Amanda Sainsbury

We've moved!

2011-06-16T13:36:00.002+01:00

Having recently moved house, everything is now getting a much needed spring clean. New pictures and a fresher feel in my knitting shop, a new style in my vintage shop and now too, a new home for my blog.

This will be the last post here as I'm now over at www.AmandaSainsbury.wordpress.com

:)

A Tale of 6 Bears

2011-01-25T11:11:00.005Z

Reading this post by roddy&ginger I was instantly taken back to my childhood by this book by William Stobbs. I've spent the last two days looking for it and when I finally did find it, remembered we got alot of ex-library books when we were nippers. Which is fine, but spot the difference :)

A lovely clean and crisp start to the book, what could possibly go wrong.....

oh dear :(
But at least no one put sello-tape over it!

ummmm....

ah well, I must have loved it as I can remember every page and even the shape of the bowls.

However it looks, Goldilocks is still very annoying.

Pins on the Map

2011-01-10T16:20:00.002Z

Because I clearly don't have enough work to do, I spent far too long over Christmas placing all my sales on a google map.

I do make myself laugh sometimes.

10% Discount - AmandaSainsbury

2011-01-06T16:19:00.004Z

Along with a 10% discount in my vintage shop, I am also doing a 10% discount on the knitting side.

100 for £10

2011-01-05T13:28:00.004Z

The lovely and highly talented Tina Mammoser of The Cycling Artist is selling original mini works of art throughout January at the bargain price of £10. There are 100 to snap up here.
I can't wait to receive mine and know exactly where its going regardless of which one Tina picks for me :D

Things For Me

2011-01-04T12:49:00.005Z

For the first time since I started going to flea markets I'm buying things for myself!
A 1930s/40s bedspread in orange and paisley fabric, a hand embroidered shawl and a Hans Andersen Fairy Tale book.

10% Discount - agoodvintage

2011-01-03T13:20:00.004Z

To celebrate the New Year, throughout January agoodvintage will have 10% off everything. Just enter coupon code JANUARYSALE in the box at checkout.

First Snow

2010-12-18T13:04:00.003Z

The first proper snow for this year. A bit later than the rest of the UK I think but still as pretty. Since my birthday last week I think I have grown too old as I despaired slightly at this sight this morning.

Not a fan of doing post office runs in my wellies.

All orders placed have now been posted. Any more this weekend will be posted on Monday 20th which will be my last UK posting date hopefully for a Christmas delivery.

From $ to £

2010-11-23T15:18:00.005Z

My Etsy knitting shop and my vintage shop are now all in GBP. You will see the approximate currency conversion underneath the GBP price if you are outside the UK. This will be what you pay through Paypal. Simple :)

For more information on this, read HERE.

I also have new in to my Etsy vintage shop a 1961 Penguin book.

Last Posting Dates for Christmas

2010-11-15T16:24:00.002Z

UK ~ 20th December
Europe, USA, Canada ~ 9th December
Rest of World ~ 5th December

New Cashmere Colours

2010-11-10T12:24:00.004Z

Most likely to be the last new cashmere colours for this year.

From clockwise: Ivory, Cygnet, Ivory & Periwinkle Stripe, Periwinkle, Plum.

All priced at $60/£38. From 1st January prices will rise to $70/£44.

Update: All are now available here.

Frome Vintage Bazaar

2010-11-03T11:11:00.003Z

Last Saturday included a trip to the Frome Vintage Bazaar. I could easily have spent a small fortune but resisted and only came back with some Christmas wrapping paper.

More photos available here.

Reversible

2010-10-29T14:29:00.007+01:00

A new design from my knitting machine. A reversible pattern with raised texture and circles.
Available now on NOTHS. Two pairs in one :)

Give Fleece a Chance

2010-10-11T13:09:00.004+01:00

An article that Ann of SnowdropsAndDaisies and I submitted to the UK edition of the Etsy blog has now gone live :)

You can read the full article here.

