Vintage charm

 I recently unearthed some old tablecloths with amazingly intricate fine crochet work on the edges and some old doilies.  Having neither the patience nor the dexterity needed to use such fine thread or make it look anywhere near as neat, I decided to come up with a modern take on this vintage style.

These coasters are perfect for adding a touch of vintage charm to any living area.  The beads provide some extra details to a beautiful style.  Who said practical couldn't be beautiful too?


With a variety of styles including hexagonal and square, neutral colours and black, and beads in a variety of styles and finishes, there would be something to suit anyone.  Commissions gladly taken to create the perfect set for any decor and for any occasion...

I love the millefiore beads as the colours and designs are so varied and provide a truly unique item....


I am also a great fan of unearthing treasures and revamping old items and these look great on my 'new' old table.  Kirstie Allsopp really has a lot to answer for but there is something so rewarding about breathing new life back into things.  Everytime we use our oak dining room table, I have the satisfaction of sitting down on a chair that I made a custom fit seat pad for with a bargain piece of fabric.  Perfect!  I will have to find a new project to revamp as think I can get to enjoy this.  


Has anyone else made any great vintage finds that they're proud of?  

The Perfect Cake...

Could this be just about the perfect cake?  


This is my solution to the problem of what type of cake to make and keep everyone happy when half the family want chocolate and the rest (that's me!) want a stripy cake.   Stripy cake is what my daughter calls a traditional Victoria sponge cake with jam and buttercream.  The jam in this case was plum.  


As usual in our house, the cake did not last long so perhaps not the perfect cake - this would need to be an everlasting cake that magically appears.  The frequency with which I have to make cakes is probably my own fault as I seem to have got it down to a fine art.  Obviously I was taught by a true baking genius.....my mum!!  The recipe is basic but with a few hidden tweaks but I'll keep those secrets close to my chest....


Have still been busy crafting and sewing a new skirt which I will finish and photo soon.

Something for everyone...

With dates such as Valentine's Day and Mothers Day just around the corner, why not treat that special someone with a gorgeous yet practical jewellery wrap?

Perfect for storing necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings in while you're on your travels or on a weekend away.  With two zipped pockets and ribbon section suitable for rings or bracelets, you can also put your make up in it too.  The soft fabric will protect your precious items and can be handily rolled up and secured with the ribbon and stashed away tidily in your luggage or handbag.


With a miriad of colours and designs, there is something to suit everyone.  If flowers, fairies or ditsy prints are not your thing, check out the tiger print version for the 'grrrl' in your life...

or maybe this vintage tattoo print is more your style....

Please have a look at the photo gallery on my Facebook page and get in touch if you would like to buy one.   Can't see what you're looking for??  Please feel free to contact me and give details of what your ideal colour/design would be and I will be delighted to take on any commissions.


Now all you need to do is start planning your holidays....

Hats on !!

I'm loving the return of the cold frosty weather that we seem a bit lacking in this winter.  Who could forget last winter and the big freeze from November to January!  It's a great excuse (not that I need one!) but it justifies wearing my favourite hat at the moment.  

Based on a newsboy or baker boy hat, this crochet hat fits more like a beanie, with raised ribbed work and a soft peak which you can wear any which way you like.  I like to embellish it with either a crochet flower or buttons - this makes it as individual as you are!  I like to wear mine at a slightly jaunty angle and I can see it catchs people's eye.  I don't know about you but if I see someone with something I like I can't resist asking where they got it.  Maybe people are too shy...


Priced at £10, I can't think of a better way of adding to your autumn/winter wardrobe.  Find me on Facebook and message me .  Any colours or preferences catered for, child's version also available just as soon as my little fingers can crochet....

Here's to 2012 and getting organised

I have decided to adopt my mug's message as my motto for 2012.

I'm trying to set off on the right foot in this year and hope that my plans come together.  I need to get organised and make full use of my diary as I really am not sure where the day goes.  I was really hoping that a couple of extra hours per day could be created as if by magic but I'm not hopeful on this!

Just need to remember to take small steps, take pride in my work and hold my head high.  Now where's my cuppa and my crochet hook - let's go!!

Getting ready for 2012...

After grabbing those horns earlier in the year, I'm still trying to get my head organised (and my time!)and I'm hoping to make 2012 a positive year.  No point waiting for something to come and tap me on the shoulder - have to go out there and get noticed. 

 I should have read the small print when signing up to become a mother and it is rather an all encompassing title.  I wouldn't change anything for a minute though as having children and becoming a mother is one of the greatest privileges anyone can ever have.  I feel truly blessed - don't you?