1 A Bustle & Sew Publication

Copyright © Bustle & Sew Limited 2016

The right of Helen Dickson to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means, without the prior written permission of the author, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Every effort has been made to ensure that all the information in this book is accurate. However, due to differing conditions, tools and individual skills, the publisher cannot be responsible for any injuries, losses and other damages that may result from the use of the information in this book.

First published 2016 by: Bustle & Sew The Cottage Oakhill Radstock BA3 5HT UK www.bustleandsew.com

2 Welcome to the January Issue

Helen xx

3 Tips for Stitchers

Cross stitch is probably one of the easiest stitches of all. It may be worked separately, as an open “scattering” or close together to fill an area. It is a geometric stitch and looks best (and neatest) if all the stitches are placed evenly on the background fabric which is why it’s most often worked on even weave fabric. Some of the oldest embroideries in the world have been discovered in the Greek Islands. These are very frequently worked in cross stitch.

Cross stitch should be worked so that the second stitch, which forms the X shape is always slanted in the same direction. This makes the stitch very smooth and even.

Leaping Rabbit pattern available instore

4 61 13 53

42 22

Between this month’s covers … Tips for Stitchers Page 4 Hand Embroidery Hint - your hoop Page 37 January Almanac Page 6 Little Fox Clock Page 38 Small Beginnings Hoop Page 8 Rosie’s Recipes: Puddings and Pies Page 42 Nature Notes (1) Page 11 Lovely Idea: DIY Lace Up Boots Page 49 Easy Rhubarb Jam Page 12 Daisy the Draught Excluder Page 50 Little Stitching Bear Embroidery Tutorial Page 13 The Beach in Winter Page 52 Lovely Idea: Pom Pom Mouse Page 19 Meet the Maker: Diane Kavanagh Page 53 Pea Pod Pin Cushion Page 20 Sweet Clementines Page 56 A Long Winter’s Sleep? Page 22 The Twelve Months Page 57 A Winter Garden Page 26 Around the Year Hoop Page 58 Seasonal Ingredients: January King Page 27 Home Comforts Page 61 Harvey & Cole Zipper Pouches Page 28 Calendar 2017 Page 62 Poetry Corner: As You Like It Page 32 In the Kitchen: Conversion Tables Page 60 A Little History of Whitework Page 33 Templates Page 61 Nature Notes (2) Page 36 5 January

As midnight approaches on New triumphant blast of trumpets. She though winter will never end. But Year’s Eve and the festivities reach later recorded in her diary, “This don’t despair. Although January their climax, bell-ringers gather in had a fine solemn effect which brings frosts, sometimes snow, churches all over the country to quite affected dear Albert, who trees are bare and everywhere follow the old tradition of ringing in turned pale, and had tears in his seems on first inspection quite the New Year. Where there is just eyes and pressed my hand very lifeless, in fact the rhythm of life has one bell, then midnight will be rung warmly.” simply slowed, not stopped on a single note, but wherever the altogether. Many animals are church as a full set, then a cheerful Once the Christmas and New Year hibernating and migratory birds peal of bells will greet the birth of festivities have come to an end, have headed south for warmer 2017. In the UK the bells are rung we’ve all returned to work, and the climes, so fewer birds will be seen not in unison, but one after another, cheerful seasonal envelopes in the fields and hedgerows. In with the sequence changing after dropping on our doormat bringing many places farmers move cattle each round is complete. flocks of robins, snowmen and and other stock indoors to over- reindeer have been replaced by winter in barns. But the days are In many villages this peal of bells is those plain versions with windows lengthening and new life is the signal for people to spill out of containing bills, offers of life beginning to stir. Catkins will pubs and parties to listen to the insurance and other such delights, already be appearing on hazel notes floating across the crisp cold then the beginning of January can bushes, turning from lime green to air, then turn to wish each other a seem a little flat - even depressing. yellow as the month progresses. Happy New Year. When Victoria The days are still short, the weather You may spot the earliest shoots was Queen, she decided one year is at its worst and, with no holidays of wild garlic sprouting up through that New Year at Buckingham to look forward to in the near the leaf mould, recognisable by Palace should be heralded with a future, sometimes it can feel as their pungent smell if you crush

6 them between your fingers. In the church and then paraded around with suet onions and oatmeal and gardens the earliest spring bulbs, the parish by the farm labourers traditionally boiled in a sheep’s including snowdrops of course, will collecting money from stomach) served with tatties and be beginning to appear and householders along the way. neeps (potatoes and mashed hellebores will be in flower. swede). The festival of Epiphany itself Keen gardeners may be outside celebrates the arrival of the Magi in The 26th brings Australia Day, a washing out seed trays, edging Bethlehem - the three wise men public holiday throughout that lawns and undertaking other small who had travelled from the East to country commemorating the tasks, whilst those of the fair meet the young king, bringing gifts foundation of the first colony of weather variety (self included!) may of gold, frankincense and myrrh. European settlers at Port Jackson be sitting indoors reading seed and (now Sydney) on that day in 1788. bulb catalogues, making planting “We three kings of Orient are; The immigrants, mainly convicts, plans for the spring and summer Bearing gifts we traverse afar, had travelled from England in a fleet months to come, encouraged by Field and fountain, moor and of eleven ships under the command the passing of each January day mountain, of Captain Arthur Phillip, who when the sun lifts slightly higher subsequently became the founder above the southern horizon, and Following yonder star.” and first governor of New South provides enough heat by the end of John H Hopkins Jr (1857) Wales. the month to make my unheated greenhouse pleasantly warm for a Also known as Twelfth Night 6 The month draws to a close with few short hours at least. January is the last of the twelve the anniversary of the execution of days of Christmas and is the date King Charles I who was beheaded Ploughing the fields in preparation by which Christmas decorations on January 30 1649. His long- for sewing is the first task of the must be taken down to avoid bad running dispute with Parliament had agricultural year. The first Monday luck. led to the English Civil War which after Epiphany (6 January) is known began in 1642 and continued after The birthday of Scotland’s most as Plough Monday, this was his death. The monarchy was famous poet, Robert Burns, falls on formerly the day that farmhands replaced by a Protectorate led by 25 January and Burns Night is returned to work after their Oliver Cromwell, and then his son celebrated by those of Scottish Christmas holiday - not that they Richard, until 1660 when Charles II descent across the world. At the actually did much work on this day was restored to the throne. For 200 centre of the festivities is a as it was marked by various years after the Restoration January traditional Burns Supper of haggis ceremonies and usually ended in 30 was observed as a holy day with (a dish made of the heart, lungs and general merrymaking. The plough fasting and solemn church services liver of a sheep or calf, chopped up would have been blessed at the in honour of the “murdered” king.

7 Small Beginnings Hoop

January is of course all about new beginnings, and whether we’re trying to keep our New Year’s Resolutions or browsing through seed catalogues deciding what to plant in the spring, or perhaps making changes to our lives, it’s important to remember that big things do indeed have small beginnings.

This is a very easy hoop to stitch, the seed packet is appliqued to a felt background and the hand embroidery is simple - just straight stitch, back stitch stem stitch and satin stitch.

Shown in 5” x 9” oval hoop.

match your seed packet fabric and Materials oddments for the seeds, flower head (I used variegated floss for these) and the ● 12” x 8” white felt (or you could use any stripy pot. plain fabric if you liked. I rather liked the contrast of the felt with the texture of the ● Bondaweb linen fabric I used for the seed packet though). ● 5” x 9” oval hoop

● 4” x 3” natural coloured fabric for seed packet.

● Stranded cotton floss in two shades of green, brown and black. Also colour to

8 Method ● The seeds are worked in satin stitch.

Trace the outline of the seed packet onto the paper side of your Bondaweb. Cut out roughly, then fuse to the reverse of your seed packet fabric. Cut out carefully and, using the pattern as a guide position on your background fabric. Fuse into place protecting your work with a cloth.