Baby Knits

2010-10-05T11:40:00.003+01:00

For the arrival of my shiny new nephew I thought I'd try my hand at knitting from a pattern. I decided on a Debbie Bliss baby book and her baby cashmerino yarn. I didn't know if I was knitting for a boy or girl so bought the yarn from the picture which was grey.

Turns out that grey was actually lilac.
It was a bit more smoky than shown here so thought I'd stick with it. He'll grow out of it in 6 months anyway.

Baby's first hoodie.

Sneak Peek

2010-08-30T15:47:00.003+01:00

The first flea market last weekend since May so was rather eager :)

I want to find more unusual pieces and think most of these fit the bill. Listing now and over the coming week. And some actual sun for photographs!

Bargin Yarns

2010-08-24T15:15:00.002+01:00

Have nearly listed all my excess stock. All yarns priced the same, $17.
Bargin prices!

Packaging Update

2010-08-20T12:12:00.003+01:00

Thought it was about time for a much needed packaging revamp and wanted something that looked more professional and personal.
So ta-da!

I'm using pizza-style presentation boxes, wrapped in ribbon with a typewritten note for a personal touch :) This will then be wrapped in brown kraft paper for posting.
The scarf inside will be wrapped in cream tissue paper to match the card.

And all can be recycled. At the moment these can only be used on the longer scarves but from now on will mainly be making those.

Modern Handmade Child

2010-08-03T10:19:00.003+01:00

Very privileged to have one of my hot water bottle covers featured in the August online issue of Modern Handmade Child.

Featured in an article for teaching children about energy consumption. Never too early to learn. Or, indeed, never too late. Should show my dad this.

Knitted and ready to ship.

Books From Mum

2010-07-30T12:03:00.003+01:00

Mums been making these recently like theres no tomorrow. Its my official job to photograph and list them. From my studio clear out, I'm handing back lots of threads and materials so she has about 3 on the go now.

All available here :)

Lambswool

2010-07-26T19:37:00.002+01:00

The newly arrived lambswool from Italy via Yorkshire has been put to good use. So far, I've just made one scarf.

Am debating whether to buy more colours now to make patterned scarves or be a bit more patient and sensible and wait until I have the money!

Golfing Friday

2010-07-16T13:06:00.002+01:00

Perfect timing for St Andrews, its a bit windy up there. So what you need is some kind of head scarf to keep your hair in check.

Well would look, there be one now!

Out With The Old...

2010-07-15T12:51:00.002+01:00

The Great 2010 Yarn Sale that we're all talking about, right? is well under way. My shelves are being near emptied to make way for more appropriate knitting materials.

The most likely replacement will either be a merino or lambswool. Depending on which goes through my machine the best.
Watch this space!

Yarns for SALE

2010-07-01T11:22:00.004+01:00

Over the next few days and weeks I will be listing lots of knitting and embroidery yarns on AmandaSainsbury. I've lots that have never been used from impulse buying, and some will be made into a collection of 'ends'.

Once listed, I will update via twitter.

Update: Listing has begun.

Sneak Peek

2010-06-30T12:40:00.005+01:00

A sneak peek of a 1960s coffee set that my mum found for me to sell. Coffee pot, sugar bowl, creamer and 3 cups and saucers. Made in 1966 in avocado green! Nothing more 60s than that :)

Will be listed tomorrow must likely, start a new month as you mean to go on.

Update: Listed and ready to go.

agoodvintage is 1!

2010-06-22T20:06:00.003+01:00

Cake should and will be had.

Thank you to all those who have bought from me as agoodvintage and to all those who are yet to :)

i spy*

2010-06-20T17:50:00.002+01:00

2nd installment of agoodvintage items finding their feet in their new homes. A pair of drinking glasses sold to the lovely Linen Cat :)

Good to see they're happy!
(no...... thats just silly)

New Knits

2010-06-18T12:04:00.007+01:00

Posted earlier I've begun my Christmas knitting but have decided to list as I knit. It must be cold somewhere in the world and they aren't going to sell if no one sees them. I'm really enjoying doing some hand-knitting for a change so expect to see alot more in my shop in the coming months.

This is the first ^. Super soft and extra long, made from cashmerino with pompoms!

