forty percent fringe : sixty percent face

weekend link love

2012-01-27T17:00:00.006Z

How incredible are these sweet little wool sheep by Mary Kilvert?! I love them, thanks to my friend Linsey for sharing Mary's work with me.

What are your plans for the weekend? Tomorrow we're taking a little trip into town for a spot of shopping (Philip is going to be hunting down a pair of jeans and I will be on the lookout for supplies for my little shop). Sunday we have ten of my family descending on us for tea and cake and that kind of thing. Fun times!

Have a great weekend, whatever you end up doing, and I'll see you Monday. Until then, here are some fun posts I've spied around the web this week:

4 things to say to a friend after a bad break-up.

22 projects for Valentine's Day.

Chinese New Year fabric fortune cookies.

When My Baby Dreams - an adorable new illustrated book.

I'll take anything from this collection thanks.

Make your own salad dressing.

I want to make this rippley blankety goodness.

The cutest family photoshoot.

Plus my favourite forty percent fringe : sixty percent face blog post from this week - handmade love.

xHx

january giveaway winner announced

2012-01-27T10:39:00.005Z

Thanks so much to everyone who entered my January giveaway for a freshly knitted beret! I am pleased to announce that the winner is..

Cassandra from Gracie's Garden Bazaar!

Cassandra, please email me: h_woodward at hotmail dot co dot uk with your address and I shall pop the beret in the post asap.

I had intended to post the pattern for the beret today, but the weather is so gloriously divine that I just want to get outside. Also, I am waiting to hear back about a job I was interviewed for yesterday so sitting around inside isn't going to help avec the nerves! So I shall share the pattern with you on Monday.

xHx

handmade love

2012-01-26T16:00:00.001Z

1 Lavender heart 2 Loveheart keyring 3 'Love' greeting card

4 Valentine brooch 5 Flower brooch 6 Pebble heart

7 Button heart cushion 8 Embroidered heart badge 9 Heart soap

10 Little cards set 11 Coral kisses purse 12 'Love' print

13 Heart chalkboard 14 'Love' lino print 15 Heart fridge magnet

16 Heart brooch 17 Scented heart candle 18 Papercut wall art

Wow, feast your eyes on all this glorious 'handmade love' found on Folksy! Cute, non?

We normally make each other a little gift or card for Valentine's Day, but if I was given anything from this selection, I'd be particularly overjoyed to receive that embroidered heart badge or the 'Love' print!

Do you give each other gifts for Valentine's? Which of these handmade beauties would you consider buying for your loved one?

xHx

Ps, have you entered my January giveaway yet? Ends tonight and winner announced tomorrow :)

amigurumi for january

2012-01-26T14:07:00.003Z

You may recall that I decided I would try a new craft each month this year. To start off, I decided to have a go at amigurumi, a Japanese form of crochet.

I had hoped I would have produced countless projects to show you, but unfortunately I had a few hiccups with this craft. I found the book Crobots in the library and decided to make Babybot for my friend Clare (who has a moderate to strong obsession wih robots). I made up every little part of Babybot and put him together and he just didn't look quite right. I think the yarn I used wasn't really appropriate for the job since it was a bit woolly. So I dismantled Babybot and decided to try out Dogbot instead, using pure cotton. I made up the parts and everything seemed to be going well until Philip looked over and said "Ah, that's a nice little mouse you're making". So Dogbot found his way into the bin and I gave up on Crobots. (Sorry Clarey).

On the plus side, I had so much fun trying out amigurumi. Before the Crobot saga, I made a little lovebird and a flower pincushion using patterns I found on Ravelry. These were very quick and simple to make. I want to make lots of the pincushions in different colours, I think they would make lovely gifts for my crafty friends.

So my first month wasn't overly successful, but I had fun and I'm looking forward to deciding on a craft to try in February - more on that soon :)

Have you ever tried amigurumi? What did you think of it?

xHx

scoop neck jumper knitting pattern

2012-01-25T11:01:00.005Z

This is an Autumn (Fall) jumper because I designed and made it last October! But I was so busy moving house and settling in that I've only just got round to writing the pattern down. It's super cosy but the sleeves aren't too long because I hate having sleeves that cover my hands.

