Bottle brush: Elaine’s Botanicals

Dionne    Embroidery and Crewel     bottlebrush, Elaine's botanicals, embroidery

The power of a name, this looks just like the brush I used for the Munchkin's bottles.

The sixth little Sublime hand knit book is instore now

Dionne    Knitting and Crochet, What's New     sixth little sublime hand knit book, sublime baby cashmere merino 4ply, sublime baby cashmere merino silk dk, sublime book, sublime yarn

Lovely brights for winter.

New designs and yummy colours.

This is too cute. The sixth little Sublime hand knit book arrived in store on Monday.  It includes 14 new designs for babies 0-3 years and Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk dk, has 4 new cheery colours for winter that are featured throughout; Teddy Red, Sailor Blue, Puzzle and Seesaw.  There are also some lovely new colours in Baby Cashmere Merino Silk 4ply.  Can’t wait to make something up in this.

Sublime devotees have already been in and snaffled the Sailor Blue for a little personal indulgence rather than for a child or grandchild.  It is beautiful yarn, and I say “Go nuts girls, there should be more of it”.

Traced linen for babywear and tableware

Dionne    Embroidery and Crewel     babywear, embroidery, tableware, the stitchery, traced linen, victoria house needlecraft

No, this is not one of The Stitchery designs, but you get the idea

Oooooh, the universe moves in mysterious ways.  Only last week I was lamenting the apparent disappearance of the traced linen tableware that we all learnt our basic embroidery stitches on.  On Wednesday this week, The Munchkin and I attended the Sydney Craft and Quilt Fair and were very excited, (Ok, … I was excited, he tried to pull stuff off the table before I took the pram in another direction) to find a stand for The Stitchery. 

These classic treasures are still available in a range of traced designs on table cloths, duchess sets, centres, runners, doilies on drip-dry cream or white fabric or cream linen.  Kathy and Allen also supply traditional babies clothes and accessories in cotton flannelette in a range of colours, starcella; an 80% cotton and 20% wool mix in cream and a drill in sky blue, pink or cream.  Like Victoria House Needlecraft, The Stitchery is a family owned business.  In fact they have been supplying Australians with lovely traced linen since 1929. 

If I had a dollar for every time we get asked for traced linen and tablewear, Victoria House Needlecraft could probably help Kevin and Wayne out by funding a third stimulus package.  Rather than providing relief and assistance to politicians, we have decided to reduce costs to our customers and send you straight to the source.  While The Stitchery welcomes all customers, you will need to shop online or phone for an appointment.

Agapanthus: Elaine’s Botanicals

Dionne    Embroidery and Crewel, What's New     agapanthus, Elaine's botanicals

Guess this one hasn't been bashed and battered by the Roaring 40's.

Got to say, this is the prettiest Agapanthus I have ever seen.  I am reliably informed by my mother, (she who leaves a rake on the ground and it takes root and grows exotic flowers, such is her skill, love and level of success as a gardener… ok, maybe I am exaggerating a little, but she is good) this is one hardy unit.

The only thing that would grow in exposed areas facing the  exposure of the Roaring 40′s salty winds in north west Tasmania where I grew up.  This one looks rather lush, yet delicate, a testament to Elaine’s talent in making nature even more alluring.

Nature also presents them in a white but I cannot see them having as much appeal as Elaine’s Botanicals pretty blue.

100 flowers to knit & crochet: Our June Book of the Month

Dionne    Book of the Month, Knitting and Crochet     100 flowers to knit & crochet, lesley stanfield

Yes, I know the title does not have any caps, neither does the front cover of the book.  I am going with the presentation the author and editors have given us…  I digress…

We introduced this book to our customers two months ago, and it has demanded our Book of the Month status.  This is the first chance I have had to really look at it.  It has walked out the door within days, and we have increased our stocks to meet demand.  What has really impressed us is the number of men who have bought it as a gift or found it for their partner to purchase.  Nice one guys!

I am more than a little biased, this lovely book of 100 flowers to knit and crochet was always going to be a winner for me.  More flowers that defy my ability to kill even cactii.  As with all books that we recommend, instructions are clear and concise, with yarn requirements included.  Projects are available for beginners and more advanced crafters, photography is beautiful and you have an object you can use at the end.  My personal favourites are numbers 68 Pelargoniam and 28 Lavender, they have a vibrance and delicacy that is stunning.  There are even some fruit and vegetables,  not sure where I would use them, but the funky little bunch of radishes are a hoot. 

Designer and author Lesley Stanfield has done a wonderful job, she has a rapidly growing fan base amongst our staff and customers.  100 flowers to knit & crochet is available now, online and instore for $40.00.