Tip: Before fusing the Bondaweb to your fabric make a cut into the centre of the shape. This will make it much easier to peel the paper backing away without damaging the edge of the shape. ● The leaves at the bottom of the design are ● Transfer the embroidery pattern using your worked in the same way as the leaves of preferred method. Work the embroidery as the plant. The stems are back stitch. Mix follows using two strands of floss light and dark green leaves randomly. throughout. ● The text is worked in black floss and back ● Secure the long sides and “torn corner” of stitch. The heavier strokes are two rows of the seed packet to the background fabric back stitch. using small straight stitches worked at right angles to the edge of the fabric and Tip: When you’re stitching text work very matching floss. The top and bottom are small stitches around the curves of the secured with long straight stitches in brown letters to keep them nice and smooth. If you thread. catch yourself thinking “I can get away with ● The word “seeds” is worked in stem and one stitch here” then stop. And consider. back stitch in brown floss. In almost every case two smaller stitches ● The flower is satin stitch and the leaves are will work better. straight stitch worked at an angle to an ● Carrying your floss across the back of your imaginary centre vein. I worked one leaf in work is fine with felt as it’s quite thick. Do light and one in dark green. beware though if you’re using a lighter ● The pot is worked in satin stitch. I decided weight fabric as the black floss is more likely stripes would be nice so worked two to show through to the front. stitches in blue and two in red alternately. ● When your embroidery is finished press I find it easiest to do this using two needles lightly on the reverse being careful not to as I’m not very good at estimating how flatten your stitches. much space to leave between stripes, and so prefer to work both colours as I go (see ● Mount in your oval hoop. photograph).

9 10 Nature Notes St Paul’s Day, or Conversion of St. Paul, falls on January 25th. About this day we may expect the breaking of the severe frost of winter in snowy and cold years, and in general some change in the seasons; the days too, are now perceptibly lengthened.

A proverb says, - If St. Paul's day be fair and clear, It doth betide a happy year; But if it should be wind and rain, Then will be dear all kinds of grain.

The winter Hellebore, the white Butterbur, and the Snowdrop, have been sometimes found to flower as early as this day.

The Pocket Encyclopaedia of Natural Phenomena,

11 Easy Rhubarb Jam

Forced rhubarb comes into season this month and makes a delicious jam. Wash 2 lbs (900 g) rhubarb and cut it into 1” (2.5 cm) pieces. Place into a preserving pan or other wide, heavy bottomed saucepan and sprinkle with the same quantity of granulated sugar. Cover and leave overnight. The following day add the juice of two lemons, then place the pan over a low heat and stir the contents regularly until the sugar has dissolved. When you’re stirring be gentle so that you don’t squash the rhubarb.

Once the sugar is all dissolved (you won’t be able to feel it on the bottom of the pan with your spoon) then turn the heat up and bring the jam to the boil. Boil for a few minutes, stirring continuously. Remove any scum from the surface. When setting point (105 C 220 F) has been reached pour your jam into sterilised jars, place a waxed disc on top and seal. Leave to cool. Once opened your jam will keep for several weeks stored in a cool dry place.

If you don’t have a jam thermometer, it’s easy to test for setting point. Place a spoonful of jam on a refrigerated saucer for a few seconds then gently push it with a teaspoon. If it has formed a skin that crinkles when pushed it’s ready. If it hasn’t continue boiling and test again in a few minutes.

12 Little Stitching Bear A hand embroidery tutorial

13 January brings some of the coldest weather of the year when, after a brisk and chilly walk with the Newfies (who simply adore these winter days), it’s lovely to snuggle down in front of the log burner and enjoy a mug of cocoa and some relaxing hand stitching. This tutorial came about as I was practising a stitch my grandma taught me that I hadn’t used for a very long time. She called it basket weave stitch, though it is probably more accurately referred to as surface darning.

Being me, of course I couldn’t just work a few squares of this stitch, I simply had to incorporate it into a new design, in this case a little bear wearing a warm woven jumper. And as I stitched I thought …. I’m using stitches that all begin with B … Back stitch, Basket weave stitch, Blanket (or buttonhole) stitch and Bullion stitch. Feeling quite excited by this I decided to add the names of the stitches and a big letter “B” to my design, which is why you’ll see that the bear begins all alone, but about halfway through the extras appear! I’m not going into details of how to stitch back stitch and blanket stitch, though I will give you a few of my tips on how to make your back stitch as nice as it can be.

non-stretchy, firmly woven fabric will be Materials absolutely fine

● 6” embroidery hoop ● Stranded cotton floss in black and five other colours of your choice. This is a ● 9” square background fabric. I used a good project to use up any ends of skeins nice slubby white linen fabric, but any left over from other projects.

14 tape to give the hoop a better grip on the Method fabric.

Before beginning to stitch ● It’s good practice to remove your work from the hoop between sessions, but I must admit ● I don’t like flappy corners very much when I don’t do this unless I know there’s going to I’m stitching, so if I know I’m simply going to be a break of a few days or so until I’m able display my work in a hoop when it’s finished to return to my work. rather than incorporate it into a larger project, I like to trim away the corners to give me a ● The template for the design is full size. circle around 2-3” greater in diameter than Transfer the design, and be sure to mark in the hoop I’m using. the squares for his jumper shown as pink lines (1) ● It’s always a good idea to finish the edge of your fabric before beginning to stitch, Basket Weave Stitch especially if (a) you know you’re going to be working on the project for a while, picking it ● With two strands of floss begin on one of the up and putting it down again and/or (b) the end squares and first work your vertical fabric is likely to fray. Fraying fabric is really stitches. They should not be placed too annoying as threads can easily be caught up closely together as this will make it (a) difficult at the back of your work, and you may have to weave your needle in and out and (b) won’t to trim away quite a lot of border if it frays too leave much space for your horizontal stitches much. to show and you’ll lose the nice chequered effect of working with two colours. ● Simply run around the edge of your fabric with your serger if you have one, or a zig-zag stitch ● There’s no need to carry your thread across on your sewing machine. Failing this you can the back of your work to come up again on even bind the edges with tape, though this the same side as you do with satin stitch - isn’t such a reliable solution! just make a very tiny stitch on the back of your work. This makes basket weave a very ● Transfer your design before hooping up your economical stitch to work floss-wise. (Which fabric. I am a huge fan of Sulky Sticky Fabri was probably very important to my grandma Solvy as this gives me the most accurate who would have been stitching during the possible lines to stitch and also acts as a Make Do and Mend war years). stabiliser if my fabric is quite loosely woven. I trim it fairly closely to the shape of the design ● Keep your stitches nice and vertical - do (1) so there is less to dissolve away when my watch out for any tendency for them to start work is finished. to lean to one side as this will also spoil the effect you’re seeking. ● When hooping up your fabric should be taut but not tightly stretched or you may distort it ● When finished fasten off your thread and which will spoil your stitching. To hoop up change to your second colour. Come up in loosen the screw at the top of the hoop. one corner and start to weave your needle Place your fabric on the bottom ring, then through the vertical threads (2). I find it push the top hoop down over the top, pulling easiest to reverse my needle and pass the the fabric gently until it’s taut. Then tighten eye through first (3). This means I am much the screw. If your fabric slips in the hoop you less likely to pierce the existing stitches may find it helpful to bind the bottom ring with and/or fabric as I go. It may not work for you but it’s definitely worth a try!

15 1 2

3 4

5 6

16 ● When you get to the end of your row, pull the away with one stitch, then you really should thread through fairly firmly (but don’t yank too be making two! (6) hard) and then with the blunt end of your needle push the thread into position so that Bullion Stitch the horizontal rows lie against each other. Don’t push too hard though, simply touching is sufficient.