To knit an Autumn jumper you will need:

6x 50g balls Wendy Skye dk in shade 2812 Red Cedar* or another dk weight yarn, 3 1/4mm and 4mm knitting needles, a stitch holder (or some scrap yarn if you don't have one), a large eye needle and scissors.

Notes:

-I have used UK terminology for this pattern (you can head over to my knitting page for US conversions).

-The finished jumper (when laid flat) measures: 17in across chest, 21in from top to bottom, 17in down inside arm. I made this jumper for myself so the pattern gives instructions to make a jumper for a close-fitting UK size 8/10. When I have time I will alter the pattern for different sizes.

-Gauge: in stocking stitch, using size 4mm needles - 20 sts and 29 rows = 4in.

Instructions

Back

With 3 1/4mm needles CO 84 sts.
Work in 2x2 rib for 6 rows. Switch to 4mm needles.
Work in st st until work measures 14in/36cm, ending with a WS row.

Armhole shaping:-

Cast off 5 sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of next 3 rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of next 3 alt rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of foll 4th row (60 sts).
Continue straight until armhole measures 7in/18cm.

Shoulder shaping:-
Cast off 7 sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Cast off 6 sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Leave rem 34 sts on a holder (or scrap of yarn, ends tied).

Front
With 3 1/4mm needles CO 84 sts.
Work in 2x2 rib for 6 rows. Switch to 4mm needles.
Work in st st until work measures 14in, ending with a WS row.

Armhole shaping:-
Cast off 5 sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of next 3 rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of next 3 alt rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of foll 4th row (60 sts).

Work 1 row.
Work 23 sts, turn, leave rem sts on a holder. Continue on these 23 sts for left neck as follows:-
Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 5 rows.
Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 5 alt rows.
Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 2 foll 4th rows (11 sts).
Continue straight until armhole measures the same as back to start of shoulder shaping, ending with a WS row.
Cast off 7 sts at beg of next row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off rem 4 sts.

With RS facing, sl centre 14 sts onto a stitch holder and rejoin yarn to rem 23 sts. Work to end of row.
Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 5 rows.
Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 5 alt rows.
Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 2 foll 4th rows (11 sts).
Continue straight until armhole measures the same as back to start of shoulder shaping, ending with a RS row.
Cast off 7 sts at beg next row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off rem 4 sts. Join right shoulder seam.

Neckband
With 3 1/4mm needles, pick up and knit 32sts down right side of neck, k across 14 sts from holder from front, pick up and knit 32 sts up left side of neck, k across 34 sts on holder from back (112 sts).
Work in 2x2 rib for 6 rows.
Cast off in rib. Join left shoulder seam.

Sleeves (make 2)
With 3 1/4mm needles CO 44 sts.
Work in 2x2 rib for 6 rows. Change to 4mm needles.
Work in st st for 5 1/2in/14cm, ending with a WS row.
Work in st st for 55 rows and inc 1 st at each end of 1st and every foll 6th row.
Continue straight until armhole.
Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Dec 1 st each end of next 1 row.
Dec 1 st each end of next alt row.
Dec 1 st at each end of 4 foll 4th rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of next 5 alt rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of next 5 rows.
Cast off 5 sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Cast off rem sts.

Making up
Set sleeves into armholes and join seams.
Join side seams.

And there it is, a snuggly jumper to see you through the rest of Winter (or to start on, ready for next Autumn!)

xHx

*This yarn has now been discontinued, but last time I looked there was plenty available in various places around the web.

gail griggs

2012-01-24T11:58:00.001Z

Check out these incredible photographs by Gail Griggs! Gail, originally from Scotland and currently living in Cheshire, produces vintage inspired prints using a photography technique known as TtV (a process I've had fun experimenting with in the past). Her blossom and daffodil prints are just gorgeous, but I love how Gail manages to make toy soldiers and a plastic horse have such an impact; just beautiful!

Gail's work is available in her Folksy shop: Photography by Gail Griggs, and she also has a website where she promotes her more conventional event and portait photography.

xHx

january playlist

2012-01-23T12:14:00.001Z

Image via

Happy Monday!

I have to spend today doing dull grown-up things, but I will be back tomorrow with some work from a very talented photographer, and maybe a recipe for you.

