Two Angels - angels & petals AND crafty angel

Book to basics

Perhaps the few good things to come out of 'the credit crunch' are that it has reinforced the importance of appreciating the beauty in simple things. A single rose in a milk bottle, a tatty book from the 50's or 60's beautifully illustrated and found for pence at a car boot fair.

It is also responsible for allowing us all to be creative with our recycling and the return to power of the make do and mend mentality. No longer are our well worn home furnishings frowned upon by our visiting friends, but they are positively coveted.

And as we can all relate to, it has made 'hand made' possibly the most popular it has ever been. Certainly those who can knit & sew have their once whispered about hobbies, now envied by those who can't. What a delight!

Recently I came across some books which encourage all of the above and offer inspirational ideas of how to put it all together to best effect.

Bazaar Style - be inspired to create a beautifully individual home combining vintage, retro and flea-market finds.

 

 

This books has a host of gorgeous vibrant colour photos to get your creative juices flowing.

 

If a muted palette of colour is more your thing, then Comfortable Country should appeal to you.

Complete with a source directory this book is perfect for anyone feeling their home or furnishings are looking a little tired. The author will soon have you loving the look.

This book I think would make a great gift for someone just starting out. They've probably 'inherited' some old furniture to use as a base and with this book as a starting point they would soon have their place looking Chic.

Now doesn't that look chic & comfy? Perfect for an afternoon of crochet. Bye!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Bags of choice

Bag making is very much the 'in thing'. One of our ladies at Knit & Natter makes the most beautiful felted bags. She is proving to be very inspirational, and others are now having a go themselves.

This book has a great selection of ideas to knit or crochet.

I love the colours of the crochet bag on the front - might be my next project.

Mmmm, or maybe this one!

There are plenty for knitters too, including these two really gorgeous creations.

How about this one? If you think it might take you until December - perfect!

Or what about this one? for all you clever knitters out there.

It is a lovely book, and at just £9.99 I do recommend it.
 
 
 
 

Cozy times

Have you finished the tea cosy pattern I gave you the other day?

No! what on earth have you been doing instead?????

Well, just in case you have, and you've now got the tea cosy bug (it can happen!), here is a book I would highly recommend.

Containing 16 tea cosy projects it should ensure you have one for nearly everyone on your Christmas list. Better start now though, only just over 7 months left!!!

Something very simple, but also very appealing to start with. You could resist a slice of battenberg?

A reversible cosy. Perfect for those who do lots of entertaining.

My favourite - but then, a can rarely refuse a cream tea!

 
 
 

What to do with a wet weekend

Oh dear! looks like another wet weekend in this lush and green county of ours.  I heard an interviewer ask a weatherman where he would go this weekend for the best weather and he replied 'Scotland on Friday (yesterday), West Wales Saturday & Sunday and anywhere but the West Country on Monday'. I can't say that filled me with any joy!! So, what are you going to do this weekend? Eating chocolate and watching a couple of dvd's whilst knitting or crocheting sounds pretty good to me, but what about the children?

At times like this, ideas books really do come into their own. Give a bored child an inspirational book to flick through and they'll soon come up with a list of materials needed - most of which you probably haven't got!

So, here are a couple of ideas using what you are sure to have to hand.

Peg dolls. You can't go wrong here. Children (and adults!) love creating them and then they can actually play with them too. Everyone has a couple of dolly pegs and some scrap fabric - but in case you haven't, I've put some kits together in the shop which contain, pegs, fabric and hair in it's own little storage bag all for £2.99 - bargain!!

Ever wondered what to do with the slightly sad veg at the bottom of the fridge? Be creative! If you choose your veg carefully you could roast the little fella whole and eat it.  Bound to appeal to boys!!
 

And finally, should the sun actually shine on us, a quick trip to the beach, between the showers, to collect some shells should get the creative juices flowing. However, if the rain never stops, I find pasta shells (or Penne for threading) make a good alternative. Have fun.
 
 
 

How do you like your eggs in the morning???

I like mine to be crocheted. Have a look at this fab little book. Full of adorable little characters to crochet.

Just in time for Easter these little chicks & eggs are quick & fun to crochet.

The eagle eyed amongst you might even be able to take the pattern from here!
 

Otherwise you could treat yourself to the book. There are lots of quick and easy projects that children (and adults) will love. You wont regret it.
 

See - even they agree.!!
 
 

Be up to date with your interior fashion with this comfy Union Jack cushion.

HOME SEWN - perfect projects for cold wet days.

Home Sewn is an inspirational book, full of lovely projects, for which it includes all the necessary patterns. I love the vintage look of this wall hanging. Such a pretty way to be organised! The wash bag in the bottom photo is a useful and attractive make too. Ideal to sew on a day like today, cold & wet, when all we can do is dream of our summer holidays.

There can't by many of us who aren't fans of Cath Kidston's fabulous fabrics and designs. Recently she branched into publishing craft books too, with the launch of her book MAKE, which it has to be said, was something of a disappointment. Her latest book, SEW, however,  is nothing but a joy.
This little beauty is packed full of delightful projects for around the home. Including templates and clear instructions, you could be knocking up anything from a shower cap to a bird mobile, or a hotwater bottle cover. Also included are a number of bag patterns, and best of all, the inside front cover has all you need - yes, fabric included! to make the bag on the front cover. Even the little sew-in Cath Kidston label is included. Priced at £14.99 this is a book that I highly recommend. Available from Crafty Angel, of course!