And a sneak preview of work in progress :)

i spy*

2010-06-02T14:53:00.006+01:00

I knew my pewter creamer sold through my vintage shop was destined for a foodie photo shoot so have been eagerly following this amazing food blog on the look out. Stunning photography and mouth watering recipes, I feel honoured :)

And its for banana bread which makes it all the more better :)
I also spied it sneaking into shot behind some sticky rolls.

I've come over all hungry all of a sudden.

I would love to see any items you may have bought from me in situ and feature them here. Get in touch!

Knitting for Christmas

2010-05-31T12:38:00.003+01:00

Bank Holiday, sunshine and place to myself. What better way to celebrate than to begin the big Christmas Knit?! I'm sure there are many more exciting ways to spend a Monday in May but this be mine.

Merry Christmas, one and all :)

Puzzles!

2010-05-22T16:53:00.003+01:00

These are (not any more!) my dads jig-saws from the 1950s. He was just a wee boy, bless :) How things have changed. I rescued these from near certain death (bin) and will be listing them soonish.

I have 4 altogether although only 2 are complete. I was thinking those could be cut down and framed for a nursery.

Those were the days :D

Sneak Peek

2010-05-18T11:27:00.004+01:00

The last flea market until the end of August was this weekend(!) near me. If I had my way I'd go to one every weekend, or have them permanently there just for me. I want to go to the big ones in Paris but in the mean time this is what I picked up in equally stylish Somerset.

A 1960s/70s weekend travel case. I've wanted one of these for myself for ages. I used to have a round red one when I was a wee nipper that I kept my ballet gear in. Long since gone now :(

Anyway, this one is in very nearly mint condition but the lock doesn't work, and I have no key. I contacted the company to see if they do spares for them but no. (May have been wishful thinking there.)
The top stays shut and did I mention is in nearly mint condition? I'll be listing soon but I'm slightly worried people will be put off by the 'lock not working' issue. Heyho, worst things happen at sea.

Hand-Knitting

2010-05-12T20:14:00.004+01:00

Just to prove that I can hand-knit, I made some socks :)
I'm actually more proud of these than one can admit in polite society.

I have a few different colours and can knit in multiple sizes! Clever stuff.

Lost Things

2010-05-11T14:59:00.005+01:00

Those of you who are on or around etsy will probably have seen this film but I love it still so thought I'd share it anyway :)

Wholesale :D

2010-05-08T11:11:00.002+01:00

Forgive me the smiley face but I love wholesale :D
3 different designs, these are waiting to be ironed and have their labels attached :D

I didn't have any woven labels left so made these from bits and bobs I could find. The cotton I stuck to some paper and fed through my printer. With fingers crossed it wouldn't eat it.

The green and purple yarn at the bottom I never use except for things like this as it cannot be photographed. It may have something to do with my photography skills more than anything else.
:D (last one)

Bargin-ish

2010-04-24T10:46:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was a visit to Shepton Mallet craft trade show. So far April hasn't been a good business month so to compensate I spent some money.

Yes, a £30 discount is lovely but would have been even more lovelier if I could afford the £20 sale price. I bought it anyway :) Would have been rude not too.
I also bought a great book filled with vintage patterns.

I like this one :)

Maybe this one :)

Definitely this one :)

This one not so much :/ Maybe its the cravat, I don't know. But if ever you go to Canada, then this my friend, is for you.

Winchester

2010-04-13T11:18:00.007+01:00

A day trip on Sunday in Winchester was mainly split between eating and the cathedral. No pictures of the eating, but plenty of the cathedral.

Assuming there are bones and things underneath these tomb stones, it doesn't quite feel right walking all over them. But they do look nice :)

I always love to see a bit of medieval graffiti. At least they made the effort to make it legible. No ASBOs for them.

Wasn't quick enough with my camera on the way there but was ready and poised for 2 miles on the return journey so as not to miss this last bit of culture.
That's enough for one weekend, although couldn't be bothered to get out the car for Stone Henge :)

Well done our Mais!

2010-04-07T16:13:00.005+01:00

Yesterday my vintage piggy bank, affectionately known as Maisy, landed herself on the front page.