In the meantime, I am sharing a playlist of the music I've been listening to this month. Some, like Nico and The Dø, are old favourites and others are new discoveries that I can't get enough of at the moment. To listen, all you need is to download Spotify* and then click here to access the playlist. Simples!

xHx

*It's free! If you're not in the UK, select your country at the bottom right of the page. Dowload link is at the bottom of the page.

weekend link love

2012-01-20T16:56:00.001Z

I hope you've all had a lovely week? Mine has been pretty exhausting, but I am pleased to have started on some springtime goodness. I shall be working very hard over the coming weeks and hope to be filling the shelves of my little shops with the results very soon!

Have a wonderful weekend and see you Monday :)
In the meantime, posts I've been enjoying from around the web this week:

Inspiring graphic textiles.

Fun ways to organise your ideas and inspirations.

The 50 coolest books ever - how many have you read?

Delicious green pea pesto ravioli.

Lethargy-beating inspiration.

The best chocolate mousse of your life, apparently.

The crafty thrifty tales of bernina and panini...

Fashion photography that makes me long for spring.

Sweet and easy "Mother's Curry".

Plus my favourite forty percent fringe : sixty percent face blog post from this week - win an angora beret.

xHx

january giveaway - closed

2012-01-20T09:49:00.007Z

This month I am giving away this beautiful beret to one lucky reader, yay!

I knitted this hat using a gorgeous merino and angora blend yarn and added a sweet bow detail.

It measures approx 19in around the band (and stretches to fit an average-sized lady's head).

To be in with a chance of beating the winter blues with this cosy beret, just complete the following:

1: If you have a Blogger account, follow my blog by clicking 'Follow' up there at the top left of the page (if you are not already following).

2: Go 'like' my Facebook page and/or follow me on Twitter (again, if you have not done so already!)

3: Leave a comment below to let me know that you have done these things and would like to be entered into the giveaway.

Check back on the last Friday in January - the 27th - when the winner will be announced, to see if you are that lucky lady! (Or, indeed, man).

xHx

Ps, I look a bit weird in the pictures because we had to go outside to get a good enough light to photograph and it was flipping freezing.

Pps, next week I shall also post the pattern for this hat in case you would like to make one for yourself!

EDIT: Just to clarify, you must comment below to be entered into the competition, otherwise I can't keep track of who wants to be entered and who just fancies following me! If for any reason you can't comment, feel free to send me a message to let me know you'd like to be in with a chance: h_woodward at hotmail dot co dot uk. Thanks loves :)

Another edit: competition closes Thursday 26th January at midnight (GMT).

knitting magazine feature

2012-01-19T16:03:00.004Z

So here's some lovely news: Knitting Magazine have very kindly featured my recycled fabric greeting cards in this month's issue. My cards have been included in their '6 of the Best' feature (p10) and they sit alongside some very gorgeous other picks.

I must admit that I have never before bought a copy of Knitting Magazine (quite possibly because it is most glossy and costs the same as I spend on food shopping each week..almost) but I hoppity skipped along to el newsagents today to get myself a copy and I do declare it to be a most perfectly peachy magazine. If you would like to buy one for yourself, the February issue went on sale today and can be found in all the usual newsagent type shops.

There is just one, yes one*, copy of the printed 'LOVE' reycled fabric greeting card left in my little shop, and one copy each of the original handmade cards so I suggest heading over there post-haste if you would like to get your hands on one.

Anyway, on with the designing of spring-shaped handmade goodness..

xHx

*Having said that, there is an additional copy of the printed 'LOVE' card as well as one copy of the printed 'hello' card in my other shop if you would like to take a peek over there.

Edit: the magazine has quoted my cards as costing £1.50 each. In fact, the printed cards cost £1.00 each and the original cards cost £2.00 each. Just saying.

caramel cream cheese frosting recipe

2012-01-19T11:54:00.004Z

After making Nigella Lawson's Butterscotch Layer Cake I was left with rather a lot of unused caramel. So I shoved it in the fridge and then a few days later I baked up some cupcakes and topped them with the caramel.