● Then take your needle back down through the fabric, make a tiny stitch, approximately the width of your floss and then come up again ● I placed bullion stitches worked in 2 strands and go back the other way. of light blue floss along the top of the bear’s jumper. These do need a little practice to work ● When you’ve finished the last row you can successfully - the key is to keep tension in the comfortably fit in you may want to adjust the thread you’re wrapping round both as you way the horizontal stitches lie so that the wrap and as you pull the needle through the background fabric is evenly covered. Again loops. The steps are as follows: you can gently move them with the blunt end of your needle. ● Bring your needle up through the fabric at the point marked with the arrow above and then ● Continue in this way for the remaining squares. take it back down at the required length of Back Stitch your stitch and up again at exactly the same point as before (7). ● This is one of the easiest stitches to work but ● Don’t pull your needle right through, but leave does need a little care to produce the best it lying on your fabric and twist the thread possible results. around it (8). Six or seven twists are about ● When you’re stitching with black thread on a right. white or pale background do try not to carry ● Place your left thumb upon the twists and pull floss across the back of your work or leave your needle and thread through your fabric long tails as these are likely to show through. and also the twists as carefully as possible. ● The bear is stitched in two strands of floss. Be Now pull your needle and thread away in the super-careful to make sure that you take your opposite direction. This movement will force needle back down in exactly the same place your little coil of thread to lie flat in the right you brought it up through the fabric. place. Tighten it up by pulling your working thread, then reinsert your needle at A. This ● Where two lines meet, it gives the nicest finish should also be the end of your bullion knot if if you can make all the stitches meet at a down you’ve chosen the correct number of twists to point. So for the bear’s mouth I worked two fill the space. (9 and 10) horizontal stitches, then brought the line of his nose down into the hole between them (5). ● Continue until the trim is finished.

● The text is stitched in a single strand of black ● And that’s it! One final tip - as my linen is quite floss. Take your time over this. You can make loosely woven, when mounting for display I longer stitches for the straight parts of the backed it with a circle of white felt. This meant letters, but will need to make very tiny stitches I still had the lovely texture, but a much more for the small loops and curves. A good rule of uniform colour as no light could penetrate thumb is if you think you can get through the holes.

17 7 8

9 10

11

18 Look! a lovely idea ------Pom Pom Mouse

Thanks so much to Amy Brand of Sweet Pea Felts for this cute little pom pom mouse tutorial. Such a simple, but effective, idea and a great project to make with kids if you’re looking for crafting ideas to fill the days until they’re back to school!

Free Pom Pom Mouse Tutorial From Amy Brand : Sweet Pea Felts Pom Pom Mouse Tutorial

19 Pea Pod Pin Cushion

This project is also horticulturally-inspired, another perfect make for those dreaming of spring planting and summer flowers and produce to come. Meanwhile what could be nicer than a plump pea pod pin cushion, with three fat peas perfect for your pins and needles. This is a really quick make that takes only around an hour or two to complete and is totally sewn by hand.

Finished [in cushion measures 5” long (approx).

Tip: Quilting cotton is the perfect Materials weight for creating plump wrinkle-free ● 6” x 4” green felt for pod peas, so why not hunt out some of your leftover pre-cuts. I used some Tilda ● Small scrap of felt (a different green) for remnants leftover from our Unicorn the leaf frill at one end (I’m not at all sure Head kits. what the technical name for this is, but leaf frill is at least descriptive!)

● Three 4” squares of printed cotton

● Toy stuffing

● Green embroidery floss or pearl thread

20 end off a bamboo skewer and “fraying” the Method broken end so it grabs the stuffing as you push.

● Cut two pea pod sides and one frill using the ● Fasten off the thread firmly and snip long ends. full size templates. Cut three x 3” diameter circles from your printed cotton fabric.

● Place the two pea pod sides together and using two strands of green floss join along the bottom edge from B to C. Use either blanket stitch, or my favourite is a decorative cross stitch formed by stitching over the edges with a diagonal whip stitch, then returning and stitching again but this time slanting my stitches in the opposite direction to create the cross stitch. ● Pin the peas into place along the sides of the ● Stitch along the top edge from A to B in the pod, then make small stitches at intervals to same way. Place the pod to one side. secure them into place. Make sure they’re squished in nice and firmly and secured to the ● Run a gathering stitch around the pod. circumference of your printed fabric circles and pull up tightly inserting stuffing as you pull ● Fold your leaf frill in half and stitch to the to create a nice plump round shape (you may completed pod at C. find a stuffing stick useful for this) A stuffing stick is simply created by breaking the pointed ● Your pin cushion is now finished.

21 A long winter’s sleep?

22 You may be forgiven for imagining that beneath its winter blanket of frost and snow your garden is sleeping peacefully awaiting the warmth of spring but this is an illusion as all winter long there are vital changes taking place both above and below the soil.

During the colder months your dormant. Once this has the neck of the bulb or very garden can appear dead and happened they need to short stems then you’ve bare. If you’re lucky - and have experience a certain number of experienced what happens if carefully planned your planting days at a minimum the bulbs don’t spend at least - you may have some brave temperature, usually below 7 ten weeks in cool conditions. splashes of colour from witch degrees centigrade. Only once There are exceptions to this hazels, viburnums and this has happened will they be such as Narcissi Paperwhite dogwoods, but all the other ready to burst into growth and which doesn’t need this cold plants seem to be sleeping bloom once temperatures rise period, being native to waiting for the warmer weather once more. This process is Mediterranean regions. and longer daylight hours designed to ensure that new before bursting into life when growth occurs during the In the winter herbaceous spring finally arrives. But spring months, not too early plants stop growing and the although you may not be while it’s still only autumn. foliage dies back. But the plant aware of them, across the isn’t dead of course, the root garden vital changes are Spring blooms need chilling system survives and is used to occurring. Beneath the soil the to force them to sprout. store the carbohydrates the plant made during the summer low temperatures are working This makes them naturally a subtle magic on seeds, roots months. This gives them a and bulbs while even the chilly tolerant of frost and snow. reserve of energy, perfect for winds have a role to play in getting ahead in the spring. Hardy bulbs - those we leave ensuring flowers and fruit will in the ground all year round appear later in the year. If we Storing energy over the such as daffodils, crocuses didn’t have a cold period in winter gives a great start in and snowdrops - need winter then our gardens would different weather conditions at the spring race for light. be less beautiful in the summer different times of the year to be months. able to grow and produce The colder weather triggers the plant to move these stored It’s essential for many plants flowers. The bulbs are formed in the heat of summer, whilst energy reserves to its growing that they experience a period tips, ready for an early surge of of cold weather, including our root growth is stimulated by the colder and wetter weather growth in the spring. Once orchard trees such as apples, conditions are favourable plums and pears. If of autumn. But it’s the cold of winter that’s needed to they’ll be able to push their temperatures remained high shoots into the sunlight ahead then these trees wouldn’t stimulate even growth. Temperatures of 10 degrees of surrounding plants such as produce new growth in the annuals. This stops their new spring, nor flower buds that centigrade trigger the elongation of the flower stem. growth from being smothered develop into fruit. In a process by the hundreds of annual known as vernalisation the If you’ve ever tried to grow seedlings germinating at the shorter daylight hours initially hyacinths or daffodils indoors same time. Peonies and causes deciduous trees to and have ended up with a dahlias are two plants that use shed their leaves and become clump of flowers crowded on this technique.

