TIME FOR TEA ?

The Knitting Pattern below which was in my Mum's huge stock of patterns, looks very unpromising, and in fact slumbered away in a file for years until RETRO came back  !!!

I think we can really understand why two of the patterns have never been revived! but the third one called in the instructions the 'Batchelor' tea-cosy is the one that we are learning to love again - with various toppings - some people favour a pompom, I've seen flowers, but I like the rings as shown.

Interesting to note too that this pattern cost 4d. - that's old money - not pence!

And so, my work in progress at the moment is my Battenburg Cosy - doesn't it look good enough to eat?

And here is one I made earlier - and this is in the colours suggested in the pattern - sorry it is not actually shown on a teapot, but too late now as it was sold quite a long time ago!

I have also made a scarlet and cream version which graces my son and daughter-in-laws kitchen, where I'm told it gets of lot of admiration - hence my Spring Revival!

A SPRING IN MY STEP!

A little bare, but tidy and hopeful!

Tulips pushing through

More bulbs on the way - and celandines - yes I know they are theoretically a weed/wild flower, 

but in my garden most things are welcome as long as they are pretty - 

and these will be sun on the ground!

Yesterday was Super Sunday - just really because the sun shone, the sky was just a vivid blue and I had my first foray of the year into the garden - and I had great company - 2 Red Kites soaring overhead - round and round and so low - and calling to each other - the sound that spells summer.

I know I mustn't get ahead of myself and the forecast for later in the week is very cold again - 3 degrees on Thursday and Friday and with wind chill - -3 degrees!  OK so we are not thinking about that at the moment!

However, my little courtyard garden was brushed and swept and tidied of things which had accumulated through the winter - new bag of potting compost deposited in its permanent home under the brick barbecue -  very handy, dry and hidden, leaves all swept up and deposited back where they came from - under the trees in the lane, the last of the dead wood taken off the peonies, and the chairs arranged in a friendly manner in case it comes warm enough for a cup of coffee outside!

As I'm sitting here at my computer now, the Red Kites are calling again - heaven  !!!

HAND-CRAFTED HOME FAIR - REVIEW

Here is my review of my new and expanded Hand-Crafted Home Fair - the first of 2013 with lots more to come!

First of all, a huge thank you to Stanwick Lakes for all their support, and advertising - it has made a huge difference to my venture.  Of course, a massive thank you too, to my super, so talented stall holders and their wonderful crafts, without whom the Fair could not happen, my wonderful husband for all his help and support, and also not forgetting - MOST IMPORTANTLY - our lovely customers.

Really super to see returning faces from 2012 and some new people too - and more and more, people seem to be interested in discussing our individual crafts and showing a real interest in what we are doing.

So here are the pics:

Margot - with huge apologies !

Daxa

Jamie

Me

Jamie, Daxa and I were the sort of taster in Reception before the Main Show where you could find:

Lesley

Ron

Sue

Sandie

Sam

Sandra

James

Pauline

If anyone would like more details from any of the producers above, please get in touch with me.

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL PRODUCERS

FEBRUARY'S FAIR

February's Hand-Crafted Home Fair is just a hop, skip and a jump away (this Saturday 9th February from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and so as Spring is in the air (we hope!) and for those of you who do not know our super venue at Stanwick Lakes, the pic above says it all - why would you not want to come and see us ?!!

Also, my Leaf Square Throw is finished and will be on my stall on Saturday - I have to say, I am really thrilled with it - lots of texture, cheerful colours and sublime yarns.

Must go now - still lots to do - and I am on the radio this evening - 5.50 p.m. Radio Northampton - Joe's Drive Time - the 60 Second Sell  !  The nerves will be racking up nicely by 5.30 p.m.  !!

See you soon.

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL PRODUCERS

HAND-CRAFTED HOME FAIR - 9 FEBRUARY

Pic above - my nod to St. Valentine

We have a full house of incredible Crafters showcasing their products at my next Hand-Crafted Home Fair to be held a week today - Saturday 9 February at Stanwick Lakes, near Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

We are open from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and featured will be:

Lifelike Pencil Portraits of pets, children, cars, tractors etc.
Stunning Greetings Cards
A great selection of Jewellery
Beautiful candles for all occasions
Charming Children's clothes
Unique wooden products
Original Artwork
Ceramics
Hand-painted furniture
and, of course, Hand-Knits from me - and I still have a lot of work to do on my Leaf Square Throw - and so guess what I will be doing this afternoon while watching the 6 Nations after lunch at the pub !!!

DO COME AND SEE US IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA - Lots more to do at Stanwick Lakes too

 PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL PRODUCERS

Thank you - Ruth.