Ingredients

Cakes (makes 12)

Half a batch lemon cupcakes, but leave out the lemon zest and add 1 tsp vanilla extract instead

Icing and caramel

150g caster sugar

65ml cold water

125ml double cream

200g soft cheese

Method

1: For the caramel: dissolve the sugar in the water over a low heat, without stirring. When the sugar has dissolved, turn up the heat and boil until it becomes dark golden in colour (after approx 10-15 mins). Take the pan off the heat and slowly whisk in the cream, then put the pan back on the heat for another minute, whisking until smooth and combined. Cool and then put in the fridge until you need it.

2: For the butterscotch icing: Beat the soft cheese until smooth, then add 125ml of the caramel and beat gently until combined.

3: Pipe or spread butterscotch icing over your (completely cooled) cakes, then use a teaspoon to drizzle the remaining caramel over the tops of the iced cakes.

These cakes are rich and sweet and perfectly perfect with a mug of real coffee, yumm!

Today I am feeling inspired and motivated to start on the spring collection for my little shop. I hope you have a superbly lovely day, check back tomorrow for a giveaway of the utmost kind!

xHx

slouch beanie knitting pattern

2012-01-18T15:55:00.005Z

Phil asked me to make him a hat for his birthday and I was only too pleased to use this opportunity to buy a fancy new yarn I'd not worked with before. I used a beautiful wool/alpaca blend yarn in a lovely navy blue colour. The hat can be worn in a slouchie style (as shown), or with the ribbed edge turned up in a fisherman style (I will post pictures of the hat being worn in the latter manner asap).

To make a knitted men's hat you will need:

100g (actually probably just 50g) creative focus worsted yarn by Rowan (I used shade 01660, Marine) or another aran weight yarn, 5mm knitting needles, a large eye needle and scissors.

Notes:

-I have used UK terminology for this pattern (you can head over to my knitting page for US conversions).

-The finished hat measures approx 19in around and stretches to fit an average-sized man's head.

-Gauge: in stocking stitch, using size 5mm needles - 20 sts and 24 rows = 4in.

Instructions:

1:With 5mm needles, CO 96 sts.

2: Ribbed band: work in double rib (k2, p2) for 5in.

3: Crown: work in st st until hat measures 9in from CO edge.

4: Crown shaping:

*k16, k3tog, rep from * to last st, k1 (86 sts).

Work in st st for 3 rows.

*k14, k3tog, rep from * to last st, k1 (76 sts).

Work in st st for 3 rows.

*k12, k3tog, rep from * to last st, k1 (66 sts).

Work in st st for 3 rows.

*k10, k3tog, rep from * to last st, k1 (56 sts).

Work in st st for 3 rows.

*k8, k3tog, rep from * to last st, k1 (46 sts).

Work in st st for 3 rows.

*k6, k3tog, rep from * to last st, k1 (36 sts).

Work in st st for 3 rows.

*k4, k3tog, rep from * to last st, k1 (26 sts).

*p2, p3tog, rep from * to last st, p1 (16 sts).

5: Using wool needle, draw yarn through rem sts and fasten off.

6: Join back seam and weave in ends. (If you're using the suggested wool, don't pull too hard as it's pretty delicate and prone to breaking; not fun when joining seams!)

This pattern is available with my other patterns and completed projects over on Ravelry. If you're a Ravelry user, please add me as a friend so I can see what beautiful things you've been designing and making!

xHx

Edit: I meant to say that this hat was inspired by His Tri-Colour Hat by Brenda Lewis.

inspiring ink

2012-01-18T12:43:00.003Z

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

I've wanted a tattoo for the last five years or so. Nothing outrageous, just a teeny tiny little bit of ink peeking out of somewhere. I almost definitely want a small solid cross on my wrist or the back of my neck. But sometimes I think a little feather or short word would be nice.

What tattoos do you have? Or what would you get if you were going to have one?

xHx

plum and pigeon

2012-01-17T10:59:00.001Z

I recently stumbled across the work of Plum and Pigeon and had to share the goodness with you! Plum and Pigeon's founder, Rose Halstead, creates beautiful clothes and accessories using vintage inspired patterns combined with modern fabrics. Each garment has a classic style but is made unique by the clever use of details from current trends.
Don't these pieces make you long for spring to hurry up?!

