Notes on a Heatwave

I survived two pregnancies in Western Australia without air conditioning, which I think qualifies me as something of a heatwave connoisseur. Full disclosure: I was in my early thirties at the time. These days, I'm fairly certain that level of discomfort would send me straight to the airport, swollen cankles and all. My main recommendation is to adopt the lifestyle of a Galápagos tortoise: move slowly, only when absolutely necessary, and find a shady spot for regular naps.

A few other survival tips:

• Ditch the underwear. This is survival mode; nobody needs an extra layer.

• Put a large bowl of cold water in front of a fan. I don't understand the science, but it works.

• Never, ever turn the oven on. Magnums are now a major food group.

• Have a cool shower and wash your hair before bed.

• In desperate times, use a damp towel instead of a sheet.

• Open the windows, but keep blinds and curtains closed during the day.

• If you're working at a computer, put your feet in a bucket of cold water.

• Keep damp flannels in the fridge for emergency brow-mopping.

Please share your own heatwave survival tips below, and good luck everyone. See you on the other side—probably in 12°C temperatures and torrential rain!

Sophie x

If all else fails sleep outside. Image: Dee Campling

Duvet Cover in Liberty Fabric - Capel in Mustard. Sweet Wrapper Pillowcases in Seaside Stripe Linen.

Marvellous Madeleines

Is there anything more delightful than a little cake shaped like a sea-shell.? The perfect sized treat to dip in your tea and guzzle on the go. Madeleines remind me of car journeys across France in the 80’s, when a bag would be bought from a service station as a treat for good behaviour. We would fall upon these little cakes like seagulls in the back seat, butter sticking to our little fingers.

I have recently discovered that Madeleines are surprisingly easy to make and can be packed up nicely for a gift. Unlike most of my baking, they reliably rise in the oven and are very light in texture. You need to invest in a good quality non-stick Madeline tin which must never ever be washed in the dishwasher. I use the recipe below and swap out the lemon for vanilla, coco powder or elderflower cordial for variation. There is always the option to paint the reverse side of the madeleine with chocolate if you want to get fancy!

Linen Tablecloth and Napkins in ‘Trianon (SALE).

Madeleine Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 free-range eggs

• 100g caster sugar

• 100g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

• 1 lemon, juice and zest

• ¾ tsp baking powder

• 100g butter, melted and cooled slightly, plus extra for greasing

Method

• Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Brush the madeleine tray with melted butter then shake in a little flour to coat, tapping out the excess.

• Whisk together the eggs and the sugar in a bowl until frothy. Lightly whisk in the remaining ingredients. Leave to stand for 20 minutes before carefully spooning into the prepared madeleine tray (you will see little bubbles forming in the mixture when it is ready).

• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the mixture has risen a little in the middle and is fully cooked through. Transfer the madeleines to a wire rack and leave for a few minutes to cool slightly.

  (Adapted from BBC Food).

Prepare for Picnic Season

Looking out of the window on this warm Saturday morning, it’s easy to be deceived into thinking that it’s picnic weather. The reality is that we still have the heating on and I always seem to be wearing the wrong coat. After the longest , wettest winter, I think we are all desperate to get out into the fresh air : Our local woods are bursting with bluebells, the birds are twittering and all of nature seems to be welcoming us outside.

Spending time outdoors in April does seem to require some planning in the form of layered clothing and appropriate snacks. Whilst a picnic may be too ambitious you can’t really go wrong with a hot flask and a chunk of cake or sandwich. I plan to find myself a mossy log, drink my tea and let the wind blow away the winter cobwebs.

In preparation for proper picnic weather, our tablecloths make magnificent picnic rugs. Handmade from durable European linens, they will withstand the unpredictable weather and can be thrown into the washing machine and tumble dryer. Order yours here before we run out.

Tablecloth made with Seaside Stripe Linen. Image @charlottejacklin

Large Linen Tablecloth in Granny Smith. Image credit @deecampling

Our Spring Collection - Fit for a Queen

Our latest collection draws inspiration from the court of ‘Marie Antoinette’. I recently enjoyed a wonderful collection of her personal belongings curated by Sarah Grant for the Victoria and Albert Museum. I was mesmerised by the combination of patterns and textures that adorned her dresses and home furnishings. One of the most striking pieces included fabric that combined stripes and leopard print overlaid with embroidered flowers. The 18th Century Queen was so ahead of her time!

