Country Living Spring Fair 2017 - Alexandra Palace

It's been a couple of weeks since I attended the Country Living Spring Fair, and I've been meaning to share with you some snippets of my day. There never seems to be enough hours in the day recently, do you feel like that sometimes?

Since Mum passed away I've been trying to keep as busy as I can, and fill my days with things that make me happy. One thing that makes me very happy is being able to spend time around like minded people, who share similar interests. Those types of people were in abundance at this years Country Living Spring Fair, so I felt very at home.

Dangly Hearts

I confess to getting there very late on the final day of the four day event, big mistake. I really thought I'd have plenty of time, but yet again I underestimated how much time I'd need to fully appreciate & enjoy all the beautifully presented stands. Anyhoo, I did my usual and started at one end of the vast main hall and took a wander up and down each aisle. 

At every turn there was another stall to tempt me. I took a few minutes to have a good look, usually stopping to have a chat to the owner before asking if they would mind if I took a photo. I don't like to assume it's ok, so I always ask. Not everyone's happy for you to just snap away, so I think it's always polite to ask.

Dangly Hearts

One such lovely stall holder was Dangly Hearts. Isn't that a gorgeous display of their wares pictured above?!! Beautifully presented handmade textile gifts and homewares, using various embroidery techniques. Just lovely. 

The Gin Trailer

Because time was limited I didn't focus too much on the food and drinks stalls, although there were a lot to see. I just had to get a photo of the converted horse box trailer selling Gin. So cute.

Rustique Interiors

Now where do I start with this absolutely stunning selection of products from Rustique Interiors. I had the pleasure of chatting with the artist responsible for creating this exquisite work, Carey Naughton. 

All the place mats, coasters, cards, framed pictures, cushions, beautifully printed from original patchwork, applique and machine embroidered pieces.  I was completely enamoured by everything on this stand, and told Carey I would be dropping very large hints to all my family and friends when it comes to gift ideas for my birthday, Christmas etc. 

There was a specific print that I kept being drawn back to, but didn't have the funds to buy there and then. But it's still very much in my mind's eye, and I'm determined it will find a home with me some day soon. The Scots connection was a definite draw too. My father is Scottish, and I'm very very proud of my heritage.

There were several home sets around the venue, that were staged with lots of lovely items. I loved the bedroom set pictured above. Very calming, just how a space for sleeping should be. A subdued colour palette, soft & restrained, a sanctuary for relaxation. 

Oscar & French
Fen &Co

In my other life, I'd be one of those women that effortlessly wafts around, hair loosely tied up, fresh faced, freckled rosy cheeks (I've got the freckles so that's a plus I suppose), wearing her linen apron, baking, tending to her veggie patch in her cottage garden. Not quite Stepford Wives status, but not far off......you get the picture? I do covet such a lifestyle, but know life's not like that (for most of us).

You may be thinking where's Sharron going with this? Well here's the thing. You see; I was completely seduced by the Linen Aprons on offer from Oscar and French at the Fair, especially in the Sea Foam Green colourway.  Linen's their thing, and boy do they do it well..!! There were a fair few cushions on their stand that could find their happy place in my home that's for sure.

And d'ya know what? I didn't realise they are a 'local to me' company based just a few miles away in Clophill, Bedfordshire. Happy coincidence. We're practically neighbours....

I was also struck by some lovely handmade jewellery from Ria at Fen & Co. Nature inspired, incredibly unique pieces, with a vintage vibe.

Damson Tree Pottery

I made a little last minute purchase from the lovely smiley lady in the pic up there. That's Marieanne from Damson Tree Pottery. Her ceramics are wonderfully colourful, and many feature imprints of flora which make them very tactile. The bespoke tiles she creates are amazing. Such love and attention to detail goes into each one. 

I bought one of her Water Lily Pad necklaces. It's in the shape of a lily pad, fired in a spring green glaze with a cutesy daisy sitting proud on the surface. I've had some very nice comments whilst wearing it. Very happy with my purchase I have to say....