Plum and Pigeon's work is available to buy in her Folksy shop and she has a Facebook page if you fancy popping over to say hi. There is also a rather lovely interview with Rose in Frankly, the Folksy magazine.

xHx

things to do when you're bored

2012-01-16T17:00:00.001Z

During the winter, Philip and I tend to be a bit lazy and end up staying home and watching box sets. This is especially true recently since we have just moved to a new city and don't yet have other people to hang out with! So as part of Phil's birthday present, I made a little box of fun ideas for things for us to do when we've just spent too much time glued to the television. This was a last-minute idea so was rather hastily made but if you fancy making a box of fun for your other half or a friend, read on..

To make a 'box of fun ideas' you will need:

Paper or card, scissors, a pen, a small box (I used a tiny gift box leftover from Christmas), whatever decorative items you want to add.

Instructions

1: Cut your card or paper into pieces small enought to fit into your box.

2: On each card write an idea for something fun for you to do together. For example, some ideas I included were: visit a local attraction, take a picnic to the park (or have an indoor picnic if it's just too cold!), play a board game, go to the pub (and share a pint if we're out of pocket), make ice-cream sundaes, brush up on our French-speaking skills, do a silly photoshoot. Embellish your cards as you please. I stuck heart sequins on mine.

3: Decorate your box as you wish. I used the same heart sequins and put some extras loose in the box.

4: Pop your cards into the box and you're done!

Simples. A gift that takes minutes to make but that is fun and personal.

xHx

cardiff castle

2012-01-16T14:53:00.002Z

How was your weekend? We discovered that since we live in Cardiff we don't have to pay to get in to Cardiff Castle, so we took a trip there on Saturday. Then my friend Naomi visited, bringing a food parcel with her (my favourite house guests always bring food with them!) which included a dozen duck eggs from her farm and lots of fancy things like strawberry conserve and hoisin marinade, yummy! We had a super lovely time eating and knitting and watching films and walking and going to the pub and doing some wool shop research (she has just bought a wool and haberdashery shop, the lucky thing) and checking out a local Church.

Today I am making the most of the sunshine and feeling motivated to create lots of beautiful things! I will also be sharing with you a fun and simple project which makes a great gift for your other half :) Happy Monday!

xHx

Ps, the hat shown is one I knitted for Phil's birthday (we took it in turns to wear it!) I shall share the pattern with you later in the week.

weekend link love

2012-01-13T14:00:00.004Z

Wow, this week has gone fast! I seem to have spent the majority of my time in the kitchen, baking birthday treats for Phil: a carrot cake with orange and cinnamon cream cheese frosting for him to take to work to share, and a surprise chestnut ice-cream* meringue pudding for when we got home last night after having a super lovely meal at Jamie's Italian.

What are you doing this weekend, dearest readers? My friend Na is coming to hang out with us for a couple of days, so I suspect this shall entail a trip to the wool shop, lots of happy knitting moments, possibly a visit to Craft in the Bay and a wander round the local vintage fair.

Here are some fun posts from around the web this week, see you Monday!

An Italian wedding complete with polka dot Valentino dress.

Make your own glittery bow clutch.

5 plane picnics to make your seatmates jealous.

Please can I look like this chick?

How to get the most mileage out of one cupcake recipe.

A sweet new flickr group for making everyday beautiful.

How to make yummy strawberry jam.

Heartfelt rings - free pattern.

A beautifully styled outfit.

An iPhone case diy tutorial.

Gorgeous kitchen style.

Upholstery basics: boxed cushion sewing.

Plus my favourite forty percent fringe : sixty percent face blog post from this week - happy memories with the birthday boy.

*That was my first attempt at making ice-cream and I can't believe how stupidly easy and fun it was. I shall be making a lot more of the stuff from now on.

traditional and modern fair isle

2012-01-13T10:54:00.000Z

1 Knitted bobble hat by MelinMaildy 2 China snowflake mug by ahclarke 3 Lambswool blanket by selvage

4 Hand printed linen cushion by H E L K A T D E S I G N 5 Moss stitch tote bag by Nancy Said 6 Pocket mirror by VictoriaPlum

I have a massive thing for fair isle knits at the moment. But I also like how some of these Folksy designers have translated the traditional fair isle design to modern printed accessories and homewares. I love love the grey lambswool blanket and I think the mirror makes for a cute gift.

