Mon Petit Lapin

Styling

2012-02-19T00:24:00.000Z

My kind of style inspiration here and here and here.

uniqlo skinny jeans/chambray shirt/uniqlo breton/A.P.C vintage parka/isabel marant dicker boots

Lips

2012-02-07T22:26:00.000Z

emma of emmadime
anabela of fieldguided
bri of designlovefest

Inspired by these girls and their pink lips today I found Bobbi Brown's Neon Pink for me :)

Pretty knitted mitts

2012-02-06T22:10:00.001Z

Mmmm scalloped. Shop. Blog.

Watching

2012-02-06T18:37:00.002Z

At the moment

2012-01-27T19:01:00.003Z

photo from a dull roar

♥ making... the hat above, pattern designed by and shown here knitted by Alexandra Tinsley from the blog a dull roar.

♥ listening... devendra banhart, the books 'the way out'

♥ watching... star trek movies, entire back catalogue of Wes Anderson - favourite :)

♥ reading... we need to talk about kevin by Lionel Shriver

♥ loving... my new craft/work studio - just finished painting!

Just a minute was originally a monthly theme started by august street. I came across it on see hear say and thought I'd play along.

Knitting without Tears

2012-01-24T23:07:00.002Z

After seeing Elly's inspiring creations I followed her recommendation and purchased this book. More a collection of advice and clever solutions than strict patterns to follow, it has begun as a thoroughly enjoyable read that I'm sure will teach me a thing or two.

Watching

2012-01-23T23:29:00.000Z

Anemone

2012-01-21T10:42:00.000Z

All pictures from Anemone blog

Super impressed by Lies of Anemone's knitting skills and styling.

Check out her blog and Ravelry account.

Bill Murray is my bag.

2012-01-16T22:29:00.000Z

As is everything by Wes Anderson. Awesome.
Thanks for the heads up Miss Moss.

First sock

2012-01-16T10:26:00.000Z

I've been on a knitting roll lately! I'm hoping knitting up the second sock won't take as long now that I know what terms like 'pick up 15 sts along heel flap' and 'grafting' mean. There's definitely some alterations I can see for next time: the foot part is too long and rather than ripping off rows of stitches I decided to decrease quicker which worked but has still left the foot a little too long. Also the wool, as gorgeous as the Madeline Tosh Kelp is, I think something more stretchy and washable would be good. Plus I think I'd try a different type of ribbing at the top and I'm not too sure on how the heel turned out, there seems to be a slight raised ridge although perhaps that would settle with blocking. Any pointers on sock knitting you've learnt along the way?

My fingerless gloves

2012-01-13T10:47:00.000Z

These wristwarmers were a pattern from Toft Alpaca that I picked up a the Knitting and Stitching Show. The wool is their Toft Alpacac DK British Alpaca Yarn made on their own farm - super soft. It was my first venture into slightly more difficult knitting - creating the thumb and tiny repetitive stitches, I'm pretty chuffed how they turned out and now that its mid-winter wear them constantly.

I've recently uploaded my knitted projects onto Ravelry here.

New Year Sweaters

2012-01-09T22:17:00.000Z

With the start of new year comes two knitting aims, 1 - to complete a sweater and 2 - to learn to cable. So on with the first! The annabel cardigan by carrie bostick hoge or the agnes sweater by melissa labarre? Both great designs through quince and co. Choices, choices.....

Light Angels

2011-12-18T15:50:00.001Z

Just got my lights in the post, ready to pass on and make cycling that little bit safer.

Details here.

Night Out

2011-12-18T15:32:00.001Z

Cat lovers will love Bjork

2011-12-15T16:00:00.000Z

Just brilliantly nuts! Bjork.

Anthropologie

2011-12-14T22:18:00.001Z

Seriously could do all my xmas shopping here if I could just stop getting distracted.......

Weekend highlights

2011-12-12T19:43:00.000Z

Simian Mobile Disco - Fourtet - Holy Fuck - Les Savy Fav - Flying Lotus - Caribou - Factory Floor - Omar Souleyman - Battles

Watching

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000Z

This weekend

2011-12-09T09:00:00.000Z

All Tomorrow's Parties.
CAN. NOT. WAIT
Spotify playlist - Soundcloud

Marnie Stern

2011-12-08T10:12:00.001Z

Marnie Stern at XOYO last night - excellent and a perfect warm up to this weekend......

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000Z

Presents for myself are far easier! Treasury here

2011-12-07T15:28:00.001Z

Men are always so hard to find gifts for this time of year. I found some inspiration on Etsy - have a browse of my treasury. What have you come across?

An Island

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000Z

"In August 2010, French filmmaker Vincent Moon and Efterklang's 8 piece-live band met up on an island in the Danish country side. The objective was to shoot a film. A film with the same length as an album, and a film full of performances, experiments and collaborations. Over an intense period of 4 days Efterklang collaborated with more than 200 local musicians, kids and their own parents, creating new performances and interpretations of songs from their Magic Chairs album. It was all filmed by Vincent Moon who same time conducted several filmic and musical experiments with Efterklang as his dedicated play mates."

more info here

Building my studio

2011-12-06T19:46:00.001Z

Mr M has designed me an office studio type area on a mezzanine that sits just above his office. I painted the floors and walls white, he has crafted the desk area and its slowly but awesomely coming together!