There were too many rails of gorgeous garments to count at the fair. In every hue, all floaty and feminine. Although a makeshift dressing area, behind a curtain at the back of a packed stand isn't always the ideal place to be trying things on. Not for me anyway. Still, it's the best that could be done given the layout of the exhibition. 

There were many stands that I didn't get snaps of, but were impressed with, so I thought I'd link to some of my favourites here if you'd like to have a nose.....

Alice Selwood

The Humble Cut

Mon Amie Living

Highland Angel

ValerieValerie

Bespoke Verse

Little Beau Sheep

Bay Design

Off to The Handmade Fair at Ragley Hall tomorrow. 

Back soon with more tales, till then....x x x

*this is NOT a sponsored post

JAYG (join as you go) Tutorial - Happy Flower Block

Hello my lovelies, nearly the end of another month. Just wanted to pop in today to upload this tutorial on how to join the Happy Flower Block in a JAYG (join as you go) fashion. Many people have messaged me, so I thought I'd spend a bit of time putting together something to help you visualise this method.

There are many JAYG tutorials out there, and to be honest as a self taught crocheter I've tended to (through trial and error) make up my own solutions to problems along the way. So this version is my version, and works just as well as any other. I've found it very easy to do, and I hope you do to!

That's what I love about crochet, although there are definitely tried and tested ways of doing things, it's very individual. If you find a method of doing something that works for you, then don't question it. Just because certain publications/magazines, bloggers, vloggers show you the way it could be done, doesn't mean it's the way it should be done. 

Don't doubt your ability to be creative, and find your own solutions. Yes, the principles of crochet are firmly grounded, but once you've mastered the basic stitches, the possibilities are infinite. Just experiment and you never know where it'll take you. The main thing is to have fun with it, and enjoy the process.

My original pattern I worked a double crochet seam to join my squares, but this JAYG method is far simpler and to my mind just as effective. Especially if you're new to crochet. I hope the pictures and instructions make it easy to follow. 

If you're starting this project from scratch then just start off by crocheting your first Happy Flower Block (pattern here). All seven rounds. Then the next block you do will only be to round six, round seven will now be your joining round (detailed below). 

So did you try it???

Please do say hello......I love hearing from you 

x x x x

WI Fair : Ideal Home Show 2017

Before I jump straight into this update, I just wanted to extend my gratitude to each and every person who thought to leave a message of condolence for me and my family. We said a final goodbye to Mum on March 7th and it was everything and more than we'd hoped for. 

I just about managed to hold it together to read out my own tribute to the congregation. I did it my way, and I know Mum would have been listening and wiping away my tears. It was a celebration; a joyous reunion of family and friends. 

We laughed, we cried, we made a vow to make the best of every day. As hard as it is with a gaping hole that will never be filled. It will never be ok, but I will endeavour to make Mum proud and push through the pain. I miss her.

_ ____________________________________ _

This past Thursday was the hottest day of the year so far in my little corner of the UK. Bonus as I was heading into London to enjoy a day perusing not just one but two fab exhibitions. First stop was the WI (Women's Institute) Fair at Alexandra Palace, followed by The Ideal Home Show at Olympia.

Some people may think I'm mad driving into the City but I prefer to take my trusty little motor as opposed to using public transport. Mind you I did contemplate it for a mere second. However when I realised it would take at the very least an hour and a bit to travel between venues, (via foot, bus and tube) I thought better of it. Add to that the time to travel from my home in Bedford to London by train it would have been a nightmare. 

I was taking a calculated risk, hoping beyond hope that I wouldn't get stuck in traffic. But I thought better to be stuck in my comfy car, than stuck sniffing someones smelly armpit on the tube. Sorry TMI.  So with that being said, I decided to take the risk, I popped some light refreshments for my journey in my little cool bag and got on the road.