What are your thoughts on fair isle?

xHx

the birthday boy

2012-01-12T08:52:00.000Z

Philip is 25 today!

These are just a few of the happy memories I have of the past year with him..

{Friends' weddings}

{Sunny bank holiday days out}

{Music festival road trips}

{Fundraiser gigs with our young people}

{Visiting the Church where we got married, on our first anniversary}

{Black and white silly photoshoots with friends}

Happy birthday babycakes!

Am looking forward to lots of new adventures with you in your 26th year!

xHx

phone case knitting pattern

2012-01-11T10:43:00.005Z

For Christmas I knitted my ma a cover for her phone as she had lost hers. I used Rowan's Purelife Organic Cotton, my absolute favourite yarn to work with. I didn't have dpns of the correct size so I knitted the case flat and seamed it before adding a crochet edge in a contrasting colour.

To make a knitted phone case you will need:

50g ball dk weight yarn* in your chosen colour (I used Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton dk in shade 991, Chrysanthemum), a small amount of dk weight yarn for the edging (I used shade 986, Natural), 3.75mm knitting needles, a crochet hook, buttons, thread, a large eye needle and scissors.

Notes:
-I have used UK terminology for this pattern (you can head over to my knitting and crochet pages for US conversions).
-This phone cover was made for a Nokia 5230 (which is around the same size as a Blackberry); the finished measurements are approx 2.75in across the front and 4.5in from top to bottom. It's a simple pattern that can easily be adjusted to suit the size of your phone (use the tension gauge on the yarn label).

Instructions:
1: With 4mm needles and MC, CO 26 sts.
2: Work in st st for 33 rows. Cast off.
3: Sew on decorative buttons in a way that pleases you. Or you could do something super fancy, like an embroidery design, or sew on a bit of lace!
4: Sew bottom seam and side seam and then move side seam round so that it sits at the back (unless you like it at the side, of course).
5: For the edging: at the middle back of your cast off edge, attach CC and dc in each stitch around the top of your phone cover; sl st in first dc.
6: For the fastening: in the same place you just made a sl st, ch 20 then sl st into first st. Put your phone into the pouch and attach a button so the loop keeps the phone in place.

And done! A pretty case to keep your phone from getting scratched :)
xHx

*You will only need about 10g of your main colour so if you have a whole 50g ball you could make several of these phone covers to give as gifts throughout the year :)

try a new craft - january

2012-01-10T13:00:00.001Z

So alongside my single resolution for the new year, I have decided that each month I will try a new craft and blog about it.

For January I'm going to try Amigurumi, specifically the crochet form of this Japanese art. Ravelry has lots of free patterns and I love the cheeky cupcakes by Karla Fitch, the little Geisha by Nelly Pailloux and the cute rabbits by Christelle Trafarski.

My ma-in-law has given me a tiny crochet hook to get me started and I've got plenty of scraps of yarn from my stash so I'm excited to give this craft a go. I look forward to sharing the results with you soon!

xHx

Ps, I just recently got my page on Ravelry so if you're on there too, feel free to add me as a friend, thanks!

stephanie cole

2012-01-10T08:00:00.001Z

Today I am sharing with you the stunning work of Stephanie Cole, a designer-maker living in the Cotswolds, UK. She creates beautiful homewares and accessories which explore nature and are inspired by an everyday approach to "Britishness". My favourites from her collection are the ship in a bottle canvas, the screen printed cushions and the illustrated pocket mirrors. My friend Clare gave me one of these mirrors for Christmas and I adore it! Stephanie blogs over here and can also be found on Facebook so pop over and say hi to her!

xHx

chicken soup recipe

2012-01-09T13:00:00.003Z

Last week our fridge and cupboards were almost bare but we had some leftover roast chicken so Phil and I had fun making this 'thrown together soup' with what we could find. It is deliciously garlicky and fresh and goes perfectly with homemade warm cheese scones.

Ingredients

Serves 2

1 tbsp olive oil

2 small onions, chopped

1 tsp mixed herbs

900ml chicken stock

leftover roast chicken (approx 200g), shredded

150g frozen peas

2 garlic cloves, crushed

Method

1: Heat oil in large saucepan. Add onions and herbs and fry for 10 minutes. If you've got any other veg (like carrots or parsnips) you could chop them up and add them to the pan at the same time as the onions.

