January 2012
13 posts
Wallpaper with a wow
I’ve been blogging for Natural History for quite some time now and always keep a lookout for products that are inspired by the natural world.
This wallpaper (called Columbia Road) from Custhom is hand screen printed – and while at £198 per roll it’s not for those on a budget – it is a work of art.
The Columbia Road range also features a gold hand foiled wallpaper (shown above) at...
I'm with the band
I have not seen either The Vaccines or British Sea Power live, but I am loving these gig posters from Telegramme Studio. With a limited run, these two colour screen prints are something really special and even more so if you were at these gigs.
To buy these or other prints, visit: http://store.telegramme.co.uk/ Images © Telegramme Studio
Three of the best – decorative doilies
Doilies. It’s a weird word. The more I look at the word, the weirder it becomes and doilies themselves could also be considered strange – obsolete even.
However, last year saw a rise in doily sales which may explain why there are so many of them around. If you like them, here are some ideas.
Tread softly This rug might look fragile but it is made of cotton so a great choice if you want...
WatchDonna Wilson talks about her latest exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It features knitted trees and limited edition prints which quite frankly, makes my heart sing.
*Thanks to Knitting magazine for posting about this on their Facebook page.
Images © Donna Wilson
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and far away, in Paris (to be precise) you’ll be able to get a first look at Missprint’s new wallpaper Mountains, when they exhibit at Maison et Objet.
Taking place from 20-24 January, Maison is the ultimate interiors showcase and features the best talent including of course, Missprint who you will find in Hall 7, Stand E148.
Find out more about Maison et Objet at:...
Where there's a quill
Sabeena Karnik is a talented designer, illustrator and artist who creates paper sculptures like this one, pictured above.
Based in Mumbai, Sabeena’s portfolio can be view at Behance.
I remember learning to quill paper at school and this has inspired me to give it another go. I’ll let you know how I get on!
Image © Sabeena Karnik
Where have all the pattern writers gone?
If you love knitting then you’ll know the importance of a good pattern – but have you ever wondered where all these patterns come from?
Sadly, it has come to the attention of the Knitting magazine team that professional knitting pattern writers are now in short supply. And they are not the only ones who are concerned. Many knitwear businesses are dependent on pattern writers to allow them...
Bubbles that won't burst
This necklace made of glass spheres is one of MoMA’s best sellers and I can see why. Carefully sculptured in Italy, it is designed by Marina and Susanna Sent whose family has produced Venetian glass for generations.
Obviously delicate, it is definitely not an item for the weekly food shop but for something special, why not?
I visited MoMA in October and had a fantastic time but I doubt I...
Thornback & Peel pop up shop
I’ve just heard that Thornback & Peel (makers of handprinted homewares and gifts) will be popping up in Clerkenwell this month.
From 16-21 January, visitors to 21 Clerkenwell Green will be able to get discounts of up to 35% on products including wallpaper, tea towels, notebooks, cushions and hankies.
Personally, I think it’s time we reinstated the hankie as the elegant...
Pretty prints
Laura Ashley have been producing pretty prints since the 1950s and last year, the company launched a new blog featuring behind the scenes news, creative ideas and interviews with inspiring individuals who work for the brand.
I was quite excited then, when I got an email from Laura Ashley’s social media manager inviting me to do a guest post. The post will see me getting creative with some...
More Ercol
This holiday, we were visiting friends in central Exeter. We’d gone round for breakfast and the host needed some maple syrup for the pancakes, so I offered to go and find some.
That could be the end of the story but of course, it isn’t.
Maple syrup in hand, I walked back looking forward to a stack of pancakes when I become distracted by four chairs in the window of a charity shop...
Je Vous En Prie
I was browsing the directory on From Britain with Love and came across Je Vous En Prie who design and make bespoke furnishing fabrics including Elise shown here. Available in five colourways, the fabric is constructed of 60% silk and 40% cotton so lends itself well to decadent home accessories including lampshades and cushions.
