Spring books

Two lovely new books to drool over the Easter break. Selina Lake's latest book, Pretty Pastel Style is beautiful.

We love the pink 'knitting' dresser, which we believe belongs to Yvonne Eljkenduijn. Yve has a lovely blog...... http://www.yvestown.com

Also new in this week, Homespun Vintage by Jane Crowfoot. 

The green square cushion is crocheted.....like a crochet version of intarsia.....might have a go at this one.

Pom pom pom

Tah dah! Donna finished her pretty fairisle pom pom cardi for her seven yr old neice, Clemmie. 

Oh do grow up! Linda went back in time for a few moments and modelled the cardi and matching tam o shanter. Fitted a treat - hope it fits Clemmie.....

(Pattern from Debbie Bliss's book, 9-5)

Knit and wine

Tuesday, 26th March @ Jolie

7.30 - 10pm

Hope to see you there x

Walkern lace

We have been very kindly given some beautiful hand made lace and crochet, which has come from an old farmhouse in Walkern, shortly going up for sale. It is so pretty and delicate and there's lots of it! We think it was probably made by someone in the village many years ago, which makes in extra special. We shall use it wisely, as advised in this quote by John Ruskin.

'The real good of a piece of lace, then, you will find, is that it should show, first, that the designer of it had a pretty fancy; next, that the maker of it had fine fingers; lastly that the wearer of it has worthiness or dignity enough to obtain what is difficult to obtain, and common sense enough not to wear it on all occasions.' 

This piece fits perfectly across the hall stand.... with double sided tape, no harm done, to lace or furniture.

News from the heroes

Tina, who coordinates Hats4Heroes, sent a lovely thank you note to all those who contributed knitted hats for this campaign. The hats were very gratefully received and this picture shows the 2 Rifles, currently out in Afghanistan, wearing their hats with pride. We think they look rather good too!

PS We would also like to extend our thanks to Charlie Sterling for covering the cost of sending our hats to Tina in Wales, and to Julie Armond for organising this. Thank you!

Caspar

This beautiful portrait is by Augustus John of his son Caspar, painted in 1909. After a fairly unconventional childhood, Caspar went on to join the navy and eventually became Admiral of the Fleet in 1962. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caspar_John

Phil, (Dany's husband) saw this painting in The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and was transfixed, as it strongly resembles our son Edward. 

I managed to order a print from a company called Magnolia Box who specialise in custom fine art prints, starting at £15. It arrived this morning and I am so delighted. They have hundreds of paintings to choose from and run a really fast efficient service. Highly reccommended. www.magnoliabox.com/