Countryside Wedding

Beyond the Schmaltz

2012-01-30T16:38:00.001Z

Valentines needn’t mean ugly teddy bears and over-priced roses… Look at all the beauty around the internet…

Little Dot Ring – made in Cambridge by LazyGiraffe

GoldPool Post Earrings made in the US by JulianaWJewelry

Silver Horseshoe Ring made in US by thebeadgirl

Handstamped Sterling Silver Disk Necklace made in Conwy by caribijou

Stoneware pouring dishes made in Falmouth by nataliebonneyceramics

‘Giddy’ papercut necklace made in Manningtree by houseofismay

Silver Ginko Pendant made in Sandown by Artisan Silver

Customised Frosted Bangle made in Leeds by Magic in the Grass

Acid Rain Copper & Silver Earrings made in Cambridge by EllieAir

And in a shameless piece of self-promotion… these little cards are pretty cute too… and tell it like it is!

Full disclosure…I love you more than*** cards made in St Albans by HomespunLiving

Folksy Loving

2012-01-22T08:14:00.001Z

Have managed to get a rash of projects up online and in the shop in time for Valentine’s Day… Have a look through – there’s already been a rash of interest in my bespoke cards…

I love you more than…

Sales so far have included…

my iPhone

Strictly

Sherlock

Pinot Noir…

What wonderful thing fights for your affections alongside your beloved…? One mum I know said that she couldn’t bring herself to buy the ‘I love you more than Sleep’ as it simply wouldn’t be true…!

Present and Correct

2012-01-11T18:34:00.001Z

Many and various crafty projects got us through the holiday period pretty much unscathed… A rash of orders and commissions in mid-December put paid to any last-minute selfish crafting that I may have hoped to do, so I thanked my lucky stars that I was slightly diligent mid-November and put some odds and ends of pressies in storage.

There was a yoga bag based on an online pattern (which has now disappeared off the face of blogland) but with side panel loop for storage of yoga mat…

Loopy cowl-y necklet for my Mum based on this stitch pattern …

Hat for MIL from this pattern…

Baking, eating and nibbling to excess…

Butter cutout biscuits decorated by Tilly for her birthday party…

Slightly unsuccessful Gooey Chocolate Stack (turns out meringues stick irrecoverably to tin foil) which turned into Gooey Chocolate Bowlful for New Years Eve – tasty in the extreme if rather sickly!

And even managed to squeeze in a little bit of (chunky) me knitting to get on with this Shalom cardigan from a charity-shop Icelandic Lopi haul…

And now onto a proper little stitching spree to put online and get the pennies in…

All fun and games and now into the New Year, new stock, new ideas phase which I’ll be showcasing soon here. Exciting times! Apologies for the radio silence, and here’s to a productive and tasty 2012!

Etsy-ing

2011-12-12T21:36:00.000Z

Pretty things online…So many talented individuals… Make sure you consider buying handmade or local for at least one of your holiday purchases this year, won’t you? x

Mason Jar Pendant Light Fittings

Around £90 for the pair

Ringbearer Cushion with vintage doily

About £30

Dark Brown Rustic Leather Journal

About £20

Ceramic Ornaments with Paris Cafe Chat

About £5 for the pair!

Embroidered Pincushion

About £13

Tiny Pine Cone Elves – set of three

About £16

Tweed Upcycled Wreath with bow – not a great fan of the ribbon but love the texture of the rag ties…

About £21

Woodland Owl Wing Headband in Deep Sea Blue Tweed/Felt

About £16

Handmade Harris Tweed Handbag with leather handles

About £75

PineTrees Embroidered Cushion

About £12

Harris Tweed Embroidered cushion in White & Grey

About £80

DesignMom Love

2011-12-09T18:12:00.001Z

Thanks so much to Gabrielle of the fabulously inspiring DesignMom for posting up my birth story. I know it’s all a bit old news, but it seems to have been enjoyed by a few people. If you’ve come across me from Gabrielle’s post, then feel free to look through my archives. Tilly is now 2 years old and the first year of her life was pretty bleak to say the least (from my point of view anyhoo)… Delighted to say I found the light at the end of the tunnel and am now a close approximation to the mummy I strive to be.

Have a look around, say hello and feel free to stay awhile! x

Two Years of …

2011-12-09T13:30:00.001Z

I struggle to fill that word above… Two years of… what? Motherhood? Caring? Sleeplessness? Lack of control over my life? Trouble (as a name or a concept?!) Chaos? Laughs? Tears? Emotion.

Emotion.

That’s the word. Tumultuous, unstoppable, uncontrollable emotion. In all its raw and unedited, heart-wrenching crazy. Some days are wonderful, some days are horrendous and I’ve yet to work out a formula to predict which is which. The planned days of brilliance, excitement and activities rarely live up to the anticipation or expense. The spontaneous moments of grabbed teas in supermarket cafes which end in laughter, new games, new words and new smiles as a family and a coherent unit of shared experiences.

My little baby is developing into a girl. You are into pretending, creating and eating. Not necessarily in that order. You play shop. You play chef. You play chopping. You play shopping. You play doctors and tests the heartbeat of all and any children in your radius.

You stick. You will swathe anything and everything with glue. PVA glue is occasionally mistaken for biscuit icing and vice versa. You are less interested in attaching things to the said gluey bits of paper – that is normally left to Mummy in order for the walk home to end up less ‘drippy’. We go to playgroups and playdates and you are mostly lovely and occasionally less so. You are always a force to be reckoned with and rarely do anything at a stroll when sprinting is possible. You are excitable, loving, caring and enthusiastic, to the point of exuberant. I can’t think where you get that from.

You eat everything. Without exception. You are currently obsessed with a-PULLS (meaning pears) and TOOOOmas (meaning satsumas, oranges, or anything orange and peelable). It’s hard to turn down ever more extravagant requests for fruit all day, every day, but needs must. Your poor tummy could not physically handle the volume of fructose you would happily ingest.

It’s your birthday tomorrow. You are having a party with your friends and you are starting to understand that something must be happening. When your friends sang Happy Birthday at playgroup yesterday, you clocked that everyone was looking at you and did the most natural thing in the world: you lifted your dress over your head. Excelllent.

Wherever we go, people remember you and remember your name. Your smile is brilliant and your energy awesome. You will no doubt challenge us in ways I cannot even imagine in the years to come, but for now, I can’t quite believe how far we have come in the last year.

Happy birthday my little bag of Trouble.

Wintry Decadence

2011-12-09T13:11:00.001Z

Greeted at the doors by flaming torches and climbing the marble staircase to cocktails and canapes in the portrait gallery…

And I think I managed to get pretty close to my inspiration outfit image too! Dress is coral viscose crepe (ex-Armani fabric, so the shop assistant told me!) and then 1940s silk brocade remnant, found at an antiques fair for a few pounds and SQUEEZED the meagre amount of fabric into a bolero at the 11th hour. Turns out my concerns were unfounded, too, and there was an array of black and wintry outfits to behold, all of which looked perfectly elegant and appropriate.

There was dinner in the sculpture court and dancing in the crypt.

And all rounded off with some tasty cake made by none other than the groom! What an evening of elegance and wintry decadence.

Just checking with the bride that she’s happy for me to post pictures of her frock in detail – when she’s back from honeymoon I’ll show some detail shots for you to ogle at. Her frockage was stunning – and made by her mum. Clever lady.

Christmas Crafting

2011-12-06T21:34:00.001Z

Finally finished the not-really-very-much-Erin-a-like blanket, just in time for the wedding on Saturday (pictures of which to follow!)… More information and pics at my Ravelry project page here.

Teacup candle made from last year’s burnt-down-but-not-quite-fully-used-up Winter Candle that I was too in love with to wholly throw out. And mince pies… with The Mincemeat. Words defy me.

Crocheting puddings for friends and knitting jumpers for teeny-tiny-far-too-eager-to-join-the-world-but-thankfully-healthy-with-it babies…

Other WIPS including a bear-eared hat for a friend’s toddler and three works-in-progress crocheted trees too…

Needles on fire, it’s fair to say… Though with the frosts we’ve been having, can you blame me?!

It’s worth mentioning that there are a few other bits and bobs in progress, but will have to take pictures and await until they have been received before sharing. You’ll just have to wait. Gosh I’m sure that’s going to be tough, but do bear with me.

Vote NOW!

2011-12-02T21:11:00.001Z

I received this lovely (not to mention, VERY EXCITING) email today from the fabulously talented Ruth Singer who, it seems, has been keeping herself rather busy at the moment.

I can only imagine if you’re reading this that you are of a creative frame of mind, and that you know already the awe-inspiring power and MIGHT that creating something of your very own out of your VERY OWN HANDS can have. Ruth wants to get a whole town excited about this, and with a very quick click of your mouse, you can help her. Read the below and CLICK on the link and then just click ‘like’. How hard is that? And how wonderful to think you may just get someone a little bit fabulously in touch with their inner artist, albeit rather tangentially.

Dear friends,

As you may know, I am in the process of setting up a craft & sewing workshop space in Leicester, running courses and craft workshops, planned to open in summer 2012.

I'm very excited that I've been shortlisted for the Haymarket's Big Idea competition to kick start the new venture. The competition is to win a free shop unit for a month plus some start-up funding which would be immensely valuable to me.

I had to write a proposal and deliver a pitch to a panel and now I am one of 4 to go through to the final stage. The winner is selected by public vote (via YouTube video) so I really need your help to get my business off the ground. My video isn't my finest moment, but I'm sure it will amuse you.

My proposal in brief:

My Big Idea is to get Leicester sewing and making. I want to run a create and make workshop where anyone can learn new practical and creative skills and be part of a crafty community. I want to share my experience as a professional textile designer-maker and author of two sewing books to inspire the people of Leicester to rediscover the pleasure of making things themselves. Sewing and making workshops are popping up all over the country -- it is time the creative city of Leicester had one!

To vote for me please visit http://tinyurl.com/ruthbigidea.

You MUST BE LOGGED INTO GOOGLE to vote (annoyingly) but once you are in, all you have to do it click the Like button below the video. You will know it has worked if it offers you an option to share the video via Facebook etc. It is a bit of a faff, I know, but it would make a huge difference to me (and to the creative community of Leicester) if you can help me win.

Thanks very much!

Ruth

Ruth is talented, prolific and awfully clever too. Find her books here and think of someone who probably needs one for Christmas. Inspiring, creative and downright NECESSARY on your craft shelf.

All images from Ruth’s lovely blog here.