At the moment

2011-12-04T18:43:00.001Z

Playing with Instagram and Diptic

Enjoying amazing cupcakes at Beas of Bloomsbury

Knitting elf hats with Joelle and wristwarmers with Jenny

Renewing my subscription of oh comely

Watching

2011-11-28T21:13:00.001Z

Melancholia

2011-11-27T11:05:00.000Z

Stunning. Watch it. Trailer.

Bromptons

2011-09-26T21:59:00.002+01:00

On my mind ......but which colour?

1, 2, 3

Henry's Demons

2011-09-26T15:15:00.000+01:00

Broadcast on Radio 4 this afternoon. An engaging account of what it's like for a person and their family as schizophrenia emerges and persists throughout life. Accounts like this enrich the work of health professionals like myself, offering suggestions for improvement and providing reminders of the impact onto a whole family, emphasising the importance of working with a family alongside the patient.

Style

2011-08-31T20:34:00.001+01:00

Re/discovering blogs

2011-08-30T21:07:00.003+01:00

A few blogs I've been browsing today:

1. Grossomodo 2. Decorated Playlists (via Miss Moss) 3. Audrey Jeanne 4. Camilla Engman 5. Talking To Volcano

Watching

2011-07-19T09:00:00.000+01:00

Quince and co

2011-07-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

images from quinceandco.com

Loop are such a great local resource, they also pointed me in the direction of Quince and co as I was admiring what seemed like a simple knitted sweater, perhaps ideal for my first big knitted project? Very cute webiste. Blog.

Little red in the city

2011-07-17T13:14:00.000+01:00

all images from ysolda.com

Stopped by Loop yesterday and this new publication from designer Ysolda Teague caught my eye. Half resource book, half pattern book; definitely one for my wish list once I pluck up the courage to leap into large knit projects. Website. Blog.

Watching

2011-06-03T12:37:00.000+01:00

Girl Crush

2011-06-02T23:06:00.000+01:00

current girl crush goin' on over at my tumblr

totally agree: women in menswear

This weekend

2011-05-16T16:25:00.000+01:00

listening and listening. drinking. addicted. reading. watching.

Get Into It

2011-05-02T22:28:00.003+01:00

Image from Miss Moss' get into it mix

Whilst spending may day cleaning out my craft room, killing moth after moth, I discovered the lovely blog of miss moss and her awesome music mixes, just my taste. This one in particular rocked my world.

And now I'm broke

2011-04-30T19:33:00.006+01:00

Image by Daniella Germain

Featured in this months Frankie magazine I came across Daniella's australian based blog. Started as a way to curb her spending after splurging her last monies on a pair of Camper boots she set about illustrating each purchase made. Nowadays her blog also encompasses more current projects such as her soon to be published cook book and her handmade sales. Check out her watercolour illustrations.

Great design, great deal

2011-04-29T15:38:00.005+01:00

Wiksten patterns on sale, sweeet

Star Gazing

2011-04-27T22:24:00.004+01:00

"Looking at these stars suddenly dwarfed my own troubles and all the gravities of terrestrial life. I thought of their unfathomable distance, and the slow inevitable drift of their movements out of the unknown past into the unknown future."

— H. G. Wells, The Time Machine, 1895

All this week the International Space Station can be viewed in the sky across the UK (for exact timings see here under sighting opportunities). It has been inhabited for over ten years and is the size of a football field. More mind boggling facts and figures here. I have watched for the past two evenings as it passes through the sky and have contemplated man's achievement and ability in inhabiting space alongside the absurdity of our existence on earth - pretty deep no?!

Daniel Higgs

2011-04-26T08:04:00.001+01:00

Caught Daniel Higgs at Cafe Oto the other night, a great intimate venue to see music. Previously known as the singer of Lungfish, his current music is made up of lush poetic vocals alongside a strumming banjo. I've seen him also pull out a jaw harp and a squeezebox on occasion which adds a twist to the engrossing folk sounds of his music.

Watching

2011-04-25T11:14:00.002+01:00

That Kate is the only person I've come across who watches as many films - check her blog.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T12:23:00.010+01:00

Things inspiring me at the moment:

1. New craft book 'Stitch Magic'
2. Aesa earrings over at the No6 store
3&4. Lovely Oxfords from Albert and Henriette
5. Shabd blouse
6. Anaise shop
7,8&9. Bodie and Fou interiors

Clare Vivier

2011-04-05T13:28:00.004+01:00

Clare Vivier - closet visit, blog.

Weekend

2011-03-08T22:41:00.004Z

A long relaxing weekend in the forest :) Filled with:

Time for tea

2011-03-05T19:29:00.003Z

If you're over in Shoreditch this weekend and you like your tea with a spoonful of quirky vintage, be sure to grab a chair and slice of homemade cake in the living room styled caf of 'Time for Tea'.

Watching

2011-02-26T13:11:00.005Z

A week on nightshift always means I'm pretty zombified so I tend to sit back and enjoy the world of film.