Luckily for me the risk paid off and I reached my first destination in good time, no holdups. The sun was shining, the temperature just about right, albeit a little windy. Free parking too which is a rarity anywhere in London. I must admit when I got into the main exhibition hall I thought 'where do I start?'. 

So much to see, so many stands, so many people. Wow, it was a bit of a sensory overload. Everything from craft, travel & lifestyle to live demos. Workshops too. I had a lovely few hours meandering through the stalls. I had a budget to work with so made sure I hung on to my pennies until I'd seen everything on offer. I made a mental note of each place I wanted to return to. 

One thing I did invest in was a subscription to a new (to me) magazine The Simple Things. I took advantage of the offer they had available on a 12 month subscription, as well as picking up 4 hard copies available to take away from the stand. I'm looking forward to losing myself in them over the next few days.

We couldn't resist purchasing an ice-cream from the gorgeous pastel coloured converted London Cab outside the Ally Pally. We sat and enjoyed the sunshine and the view over the city awhile before heading off to Olympia. 

Again, and I have to say miraculously there were no traffic delays traversing the Capital in the car. I made sure to pre-book parking through NCP at Broadwood Terrace so I didn't have to worry. It was only £2 per hour booked in advance versus £7 per hour on the day. I know rip off right!?!  It was a short walk to Olympia so perfectly situated.

Once inside we were greeted with a plethora of eateries upstairs off the main exhibition space. It was accommodating the Eat&Drink Festival. Something for every palate, but tbh I think hugely overpriced. Nevertheless we were there to enjoy ourselves, not to scrutinise the pricing,  so we opted for a couple of Posh Pooches. A hotdog topped with pulled pork, crispy onions, ketchup and mustard to you and me. Tasted better than it looks...

After filling our tummies we headed around the rest of the food stalls, and were instantly drawn to the Flapjack Stall 'Flapjackery'. Now I have a little confession to make. The previous weekend I'd attended the East of England Food Fayre and this company had a stand there. I bought some of these flapjacks and OMG they are THE BEST FLAPJACKS EVER. 

I know it's OTT but my goodness they are YUMMY. Especially the Salted Caramel Fudge. So when I found out they were going to be at the Ideal Home Show I nearly did a cartwheel. My scales on the other hand have been firmly hidden for the next 6 months whilst I try and fathom how I'm going to work off the calories I've consumed since finding these yummy slices of heaven. I suppose walking several miles around Olympia that day was a start. Let me tell you that place is VAST. 

We tried our best to cover the whole event. Walking from one end to the other, making sure we had a good browse. This made the WI Fair look like a village fete in terms of scale. Anything and everything you could possibly want for your home was there. I had my eye on a luxury hot tub, or hydro pool. Well a girl can dream.....

I'm almost as exhausted writing this post as I was walking around there that day. Give yourself a pat on the back if you're still with me! Anyway, that's a little taster of what I've been up to. Hope you enjoyed the tour......

Some yarn related service will be resumed shortly........

Till then...xx

*this is NOT a sponsored post

Farewell my lovely.......

My happy place....

I don't have much of a blog voice at the moment. Things continue to be quite fraught surrounding Mum's health and I don't really have the time or energy to dedicate to this space. Mum is my priority and her well-being is of paramount importance. Her happiness is where I focus my efforts now. Any little thing I can do to help her day-to-day be a bit brighter is a blessing to me.  

However, I do love this place and will continue to bob in and out when I can. I don't really want to lose the connection I've built up with all of you, so I do hope you still say hello from time to time??!!

I thought I'd take some snap shots of what keeps me in a happy place when I take 5 minutes out to be kind to myself.  I've learnt this is so essential when dealing with the daily stresses of caring for a loved one who has deteriorating health.  

Home is my happy place and I like to surround myself with what I consider happy things. Colourful accents that punctuate the muted tones in my living space help me feel warm and cosy. Hygge you might say.  Crochet is of course my ultimate escape. When I feel like I need to relax and recharge I just grab my hook and yarn and snuggle up on the sofa.  