In which I am become a grown-up

2011-11-26T21:01:00.001Z

(PS – DEAR READER, IF ANY OF YOU KNOW THE BOY PERSONALLY – FEEL FREE TO DRAW HIS ATTENTION TO THIS POST FOR PRESENT-GIVING PURPOSES…) :-)

I have recently found myself lusting on a daily basis at the window of the local branch of Jigsaw… I’ve always known they design elegant and wearable clothes with a touch of the quirk about them, but I’ve never really included them on my radar… until now.

It first happened about a month ago with their pretty, chunky jumpers, bedecked with giant balls of wool, calling out to me like a siren from the deep…

Rustic Wool Cable Front Jumper £115

Plum Shimmer Sparkle Cardigan £109

Once again, my annual knitwear-with-sparkle obsession rears its sequinned, woolly head, only this time my taste has become even more dear. Woops.

Beaded Shoulder Top £89

Sequinned Jersey Batwing Top £149

And then just a sea of gorgeously interesting black garments, woefully unsuited to crawling around on church hall floors and therefore wholly impractical for me at the moment. Sob.

Silk Midi Skirt £149

Silk Butterfly Sleeve Dress £169

And then just pretty and I’m-sure-ever-so-useful-really-no-honestly-it-would-come-out-of-the-bottom-of-the-wardrobe-on-a-weekly-nay-daily-basis-really-please-please-please….

Paisley Jacquard Clutch Bag on sale to £65

And then this… So practical. So wearable. So reasonably priced. So needed in my wardrobe.

Ruched Skirt Dress with Slouchy Top £79

Needed?? Ahem… BUT THINK HOW MANY WEARS I WOULD GET OUT OF IT.

The (dried) fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree

2011-11-25T13:23:00.000Z

I’m holding Paola of Mirrormirror responsible for my latest culinary extravaganza. Her annual mincemeat enthusiasm has finally worn off, and as I am not constrained by the limits of US import laws, I thought it only fair to have a go already.

A mincemeat spectacular has been brewing here. Having inherited a rather bulging bag of cooking apples over the weekend, it seemed only fair to start Stir Up (ahem) Monday with some dried fruit shenanigans.

Round one included good ol’ meet blobs in the form of Atora and this recipe…

sorry Paola, but grating raw meat is slightly beyond me

The resulting gorgeousness is utterly palatable, despite its congealed-fat-interim stage that I’m happy to gloss over.

After canning, Tils confirmed that she could happily get involved in the domestic requirements of the house.

Round Two is on the hob… Hettie’s Suet Free Mincemeat from Domestic Goddess… Thus far it smells as good as the first, but I’m not convinced that it won’t end up just being a posh, spiced (ha ha) apple sauce… The gelatinous ooze of Mincemeat the First is just not being created in the absence of raw animal fat… Will post pictures of the finished products and let you know.

Local readers, let me know when you’re ready for the blind taste-test… It’s a hard job, but dedicated comrades of the writer will know true friendship exists when they are called upon in such circumstances.

Crafty Business

2011-11-23T07:12:00.001Z

Pretty things to sell online for a change…

Go here [link does not exist – don’t worry – not going mad!] to see these lovely little frocks/tunics/tops/pinafores and have one for your very own. Each and every one is entirely unique as I am using up my stash of long-discontinued Liberty cottons and vintage buttons for the shoulders. Reversible and highly patterned (thus can be used to hide a multitude of stains/sins/spills), this little number will grow with the child as a dress from about 12 months, through to a pinafore at 18months and then onto a top/tunic at around 2years, lasting until about 3years.

By the time the little one has outgrown this, it will be down to about 5p per wear. Bargain!

Since writing this in the summer and waiting for time to list the frocks (seriously – I’m such a procrastinator sometimes) these have all been sold to local kids! So I thought I would just post these for the sake of it and clear out my ‘draft posts’ box… Nothing like quality blogging, eh?! In any case, I am going to be running up a couple more of these shortly so can list them soon… If anyone is interested in these, let me know and I can see if I can provide custom fabric/colour combinations!

Shiver me Timbers

2011-11-12T13:40:00.001Z

Or… how to make a pirate ship cake and not be forced to walk the plank…

Step one: Bake two round chocolate cakes. Store in tin…

Step Two: (evening – preferably with wine to hand): model pirate, palm tree, treasure, parrot and anchor, along with other paraphernalia and leave to dry out. Rampantly steal ideas from this ship, this ship and this YouTube video so you don’t completely go mad trying to recreate Jonny Depp in sugarpaste form.

Step/Day Three: Make chocolate fudge icing and using strategic knifework, create rough body of ship to cover in icing and then leave in fridge to set. Start to panic. Blend industrial quantities of icing into a dark chocolate shade of brown and drink more wine to reduce quickening pulse as giant-poo-cake fears begin to be realised… Store cake in fridge to set ‘crumb layer’…

Day Four (day of party): Sleep very little and rise very early to begin sugarpaste icing. With idea-stealing continuing, use Trex to grease your worktop to prevent cracking of icing and dried out/white powdery rolling. Cover cake in seamless sheet of brown.

Panic.

Summon husband from toddler-watch and begin constructing sails, steering wheel, rope, cannon candles and waves, while keeping fingers crossed that this all just may work after all.

Bask in glory while muttering random pirate sayings and hoping that three-year old next door neighbour will have lots of wine to hand at this afternoon’s party.

Woohoo! So chuffed. And unlikely to offer quite so enthusiastically next time. Had fun but not sure the Boy enjoyed the (even more than usual) heightened anxiety for the last 72 hours.

Country Bumpkin

2011-11-08T19:38:00.001Z

Collecting eggs from Grandma’s chickens…

Patrolling Grandad’s allotment to make sure there are no strawberries left to be ‘harvested’

Sitting, twirling and FREEZE in the misty autumn leaves of a local park…

Embracing the moody lighting and NOT AT ALL enhancing any tones using computer-based photography tools…

Exploring stately homes with our newly-gifted National Trust Membership. Tilly is ‘enjoying’ all the various education and engagement departments have to offer at each venue, regardless of suitability or interest. It is mostly for Mummy’s benefit, curiosity and research, but if the little lady enjoys wearing a backpack around the house, if not getting out the maps, information packs and activity sheets, then whatever keeps her happy is fine by us!!

Finally, some rather moody lighting afforded by a gloomy day at Deal Pier for the Boy’s birthday lunch. I’m sure Tils was merely considering whether she should pick her nose or not at that precise moment, but the picture would happily have you believe that my little not-quite-2-years-old-was in the process of discovering the meaning of life…

In fairness, you never know… This moment of solitude and contemplation may form the backbone of a future autobiography. Watch this space…

Plum Jam

2011-11-08T07:53:00.001Z

Neighbours go away on holiday

Neighbours leave a fruit bowl in our capable hands to work through in their absence

Neighbours and I have similar fruit purchasing habits

An abundance of golden yellow plums

A quick and easy recipe

A good morning’s work… set to cool in their jars as the little one and I go off to spend a morning at the local park…

And then have managed to delete the picture and eat the jam before managing to post this. Oh the glorious life of the at-home-sleep-deprived-toddler-addled-domestic-goddess-attempting-mummy. Will post to have access to easy-peasy recipe in future. Oh joy.

Apple Butter

2011-10-31T14:12:00.000Z

A glut from a local public orchard

A veritable windfall of fruit

A few helpful hands

A night in the slowcooker

My kind of preserving

A discovery of thigh-expanding proportions: peanut butter and apple butter on toast…

Thanks so much to the mummy of Tilly’s scrumptious co-model for capturing a lovely afternoon in the autumn sunshine. Regular readers of this blog will quickly note photography skills not usually demonstrated here. :-)

Have also had great success using up the inevitable last-year’s-mincemeat jar with this recipe, which produced a light and moist, flavourful afternoon cake. Excellent.

Non-gory Halloween

2011-10-30T14:01:00.001Z

Having been brought up in the States, I have an incredibly broad definition of what constitutes a Halloween costume. I established my general horror of the British version of Halloween within about two months of arriving back in the UK, aged 11. I went to a Halloween party in the Cotswolds dressed as Lucy Maud Montgomery. I know, I was a geek. But I was also NOT a ghost, witch or spider… Needless to say, the strange child in the corduroy was viewed with no small amount of suspicion…

I have decided, now, to stick to the basics, until I can convince the Boy that I need a Halloween on the proper side of the Atlantic some time in the future.

I’m slightly against, however, dressing my child in costumes requiring fake blood, exposed bones or scaring other children… Sadly, she has been invited to two separate Halloween events this weekend, so a costume of sorts is required…

I came across this lovely tutorial a while back and required a bit of judicious googling to uncover it again. I had a tablecloth in my stash that had been embroidered rather haphazardly (!) and was not really suitable for my usual reusing in teacosy, bib or hanging heart form. A donated white cotton curtain provided suitable strength for the lining and it was a pretty simple affair.

I decided to base the shape on the embroidery in front of me, and came up with this ‘B’ shaped outline. Cut twice, there are now two sets of wings, probably one to be sold or given to a friend of Tils for an upcoming birthday. Right sides together, sewn around, trimmed and snipped before turning through, a quick iron and then attaching of elastic at the back and wrists.

At last – a costume that’s simple, effective, doesn’t restrict important exploring and appeals to my creative instincts…

It did rather flummox some of the more traditionalist costumes there though…

A wedding fit for a princess

2011-10-29T12:42:00.001+01:00

Well it was only a matter of time, I suppose…

Why waste your breath talking about a derriere when you too can be sauntering around, upstaging your sister’s big day!?

In truth, any increase in the number of patterns for bridal attire that do not involve strapless wonders is fine in my book…

And just in case you want to go the whole nine yards…

Catherine-a-like Butterick 5731

Pippa-a-like Butterick 5710

Mini-a-like Butterick 5705

Mini-soldier boys optional extra…

Before the Autumn turns to Winter

2011-10-15T07:29:00.001+01:00

I should probably post these ridiculous pictures of Autumn masquerading as Summer…

Saturday 1 October saw the little one in next door’s garden in a swimsuit…

In a paddling pool…

In a sprinkler…

Followed by a rapidly assembled Dragon Cake*

*Note to self: never ask for cake requests from 3year old boys… If you are expecting a suggestion of chocolate, banana or the like… you are likely instead to be faced with creating a mythical being in dessert form at two hours’ notice…

Blue Poppy Jewellery

2011-10-14T20:22:00.001+01:00

Love it when you come across a designer who has your very same aesthetic. Hannah Shuckberg is excellent at finding them on her blog hanpicked… I’m still working on collating my pretty things – mostly through rampant amounts of online procrastination of housework (ahem… research) and then popping here to write it down to find later…

Today I came across this rather splendid designer, about whom I can find nearly nothing at all. I do have a bit of a hankering for most of her work though, with these reaching the upper echelons of the wanties…

lemon quartz earrings $70

morse code necklace $70

And finally, the wonderfully explained sisterhood bracelet $62:

The constellation Pleiades, also known as the seven sisters, has held a special place in the human imagination throughout history. This hardwood bracelet has been inlaid with tiny drops of silver to represent this star formation as a reminder of the unconditional bond between sisters.