Find out more at: http://www.jevousenprie.com/home/ All images ©...
New year, new project, new apron
I just spotted this apron by Snowdonia-based Peris and Corr over at Folksy and thought it would be the perfect present to give to yourself. Hopefully, putting this on will give you the boost you need to start that new craft project.
The design is hand printed onto organic denim and would certainly look very smart indeed – while keeping your clothes clean!
Buy it here. All images © Peris and...
December 2011
16 posts
Sew Liberty
Liberty has long been the place to go to learn how to sew properly. In fact, Alice Butcher of Alice & Ginny used to run the sewing school and she first told me about it when I interviewed her (and Ginny) for Cloth magazine.
Today, Liberty offer a host of courses which help you to achieve professional results. If you can’t make it to the store however, you might wish to purchase The...
Three of the best – take the bus
Along with the red pillar box and red phone box, the red London bus is quintessentially British and lends itself well to all manner of objects. Here’s some of my favourites.
Wallpaper Lizzie Allen’s Red Buses & Black Cabs is hand screen printed and would make for a lovely feature wall. Find out more here
Cushion This knitted lambswool cushion by Sally Nencini is apparently...
Christmas with Martha
Pay a visit to Martha Stewart’s website and you won’t be short of ideas for the festive period – and beyond. In fact, you could browse the website for hours and still have plenty more to discover.
Fancy making a quick Christmas decoration today? How about Martha’s Craft of the Day; Tart-Tin Sconce?
Or perhaps you need to rustle up a few Christmas gifts and don’t have...
Coming up in 2012
Weird to say that isn’t it?
I’ve just written a feature for Making magazine on craft and the WI. As a member of my local branch, it’s something I’ve already got an interest in and I really enjoyed finding out about all the makers who are getting involved with the WI today; including India Rabey.
India founded a WI in Bristol and is one super creative individual –...
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!
Dear Pass the Pattern readers,
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas. Thank you for all your comments and continued reading over the past 12 months. I don’t have your address so here is my ‘card’ to you – it’s some of my favourite photos from 2011.
Clare
Knitting magazine – January issue
I know you might be busy getting your Christmas shopping but if you’re a knitter and looking for some inspiration, pop a copy of Knitting in your trolley too!
The January issue is out later this week. Here it is above so you know what to look for. You could also subscribe if you wanted to.
This month, my feature on Where’s Me Jumper? made the cover and I hope you enjoy reading...
Homemade Gifts Vintage Style
You know how much I love books, right? So you can imagine I was pretty pleased when Nicky at From Britain with Love sent me a copy of Homemade Gifts Vintage Style to review.
The photography in the book is really beautiful (see above) and there are lots of things you can make, whatever your skill level. I’m loving the gift wrapped soaps! Something I might just try this weekend…
Read...
Poached pears
I took this picture at a party in the summer but thought I’d share it with you today as a simple festive idea.
Topped off with a little red ribbon, they would make a lovely dessert on Christmas Day if you can’t manage the Christmas pud!
A similar recipe can be found here.
Got it collared
Cleo Ferin Mercury has just launched a new collection of collars for animal fans who’d rather not wear fur. Above is the badger version - a quirky touch to add to a plain jumper!
Tomorrow, Cleo is offering a ‘friends and family’ discount of 40% for just 24 hours. All you need to do is enter ‘dress me in Cleo’ at the checkout.
You might also like one of...
Early Christmas present
Hello everyone. Hope you’re having a good festive season. I’ve been pretty busy working hence my lack of posts.
In case you’ve been missing me, I wanted to show you the early Christmas present I was given by Ok-Jo…
Called Love Spoons, this screenprint by Roddy & Ginger is inspired by hand carved Welsh wooden love spoons and I just love it!
Now, where to put...
Kissing Bears
Here is Anorak’s latest patterned offering and isn’t it festive? Of course, we all know polar bears are not that cuddly – but these won’t bite you.
