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!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Baby Bunting

I have been crocheting some little heart bunting over the weekend for the shop. It was fiddly trying to work out how to form the heart, but I think these look very pretty now.

I can see them draped around children's bedrooms, across the kitchen, over the fire place............

Outside to decorate the garden for parties, hung from a tent for quick recognition in a field of tents etc etc

In wacky shades

Or themed to match a colour scheme.

Ah well, better get back to it. It's not the quickest of projects!
 
 

 
 

Time for a break?

The weather seems to have improved a little and the sun is shining as I write this. I dear say your thoughts might be turning to holidays and perhaps with the long weekend not so far away, you are planning a little break.

I have just taken delivery of some gorgeous handmade Wash Bags which would do your weekend away essentials proud.

Perfect in purple. Shower gel & body cream also available!

For a more country look, spots & flowers. If you haven't tried Jane Maddern's goats milk soap - you should. It is lovely & creamy and smells gorgeous.

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.
 
 
 
 

Finished bag

A few of you have seen me hooking away at a bag for the last couple of weeks - so I'm happy to show you the result.

It is a large bag. Ideal for a day at the beach, carting stuff to work, or stashing yarn.

It was very simple to crochet. I used a treble stitch throughout. Striping with 3 colours of Stylecraft Special DK, which is just £2 a ball.

 

I finished it off with a scallop style edge.

and a pretty flower at the base of the handles.

 

You don't really need a pattern, but I will print some out and they'll be in the shop if you fancy having a go.

 

Where shall we go today?

If you fancy a walk, I can highly recommend Simmons park woods. Park at Okehampton Station (it's free) go through the little gate in the fencing and down into the woods. You can wander for hours through a beautiful fairy glen of spring flowers. My sister & I did just that last Wednesday. Here are a few photos for you.

 

 

  

 

 

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!

 
 
 

And Relax

This week my blogging is a little scant I'm afraid. My sister has come down from Cheshire for a few days, so we are chilling out together! Much Like the fairy on this lovely soft squishy cushion, we will be doing a lot of sitting around, crocheting (she's here to learn how to do it and I'd forgotten she was left handed aaarrrrggghhh!) and drinking earl grey tea and red wine. Our idea of heaven!

What ever you are up to this week I hope you too find time to relax.

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