Find Poppy and Honesty Spring Collection here. Dutch Armoire from A Hundred Stories.

We have named our spring linen ‘Trianon’ after Marie Antoinette’s farm retreat. The linen includes stripes in sky blue and lemon curd, colours I associate with the delicate, young Queen. I like to romanticize that she enjoyed respite from the court in the countryside under blue skies, among wildflowers. We have also designed a slightly more masculine velvet, a nod to her equally decadent husband Louis XV1. This sumptuous, thick velvet is patterned with stripes in regal blue and navy, fitting for his chambers at Versailles.

Silk Ruffle Cushion made with Liberty Fabric ‘Bow Bouquet’

Marie Antoinette and Louis XV1 embodied a whole culture of luxury, from diamond jewelry to fantasy villages and glittering court balls. The Palace at Versailles was filled with intricate details made from opulent materials by skilled craftsmen. Inspired by these decorative elements, we had added some decadent touches to our latest collection. These include cushions finished with wide satin ruffles and fancy tablecloths fit for a royal feast. Our silk cushion made with Liberty fabric ‘Bow Bouquet’ features large displays of blooms tied together with silk ribbons. I can imagine such floral displays filled the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles since Marie Antoinette was obsessed with removing the stench from the palace with floral perfumes!

I hope that you enjoy discovering our latest collection and that it provides a frivolous distraction.

Sophie xx

Mood Board.

The Lean Years - Mothering Teenage Boys

I feel a strange unease around Mother’s Day. While I’m incredibly fortunate in my family life, there’s a disconnect between the Hallmark version of motherhood and the actual experience of raising teenagers, which requires a stoic level of resilience that a simple card or bunch of flowers can't quite capture.

Toddlerhood felt like a high-stakes hostage situation involving two tiny Vikings and a lot of wall graffiti. It was exhausting, but the 'bounty' made it work; those hilarious stories and sticky cuddles are a powerful antidote to total burnout. No matter how much they destroyed during the day, a cuddle and a bedtime story always managed to fill my tank.

By contrast, mothering teenage boys is the ultimate "long game" where the rewards are often invisible and the feedback loop is a series of low-frequency grunts. It’s a peculiar, one-way contract. You’re a 24/7 concierge offering reassurance, cash, and a private taxi service, yet you’re treated like background noise unless the Wi-Fi cuts out or the fridge is empty.

I am starting to see glimmers of appreciation from our eldest son who is living away from home. Now that he’s out in the world, a home-cooked meal has been upgraded from a "basic human right" to a "high-end luxury," and I’ve been promoted from being part of the furniture to the hero for a hot minute. It’s a slow, quiet recalibration, but I’ll take the small gains and bank them.

This period is sometimes referred to as “potted plant parenting,” when parents are quietly available while their teenagers navigate adolescence and independence. How utterly brutal ! This neglected and rather desiccated cactus will be giving herself a great present this Mother’s Day — and if you find yourself in the barren lands of parenting, I strongly recommend you do the same.

Bedding made from Liberty of London Fabric ‘Annabella Blue’

Four Beloved Books

How does a book achieve an enduring impact? Is it a compelling plot and relatable characters? Yet some incredible slow burners feature deeply unlikeable protagonists — Wuthering Heights, for example. Perhaps it’s a distinct, immersive writing style that draws a reader in, or a satisfying ending that lingers long after the final page. I suspect the best books blend several of these elements in different measures, weaving them together so effectively that you find yourself reading well past lights out. In the spirit of World Book Day, I thought I’d share a few of my favourites that will never find themselves in the charity shop pile.

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

I think my love for this book stems the protective feelings I felt towards the main character ‘Theo’ who survives a bomb attack and loses his mother. The novel follows his tumultuous life over many years from New York to Las Vegas, featuring themes of friendship, addiction, and grief. Although this is a great brick of a book, I found the story to be totally compelling and immersive. As with all my favourite books, I was sad to say goodbye.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak follows Liesel, a young girl living in Nazi Germany during World War II. After being sent to live with foster parents, Liesel learns to read and soon begins stealing forbidden books. Along the way, she forms a close friendship with a Jewish man who is hidden in her basement.