23 Beneath the blanket of snow, life continues apace throughout the winter months ….

24 When grown from seed some to germinate. But in other harms way, they curl up and plants also need a cold spell species the weathering cover themselves in mucilage, before they will flower. These process is linked to their need a thick glue-like substance include biennials such as for a cold, moist period. This that they secrete to keep wallflowers, sweet Williams, triggers the seed’s embryo to themselves from drying out. foxgloves and alliums. They grow and expand, breaking They then snooze the winter bloom in late spring and through the softened seed months away, entering a state release their seeds in summer. coat to seek the sun and find called estivation that continues nutrients. Seeds do this as if until conditions improve once If these seeds germinated they germinated immediately more. immediately then the second they were shed, the tender generation of plants wouldn’t baby plants would be very While the earthworms sleep have time to produce viable unlikely to survive the harsh other soil life is very much seeds before the winter winter weather. If the frost awake. arrived. The cold weather didn’t kill them, then grazing would kill the unripe seeds animals, slugs and snails Many bacteria continue to causing the loss of a whole would finish them off. function in temperatures close generation. Instead, the to and even at freezing. plants make healthy clumps of Life below the surface Recent research has foliage the first year and then discovered that the number of wait the winter out before Of course plants are not the bacteria in the soil is greater in producing their flowers the only inhabitants of our winter winter than summer - perhaps next growing season. No gardens. We’re all familiar because of the mass of dead matter how early you sew the with feeding birds through the plant material available to seeds of biennial plants they winter months, and providing them left over from the autumn will only ever produce leaves havens for other wildlife - but die back - fallen leaves and in their first year, never flowers. there’s animal life beneath decaying roots from annuals ground too and herbaceous plants. Seeds germinating in Earthworms are essential to autumn would be unlikely This means good news for the well being and good health fair-weather gardeners like to survive the winter. Using of our gardens. Their burrows me. It has been suggested the cold weather to delay are the channels by which that autumn and winter water and oxygen enter the growth gives them a better digging which exposes these soil and carbon dioxide leaves. chance of survival to bacteria and causes them to Earthworms consume organic maturity. dehydrate may actually do matter in dead plants, more harm than good to the breaking it down into smaller Biennials need winter chilling soil fauna and fungi. That’s all pieces. But they can’t burrow before they produce flowers, the excuse I need to put my through frozen soil and are but some plants need tools away for winter and killed by frost. In winter vernalisation (a period of settle down with a nice supply therefore they stop feeding dormancy induced by cold) of catalogues and magazines and burrow deeply down into before they will germinate at (in addition to my stitching of the soil, as much as 24” (60 all. In some cases, simply the course) and while away the cm) below ground level, softening of the hard seed colder weather in front of the depending upon the soil type. cases by frost and general log burner dreaming of warm When they’re safely out of weathering will allow the seed and sunny days to come!

25 A Winter Garden What I am now going to mention will, reason we are not so sensible of kinds of birds retiring into this little perhaps, deserve your attention more those beauties that at this time may green spot, and enjoying themselves than anything I have yet said. I find be everywhere met with; but when among the branches and foliage, that, in the discourse which I spoke nature is in her desolation, and when my great garden, which I have of at the beginning of my letter, you presents us with nothing but bleak before mentioned to you, does not are against filling an English garden and barren prospects, there is afford a single leaf for their pleasure. with evergreens: and indeed I am so something unspeakably cheerful in a far of your opinion, that I can by no spot of ground which is covered with You must know, sir, that I look upon means think the verdure of an trees that smile amidst all the rigour the pleasure which we take in a evergreen comparable to that which of winter, and give us a view of the garden as one of the most innocent shoots out annually, and clothes our most gay season in the midst of that delights in human life. A garden was trees in the summer season. But I which is the most dead and the habitation of our first parents have often wondered that those who melancholy. before the fall. It is naturally apt to fill are like myself, and love to life in the mind with calmness and gardens, have never thought of I have so far indulged myself in this tranquility, and to lay all its turbulent contriving a winter garden, which thought, that I have set apart a whole passions at rest. It gives us a great would consist of such trees only as acre of ground for the executing of it. insight into the contrivance and never cast their leaves. The walls are covered with ivy instead wisdom of Providence, and suggests of vines. The laurel, the hornbeam, innumerable subjects for meditation. We have very often little snatches of and the holly, with many other trees I cannot but think the very sunshine and fair weather in the most and plants of the same nature, grow complacency and satisfaction which uncomfortable parts of the year, and so thick in it, that you cannot imagine a man takes in these works of nature have frequently several days in a more lively scene. The glowing to be a laudable, if not a virtuous, November and January that are as redness of the berries, with which they habit of mind. For all which reasons agreeable as any in the finest months. are hung at this time, vies with the I hope you will pardon the length of At such times, therefore, I think there verdure of their leaves, and is apt to my present letter. could not be a greater pleasure than inspire the heart of the beholder with to walk in such a winter garden as I that vernal delight which you have I am, Sir, &c. have proposed. In the summer somewhere taken notice of in your season the whole country blooms, former papers. It is very pleasant, at Joseph Addison, from and is a kind of garden; for which the same time, to see the several

26 Seasonal Ingredient

January King is a seasonal heritage cabbage that is as wonderful in appearance as it it is delicious to eat. It has the most attractive loosely gathered purple-veined leaves surrounding a vibrantly coloured heart. Ready to harvest now (hence its name) it is a hardy variety that is well able to withstand the cold winter weather. If you’d like to grow your own for next year, then sew seeds outdoors from April to June into finely-prepared soil. The seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks and once established should be transplanted into their permanent growing positions 24” (60 cm) apart. January King has a sweet flavour and is high in valuable antioxidants. Use it in soups, casseroles, bubble and squeak and stir fries. You can also roast it while the larger outer leaves can be stuffed.

27 Harvey and Cole Zipper Pouches

Dogs love to be helpful (even when they’re not!) And these two cute pooches are guaranteed to keep your possessions safe and snug in two lined zipper pouches perfectly sized for glasses and pens or pencils, though you could resize however you please of course.

Harvey the terrier decorates a 6 ½” x 3 ½” pouch perfect for glasses, while Cole the dachshund guards your pencils in a 8” x 4” pouch.

Materials ● 9” square wool blend felt ● 9” square lining fabric + two 2” squares for For the Terrier pouch zipper tabs

● 7” x 8” wool blend felt ● 8” nylon zipper

● 7” x 8” lining fabric (I used a quilting cotton) + ● Scraps of brown felt and red cotton two 2” squares for zipper tabs ● Pale blue, brown and black embroidery floss ● 6” nylon zipper For both ● Scraps of black, white and brown felt ● Bondaweb ● Red, black, white and brown embroidery floss ● Temporary fabric marker pen For the Dachshund pouch ● Zipper foot for your sewing machine

28 Method

● Cut your zipper to size if necessary. It ● For the terrier pouch cut your felt and lining should be 1” shorter than the width of your fabric into two 7” x 4” rectangles and for exterior fabric pieces. the dachshund pouch cut into two 8 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles. ● Now make your zipper tabs from the 2” squares of fabric. Fold the square in half ● First work the applique dogs. They are and press. Then fold in half again and positioned in the bottom right hand corner press again. (4). of the front piece ¾” up from the bottom edge and 1” in from the left side. ● Push the tabs over each end of your zipper and top stitch along the folded edge (5). ● Using the full size templates trace the shapes onto the paper side of your ● Now make a zipper sandwich: Place your bondaweb (1). Cut out roughly and fuse to lining fabric face up on a clean flat surface the reverse of your fabric. Cut out carefully and place your zipper face up on top and peel away the paper backing. aligning the edge of the zipper to the top edge of the lining. The edge of the lining Tip: before applying the bondaweb to the will be ½” longer (approx) than the zipper reverse of your fabric make a cut into the itself. shape. This will make it easier to peel the paper backing away without damaging the edge ● Now place the exterior fabric face down on top again aligning to the edge of the zipper. of your shape. Pin and/or tack in place. ● Position the shapes on the felt front pieces. ● Fit the zipper foot to your sewing machine Build up the shapes carefully (2) and when and stitch along the length of the zip as you’re happy with their positioning fuse into close as you are able to the zipper teeth. place with a hot iron protecting your work with a cloth. ● Now turn the fabric away from the zipper and press. Repeat on the other side of the ● Secure the shapes to the background zip with the remaining exterior and lining fabric using two strands of matching floss pieces. and small straight stitches worked at right angles to the edges of the shapes. ● Open out your work so that the exterior pieces are right sides together and pin. ● Draw in the eyes, noses and the terrier’s collar with temporary marker pen (3) and ● UNZIP YOUR ZIPPER (very important). embroider using two strands of floss. The terrier’s collar is satin stitch and the ● Pin together the lining fabric in the same dachshund has a border of pale blue way. French knots around the openings of his jacket. ● Stitch all the way around the edge of the pouch being careful to get very close to, ● Press lightly on the reverse. but not stitch through your zipper tabs. This will ensure they sit nicely when your

