Jolie

Queen of Intarsia

2012-01-27T12:58:00.009Z

Linda has been a busy bee knitting the most beautiful fairisle jumper from Rowan magazine no 50, in Rowan Felted Tweed.

We have been watching the 'inarsia' progress. She went a little off piste (of course) and changed the colours, putting in a beautiful yellow rose.

Nearly there.....

Ta dah! Truly a work of art.

And a close up of the rose tattoo for full appreciation.

A little bit of Sandra in the sun!

2012-01-27T12:57:00.004Z

The sun came out for Sandra's birthday on Thursday. Friends, chocolate cake, Muscari bulbs and a pearl charm bracelet. What could be sweeter on a cold day in January?

Anne the winners are....

2012-01-25T22:08:00.005Z

Anne, for knitting her first ever garment.

And Anna, for finishing her stunning first ever fairisle cardi. Applause please!

Sew pretty

2012-01-12T15:32:00.006Z

To compliment our handmade knitting bags, Karen our seamstress, has made some pretty embroidered needle cases with felt 'pages' and vintage buttons to close. £13.95

Sueper duper

2012-01-12T15:10:00.004Z

Sue's birthday fell just after Christmas, but surprise surprise that fabulous lantern she had been coveting, miraculously reappeared in the New Year.....and some pretty Greengate goodies too.

Little Olivia also came along, wearing her gorgeous hat and cardi knitted by grandma Sandra.

To all our friends

2012-01-03T23:57:00.000Z

Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2012. Love Dany and Linda xx

Chez Susan

2012-01-03T23:42:00.005Z

Jolie has been closed for the week between Christmas and New Year. Susan kindly invited the Thursday group over for a Knit and Chat at her home and we had a delightfully relaxing afternoon.

Everyone contributed delicious goodies to eat and wow, what a feast we had.

Happy holiday

2012-01-03T17:30:00.008Z

Dany and family had a day at the beach just after Christmas. We felt we needed some fresh air and exercise to walk off the pudding - and cake and mince pies and trifle and yule log and Quality Street.

Our nearest beach is Mersea Island. It was well worth it - the sun came out. Really it did.

Billie was in heaven and not at all tired of turkey sandwiches.

Caught the last rays on Monkey Beach.

We all came home renergised and looking forward to New Year.

Hipstamatic Xmas

2012-01-03T17:29:00.001Z

Phil was taking pics on Xmas day - using the Hipstamatic app on his iphone - hence groovy retro pics.

My sister Venice personalised the wrapping on all her gifts. My mum had lovely pyjamas.

I had a pretty cardi on matching hand knitted coathanger.

My dad's wrapping! Guess what my mum got? Actually it was a really lovely bag.

Christmas eve

2012-01-03T17:24:00.002Z

We had gifts and drinks at Jolie on Christmas Eve morning. Carolyn, Mary, Jo, Brenda and Linda enjoyed a Linda concoction of Prosecco with pomegranate and cranberry juice - delicious and now named Jolie juice.

Snow patrol

2011-12-16T11:59:00.003Z

Winter's here - it's the last day of term, Christmas is coming and it's snowing.

Sort of settling.........doubtful if there will be snowballs, snowmen or sledging.

Rock around the clock

2011-12-16T11:50:00.004Z

New in, Gustavian style longcase grandfather clock.

Congratulations

2011-12-16T11:24:00.004Z

We celebrated Diane's birthday at Knit and Chat on Thursday with Madagascan vanilla crumble cake with blackcurrant and apple filling - there wasn't a crumb left!

We are still keeping Thomas Sabo in Cambridge in business.......Diane's winter birthday warranted some pretty winter wonderland charms.

Congratulations are also in order for Diane and Toby's new venture in Buntingford. The Cheese Plate opened their doors at the beginning of December to an enthusiastic response. They specialise in artisan cheese and also cater for parties and weddings. You can visit the shop and enjoy a glass of wine and guided by Toby's expertise, try some of the wonderful cheeses on offer. Thumbs up from us. The Cheese Plate, 26 High Street, Buntingford, Herts SG9 9AQ.

Tel: 01763 271533

Meet Mouse

2011-12-11T21:57:00.002Z

Mouse (aka Madeleine) is a new member of the team and is now working at Jolie on Saturdays. She's a great little knitter too and currently working on socks and a Kim Hargreaves jumper in Rowan's Fine Lace.

A Paris

2011-12-08T20:43:00.017Z

Linda and I took the Eurostar to Paris on Thursday night. We felt like we were already on holiday at St Pancras - the lego Christmas tree was fab and there was a great live band playing.

We went to visit Hellie in her new home in Suresnes, Paris.

Hellie hand embroidered personal guest towels. How gorgeous. Linda's was in red but she used it before I could take a pic!

We did some local shopping for breakfast. La Jolie Pause bar is on the corner of Hellie's street and popular it is too.