As the war unfolds, books and stories become a source of comfort, helping Liesel and those around her cope with fear, loss, and hardship. Liesel’s sweet innocence, set against the horrors of war, makes this story deeply touching and truly enduring.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Amir (a Pashtun) and Hassan (a Hazara) are childhood best friends who enjoy kite flying in Kabul. However, as tension grows between ethnic groups in Afghanistan, inequality creates a huge divide between the two boys. The characters struggle against the harsh political situation in Afghanistan, including war and the rule of the Taliban, which brings violence and oppression. These two innocent children are dragged into this conflict, with devastating consequences for both of them. The Kite Runner is a story about the struggle between loyalty and friendship within a society shaped by strict hierarchies and prejudice.

Educated by Tara Westover

Educated by Tara Westover is an inspiring memoir that chronicles her journey from growing up in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho to eventually earning a PhD from the University of Cambridge.

The book explores powerful themes of education, identity, and the struggle to reconcile one’s upbringing with the desire for knowledge and personal growth. As Tara’s world expands through learning, she is ultimately forced to confront a painful choice between loyalty to her family and the life she wants to build for herself. Her story is both remarkable and deeply memorable, making Educated a truly powerful autobiography.

Valentines for your home

Whether you snub Valentines Day completely or flounce around with 12 red roses, you can still show your home a little love this weekend. Here at Poppy and Honesty we have launched our ‘Mon Cheri’ collection just in time. From Organic Cotton tablecloths to Satin-ruffled cushions, our playful handmade range will add some sweetness to your home during these damp February days and beyond.

Satin Ruffle Cushion made from Liberty Fabric ‘Clarabell’. Velvet Ruffle Cushion made from Liberty Fabric ‘Poppy and Daisy Pink’. Ruffle Cushion in Mon Cheri

Large Organic Cotton Tablecloth - Mon Cheri

Napkln in Mon Cheri (sold as set of x2)

Images @ottistyling

Cake : The Imaginary Bakery

Flowers : Lowenna Flowers

Location : The Harbour House, Flushing

Towering poufs, diamonds and disgust. Did Marie Antoinette deserve to be cancelled?

Judging by the sold out exhibition at the V&A ‘Marie Antoinette Style’ we are just as intrigued by the French Queen as her 18th Century courtiers. Last week I was lucky enough to visit the curation of 50 personal belongings and fell down a gilded, silk -lined rabbit hole into her fascinating life. A target of great criticism, Marie Antoinette was constantly placed in a ‘no win’ situation that would be familiar to many high-profile women today.

Labelled a ‘spend-thrift’ and known for her vast consumption of luxury goods, there is no doubt that the young Queen liked fancy diamonds, huge frocks and big parties. It was expected that she would champion French fashion and her preference for wearing simple chiffon dresses at her country residence, was highly criticised. Marie Antoinette’s extravagance pales in significance to that of the King’s brother and the vast expenditure under Louis XVI’s reign. However it was Marie Antoinette or ‘Madam Déficit’ who was blamed for the downfall of the French economy and the fiscal decisions made by other people.

Historical and courtly rumors frequently labelled Marie Antoinette as "frigid" primarily because it took seven years for her and King Louis XVI to consummate their marriage (nothing to do with her husband or the fact that she was only 14 years old). However, as the French Revolution gathered momentum and anti-monarchy sentiment grew, Marie Antoinette was frequently depicted as sordid and debauched in cartoons distributed across Paris which referenced incest and homosexuality. It seems cancel culture is not a new phenomenon.

Marie Antoinette depicted as a harpy, tearing up the Constitution.

High profile women in our society are relentlessly subjected to higher levels scrutiny over their male counterparts : Megan Markle, Monica Lewinsky, Yoko Ono. Britney Spears to name a few… Marie Antoinette was married off at 14 years old as part of a ‘peace dividend’ between Austria and France, she lost a child to tuberculosis and was constantly under the critical eye of bitchy courtiers. I am not surprised she found pleasure in fancy dresses and towering poufs. I would have done far worse had I been given a palace to play with as a teenager, can you imagine?

Kate Moss as Marie Antoinette for US Vogue, 2012

Favourite Fabric Combinations

Here at Poppy and Honesty we love mixing up our prints to create wonderful bedding combinations. There is no magic formula but I often follow the 60, 30, 10 rule of thumb. 60% refers to the dominant fabric (your favourite print), 30% is a contrasting fabric with a similar colour pallet and the remaining 10% is for an accent cushion as a bold statement. The scales might be represented as 60% (sheets and valance), 30% (duvet set) and 10% pillowcase, however it is entirely up to you how you create your dreamy bedding set. Here are just some of our favourite combinations.