+ also discovering new UK based craft blogs; enjoying the knitting and printing of Owls Go Hoot and the film obsessions of that kate who is also enlightening me to some pretty cool new places in London, ta!

+ and trying my hand at this and finding its a great way to relax, explore colour and be creative. Heather Smith Jones has such inspirational pieces.

Chunky Cowl

2011-02-21T17:22:00.002Z

Yey another knitting project finished and pwew just before winter breaks into spring! Thanks to a fun Sunday Stitching and B*tching with friends I was able to get a good chunk of this done before my wool ran out and I had to run home to grab the last ball and add the finishing rows. This is a super easy project, easily completable in less than a day thanks to the massive size 12 needles and Bulky wool. It's from Jenny Lord's book 'Purls of Wisdom' but this pattern can be found for free on the Guardian website here. I used the Blue Sky Alpaca Bulky wool in 'Bobcat'. I bought two 100g balls but actually found I had to leave the last rows of knit and purl as I wouldn't have have enough to cast off, hmm perhaps I'm a bit slack with my tension?

Just Kids

2011-02-19T19:51:00.000Z

Im about half way through Patti Smith's autobiography portraying her life with Robert Mapplethorpe and I am throughly enjoying it. I guess having never been an artist I have a rather romanticised view of the struggles and experiences artists go through before their work is discovered. Running off to a new city, busking for pennies to get a room that night or getting any kind of work you can just to scrape some money together to get art supplies whilst spending all other spare minutes absorbed in your work is just what Patti Smith describes. In my romanticised view it is through this kind of struggle that a person gains their experiences and discovers who they really are and what they are about which I guess translates into some pretty moving art, whether its through poetry or painting or songs or photographs. Personally I wish I had enough courage to embrace this kind of life style, giving up the day job to focus all activities towards exploring myself and my being in the world in order to translate it into artwork. It would be great to leave society's unnatural drive of earning as much money as possible, working all hours of the day and all in order to spend money acquiring material goods which often boils down to simply keeping up with trends. And this is something I spend a lot of time thinking about.

A new smell

2011-01-09T21:57:00.002Z

I love my sense of smell. And I love discovering scents that hit me embracing and evoking my emotions, pow. I wear Chanel's Coco most days occasionally swapping for Prada's Amber or the more fresh Stella rose intense. And whilst Mr M questions why anyone would want to smell like a brand I look for a fragrance that isn't obvious, that isn't smelt everywhere, instantly recognisable but that smells mysterious, unique and that I feel is 'me'. Which is pretty difficult considering fragrance is a hugely marketed product directed towards a specific audience and essentially another cash cow of branding. Anyhow lets put aside these negatives. I have recently come across Balenciaga's Paris fragrance and now decided this will be my autumn-spring fragrance. Even after a whole day the smell lingers on my clothes and I like it, it smells warm and autumn like yet fresh and springy at the same time. It seems to be made up of many complex smells that blend with my skin wonderfully. It also smells elegant and original which is not surprising seen as their add campaign is structured around the gorgeous artistic Charlotte Gainsborough (have you seen The Science of Sleep - favouritest film ever). There's a briliant desciption of the fragrance here.

Ear-warming

2011-01-05T21:34:00.002Z

Following the advice of my crafting buddy I have set up camp over at the Burda style website which really is a great resource of patterns and techniques. I am cataloguing some of my handmade wares and am enjoying the format of them all collected together in one space. Feel free to take a look.

Most recent is my knitted mustard coloured ear-warmer which is oh so snug. I came across the pattern by Purl Alpaca Designs at their stall in the Knitting and Stitching Show and was excited both by the softness of their alpaca wool and their designs each named after the alpaca the suggested wool comes from. Whilst their website documents far more complex shrugs, jackets and accessories, this particular pattern was super easy. I used size 5mm straight needles, simple garter stitch and some gorgeous 'Old Gold' Aran wool purchased here. Completed in a couple of hours I had two knocked up in two days, just my kind of project and perfect as prezzies for friends.

Welcome back!

2011-01-05T20:54:00.001Z

image from Dove Tree

Well hello and happy new year to you.

My holiday time has been filled to the brim complete with a bucket load of last minute handmade gifting panic but thankfully much crafting has taken place in the more relaxing time after Christmas. My knitting had been greatly improved thanks to various family members who are all reigniting old crafting passions helped along by my instigation of one Christmas handmade present per person. It has been quite fascinating to see what sisters, mums and dads come up with and thankfully all have complied with imaginative and humorous offerings, feels good :)

What have you been crafting over the holidays?

Merry Christmas

2010-12-20T20:50:00.000Z

I'm taking a little christmas break filled with frantic job application forms, trips abroad and weddings, merry christmas and see you in the new year :)

Enjoy some festive spirit from cake with giants - love her watercolours

Scout and Catalogue

2010-11-25T23:25:00.004Z

Shop. Blog.

Julia Davey Ceramics

2010-11-14T23:26:00.000Z

This weekend I headed down to the Handmade christmas fair in Winchester and came across this gem of a ceramics artist, meaning I have started my christmas shopping horay! Her designs are hanmade and handpainted, looking delicate and cheery with hints of gold and silver dotted in between butterflies, bees and robots. Gorgeous tea sets with pots, cups and butter dishes as well as brooches and christmas baubles which I absolutely loved and thought was a perfect gift for my first xmas at Mr M's family house. So do have a look through Julia Davey's website for some christmas inspiration and check out her online stockists here and here.

