Category: Craft
What did you do at the weekend? x
It’s been a while coming, but I’ve finally hit the time when I am (virtually) redundant from hand to hand trench child care. Quite a revelation. Suddenly free time is mine again – like really mine. And weekends seem to be the place where the change is most obvious – one day is spent going for long cycle rides (to keep up with husband, a self-confessed mamil, I have an electric bike – like shut the door fabulous) and the other? Well, inspired by Sewing Bee – I’m sewing. This is the pattern I’m currently working on. In this print:
Because it was cheap to make mistakes on and the print made me smile. But if it works, I’m upgrading to this:
Bright canary yellow! And the main print is like 83 cm large! Watch this space…
My new porn is searching for future patterns and ideas – which leads me to what was going to be the main thrust of this post – Folkwear patterns – based in the US, but a treasure trove of historical and international patterns from a Hungarian Szur worn by Magyar herdsman as far back as the middle ages to a ladies chemise from the mid to late 1800s.
(All pics Folkwear. com – and if you want to check out my collection of sewing thoughts and ideas check out Material on Pinterest)
I’m in heaven!
Laters, Kate x
Hitting the tiles x
I remember one autumn writing about unconformity and the pull of the unexpected when symmetry is taken away. Maybe that explains the appeal of zellige tiles? – the subtle variations of each tile, the changes of light playing across the glaze, the feeling of something artisan and handmade. Their origin is Moroccan, crafted from the clay found in the city of Fez. First formed in a mould, craftsmen use a shaping block and hammer to smooth and shape the tiles; an imperfect, perfect art. The second appeal is their infinite variety of colours and shapes, from pale, misty sea-kissed aquas to freshly just churned creams and barely there pinks to dark stormy greys and forrest greens, from skinny rectangles to chunky squares, hexagons or stars. The variations are endless.
(All pics Pinterest)
Versatile, beautiful yet subtle, these tiles quietly scream their presence.
And I love ’em.
Laters,
Kate x
By All the Planets! x
What a treat the Sunday Times Home supplement had this week – and whole article on this amazing story – Club Jupiter – the tale of three talented friends pulling together to create something special over lockdown that will change the way you think of static caravans forever. So much of this spoke to my heart – taking something forgotten and breathing new life, stripping away the plastic and replacing it with everything natural and considered, three women with a special bond, three women with fantastic eyes for colour and pattern; it’s a dream made in heaven – or rather Margate, because this little beauty is now up for renting – so not only brilliant but financially brilliant as well – I doff my feathered cap you incredible girls.
For more details and to book, click here – Club Jupiter
A little slice of heaven.
Laters, Kate x
Green is great x
So different from last year when the season changed at the flick of a switch. This year, the weather also seems to have been infected by all things associated with the pandemic. In London it’s cold, like turn the heating back on, winter socks and thermal undies cold. Outside the green is appearing – but it’s being battered by high winds and driving rain; my garden hasn’t had it’s summer make over yet, there’s been no incentive. I’m thinking maybe an offering to forgotten earth spirits is required – it’s what these green chandeliers make me think of, there’s a joy in their simplicity and a celebration in their construction. Who couldn’t fail to be impressed?
(All pics Pinterest)
And if nothing else, I can watch them bobbing in the wind.
Laters, Kate x
A Gem x
So here’s the thing – I did a post about brooches a while back. But my love of them shows no signs of abating, instead the need to embellish is growing and multiplying like a sparkling, cabochon mold.
But there’s something else that’s caught my eye, away from the traditional magpie pull of vintage costume jewellery; beautiful handmade and handcrafted brooches, little masterpieces of creation, witty takes and outrageous pieces of inventiveness.
(All pics Pinterest)
I love.
Laters, Kate x
Craft x
Saw this. And a part of me, deep inside, roared – why hadn’t I thought of this? So simple, so satisfying. How many times have I passed piles of pictures and postcards at jumbles and car boot sales and felt the pang of loss for their former glory, the lure of their nostalgia and potential ignored? No longer my friends – this ship is primed and ready to sale; the perfect combination of new and old, structure and imagination and Netflix plus mindful.
(All pics Pinterest)
Laters, Kate x
Nepotism x
The work of a musician revolves around people and communication, which means Covid has crippled the industry. However, nothing can stop the communication – for those missing their culture, my sister – Harriet Mackenzie, internationally renowned concerto soloist who has performed across five continents – is giving a special, hands on concert –
‘Thanks to all the wonderful people who supported my concert in November, I’m doing another concert online from here on 14th February! To thank my audience, it’s Audience Choice! Here are the options:
Another Solo Bach work- Another Baroque work such as Telemann or LocatelliÂ
An Ysaye Solo Sonata
a Contemporary work-Â KrieslerÂ
Recitative Scherzo Caprice
A solo Piazzolla Tango-
A Paganini Caprice
Another romantic work like the Paganini I played in November, which has accompaniment, but works well without it.
Massenet – Meditation, Ponce – Estrellita could work well?
a composition of my own- an improvisation
– my own solo arrangement of a jazz standard.- my own arrangement of a folk/world music melody, Kosmos style, but for solo violin.
Please do let me know if you have any preferences! – harriemack@gmail.com
Love from Spetses,
Harriet x ‘
For further details – click here – the info starts of with a bio of Harriet – you need to move further down this page to find:Â
Concert on February 14th at 8pm. Â
Underneath this is Â
Tickets – click on this to buy.
Once you have purchased your ticket you will receive an acknowledgement, a booking confirmation, with a code (booking reference) which you will need to use. You can download this.
1 hour before your concert, you will receive an email through the address provided at time of purchase with a bespoke link and code to connect you to your concert experience. When it is time for your concert, all you need to do isÂ
click on the link sent to your email, enter your code, and enjoy!
The concert will be available to view for 48 hours following the performance, so you can even watch it twice if you wish or if you are unable to watch at the time you can watch later!!
Enjoy!
Laters, Kate x
Amanda x
When all around has grown dark, the grey clouds constantly rolling in, it’s always a thrill to spot the first ray of light. Which, in a little way, explains my intense emotions hearing Amanda Gorman’s poem for the first time, that feeling of finally, a new chapter, finally, a voice speaking words I want to hear.
After hearing her, seeing her, I did a google dive to find out more, and came across this video, which also touched my heart, though for different reasons.
Some say she is a person of a future. Surely she’s a person of now?
Laters, Kate x
Baubles x
Pressies 2
I spoke to my gut the other day and asked it what the theme for Christmas would be this year, it said cottagecore all the way: home made, simple, unfussy, thoughtful. I said thank you very much and felt our bond. The above is from a great little independent shop called Midgley Green – what could be more hands on and satisfying than artisan soap and a thrown soap dish? Maybe the price point – £5 for the soap, £15 for the dish. £20 all in? Bargain.
Midgley Green also have these beautiful tea towels – which are fab just as that – but….wouldn’t they make the most beautiful pair of cushions stitched onto an enveloped piece of linen? Guaranteed washable.
(All pics Midgley Green and Pinterest)
On my personal Wishlist this year is this Welsh throw. I’m thinking sofa, candles, fire. And a large glass of egg snog. Sigh.
Laters,
Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 