Cosy Cocoon

Valance/ Bedskirt - Rose Gingham. Duvet Cover, Fitted Sheet and Pillowcases Liberty Fabric ‘Wiltshire Bud’. Quilt in ‘Mitsi’. Bolster in Bougie and Cushion in Rose Gingham

Green Dream

Duvet Cover, Fitted Sheet, Pillowcases and Quilt - Liberty Fabric ‘Theresa’. Ruffle PIllowcase, cushion and bolster - Granny Smith Linen.

Mr Blue Sky

Duvet Cover, Fitted Sheet and Pillowcases - Liberty Fabric ‘Annabella’. Cushion and Quilt ‘Poppy and Daisy Blue’. Cushion in Big Top Red (out of stock)

Five Small Joys in January

January can be a bit of a slog—a “Monday” that lasts 31 days. Whether you’re dodging the summer heat of the Southern Hemisphere or the winter gloom of the North, skipping straight to March sounds like a solid plan. Since we lack the witchcraft to warp time, here is your survival guide for finding joy in the gaps of the Gregorian calendar:

• Cinematic Escapism: Awards season is the perfect time to play critic. You can catch new releases like the joyous musical

  Song Sung Blue

  (released 1 January 2026) or the highly anticipated

  Marty Supreme

  (showing from 17 January). Check local showtimes via Cineworld or Merlin Cinemas.

• Garden Raves: If your local birds are “raving” to 90s bangers, they’ll need plenty of energy. You can keep the disco going by stocking up on high-energy suet or mealworms from the RSPB Shop

• Sticky Pursuits: Seville orange season is fleeting. If you’re ready to fill your house with that heavenly citrus scent, follow a classic Mary Berry Marmalade Recipe which uses the “whole fruit” simmering method for perfectly tender peel.

• Royal Indulgence: Lean into the “reduced operating hours” of winter with a trip to the V&A in South Kensington. The Marie Antoinette: Style exhibition is currently open and runs until 22 March 2026. It’s the perfect excuse to follow a viewing of royal gowns with a large slice of cake in the museum café.

• Burns Night Spirits: On January 25th, combat the dark with some traditional rituals. Check out festivities at your local pubs and restaurants. We’ll be heading to The Harbour House Flushing.

Tablecloth and napkins in ‘Granny Smith’ by Poppy and Honesty

Books with a beautiful setting

January is a fallow month to spend lazing in front of the fire, hiding from the storms and recovering from the excesses of Christmas. It is also the perfect time to become immersed in a novel that captivates the imagination and transports us to another place and time. There are so many books full of delicious descriptions of the natural world and I have suggested three below that will take you through a portal from January to a farmhouse in France, a tavern in Cyprus or a cabin in Northern Sweden.

When The Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén

This beautiful book tells the story of the last few months of Bo’s life in Jämtland, Northern Sweden. Bo recollects aspects of his life within this vast landscape, with frequent references to its lakes, woodlands, and meadows. He is deeply connected to his environment, which continues to flourish and change with the seasons in contrast to the decline of his physical health. The slow pace and vivid descriptions made me feel as though I were warming in front of Bo’s log burner, eating pastries in his Swedish cabin.

The Artist by Lucy Steeds.

Set amidst the intense heat of a Provençal summer, The Artist traps readers in a remote farmhouse with a reclusive, tyrannical painter, his quiet niece, Ettie, and a young journalist named Joseph. The novel masterfully uses the stifling atmosphere to build tension as Joseph unravels the secrets of the household. Decadence is a key theme, as the luxurious descriptions of food and surroundings contrast sharply with the artist's overbearing power. The oppressive natural environment of the hot, dry earth and chorus of crickets serves as a simmering backdrop to the human drama.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

In The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak, the narrative centres on an ancient fig tree, transported from a Cypriot taverna to a suburban London garden. This tree, deeply rooted in Cypriot folklore, serves as the novel's heartbeat and a literal witness to history.

Shafak weaves the natural world into the narrative to reflect human trauma. The tragic loss of migratory birds acts as a stark indictment of how political conflict ravages entire ecosystems. Simultaneously, the book explores the "wood wide web"—the underground fungal networks through which trees communicate and sustain one another—offering a model of mutual aid that contrasts with human division.

Where will books take you this January ? I would love to hear your suggestions.