Just say ‘Fromage!’

2011-10-12T08:12:00.000+01:00

A lucky prize when entering a competition at a makeover/photography shoot in Cheltenham …

A sesh with a makeup artist

A rather bored small child – resulting in lots of sessions of ‘Dingle Dangle Scarecrow’

A fabulously cheesey set of photographs to set in stone this happy year of toddlers and milestones…

The delights of Garter Stitch

2011-10-08T19:32:00.001+01:00

Simplicity in a ‘knit every row’ mantra need not be limited to starter knitters…

Contemporary Cardigan by Bugs & Fairies

Annabel Cardigan (Pattern) by Quince & Co $6

Garter Yoke Baby Cardigan Pattern

Oh the simplicity and the prettiness!

Have been having much fun recently mastering the ‘top down in the round’ technique for a few ‘bumps in the making’…

One done, one on the needles and the third poised for cast on. Would everyone please coordinate diaries in future so I’m not baby-bombarded like this in the future??

Selfish, I tell you.

A Dessert Buffet for a Vintage Birthday Party

2011-09-25T19:28:00.001+01:00

A busy week at the helm of the KitchenAid

Lemon & Ginger Gateau

Lemon Cheesecakes

Cherry and Chocolate Biscotti

Amaretto Chocolate Truffles

Almond Macaroons with rose petal frosting

Salted Caramel Cupcakes

Chocolate Orange Whoopie Pies

Butter Shortbread Buttons

resulting in this little lot…

Followed by a gorgeously decorated light fruit cake, the result of a secret baking sesh by The Boy…

Not bad for a first time bake?! Clever little button x

Sunny Days and Smiley Cards

2011-09-12T19:35:00.001+01:00

A lovely birthday

A milestone reached

A new pair of sandals in which to reach the next milestones!

A fabulous card from the little sis… enclosing a list of 30 of some of the ‘fabulous achievements’ from my life thus far… To confirm: this is not from me so I can write this with irony/modesty as they are not my words, but from elsewhere!

Your lovely daughter…
Rocking dungarees and clogs 10 years before Alexa Chung
Bagging a Doctor (queue ‘i can’t believe I’m marrying a doctor’ from Beaches)
Knitting a cardigan a day for #1
BA Hons First
Click Click STOMP Click Click STOMP aka Best Tap Routine ever!
Rocking Mad Men chic before Mad Men
MA
TOES
Selling actual things to actual people through the actual internet web thingy
Cycling in London (mentallist)
Having a wonderfully exotic accent that even Sam West couldn’t place
Passing your driving test while 8 months pregnant
Being the family encyclopedia on Shakespeare
Wearing yellow eyeshadow
Organising the PERFECT wedding
Flying across the Atlantic with a 5 month old baby
Year Book Editor
Keeping said Doctor in baked goods on a daily basis
Climbing Maccu Piccu
Growing really long hair for perfect wedding
Raising money for Maccu Piccu
Being a wonderfully caring and fabulous friend
Having a wedding dress with POCKETS
Having purple/mahogany hair while still in school
Introducing me to talking weird (see #12), fashion (#2), makeup (#15), hairstyles from Sliding Doors (#25), dancing (#6), and safety first at the poolside (#9)…
Storming the blogosphere
Knitting yourself a migraine (your hubbie’s words-love it!)
Secretly being the buyer/trendspotter/trendsetter for Anthropologie, Hobbs, Clarks, The White Company and Space NK
Being a fricking awesome sister and friend who is TURNING 30!!!!!!!

What better present could a person get?!

Gotta love family. Thanks, Cate.

On my way out to drinks, so will post this and then rush off to a cocktail bar, then drunkenly edit this and add links etc later. That will end well, I’m sure. PS Today’s Cake: Lemon Meringue Cake by Nigella. Yum. That’s all I need to say.

Thirty before Thirty – an update!

2011-09-09T18:30:00.001+01:00

Three days to go before the big THREE OH…

Highlighted in red are my outstanding tasks…

There seems to be a distinct lack of ‘months’, ‘weekends’ and ‘excercise opportunities’ before Monday… Methinks the nominated charity is going to be getting a donation shortly… Send over album suggestions for music to listen to over my non-technical weekend and I’ll get them on iTunes before I unplug! Oh… but then I can’t listen to them… Oh crikey…

Go to one restaurant a month that I’ve never been to before

January – Dinner complete with silver ‘reveal’ domes at theEastwell Manor Hotel
February – Took part in first Supper Club at the Courtyard Cafe for Valentines Day
March – Afternoon Tea at the Ellenborough Park Hotel
April – Amazing Lunch at Wheeler’s Oyster Bar in Whitstable
May – Sunday Lunch at the Queen Adelaide in Shepherd’s Bush
June – Pre-concert dinner at Positano in Cardiff
July – Lunch at the Bridge Lounge, Southwark
August – Lunch at Sazio’s in Harpenden

September – Dinner at Sagra Brasserie in St Albans

Eat 5 foodstuffs I’ve never tried before DONE: Romanesque Broccoli, Octopus, deep fried oyster, Preserved Ginger in syrup (without it being in a cake or jam!), and… BREAD MADE BY MY OWN FAIR HANDS!
Bake bread. Actual bread. Not just yeast-assisted cakes DONE!
Knit something in Fair Isle/stranded colourwork or a lace shawl DONE!
Give handmade presents this year (I’ve given myself a loophole in case I run out of time to make every present myself) – and make them GOOD THINGS that are wanted and liked and appropriate and… and… and… Done for friends’s 30th birthday, for friend’s new babies and for sister’s birthday!
Listen to 10 albums by artists I’ve not listened to before! Buena Vista Social Club, Hugh Laurie, French album in the car I’ve not got the name of…
Write a letter for Tilly to open when she’s 18 DONE
Write a letter to myself to open when I’m 60 DONE
Read three ‘classic’ books I haven’t read before Started Vanity Fair, thoroughly enjoyed the first third of it and then lost momentum… :-(
Drink only water for one month this is going to be HARD – tea… wine??
Don’t complain about anything for a week DONE and it was beautifully refreshing and surprisingly easy
Go completely ‘unchained’ for a month (ie no shopping at any chainstores for food, clothes, etc)
Unplug for a whole weekend (no phone, Internet, television etc.)
See 10 ‘classic’ movies I’ve never seen DONE! – Gentlemen prefer blondes, Sabrina, Annie Hall, The Hurt Locker [it’s won an Oscar – does that make it a modern classic?), Avatar, Up, Harry Potter & Deathly Hallows Part 2, All About Eve, Blythe Spirit, Exit Through the Gift Shop
Workout for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks
Write a list of 101 things I’ve already achieved in this lifetime
Write a list of 50 things I like about myself
Write 5 letters to 5 people who changed my life DONE and Sent!!
Sleep in a tent, outside, with my husband and my daughter Instead – organised a big camp-along for twenty-five people in Norfolk and slept in a caravan – cheating?? Possibly…
Make £100 from my crafting in one calendar month £106 made in March and again £120 made in June!
See 9 performances featuring my friends (acting, singing, dancing etc) – professional or amateur Tick One:Fiona Bevan at the Tate Modern, Tick Two: My Goddaughters’ end of term ballet recital
Help organise a street party for the Royal Wedding: Done!
Help organise a Big Lunch party for local families: have had to postpone this due to timing and local busy-ness. All set for Big Lunch for next year though…
Go a week without spending any money bar Tilly essentials – diapers etc DONE – surprisingly difficult but very liberating! And boy, our storecupboards were scraped bare!
Grow a plant in this house that does not die within four weeks of ownership DONE – my gorgeous mini-herb garden!
Have a ‘no rubbish’ week
Don’t swear for a week this is going to be bloody difficult – geddit??? DONE!
Take part in three craft swaps – the two last year were BRILLIANT and they made me so happy! Done! Done! and Done!
Put aside £10 for every I task I complete to buy myself a fabulous birthday present Donate £10 to charity for every task I don’t complete

Baking and Creating

2011-09-05T17:43:00.001+01:00

Recent makes include:

ipod Cosy from Mollie Makes gift-pack, made for lovely friend’s birthday pressie

Triple Salted Caramel Cupcakes with a good friend

Mending a Victorian velvet cushion with charity-shop velvet patches…’after shot’ to follow…

New baby quilt for born-today Nieve! Congratulations all!

Mastering the ‘top-down raglan in one’ construction with Linda’s cute eyelet pattern

Coconut Meringue Roulade and Pear & Chocolate cupcakes to take along to a …

Pizza and Pottery afternoon at the home of the fabulous Charlotte Storrs!

Savoury Picnic Bread made vegetarian with mozzarella, spinach and onion….

And even little people have been getting creative…

First ever decorating-cakes-with-Mummy session and first ever millinery creation…

To quote Miranada’s mum… SUCH FUN!

Making Children’s Presents

2011-08-31T08:19:00.001+01:00

In my continued attempts to make all presents this year, I’ve been enjoying the daily inspiration provided by internet wonders… These little tutorials are currently making me very happy and will no doubt form part of my ‘to do’ list before the glut of Christmas and 2 and 3 year old birthdays that begins in November…

A little book of vintage paper crafts and paper dolls – tutorials and printables courtesy of Chez Beeper Bebe.

I’m sure I’ve posted this before, but I’m definitely going to be making one of these for the Tilster for Christmas… Fabric dollshouse/carrycase from UK Lass in the US

Dressing up wings from Small Magazine – the vintage floral instead of spangly sparkly polyester just make them so elegant and refined – not a word you usually use with reference to children’s dressing up clothes!

Sew Yummy Baking

2011-08-30T13:08:00.001+01:00

Fabulously straightforward tutorial and gorgeously effective result.

Can’t wait to have a go at this myself!!

You have got to be kidding, House of Holland

2011-08-29T21:50:00.001+01:00

£189?!?!?

Really!?!?

Not for all the tulips in Holland!

One search and there are OH SO MANY TUTORIALS OUT THERE…

I’m almost inclined to have a go myself simply to NOT HAVE SPENT nearly £200 (!!!!) were my friends not likely to hang me from the nearest tree for craft/fashion blindness…

Oh so cute

2011-08-28T08:18:00.001+01:00

Right… come on, you lot… altogether now…

Why didn’t I think of that?!