2: Add stock and bring to boil, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

3: Add chicken. If you want, you can use a stick blender to briefly puree the soup at this point, or you can leave as it is. Phil had fun making a lot of mess with the blender.

4: Add peas, garlic and seasoning to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes.

5: Serve hot with scones or bread or whatever you fancy.

Philip said this is the best soup he's ever tasted so I suggest you give it a try!

xHx

granny square cookies

2012-01-09T08:33:00.001Z

Granny sqaure cookies by Sugar & Meringue via Craft:

Aren't these granny square cookies by Sugar & Meringue just incredible? Thanks to my friend Jo for sharing them with me, I am definitely going to try out the recipe!

How was the weekend for you, dearest readers?

We ended up not exercising as planned but having a very lovely relaxing time with Phil's family: reading, eating great food, and playing games. It was so nice to see his brother and sister-in-law before they head off to Tanzania for the forseeable future, I am sad that we don't get to see them more often but am wishing them all the best for their adventures ahead!

Today I am having a day of the "catch up" variety. I need to unpack, reply to countless messages, make heaps of phone calls, do the dull house-worky thing. But tonight I get to watch season four of Breaking Bad whilst working on a new crafty project, so it's all good.

Have a super lovely day!

xHx

Ps, come back later for a super easy chicken soup recipe :)
Pps, I have realised that this blog does not translate well for my iPad readers. If you're one of those who have to read my posts all scrunched up, please bear with me and I shall see what I can do about it asap.

weekend link love

2012-01-06T13:00:00.001Z

This has been a lovely first week on my new blog! Hello to my new followers and thank you to those who have commented and messaged, I love hearing what you have to say.

Do you have any plans for the weekend?

Philip and I are heading home to see his brother and sister-in-law who are visiting from across the pond on their way to Tanzania where they'll be living for the next nine or so months. The plan is for a family sports day, which sounds great to me as I've failed to do any exercise since Christmas!

I'll be back on Monday, but for now here are some bloggy posts I've been enjoying this week:

8 fun tips for drinking wine.

Pretty hairspirations for 2012.

Kickstart your creativity in 2012 with these books.

The most gorgeous products for toddlers.

Sequin photobooth DIY.

10 fun crafty resolutions for the new year.

An incredible celebration cake.

How to style long hair short.

A bizarrely beautiful bow tie cuff.

A stunning living room tour.

How to make a gold-dipped clay bowl.

Plus my favourite forty percent fringe : sixty percent face blog post from this week - a button diary tutorial.

xHx

urban outfitters boutique

2012-01-06T09:23:00.005Z

I didn't make it to the sales this year*, but that hasn't stopped me doing a little online window-shopping..
I'm loving the Urban Outfitters boutique collection which currently has upto 50% off. I especially like the Faux Fur Trim Coat, the Satin Trim Jumper and the Block Drape Back Dress.

*Since writing this I did, in fact, stumble across a Janary sale and I bought a fantastic teal hat for mere pennies, love it!

wintry white

2012-01-05T10:52:00.001Z

1 Hot water bottle cover by ACrookedSixpence 2 Chunky cowl by KnitFrekkles 3 Cable knit purse by HilarysHats

4 Organic cotton yarn by ThoughtfulGemsCrafts 5 Mug warmer by LittleButtonsAndBows 6 Chunky cocoon blanket byGMolly

How gorgeous are these wonderfully wintry delights from sellers on Etsy? I wouldn't mind snuggling into that cowl right now before I battle my way against the winds to go birthday present shopping for a certain somebody..!

Hope you have a lovely day, whatever you may be doing.

xHx

lemon cupcakes with lemon frosting recipe

2012-01-04T12:10:00.005Z

It might seem strange to bake summery lemon cakes in the dead of Winter but I made a batch the other day and found that these brightly coloured beauties are the perfect antidote to the dreary weather, plus Philip has been taking them to work instead of crisps and says they are much nicer (and cheaper!) I thought I'd share the recipe with you in case you fancy brightening up your January :)

Ingredients

Cakes (makes 24)

230g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

230g butter, softened

230g caster sugar

4 eggs

1 lemon, rind grated

4 tbsp milk

24 paper or silicone baking cases

2 12-hole bun tins

Icing

170g butter, softened

350g icing sugar

2 tbsps lemon juice

food colouring

piping bag (optional)

cake decorations (optional)

Method

1: For the cakes: preheat oven to 190°c. Put baking cases into the bun tins.

