Pass the Pattern

Despite looking like they were made by children, these cornflake cakes were actually made by me.

I tried.

New shoes! I love Clarks shoes and these are my third pair in the same style. I fell for the hot pink yesterday and snapped them up instantly.

www.clarks.com

A stitch in time

Here’s my sister and my niece working on scarf I was making for my dad. Lovely to keep the knitting skills alive and my dad seems to be happy with the end result too.

Was really happy to receive a surprise in the post yesterday. This beautiful paper cut book features the Chinese Proverb:

If you keep a green bough
in your heart
a singing bird will come.

It was made for me by my friend Sara and it is so beautiful. She is clearly more patient than me as the cutting out is amazing!

Happy Valentine’s Day all x

Three of the best – Dala horses

The other day, my friend Jen told me about Dala horses. Dalecarlian or Dala horses are traditionally hand crafted wooden horses made in the Dalarna area of Sweden. Today their image features on lots of products but here are some of my favourites.

Snuggle down
I love this blanket. It’s only small but I really like all the colourways.
http://folksy.com/items/3045378-Swedish-Horse-Mini-Blanket

Let’s brooch it
How cute are these horse brooches? They are inspired by a piece of Fairisle knitwear (pictured, right).
http://www.etsy.com/listing/121291838/mini-fair-isle-dala-horse-brooch?

Saddle up
Giddy up girlfriend! This is super cute!
http://rosiewonders.bigcartel.com/product/dala-horse-necklace-gold

Textured treasures

My friend Elizabeth recently did a pottery course at RACC. I was quite jealous. She would come into work having been to her course the night before and talk about all the textures she was experimenting with including using the end of a biro!

I really wanted to see something she had made but there was a problem. She was shy. And so last night, I went to her house and unearthed these little beauties when she was busy in the kitchen.

The small bowls make great tealight holders and I really love the E she made. Happily, she let me take one of the bowls home and I have proudly displayed it on my sideboard.

I have been attempting to entice the birds into my garden with suet balls. Unfortunately, I bought some without any way of attaching them so here is my messy solution. Stop laughing! It works…

Pin the past

Louise Presley is a great collector and during a recent visit to her studio, she showed me this gorgeous antique pin cushion. The date reads 1892 but just look at how tiny it is!

Find out about Louise’s courses here: www.hopeandelvis.com

Spread your wings

Oh to be a bird and fly away. These wings by Big Bird’s Boutique are the perfect way to fire up the imagination of the small person in your life. However, I’d also like some for myself. In the summer, I’m due to perform at a festival with my band and I think a larger version of these wings with a matching headdress would look ace!

Haven’t been too well of late but getting back into knitting as a way to relax. I made this scarf for my friend. Cost of make was £5. The yarn was just £2.50 a ball from my favourite local charity shop.

Up late listening to the radio and making another one in chocolate brown for another friend. Hoping to finish it before long so she can wear it to work and be warm!

I’m going to attach a button so it can be fastened for extra warmth and unravelling will be kept to a minimum :)

Louise of Hope & Elvis recently posted about these on her Facebook page and I love them. Made of upcycled jumpers, these pouffes are super cute.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82829999/medium-upcycled-eco-knit-fairisle-floor#zoom

Fab frock shame about the frown

Here’s a peek at Orla Kiely’s pre-spring collection and this dress is a beauty. Made from silk twill, it will set you back about £328 but if you know fashion maths, this may well add up.

Something however, doesn’t add up. Why so glum love? And where has the invisible dog you’re patting gone?

Buy now at: http://www2.orlakiely.com/uk.cfm/clothing/pre-spring%202013/13SWATW743/22440/Sky/