Happy New Year

Sophie xxx

Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide

Don’t worry if you are just getting round to your Christmas shopping, we have lots of beautiful gifts for UK Christmas Delivery. All of these items will ship via Royal Mail 24 so there’s no need to panic prime and fund Bezos’ next space holiday.

Handmade pouches. £20 each. Available here

The Pouch

Call it what you want—a purse, a makeup bag, a passport holder—it’s super handy. They are made inside and out with beautiful Liberty fabrics. For a perfect present, stuff one with cinema tickets, photos, or some nice chocolates.

Velvet Hot Water Bottle Cover in Bon Bon

Velvet Hot Water Bottle Covers

These plush covers seriously level up your hot water bottle game. I am obsessed with mine and literally won't travel without it. Available in two cosy velvets : Bougie and Bon Bon.

Tablecloth in Granny Smith. Napkins in Rose Gingham

Tablecloth and Napkins

You can never have enough table linen during the festive season because people get excited and spill stuff—think mulled wine and gravy stains! Fear not, our linen is easy to wash, and I never bother ironing it because the creases just seem to fall out. Easy peasy. You can mix and match napkins or go for a totally coordinated look.

Pillowcases handmade from Capel. Feather Fields and Millie Francesca

Pretty Pillowcases

Our pillowcases are handmade using Liberty of London Tana Lawn Cotton. It feels smooth as silk but without all the fussy laundry demands. We have loads of prints available, and you can buy them as a pair or on their own.

Fika Fun

Just when you thought we’d stop copying our Scandi pals, here comes another endorsement for their lovely cosy culture. A few years ago, we became obsessed with Hygge and these days you can’t move for saunas and cold plunge pools. I have now decided to take ‘Fika’ seriously, as a way to distract myself from important things and the concrete winter sky.

‘Fika’ is a Swedish concept that means taking a deliberate break to socialize with a hot drink, typically coffee, and a snack, like a pastry. I light the candles and invite friends and family to join me for a sticky cardamon bun. Part of the joy is making the warm soft dough and then stretching and twizzling it into shapes. The buns make the whole house smell delicious ; better than a host of expensive winter candles.

This is the recipe that I follow from BBC Food with a few tweaks. If you think the dough is too sticky (eg will stick to your kitchen work surface) add more flour. You could use cinnamon instead of cardamon or skip the spiced butter step entirely and spread Nutella between the layers of dough.

Tablecloth and napkins handmade from Rose Gingham Linen (in stock)

Ingredients

• Approx 28 cardamom pods

• 250ml full-fat milk

• 125g unsalted butter,

• 350g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting

• 100g golden caster sugar

• 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast

• Pinch of salt

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 free-range egg, beaten with a fork

Method

1. Crack 10 cardamon pods open with a rolling pin or pestle and mortar.

2. Add the pods and seeds to the milk and heat in a saucepan or microwave until steaming but not boiling. Add 35g butter and swirl until melted. Set aside to cool until lukewarm.

3. Mix the flour, 50g of the sugar, the yeast and the salt in a large bowl or in the bowl of a freestanding mixer. Pour the milk mixture into the bowl through a sieve to remove the cardamom pods.

4. Mix with a wooden spoon or the dough hook attachment of a mixer to form a soft dough. Knead for 5 minutes in the mixer or tip onto a lightly dusted work surface and knead for 10 minutes by hand until the dough is elastic and smooth.

5. Return the dough to the bowl then cover the bowl with oiled cling film or a damp tea towel and leave to rise until doubled in size. This should take 1–2 hours. Alternatively, you can leave it to prove in the fridge overnight.

6. Crack open the remaining cardamom pods and place all of the seeds in a pestle and mortar. Crush to a powder then mix with the remaining 100g/3½oz sugar. Set aside 1½ tablespoons of this cardamom sugar for the final step.

7. Use a fork to mash the remaining 90g butter and cinnamon into the rest of the cardamom sugar.

8. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Roll the dough out to a 35x30cm rectangle, with the shorter edge facing you. Spread the cardamom butter over the surface, right up to the edges.

9. Fold the top third down over the middle third. Then fold the bottom third up over the whole lot, so you have three layers of dough sandwiched together with the butter. Roll out the dough again lightly to stick the layers together and stretch the rectangle back to about 15x30cm

10. Cut the dough into 8 equal strips, about 15x3.5cm Cut each into three strips, leaving it attached a little bit at the top, and plait the three strands.