In other news, I am now knitting socks :)

Polka Dots

2010-04-01T14:46:00.003+01:00

First new thing for a while in my etsy shop. I am still here :)

Yarn shopping tomorrow! I'm more than a little excited. Oddly, a craft centre has newly opened in a local garden and pet store. I'm sure it'll all become clear.

Take the Weight off your Feet

2010-03-31T15:13:00.007+01:00

In my opinion, all the best things are knitted. Being a knitter, this is quite handy.

These unique chairs are by Melanie Porter and I can imagine they're even more amazing in real life. I would happily design my (non-existent) house around one of these :)

Charlie

Nora

Albert

I wish I was this clever! I think I've left my creative streak somewhere. Down the back of the sofa perhaps :) I'm in the process of buying yarns for a spot of hand-knitting. I have plans forming and hopefully they will be as impressive and memorable as these chairs.

Going Digital

2010-03-24T12:33:00.006Z

Down here in deepest darkest Somerset, we've begun are transition to digital television. No more analogue snowstorms. I'm sure it'll be fine :/

I've recently stumbled across a genius website, Bonbonkakku. It allows anyone and everyone to design a fabric which is then voted on by other users and the winner's design is put into production and sold on the site.

I love this idea and having it based in Finland makes it better for some reason :)

Spring submissions and voting last from Feb 10th - April 10th. All fabrics are sold at 25 euros a metre.

Sneak Peek

2010-03-21T15:41:00.003Z

Made a quick sprint round a local Antiques Market this morning and brought these two fellas for my shop.

A rather large piggy bank which needs a name.

Thinking Maisy the Pig. Irresistible :)
And a heart shaped baking tray. Long since baked out but would make a lovely tray for something or other.

I do have some knitting in the pipe line.

I'm more interested in next winter than summer but fear not, new things coming soon :)

Ladies Day

2010-03-17T15:06:00.004Z

In honour of Cheltenham Ladies Day tomorrow, no respectable said Lady will be without a head display of some form.

A recent discovery on etsy is Zara Carpenter.

And paint brushes! I want a hat with paint brushes.

And because it will rain as is customary, the Wash and Go hat by Stephen Jones from last years V&A exhibition will be perfect and surprisingly practical.

A Strong Stomach

2010-03-14T12:00:00.005Z

I don't have one but I've seen this website crop up a few times and can't fail to be just a little bit fascinated. Makes me glad to be alive, or at least healthy :)

And this just makes me laugh. It doesn't need a reason.

An Early Mothers Day

2010-03-12T14:45:00.005Z

My Mum and me when I was a wee nipper.

Courtesy of Etsy's UK blogger Amity, I contributed to their Mothers Day article about me and my mum :)

With a Spring in Your Step

2010-03-03T16:31:00.010Z

Yep, its just around the corner. So half the country is still covered in snow but you know the daffs are doing their utmost to burst through.

Saw my first bumble bee recently which was lucky for him as he was a hop and a skip away from being squished underfoot.

I've been salivating after a bike from Pashley for a very long time. I almost bought one after Christmas but succumbed to an equally strong yearning for cashmere.

I love these tea dresses from sohomode. I want a tea dress to take tea in the afternoon and eat a scone. It can only be done in this way.

Sneak Peek

2010-03-01T16:23:00.003Z

A weekend jolly to a local flea market included finding an (I think) incredible art deco teapot and an equally amazing irish linen shamrock table cloth.

Was almost accompanied with a heart attack and a hefty bill when I inadvertently tripped and knocked over a humongous lighting thingy-ma jig. The Gods were watching over me however and was assured by the big/strong/scary welsh man that it was already broken. Phew! I said and legged it.
Will be listing throughout the week so check back often :)

Feeling Yellow

2010-02-26T10:52:00.006Z

Nothing better to brighten a cloudy day/month than a bit of yellow.

Still a bit chilly out there in the big wide world. Fear not, a sunny cashmere scarf for spring :)
Shoes from Toast

And a decaying house in Athens.