Literary confetti cut from Mills & Boon novels

£4.50 per box at The Literary Gift Company

Or you can get yourself one of these punches, and do it yourself!

Inspiration from the strangest places

2011-08-25T10:30:00.001+01:00

There were some pretty fabulous costumes in The Hour, a 1960s BBC drama that finished this week. I’ve also had a bit of a Romala Garai love-in-fest too, and saw Glorious 39, resulting in my googling and LOVING this outfit, too…

But back to the point… Despite all of Romala’s gorgeous outfits, I was most taken by Ben Whishaw’s wardrobe of knitted waistcoats. The final waistcoat used the most interesting method of combining two colours: a base grey shade for the waistcoat fronts, and a contrast teal for the button bands, armbands and back piece. Really striking, and potentially a really great way to incorporate colour blocking into wearable pieces without scaring the horses.

Have been a-hunting and found these options for replication…

A lengthening tutorial for Tryst, a classic man’s vintage vest, and then this fitted female waistcoat too..

I’m thinking grey with mustard yellow highlights…

Yum.

Black for a Winter Wedding?

2011-08-22T19:56:00.000+01:00

There are still a few hard and fast rules that I immediately think of when people discuss ‘wedding etiquette’, though in these modern times, it’s not surprising that so many people are left in a quandary when navigating the pleasantries.

Sartorially, the two big no’s for guests are wearing white and wearing black: one being too bridal, the other being too morbid. Having said that, with the blurring of traditional dress-codes, the rise of evening receptions and black-tie invitations, the certainty of the ‘little black dress’ and the variety of colours that brides wear these days, maybe even those rules no longer apply.

I have been ‘umming’ and ‘ahhing’ about the outfit for a early December wedding… It will be late in the day and so even going into the church will be in darkness, as it will be deepest winter. The reception will be held in a fabulous old museum so again, glamour and elegance rather than pretty and delicate will be the watchwords…

Suddenly, it seems that black could be appropriate. Glamourous and indulgent, elegant and gorgeous, sumptuous and textural… I’ve been having some good, clean, clicking fun finding some fabulous shots, and fabulous friends have been forwarding ideas too. (Thanks Chloe!)

Roberto Cavalli Wrap dress and gratuitously fabulous Bijoux Heart Necklace that I also love!

Day Birger et Mikkelsen Lace Dress needs little more than some earthy earrings to undercut the lacy delicacy: Monica Vinader Labradorite Earrings

Lela Rose shift dress with Dannijo bracelet

Narcisco Rodriguez Silk Crepe Dress with Miu Miu patent heels

Temperley London Silk Dress with Valentino appliqued clutch

Even this high-necked, long sleeved black Michael Kors number can be lightened with this fabulous Lanvin hairclip…

So just possibly… with the right accessories and the right amount of flesh… with the right attitude and the right amount of elegance… it is possible to be modest, gorgeous, decadent and appropriately fabulous. At a wedding. Wearing black.

Who’d’ve thunk it!?

Going up in the world!

2011-08-18T14:17:00.001+01:00

Who knew that ASOS is the holy grail of affordable, and yet, NOT ACRYLIC knitwear…

Cotton Aran Jumper £35

Textured Knit Jumper in Mushroom £40

Grey & Turquoise Angora Mix Jumper £35

Dark Green Coloured Aran Jumper £35

spot the august rainshowers bringing on some extreme new season research… Having a moment of nearly reaching for coloured tights…

Weekends

2011-08-14T19:34:00.001+01:00

Walks with friends, young and old…

Life’s little pleasures…

Fabulous Fibre East

2011-08-10T22:04:00.000+01:00

Such a glorious day.

Many pennies spent…

Many skeins fondled…

Many yarnie chats had…

Many sighs emitted…

Many good wishes to those who put it together…

Many excited moments waiting and wishing and hoping and wondering what will be in store for Fibre East in the future…

And because my driving buddy and I are ridiculously silly, we just had to take a piccy of this esteemed business en route…

Pretty Little Knitted Things

2011-08-09T20:50:00.001+01:00

That I won’t be making or buying for myself but can lust after from afar…

It must be time to wrap up in cosy knitwear soon, isn’t it?!

Golden Gate Cardigan

Tulip Sleeve Cardigan

Diamond Weave Pullover

Eastward Dress Coat

Oh gorgeous, unusual, fabulously overpriced Anthropologie… Be still my beating heart.

And the beat goes on

2011-08-04T14:41:00.001+01:00

I realised that this week is pretty much a year on from when I sank to the lowest place I have ever been. If I’d hit rock bottom, I wouldn’t have minded: at least I’d know that I would inevitably rise back to the surface in time. The horror and the fear I felt was that I was continuing to freefall down a never-ending rabbit hole and would just keep going until I brought myself to a stop.

Memories of last summer are foggy and fragmented

I’m asked by a motorist if I’m ok. I realise I’m standing at a pedestrian crossing with my buggy, waiting for the Green Man, long since been and gone, and I’m crying.

I’m sitting on the sofa. Tilly is crying upstairs. I am anything but controlled.

I’m crocheting a blanket. I’m crocheting a blanket. If I keep crocheting the blanket, my life will have meaning, I will be useful and I will be a worthwhile presence.

The Boy and I smile at the bad interior design of the hotel I am taken to in the crisis time. I immediately feel guilty for laughing, as if betraying the obvious truth that I’m actually ‘fine’ and just making a fuss.

I’m in a small room with uncomfortable chairs, upholstered for no discernable reason except to be itchy, with three professionals looking at me. I’m asked questions. I know they’re only doing their job.

I’m at a table outside a pub with a good friend. Her lips are moving and I’m smiling. I drink my wine. She stops and tells me to talk. I’m crying.

Looking at these photos, it’s almost impossible to place myself in my memory anywhere near this child, this smiling little chubster, who clearly just wanted to have fun all the time.

And then I found this picture. Taken this weekend last year, and there is nothing behind my eyes. And I know why I can’t put myself in those memories. I wasn’t there. I didn’t exist. For those few months, a shadow of a person who looked like me occupied my space in the world.

She was the worst version of me but she was all I had to offer at that time.

And now I’m here.

I’m better.

I’m happy.

And my daughter is keeping me up at night shouting Muuuuuu-MA from her cot.

And answering the phone with a polite AaaaRrrrrrrOoooooW?

And dropping things – anything – in order to have the opportunity to look at me with a grin of regret and an Uh Oh.

And follows my morning makeup routine to the letter, offering the back of her left hand for ‘foundation’ (with the lid left on, if she’s not concentrating too hard), and then the blusher brush and an empty old blusher pot to cheek.

And I’m sad that I missed all those moments last year when my shadow came to stay.

But I’m so glad that I’m here to see all these other moments.

Even if she is emptying my sewing box while I type these words.

Thank you to everyone who made sure that I would be here.

And the beat goes on…

Swappy Fun

2011-08-01T20:34:00.001+01:00

‘No money but the postage’ Swap…

No expense but the stamps.

Far more fun than the cost of the box.

Gorgeous handmade goodies and stash-busting projects.

Loving the internet right now.

Ring a Ding Ding

2011-07-29T20:08:00.000+01:00

A recent comment on some rather splendid frocks led me to the gloriously gorgeous and surprisingly reasonable Ruby Grays, a purveyor of vintage and antique engagement rings of some considerable elegance.

A quick browse exposed these little numbers: proof if proof were needed that the ecological and ethical choice of ‘second-hand’ rings need not be dusty, dirty old stones… Obviously I’m biased, but seriously…Just look at these Bobby Dazzlers!

Continental Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring £1,100

Victorian Diamond & Pearl Engagement Ring £1550

Ruby & Diamond ‘Toi et Moi’ Engagement Ring £1800 (love the concept of ‘toi et moi!)

Classic Three Stone Diamond Ring £1800

And then it goes from rather reasonable to RATHER LARGE ROCKS. Anyone got a spare kidney? If I did, I know what I’d be spending the proceedings on….

One Ascher Cut Diamond Ring £10,500

1.2ct Single Stone 18ct Gold Engagement Ring £10,800

1.06ct Diamond 18ct Yellow Gold Engagement Ring w/ Diamond Shoulders £9,900

Variations on a theme

2011-07-29T08:47:00.001+01:00

Individuality amongst related items… Mugs that are the same style in different colours… Glasses that are handmade to the same specifications but each have their own idiosyncracies… Pretty things that keep me smiling in my little life…

Semiotics Mugs in five colours each £12

Oresund Mugs in four colours each £10

Ladies in Waiting Dinner Plates each £22

Bake by Numbers Pie Plate £28

I’m feeling a session at a paint-it-yourself pottery session coming on… Just goes to show how effective naive simplicity can be. Gorgeous. Utterly Gorgeous.

Ladylike Chic

2011-07-27T18:31:00.000+01:00

What with turning 30 this year, an all (have I mentioned that I’m turning 30 this year at all?!) I figure I may need to embrace the trend detailed below.

As I have been dressing like a 1940s housewife of my own volition for the last 8 years, this may not be too much of a problem.

Now.. has anyone got £3000 I can borrow…??

Carolina Herrera Waterfall Print Dress

Carolina Herrera Metallic Jacquard Dress

Elie Tahari Toni Sleeveless Dress

Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Coatdress

Bluemarine Wool Pearled Dress

Oscar de la Renta Printed Party Dress

Full Length Elegance

2011-07-25T20:38:00.000+01:00

With the rise (or is that ‘fall’) of the maxi style over the last few seasons, the wearing of long gowns for evening events has been reinstated as an appropriate style of frock. I’ve always been a fan of adhering to dress-codes: if I’m told Black Tie is required, I wear long. And so I’m delighted to see such elegance and beautiful gowns have returned to the scene, without so much as a whiff of the puffed-sleeve meringues of yesteryear.

J Mendel Sequinned Chiffon Gown

Elie Saab Strapless Gown

Elie Saab Beaded Gown

Lela Rose Embroidered Ballgown

Jason Wu Strapless Chiffon Gown

And there are even bridal gowns to be found…

Elie Saab Beaded Tulle Gown

Zac Posen Mermaid Gown

Such simple, breathtaking elegance.

Oh for an occasion to swan about in such gorgeousness.