Gold

2010-11-11T00:09:00.002Z

Totally loving all things gold right now, definitely going to be this years Christmas colour here. So far I've been collecting tissue papers, ribbons and brilliantly shimmery nail varnish (left picture).

The new Toast Christmas collection is no exception to golden decadence yum (right).

October Playlist

2010-11-08T23:08:00.010Z

Ok I have a playlist from last month all ready to share with you, just click here or here.

Its through Spotify, not sure if you guys have that overseas but Im struggling to find a mixtape application that is useable and doesn't involve me having to upload all my own tracks plus includes licensing for the UK - any ideas?

I have also just put it together on 8tracks if that helps but it annoys me you cant see the tracklisting before playing hmm.

Today I wore via Polyvore

2010-11-08T02:01:00.001Z

Today by monpetitlapin featuring black pants

I bought my first ever (bar the socks you also see here) Toast item - this huge giant snuggly jumper and its gorgeous :) plus Im discovering Polyvore, pretty cool, so I can show you I wore it with harem trousers, a striped jersey top, and a black glass beaded necklace not this one here but close enough.

Lotta Jandsdotter Handmade Living

2010-11-02T19:12:00.000Z

I am a big fan of Lotta Jandotter's. Simple Sewing was the first sewing book I ever bought and just the right thing to get me sewing, with simple projects yet stylish professional finishes it was easy to find inspiration and motivation. Her neat minimal designs inspired from everyday objects have always impressed me and any excuse to get a further glimpse at her designs and particularly how she chooses to display and create with them is good for me - enter her newest book 'Handmade Living'. A nosey look at the world she designs and lives in with a tour around her three bedroom New York apartment as well as her amazing studio space that would make anyone envious. A few projects, recipes and tons of inspiration on offer.

Check out the Chronicle Book Blog post for two of her mobile tutorials here.

November Desktop

2010-11-01T00:17:00.000Z

Head over to Tabitha Emma's for her November desktop freebie, its gorgeous!

Knit 1: Scarf

2010-10-30T06:41:00.001+01:00

First ever knit project complete! A lovely warm alpaca knitted stripped scarf made with simple garter stitch but teaching me how to incorporate more than one balls of colour. I am just finishing up by joining the ends together to make a nice big chunky cowl perfect for winter.

Tumble with me

2010-10-29T16:18:00.003+01:00

see tumblr for original links

I come across so many gorgeous images in the cyberworld that I felt it would be nice to have a place to scrapbook them all along with their original links. I found weheartit to always be slow and problematic so have gathered everything together into a tumblr account. I've also included links to tutorials I've come across and enjoyed so do check it out for inspiration. So far I'm really enjoying the layout of tumblr and the freedom of just posting images without text however I know have trouble sticking to regular blogging so we'll see how it goes.

Check my tumblr inspiration here.

Freecycle again!

2010-10-29T16:18:00.000+01:00

I know I post about Freecycle a lot but look what I scored, an entire colour wheel of wools! I could see perhaps multicoloured mini squares to make a blanket, perhaps similar to bugsandfishes here.

Another Snood

2010-10-28T17:01:00.001+01:00

Very much into snoods and cowls right now. Heres a tutorial I've come across.

Blog swoon: Tabitha Emma

2010-10-28T14:44:00.000+01:00

Designer & illustrator Tabitha Emma Patterson has a gorgeous blog and lovely whimsical shop. Stop by or follow her on Twitter.

Etsy best of the week: Snood!

2010-10-28T06:21:00.000+01:00

Picture taken from Thrush Vintage Etsy Shop

Oh my, have you seen this snood? Im in love. I could just picture it in a gorgeous mustard colour alongside all my grays. I wonder how many stitches in the round it is?

Thrush Vintage: Shop. Blog.

The Winter of the Beard

2010-10-26T15:25:00.000+01:00

"In the fall of 2005, two filmmakers invited six men across America to join them in an experiment. They would stop shaving for six months. No trimming allowed. Each was provided a video camera and weekly interview questions to document his own experience. The resulting 600 hours of intimate footage revealed a group of men traversing the same rite of passage from disparate vantage points. Throughout the process, the men told stories from their pasts, shared likes and dislikes, and confessed personal fears and aspirations. They laughed and cried, hid and came alive behind their beards. The tireless taping captured bad days and good ones, and it is in this framework that the individual stories stand out and the beards fade into the background. From a son dealing with his father's descent into Alzheimer's, to financial and marital struggles, to the birth of a child, THE WINTER OF THE BEARD reveals the trials and tribulations of what it means to drastically alter one's appearance and otherwise go on living life."

Trailer.
Purchase.
Jeff Pitcher talks about things he learnt from growing his beard here and it is definitely worth a read.

As someone who has never seen their partner without a beard and totally loves all things big and beardy I can't wait for my copy to arrive. I love the concept of both this and his earlier award winning short film 'The Winter of the Dance' in which questions on societies imposed restrictions and judgements, sanity and liberation are addressed. Personally I'm all for escaping as many of these boundaries as possible however lately have really been reflecting on just quite how hard this is.