Constructive Time Wasting

2010-02-25T12:14:00.003Z

A genius tool for useful time wasting :)

Try it here.

Flippin' Pancakes

2010-02-17T13:21:00.002Z

Posting a day late but if I don't mention it, no one will notice :)

My great-gran on the far right eyeing up the competition on the starting grid.

As the lights turn green, a fearsome battle ensues in a terrifying near collision. Thanks to great-grans quick reactions and sensible shoes, disaster is adverted.

Tudor Gold

2010-02-10T14:42:00.004Z

Inspired by Tudor textiles and architecture, I present my mums latest creation. I've now been employed (in a non-paying role), as chief photo-taker and shop look-afterer.

Made from a luxurious fabric of silk-dupion with handmade cotton-rag paper. Shes very clever :)

Keep Cosy and Carry On

2010-02-07T14:09:00.005Z

I've now returned my neighbours knitting machine which she graciously let me borrow. The last thing I made on them were these lambswool egg cosies.

The actual construction part didn't take too long but the knitting took up nearly 2 days. I was expecting the felting to take equally as long but seemed to react within seconds of it touching the sink. Luckily, the 2 parts of the cosy fitted exactly the width of the felt. If I'd planned it before hand, it would have bound to have been wrong!
I only have 23 of these until I can get my own machine. Any sales will go into the pot!

Wallpaper Envy

2010-02-01T12:46:00.007Z

I've been designing my house for years. As yet I still don't own so much as a door handle, so all my ideas have been confined to my head. One thing I really want, is some fancy wallpaper.

These examples are from Little Greene and have been inspired by historic wallpapers from the English Heritage archive.

St James's Place

c.1760

Broadwick St.

c.1775

Last but not least, everyone needs some parrots on their walls.

Great Ormond St.

c. 1890

Sneak Peek

2010-01-30T20:06:00.003Z

A recent plundering of a town near me. Coming to a store near you.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

2010-01-26T12:21:00.006Z

I'm in it! Which is nice :)

Sneak Peek

2010-01-18T16:51:00.004Z

A quick look at some of the treasures I acquired at the weekend.

Mini Sale Time!

2010-01-13T16:58:00.006Z

All these items are now on sale :)

Calipso Head Band ~ WAS $40 NOW $25

Ripple Pillow Cover ~ WAS $52 NOW $30

Green and White Mittens ~ WAS $35 NOW $25

Purple and Pink Mittens ~ WAS $35 NOW $25

Dotty Pillow/Cushion Cover ~ WAS $57 NOW $30

WaterAid

2010-01-11T11:33:00.003Z

Since last September, our family and beyond have been trying to come to terms with the tragic loss of my gorgeous nephew Rohan.

WaterAid has been chosen as the charity to benefit in his memory, to help save lives around the world through the provision of clean water. From now on a portion from every sell will be donated in his honor.

New Year

2010-01-06T10:47:00.002Z

A bit late but Happy New Year! 6 days late but whose counting :)

After hearing the news about the rest of the country enjoying (or not) an abundance of snow, it was finally are turn. Haven't actually ventured outside yet but took some photos through the windows. Less fun but warmer :)
Received my new cashmere yarns to knit up for Valentine's Day, Angel Pink & Chianti Red. Unfortunately, lots of snappage issues with the purple so not too sure what to do about that one.

And do people give hot water bottle covers for Valentines? If they do then I'm ready :D

Knitting Rainbows

2009-12-22T13:15:00.003Z

Not quite Christmas yet but I'm knitting up Valentines scarves. These will be 5 dollars more than my existing block ones and available to buy from the 1st January. We will have Chianti Red, Angel Pink and Freesia Purple.

New Colours

2009-12-05T09:57:00.002Z

New cashmere colours for the winter, foliage and teal. I have 6 of each colour available in £ and $.

I'm a Twit

2009-12-02T15:29:00.002Z

I have finally succumbed and have joined the realms of Twitter. Thats another password I need to remember.

Mixing Textures

2009-11-27T16:18:00.003Z

I want to be mixing more textures in my work, not just from knitting but exploiting different qualities from materials around me. Started by making a simple tote bag using knitting, silk ribbon and lace.