29 1 2 3

4 5 6

30 pouch is finished (6). Leave a 3” gap at the ● Turn pouch right side out (this is why you bottom of the lining to turn through your must unzip your zipper. If you don’t you pouch. won’t be able to turn your pouch out.

● Trim away excess fabric at corners. Make ● Press the raw edges of the turning gap open sure you push out the exterior corners and topstitch to close. Push the lining down properly as it will be much harder to do this inside the pouch. when your pouch is assembled. ● FINISHED!

31 From As You Like It

Blow, blow, thou winter wind. Thou art not so unkind As man’s ingratitude: Thy tooth is not so keen Because thou art not seen, Although thy breath be rude. Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly: Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly: Then, heigh-ho! the holly! This life is most jolly. Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky, Thou dost not bite so nigh As benefits forgot: Though thou the waters warp, Thy sting is not so sharp As friend remember’d not. Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly: Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly: Then, heigh-ho! the holly! This life is most jolly.

William Shakespeare

32 A Little History of White Work

33 White work is exactly what you The Egyptians were probably the stiffened with rice starch. The might think - that is white stitching first to use it and it does seem embroidery was worked with a on a white background that uses appropriate that white embroidery double row of back stitches on contrasting textures to give a with its cool beauty would the reverse side which gave a beautifully delicate effect. It's originate in a hot climate. shadowy effect. particularly challenging to stitch Cleopatra is known to have worn as everything depends upon the delicate gossamer-drawn thread White work spread into Europe excellence of the embroiderer, work and when the Queen of where, in medieval times, nuns there's no hiding behind rainbow Sheba visited King Solomon all his were famous for beautiful hued threads, simply a sparkling trumpet players were dressed in needlework and white was used whiteness as refreshing as a crisp white linen, which was more than to symbolise the purity of the snowy day. Indeed in the 17th likely to have been embroidered. Virgin Mary. Though fine, the linen century John Taylor referred to it used wasn't transparent in the in his book "The Needle's White work was also stitched in same way as the Eastern muslins Excellency" as "frost work". India where a special caste of and sometimes the nuns would washerwomen starched and draw out the threads of the White work seems to have been pleated fine lightweight muslins for background to give a lighter effect. produced throughout the ages in the nobility. These muslins were Another kind of openwork, where almost every country in the world. blanched with lemon water and buttonholed bars were connected Sometimes it was the height of given poetic names such as "dew across a linen surface which was fashion, but even when it was less of light," "woven wind," and afterwards cut away, came from popular it was always there, the "running water" and were so fine the Ionian Isles and Corfu. This delicate Indian muslins and crisp as to be almost transparent. The cutwork - so called because the white cuffs that contrasted so white embroidery that came from background was later removed beautifully with the Elizabethans' Madras, Delhi, Calcutta and the was the basis for the development sumptuous sleeves, Scandinavian area around the Ganges was of "punto in aria" - literally "a stitch openwork or lovingly stitched called "Chikan" and was worked in the air" when it was discovered baby clothes, shawls, bed linen on filmy muslin woven from that the background linen wasn't and altar linen. cotton, hemp or pineapple fibres really needed at all and the

Whitework tablecloth demonstrating cutwork

Vintage Scottish white work collar Vintage Ukranian shirt showing drawn thread work on linen

stitches could be built up by however, with everyone as the tambour embroidery developed themselves. This light and delicate dandy Beau Nash, in a gathering into a cottage industry in Scotland stitchery became the first real in the Assembly Rooms at Bath, and Ireland. Cottagers would needle made lace, so popular and tore off the white apron worn by gather together to work and pay - because of the hours of work the Duchess of Queensbury and a child a penny to keep the involved in producing it - so flung it into a corner saying that needles threaded and contribute expensive from the sixteenth white aprons were worn only by to the family earnings, though the century onwards. Aristocrats servants. highest pay was just 10/- a week were the only ones who could for their labours. afford this luxurious product and With industrialisation muslins and even they often had to sell assets cottons were able to be produced Today machines can produce as in order to be able to afford it. A in Britain and so began an industry many thousands of metres of French courtier of 1630 boasted of white embroidery that was very white work as customers demand that he was wearing "thirty-two successful until the late 19th and so white embroidery by hand acres of the best vineyard …. century. Worked on a ring hoop is done only in limited quantities around his neck." or tambour frame (from which it by highly skilled professional took its name, it was worked in embroiderers in places such as In the time of Queen Anne in chain stitch, sometimes with a fine Hong Kong, Madeira and Venice. England (the early 18th century), crochet hook and sometimes with This beautiful traditional work the fashion for finely embroidered a needle. Another type of white often passes unremarked as most aprons worn by ladies as a purely work, known as Broderie people imagine such delicate decorative garment rose to a new Anglaise, was done by cutting stitchery can't possibly be done height, and though many were eyelet holes into the linen, which by hand. done in silk and gold thread white were then closely stitched around ones were popular too. Not the edges. This, combined with Nature Notes

Orion, one of the most beautiful of our winter constellations, ornamenting the sky of an evening from November to February. It reaches from about 70o to 90o of the equator, and between 20o N and 10o S on the meridian. The principal stars are , and of these three Rigel is the brightest in this constellation and is the reddest star in the Heavens.

The Pocket Encyclopaedia of Natural Phenomena,

36 Hand Embroidery Hint

When you’re stitching with a hoop always stab your needle up and down through the fabric, never try to “sew” by running it through horizontally. Professionally trained embroiderers (and other clever folk) work with one hand above and one beneath the hoop. This takes practice, but does speed up your work once you’ve mastered the technique.

37 Little Fox Clock

I had such fun making this little clock - I say little, but it isn’t really that small as it’s mounted in a 12” hoop. The numbers are all hand embroidered and the fox is simple machine applique with hand embroidered details. The clock movement was purchased from ebay and these inexpensive quartz movements are widely available both online and in craft shops. I painted the outer hoop with white emulsion paint as I thought it looked better with my choice of fabric, but that’s simply personal preference.

