A little bit of hookin'

I recently bought this rather lovely book from the Book People

Rather cheaply too at only £3.99!!

It is full of inspirational gorgeousness.

http://nickitrench.blogspot.com/2011/01/cute-easy-russian-dolls.html

 

 These Babushkas are definitely on my to do list.

And isn't this cafetiere cosy fabulous?

I just had to make my own ...

and just love how it turned out. 

I didn't buy any wool specially for it, just used up any bits and bobs and oddments that I had lying around. It was so easy to do and really had me "hooked" (oh dear - I'll go and get my coat should I?)

I've also completed another of the little projects from the book but I can't show you it yet as I've made it for one of the swaps I'm taking part in.

You know what though? It feels so good to finally get my finger out and actually DO something instead of just thinking about it. 

Here's to lots more hookin'.

xxx

Corner Puddings (Would a dumpling by any other name taste so good?)

It's that time of year.

Autumn's mellow fruitfulness is beginning to give way to the chill of winter.

The nights are drawing in.

It's already dark when I leave work.

Food needs to comfort.

Tonight my comfort food was Corner Puddings.

A big comforting pot of mince and gravy topped with oven baked suet dumplings.

Hubby asked "What's for tea?"

I replied " mince and dumplings."

"Mmmm corner puddings" came back the response.

It got me thinking.

My mam always calls mince and dumplings corner puddings, my mother in law calls it corner puddings. My late dad would call it "puddings in the corner". (Even when baked in a round dish!)

I can't remember when I began calling it "mince and dumplings" but I do, as do my dear daughters.

Still whatever it's name, it's good warming traditional fare, perfect for a chilly evening.

We had ours tonight with potato and turnip (I think those from more southerly parts of the UK will call it swede) mashed together, what our Scottish neighbours would call neeps and tatties, carrots and cabbage.

Cheap, filling, warming and comforting - whatever the name.

Flea Market Finds

Another trip to the wonderful Flea Market at Tynemouth Station today.

Two gorgeous broaches. The blue one cost me £4 and the pewter shield like one £3.

I also picked up the lovely Paragon demitasse cup. The photograph really doesn't do it justice. It is bone china and only 6cm high. On the base it has a double royal warrant stating "By appointment to HM The Queen & HM Queen Mary. A little research into the backstamp dates this at between 1938 and 1952. 

I can just picture this little cup come springtime filled with primroses. (I know! Spring's a while away yet - we've got winter to get through, but I like to dream.) 

Best of all was the little price tag to go with this little cup - only £1!!!

Also for the princely sum of £1...

This pretty velveteen case with embroidered insert, and inside?

A practical pocket sewing kit. 

I just love it!

Linda xxx