Colour Blocking for the Autumn

2011-07-21T17:55:00.001+01:00

Pretty

Pretty expensive

But pretty nonetheless

Nina Ricci Wool-blend and lace tshirt

Balmain Silk-Satin Wrap blouse

Diane von Furstenberg Reara Two Tone Dress

Giambattista Valle Colourblock Cocktail Dress

Etro Wool Coat

Blumarine Lace Top & Skirt

Proenza Schouler Spiral Dress

Scrummy Cakes

2011-07-12T13:50:00.001+01:00

Tautology?? Possibly…

But check this out for eye candy… All courtesy of Faircakes & Faces, based in Surrey.

Shabby Chic? Tick – in a variety of options – and check out that little birdie!?

Children’s cakes with a heady dash of sophistication in there too.

Wedding cakes based on Henna tattoos on the left and Victoriana tattoos on the right.

Extraordinary painterly skills and some beautiful sugarcraft in there too.

Upset by lunch, wailing by the afternoon

2011-06-27T14:49:00.000+01:00

A beautiful farmhouse, taken over as a military hospital and battery during WW2, abandoned until 1990, slowly being renovated by a carpenter and a basketweaver.

A hand-built Granary in the grounds, holding the first (of what I’m sure will be many) weekend course in the ancient art of weaving, taught by Katherine, who grows the reeds herself on the farm, and her sister-in-law, Dominique, both of whom have been weaving for over a decade, and make it look INCREDIBLY easy, and beautiful.

The first morning was spent creating the base circle, including splitting the centre of the first reeds with a sharp implement, to then cross-secure the other reeds through the middle to create the base. Once the base was complete, the reeds were inserted into the spokes to create the sides, and then set, vertically, against their grain, to get a firm sharp edge and begin the shaping of the piece. They were to be ‘upset’. And we were ‘upset’ by lunch. And on track to be waling by the afternoon.

Lunch was a ‘light’ affair (if that’s light, I daren’t wonder what feast is served up on high-days and holidays) of homemade soup, homemade bread, salads from the garden, local cheeses, fresh fruit and apple streusel.

The waling (or wailing, as I preferred to think about it) formed the base and the bottom of the sides and then, once the corner was turned and a pleasing number of waling rounds completed, the English randing began. As long as I kept in the rhythm of the weave and didn’t speak to anyone, this beautifully elegant effect was pleasing to the eye and the hands as it formed the sides. The next morning, the randing continued followed by the not untimely waling again, to set the height of the finished piece, form a durable upper edge and then work on the handle.

It is worth mentioning here that the Little One had seen fit to remind us of her presence between the hours of 2 and 5am that night, which, as this was the Saturday night following the balloon ride and the 4am Friday morning start, was not entirely welcome. So, by this point in the weekend, the tea and cake were sadly insufficient to keep my sleep-deprived brain on the task at hand. The trials and tribulations involved in BENDING BAMBOO HANDLES against their will and NOT KINKING IT or SNAPPING IT proved too much and it’s fair to say that by lunch on Day 2, I was close to ACTUALLY WAILING.

The patience of Dominique and Katherine is not to be understated here. They dragged me, kicking and screaming, to the final stages of the basket, including the wrapping of the FOURTH ATTEMPT AT BENT BAMBOO handle with willow, more weaving, tidying, trimming, bending, knotting and snipping to put the final finishing touches on it.

I went in with the only experience over 20 years ago on a school trip, and an almightily wonky result still languishing in my oh-so-sentimental Mum’s cupboard… If I managed to create an un-wonky basket, I would be satisfied.

Ah well.

It is a thing of beauty, and I’m claiming the shape, form, undulations and irregularities as ‘organic’ and intentional. A satisfying weekend of wrestling reeds, dunking water-baths, warm tea, homemade cake and continental coffee.

Bliss. Triumphant, wonky bliss.

Katherine and Dominique are just starting to set up a schedule of these weekend basketry courses. There isn’t a website as yet, but if you are interested, get in touch, and I can forward the details to you. Bargainous, scrumptious and productive, all in one weekend!? Excellent.

Fruity Summer Frocks

2011-06-26T20:30:00.001+01:00

Black Oranges & Lemons Dress £35 down from £45 from Wallis

Cherry Print Teadress £55 from Oasis

Apple Print Prom Dress £39.99 from River Island

Actual Bread

2011-06-26T13:49:00.001+01:00

I did it!!

I baked ACTUAL BREAD.

I used a Focaccia recipe from the tome of sensible cooking.

I used the Kitchen Aid to knead it to perfection.

I used the warmth of a sunny day to leave it to rise.

I used rosemary from the garden to garnish the loaves.

I used many and friendly people to help snarfle up the scrumptiousness.

I had it for breakfast as toast with mother-in-laws’s jam.

I am a domestic goddess.

And I am now in fear of the expansion of the waistline…

That’s another one ticked off. Excellent.

One pair of old trousers+one tablecloth =

2011-06-22T20:37:00.001+01:00

A new frock for Tilly.

Goodness me this child is ridiculously spoilt.

One pair of trousers given to me by my sister-in-law. I’m sadly too curvy to make use of them for me, but I rather liked the linen fabric and thought it would be a shame to simply give them away…

Used a lovely technique I learned on a McCalls pattern when I was about 15 for facing or lining simple bodices with a back seam, so that you have finished the neckline and armscye edges in one move. It’s one of those straightforward ones if you know it, and very handy if you don’t…I’m intending to put together a little tutorial on it: watch this space, and it may appear … soon...

Pockets were the damaged remains of a square embroidered tablecloth/wallhanging that I found at an auction. These two pieces had been patched just above the embroidery, so I used that bulk to turn over and create the upper edge and then just hemmed the edges over and stitched.

I quick blitz on the iron, grabbed a piece of vintage millinery ribbon I was lucky enough to be given by an elderly neighbour a few years ago, and you have a dress fit for a church hall party full of chocolate and 3year olds.

All the finest frocks for all the finest events.

Lucky lady.

Up Up and Away

2011-06-11T19:29:00.001+01:00

A phone call is made at 11pm

The weather forecast is looking positive (despite all appearances to the contrary, looking out the window of our front room)

The alarms are set for 4.30am

Alarm reads: 5 hours and 9 minutes until alarm goes off.

I cry a little tear and try to fall asleep

The little one has other ideas throughout the night…

In far too short a time, cold flannels are applied to face in the vain attempt to awaken any interest or enthusiasm for this much-anticipated event.

Bleary-eyed people wait in a car park, looking towards a field, where a man stands by a Land Rover, taking measurements and making decisions.

And the go-ahead is given.

And the cold air is applied

And the heat is applied

And the basket is righted

And the force of gravity is overcome

And the ground pulls away

And the whole of Hertfordshire lies before us, with the mist and the dawn slowly clearing

And I am flying in a hot air balloon with my eyes closed, feeling the warmth of the flames and the breeze of the air

And last year did not happen

Or else it happened, and I survived and I am flying in a hot air balloon with the father of my little girl

And it was all worth living for

And it is all worth staying alive for

And it, too, passed.

Stoneware in the Sunshine

2011-06-04T21:11:00.001+01:00

A recent glorious sunny day spent in the scrumptious garden of Charlotte Storrs to join her on her open studio weekend.

The doorway into the garden was bedecked and bestrewn with vase and hanging tealights…

Raised beds housed future vegetables and salads…

Beautiful displays of stoneware for sale … some of it may or may not have ended up in my kitchen…

Even little Tilster got to have some fun with clay! We’re waiting to see what fabulousness comes out of the kiln…

What a gorgeous day.

Stay in touch for future events via her website here…

We Love Lucy

2011-06-01T21:36:00.001+01:00

A lovely little group on Ravelry has sworn its undying love to a lovely little blog. We are up to swop number Four and I have thoroughly enjoyed this one, as much as the last few. A few messages, pleas, hooky times and shopping trips later and I’ve received this rather fabulous parcel all the way from Georgia, in the beautiful Deep South of America…

The only defining factors of the swap were

At least one handmade item of your choice. This can be any craft and is not limited to crochet. This item should be personal and tailored to your swap partner.
Yarn. Ideally at least enough for a small project or to form part of a bigger project. Quantity/price/fiber/brand are entirely up to you and your partner. You can discuss this between you via pm if you wish.
A handwritten card or note for your partner from you.
Other goodies! These can be absolutely anything! This is where it is particularly fun to ‘stalk’ your swap partner and find out as much as you can about what they would really like to receive in a package! Do they have a blog? What other groups are they a member of? What does their profile say about them? Do they have children or pets? Remember to think about their questionnaire answers as well when choosing items.

The lovely Sarah (who is not online, I’m sad to say, but can be found on Ravelry under Sayrah1124) sent over gorgeous yarns (Debbie Stoller Stitch Nation and Lily Sugar n’ Cream) that I asked for, along with pretty cards, personalised tissues, patterns, notelets, six crocheted coasters, a tote bag and THE MOST IMPORTANT THING – chocolate covered pretzels. Truly my Kryptonite, but also the most fabulous means to encourage me to get to the end of projects… They are being used as bait to get me through my unfinished-objects-bag at the moment…

Gorgeous, lucky lucky lady that I am… I can only hope that Sarah enjoys the little bits and bobs that I sent over to her… Fingers crossed it arrives soon.

Don’t look now, but I may have just ticked off another part of one of my Thirty Before Thirty… One more swap down, another two to go…

Brace Yourselves

2011-05-25T12:31:00.001+01:00

The migraine has finally been completed.

This started life as a little experiment to see if I could manage Lucy’s lovely Summer Garden Granny Squares…

Turns out they were quite straightforward, but I was low on yarn at that point. (Ha!)

So I had to put it on hold with a few squares of granny stripe border…

Then it came back out the pile for a burst of hooky-time…

Then there were some squares…

Then there were more stripes…

Then there was a lacey border (adapted from one I found here)…

And then I stood back to admire my work.

And bask in my glory…

And have a think if the intended recipient will grow to love it as much as I do…

The Boy is DESPERATE to get this monstrosity out of the house. I, on the other hand, have slowly but surely formed a deep attachment to its blindingly clashing loveliness… The only question is, have I got time to make something else for the intended recipient so I can keep this? And will that cause the end of my marriage?

Triumphs and Disasters

2011-05-19T08:05:00.001+01:00

Don't look now but I may be quite good at this lark.

For the last six months, the little lady has been positively enjoyable! She has been growing, laughing, sleeping (hitting a LIFE TIME RECORD OF 2 3/4 hours today MUMMY LOVES YOU MY DARLING LITTLE ONE), playing, signing and generally terrorising the babies and children of our local neighbourhood. It's starting to feel like there may be a moment whereby the months of OH GOOD GOD WHAT WERE WE THINKING will be outnumbered by the CRIKEY WE DON'T SEEM TO HAVE IRREVERSIBLY DAMAGED HER YET months.