11. Roll up the plait, starting from the join at the top like rolling up a Swiss roll. Place the buns on lined baking trays.

12. Cover the trays with lightly oiled cling film and leave to rise somewhere warm until doubled in size (about 30–50 minutes). Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5.

13. Brush the risen buns with the egg, then sprinkle with the reserved cardamom sugar. Bake for 20–22 minutes, rotating the trays halfway if the buns aren’t browning evenly. Eat within 2 days (shouldn’t be hard)

There are lots of ways to twist your buns. This nice lady on YouTube has enviable technique. Don’t worry too much if they look like the ‘poo emoji’ as they will taste and smell divine.

Sophie x

We like to 'Bougie'

Over the past few months we have been working with a British manufacturer to make the perfect velvet stripe. After countless samples we found the perfect deep red and putty pink, colours that sit beautifully amongst our more wintery Liberty fabrics. The stripe is printed on a thick and luxurious velvet base weighing 425gsm, robust and durable. Printed in the London in a zero-to-landfill facility using 100% renewable energy,.we think our new velvet ticks all the boxes.

Now if you are wondering how our new fabric got its rather opulent name. A sample was shown to my 10 year old nephew who immediately responded ‘Bougie!’ Here are some wonderful images taken and styled by Dee Campling and Ness.

Bolster in ‘Bougie’. Cord Cushion made with Liberty fabric ‘Capel. Quilt made with Orgic Liberty Fabric ‘Misti’

Cushion made with Liberty fabric ‘Wiltshire’ with ruffle in ‘Bougie’

Ruffle cushion and bedding made from Liberty Fabric ‘Shirley Smith’

Introducing 'Shirley Smith'

We hope you have had the opportunity to explore Poppy and Honesty’s beautiful Autumn Collection. One of this season's standout prints is the eclectic fabric 'Shirley Smith.' Designed by Sir Grayson Perry for Liberty of London's 150th Anniversary, this print features intricate images of Perry’s latest muse, rendered in his wonderfully imaginative, rococo-inspired style.

Velvet Cushion made from Liberty Fabric ‘Shirley Smith’

Shirley Smith is a character created by Sir Grayson for his exhibition ‘Delusions of Grandeur,’ currently on display at The Wallace Collection. A recurring theme in Grayson Perry’s work is the depiction of a tragic, downtrodden woman, and Shirley certainly embodies this. Having fallen on hard times, she spent time in a psychiatric unit, where she discovered art. Now convinced that she is the rightful heiress to the Wallace Collection, she is utterly infatuated with this delusion. However, Shirley is also glorious and glamorous, with beautiful frocks, hairstyles that would make Marie Antoinette envious, and an obsession with cats. In his typical style, Grayson plays with the concepts of beauty and tragedy.

Bedding made with Liberty fabric ‘Shirley Smith’ . Image by Dee Campling.

We chose this extroverted print to contrast with our classic Liberty of London florals. 'Shirley Smith' is illustrated in a beautiful warm palette of pinks, oranges, and browns, which work beautifully alongside Liberty fabrics like Mitsi and capel We have utilized the fabric to create a duvet cover, allowing the drawings to be appreciated in full. Additionally, we have crafted beautiful cushions adorned with ruffles and stripes in our unique velvet, ‘Boujie.’

‘Delusions of Grandeur by Sir Grayson Perry is available to view at The Wallace Collection until October 26th.

Quilty Hugs- The wonderful charity 'Quilts For Care Leavers'

Kids leaving care in the UK system face disproportionately poor outcomes in health, housing, education, and employment. 1 in 5 homeless people have been through the care system and 1 in 5 young care leavers spend time in prison. In response to these alarming facts, retired solicitor with experience in child protection, Maggie Lloyd Jones started ‘Quilts For Care Leavers’. She was inspired by poet Lemn Sissay who shared his strong desire for a hug when he left the care system. A quilt is there when you are cold, ill or need comfort. You can wrap yourself in it’s warmth and it can be a hug when you most need one (Elaine Mullen, quilter). Maggie has even designed a quilt that is the perfect size for a hug.

Image credit Lemn Sissay

Since 2018, Quilts for Care Leavers have gifted approximately 8,000 quilts to young people leaving care. They are presented at the Christmas Dinner for Care Leavers events, where each young person takes their time to choose their own beautiful and unique quilt. They are gifted anonymously and marked with a special affirmation to support the quilt’s custodian on their journey. Maggie remarks that the care leavers treasure the quilts and they are a symbol to vulnerable kids that people out in the world really do care about them.