The appartment is lovely and we had breakfast by the French windows.

The view from the back.

Time for another petit dejeuner.

Paris is getting ready for Christmas - even the patisserie was festive.

We chose some gateaux to take home.

Lovely lunch with Robbie and Hellie in Versailles.

This shop was a real find. Can you believe we spent nearly two hours in here trying on some fab gear. Hellie bought a coat, Linda bought a beautiful blouse and I bought a sequin top. Chinemachine, 1oo Rue des Martyrs, 75018, Paris. Check out their blog http://www.chinemachinevintage.com/blog/

We climbed the steps to Sacre Coeur and looked over Paris by night.

Every hour, on the hour, after dark, the Eiffel tower is lit up with flashing fairy lights for 5 minutes.

It was so pretty and a magical moment.

Labour of love

2011-11-25T12:44:00.004Z

How beautiful is this? Karen knitted this wonderful jumper for daughter Mouse. Months of work and a first attempt at fairisle - we are very impressed.

Knit and wine

2011-11-19T20:18:00.002Z

Tuesday 22nd November, 7.30-10pm.

Hope you can join us.

Smooth operators

2011-11-14T20:22:00.005Z

Spotted in Sainsburys. The Innocent smoothies with their woolly hats are now here.

They look great. I bought a bobble hat mangoes and passionfruits and a strawberry hat strawberries and bananas.

Shopping spree

2011-11-11T11:17:00.004Z

The Jolie Christmas shopping evening was a great success. Sydney was first through the door on Monday evening.

The whole shop is full of festive goodies. We had a big change around over the weekend and brought in this pretty glass fronted cabinet (£295).

Sydney obliged by taking the annual pic of Dany and Linda with a glass of well earned fizz.

Loads of pretty Christmas ideas. These Christmas tree tins are gorgeous for homemade Xmas goodies (6.95 each).

Good things

2011-11-01T20:16:00.002Z

Since moving to Letchworth, Venice has started a new blog. Check out http://goodthingsinthegarden.blogspot.com for some charming and beautiful images of life in Letchworth Garden City.

Shopping evening at Jolie

2011-11-01T19:53:00.003Z

Join us for a glass of wine, festive goodies and see our new Christmas stock.

Monday 7th November 6 - 10pm.

Knight fever

2011-11-01T19:38:00.005Z

Erika's yarn is now here. Gorgeous hanks of maxi wool and her new fur wool. All produced and spun in Yorkshire at Laxton's mill, by fourth generation spinner James Laxton.

Erika has produced some lovely single patterns for her yarns. Accessories using one or two balls per project. Perfect Christmas presents. (See mitts on previous post - 'Glam chop!').

Pullover darling

2011-11-01T19:30:00.005Z

Spotted in the press recently, this wonderful oversized alpaca jumper by Stella McCartney. Price tag £940. Seriously. Time to get those needles out girls!

Little crochet cardi by Christopher Kane - a snip at over £300. Carolyn's already started hers.

Miss Julie

2011-10-27T20:18:00.002+01:00

Julie came in to show us this beautiful cabled throw she has knitted for her daughter Jenny who has just started university. Knitted in Debbie Bliss's cashmerino aran, it is very soft and snuggly - a truly stunning gift and keepsake.

Knitting babes

2011-10-27T19:44:00.009+01:00

We had a junior workshop at Jolie on Saturday morning. These knitting starlets were very keen. Nayeli and birthday girl Emily mastered knit and purl, lace work and cable.

Mother and daughter Emma and Tansy joined us too, and were also very accomplished.

Our three knitting musketeers were kept well supplied with birthday cake and treats.

With a well deserved shopping experience at the end. Well done girls!

Not to be outdone.....Ollie has picked up his knitting again and Eddie has just learnt. What a nice quiet occupation for half term.

In Bruges

2011-10-14T20:50:00.012+01:00

Dany went to Bruges for an idyllic weekend with Phil to celebrate a certain birthday.

I've never been there before and it was beautiful. A completely unspoilt medieval city. We cycled all over the city trying to spot locations from the film In Bruges and took the obligatory canal boat trip.

Lots of Madonnas in Bruges - in fact over three hundred.

We had to have the obligatory mussels with frites and beer of course.

A riot of colour at Le Pain Quotidien's terrace cafe.

This was my favourite shop in Bruges. Madam Mim, Hoogstraat, 29. I went back three times.

Delicious vintage and homemade items, run by a really sweet couple. Lovely.

Happy days!

Knit and wine

2011-10-14T20:09:00.004+01:00

Tuesday 18th October. 7.30 - 10pm.

Mad hatters

2011-10-14T19:43:00.005+01:00

Thank you to everyone who knitted a hat or two ...or ten for Age UK. We have dispatched them all to Innocent at 'Fruit Towers'. Special thanks to Sandra and Vicky, Hellie, Paula, Carolyn, Sue F, Diane, Brenda, Mary, Jane and Rosalind.

