~Warm Thoughts of Knitwear~

I'm in accordance with Steph at Curlew Country that even though we're apparently due a bit of unseasonally warm weather, as far as I'm concerned the leaves are falling, Autumn is coming, and consequently knitwear is on my mind! Earlier this week I received this lovely package...

'a really nice delivery from Cornwall' indeed, from Seasalt, one of my favourite shops. Myself and a friend ordered 6 pairs of their fab 'Fluffies' which we first discovered  in Padstow in June. They were 3 for 2, and we shared the postage. One pair for me and 2 for my daughter L at Christmas. Toasty warm feet all round!

Also included was their 'look-book' which had me coveting more knitwear, especially this Nanna Knit Scarf and Rekindle Jumper...

Visit Seasalt online here and if you are in Cornwall at all (lucky lucky you) they also have a discount outlet at Unit 17, Kernick Business Park, Penryn, TR10 9EV, near Falmouth open 10-4.30 Sat and Sunday. I can recommend it - well worth a visit.

~I ♥ Eiderdown fabric ~

I bought some scraps of eiderdown fabric from a lovely lady at York Car Boot a couple of weeks ago and have debated what to do with it. I didn't want to add it to my stash because, to me, eiderdown fabric is the Queen of Cloth - I could look at it all day long.   I love Cath Kidston paisley fabric and eiderdowns too, but I prefer the muted soft colours and the feel of an old 1930s or 1940s quilt. I've never been lucky enough in my thrifting to find a vintage eiderdown or comfort quilt. I regularly covet these eiderdowns at Decorative Country Living. At vintage fairs they tend to be out of my price range. Maybe, just maybe,  I will find one at this week's Vintage Fair at St. Gemma's in Leeds.


In the meantime I will content myself with this little project; a bit of crazy patchwork for a cushion cover. My favourite fabric is on the bottom left. What's your favourite kind of fabric?

~My key ingredients from Quay Ingredients~

I'd like to sing the praises of Quay Ingredients and display their smart logo linking to their website. I discovered Quay Ingredients herbs and spices about 2 years ago in a shop in Boston Spa near Wetherby as I was searching for more unusual ingredients to use in my chutneys and preserves. I found them excellent quality and liked the size and style of the packaging.  In addition to this, I found that they are from a family run Yorkshire company, run by Ian and Deana Southworth, and it's important to me to support Yorkshire produce.  They have got a vast range of herbs, spices and spice mixes for cooks, bakers and preservers.

 I use their vanilla pods, cumin, Ras el Hanout, cinnamon, pickling spices and cinnamon sticks to name a few! 

Ian and Deana's herb and spice business started in 2000 in Ilkley, and is now based near Skipton in North Yorkshire, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and just a stones throw away from the beautiful Forest of Bowland. Both are keen cooks and were dissatisfied with the products on offer at the time. So they launched their business supplying an extensive range of the finest quality herbs, spices and ingredients. These are now available to buy direct and through a wide selection of farm shops, delicatessen and fine food retailers; the packaging is really attractive and I especially like their, as they say, sensible sized ‘no-nonsense’ packs meant for the serious cook. All their products are GMO free and contain no artificial flavour, colour or preservatives.
I can't praise them highly enough and am extremely pleased to have their support with making my baking as tasty as possible at future Time for Tea afternoon tea events.
Please note that Saturday 1st October is now sold out - I have decided to donate all proceeds on that day to Macmillan Cancer Relief Coffee Morning fundraising and sell raffle tickets for their funds too. I will promise to announce more Time for Tea dates on the supperclub website ASAP.