I've had a few moments recently of delighting at my enjoying her, and cringing at myself enjoying her. Particularly wonderful episodes include being invited to a lovely dinner with some newly-made-mummied-friends and becoming far too opinionated (or should that read 'inebriated') and thus emphatic on one particular mummy's use of the strapless brassiere. I also heard a rather obnoxious voice (mine, sadly) attempting to get her child to dance on demand to an assembled group because, 'a minute ago, she was just... go on... oh... she's not doing it now...' I hate myself sometimes. Misguided enthusiasm rapidly decaying into mum-up-man-ship and a desire to cut off ones own head. Ho hum.

But, let's focus on the positive. The long sleep today followed a triumphant session at the local playgroup, where she bla-la-la'd various nursery rhymes,slept (and hopped) with the Little Bunnies, wiped the wipers on The Bus and rocked Miss Polly's Dolly with the best of them. She then munched down her lunch of pasta and tomato sauce, before resting for our yoga. There, she 'helped' me stretch into my various positions (do not attempt downward-facing-dog with a toddler leaning on your elevated posterior) and sat on my face during the final meditation session. Excellent. She then waved at any and all passers-by from her buggy, like some mini-Kate Middleton, before returning home for dinner of potato and aubergine curry (seriously yum, by the way).

Bedtime was a speedy affair of our first 'at the sink brush and wash' while perched on a family heirloom vintage footstool and then settled in bed after a massage, a story and a song.

Within twenty minutes of starting bedtime, she was quietly finishing her milk and getting herself to sleep...

I'm sure there will be 'encounters' in the future.

I'm sure we won't always see eye to eye.

I'm sure she will think that I'm SO UNFAIR and DON'T UNDERSTAND HER and KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HER LIFE in a very short amount of time.

All I know now is that whenever she was at a loose end today, she scrabbled over to me on her speedy tip-toes, turned her open mouth to mine for a wet sloppy kiss, and then embraced me with a pat-on-my-back cuddle.

And for now, I think I might just keep her.

My favourite Yarn Shops

2011-05-18T21:57:00.001+01:00

On Ravelry, there is an acronym that had me guessing for a little while: LYS… Finally worked it out to be Local Yarn Shop.

And this has to be one of my favourites, albeit not exactly ‘local’ to me, being about 2 hours away from where I live! Luckily, it’s more like ten minutes from the house of a very good friend, so whenever I visit her, I tend to drop by to *ahem* peruse their stock…

Knitwits of Dereham treads the fine line of gorgeous quality fibres sitting happily alongside a good selection of value yarns. Perfect for me to be able to have a look at the pretty yarns that I will *one day* be able to buy, and then satisfy my stash cravings with cheap and cheerful (but not highly flammable) fabulousness. The central picture is their range of Stylecraft Special. And we all know what happens when that comes along…

Lovely Fiona tells me that they’re settling into their new premises (moved last August into an even more central location than ever before) and are hoping to expand into the basement with quilting fabrics and a workshop space by the end of the year. Hopefully this speaks volumes of their taste, their range, their gorgeousness and the crafty future of Norfolk. Onwards and upwards, or rather, with the basement expansion, perhaps that should be downwards.

Highly recommended if you’re within ten hours’ of Norfolk. Happy shopping.

Pretty things in the shop that should have stayed in the US for my own sanity…

2011-05-14T12:20:00.000+01:00

Anthropologie, you are a cruel and unusual beast.

But goodness your frocks are fabby.

Tied down dress £98

Silk Chartreuse Shoots Dress £138

Cotton Spiced Dress £158

Friday Maxi Dress £118

En Plein Air Dress £198

Back View Dress £148

Pretty things on the internet…

2011-05-09T22:07:00.000+01:00

HEADS UP – I HAVE MADE NONE OF THE THINGS THAT FOLLOW. SADLY. THOUGH I WISH I HAD DONE.

Beautiful Linen and lace fabric bins from Tuuni

See this tutorial here for a how-to that you could use to DIY!

Vintage Linen scrappy quilt by Janice Ryan

Clothesline quilt by Old Fransson!

Art Quilt by Rebecca Sower

Pinwheel quilt by MaryMadeMe!

Sailors on Seasides

2011-05-07T22:30:00.001+01:00

Days in the sunshine, by the seaside, enjoying the unseasonably dry (albeit rather blowy) Spring we’re enjoying here. A day at Wells Next The Sea while away for a few days in Norfolk, and then a daytrip to Whitstable today for a good friend’s birthday. The blanket went down a storm and the next projects are already rolling off my needle.

Though I have asked the Boy to ensure I actually MAKE SOME STOCK this month already so the personal forays into pretty sailor cardigans and heirloom blankets may have to be temporarily put on hold…

Right up my street… (snarf, snarf)

2011-04-30T11:34:00.002+01:00

Don’t look now but I may have ticked another accomplishment off my list… The street party yesterday went fabulously and here is a little taste of the day…

My cupcakes were gorgeously tasting, quite prettily decorated (those will be engagement rings on the bottom row) but sadly came away from the street bakeoff empty-handed…

Preparations started at 9.30 with bunting ago-go and the under 8s of the street rapidly realising there was a playground on their doorstep!!

Soon the garden furniture was out, the barbeque was list, the sound system was installed and, to the dulcet tones of the Andrews Sisters and Aretha Franklin, the drinking and cake judging began…

Fun and games included Giant Jenga and facepainting!

By the end of the day, a very strung-out and hyperactive Tilly had enjoyed herself to the bitter end and took a very reluctant bath to remove all traces of sidewalk-chalk, hot dog, cake and orange squash from her hair…

So that Mummy could return the clear-up, congratulate her partner in crime and get herself a well-earned cup of tea!

All these pictures perfectly sum up a lovely day and a very ad-hoc homespun kinda party… This picture, though, taken by a much more talented snapper neighbour, makes the whole thing look much more stylish!

You learn a new thing every day…

2011-04-29T07:39:00.001+01:00

Frozen fruit will prevent jelly from setting…

I currently have a fridge full of liquid syrupy sweet gloop in pretty molds that I am entirely unable to use. Looks like the compost heap is going to have a good day.

Sad times.

The worst of it is that I discovered this this morning and so have wasted four packets of jelly thinking that it just needed a stronger set. And now have no means of starting again. Pants.

Recent Busy-ness

2011-04-27T20:13:00.001+01:00

Getting through a lovely commission for a good friend, via her husband, for a ‘Cotton’ anniversary preset. Two cushions with their initial letters on, to go with the decor of their new bedroom. Fabby!

Exploring the local attraction with the little one and marvelling at the flutter-byes.

Starting new projects with abandon, while I finish up old projects.

Baking ago-go for a baby shower for a fabulous friend.

Getting hot and bothered watching other people get hot and bothered…

Hunting, searching and scoffing…

Boozy puds ago-go… TiaMaria Tiramisu and Pimms Jelly!

And last but not least… trying Cake Pops for the very first time!

Needless to say… they were just to Madam’s liking…

Sweater Loving

2011-04-22T07:52:00.000+01:00

Twist & Tango Oversize Jumper £77.50

Boutique by Jaegar Sailor Intarsia Jumper £125

Whistles Elma Fisherman Stitch Jumper £95

Whistles Bella Chain Cardigan £165

All images from asos.com

Knitted by Nanas…

2011-04-21T06:52:00.001+01:00

Who knew…

Shreddies had it right all along…

Grannies Inc.

You design it, they knit it. Amazing.

Dawdling and dancefloors…

2011-04-18T21:21:00.000+01:00

An exploration in the sun and a trample about in a new frock…

A stride to be reckoned with and a sunhat to be spotted in…

A sunny day immersed in history…

Admiring the beauty in the old and mundane…

And the delight to be found playing with Daddy’s favourite toy…

Reflections and Ruminations – an update

2011-04-15T12:23:00.002+01:00

The list is going pretty well

Go to one restaurant a month that I’ve never been to before

January – Dinner complete with silver ‘reveal’ domes at the Eastwell Manor Hotel

February – Took part in first Supper Club at the Courtyard Cafe for Valentines Day

March – Afternoon Tea at the Ellenborough Park Hotel

Eat 5 foodstuffs I’ve never tried before One tick – Romanesque Broccoli
Bake bread. Actual bread. Not just yeast-assisted cakes
Knit something in Fair Isle/stranded colourwork or a complicated lace shawl
Give handmade presents this year (I’ve given myself a loophole in case I run out of time to make every present myself) – and make them GOOD THINGS that are wanted and liked and appropriate and… and… and…
Listen to 10 albums by artists I’ve not listened to before (suggestions welcome)
Write a letter for Tilly to open when she’s 18
Write a letter to myself to open when I’m 60
Read three ‘classic’ books I haven’t read before
Drink only water for one month this is going to be HARD – tea… wine??
Don’t complain about anything for a week
Go completely ‘unchained’ for a month (ie no shopping at any chainstores for food, clothes, etc)
Unplug for a whole weekend (no phone, Internet, television etc.)
See 10 ‘classic’ movies I’ve never seen
Workout for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks
Write a list of 101 things I’ve already achieved in this lifetime
Write a list of 50 things I like about myself
Write 5 letters to 5 people who changed my life
Sleep in a tent, outside, with my husband and my daughter
Make £100 from my crafting in one calendar month £106 made! WOOPPEE!!
See 9 performances featuring my friends (acting, singing, dancing etc) – professional or amateur Tick One:Fiona Bevan at the Tate Modern
Help organise a street party for the Royal Wedding: Getting there! Permission granted from local council! Invitations (gorgeous design, non?) distributed and first planning meeting tomorrow evening!
Help organise a Big Lunch party for local families
Go a week without spending any money bar Tilly essentials – diapers etc
Grow a plant in this house that does not die within four weeks of ownership
Have a ‘no rubbish’ week
Don’t swear for a week this is going to be bloody difficult – geddit???
Take part in three craft swaps – the two last year were BRILLIANT and they made me so happy!
Put aside £10 for every I task I complete to buy myself a fabulous birthday present
Donate £10 to charity for every task I don’t complete

Hooky time

2011-04-11T20:57:00.000+01:00

The deadline is looming…

The hook has been on fire…

Borders ago-go…Nearly there.

Flipping fabulous

2011-04-08T20:53:00.000+01:00

I love this recipe…

Half fat to flour

4, 4, 2 and 4

5, 5 and 3…

Something about having a recipe in your head in figures that you can be sure of, but that you don’t have to refer to a book for, is very satisfying. Seems to sum up laissez-faire domesticity and retentive specificity in one easy recipe…

Or just a tasty little supper for a family…

Online inspiration: Children’s Gifts

2011-04-05T21:19:00.001+01:00

Having had a number of birthdays for little people recently, and bringing my rampant distrust of plastic ‘badness’ to bear on the poor defenceless little blighters, I have found a wealth of prettiness on the web which doesn’t cost the earth.