Hats off....

2011-10-12T10:15:00.002+01:00

...and thanks to Brenda, for producing the most hats for the Innocent/Age UK campaign. They are all gorgeous too!

Little Innocents

2011-10-10T19:56:00.001+01:00

Mini hats so far for the Innocent smoothie/Age UK campaign.

Cake, coffee and crochet

2011-10-10T19:49:00.001+01:00

For lovely Sue N's birthday last Thursday.

Glam chop

2011-10-07T12:01:00.004+01:00

Coming soon - new yarn and patterns from Erika Knight.

Linda knitted up these fab fur cuffed mitts from one of Erika's patterns using her exclusive Fur and Maxi wools. Available shortly as single loose patterns for a range of lovely accessories each using 1-2 balls yarn. Eye lashes, model's own!

The big knit 2011

2011-10-05T17:07:00.008+01:00

Jolie has supported a charity every year for National Knitting week since we opened in 2005. This year we are supporting Age UK in conjunction with Innocent smoothies.

If you would like to get involved all you need to do is knit a little woolly hat to fit on an Innocent smoothie bottle. These are then sold in supermarkets up and down the country and 25p for every one sold goes to Age Uk.

Patterns are available from http:/innocentdrinks.com/thebigknit Choose from a basic woolly hat suitable for beginners, or try a pineapple, banana, or a woolly sheep.

How about a unicorn - if you're feeling really ambitious?

Or even Jack Sparrow? Or be inspired and make up your own pattern.........

We will be sending all hats dropped off at Jolie on 12th October - not long, sorry, but they are very quick to do - I made two stripey ones in an hour. If you are not local to us you can post your hats directly to Innocent - the address is on their website.

Great for using up scraps of double knitting and 4ply. Happy knitting and for a good cause!

Knit and wine

2011-09-30T21:47:00.005+01:00

Very pleasant Knit and Wine Tuesday evening. Laura, Sarah and Caroline did a little late night shopping......

Carolyn was impressed with Sarah's beautifully knitted Nordic cushion.

Sue B and Caron did a little knitting and a lots of whining ......and wining, of course.

Agnetha and Annifrid?

2011-09-30T21:39:00.002+01:00

Sue and Sarah modelled their crochet shrugs at Knit and Wine - Mamma mia, did Abba have this pattern too?

Linda's birthday

2011-09-26T23:47:00.004+01:00

September is a bumper month for birthdays at Jolie - Linda, Karen, Dany, Libby, Trish, Julie and Ann....... Linda had a double cream doughnut thing.

And matching nail varnish to go with her present. That's some colour coordination.

Home sweet home

2011-09-26T23:44:00.002+01:00

Dany made Linda a garland. Fabric, glue, paper scissors. Quick and easy - love it, no sewing!

Knit and wine

2011-09-26T22:41:00.002+01:00

Tuesday 27th September 7.30 - 10pm.

Summer crochet workshops

2011-09-08T21:37:00.002+01:00

Young Charlotte brought her crochet squares in to show Linda who was more than impressed with her achievements. Ros was on a 1-2-1 refresher crochet and cracked on with her pattern reading and hooking.

Gypsy Rose Dany......

2011-09-08T19:16:00.012+01:00

Oh what a summer - if you can call it that. There's been more rain than sun. Dany, Phil, Eddie, Ollie and dog Billie did however manage a few lovely days in Shropshire, staying in these wonderful vintage showman's caravans. Phil and I had the red and yellow one.

Eddie and Ollie had the green one.

Both were very quaint with wood burning stoves and electric lights - all mod cons! We had 22 cupboards in ours!

This was Eddie and Ollie's fireplace in the green 'van'.

The 'vans' are on a little campsite in the grounds of Walcot Hall. If you are staying within the grounds you are free to wander around the gardens and arborteum which are very beautiful.

There is even a lake, with a little boat.

Billie came too, but didn't find the gypsy in her soul. She wasn't keen on 'glamping' . Always the opportunist, she stole the sausages out of the frying pan on the campfire. Needless to say she wasn't popular that evening.

Ollie lent her some cool specs when she'd been forgiven.

We visited Bury Ditches an iron age hill fort nearby. Billie and Ollie re enacted some ancient local Britons.

Shropshire is a beautiful county and we explored some pretty places, but Walcot Hall was a real find we'll definitely be back. www.walcothall.com

2011-08-24T11:45:00.008+01:00

What a day! We had two Knit and Chats last Thursday. We celebrated Beryl's birthday in the morning and had a special Jolie cream tea in the afternoon (Donna was there for both, how did she manage that?). Beryl had some great cards and beautiful turquoise charm bracelet with a pretty peridot charm - Beryl's birth stone.

And Erika Knight came too! Erika joined us to show us her new venture or rather adventure.

