Monday 18 November 2013

Old cat. New tricks.

Once Louie had had all his jabs, it was time to introduce the kitties to the cat flap. Easy? Well, you'd think so. At least I really had hoped so as it was fine spending Summer evenings with the front door propped open all evening, but I wasn't planning on doing this as Autumn closed in and it got cold and dark. So the training began.

Louie's first time venturing outside was met with my neighbours cat, Harvey. I think he did pretty well pretending not to be scared/bothered, he held his ground until Harvey was an inch from his whiskers before he ran inside :)





So, the front door was closed, the flap taped open, and we stood outside and waited. Called their names. Offered them treats. Waved a stick with a feather on the end through the hole.





The response?



Confusion. Bewilderment. A few meows. But definitely, no attempt at using the flap.





Until Louie appears. He confidently trots down the stairs, pokes his head out of the flap, and makes his bid for freedom. Though he does make time for a quick turn to look at Lola, still the other side of the flap and looking a little bemused, and wonder what all the fuss is about.




I'm pleased to say that Lola eventually grasped it. About three weeks later I heard a bit of a bump and a crash and saw her white tail disappear into the outside world. That was with the flap still taped open. It is now closed, and we are having to start again. Wish us luck! Things aren't always easy when you have a brain as fluffy as Lola's.

Real food market - South Bank


If you're looking for something fun to do with your weekend afternoon, then look no further, and get yourself down to the Real Food Market on the Southbank (just make sure you don't eat before hand as there will be lots of tasty morsels to try once you get there!)

The market really is a feast for the eyes and mouth. The traders display all their wares beautifully and abundantly, often laid upon gorgeous wooden boards. It feels very natural and honest, allowing the amazing food to speak for itself. Once we arrived, we did an initial lap of all the different offerings, before we got stuck in to our first meal. (Yes, we ate a quite a bit that afternoon).

We made a start by sharing a brucshetta from Bread Tree. Toasted and topped with a deliciously piquant tomato, garlic and onion topping, drizzled with olive oil and finished with a sprinkling of fresh parsley. Can you tell I enjoyed it?!




After inhaling our amuse bouche, we wandered around a little more, trying to decide on our next picking. There were offerings from Black Acorn, specialising in Iberico Ham, the most amazing hog roast I have ever tasted from Love me Tender, the finest home cooked Moroccan food from Nomades Mororrcan Recipes, and amazing cheese and charcuterie from Une Normanda a Londres Ltd - we couldn't resist buy a few gifts from here.

Luckily everyone hands out tasters, so you get to try all sorts of things without filling up too much.

You can see the full list of traders here - I defy you to read this and not feel hungry!



The Flour Station was piled high with freshly baked breads of all varieties; foccacias, potato breads, sour doughs and ryes - they looked so inviting I could have happily tried them all.








The Indians Next Door were offering slow cooked leg of lamb served up in freshly cooked naan with raita and fresh herbs, which I was very tempted by - it smelt incredible.



In the end we decided our next bite had to be from The Frenchie. Toasted brioche with confit of duck, duck crackling (their words, and perfect descirption!), on a bed of caramelised onions, a slice of melted cheese of your choice - goats cheese, stilton or smoked cheddar, a handful of fresh rocket and a drizzle of truffle honey. It was divine!






Hands off, it's mine!


I had been determined to work my way through more of the fabulous food at the market, but after the Frenchie I had to admit defeat. Not even room for a naughty sweet treat at the end.




So as the evening closed in, and the market continued, we picked up some mulled wine and cider and headed to the river to watch the Lord Mayors Fireworks, which were pretty spectacular.




And to end a pretty perfect Saturday afternoon, as we walked back to get the train home, we stopped for a few cocktails at the Experimental Cocktail Club and the The Blind Pig. Perfect way to warm up - Cheers!



The Market is on every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at the South Bank Centre Square - more info here

Monday 4 November 2013

Teacups


Before I worked in events, and in interior design, I spent three blissful years at university as a textile designer. I came across some of my old work recently, and thought perhaps it was time for a little trip down memory lane.

This project was born out of a love of colour, pattern, and collecting all things pretty.


It began with a small collection of teacups. A small collection that grew and grew. Being a student, I wasn't able to pop to Wedgewood and pick up their finest bone china. This meant scouring charity shops and car boot sales, which could be pretty hit and miss, BUT when I did come across a little gem, it was all the more special.

As the collection grew, I got out my pencil and watercolours and made studies of all the amazing colours and patterns.

 





From these studies, I created cartoons (a technical term for mock ups in textile design), laying out ideas of how to translate these patterns and colours into weave structures.




 

  


  



Once I had finished creating my cartoons, I made lots of colour photocopies, chopped them up and played around with different combinations. I wanted to recreate the look of my mix matched collection of tea cups, an eclectic mix of the different styles coming together.

Once I decided on my final designs, I set about hand dying my silk. I didn't regret choosing such a varied palette of colours at all...




In the end, I wove 3 pieces, each 3 metres long, each with 1500 threads making up the warp (the threads that run on the loom and made up the colourful stripes). Each piece took about 2 weeks to put onto the loom and weave. It was a tight deadline and seemed a near impossible task at the time, but as things always do, it worked out in the end.

I can honestly say that blood, sweat and a fair few tears went into this, but I have never been prouder of a piece of my own work.