Came together well and enjoyed making something other than mittens for a change! (I think there will be a few people getting mittens for Christmas this year :)

I've also some more cashmere on its way in teal and foliage. A last minute Christmas rush by me. again.

2

2009-11-22T15:01:00.004Z

I'm two this month! Or rather my business is, obviously. Think that deserves cake :)

Shinkage

2009-11-18T10:52:00.004Z

I inadvertently shank this cardi when I decided to wash it again and thought 'it would be alright' if I put it in the dryer for a few minutes. It lost 4" off the length but actually fits better than before. Every cloud and that.

Still for sale, just had to hastly change measurements and re-take photos.

Worst things happen at sea. It would be tiny.

Mums Shop

2009-11-13T15:40:00.004Z

With the sun gone for the foreseeable future, I spent yesterday re-taking photos for my mums shop on etsy.

Journal
Sketch Book

She has decided to concentrate on making books like these.

I love these books and I hope you do too!

Last Buying Dates For Christmas

2009-11-12T09:57:00.004Z

UK ~ 13th December

Europe ~ 8th December

USA, Canada, Japan ~ 8th December

Rest of World ~ 2nd December

Wrap up warm!

Christmas Rush

2009-11-08T20:20:00.003Z

Well almost. More of a quickened pace than an all out stampede. But its keeping me busy and stopping my mind from a wondering. Hard work seems to be paying off :)

New brooch design made from cashmere, Swarovski and feathers but have yet to find suitable packaging so as yet is not for sell.

Cables

2009-11-05T11:46:00.005Z

Everyones favourite winter knit, especially the reindeer.

Keeping Warm

2009-10-27T16:12:00.002Z

Introducing a new line in hot water bottle covers. "About time!" I hear you cry. How ever did you manage before.

New Discoveries

2009-10-25T12:40:00.003Z

Should be titled: New Discoveries That Were Always There But Was Too Lazy To Find.

Moved my eyes an inch higher up the screen and found how to make collages on Picasa2. I am, a genius.

Lost & Found

2009-10-23T15:36:00.002+01:00

Wise words. Came back from a mornings charity shop rummaging, to discover a long forgotten lottery ticket hidden deep in my purchase. Having never done the lottery myself, this resulted in a full 5 seconds of merriment.

Closer inspection revealed said ticket to be 12 years old but I like to think it may have been THE ticket back in '97.

Talk to the Hand

2009-10-12T20:28:00.003+01:00

Bought a few more delights at the weekend. My favourite being 'The Hand'. I seem to have a few of these lines missing, not sure what that says.

Autumn Picking

2009-10-08T15:44:00.004+01:00

I think I love Autumn best out of all the big 4. Cold days with lots of sunshine would be perfect. Went a blackberry picking across the road for an hour and actually managed to pick more than were eaten. Scouts honour.

Scrumptious with vanilla ice-cream. Polished off nicely.

Closest thing to a self-portrait. Although, I do have longer arms.

Cashmere Arrival

2009-10-01T15:15:00.003+01:00

Finally :)
And packaging.

Shop Makeover

2009-09-27T10:55:00.005+01:00

In buying some cashmere yarns, I've decided to have a complete shop re-fit. Starting with new labels and packaging. Spent a day cutting and sewing to produce a bunch of individual fabric labels which will be tied on with ribbon. Have also ordered a 50m roll of paper for wrapping purposes.

Anything in my shop now will disappear once it expires so if you've an eye on something, then grab it while you can!

Off to Market

2009-09-16T20:09:00.004+01:00

I've been lucky enough to get a small spot in a local exhibition. No charge and no commission taken, only catch being it starts this Friday. To good an opportunity to miss, so my etsy shop will be near empty for 2 weeks while I knit some replenishes.

I'm also looking into upgrading my knitting to cashmere. Sent off for some samples so feeling quite excited about that, if not the initial price. My birthday is soonish so may be asking for cashmere wrapped in a bow :)

About Blimin Time...