Erika is launching a new yarn collection - all pure British wool and expertly spun in Laxton's mill in Yorkshire. We had a preview of colours and textures and patterns too.

Jane fell in love with the 'fur' - infact, I think she wanted to take this little friend home with her. Watch this space for more news on Erika's yarns @ Jolie.

Feeling fruity

2011-08-24T11:29:00.005+01:00

What to do with a few raspberries and a couple of eggs? Individual raspberry souffles from Nigel Slater's wonderful little book Real Fast Puddings. Ready in 12 minutes, fat free and delicious!

There were rather more calories in Scarlett's Victoria sponge she made for James's birthday. It all disappeared in a flash tho.....

To a tea

2011-08-23T20:27:00.002+01:00

Knit and Chat with a cream tea - every Wednesday afternoon from 2-4pm. Heaven?

Smashin' pumpkins

2011-08-15T15:15:00.009+01:00

PC Karen brought a delicious pumpkin pie to Knit and Chat on Tuesday. What a lot from the allotment! Home made from home grown pumpkins and decorated with pretty cake stencils - now available at Jolie. Scrummy indeed!

Scary crochet

2011-08-13T15:29:00.002+01:00

This crochet creature is Nibbler from Futurama (apparently), and was made by Sue Ford's 23yr old son, Chris. We are very impressed with Chris's crochet skills, but unfortunately can't admit to knowing who Nibbler is......we think he's great though.

Nigella Brown

2011-08-13T15:11:00.009+01:00

A posse from Jolie took a trip down to The Fleetville Vintage Emporium down on Hatfield Road, St Albans, where our Donna has a stall - www.thefleetvillevintageemporium.co.uk . Also recommended, the cosy alfresco Tea for Two Cafe - with excellent waitress service.

'Nigella' makes a good BLT, it has to be said.

Knit and wine

2011-08-12T14:54:00.003+01:00

Tuesday evening, 16th August, 7.30 - 10pm.

We've been taking turns in the shop during school holidays, but Dany and Linda will both be at Knit and Wine on Tuesday evening. Do join us if you can. xxxx

Wonderful wet weekend

2011-07-29T18:19:00.025+01:00

We had our annual Jolie weekend in Southwold. Starting off with breakfast at Cafe Clare in Clare, Suffolk, we spent all day getting there taking the scenic route through the villages and stopping wherever the fancy took us.

We had cream teas at The Weavers Tea Room in Peasenhall, just as Donna had a text from Slimming World wishing her a great weekend. Ooops!

Stopped at Yoxford Antiques Emporium where we met Hinge and Bracket.

Spotted a great crochet swimsuit. Pity the weather wasn't up to it.

Linda found some nice fabric, a dodgy housecoat, neglige thing (she didn't buy it) and a great beehive style hat (which she should have bought).

We stayed at The Swan in Southwold.

Trish and Julie came too. Julie somehow managed to avoid the camera.

We were joined by Sinjit and Minjeeta for the room party on Sunday night.

It was a blustery, windy, rainy, wet weekend in July. For goodness sake, what happened to the weather this summer?

Sailor Bill obliged by taking a picture of us .....and a liking to Linda too.

Found a little bit of colour by the seaside.

and Southwold's lighthouse is so pretty.

We loved the homage to Southwold crochet curtain.

We did see the sea - but this was about as close as we got.

Dany shared her big Toasty cardi with Karen.

Windy windmills.

We managed plenty of shopping, of course. Donna bought new Fit Flops.

Tea, again, down at Susie's kiosk, by the seafront.

Hellie purchased a charity shop raincoat - more out of necessity than style we felt.

Coffee this time in Woodbridge on the way home. There was an incredible downpour while we were drinking our coffee and we couldn't get out because the street flooded. We had to leave through the back kitchen door of Caffe Nero.

Aah, but it was great inspite of the weather. A happy laugh-a-minute good time was had by all. To top it all we finished up at The Angel in Lavenham for a truly delicious meal. Unbeknown to us Marco Pierre White took over about 10 days previously - we thought it was good and by golly the food was amazing and not too expensive. Definitely worth a revisit.

The calm before the storm

2011-07-29T17:59:00.008+01:00

Hellie arrived at Jolie Friday afternoon, all the way from Paris, with her beautiful crocheted shawl modelled by Linda.

Scarlett helped Donna find some rose intarsia patterns for knitted cushions (there are two in Rowan's Classic Home) for her next project.

Robbie Dobs couldn't come this time, but sent Champagne in beautiful bottles and lovely souvenir tins of French biscuits.

Tres chic

2011-07-15T12:47:00.003+01:00

The bed of wool in the shop has gone and been replaced by a lovely sideboard with overmantle and mirror. Painted in a pale grey - our new favourite colour. Good looking and good storage. (£425.00)

Karen Titchmarsh?