2: Sift flour and baking powder into large bowl. Add butter, sugar, eggs, lemon zest and milk and beat together until smooth (I use the electric hand whisk my brother gave me, which I absolutely love, but I long for a KitchenAid).

3: Spoon the mixture into the paper cases.

4: Bake for 15-20 minutes (or until a skewer comes out clean and the cakes are well risen and springy to the touch). Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool.

5: For the icing: beat butter until light and fluffy. Sift in icing sugar, gradually add lemon juice and beat together until smooth and creamy. Add a dash of cheerful food colouring and mix until thoroughly blended.

6: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread or pipe icing onto the top of each of them and add whatever decorations you like.

I use this basic recipe for the basis of most of my cupcakes, but zesty lemon is my favourite.

Enjoy!

xHx

mirjami design

2012-01-03T18:37:00.003Z

Today I am sharing with you the work of Laura Mirjami, a Finnish designer working in the UK. My friend Clare has been working in the studio with her and sent me a link to her website. She makes the most beautiful collectible paperweights and teddy bears amongst other things and I am absolutely in love with the woollen owl and harvest mouse paperweights and wouldn't mind a couple of the lavender bags hanging around my home!

You can find out more about Laura's work at the Mirjami design website. She also has a blog and a Facebook page so go show her some love! Items are available to purchase through her website and some are also on sale at Liberty of London!

xHx

customized button diary tutorial

2012-01-02T09:00:00.005Z

I bought a cheap diary for 2012 and thought I'd make it pretty with some fabric from my stash. I was rooting through my button tin and noticed I had so many little white buttons (the kind that come as spares with various garments) so I decided to give them a use with this quick and easy project.

To customise your diary you will need:

Fabric that is approx an inch bigger than your diary all around when diary is laid open (any sturdy fabric like cotton or linen will do; anything silky and shiny will not do), buttons, ribbon or cord, craft glue, scissors. Optional: sewing machine and thread.

Notes:

-I have used a sewing machine to hem the edges of my fabric because I like the pretty little stitches, but you could just use craft glue if you wanted to, or leave as is.

Instructions

1: My diary had a little cover on it so I took this off and then removed the ribbon bookmark. If you want a bookmark: with the outside of the diary facing you, glue the end of a length of cord, ribbon or lace to the spine and leave to dry. You might also like to add a blob of glue to the other end of the cord to stop it unravelling.

2: Lay your diary on a piece of fabric and cut around it with a 1cm seam allowance at the top and bottom and 3-5cm at the sides.

3: Press and pin 1cm around each side and sew or glue the edge down.

4: Cover the outside of your diary with glue and press the diary onto the fabric, making sure it's straight. There should be just a small amount of fabric peeping over the top and bottom of the diary. You may want to leave it to dry before attempting the next step.

5: Fold the sides into the front and back inside covers of the diary and glue down. If, like me, you're a neat freak, you can tuck the edges in before glueing to give a nicer finish.

6: Choose how you want to arrange your buttons and then stick them onto the front of the diary. Depending on what type of glue you have, you may like to put some glue on both the button and the fabric and leave for a couple of minutes before placing the button onto the fabric. This will create a stronger bond and ensure that no buttons will fall off when it's tucked away in your bag :)

You could also cover a notebook in the same way and think of fun ways to use your buttons. I love this pink button canvas by Funky Poppy.

xHx

happy 2012

2012-01-01T14:25:00.002Z

Happy New Year!

What did you do to celebrate?

We had friends over for chilli and games and drinkies.

I have one New Year's resolution: to do one creative thing every day.

This can be anything from designing a hat, baking a cake or trying a new craft, to painting my nails, trying a new hairstyle or sending out a homemade postcard.

Have you got any New Year's resolutions? Do you think you'll keep them?

Today I start on my new creative blogging journey, I hope you will join me!

xHx

Ps, check back tomorrow for a fun idea for customising your 2012 diary..
Pps, that's a temporary header up there. A better one will follow shortly when time is something I have more of!