Lego

 The lego exhibition has been on in London for a while now and I finally managed to visit with the grandkids. I have to say it was better than I expected. The artist's name is Nathan Sawaya. Here's a few of the exhibits.

London in bloom

 

The flowers around Covent Garden were looking amazing yesterday. Maybe all the rain we have had of late does have its benefits.

Ever hopeful deckchairs awaiting bottoms to take their place to watch the large screen which will show matches from Wimbledon.

Sewing machine museum

 When I visited Tooting Bec for my 'Above the Underground' challenge, I came across this museum. I'd never heard of a sewing machine museum before. Anyway it is only open for a couple of hours on the first Saturday of the month. So last Saturday as I was in the area I decided to have a look.

It turned out to be far more interesting than I expected. 

There were loads of machines everywhere. All neatly labelled. Many types I recognised from my youth but others I wouldn't even know they were sewing machines.

Ruston had started a small business in the 1900s repairing and selling sewing machines. He kept any unusual machines or ones that had an interesting story. Eventually these machines were put on display in his shop. This is the original frontage of his first shop

This one was owned by Queen Victoria. I doubt she ever used it except as a plaything.

 

It is this museum that has provided sewing machines for historical dramas and films including Downton Abbey. It also sourced all the sewing machines for the 'All Saints' shop  window displays. It is free to visit the museum and there is a very interesting talk and tour included.

Moth

 Spotted this moth on a window.  It is the Buff-tip moth (had to look it up). I've  never seen one before and never likely to if it stays on its favourite branch of a silver birch tree.