Handheld sewing machine

2010-10-24T22:22:00.001+01:00

Look what Mr M found for me (except mine is in white, from the 90's and named E-Zstitch!). Not entirely sure of what it could bring to my hobby room, perhaps a new portable side to sewing - whipping it out of my bag on the tube?! I'm sure its super useful for all those small tit-bits of sewing that pile up, plus its being sold in Urban Outfitters so must be pretty cool for sure! Anyone else got one?

Sophie Dahl's Voluptuous Delights

2010-10-17T17:58:00.022+01:00

Mmm I've spent a lovely relaxing Sunday morning perusing Sophie Dahl's cookbook. It is an interesting read as she writes of her interest in food throughout her life including stories of her modelling and battles with food familiar to many of us young women. She writes well and I found it to be honest particularly in addressing the way eating and dieting is portrayed these days often leading to conflicting and confusing beliefs in women that vary from guilt and starvation to gluttony and over consumption. I found the recipes echo well her ultimate belief in eating healthily and balanced meals that include all food groups yet still manage wonderfully to keep me interested and my stomach rumbling.

She includes many ingredients I often lust towards such as sweet potatoes, feta cheese, figs, brown rice and lots of fresh soup and salad suggestions which to some people may seem an easy cop out, are perfect for myself who rarely dedicates time to cooking, rushes between odd hours at work and a social life and often relies on Covent Garden Soup lunches. These are the recipes I can eat daily without feeling guilty or stodge-a-fied and can prepare quickly and simply which ultimately means I will return to the cookbook time and time again. I like the fact the recipes come across simple and quick to prepare as it creates a very heartwarming feel, combined with the photographing and styling of the book and the seasonal arrangement, each dish comes across looking delicious, relaxed and homely. My only quibble with the book would be the emphasis of Tofu in quite a few of the recipes - one of only a handfull of ingredients I cannot stand, i've tried it in many consistencies and textures and have found its just not something for me however I am sure I can find a substitute if necessary and although Sophie is a fish-eating vegetarian there are enough meaty recipes to keep me interested.

In summary I feel this cookbook is ideal for the young busy woman like myself who enjoys healthy delicious eating and refuses to diet or starve, and instead is happy to embrace warming healthy soups, salads and yummy roasted vegetables, pulses and lots of treats thrown in for comfort on cold wintery days.

Seabear

2010-10-16T18:57:00.003+01:00

Enjoying this a lot right now

Oh Comely

2010-10-10T17:14:00.001+01:00

Image from arosebeyondthethames

There seems to be an explosion of fantastic UK magazines at the moment. This is 'Oh Comely' (great title. great song) already about to release its third issue. It is definitely my favourite British based magazine of the moment and I strongly advise you to take a look. Imagine a British Frankie and pack it fuller, add some music, and lashings of tea and toast and you're there. Seriously I love it. Describing itself as:

'a magazine for curious people. People who can't look at an object without wandering about the people who made it, why they made it and what their lives were like,'

it is packed with great articles, stunning photography, crafty arty bits and lots of humour. Read more about it here. Check out their blog here. Visit their store here and buy their toasters here.

Oh and my favourite article? Has to be 'did you get my postcard'; testing the Royal mail by posting of everything from umbrellas to bananas and not wrapped I might add.

K&S 2010: Kate Haxell

2010-10-09T18:32:00.001+01:00

At the show I picked up one of these super cute 'voodoo' pincushions, filled with fine sand to keep needles sharp. Also on display were gorgeous sewing jars and her range of books which included the new publication 'Me and my sewing machine'. Check out Kate's website here and goods here.

In bed

2010-10-09T13:22:00.000+01:00

Urgh I'm ill and in bed, so depressing but hey at least I get to catch up on my blog reading and knitting in the brief moments when my head stops spinning.

Loving this animal collective song covered by Taken by Trees. Found via For Me, For you who found via seesaw, thank you both.

Knitting and Stitching Show 2010

2010-10-07T19:31:00.000+01:00

This is where I have spent my day. Today was the first day of the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexander Palace and even though I managed to arrive as early as 10.30, by 12 the hall was heaving! This year the focus was definitely on knitting which was brilliant for me having just discovered it's joys. The amount and quality of wools was fantastic as well as the patterns and kits designed for beginners like myself. There was also a noticeable student/young person contribution with half of the side hall dedicated to stalls chosen by East London's Craft Guerrilla (blog here.) right alongside the guerilla knitters from Stitch London; and a significant part of the main hall full of swishers set up by Mrs Bear and Fabrications based over at Broadway market. The workshop choice available this year was far more extensive than previous years and on arrival I knew exactly which I wanted to join and headed straight there. Sadly the popularity of the workshops must have been huge as I couldn't get in on a single class I wanted grrr. Of course this just meant more time for looking round and shopping and woah did I come away with goodies galore :) I'll be showing and introducing their makers over the coming days so stay tuned!

Marcel the Shell

2010-10-07T17:20:00.000+01:00

Oh my, this is the saddest cutest thing ever. Famapa over at my funny eye posted the link today and I just really had to share it....

