The wikiup gets taller

By this evening the wikiup, as Graham calls it, is almost the height of a man.

Stocking up for the winter

Each Christmas we spend some time with both sides of our family. It is a time of hectic visits to relatives and lots of driving, followed by a week of relaxing and getting ready for the year ahead. I love this time of year, I never think about work... having said that there is always some project on the go.

This year it is chopping and storing wood for next winter. Sam and his dad have got their hands on lots and lots and lots of wood, they are on day three of processing it ready to store. If I am honest I think Sam is mostly excited by his new chain saw.

It does mean that each night we can cosy up by the fire safe in the knowledge that we probably won't run out of wood.

Festive countdown

In our house winter celebrations are underway, marked by the annual Christmas Pudding preparations. I have to say I don't really like Christmas Pudding, but a few years ago found this great recipe by Rachel Allen .. I am a convert!!

Here it is waiting for its 3 hour soak in simmering water :)

I have also been making last minute preparations for the Handmade & Vintage Festive Market at The Storey in Lancaster. It takes place on 8 December from 11 - 5. I organise this event every year but this is the first time I am taking a space myself. I join 45 other designers, makers, artists and vintage enthusiasts in providing the city of Lancaster with an alternative high street.

Here is a little glimpse of what I will have to offer.

Festive Market

I am organising the Handmade & Vintage Festive Market in Lancaster again this year. I was always a really successful event in the Storey Gallery programme and something I was keen to continue as a freelancer. This year will be slightly different - I am taking a stall myself to test peoples reactions to my work. It is quite terrifying letting all the things I have been working on over the past few months out into the big wide world, but I am also excited. I hope they are well received!!

The Festive Market takes place on Saturday 8 December from 11am - 5pm at The Storey. I will post the flyer in a day or so. For those of you who use Facebook, you can find out more on the facebook event page but also here on my blog. Over the next few weeks I will post details of some of the exhibitors!!! They are what makes the event so successful and fun!

Below are some images from last year taken by the very very talented JB from beanphoto

Pop up

Some serious internet research is on the agenda this week. I am trawling the web looking at fabrics and thinking about my collection.

I found this japanese linen, this site, and this children's clothing site and this Irish linen.

Along with all the work related searching, I am coming across other very interesting things and making notes for Christmas presents.

I found this amazing pop up book on 'Once upon a fold'. I would love to get it for smallest but she would tear it apart... now who do I know that would love this?