Two Angels - angels & petals AND crafty angel

Before the rains

Since the arrival of Rosie I have seen some very early starts! The weather has been extremely kind to us and thankfully, early morning walks have been a pleasure. Here are a small selection of some of our outings, before the rain returned yesterday. At least the gardens appreciate it.

Two dogs, leads, camera - yes, we're ready.

Up onto Hatherleigh moor. So much space to run around.

I love the views from here. The Devon grass is growing green & lush now.
 

Rosie remembers to come back to check on me.

The sun shines on the girls.

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STRAWBRIDGE
 
 

This is our 'usual' walk because  not only is it right on our doorstep, but it is always so pretty and I nearly always see a bird or beast of interest. The river Lew flows through Strawbridge and there are plenty places at which you can get down to the water.

Lots of opportunity to skim stones.

Floss can never resist!

Lots to interest everyone.

Otters, Sandmartins & Kingfishers are often seen on this stretch.

Hope the sunshine returns soon and we can all enjoy where we live to the full.

 
 
 
 

 
 

 

Free pattern

For some reason, I was asked a couple of time yesterday for a tea cosy pattern. So I have found you one! It is a Coats Crafts pattern suggesting Rowan DK yarn, but obviously any DK will do the job.

It is a basic pattern, which you can adapt and embellish to suit yourselves.

If you don't want to knit it in stripes just cast on the 96 stitches and work for 15cm in any colour of your choice!

Click the link below and have fun!

http://www.coatscrafts.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/F2C06817-9A6C-48B8-BC3B-E6C9995572D1/21249/Terrific_Tea_Cosy.pdf

Secret Agent.

I have wanted to stock some nice new cards for a while now, and recently came across these

Joyful little mice.

Beautiful garden birds.

And this very well stocked potting bench.

All the cards are printed on excellent quality paper & blank inside your your own message. The range is diverse and appealing and they retail at a VERY reasonable £1.20 each. Perfect I thought.

But it was not to be. The cards are from Phoenix, who do not sell their goods to retail shops.

Then I had an idea!

 I would become an independent agent for them.

 So, I can not stock the cards - but I can give you all a fabulous brochure and you can choose your cards, paper, 'thank you' notes and much more from the comfort of your own home, return the catalogue to me and I'll order them. Simples!

The quality of the products is second to non and if you buy 10 or more cards they cost just £1 each.

Please call in for a brochure anytime. Or if you'd like me to post you one, leave your address by clicking on the 'comments' bit below.  I really think you'll like them.

Teasing Ogre

Did that title get your attention? It is an anagram of Saint George, patron saint of England. Today being St George's day, I thought I'd share that with you!

Just in case you have woken up feeling especially patriotic today, here are a couple of suitably stylish items from the shop.

Walk out with pride carrying this Union Jack handbag (available in 2 sizes).

Or how about this pretty floral cushion?

This one hits the button. Bold & Proud.

Enjoy the English Countryside today - it's not a bad place to be, is it?
  

Pride & Passion

I'm not really a lover of ornaments. I have just a couple given to me by people closest to me, which of course have a special place. However, I have decided to stock a new range from America. They are slightly quirky - the characters all have huge feet for instance, and they do capture some special moments in our ives.

The one in this picture is called Pride & Passion. Just those two words seem to sum up a mothers love, don't they. As the exam season approaches and mums across the country struggle to get the balance of nagging and encouraging right! I thought these figures summed  up beautifully, the pride & passion we feel.

 

Home comforts

 
A couple of balls of Sirdar cotton and I whipped up a little blanket for a little girl.

She had of course, felt that the sofa and cushions were perfect.

But it didn't take long for her to appreciate it really was quite snuggly, these surprisingly chilly evenings.
 

 

Flowers for keeps

This book has the most exquisite flowers to knit or crochet. It has been around for a couple of years and I've ordered it often for the shop. But this copy came in on Saturday and I had time to look closely at it before it's new owner collected it (thank you Olive!).

Bluebells.

Lavender bunch -( which I forgot to turn, sorry!)

And even knitted veg - what more could you want?
 

 
 

I just had to show you............
This is Rosie, she arrived to join our family on Saturday afternoon.
No doubt you'll be seeing a lot more of her later!

 Blissfully asleep in a sunny spot.

More creams

Here are another trio of very useful creams from the same company as yesterday's face creams. The Almond and Sandalwood hand cream is a rich and effective hand cream, very popular with gardeners. I am a big fan of Arnica. I think scientists & researchers have finally agreed that it does work, but I could have told them that years ago, if they'd asked me! Bruising is significantly reduced by application of this miracle cream (anyone in doubt just ask Jean Newcombe whom I treated to a pot after she borrowed mine so often!). Finally Aloe Vera. Some drink it - not sure I could face that, but certainly applied onto sun burnt or irritated skin it is the real blessing. Personally I use it when I've had my eyebrows waxed - bliss!

Back in stock

Many of you have been waiting for these ever popular face creams to come back into stock, and today they have. The scent of the highly nourishing Frankincense & Rose is to die for! The Neroli & Aloe contains a mild suncream which appeals to many and the multi purpose Eye Gel both removes make up and refreshes tired eyes. Each contains the finest ingredients and pure essential oils and are made by a long standing and very reputable company. If you haven't tried them - I do recommend.