● 12” square medium weight cardboard (I Materials cut mine from the side of an old packing carton) ● 15” square duck egg blue linen or cotton fabric. It needs to be a medium weight ● Clock movement. The long hand on my (quilting weight isn’t really heavy enough) movement is 4 ½” long. to support the stitching and applique. ● 12” embroidery hoop ● 8” square fox felt. ● Bondaweb ● Scraps of black, white and pale pink felt. ● Embroidery foot for your sewing machine. ● Stranded cotton floss in black and white ● Temporary fabric marker pen ● Bondaweb ● Hot glue gun

38 ● Fit the embroidery foot to your sewing Method machine and drop the feed dogs. With black thread in your needle and a pale ● Separate your hoop into its two pieces. colour in your bobbin go around the edges Place the bottom ring in the centre of your of the shapes twice. Don’t be too neat, blue fabric and draw around the outside you’re aiming for a sort of scribbled effect. edge with your temporary fabric marker pen. ● Add sparkles to his eyes and a shine to his nose with a few straight stitches worked in ● Fold in half, and then into quarters and white floss. press the folds with your hands. Open out the fabric and draw along the fold lines with ● When finished press your work lightly on your temporary fabric marker pen. They the reverse. will cross in the centre of your clock which is where you will eventually place your ● Place your inner hoop on the cardboard mechanism. These lines also give you the and draw around the inside. Cut out. position for 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. Transfer the numbers leaving a gap of 1” ● Mount your clock face in the hoop. Trim approximately between the edge of the fabric so you have 1 ½” excess all the way numbers and the circle you drew earlier around. (you don’t want the numbers right up against the edge of the clock). Transfer the ● Push your cardboard circle into the back of remaining numbers spacing them evenly. the clock so that it rests against the fabric. Turn the fabric excess to the back and glue ● Using two strands of black floss work the into place with your hot glue gun, spreading numbers in split stitch. When you’ve some over the join between the inner ring finished press your work lightly on the and cardboard circle as well as you go. reverse being careful not to flatten the This will hold everything nicely in place. stitches too much. ● Make a hole in the centre of your clock ● Now work the applique. You need to where the two lines you drew right at the position your fox so that the cross where beginning cross. Now remove the lines. the lines meet is just below the left side of his face so he will be slightly off centre. This ● Push the spindle of your clock mechanism means that the hands won’t be positioned up through the hole and secure the battery over his face. casing to the back of the clock with a couple of dabs from your glue gun. ● Trace the applique shapes onto the paper side of your bondaweb. Pay attention to ● Assemble the clock mechanism in how they will overlap to form the shape (1 accordance with the manufacturer’s and 2) when tracing and cutting. Cut out instructions. roughly and fuse to your felt. Cut out ● Insert battery. carefully and position on the clock. When you’re happy with the positioning fuse into ● Your clock is now finished! place with a hot iron using a cloth to protect your work. (3)

39 1 2

3 4

5

40 41 Rosie’s Recipes: Traditional English Puddings & Pies

42 Our family have always enjoyed winter’s day walks with the family dogs, tramping through the mud and working up a healthy appetite, while at home warming comfort foods cook gently in a low oven. These are some of my favourite recipes from long-ago winter days, that Mum tells me she remembers her own mum and grandma making (long before I was born) and that I enjoy serving to my own family too. Astonishingly, that means that five generations (and probably more) have enjoyed these hearty winter warmers - and I hope you do too. Chicken Casserole This is a wonderfully old-fashioned and economical recipe that’s great served with a few fluffy dumplings too! Ingredients ● 2 tablespoons flour

● 4 chicken portions (remove the skin if ● 2 tablespoons cream you’re health-conscious) Method ● 2 large onions, peeled and sliced ● Preheat oven to 160 C, 325 F Gas Mark 3 ● 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced ● Fry chicken in oil until golden, place in the bottom of a casserole dish. Fry ● 2 rashers streaky bacon, rinded and the sliced onions, mushrooms, carrot and bacon, then add to the diced casserole and season. Add 4 tablespoons red wine, stock and herbs. Cover and cook in the oven for one hour. ● 6 tablespoons red wine ● Simmer the whole onions in the remaining wine until gender. ● ½ - ¾ pint stock ● Melt the butter, add flour and cook for a few minutes. Blend in the wine ● Bouquet garni from the onions, together with some stock from the casserole to make a smooth liquid consistency. Add to the casserole and adjust seasoning if ● Bay leaf necessary.

● 6 small onions, peeled ● Add onions 15 minutes before serving.

● 4 mushrooms, peeld and sliced. ● Remove bouquet garni and bay leaf. Stir in the cream at the last minute and garnish with parsley if liked. ● 1 oz (25 g) butter

43 Yorkshire Pudding & Toad -in- the-Hole

44 There must be hundreds of recipes for Yorkshire pudding, with each version being traditional to a family and handed down through the generations. This is our family version - and Mum says the most important thing is to get the oven and the fat really hot. Toad in the hole is a development of the theme!

dripping or oil into a 18 cm (7”) square baking tin and Yorkshire Pudding heat in the oven at 220 C 425 F until the fat is really hot and showing a haze. Pour in the batter and bake for 40 ● 4 oz (125 g) plain flour to 45 minutes. ● Pinch salt Toad in the Hole ● 1 egg ● Ingredients for the batter are the same as for ● ½ pint (300 ml) milk Yorkshire pudding.

● Oil or dripping. ● In addition you will need 1 lb (450 g) good quality sausages Sift the flour and salt into a bowl, make a well in the middle and break the egg into it. Add half the liquid and Make the batter and heat the fat as before. When gradually work in the flour with a wooden spoon, beating the fat is hot enough arrange the sausages in the tin, until the mixture is smooth. Beat in the rest of the liquid pour the batter over and bake near the top of the slowly until the whole is well mixed, then beat until the surface is covered with little bubbles. Leave to stand if oven for about 45 minutes. Don’t open the oven door time allows, but can be used immediately. Put the during baking or the batter might sink.

45 In Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens, there is a description of the way Ruth Pinch, one of the characters in the story, makes her first steak pudding: “I think I could make a beef-steak pudding, if I tried, Tom.” “In the whole catalogue of cookery, there is nothing I should like so much as a beef-steak pudding!” cried Tom, slapping his leg to give the greater force to his reply … “...But if it should happen not to come quite right the first time,” his sister faltered, “if it should happen not to be a pudding exactly, but should turn out a stew, or a soup, or something of that sort, you’ll not be vexed, Tom, will you?” “Why,” said Tom, “this is capital. It gives us a new, and quite an uncommon interest in the dinner. We put into a lottery for a beef-steak pudding, and it is impossible to say what we may get. We may make some wonderful discovery, perhaps, and produce such a dish as was never known before.” …To see the butcher slap the steak, before he laid it on the block, and give his knife a sharpening, was to forget breakfast instantly. It was agreeable, too - it really was - to see him cut it off, so smooth and juicy. There was nothing savage in the act, although the knife was large and keen; it was a piece of art, high art; there was delicacy of touch, clearness of tone, skilful handling of the subject, fine shading. It was the triumph of mind over matter; quite. Perhaps the greenest cabbage-leaf ever grown in a garden was wrapped about this steak, before it was delivered over to tom. But the butcher had a sentiment for his business, and knew how to refine upon it. When he saw Tom putting the cabbage-leaf into his pocket awkwardly, he begged to be allowed to do it for him. “For meat,” he said with some emotion, “must be humoured, not drove.” ….. While Ruth prepared to make the pudding …. she tripped downstairs into the kitchen for the flour ,then for the pie-board, then for the eggs, then for the butter, then for jug of water, then for the rolling pin, then for a pudding basin, then for the pepper, then for the salt; making a separate journey for everything and laughing every time she started afresh … such a busy little woman as she was … kneading away at the crust, rolling it out, cutting it up into strips, lining the basin with it, shaving it off fine round the rim, chopping up the steak into small pieces, raining down pepper and salt upon them, packing them into the basin, pouring in cold water for gravy, … until at last, the basin being quite full and only wanting the top crust, she clapped her hands, all covered with paste and flour, at Tom, and burst out heartily into such a charming laugh of triumph, that the pudding need have had no other seasoning to commend it to the taste of any reasonable man on earth. Eliza Acton translated this pudding of Ruth Pinch’s (also known as “steak pudding a la Dickens” to rather more exact measurements as follows: To make Ruth Pinch’s celebrated pudding, you must make it into a very firm smooth paste: one pound of flour, six ounces of butter, half a teaspoon of salt, and moisten the paste with the well-beaten yolks of four eggs (or three whole eggs, mixed with a little water). Take a basin which holds a pint and a half, and butter it very thickly before the paste is laid in, as the pudding is to be turned out of it for the table.