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

Stella Magazine

2010-10-05T23:20:00.000+01:00

Anyone got a copy of this yet?

All the way from Denmark yet featuring artists worldwide, many actually London based, yey! First off the idea - a bi-anual magazine for women priding itself on putting personality before glamour; featuring women who are interesting because of what they do and think, not how they look. Gorgeous! Secondly the colouring and styling, pastel pinks and blues predominate the A5 publication with florals featuring heavily in the fashion section. And of course the content, this issue is dotted with craft articles from 'why patchwork is so cool' to concept craft of patchwork burkas and needlepoint serial killers, to paper cutting Rob Ryan style, and touching upon music from El Perro del Mar and intriguing extracts from female prostitution project 'Here Happiness resides'. It's modern, it's informed and it's fresh, the articles are well written and purposeful which makes for not only an enjoyable read but one that is inspiring and informative. The downside? Shipping from Denmark makes it a tad on the pricey side so lets hope London distributors jump on this quick!

Website here. Blog here. Sublime Stitching contribute here.

Knit

2010-10-05T11:27:00.002+01:00

Did I mention I now knit? At last a craft you can carry round, complete whilst talking with others or whilst watching films in front of the TV - perfect! I'm finding nothing more satisfying that simple garter stitch squares snuggled up in front of good films in my space time. Hopefully these will come together to create a patchwork style blanket of greys with a hint of purple, just in time for wintery nights, ace.

Total agreement with Blair's knit square post right here.

Street Photography Now Project

2010-10-03T14:01:00.002+01:00

The Photographers Gallery, one of my favourite galleries to pop by in London has just closed until Autumn 2011. I was sad when they closed a few years ago to move from their space near Leicester Square and then happily relieved when they re-opened with an even better space just off Oxford Street. They have constantly changing exhibitions which include the annual Deutsche Börse Photography Prize, showcasing artists who have made the most significant contribution to photography for that year; as well as exhibitions of well known individual artists such as the most recent display of Sally Mann. On top of the exhibitions they also have one of the best bookshops for photography around, stocking independent publications hard to find elsewhere such as the Holga magazine Light Leaks and the recently out of print brilliant London fanzine Smoke (so sad this witty London peculiar is being discontinued). On top of all this, their little cafe is a brilliant place to rest, meet, browse the books and people watch.

So whilst I'll miss this little gem for the next year, here's what will be keeping me preoccupied in the meantime - The Street Photography Now Project. This is a collaberation between the Photographers Gallery and Sophie Howarth and Stephen McLaren, authors of Street Photography Now by Thames and Hudson. Each week from 1 October 2010 and lasting for 52 weeks, a leading contemporary street photographer will issue an instruction, written to inspire fresh ways of looking at and documenting the world we live in. Any of us who fancy the challenge can upload one photograph onto the Flickr Gallery as a response. The project is open to everyone worldwide and is free to join at any time.

"The aim is to build a global community of photographers exploring the rewards and challenges of documenting public life."

Pretty exciting hey? Find out more here, sign up here, see the Flickr pool here, and get inspired, instruction number one:

Wild Olive

2010-10-02T12:41:00.001+01:00

Head over to Wild Olive's to get this months awesome desktop wallpaper! And why not help out with her World Vision Caregiving Kit Project at the same time.

Autumn

2010-09-30T21:29:00.000+01:00

After a long cold wet and miserable English winter I always lust for summer, however I do think my true love belongs with Autumn. Nothing beats that first crisp cold day that hits you and reminds you of rugs, fireplaces and big thick jumpers coupled with warm leather boots mmmmm. And now that I have learnt the far more portable skill of knitting I can think of nothing better than heading to the New Forest for mushroom picking days and fireplace knitting nights (did I mention I now knit? more to come...)

Some Autumn goodness hanging round my computer right now (Sorry if the links are wrong but I have a bad habit of storing images on my computer without storing the link, must change that) :

1. A Beautiful Mess (?last year)

2. Hitree Etsy

3. Wrist warms (?6.5Stitches)

5. Blakeswork Owl Etsy

6. Autumn leaves knit pattern Ravelry

7. Felt acorns (I'm so sorry I don't know who)

8. Tiny Owl Knits Ravelry

Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts

2010-09-29T23:51:00.001+01:00

I guess Martha Stewart is more of an American phenomenon however I couldn't help but be intrigued seeing all these beautifully styled projects all in one place when I came across this book over here in the UK. The book starts with the basics; in depth info about fabrics and tools before moving onto techniques such as applique, dying methods and different stitches. After this you reach the projects section which features over 150 different designs covering most rooms of the house and touching on clothing. I like the fact it serves as a large reference book yet maintains the sleek styling of a project book and can see it being a useful reference to dip in and out of for many years providing ideas on techniques to use on my own designs as well as serving as a springboard for building my own ideas into the simpler designs. Patterns are provided on an enclosed CD, for which Im not yet sure if I like or not.

See pages here and buy the book here.