The quilts are made by volunteers using donated fabrics. They are distributed throughout the UK and the charity is expanding far and wide. There are lots of different ways you can support Quilts For Carers from making a whole quilt, to creating a block for a quilt organised by members at the charity. All the details are provided over on the website Quilts For Carer Leavers and their active Facebook page. Here at Poppy and Honesty we will be donating a box of Liberty fabric pieces each month to this fantastic initiative.

Quilts are special. All of the tiny pieces of fabric form a little picture, a small work of art. Winter is the ideal time to get stitching so why not get in touch with Quilts for Carers and support their quilty hugs campaign.

For more information

Quilts for Care Leavers on Cafe Hope Radio 4

‘My Name is Why? by Lemn Sissay : an exploration of the UK care system.

Late summer picnic

We’ve become very complacent about the weather. It’s been too good for too long and I have started to look at my coats with bewilderment ; Why would I ever need these in lovely balmy Cornwall? Never did I imagine that I would write this post with rain lashing at the window and all the lights on! Someone needs to tell the weather man that Autumn doesn’t begin until the start of the school term. Anyway, having grown up enjoying summer holidays in Wales, I am perfectly used to having picnics in the pouring rain that may or may not have included a packet of ready salted - what a treat.

These little balls of joy would make an excellent addition to any picnic whether in or outdoors. I think we’re all a bit tired of sandwiches by week 600 of the school holidays. So if you have time, give these arancini balls a whirl, they’re easier than you think.

Sophie’s Arancini Balls

Makes approximately x 12

For the rice

1 finely chopped onion

A couple of rashers of chopped bacon (optional)

I cup of Risotto Rice

4 cups of hot stock

Splash of wine or apple cider vinegar

Handful of finely chopped herbs.

Olive and Vegetable Oil

100g grated parmesan

Batter

x1 Egg lightly beaten

x4 Tablespoons Plain Flour

x4 Tablespoons Breadcrumbs

Fillings

Buffalo Mozzarella

Parma Ham.. whatever else you fancy

Method

1. Fry the onion in some oil and salt until very soft. Add the bacon (if using) and cook for a couple more minutes.

2. Add the rice and let it absorb the juices before adding the wine and then boiling stock, a cup at a time.

3. It is important that all the stock is absorbed before you add more.

4. When the rice is cooked through (approx 20 mins) add the cheese and herbs,

5. Spread the rice onto a tray and leave in the fridge to cool completely.

6. Put the beaten egg, flour and breadcrumbs in three separate small dishes.

7. Grab a small handful of the cold rice. and roll it in the palm of your hand, squishing a little of your chosen fillings into the middle. Then proceed to roll it in the egg, flour and breadcrumbs

8. When you have made all the balls leave in the fridge to cool.

9. Add 2 inches of oil to a frying pan ( I used a blend of olive and vegetable) and heat until really hot.

10. Drop each ball carefully into the oil and fry on each side for a couple of minutes.

11. Place each hot oily ball on a couple of layers of kitchen paper to cool.

12. Ta-dah your glorious little carby balls are ready to gobble!

Sending love to everyone, particularly those facing new challenges this week

Sophie x

Tablecloth in Marmalade Linen `(on sale)

Pick of our summer sale

Here we are in week #322 of the summer holidays and definitely in need of.a little treat. It has been a glorious summer but boy has it been long! Anyway if there is anything left in the pot after endless icecreams not to mention school shoes and all the other stuff, here are my top picks from our sale.

Our tablecloth in ‘Marmalade’ will bring you joy and sunshine long after the clocks have changed. Handmade from 100% Oeko Tex Linen, it comes in a generous size (140 cm x 240 cm) and will make tea time much more fun (I promise).

Grab yourself a bargain with this ‘one off’ quilt handmade from Liberty fabric ‘Annabella’ and candy stripe linen. The quilt is large enough to cover a single bed or use as a throw accross the bottom of larger sized bed. Filled with two layers of cotton, this beautiful piece will keep you cosy throughout the cooler months.

The queen of cushions, our Big Top is finished with piping and a generous ruffle. Featuring a wide stripe in sage green on high quality cotton duck fabric. The soft green is very versatile and sure to behave nicely with your other soft furnishings.