46 Season a pound of tender steak, free from bone and skin, with half an ounce of salt and half a teaspoonful of pepper well mixed together. Lay it in the crust, pour in a quarter of a pint of water, roll out the paste cover for the basin and close the pudding carefully. Tie a floured cloth over the pudding and boil it for three hours and a half. When ready, untie the cloth and invert the pudding over a large plate and take it to the table. From Modern Cookery by Eliza Acton 1845. For readers unfamiliar with the original story, let it be known that “The success of that initial dish; that first experiment of hers in cookery; was so entire, so unalloyed and perfect” that it was agreed that Ruth Pinch must have been studying her cooking in secret for a very long time. Steak and Kidney Pudding Ingredients ● Coat the meat and kidneys with seasoned flour. ● Fill the lined basin with the meat, kidney and onion ● 12 oz (350 g) stewing steak, cut and add the water. into ¾” cubes ● Cover the basin with the reserved dough, cut to fit the ● 4 oz (100 g) lamb’s kidney, cored top exactly, and dampen the edges to seal them. and sliced ● Cover with greased greaseproof paper and put into a ● 2 level tablespoons seasoned large saucepan of boiling water, or steamer, and cook flour for about 4 hours.

● 1 onion, peeled and chopped ● If it’s more convenient, the meat and onions can be partly cooked for about 2 hours before being put into ● 3 tablespoons water the suet case in which case the steaming time can be reduced to 1 ½ to 2 hours.

● 8 oz (225 g) self raising flour

● ½ level teaspoon salt

● 4 oz (100 g) shredded suet

● About 105 ml cold water Method

● Make the suet pastry by mixing the flour,salt, suet and water together to make a manageable dough. Roll out about 2/3 and use to line a greased 1 ½ pint pudding basin.

47 And finally, a winter’s weekend lunch wouldn’t be complete without pudding - our family favourite was a yummy Bakewell Tart - a dish from Derbyshire (where it is called a pudding). Tradition has it this dish was invented by accident when an inexperienced cook forgot the flour when making an almond sponge. The result was so good it remained a speciality of the Rutland Arms in Bakewell.

Ingredients Method

● 8 oz (225 g puff pastry) ● Roll out the dough and use to line a deep 7” (18 cm) loose-bottomed flan ● 2 eggs tin.

● 2 egg yolks ● Beat the eggs and extra yolks together, add the butter, sugar and ● 4 oz (100 g) butter almonds and mix well.

● 4 oz (100 g) sugar ● Spread the bottom of the pastry case with a layer of raspberry jam and pour ● 2 oz (50 g) ground almonds on the egg mixture. Sprinkle the flaked ● 2 level tablespoons raspberry jam almonds on top.

● 2 oz (50 g) flaked almonds ● Bake at 200 C (400 F) Gas Mark 6 for 30 minutes

48 Look! ------a lovely idea DIY Lace Up Rain Boots

Wellies are the must have wear for all country dwellers and dog walkers at this time of year. But what to do if, like me, your calves are too wide for standard fit boots? No need to worry as Jessi from Practically Functional has a wonderfully stylish solution to our problem!

Free DIY Lace Up Rain Boots Tutorial From Practically Functional : Practically Functional Rain Boots Tutorial

49 Daisy the Draught Excluder

Dogs love to be helpful (even when they’re not!) And here’s another helpful canine anxious to help you out! Daisy is a well-behaved patient dog who will happily spend hours lying against the bottom of your door keeping cold draughts away.

Finished size 10” tall x door-width

● 12” square printed cotton fabric for ear Materials linings

● Less than a yard medium weight fabric ● 2 x ¼” black spherical beads (depending upon the width of the door - which affects how long you want to ● ¾” button for nose make your draught excluder of course). ● Toy stuffing I have used a wool effect upholstery fabric which is much easier to handle for ● Polybeads, pebbles or rice to add to a project like this than actual wool as it the stuffing if you want to make your doesn’t stretch and isn’t too thick. The Daisy a little heavier. (Optional) only drawback is that it does fray quite easily. I purchased mine from ebay.

50 1 2

nose to back of head, stitching in the tops Method of the ears as you go. (2)

● Measure the width of your door - plus 3” ● Join body pieces along back, around tail either side - this will be the length of your and along bottom, leaving a 6” gap for dog. Templates are given for the head and turning and stuffing. Clip curves, paying tail sections and you can make the body particular attention to paws and trim away whatever length you like to fit your door. excess fabric from tail tip. The templates are actual size and the head and tail pieces need to be joined via an ● Turn right side out and stuff firmly. Insert extended body section to make the full dog beads/pebbles if liked to give your dog shape. extra weight. Close stuffing gap with ladder stitch. ● Place ear pieces and linings right sides together and stitch around edge leaving the ● Stitch beads to sides of head. Use glass short top edges open. Clip curves, turn pins to determine their positions and take right side out and press. your time over this as the position of the eyes will determine Daisy’s final expression. ● Insert body gusset matching legs and paws When you’re happy with the positioning and continue stitching up bottom of nose stitch the eyes into place pulling firmly on to tip of nose (1) the thread to create small hollows for them to sit. ● Pin ears into place on sides of head using the photo as a guide and matching seams ● Stitch button into place on nose tip. at the top. Insert head gusset from tip of ● Finished.

51 The Beach in Winter

Not so much now I live inland and our winter walks involve very enjoyable excursions to woods and rivers, but in the past, we’ve very much enjoyed visiting the beach in the winter. In fact I think we enjoy beaching more in the colder weather than in the summer months as often we have the whole place to ourselves and so the Newfies can run and splash and play without any fear of getting in anyone’s way. Below you can see Rosie and a much younger Ben playing in the surf on a particularly blustery visit to Start Bay in Devon one winter’s afternoon in, I think, 2011. (Before Daisy was even born!)

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, then why not wrap up warm, pack your picnic blanket and head to the beach for a winter picnic and some wellie-paddling (the same as normal paddling but in wellies!) If it’s cold warm up by building sandcastles and digging moats to surround them, or simply enjoy the crashing waves if it’s windy (but be sure to stay safe and not venture too close if the water is rough). If it’s been stormy you may well find an assortment of interesting flotsam and jetsam washed ashore (flotsam has floated - or been lost - from boats, whilst jetsam is rubbish that’s been deliberately discarded) and rockpools are always interesting to explore, whatever the weather.

Remember to check tide times before you set out, and always supervise children if they’re playing in or near water.

52 Meet Diane Kavanagh who hand pours soy candles & wax Meet the melts showcasing the best of Maker British & European vintage heritage.