DIY Couture

2010-09-27T20:58:00.006+01:00

Let me tell you about DIY Couture. This very cool London based clothing collection consists of twelve simple but right-on-trend pieces such as 'the kaftan', 'the tulip skirt', 'the gathered dress' and 'the cloak'. When purchasing your chosen garment you are introduced to the twist that instead of purchasing the item of clothing, you are instead purchasing a book containing simple instructions that not only tells you how to construct this unique item but also offers instructions on variations to the pattern, adjusting the pattern and useful hints and tips.

"DIYcouture has made an unusual clothing collection: rather than purchasing a garment, the DIYcouture customer purchases a book containing a set of simple, visual instructions, which help them to make that garment themselves."

Of the twelve patterns in the collection four are currently available with my purchase being the cloak. On receiving the instruction book I was delighted by the simple yet stylish instructions that offered at least seven different styles and variations on the simple cloak pattern and included easily accessible tips like grabbing your favourite hoody and drawing round the hood in order to create a hood pattern for your design (so simple yet effective!). The feel of the thick papered matt booklet and the wonderfully fresh styling and photography all gained my approval. Each book also features a guest artist showcasing their own creativity in several pages at the end which offers another unique intrigue to each design.

I am now eagerly awaiting 'the jump suit' pattern that is still to come.
You can see their website here, collection here, an video showcase of the first book here and definitely have a read of their links page here which offers good UK based advice on finding sewing bits and pieces.

Best of the Week: Desktop Wallpapers

2010-09-26T09:00:00.019+01:00

Whilst updating my Twitter and Desktop design here are some ideas I stumbled upon:

[click to go large]

From left clockwise:
1. Wild Olive Woodlanders: Bit late for this one as there's only 4 days left in September but keep your eyes posted for October
2. Ollibird Twitter Backgrounds
3. Marimekko Wallpapers
4. An old Frankie Wallpaper

Right this second...

2010-09-25T08:51:00.002+01:00

I am listening to ...... bombay bicycle club
I am enjoying ...... Indie Fixx blog
I am covetting ...... Mr Mustache
I am reading ...... Making Magazine - launch issue of a brand new crafting magazine that is wonderfully styled and modern without a hint of chintz ;)

It is a large sized, thick papered read which always feels satisfying and of quality. It is not solely based on sewing but divided into sections such as 'for living', 'for the garden', ' for the kitchen', and 'for the wardrobe'. Projects this month include revamping old dinning chairs, different icing methods for cupcakes, making bath bombs, enamelling buttons and transforming an old dress. Each step is clearly set out with nice hand-drawn diagrams and pleasing styling, some from books and others original patterns. I particularly like their 'Lust list' which has given me neat ideas for Xmas (an electric Breville-type cupcake maker!). I certainly recommend glancing an eye over this new UK-based magazine and just hope that future issues don't revert to common cushion and apron type patterns but display unique and original projects such as the Welly holder in this issue (very nice idea!)

And now I am ..... off to bed after a Friday night shift in A&E (oh the horrors of alcohol!)

Work style

2010-09-23T13:37:00.002+01:00

My favourite outfit from the Autumn Toast range. Definately could pull off the massive bow at work ;)

Beardy goodness

2010-09-23T12:53:00.002+01:00

Its me and Mr M!

From Freshly Picked: store. blog.

Mitered corners

2010-05-02T20:54:00.002+01:00

Mitered corners were a first for me. I enjoy projects that teach you a new skill whilst providing you with something unique and/or useful, it helps me realise I am learning allbeit slowly. Have you got the 'I love patchwork' book by Rashida Coleman-Hale? I am really enjoying it. I love that the projects are based, like her blog, around linen and look so asthetically pleasing. There are quite a few projects I would like to try next including the patchwork cosmetics pouch, sewing machine cover, pencil case and the very smartly designed fold-up eco bag. I found the instructions ok for the travel sewing kit although a few more diagrams would have been nice especially regarding the new-to-me mitered corners which I found particularly challenging and had to consult a brilliant photo tutorial on flickr.

Listening to ...

2010-04-26T22:00:00.004+01:00

Made up love song No.43 - Guillemots

DIY necklace

2010-04-25T20:20:00.003+01:00

Do you remember the cute felt necklaces Jenny from Wiksten made a while ago? Well I finally got round to making one of my own. So simple and so cute to wear. Here are her instructions should you want to make your own.

Right this second

2010-03-10T21:37:00.001Z

Image from we heart it sorry no source

We just got a drumkit! How mad is that?! (sorry neighbours) ahh the wonders of freecycle.

Stop motion and catching up

2010-03-10T20:43:00.000Z

I've spent some of today day happily catching up with my neglected blog reading, thankyou to Daydream Lily for highlighting this super cute stop motion by Ithyle Griffith and Angela Kohler mmm I like stop motion. I've been off work for a few days with eye problems (super scary but all is ok) and have enjoyed the downtime tidying round the house, spending time with Mr M and generally sorting my life out" which always feels refreshing, I even had time for a little bit of sewing ......

Casiokids

2010-03-02T22:26:00.001Z

Saw these nordic kids the other day, very fun :)

Naive. Super

2010-01-30T23:04:00.016Z

Great book. Makes me want to re-read catcher in the rye too. Especially good if you like writting lists, subtle humour and think too much about the meaning of life, highly recommended (although still a few chapters left to go) - amazon.