2011-07-15T12:39:00.004+01:00

Ooh, how pretty! Karen (Sgt.) brought beautiful flowers home grown on her allotment for us to enjoy at Knit and Chat.

Gorgeous sweet peas nestling in there too.

Charmed life

2011-07-12T16:41:00.003+01:00

It was Paula 's birthday last Thursday. Mmm, chocolate fudge cake and an intriguing black and white bag from Thomas Sabo.

Three charms. We chose a cocktail (had to be didn't it?), a ruby heart and a delectable pearl and crown. How charming!

Show off and tell

2011-07-06T13:15:00.007+01:00

We had 'show off and tell' at Tuesday Knit and Chat this week. Jennifer brought in her wonderful crocheted rug.

Betty brought in her lovely cashmere scarf and crocheted cushion for her new house.

Naomi's brilliant jumper, knitted for nephew Leon in Rowan Cocoon.

Linda's pretty throw knitted in softest baby alpaca squares with beautiful embroidery. (Actually this pic doesn't do it justice - we need to photograph it on a bed.)

Dany's rabbit sized cricket jumper and trews.

Not forgetting Mary. Expert embroiderer as well as knitter! She embroidered this many years ago and hadn't got round to doing anything with it. We have had it made into a cushion for her so at last it gets seen.

Knit and wine

2011-07-03T23:09:00.003+01:00

Tuesday 19th July, 7.30 - 10pm @ Jolie. Hope you can join us.

The next Knit and Wine will be post our weekend trip to Southwold - will this be us on the beach? Where did we put those crochet bikinis we made?

Coastal style

2011-06-30T17:44:00.008+01:00

I opened the August 2011 edition of Coast magazine this afternoon and to my great surprise and delight spotted one of my uncle David 's paintings on page 47. The feature is about a lovely cottage by the sea on Mersea Island where David also lives. The owner of the house (Monkey Beach Cottage) has several of his paintings which can be seen in the pictures. David has been credited as a local artist, which is really nice.

See previous post about David Britton below - 10th June 2011.

Cottered day

2011-06-28T21:47:00.009+01:00

Lovely day out in Cottered on Sunday. The village had it's annual traditional fair with car boot, vintage cars and fairground rides, candy floss, ice cream, morris dancing, open gardens, cake and jam stalls and teas, of course.

It was the hottest day of the year so far and we were gasping.

We visited the garden of Lower Farm and had tea and cake in the shade of a plum tree.

The garden is beautiful, with lots of secret 'rooms' and sculpture dotted about.

We took refuge from the sun again in the thatched gazebo. Just looking at this amazing table with undersea treasures of shells and fossils displayed under glass cooled me down.

I bought a teapot, a rolling pin and a vintage Christmas biscuit tin. Linda bought a teapot and homemade jams.

Cast off!

2011-06-28T21:39:00.003+01:00

Now I can wear the lovely rosy gardening shoes from Hellie, sent all the way from Paris.

About as useful as...

2011-06-24T22:14:00.004+01:00

....a chocolate tea pot! This lovely little wooden tea set comes in it's own tin. For little people and Jolie bunnies.

Knit and wine

2011-06-17T14:45:00.004+01:00

Tuesday 21st June, 7.30 -10pm.

Join us for wine and nibbles - we promise NOT to knit socks.

Box of delights

2011-06-14T20:40:00.002+01:00

Linda put these pretty spools of crochet cotton in the an egg cabinet. Very fetching.

Ria Grand

2011-06-14T20:32:00.005+01:00

Ria had a milestone birthday at the weekend - and celebrated with a brass band in the back garden. How fabulous. Ria told us about the scarf she knitted in Penang, where she had increased so many times and forgot to decrease, that she ended up with over 4,000 stitches on a circular needle! Anne Marie was admiring the birthday hairdo, rather than the knitting prowess....the scarf does still exist somewhere. Ria's promised to bring it in for show and tell.

Pretty feet

2011-06-14T20:08:00.002+01:00

This book is divine. Written by Caroline Hugo, the patterns are lovely with charming photography.

We drooled a lot whilst drinking our morning coffee.

Also note - nice new mugs for Knit and Chat.

Reduce your wool miles

2011-06-10T13:10:00.005+01:00

Now in, locally produced artisan wool from Highbury Farm, Wood End, Hertfordshire, literally 3 miles from Jolie. This yarn is a completely natural product from Poll Dorset ewe lambs (relatives of the now infamous Plum and Ivy). Spun to reflect the nature of the fleece, it is undyed and has been nowhere near any harsh chemicals. It is a dk yarn, available in 100g skeins or 50g balls.

Mersea beats

2011-06-10T12:38:00.008+01:00

I visited my uncle, David Britton, last weekend. He is an artist who lives and works from his studio in the garden, on Mersea Island, Essex (the most easterly inhabited island in the UK and also home to The Company Shed renowned fish restaurant).