2009-09-08T12:56:00.003+01:00

From my previous post, finally finished the thing without any more mistakes. I guess I enjoyed it so much that I made another one.

Instead of flooding my etsy shop with these, I've decided to only make 5 in different colour variations. Its a 'grab them while you can' thing.

Work in Progress

2009-09-05T12:36:00.003+01:00

Been working on some new pattern ideas (mainly in my head) for scarves and the like. Finally get round to trying this idea out, spent nearly all day tweaking it, only to discover it was at least a 1000 rows too short. The unraveling began.

Take 2. Nearly get to were I was before and the purple decides its had enough of this and snaps mid-row. I was not a happy camper. I'm now unraveling for a second time while watching Poirot. Third time lucky surly.

Chillie Update: Dead.

Granny's Attic

2009-08-24T10:16:00.005+01:00

My Nan is on a mission to empty her house of everything before she kicks the bucket (her words.) All this was covered in cobwebs and rat droppings and destined for the tip before being rescued.

A really beautiful Edwardian light shade which she lifted from her previous house.
Two of these casserole dishes from a local pottery. Possibly also stolen, who knows.

This glass vase is really heavy so probably would have weighed down her handbag a bit. She probably bought this one.

Heads Up

2009-08-17T20:56:00.005+01:00

Witty title aside, I'm rather pleased with these head bands. I don't know why I hadn't thought about making some before, but it took a pleasant email from someone over yonder to get the ball rolling.

Anyway, bright colours abound as that seems to be what my shelves are stocked with. Don't know how that happened.
I've also upped my prices in the rest of my knitting shop. Partly due to the exchange rate and partly so I can earn a living.

Mums the Word

2009-08-10T16:25:00.004+01:00

I nominated my Mum last week for another Etsy voter, and they only went and picked her!

Vote HERE :)

Being Very English

2009-08-09T17:20:00.003+01:00

In a Midsomer Murders style (minus the murders and John Nettles) I went to Taunton Flower Show. The 143rd apparently. Complete with marching band and old ladies, I enjoyed it more than expected. That may have had something to do with all the food produce having free tasting. I took slight advantage of this.

Of course, no show would be complete without the obligatory longest parsnip in the universe contest.

Look at the leeks! Surely this is delving into Wallace & Gromit territory.

Normal Business Resumed

2009-08-05T13:17:00.006+01:00

Finally! I've something new to show! For one reason or another, I've let my knitting shop lapse a bit. So, to save a bit of money I'm working my way through the mountain of yarns I've already accumulated. This also means some hand-knitting. I'm no expert but its getting better!

I've also been nominated for this weeks etsy voter with this snazzy number. Big thanks to AREjewellery for that :)

Fingers crossed. x

Vote For Me!

2009-07-21T10:35:00.003+01:00

If that sounds slightly desperate thats because I am.

Vote here. But only if you want to :)

A Day in the Country

2009-06-24T15:03:00.003+01:00

Hestercombe Gardens

New Shop ~ Need Life

2009-06-21T19:11:00.005+01:00

Spent all Sunday morning meandering round a giant flea market and couldn't resist a few gems to start up a new shop on etsy. Still taking photos of the rest and have no idea what to name my vintage shop, so any suggestions will be welcomed.

I love this glass bottle. It has POISON embossed on the front and back but have no idea what Cerri Oxalas means. Need help again please?
A fancy Carlton Ware mug.

I think this is a Russian mustard pot but that is only a guess and actually haven't the foggiest. More help needed?

A ladies shoe 'last'. I like these as a decorators piece.

Hopefully will be all set up by the end of next week so watch this space.

I Know How To Party

2009-06-13T14:41:00.005+01:00

With bunting of course! All the coolest people have them. All knitted. Which makes it extra cool, clearly.

New Stuff

2009-06-10T21:51:00.002+01:00

I'm taking some of these hair-bands down to the shop by the sea soon. Hopefully in time for the tourists.

Still getting to grips with hand-knitting but have now conquered Stockinette :)

Feeling smug. Only took me 20+ years.