Childlife CookBook to inspire home baking

Artist Teaset to inspire ‘eating’ – Tilly has been taught that any vessel should be held aloft with the pronouncement of “Cheers” followed by noisy supping… An important life-skill, particularly for a person of quarter-Irish blood…

Repeating Toadstools Greeting cards (see their online shop for wallpapers, invitations, thank you notes and other gloriously fabulous paper goods) by Helen Gordon

And then, one of the most useful little pressies we’ve been given: a set of snack boxes. They’re perfect for out and about snacks, they are bright and colourful and so easy to match together in what is currently my ‘oh good god, the tupperware is forming an army and is going to attack me at any moment’ cupboard… Bargainously less than £10 from minimarmalade here.

Alpha-beautiful!

2011-04-04T17:04:00.000+01:00

I know graphics and letters are all over the place – old news – but new designs doing gorgeous things are always a pleasure to oggle…

20 initial notelets by turtlepapers $25

6 handstamped labels by Freshnfunky cards for £3.50 including postage

Screenprinted Alphabet Letter Throw Cushion by decology $24 (have a look at the shopfront for an AMAZING range of fabulous images… in fact I may just have to do another post on the rest of their work…)

Stencilled Burlap Loveletters Cushion by nextdoortoheaven $35

Pretty pretty…

Watercolour Down

2011-04-02T16:45:00.000+01:00

Not usually my thing (watercolour, animals, a bit syrupy as a rule)… but the quirky style and clashing colours are really inspiring…

A trio on a wall in a children’s playroom?

Strawberry Fields print

Blackberry Patch print

Pink Cherry print

British Thr-ewe and Thr-ewe

2011-03-31T20:52:00.000+01:00

So many pretty shades…

This collection of yarn has been specifically commissioned and designed by Susan Crawford, the diligent genius behind A Stitch in Time and currently working on A Stitch in Time Vol 2… Excelana Yarns are fleeced and spun in the UK with the colours inpired by a 1930s shade card. You can read about its provenance and the process in more detail here…

At £4.99 for a 50g ball, it’s about right for a luxe yarn and, though only available in 50g balls at the moment, I’m sure, with the enough interest, the range will be expanded to DK and beyond…Buy it in great big bucketfulls here

And then get them worked together in the MOST AMAZING fair isle…

Pretty. Tasty.

2011-03-31T16:38:00.000+01:00

They Draw and Cook

Don’t they just…

Just gorgeous… I’d love these as a set of Moo Cards to give out attached to jam jars of the ingredients…

Found via Etsy blog

Crafty Business

2011-03-30T16:24:00.001+01:00

What I’ve been making…

Pretty things to sell in the local cafe…

More Peg Bags and a few little purses embroidered with old textiles…

A funky little tanktop for a friend’s new arrival to the world, little baby Sebastian. (This is it pre-blocking…)

The beginnings of a Summer Flower Granny Square for a old friend turning an old age…

I’m being cruel. She’s turning 30!

Only problem is, she’s the first of a ‘batch’ of friends starting a new decade, and I fear for the precedent… Delusions of King Size Bed throw have rapidly reduced to Lap Quilt.

And one migraine continues to grow…

This was typed and thankfully saved just before the laptop died. Turns out excessive chewing by little people does not equate to functioning charge-leads… Now fixed, and so apologies for little delay in transmission…

Online Inspiration: Knitwear

2011-03-18T17:07:00.000Z

Anything in Ruth Cross. I’m not fussy…

Anything by English Weather…

See, really, I’m quite amenable to these things…

Cooking Apple, handknit childrens’ knits from the Cotswolds…

Pale Gray Retro Cardigan from Quinton & Chadwick

I came across an acronym the other day…

STABLE: the hoarding of fabric, yarn, or other craft materials in quantities more than are possible to use in your crafting life…

STAsh

Beyond

Life

Expectancy…

Unfortunately, as I’m so very penniless these days, the evils of Ravelry are causing me to QUEBLE instead – Queue beyond life expectancy… Less risky, I suppose… But still… sad times.

Online Inspiration: Childrenswear

2011-03-16T17:03:00.000Z

Classic fabric, classic shapes, turned upside down, around and over by very talented and artistic designers… click on the pictures to go the links and sources of the designs… Most, but not all, sourced via Hannah, again.

Gotta love a bit of post-modernism in mademoiselle's wardrobe…

French & Floral pinafore dresses

Train cardigan

Cashmere Kitten Cardigan

Reversible Hand Crafted Prairie Dress

Peak Princess – handmade (by one lovely lady in her attic in the Peak District!) clothing in Liberty fabrics – everything from daywear to bridal wear – I feel a separate post coming on! Particularly loving this needlecord jacket with puffed cuffs and gorgeous red lining!

Folk Flower dress by Helen Gordon

All oh-so-pretty… and all just a little bit pricey. Looks like I’m getting out those knitting needles and sewing patterns again…

Online Inspiration: Crafty Goodies

2011-03-15T17:02:00.001Z

I know I’m heinously out of season, what with there being no call for Christmas presents and the like any time soon, but wandering fingers have led me (via this fabulously tasteful inspirational blog) to find these little beauties…

Folkface Cushion £89

Capucine Lavender Scented Dollies £215

Monsieur Lapin £99

and thus this website, which I have linked to before, is a treasure trove of tutorials, ideas and instructions to have a go at some crafty goodness yourself!

Blinded by the blanket…

2011-03-11T17:24:00.000Z

Thought I’d show you a bit of my current hook-in-progress…

Those of a nervous disposition may want to look away or dim their monitors…

It started with a few squares

And a few little granny borders around them…

Then a few corner squares and some more borders…

And still it will not calm down

And I’m sure (I hope) I’ll run out of yarn soon… At least in shades that come close to keeping up with what has gone before…

I’m left with lots of little yarn ends, so I think a slightly more eclectic round of granny squares may be in order shortly, albeit one calmed with ivory borders...

Fifteen Months

2011-03-11T16:23:00.001Z

I like bathtimes and splashing and playing with my ducks and bath books…

I like sticking my tongue out and making funny faces

I like exploring in the garden

I like gardening and tending to the flowers…

I like running around and negotiating steps and slides

But most of all I love playing PEEPO with Mummy around chairs and tables…

It is a very serious business indeed.

Looking to the past for inspiration

2011-03-10T12:34:00.000Z

If the modern pattern books aren’t helping in your hunt for wedding dress designs to make yourself, why not consider looking through the annals of history? Ebay has some great finds: just remember to search via bust measurement, rather than the standard ‘sizes’ which have changed enormously over the years…

If you can’t bear the trawling, though, someone has done it for you…

EvaDress is a wonderfully talented pattern cutter in the US who has rescued, duplicated and in some cases, resized, vintage patterns and sells them on her website, EvaDress.

Here are some of the stunning evening dress patterns that she has available that could be used to craft truly unique, elegant and timeless dresses to walk down the aisle in…

1940s evening dress pattern 4057

1930s day dress, with stunning bodice detail that could be put with a lengthened skirt with inserts, fishtails or a-line shaping to create the twirl required: Pattern 9079

1930s evening dress, Pattern 9906

1935 bridal gown, Pattern 35213

1930s evening gown (separate over-jacket has batwing/grown-on sleeves) Pattern 6132

1935 evening gown, Pattern 7746

1936 nightgown pattern 610: would need the addition of sleeves, but a stunning shape, nonetheless…

Have you seen any vintage-inspired wedding dresses? What era would you go for, whether it be for evening or bridal attire…?

I contacted her in the runup to my wedding design, when I was considering a lace shirt-dress, to resize a 1940s blouse for my ample bosom. She was helpful, precise, efficient and very reasonable for this bespoke request. I sadly did not end up going down that route, but still have the pattern downstairs, waiting for the write piece of shirting to do it justice.

Dressmaking (with sleeves)

2011-03-09T12:00:00.000Z

With the beautiful sleeved wedding dresses still fresh in your mind, I am now thinking about how my BFF and her mum could go about making a look-a-like lace sleeved wedding dress…The job would be daunting, admittedly, but nothing is impossible…

The Grace Kelly number is pretty straightforward, thanks to this Vogue pattern 2979…

This dress, Auriga, has a deep v-neckline, three quarter length fitted sleeves, what looks to be an empire line cut (ie the seam goes up and under the boobs, like in Jane Austen-style dresses) and then falls to a a-line skirt with train in soft fullness…

Vogue Pattern 8532 doesn’t at first look promising, but the helpful line drawings that are supplied with the pattern allow you to look at the basic construction without being distracted by the style and fabric used in the illustration.

Take that bodice, with its shapely just-on-the-shoulder neckline and its beautifully fitted sleeves, and then consider how to create the flowing skirt…

This dress, New Look 6401, would work particularly well, as the princess seams (that is, the vertical fitting seams that run from the bust to the hem) match the bodice princess seams on the Vogue pattern. The fullness of the skirt that falls into a puddle-train, as well as the gentle shaping of the skirt, make it a beautiful option.

Obviously, this would require a toile (that is, a first-run draft of the dress in calico or muslin) to ensure the seams fall in line with one another and the fit and style suits the bride-in-question, but that would be a good start to begin creating the gorgeous styling…

Ultimately, it’s about looking at the construction of the dress you wish to recreate, trying to narrow down the salient points and then hunting through dress patterns to pinpoint the elements that are best recreated. My dress was based on this pattern, which at first glance, is barely an evening dress, let alone a bridal gown!

with excessive tweaking…

and this inspiration…

became this…

with 1960s style over-jacket to boot.

Anything’s possible…with a little help from your mum!!

Enough with the strapless Vol 2: How about some sleeves already??

2011-03-08T11:59:00.000Z

Carrying on from my previous rant, the tyranny of the strapless continues. I am holding out for the soon-to-be-Princess Catherine to bring on the demure and break the mould.