One of the best lists 'What used to excite me when I was younger' heres mine:
- Thundercats
- Junior post office
- Choose your own adventure books
- Spokey dokes
- Dinosaurs
- Collecting marbles
- Climbing Trees
- Fireworks
- Milk
- Snow
- Buttons
- Play dough
- 'Knightmare' 'Trap door' and 'Stop it and tidy up'
- Dads motorbike
- Bermuda shorts
- Rollar boots
- Disney World
- Remote control cars
- Trampolines
- High heels in the dressing up box
- Bicycles
- Paper mache
- Bunk beds

Yours?

Something For The Weekend

2010-01-23T19:54:00.003Z

2010 Ambition List

2010-01-22T23:00:00.005Z

Picture from 'inspire' search on vi.sualize.us.
Actual picture from i.Anton check out her AMAZING photography

Its gives me a great sense of satisfaction and peace to have something in my head, driving me forward and aiming for throughout a day, it makes me feel I have achieved and done something useful that day and not just let it slip past. It also gives me a great rush when a seemingly non-specific day can suddenly be spurred on by just a sudden glimpse of inspiration that then creates a whole new meaning for that day. Therefore in the spirit of ambition I have envisioned my own '2010 ambition list' to continue to inspire, drive and motivate me throughout the year:

♥ Take a dress making course
♥ Visit New York
♥ Blog weekly
♥ Carry out a swap parcel with a fellow blogger
♥ Make a snap purse
♥ Regularly attend and host our Stitch and Bitch club
♥ See more bands live
♥ Finally decide on and purchase a digital camera and...
♥ Take more photos
♥ Clear my student debt
♥ Accomplish another cycling holiday
♥ Cook ten things from my 'Apples For Jam' cookbook
♥ Make more mix tapes!
♥ Not loose my iPhone by the end of the year
♥ Cut down dairy, more precisely cheese (its so obvious I'm allergic to it :s)
♥ Make good headway on my CV and pursue my career
♥ Swap my morning tea for lemon in hot water (so refreshing!)
♥ Read something by Borges
♥ Crochet something
♥ Cut down my alcohol intake (eek so easy to indulge when socialising)
♥ Run, like er once?!

More Motivating lists:
moonshine and piffle
my favourite colour is shiny
A Beautiful Mess
Lovelorn Unicorn (see side bar)

♥ Hello!

2010-01-17T23:38:00.009Z

So I started the year with a list of 2010 to do's, number one of course being to blog more reliably once a week and grr it is the third week in January and I have failed. However I have an excuse in that everytime I came to blog I felt the need to revamp and renew some life into the pages and huzzah today I have spent the day doing so! Rather frustratingly I may add as it turns out my Pshop/illustrator/template skills are far from pro, anyhow here is the new style for now, tips/comments appreciated!

More from my 2010 to do list coming soon and the highly satisfing sewing I have been sneaking in with the aid of a new Stitch and Bitch group my pals and I set up!

Happy new year!

2010-01-03T20:30:00.002Z

Picture from weheartit.com and spotted on this super cute blog

All the best to you guys, I'll be back soon I promise xx

Sing Along To Songs You Don't Know

2009-10-14T22:09:00.003+01:00

The Brilliant new album by Múm

Official Site
MySpace

Its on its way!

2009-10-12T20:00:00.007+01:00

I can not believe the time has come round yet again to start thinking and preparing towards a creative and handmade-as-much-as-possible x-m-a-s (still cannot quite bring myself to start saying the word in full yet, feels far too early!). However for me this year is going to be the biggest yet. It is the first year Mr M and myself will have the holiday together, and with both sets of parents invited who, may I add, have never met before. Pretty nerve wracking right?! They are so dissimilar in so many aspects that it almost feels as though we're conducting some kind of social experiment!

It will be the first year we 'kids' will be the ones considering where best to purchase traditions such as a tree or the turkey, how to decorate accordingly and which traditions we should now introduce as our own. Whilst pondering these thoughts I stumbled upon rather shocking facts that has seriously made me consider how we conduct our celebrations.

"According to the charity Action for Sustainable Living, over six million cut trees were bought last year in the UK, but only 12.5% recycled. The rest created 9,000 tonnes of waste in landfill sites, and will take hundreds of years to biodegrade."

"Over 24 million glass jars of mincemeat, pickles and cranberry sauce will be consumed over the festive period and if all these jars were recycled, it would save enough energy to boil water for 60 million cups of tea."

Now, I recognise I fail in many aspects of greener living and it is definitely Mr M who is the ecowarrior among us both, however living together has definitely made me consider my environmental impact a lot more and such painstakingly obvious waste such as the "3 million tonnes of UK Christmas paper, packaging and card that could easily be recycled", is horrifying.Helping me contemplate a greener and more creative Christmas is 'The Christmas book' by S Goldsmith, which I happily recommend. Whilst I purchased it mainly for the handmade and unique Christmas ideas inside I now realise it has a strong and important green emphasis that I have enjoyed learning and thinking about. It comes crammed full of ideas from recipes to creative wrapping and decorations to choosing a tree. Great ideas that will be adding an inkeeping home-made and sustainable dimension to our gifts and decorations.

All quotes and pictures from 'The Christmas Book' by S Goldsmith