David has been based in East Anglia for many years and is wonderful landscape painter. He is holding an exhibition of work entitled Air, Space and Light at the Aldeburgh Cinema, Suffolk from 10th - 16th June 2011. www.aldeburghcinema.co.uk

PS The best fish and chips in the world can also be found in Aldeburgh....

Raspberry ripple

2011-06-10T12:31:00.004+01:00

Sue has finished her beautiful crochet ripple blanket. Crocheted in three pinks (Shell, Sugar and Slick) in Rowan handknit dk and finished with a picot edge, it is simply stunning. She is eyeing up the blue palette now for the next one.

Hot off the press

2011-05-28T16:23:00.005+01:00

We have a new range of pretty little cards.

Beautifully hand printed by letterpress on heavy weight paper and with a very English theme.

We think they are delightful, and the range is huge. Lots more in store.

Oh Coral

2011-05-27T20:37:00.002+01:00

My new favourite colour. Scarlett just happened to have chosen the same colour for her nails!

Leg latest

2011-05-27T20:19:00.003+01:00

Only a week to go before my appointment at the hospital. I may not get the cast off yet, but the leg is feeling a whole lot better and I'm hoping that at least I will be able to start using it and put my foot down on solid ground again. I've had to sleep downstairs when Phil has been working away, but these two (Billie and George) have enjoyed it. And I enjoyed this amazing slab of hand made chocolate from Carolyn. Wow what a combination, the chocolate was delicious and went surprising well with liquorice allsorts.

Too cute

2011-05-27T20:03:00.002+01:00

Sandra's daughter Vicky is expecting her first baby in October. Sandra is knitting her way through Erika Knight's book, Natural Nursery Knits and has knitted three of this adorable little cardis already. The little outfits look so sweet - are we sure it's not triplets?

Knit and Wine

2011-05-22T16:14:00.004+01:00

Tuesday 24th May, 7.30-10pm.

Join us for a glass of wine or two or three! Nobby's Nuts de rigeur.

Now we are six

2011-05-18T21:53:00.002+01:00

Cup cakes and candles to celebrate Jolie's sixth birthday and with Betty, our oldest and most glamourous customer, who came to our very first Knit and Chat and who has supported us from the very beginning.

More lovely long standing supporters from the Tuesday group; Julie,

(Dany), Betty, Karen and Anne Marie. Thanks girls and also to Jennifer, Naomi, Carolyn, Ria, Janice, Debbie and Beryl who were also there and to Pam who couldn't be with us this week.

Nearly there

2011-05-18T21:47:00.002+01:00

Linda's beautiful Baby Alpaca throw is near completion. Lots of mattress stitch to go and then just the four mamouth borders to knit. It will be worth it, can't wait to see it finished.

Little Bo Peep

2011-05-18T21:32:00.002+01:00

lost her sheep and didn't know where to find them!

Plum and Ivy went missing this morning - they trampled down a fence and went for a wander round the village. They were eventually spotted by Chrissie in a very beautiful garden in Totts Lane, standing on the patio looking at their reflection in the patio doors. Rod, Annie, Sydney and James all helped to catch them - eventually in the greenhouse. What a commotion. James had to sit on Ivy for about half an hour until the farmer came to fetch them. They are back in Wood End 'til we get the fences fixed....not easy this animal husbandry, particularly with a broken leg! Many thanks to Rod who found he was pretty good at sheep rustling - pictured above with Sydney (and Plum) and a well earned cup of tea.

Ta daah!

2011-05-16T16:34:00.002+01:00

He's finally wearing it! I have been at Finishing School with my broken leg and have at last completed James' jumper. He was a reluctant model, but I snapped him unawares from my new home on the sofa.

Sheepish

2011-05-08T18:15:00.004+01:00

Meet the new arrivals who have come to reside in the back garden over the summer. They are Plum and Ivy - names to reflect their gastronomic preferences. (Plum was originally called Parsley as in Cow Parsley, but seeing as she consumed a small plum tree in less than a day , we quickly changed it).

The ewe lambs (Poll Dorsets) are now installed in the garden at the rear of Jolie and are happily munching away (the remaining trees have now been protected). They have been loaned to us by Peter and Yvonne Gear from Highbury Farm, Wood End, which is about 2 miles from us. Peter and Yvonne have a flock of over 600 sheep and sell their lamb/sheep related products at local farmers' markets. Details are on their website http:www.highburyfarm.co.uk

Highbury Farm have had some fleece spun into wool on a 100yr old spinning machine at a mill up in Yorkshire. It is 100% pure wool and knits as a dk. We are hoping to stock some of this locally grown wool at Jolie when the next batch comes down from Yorkshire.

At the moment there is only the natural 'sheep' cream colour, although they are hoping to add a grey fleece too. I knitted my 'cake, tea or me' teacosy with it and found it very satisfying to use and especially as it was produced so close to home.

