About Me

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United Kingdom
Hi there & welcome to Annie's Place. A place inspired by and named after my late Grandmother Annie. Somewhere I can be creative, and share my love for all things handmade. I like nothing better than sitting with hook & yarn, crafting something home spun & completely unique, or rustling up some yummy baked goodies. I live in a town with a beautiful embankment, situated on the River Great Ouse. You may know me as CosyKitty on Ravelry. Why not stop a while.....?!!

Wednesday 15 November 2017

Cosy Crochet & Country Living in the City

Hello hello, anybody out there.....?

It's the middle of November! How did that happen? The last 3 months have been a bit of a blur if I'm honest. I've been keeping out of trouble, staying busy & taking any opportunity I can to distract myself from the emptiness I feel since losing Mum. I'm doing well (I think) and have plenty to be thankful for.

It also happens to be my favourite time of year. I welcome Autumn with open arms. Shall we say I've made a conscious effort to have an abundance of Hygge filling my world. Take that Strala pendant lamp from IKEA for example. I bought that on a whim a few weeks ago, and just seeing it hang in my window fills me with joy. 

I'm pleased to report I still have my crochet mojo. I'm currently immersed in a few projects. I have adopted the approach that having a little production line of squares going on in different colours and patterns will keep my interest. Rather than just focusing on one thing.  I'm using a mix of Rowan (discontinued line), Stylecraft and Drops Yarns. The affordability factor influences my purchases at the moment. 

Sunday gone, I took myself into London for the final day of the Country Living Christmas Fair. It was at the BDC (Business Design Centre) in Islington. I really fancied a mooch around, to eye up some potential gifts for Santa to bring me in a few weeks. Not that my family are privy to this of course...

I made sure I had my comfy shoes on this time (after learning my lesson at previous exhibitions attended) as I knew it would be vast. I wasn't wrong. 



There was plenty to tempt me, but sadly it was more window shop than buy on this occasion. You might say what's the point in going all that way if you haven't got a stash of cash to flash? But to be honest, I get just as much enjoyment out of the visuals, being able to see things, and touch things. Finding out about new product lines. Picking up business cards along the way, so I can always go back to the online shop and purchase when funds allow.  I'm all for supporting small businesses. 

I also like that I can 'meet the makers'. I had the opportunity to speak to many of the designers at the show, and it was wonderful to hear their stories. To know the provenance of the items being sold makes them worth so much more. 

One person that stood out for me was the lady you can see pictured (above left) with her wonderful array of handmade textiles; Sian O'Doherty. Her collection really caught my eye, and I have to say I covet her exquisite knitted lampshades.

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Do you want a giggle?

If you're easily offended look away now....

Well what can I say? I was in fits at this stall....
and yes I did make a purchase hehehe....


There was just enough time to take a wander along Camden Passage, after the fair had finished. More window shopping ensued. There were some gorgeously scented reed diffusers in that shop HAYGEN. The two shop assistants probably thought I was a bit mad the way I was oohing and aahing over them. 

There are lots of lovely independent retailers along this stretch. Not to mention the aptly named ANNIE'S vintage store on the corner. Oh and of course LOOP. Yarn lovers look away now.......!!

It was such a lovely way to spend an afternoon. I'm heading back into London next week for the Ideal Home Show Christmas with some friends. So no doubt I'll be back to tell you all about it. Until then I'll leave some links to some of the traders from the show that took my eye.....*

Till next time
x x x

Sian O'Doherty             
Aura Que                                     

Sofia Ceramics             


fatpoppycat                   



*this is NOT a sponsored post

10 comments:

  1. Oh goodness what lovely eye candy. I took myself off to London on a little jolly, about this time last year. Loop was my destination but the journey from the station, and of course back, was a real adventure. I just adore the shops around there.
    I never seem to coordinate these shows with my bank account being flush so I too love to collect cards and touch and feel and soak up the goodness to then have an online spend later.

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    1. Hi Caroline, Thanks for your message! I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who loves to window shop. It's a day out after all, and you don't always have to be flush with surplus cash to enjoy the experience. I find it aspirational, and who doesn't like to dream big. I drove into London and parked at the back of Camden Passage in one of the residential side streets. No parking restrictions on a Sunday, so no hassles using public transport fortunately.

      Lovely to hear from you, Sharron

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  2. Welcome back!! Glad to hear you are staying busy and squeezing in some FUN whenever you can!! Keep us posted!
    Becky....in Texas

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    1. Hey Becky!! Did you get my card?? Lovely to hear from you....Sharron

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    2. Yes, I sure did,and it was a nice surprise for MY b'day..ha!! Take care.....
      Becky

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    3. Oh that was an added bonus! :)

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  3. I think it is lovely to walk around and just look at things. It helps to give you ideas and takes the stress away from buying. Your afternoon sounded perfect.

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    1. Hey Meredith, always a pleasure to hear from you! You are absolutely right. I came away from the Country Living show full to bursting with ideas. Thank you for always visiting with me Sx

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  4. I only discovered your blog a few weeks ago and I just love reading it. The Country Living is one of the magazines I buy every month here in Holland. And I read about those X-mas shows. And now I van visit one withouten leasing My comfy chair! Thanks to your Nice blog.

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    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed my little tour! Thank you for joining me here. I appreciate you :)

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Thank you for visiting me here at Annie's Place, and for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate each and every word x x x

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