and don’t forget to show us your finished work…

Will you?

PS excuse our layout as we acclimatise to the new version of Blogger...

Vintage poetry in motion

Those of you who are curious may have been wondering which horse won the Grand National in 1953, the year of The Queen’s Coronation? I can confirm it was Early Mist, as pictured jumping a hedge in this photograph.






60 years on, and ShopCurious has some collectable cufflinks that are roughly the same vintage as this race. The best thing is that they don’t seem to have dated at all – in fact, they’re curiously timeless. So, men, if you’re looking for something unique to wear to the races, or perhaps for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations this year, then look no further.






But before that, I’m looking forward to watching the race at 4.15 tomorrow afternoon. It’s pretty dangerous for riders and horses alike, so if you’re squeamish may I suggest some equine inspired poetry instead? Our poet in residence, Matt Bryden, has provided just the thing:





Collecting

The eyes before opening let in
bird-song, the six different strategies
for approaching the day. Before ten

one is not mature mentally or physically.
Nice paces, though a slightly weak stifle.
There are ways and ways;

inside the house
don't wear a jacket, for example;
in pjs, walk the gelding from the stable.

I expect you’re wondering what collecting has got to do with horses…

Are you?