What a week

2011-05-06T18:39:00.010+01:00

Aaah, I fell down the stairs last Tuesday evening and broke my leg. I have been stuck on the sofa for days, but a great excuse to watch the whole of THE wedding. And wasn't it lovely? Kate looked beautiful and the dress was just perfect.

We celebrated at Knit and Chat, of course.

A great chance to use the Royal tablecloth.

Karen finished her red white and blue bunting for the day.

Kathleen (a blog follower over in Spain), made this great Kate and Wills patriotic quilt to commemorate the occasion.

I have to say I have been spoilt with good wishes and gifts. Jennifer brought me a 'mussy tussy' from her garden.

Linda baked wedding day macaroons, which were delicious,

and brought me some beautiful tulips to brighten up the room.

I have some pretty cards too. I love the lamb (that'll be me soon) from Karen, and Libby hand made her pretty card.

I had a new bright pink cast put on today, but am looking at another 4- 6 weeks recovery. This one is a bit lighter, so I'm hoping to be a little more mobile. Oh but the frustration - I can't get up the steps into the shop, so Linda is doing all the work in there. At home, well, they are doing their best. Phil's cooking is actually really good, qiute a revelation, but the laundry has come off the line looking like it belongs to Quasimodo!

Happy Easter

2011-04-25T21:36:00.005+01:00

The Williams and the Taylor families exchanged Easter baskets on Easter Day over coffee. A certain theme going on here we thinks.........we both had little square baskets filled with goodies - predominantly chocolate bunnies.

Wow! This is the shop window of Down Memory Lane in Spring Road, Letchworth GC - just round the corner from Dany's sister Venice's house. An Aladdin's cave of all sorts throughout the year, but big time on Easter.

Ollie picked some wild flowers for our Easter breakfast table.

Knit and wine

2011-04-23T23:08:00.003+01:00

Join us on Tuesday evening 26th April. 7.30 - 10pm.

Unfortunately Doris can't make it this time.

Liberty Belle

2011-04-23T11:19:00.002+01:00

Libby has tidied her bedroom over the Easter holidays. Tres Jolie we think.

Fair Rosalind

2011-04-23T10:57:00.002+01:00

Rosalind opened her presents at Knit and Chat on Thursday..... a pretty jug and glasses for outside drinks on Easter day perhaps? - Rosalind's actual birthday. Have a great day. xx

Sshh!

2011-04-21T16:02:00.003+01:00

At last, Kim Hargreaves latest book Whisper has arrived just in time for Easter.

There are 21 beautiful feminine designs in summer yarns including 4ply Siena, Handknit cotton dk and Kidsilk Haze. We love this lovely reversible tunic with full sleeves (above).

The colour palette is classic and muted. Very pretty indeed. Another winner from Kim - worth the wait!

Doctor or vet?

2011-04-12T16:01:00.002+01:00

Carolyn's animal production line has increased. We had a newborn Mustang at Knit and Chat today. By next week his saddle should be finished and his own crochet blanket.

Kusmi quick

2011-04-08T15:42:00.006+01:00

Kusmi Sweet Love tea sent from Hellie in Paris is very delicious. We've been making Chai tea lattes with it at Knit and Chat and they're pretty good.

I made yet another tea cosy over the weekend from Debbie Stoller's book Stitch and Bitch Nation. The original pattern is for 'Coffee Tea or Me?', which I didn't quite understand on a teapot...

Lovely Sandra (ex air hostess) put me right. Coffee, Tea or Me? was a saucy novel published in 1969 and is the unihibited memoirs of two lusty young airline stewardessess.... so there you go. (He'll probably choose the cake anyway!)

'Modern' vintage

2011-04-07T23:33:00.005+01:00

Linda and I have fallen in love with this 1950's kitchen cabinet. It was made by Stoneham of Deptford and was the height of sophistication at the time. I have done some research and discovered it is a 'Cambridge' kitchen cabinet. Stoneham still make kitchens and are now based in Sidcup, Kent and have a royal warrant as furniture makers to the Queen.

This one is in immaculate condition and has obviously been cherished over the years. It still has a little egg box, a 'fridge' compartment and a thermometer on the front, cutlery drawer, a pulldown worktop and this fabulous original orange Fablon inside. We've been playing 'house' all afternoon since it came into the shop.

It could be straight from the pages of Modern Vintage Style, a new book out by Emily Chalmers.

Softly, softly

2011-04-07T23:23:00.004+01:00

Back to knitting again. Mary made these beautiful little bootees for her great grandson who is on the way. Knitted in Rowan's alpaca cotton and felted at 60 degrees in the washing machine, we think they are truly gorgeous. I think he will be having more than one pair.