All of our products are handmade in Cornwall by our team of skilled seamstresses using top notch materials. Free Shipping is available until midnight GMT on Monday 25th August just use the code AUGBANKHOLIDAY at the checkout.

Wishing you all a well deserved cuppa in the later summer sunshine.

Sophie x

Goodbye April, thanks for the sunshine

April has been a month of sunshine, millionaires in space, Trumpy tariffs, the death of one of my favourite pontifs (did JD finish him off?) and a regrettable amount of chocolate. We are deep in A Level revision land and I am on permanent snack/ cheer squad duty. When I haven’t been making protein smoothies and experiencing a suspicious fruity waft from the study room, these are some of the things that I have enjoyed.

Cinema - Mr Burton

This film was unexpectedly brilliant. I anticipated a typical British drama ; the chinking of tea cups and good natured characters pottering around a Welsh mining village. However we enjoyed stellar performances from Toby Jones and Harry Lawley and the wonderful transformation of Richard Burton from valley scally to formidable star of the Royal Shakespeare Company. I loved the seamless switching between Welsh and English and could fully appreciate the conflict between troubled Burton’s two very different worlds.

Eating - The Arnold Bennett Omlette

I declare The Arnold Bennett Omlette the breakfast of dreams. Famously created by The Savoy for author Arnold Bennett in 1921, the classic omlette is made with smoked haddock, lightly cooked eggs, and a bechamel flavoured with mustard and worcestershire. The silky smooth cheesy layers are heavenly and whist it is a fiddle to make you won’t regret all that whisking. Try this recipe for the promised land of breakfasts and serve with a crisp green salad.

Reading - ‘Dream Count’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I don’t feel qualified to summarize this astute and multi layered novel. ‘Dream Count’ is composed of the interlocking stories of four women, Chiamaka (“Chia”), Zikora, Omelogor and Kadiatou. All of these women are African immigrants living in the USA. Set against the backdrop of the Covid Pandemic, the book looks at their relationships and the conflict between cultural expectations vs dreams and living in the modern Western world,

Streaming - Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kid-fluencing - Netflix

I was disturbed but not surprised by Netflix’s new docu-series ‘Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing’ which takes a look at the murky story of child - influencer Piper Rockelle and her momager Tiffany Smith. Eight year old Piper experiences huge success creating content for You Tube and soon her Mother has enlisted several other fellow child influencers to collaborate on videos. Four years later, the kids sue Smith for $22 million, alleging they suffered “emotional, verbal, physical, and at times, sexual abuse”. It becomes clearly apparent that there is still no clear legislation that supports child content creators and the protection of these kids is entirely down to the integrity of the parent or guardian. More on my Substack here.

What are you looking forward to in May? Although June is my favourite month, I find May so invigorating : a month of bumble bees, sea swimming and sitting outside at last.

Please let me know your recommendations

Sophie xxx

Linen Tablecloth in Gelato

Come and visit us at our sail loft in Falmouth

Down by Falmouth’s famous harbour and along a hidden quay, you’ll find Poppy and Honesty tinkering away in our Sail Loft studio. We’ve been set up here for a couple of years and the magic of the location never ceases to charm me even on the wildest of days. Although our seamstresses often work from the comfort of their homes, this is Poppy and Honesty HQ where you will find our handmade cushions and bedding piled high to the ceiling.

Duvet covers and bolsters in Seaside Stripe and Rose Gingham.

Poppy and Honesty does not have a bricks and mortar storefront. Infact we offer very little wholesale at this time. However, we would love to welcome you to our Sail Loft so that you can touch and see our beautiful pieces for yourself. We ask that customers don’t drop by unannounced (I may be doing something more glamorous like laundry) and would request that you make an appointment via email if possible. That way I can have a quick tidy up and hide the mess.

Our Sail Loft in Falmouth

Falmouth is a wonderful town to visit in South West Cornwall. We are lucky enough to have a great community of artists and the University brings a vibrancy even in the winter months. The town is home to the famous Sea Shanty Festival (you have to see it to believe it) The Oyster Festival, Falmouth Food Festival, Tall Ships and Falmouth Week. There is plenty to see and do in our fabulous harbourside town.

In the coming weeks, I will write about my favourite haunts, places to stay and things to do in the area. However if you are planning a trip, please don’t hestitate to contact me and we can have a cup of tea amongst the fabrics on the harbour side.

Sophie