The print is currently available as a range of different size bags and this box version is my favourite.
Visit http://www.anorakonline.co.uk/ to see more; image © Anorak
Kirsty Whitlock – keeper of stories
Yesterday, I visited designer maker Kirsty Whitlock to do a photoshoot. It was wonderful to photograph Kirsty’s work which makes use of things we normally throw away (Kirsty’s family are told to look out for items like magpies!) and also features a lot of type – both handwritten and printed.
Capturing her work was a real joy and I wanted to show each thread which is why a ...
Christmas Crafting in No Time
You’ll be pleased to discover that this book by Clare Youngs does exactly what is says on the cover. Not only that, it would be a wonderful gift for crafty friends.
With such beautiful photography, it’s no wonder that a couple of the projects featured in the Christmas issue of Country Living.
And here are two things you can make in, well…no time at all. I love this...
Super quick make
This might well be a good idea to make a bunch of flowers go further. I made the little tags from an old birthday card and just used the raffia that came with the flowers.
Hope you like them. They are perfect for all seasons and, as you see, I didn’t mention Christmas once!
Can tea be a foxy drink?
It’s an odd question I know – but the answer is yes.
Here’s why…
Don’t you just love this foxy teacup? Called The Hidden Animal Teacup, it’s available online at the V&A shop.
Costing £18, find something else you like for £2 and P&P is free (until 26th December). In fact, if you like the Seaweed fabric, the cup is sat on, you can buy that while you are...
November 2011
23 posts
Gorgeous Guernseys
Apparently, Pedlars has been selling Guernseys for ages but I’ve only just noticed them. Working with a traditional English manufacturer, Pedlars’ Guernseys are the real deal.
Guernseys are derived from the 17th Century ‘Gansey’ sweater, these garments are built to last and because they were originally intended for fisherman; they are warm too!
Costing £135, this is a...
Knits for necks
On Friday, I visited Craft Central for Made in Clerkenwell and had a great time drinking wine and browsing the exciting handmade goods.
One particular maker who caught my eye was A Alicia, who makes eco-ethical jewellery and accessories including these necklaces here.
Based in Bow, Anna (that’s what the A stands for) uses organic fairtrade cotton and vintage chains to create fuss-free...
Ring a ring o' snowmen
While browsing Pinterest, I saw these knitted snowman which have been used to create an alternative Christmas wreath.
I know you are probably as sick of me talking about Christmas as you are of me talking about autumn. The problem is, I can’t help myself.
If I posted a picture of a knitted bikini, you may become confused and think I have moved somewhere warm.
The Make Lounge – Christmas craft night
If you want to attend the Christmas craft night on 9 December, you’d better hurry up as places are filling up faster than Santa’s sleigh!
On the night, you’ll make a beaded felt holly brooch, decorate some baubles and have a go at needle felting – so jingle all the way over to The Make Lounge’s website now to book.
Image © The Make Lounge.
What I'm pinning on Pinterest
I’ve just updated my Pinterest boards with some new ‘pins’. If you haven’t used Pinterest before, it’s like a virtual moodboard and really addictive.
Here’s a couple of things I pinned today.
I found the Instamatic camera in a recycling centre in Devon still in its box (it’s nigh on impossible to find the film for it though. Sigh) and the black and...
Paper goods
As you may know, I’m a guest blogger over at Natural History – The Origin of Style, and I love browsing the stationery for sale on the virtual shelves of the online shop.
Such as these festive gift tags; made with vintage papers – each one must tell a different story and will add the perfect finishing touch to a simply wrapped gift (brown paper being all you’ll need).
There are...
Festive features
My feature on the ultimate gift wrapping course is now live on From Britain with Love – and here’s a peek. I was taught by wrap star Jane Means who definitely knows her stuff.
I’ve also written about designer and friend Rose Sharp Jones and you can read about Rose in the latest issue of Knitting magazine.
These beautiful seats are handmade by Rose and complete one-offs.