Hi Angie, I love your seemed like the perfect realised it could turn into candles, and have also name for our business. a viable business. sent vintage moulds to be refilled - such a great Did it seem like a How do you make your idea - and I’m sure realistic business idea magazine readers would company stand out like to learn more about when you first thought from the crowd? you and The Vintage of it? We enjoy placing Chandlery too …. It started as a hobby to something of ourselves be honest, I never really into each candle, How did you choose expected to start to sell whether it be the vintage them as a business as container we've your business name? candles are everywhere! personally sourced I've always been drawn which was once to vintage pieces and I knew from the someone's possession over the years have beginning that I wanted in years gone by, a sourced and inherited to use a natural plant fragrance we've blended many wonderful items, wax rather than paraffin that's evocative of a from kitchenalia and tea wax - we use 100% Eco childhood memory (our sets to my love of old Soy wax which burns Spiced Apple fragrance books, the oldest being cleaner and slower and was based around my Great Grandfather's is also water soluble baking with my school prize from 1888. which is perfect for our Grandma as a child, the business, meaning sweet smell of apples, A Chandlery was when the candle is cinnamon & buttery traditionally the office in spent, the container just pastry when she cut into medieval households needs a quick wash in the still hot apple pie where wax and candles warm soapy water and was magical!), to the were made by the it is restored to its settings we use to "Chandler" a candle original vintage state for photograph them. We maker & I'm actually reuse. I gave some did a photo shoot on Isle directly descended from candles as gifts in of Mull this summer, the Thomas Barrett of Duns vintage glass trinket jars scenery is second to Tew (formerly Dunstew), last year, was then none and the Highland Oxfordshire who was a asked to make some for Cattle were most Tallow Chandler in the a friend, and so it began. impressed being in the 1600's, as was his son Very quickly my shots! It also allowed us Thomas after him. It husband Darran and I to pick some natural

53

Highland Heather which we scatter occasional air bubble, but none of day's wax for new candles. There's on some of our candles. this affects burning in any way. always the ordering of new stock and our ever expanding 'Idea's pad' What do you wish you'd known I like to think that when you look at which we fill in as we're going along, before you began? our candle you see a little bit of our from new fragrance blends to character in it. And this season, creative thinking because when It's far more complex than it first we've made our own vintage style we're not talking candles, we're appears! From wick sizes to wax decoupage jars and candle coasters talking candles! melt pools, suitable containers, which have gone down a treat for scent throw and of course Christmas gifts! Although we never really 'clock off' timescales because we hand pour because it really is our passion, every one of our candles in small What has been your biggest Darran is an amazing cook *swoon* batches. We need to keep a so we like to end the day with a regulated heat in the Chandlery challenge? glass of something chilled, some while they 'sleep' before they're Bar the ordinary like long hours and good food and a text or phone chat shipped and of course some of the being completely unprepared for the with our children - we've just Molly most unexpected things can popularity and demand for our at home now, Emily & Sam have become very popular, such as our product, we've yet to have one! long since moved into their own Soy Wax melts which are presented *fingers crossed* homes. And of course, no evening in a vintage linen bag - they're a no is complete without the lighting of fuss, economical way to fragrance And the best thing about running some candles... your home by simply placing a your own business? couple on a wax melter with a What are your plans for the future? tealight underneath. You can put your own values into your product and service, and We have close ties to the Isle of Mull demonstrate the care and attention and would love to have another Your proudest moment so far? stockist on there! We're very Seeing our first International that we believe customers should receive. fortunate to have local stockists as shipment to Chigaco being well as our Etsy store and next year displayed in their business's I've built up some really lovely are hoping to expand in more Christmas window display! relationships with returning outlets as well as our international customers and as a result can sales. We'd also like to work on our What's the best advice you've been source items specific to them and packaging options, perhaps moving given? their story, such as a vintage glass into beauty and spa businesses. Remain unique & remember rose bowl is now a Rose & Patchouli people's love for the hand made. candle scattered with dried rose There's a huge amount of personal petals, in remembrance to a passion and love that goes into any customer's mum. We love nothing Visit The Vintage Chandlery handmade item as your readers will more than seeing photos of our online at the following links: know and people will gladly pay for candles in their new homes and I something that's been hand crafted. love to repost them on our www.etsy.com/uk/shop/vintage Absolute perfection comes from Instagram and Facebook page. chandlery mass produced, factory based products - our Soy candles have Describe a typical working day https://www.facebook.com/vint been melted, blended and poured Every day starts with coffee & agechandlery by either myself or Darran which Classic FM! Then it's labelling, https://www.instagram.com/the means sometimes due to the nature wrapping and packaging up the of the natural wax the surface is previous day's candles for posting, vintagechandlery slightly uneven or there may be an before starting the melting of the Sweet Clementines

Clementines are at their sweetest, juiciest best at this time of year and are the perfect antidote to those grey winter day blues. Simply peel and enjoy, add the freshly squeezed juice to a fruit salad or flavour your baking with the zest - orange drizzle cake anyone? If you’d like to try something a little special then you could try caramelising them, which is easier than you might think. Peel a dozen clementines, remove any loose pith and finely shred their peel. Heat 300 g granulated sugar gently in a heavy bottomed pan until the sugar darkens to a caramel colour. Stir in 200 ml of water and, if liked, a generous measure of Cointreau or other orange liquor. Add the shredded peel and simmer gently for an hour. Add the clementines and poach for a few minutes, then transfer to a bowl, pour over the syrup and chill.

56 The Twelve Months by George Ellis

Snowy, Flowy, Blowy Showery, Flowery, Bowery, Hoppy Croppy Droppy, Breezy, Sneezy, Freezy

George Ellis (1753-1815) was an English satirist who sometimes wrote under the pseudonym “Sir Gregory Gander”. The son of a Jamaican planter, George attended Westminster School and graduated from Trinity College at Cambridge. Besides writing prose and poetry, he also produced political cartoons and spent time working in diplomatic and embassy affairs. He was also a good friend of Sir Walter Scott. When researching this poem that forms the basis of the design of the final project in this month’s issue, I was amused to come across these comments from a Mr Leigh Hunt in 1855 … “Perhaps our last four months might be characterized as Snow, Snowy, Snowy, Snowy; for I am told that there was not only snow falling again the day before yesterday, but that a lump of it, never melted, was actually lying in Hyde Park. Snowy, Blowy, Flowy and Growy might designate our last four or the hours might be varied with Summery, Flummery, Warmth-never-Comery; for we really have had a blink or two of fine weather, only to shut its eyes again for cold, with all but icicles hanging upon their lashes.

57 Around the Year Hoop

Months of the year, as named by George Ellis, an eighteenth century English poet and satirist and, I thought, the perfect project to finish this, the first issue of 2017.

I stitched my hoop on a subdued pink linen and it’s mounted in a 12” hoop.

Stitches used include French knots, bullion stitch, stem stitch, satin stitch and back stitch

Materials Notes on Stitching

● 15” square linen fabric ● Use two strands of floss throughout

● 12” embroidery hoop ● Holly leaves are satin stitch with a row of back stitch up the centres. ● DMC stranded cotton floss in colours 310, 352, 434, 747, 818, 831, 907, ● The garland is stem stitch - vary the 936, 3344, 3740, blanc thickness all the way around so it looks more natural and less uniform

● Press your work lightly on the reverse when finished - use a towel to avoid flattening your stitches.

58 59 60 Home Comforts

Snowdrops are beginning to appear in woodlands and gardens across the country and by the end of this month many will be in bloom. There are more than 500 varieties of snowdrop and it’s nearly time to plant them. They’re best planted in the green (as plants rather than bulbs that is) at the beginning of February so now is the time to sit down with a nice cup of tea and browse the gardening websites and catalogues to choose the prettiest for your own patch. Meanwhile, when they bloom, bring a few indoors to enjoy - they last for nearly a week when placed in water in a cool place.

6117 62 63 64 Small Beginnings Hoop

Template is full size.

65 Pea Pod Pin Cushion

Template is full size.

C

66 Harvey and Cole Zipper Pouches

Templates are full size and reversed for tracing onto the paper side of your bondaweb.

67 Little Fox Clock

Template is full size and reversed for tracing onto the paper side of your bondaweb. Don’t forget to pay attention to how the pieces will overlap to avoid any ugly gaps.

68 69 Daisy the Draught Excluder

Templates are full size and include a ¼” seam allowance. Extend in the middle to fit the width of your door.

70 71 72 73 Head gusset

Cut one from main fabric

74 Around the Year Hoop

Templates are full size and will need joining together. The pieces overlap to help you do this.

75 76 77 78