Chillies - Day 31

2009-06-09T16:32:00.003+01:00

We have lift-off! Not sure 3 out of 15 is a good ratio but with free seeds, I cannot complain. 4 was my target :(

At least this proves I have some green fingers. Maybe not enough for a full hand but were getting there.

Book of The Week

2009-06-07T15:01:00.003+01:00

The optimistically titled, 'Miseries Of Human Life'. What better prop to accompany a pair of mittens.

Includes such wonders as, 'The moment of discovering that you have dropped a highly-valued hereditary whip or stick out of an open carriage, without knowing when or where.'

Nightmare.

Britain's Next Top Model

2009-06-01T16:26:00.004+01:00

Only joking! I'm yanking your chain. HaHaha ha ermm mmm. yes.

If you look hard enough and squint a bit, you might just see me.

I've discovered the benefits of a tripod. Although, have also discovered this doesn't necessarily mean better pictures.
Re-taken some mittens for NOTHS and a new shawl for Etsy.
(Don't laugh, I'm learning :)

Folksy Comp II

2009-05-19T14:59:00.006+01:00

This is my entry into the current Folksy comp. Have a feeling I've done it wrong re-reading the brief. Sounds like they want instructions on how to make it. Seeing as this was made up as I went along, they might not be getting that.

Anyway, its a laptop cover made from recycled materials and bits found lying around. Not going to sell this one as I want to keep it myself.

If I don't win because I entered wrong, that will be finnnnne. I'm not bitter or naught.
Totally fine.

Fabrics Galore

2009-05-18T16:25:00.004+01:00

I will be selling these new fabric packs soon in my shop. Have 14 to start listing in the next few days in groups of 4 or 5. The majority of them are 100% silk and the rest are 80% silk/20% cotton.

Gold
Aubergine
Mist

They are all one-off designs so once they're gone, they're gone!

Mums Shop

2009-05-14T16:27:00.003+01:00

Yep, finally convinced mum to start her own etsy shop. Take a look as its pretty good even though I'm biased.

All embroidery in various materials and gorgeous colours.

Good Telly

2009-05-10T16:06:00.005+01:00

Loads to do this weekend but as of yet, not managed to achieve much of it. I did however watch the only good telly in existence. That being Columbo and a bit of racing.
....................................................... ^she did it^ ^and he won^ so not all bad.

If my brothers reading this I knoooooow, you don't need to say it :)

Chillies - Day 1

2009-05-09T11:28:00.005+01:00

Free seeds! Courtesy of the BBC. Having never grown chillies before, I'm following the advice of the slightly over-excitable gardener, Christine Walkden. (Watch the video above)

Not really a chilli eating person either which doesn't bode well being sent 'Ring Of Fire'. Think maybe I should have started off with some a bit less deadly sounding. Like 'Fluffy Kittens'.
Anyway, this is my mini greenhouse in a greenhouse. Note the rabbit food growing behind. Like to see them try the chillies, that will get rid of them.

Door Curtain Thingy

2009-04-30T10:07:00.005+01:00

Slightly influenced by my previous post, (although less sparkly) I've made myself a decorative door curtain thingy. Not overly sure what they are called but it is a bit good. All knitted, so no cats or small children aloud.

Available to buy in all (one) good retail stores.

My Favourite Shop

2009-04-24T14:59:00.005+01:00

Really really really want these in my house. As I don't have a house or remotely own anything close to a house, then that vision will have to wait. These seats come from V V Rouleaux.

I did however, manage to stumble across half a cinema in a local reclamation yard. Complete with chewing gum on the backs. Those were the days....

Love this image from the same site. Getting a few ideas from this. Hopefully they will come to fruition.

An Almost Grand Day Out

2009-04-23T15:40:00.005+01:00

Spent most of this morning at the 'Stitch & Creative Crafts Show' in Shepton Mallet. Was expecting to buy a few yarns and possibly some ribbons for my other shop. Sadly, this was not to be. At least 90% of the stalls there were catering for makers of the cards. Nothing wrong in making cards but it was a little over-kill.

The free gift perked me up a bit. Would have been even better if we didn't have to make the things first.
Its him off the telly int it.