Maddox

2011-04-07T23:11:00.005+01:00

Ok, so what the hell does this have to do with knitting? It doesn't really, except that James (with white guitar) is Dany's son and still waiting for his jumper...... Maddox, his band, played a live session on 'BBC Introducing' on the radio last week. Check out this little clay animation video of one of their tunes; 'First time, One time, Last time' made by friend Alex http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFft7qn5l6Q

A knitter's home companion

2011-03-29T18:32:00.002+01:00

This charming little book by Michelle Edwards is a collection of short stories, patterns and recipes. Beautiful photography and lovely illustrations by the author, it is " a sweet reminder of the power and compassion that we can express with two sticks and some string".

Pictured with Karen's fabulous fair isle jumper which has used quite a lot of 'string' and even more love.

Good eggs

2011-03-29T18:11:00.002+01:00

These little x 4 egg boxes are great for giving out a few new laid eggs as gifts. http://omlet.co.uk

Hippy dippy crochet day

2011-03-28T21:59:00.007+01:00

We held a special '70's crochet flower workshop for Michelle and Paula on Saturday. Linda showed them how to make some fab daisies, roses and leaves in all handknit cotton.

We had wagon wheels and party ring biscuits with morning coffee and prawn cocktails for lunch with cheese and pineapple on sticks. And of course - Black Forest gateau at teatime!

Thanks to Julie for lending us her extensive '70's music collection - we were kept in the mood all day long!

Springtime @ Jolie

2011-03-21T23:16:00.003Z

The sun has made a bit more of an appearance over the last week and the shop is looking very pretty.

We have cheery cherry blossom and pussy willow stems and the new spring stock is beginning to arrive with lots of lovely ideas for Mother's Day gifts.

A twist on the Jolie knitting bag. Normally made from embroidered linen, this one has been made from pretty vintage fabric (found by Sandra in Southwold) and we think it is gorgeous.

Proud Mary

2011-03-21T23:01:00.004Z

....actually Mary is incredibly modest and we are very proud of her. She has just finished this amazing coat for Pam knitted in Kidsilk Haze.

Had to show you the back too. Beautiful lace work and as soft as a cloud.

Knit and wine

2011-03-21T22:58:00.002Z

Is rescheduled for next Tuesday 29th March. 7.30- 10pm. Hope you can make it.

Down Mexico way

2011-03-21T22:35:00.006Z

It was a great evening over at Sue's for a Mexican theme dinner party. The cocktails were flowing - Japanese Slipper, anyone? Or how about another Singapore Sling?

The food was delicious, accompanied by a great singalong seventies soundtrack. Remember Manhatten Transfer, Baccara (Yes, Sir, I can Boogie) and Tina Charles? We did!

"Now Beryl, tell me how did you meet Jim?" Three hours later, some more cocktails and off on another tangent, we never did hear the end of the story. Oh what a night!

Star turn

2011-03-19T16:05:00.002Z

Jen was a star at Knit and Chat this week. First we had a beautiful pink Camellia flower from the garden.

Then Jen produced two more embroidered cushions! A Norfolk beach hut for Karen and some lovely chucks for Dany.

Ollie's new friend

2011-03-19T16:02:00.003Z

Carolyn knitted this great mole for her son Ollie.

Lucky Ted

2011-03-10T22:59:00.002Z

Oh, what a totally pampered pooch! Jennifer designed and made this wonderful freehand quilted cushion at a workshop on Monday. She presented it to Linda at Knit and Chat on Tuesday where a few tears of joy were shed.

Finished!

2011-03-10T22:54:00.004Z

Jeannette has finally completed the fair isle tank top... and she's also wearing her fabulous pink Debbie Bliss fair isle gilet. What a busy bee. Those fingers havn't stopped.

What a find

2011-03-10T22:39:00.006Z

A welcome coffee and Portuguese pastries to be had at Brandon's Taste of Portugal deli en route to Norfolk..... a wonderful shop crammed with foodie delights, wine and preserves.

The shelves are so colourful. Delicias de Portugal have branches in Kensal Green, Vauxhall, Victoria and 56 High Street, Brandon, Suffolk!

And on to Stiffkey Stores in Stiffkey. This place is so pretty and well worth a visit.

Anyone for tea?

2011-03-03T22:26:00.006Z

Finished Nicki Trench's BIG strawberry tea cosy for the GIANT Aga tea pot and then quickly knitted another littler one with self striping 'sock wool' - just to see how it turned out.

Hellie sent us these fanatastic sugar lump buttons from Paris. They are so pretty - too good to put in the tea.

Oh my! Another Nicki Trench pattern (from Cute and Easy Crochet), beautifully crocheted by Carolyn and Jennifer. What a lovely cheery start to the day, everyone needs a fun tea cosy.

Happy Birthday

2011-03-03T22:12:00.002Z

To Sue, who celebrated with loads of cake and some early Easter bunnies. And Sue was very happy bunny too with her special 'surprise' black leather Fibi bag.