To...
Oeuf pour les enfants
Oeuf is a children’s company based in NYC who I heard about via Daily Candy. Their clothing range contains a large percentage of knitted goods including some of those you see here.
Oeuf works with a group of skilled women in Bolivia who create garments from baby alpaca wool. A little bit Where the Wild Things Are and a whole lot of fun, these are the perfect clothes for the little...
A brand that Scot real flavour
(Sometimes Puntastic pleads to make an appearance, so do forgive the title of this post – and read on).
I’ve known about textile designer Gillian Kyle’s work for quite some time but while tucking into a Tunnocks Teacake earlier today, I was reminded that I must do a post.
The most famous print (and the one you’ll have likely seen) is of Tunnocks Teacakes and appears on...
Roots & Wings
I’m currently working with organic food company Roots & Wings on some photography for a forthcoming promotion.
I first heard about Roots & Wings via my friend Nicky over at From Britain with Love and absolutely love the vibrant packaging.
Selling a range of organic goods including biscuits, sweets, chocolate and jams (pictured above is a sneak peek from my photo shoot), Roots...
Pots of plenty
RAMP (Roop and Al Make Pots) are a Devon-based duo – with Roop making the pots and Al decorating them.
A true collaboration, RAMP produce porcelain and earthenware pieces which are both functional and decorative.
Esteemed printmaker Angie Lewin is a fan and captured one of RAMP’s mugs in her print (top). My own favourites are this porcelain tree box with oak lid (above) and this large...
Cosy table
It’s a bit of a cheesy picture, I’ll give you that. But just look at this knitted table and the general knitted surroundings. It certainly looks cosy.
Whatever is going on in this picture, the message is clear – knitwear makes you happy.
http://www.gap.com/
It's a Knitta World Invasion
Knitta are definitely taking over the world. Yarnbombing all over the globe? Mission complete. Sunglasses? Yes – an artist series by Knitta founder Magda Sayeg is now available in the US through Sunglasses Hut.
Want to yarnbomb your iPhone but can’t knit? Enter the army of Knitta iPhone covers which will soon be available here.
Find out more about Knitta at:...
Do it like a snood
Beki at Where’s Me Jumper directed me to the work of Louise Dungate and I have to say I love this massive scarf (worn here like a snood) made from 100% merino wool. It’s called The Godfather so not to be messed with.
Louise loves knitting and fully embraces the make-do-and-mend ethos saying that she loves ‘the stories of how my grandmother Nancy and great aunt Betty learnt to...
Designers/Makers Handmade Christmas Shop
This cute invite arrived in my inbox yesterday and features Lucie Sheridan’s lovely illustrations.
The event itself takes place from the end of this month and will be a fantastic opportunity to bag some handmade gifts for people you really, really like.
Here’s just a selection of gifts you’ll be able to purchase (personally, I’d buy it all) but you can find out more...
Hats off to Shingai and Katherine
Shingai Shoniwa of The Noisettes has recently teamed up with top hat maker Katherine Elizabeth to launch a capsule collection of headwear; including a selection of stunning designs shown here (and modelled by a few famous faces).
Available to purchase from Katherine Elizabeth directly, the collection will also soon be available at ASOS. Super glam, these are sure to be hats to cherish – but...
Subscription shopper
If you’re looking for a thoughtful and creative gift that will give all year round, why not buy a subscription to Cloth magazine?
At the moment, Cloth is offering its subscribers a limited edition shopper bag too – so be quick if you’d like to take advantage of the offer.
This quarterly magazine is perfect for all crafty individuals particularly those who like sewing!
Find out...
Make your own clay decorations
Sania Pell’s book The Homemade Home is one of my favourites as it’s just so stylish and features projects for all occasions.
Today on her beautiful blog, Sania has posted some gorgeous pictures of the Christmas craft project – clay decorations that can be personalised for family and friends.
This project is from her book and more information on this and Sania’s work can be...