Marie V in Egypt

Through all the stress of getting Marie V back online Mr M decided it would be good to take time off from everything and take a trip somewhere exotic, or in his words 'anywhere but London'.

I wanted somewhere hot and he wanted activity. We found an amazing bargain, a cruise on the Nile in Egypt. We never considered a cruise, but this deal offered a beautiful cabin and a full schedule of excursions and obviously forty degree heat.

We packed our linens and straw hats and braved the cool British weather in time to make our flight to Luxor.

The cruise was splendid as was the dry and 'warm' weather. The cabin was luxurious and the excursions were well explained by eager Egyptologists. We enjoyed Solo Wist card games with some keen card players.

I myself was taken ill very early into our trip, missing on half of the excursions and the fabled Valley of The Kings, this promises another trip very soon! However, I did have a chance to browse the Egyptian textiles.

Unfortunately most textiles in Egypt, like most souvenirs, are actually made in China. Even 'Egyptian Cotton' is manufactured in China, which is rather disappointing. Aside from this dismay, the printed textiles are superb, regardless of whether it's manufactured in Egypt, China or further afield.

I was very impressed in the colour palettes and the prints across fashion and interior pieces. In particular table cloth and napkin sets with beautiful lotus flower and birds flying prints.

Salesmen would take their boats out to our sailing ship and, cunningly, throw onto the boat samples of their products. A great ploy to make the women purchase their pieces. The sample was passed around the ship and the salesman would have several demands. The worry was how to get the money down to him and not into the water!

Egyptian art and print, whether modern or from 3000years BC, is so unique. I enjoy the basic designs which are en-richened by colour.

Mr M was keen to bring back as much of the excursions to me, back on the boat, as possible. Not only was he snapping 100 images an hour but brought me sand, sacred scarab gems and more. He got involved with a local seller and bought the Eye of Horus, a print, on Papyrus.

The Eye of Horus is an ancient symbol for good health and protection. This sumptuous print is stunning, surrounded by gold gilt, the deep blue colours really brings out the shape and character of this symbol.

I thoroughly recommend visiting Egypt as soon as possible. The revolutions earlier this year have meant that there are less tourists. This is fantastic for us as tourists, low prices and fewer tourist groups, but negative for the Egyptian economy.

Go visit!

Marie V and the Golden Age Scissors

I have been very fortunate to have been handed down these marvellous 'Golden Age Scissors'. Apparently these would have belonged to Great-Grandmother Marie V. A keen seamstress herself, these fabric shears appear to have never been used. Great-Grandmother Marie V would have been given these by Great-Grandfather Marie V. However these would have been so special to her, they were tucked aside for safe keeping.

In my family many items, such as these scissors, have a way of going missing for a great number of years and suddenly resurfacing. It explains how the box is in immaculate condition, just as the scissors are themselves. The steel blades are as sharp as if they had come out the factory yesterday. In fact on the box these steel blades are described as 'Razor-sharp inlaid stainless steel blades' and I am not denying that they are razor-sharp.

The box displays the scissors neatly sitting inside and state they are Sheffield Made. On the back, the box once again describes how the scissors are 'razor-sharp' and they have a spring bearing for 'easy action'. In particular I am looking forward to the 'new shaped bows' that 'will not crimp or bind fingers.

My hands are tiny, it's almost my signature, my feet and hands are child-like, but it creates a hassle in finding shoes, gloves and accessories like scissors that 'fit'. I am often left with knocked knuckles and cramps in my hand from overbearing scissors. The scissors fit beautifully, it seems a little like Harry Potter being chosen by his wand, these scissors have found me and chosen me.

Doing a little research online about Richards of Sheffield, the scissor manufacturers, I have found very little. Many scissors are available for purchase through ebay and similar vintage sites, yet most come without a box. Inside the box there is a little notice from the 'Good Housekeeping Institute' that 'If the product or performance is defective' then a replacement or refund will be issued.

Considering the amounts of fabric that are on their way to me, I am looking forward to putting these scissors into action. I hope that you will enjoy the precision cut fabrics of the Marie V soft furnishings!