In the whole of Pronovias’ lust-worthy site, there are only a handful of dresses with sleeves… You may recall my horror at the complete absence of sleeved garb when I was searching for mine, and soon-to-be-hitched friend has now set a date of early December, which means warmth, which means sleeves. Come to think of it, she is terminally cold-blooded so anything under which you can hide a thermal vest may be the order of the day…

Iman, from the Costura Collection 2011(although it’s worth bearing in mind this is actually a lace over-top-and-train layered over a strapless dress… clever construction but not truly a sleeved dress)

Auriga, from the Ellie Saab 2011Collection

Mindanao from the Pronovias 2010 Collection (again, an organza over-coat, but gorgeous nonetheless)

Gaviota, from the Pronovias 2010 Collection

Chiara, from the Manuel Mota 2010 Collection

Opera from the Manuel Mota 2010 Collection

I can only assume that the dearth of the sleeved-garb in 2011 collection shows that these dresses just didn’t sell that well last year…?

I enjoyed these little numbers, though apparently there is a wedding-world-decision whereby if you are having sleeves you must want to show off your bosom and shoulders… Heaven forbid you may want to have rather more of the Grace Kelly about you…

More posts about sleeves, lace and how to go about making these style dresses from commercial patterns to follow… If I’m going to enforce my wedding-planning enthusiasm on my BFF, you may as well benefit from my web-wanderings!

Green fingers, Red hot style

2011-03-07T12:46:00.000Z

Corny title

Stylish Seeds

Spring is in the air

Must be time to get sowing…

Now if only I knew what to actually DO with the seeds an’all…

These colour schemes and gorgeously scrumptious designs could be used to inform an entire bridal colour scheme. Such interesting contrasts, moods and graphics…by Chloe Dunne for the Balcony Gardener. Found via printandpattern…

Stationery : Sorted

2011-03-05T20:18:00.000Z

What beautiful things…

And to think I lived around the corner from Sort in Clerkenwell for three years and only just found out about them. Typical.

Letterpress Scribble Notebook £5.34

Letterpressed Card £2.67

And then, while we’re on the subject of paper… this fabulous woodcut by Anonymous Hands… So true of London… So true.

Having been given this for Christmas, I’m feeling more and more of an urge to get printing already… Soon, my dears, soon.

A day late and only a few dollars short…

2011-03-04T12:32:00.001Z

A mere three years after this post lamenting the gap in crockery land, and a mere two years after the arrival of our wedding china, I have rather belatedly discovered the product that did in fact fulfill all our criteria and which I am now slowly allowing to infiltrate my kitchen, one piece of stunning stoneware at a time…

Allow me to introduce you to…Charlotte Storrs Stoneware…

First four photos by Agness Lugovska

Not only does she handthrow each and every individual piece in a studio in her garden, she is also deliciously stylish and lovely too!

I am slowly acquiring a few bits and pieces and my kitchen is feeling very elegant indeed…

Albeit not having been wiped with more than a spritz of Ecover and a jiffy cloth for some indeterminate amount of time…

Now for something a little bit different

2011-02-28T12:04:00.000Z

*sigh*

*pretty frocks*

*that aren’t from the high street*

*that are swirly and twirly and elegant and childish and grownup*

*and would work for guests, flower girls, bridesmaids and mini-hangers-on*

*and are hand-made and designed by British designer Rachel Riley*

*and are such stuff as dreams are made on*

*and range from £59 to £139*

*and are available here and through links on the pictures*

*and make me want to be eight years old again*

Wedding blanket pondering…

2011-02-26T16:03:00.001Z

My best friend is getting married this year. The date is to be confirmed once a location has been sorted, but I have already started pondering the present. I made her a patchwork quilt for her 21st birthday so was thinking a woolly throw/blanket may be a chic contribution to her rather lovely home that she is renovating with her fiancee…

One of the reasons that we work together so well (I think!) is that we are quite ying and yang in terms of taste… Or maybe at least different edges of the same side of a coin. We both love style, elegance and ‘good’ pieces, but her taste tends towards the chic, elegant and understated end, whereas mine is rather more thrifted, bright and garish.

An example: within the space of three months we had both happened upon similarly shaped rocking chairs going for a song at a couple different charity shops. Mine was taken home, immediately adorned with cushions and throws and now sits in Tilly’s room, having undergone little more than a quick wipe with a jiffy cloth. My friend took hers home and got to with the sandpaper and Farrow & Ball to create a rather more perfected, gorgeous item.

And so it is with her home. It is a Victorian end-terrace and they have, slowly and deliberately, taken on one room at a time, ensuring each and every installation is to the highest specification. They have lived there for five years now and have so far rewired and insulated, but, due to their finances, only really ‘finished’ the bathroom.

I heartily and admirably look on as they save for each room in turn, preferring to live in the current state and wait for the quality they want, rather than make do with low-cost quick fixes that won’t stand the test of time or taste.

All of which leads me to my blanket choice… After much pondering, meandering, sighing and wishing, I think this one from the White Company may make the final cut in terms of ‘inspiration’ piece…

The blanket manages to be delicate and weighty, intricate and understated and neutral and detailed, all in the same fabulous piece…

If they’re happy putting off their wedding until 2013 at least, I may be setting forth shortly…

And as we went to University in Leeds, I’m thinking this yarn in Ecru or Mink could be fabulous for provenance (but not so great for washability or potential for shedding), or this one for elegant shades (I’m thinking Oyster or Cream), thrifty price-tag, and smooth non-pilling warmth

And as for patterns… I’m so far mulling over the possibly-a-little-bit-out-of-my-league Hemlock lace throw here (which could fulfill one of my 30 before 30 attempts, but even so…), the baby chalice blanket here which may not be quite ornate enough or any suggestions that you lovely people may be able to come up with…

Other design inspirations that didn’t quite make the grade…

From the top:

Breezy baby blanket design at Pickles

The fabulousness of a brights-with-neutral-border Granny Square Afghan

Knitted bedthrow from Mias Landliv and her stunning bedroom chair corner

Here comes the Sun

2011-02-25T11:28:00.001Z

Beautiful garden games set will ensure the competitive spirit remains lit for your sunny celebration…

Pimp your jam jars to make beautiful nightlights and ensure your guests don’t stumble into the undergrowth…

A load of low-priced, high-styled and long-after-life products to be found here. Oh so pretty.

Whoopie!

2011-02-17T08:27:00.001Z

I’ve been enjoying my attempts to do something new most days. This week it was a double whammy of a new recipe technique and a new knitting pattern.

I was given a book of Whoopie Pie recipes for Christmas and thought a bit of experimentation and delectation was in order for Valentines celebration. I turned my hand to the Red Velvet Whoopie Pie recipe but they sadly didn’t turn out quite as luridly ruby coloured as I had hoped.

In my generosity to the human spirit, I can attest that Whoopie Pies are scrumptiously moist, terrifyling morish, not in the least bit good for the belly, and fantastically great for the mood! They are not biscuits, they are not cookies, they are not cupcakes. They are moist cake-pats that bring all the best elements of cupcakes into a little sandwich, traditionally claimed to make them more lunchbox-friendly by the Pennsylvania Dutch.

Cake batter is spooned flat onto sheets and then icing is sandwiched between two of the cake layers for little handheld morsels.

In my experimentation I discovered a few good tips:

Whoopie pie mix is thicker than cupcake mix and thinner than cookie batter. It self-circles pretty well on the baking sheet so you only have to be a little bit delicate when splodging out the batter.
The pie pieces are quite sticky so best not to pile them on the cooling tray in layers. Storage in between kitchen paper was better than baking parchment too as the paper absorbed extra moisture better than the parchment did
Buttercream freezes BEAUTIFULLY! I had a load left from Tilly’s birthday cake so I put it in a freezer bag and threw it in a freezer drawer, hoping for the best. Returned the bag to the fridge the night before the bake-off and there was no separation, curdling, lumpiness or any other problems that I’d feared. Well worth remembering as it can be a bit ‘cloudy’ to beat the icing sugar in, so making in bulk and freezing in batches is definitely a trick for the future.
Only missed trick was that I cut the top off the freezer bag and spooned it out, rather than snipping a corner and piping it through the small hole . Next time, next time.

The pies went down a treat with a mid-morning coffee and a speed-stitch for a newly arrived baby. Really enjoyed this pattern and the cheeky monkey it created. Think another for the nephew’s birthday along with a Curious George book or two may be in order…

Last to the Party (as ever)

2011-02-17T07:43:00.000Z

There must be a pun out there involving my being late to the event that is the online shop of stationery behemoth Paperchase… If there is, it’s eluding me.

Suffice to say, www.paperchase.co.uk finally exists as more than a store locator and jobs site.

Teapots snack boxes set for £7

My crafty life is now complete. No really. Honestly, I’m sure of it this time.

144 products in the ‘Crafts’ category…

13 different themes in the ‘Collections’ category…

Overnight bag in Cacti Floral for £19.75

Prettiness abounds.

Happy as a Tilly in Mud

2011-02-16T14:32:00.001Z

Life is good when you can get grubby with Daddy on a muddy February morning.

So much frockery, so many nappy changes…

2011-02-16T12:48:00.000Z

And then on the baby-front, Monsoon has once again come up trumps, and once again exploded the myth that baby clothes should offer ‘value for money’…

Delightful but decadent favourites include…

A range of South Asia / South Pacific inspired woodblock prints and quilted cottons

Jocelyn jacket at £26

Wendy Woodblock blouse £16

Wendy woodblock skirt £16

Wendy Woodblock dress £26

And this swimsuit – which just lives in a world all its very own…

Rebecca print swimsuit £12

So much frockery, so little time…

2011-02-15T20:37:00.000Z

From Anthropologie

Endless lengths dress £118

Irresistible Maxi dress £148

From Monsoon, with love

Kelly dress £110 – this was merchandised in the shop window with a coral pink cropped cardigan. Fabulous colour palette. Not sure why I’m loving the grey shades so much at the moment – but with the pops of colour, it’s just so satisfying!

Bloom dress £85

Kiera dress £75

Hmmm…. If it were for me, for a wedding in the UK, I would argue that the price differential would be justified in guaranteeing that you would not be wearing a gorgeous, but worryingly ubiquitous and ‘spottable’ item, as a Monsoon frock, to an English nuptial…

But either way, they’re all just gorgeous…

The best things in life are free

2011-02-11T20:39:00.000Z

A wet day

A cancelled play date

A very hyperactive Tilly

A break in the clouds

A VERY SLOW wander to the park WITHOUT BUGGY OR CHANGING BAG

A chance to see the world through Tilly-spectacles

A momentary marvel at the rivulet running down the gutter, and a dripping downpipe’s splashing potential

A look of DELIGHT with the potential for running upon arrival in the park

A realisation that muddiness is slippery and falling over results in tickling

Squeals

Squelches

Squirms

Smudges

Showers

Downpours

Dirty fingers

Sticky derobing

Warm milk and biscuits on our damp return home

Delight

Utter, unadulterated, unrepentant and entirely unpaid-for delight