I'm hugely addicted to Galaxy Instant Hot Chocolate right now. It's a daily ritual in fact. I love my dose of hot choccy with a frothy head of cream and marshmallows. So yummy. 

Those Raine & Humble Kitchen textiles you see pictured up there were a recent purchase. My parents always find it difficult to buy for me at Christmas time so I usually get some vouchers. That way I can treat myself to things I really want, and I really wanted those gorgeous tea towels and oven gloves. You can't beat a bit of retail therapy......

I joined a choir late last year and have found such joy and comfort from being involved. It's been nice to dust off the old vocal chords, and be embraced by a lovely bunch of like minded souls. 

If any of you lovely readers are in a similar boat caring for someone with chronic health problems, I'd love to know what you do to create your happy place...xxxx

Crochet Christmas Gifts and Gratitude....

Hello! Long time no see.....x

I have been absent for a while. I did not have the time or inclination to blog as my mother has been very unwell for several months now. She is however at home, stable and in good spirits and we have just had a lovely family Christmas. I remain optimistic despite not knowing what's around the corner. The last six months has definitely taught me that.....

Nonetheless I am all about the positive, so here I am today to give a little wave. I send you all best wishes whether you celebrate Christmas or otherwise. You have all been wonderful to me over the years, and I appreciate it.

As you can see from the pics my Sister's bag finally got finished and she was pleased as punch with it. I also made a little coin purse to boot. My first foray into purse making. I enjoyed it so much I'm thinking of making a few more. I purchased a lovely hat and scarf for her too,  to compliment my own handmade items. 

I'm hoping to have a bit more time to crochet and blog in the new year. Fingers crossed.

I must make special mention to Becky in Wichita Falls Texas. This lovely lady sent me a box choc full of goodies, that landed on my doorstep just when I needed it. Unbeknownst to Becky it was a very dark time with worry over Mum. This gift appeared out of nowhere from a complete stranger thousands of miles away, who had happened upon my blog and enjoyed what she saw.

If you're reading this Becky, you'll never know what that meant. You are one in a million. Thank you.

x x x x x

Snippets of Summer

It has been a really beautiful day here today, and although I feel the pull to be outside I'm currently glued to coverage of the first day of Athletics at the Rio Olympics. It's been a bit chaotic here in my world for the past few months, getting used to a new routine and I'm grateful for the welcome distraction of three weeks of great sport.  I've particularly enjoyed the Swimming, Diving & Gymnastics this week.

Crochetwise I'm in the middle of bag construction. I put this down a while ago, and have only just picked it back up.I'm working with some Katia Planet Acrylic Yarn in a lovely Saffron colourway. It's a colour I'm increasingly drawn too. I love it, don't you?

The Bedford River Festival came and went last month. The weather was superb, and again it was a fantastic weekend of fun on the river. It comes around every other year, and I always look forward to it. I generally park myself by the Jazz Stage; under a tree with some refreshments, and just soak up the atmosphere.

Another spectacle that is currently very much a talking point locally is the Hybrid Air Vehicles Airlander 10. This aircraft has been constructed firmly behind closed doors at the Cardington Hangars just a few miles from my home. It's the biggest aircraft in the world, some have referred to as the Kim Kardashian of Aircrafts ;) It's finally made an appearance and is currently sitting outside the sheds in the adjacent field undergoing final ground tests and will take flight soon. Exciting times...

Along with many others I've been patiently awaiting this moment, and as soon as I got wind that it was in view I popped down to get a few snaps of this iconic piece of engineering.....

Great news, Sally has reached her target of £500 for her charity blanket. Thank you to anyone that donated. I'm sure she's over the moon with the kindness and support for this project. 

Right, I'm off to enjoy some more of the athletics. 

Come on Jess & KJT!!!!

xxx