A handmade story

Small music festivals are often a celebration of the unique and handmade, and last year’s End of the Road was no exception. When not listening to music or enjoying all the independent food and drink merchants, we were exploring the various stalls – knitters, printing pressers, and jewellers.

This beautiful bracelet was one of my finds from that weekend. It is made from Derwent pencils and an old knitting needle, by the ever-talented and charming ZincWhite. I had a great time choosing it, chatting with the woman who makes them, and sharing our love of craft, cycling, and the coast.

Buying from a craftsman so often offers more than the item itself: a chance to connect over a shared interest, to find out more about it, and to celebrate someone’s skill. This bracelet is a celebration of two of my favourite things: stationery and knitting. It is a reminder of a very happy weekend and a chance meeting with a like-minded soul. When people comment on it, I relish the excuse to tell a story and to share with others the wonder that is Handmade.

Grey to green

We had heavy rain overnight and woke to grey foreboding skies. I was envisaging a day spent with tea and a book and quickly got to some baking. But no sooner had the caramel set than the sun came out. Just in time for a mini adventure to a favourite spot before tea.

West along the coast from where we live is Newtown, a little one road hamlet with a history of far greater things. In the fourteenth century it was a thriving community, and there remain reminders of its ancient past, in the old salt pans, the ‘Francheville’ town sign, and the beautifully restored old town hall. But now it feels like a perfect backwater, with the harbour walk being the main event, and lending itself to nothing more than a quiet meander.

In this summer wind the meadows were alive with butterflies and blossoms and the quiet rushing of leaves. A perfect quiet Sunday wander, and home in time to add the chocolate layer to these homemade twix bars. Yum.

Before the rain

I have finally planted some flowers, before the rains descend this evening. After my first attempts were completely devoured by slugs and snails, I’ve been a little slow to try again. What with the pests and the intimidating blank canvas of bare earth maybe it’s just too difficult!

I used to think there must be some secret formula to gardening, that unless you had a full set of instructions it was a botanical impossibility. But I’m starting to realise that the soil is pretty good at nurturing life. And as I’m rarely a fan of straight rows and orderly boxes, I see no reason why I should try to achieve that in my garden. So I’ve stuck some things in the soil, haphazard and hasty, and I’ll wait to see what grows. This time I might put up a few slug defences too.

Zip it

I’ll admit it, I’m a little overly keen on stationery. And if I can combine that love with some favourite fabric choices, I’m even happier. So, after these first attempts I’ve been at it again, sewing more pencil cases for any and all who will use one; this time, with a little shameless branding included..

Summer babies

There’s something about new babies that seems to get people knitting. Maybe the tiny size makes a project seem achievable, or maybe little ones just bring out the granny in us all. Certainly, knitting hats is always my quick and easy go-to baby gift. This works great, provided people have the good sense to have their babies in the winter. Come June, covering a little head in merino doesn’t seem such a great idea. So, inspired by this beautiful book (which is worth putting on your wish list right now) I attempted something a little more seasonal for my friend’s little chick. This bird doesn’t look quite delicate enough to fly, but the sentiment is there. Knitting hats is definitely easier.