Thanks Fran - you're one in a million

When times were hard last year my friend Fran was amazingly kind and for a time I lived with her in her tiny "microflat." It could have been stressful to live in such close proximity, but actually we had a lovely time which we both look back on with nostalgia. Shortly after I moved in, Fran got a job in her native Cambridge and moved away, so I took over the flat.I really cannot imagine how things would have been if Fran hadn't stepped in to share her little haven in Hotwells. Such kindness deserved a gift which was straight from the heart.and which told her that she will always have a home with me in Bristol any time she wants to visit. I made this little bag, filled it with home comforts, and embroidered it with "Fran's home from home" so she can take it with her wherever she goes and know she will have the essentials.

Here's the result:

Vintage crochet/knitting patterns No. 1

Whilst I didn't feel that these vintage patterns ever qualified for the Museum, they are testament to Grandma's crafty longevity, and I've had a whole lot of fun rummaging through them, or "rooting" as Doris would say (in her Lancashire dialect!).


Here's the first of many I'll be sharing. I wonder if she made (and wore!) this one? I'm quite tempted to have a go!

Party invitations in the style of old skool vinyl records

One of the reasons that I am so happy to craft is because it means that I can create really personal gifts for special friends and family members. That's especially helpful when cash isn't flowing in the right direction. Okay, handmade items can look a bit "wonky" sometimes no matter hard you try. But the people that "get" crafting understand that it takes a lot of love to spend the amount of time it takes to produce something handmade. And that's something money can't buy!


So when my loyal friend Heather mentioned that she was planning a party for her 50th birthday, I really wanted to make a contribution. I have to admit, paper crafts are not my usual choice so this was a bit of a challenge for me. . . .so here they are . . . .

I'm pretty pleased with them, and I think you can tell they are records, but if anyone has any advice for the future, please do comment!


Happy 50th Heather! Now I just have to worry about my outfit . . . . . .

Museum of my Heritage. Exhibit No.1!

My main vision in setting up this blog was to catalogue and share the many beautiful handicrafts produced by my family through generations. It's something of a coincidence that both sides of my family have long histories of making things with their hands, but it's a heritage I am very thankful for.

This colourful chap was made from felt by my Grandma, Doris, who turned 90 last September. He is certainly at least 50 years old. In his pocket he stores little sticks which were called "spills" and used to tamp down the tobacco in a pipe. Grandma made several of them for a bring and buy sale, and this one to keep.


Doris has showered all her family with a lifetime of lovingly handcrafted items, so as you can imagine, there will be more posts where this came from!  Grandma also patiently taught me to knit, sew and bake, and to live frugally but happily, for which I cannot measure my gratitude!   

Vegan, dairy free crêpes

Isn't it just the way that having spent hours thinking about the title and design of my crafty blog, the first thing I want to share is food-related? Still, no matter, because I think this tells you a good deal about me. I look on most aspects of my life in the same way that I look on my crafts - an opportunity to express myself, be creative, experiment and have fun!

It's hardly ground-breaking to say that there is something decadent about taking the time to make a special breakfast, and that for many a bacon sandwich or poached egg on toast heralds the weekend. But making pancakes just for yourself is the ultimate decadence. Try it!

The secret to the success of these vegan crêpes is gram flour, which is a miraculous ingredient I use an awful lot. It gives the crêpes the lightness and elasticity the eggs would usually provide. There is also no weighing in this recipe which reduces the faff factor and clearing up. Quantities are to make two crêpes, which was plenty for me this morning, but you can easily increase the quantities if you are feeling greedier or if there are more of you:


Ingredients:
2 dessert spoons plain flour
1 dessert spoon gram flour
pinch salt
About a cupful of milk.


Method:
Mix dry ingredients together. Add milk a dash at a time, stirring as you go to avoid lumps, until you have something the consistency of emulsion paint.


Cook in the usual manner.

Welcome to my blog!

Welcome to Handicrafts are my Heritage! I'd like to share a little of my life with anyone who has similar interests.