Jam First

After the longest winter ever, here we are enjoying May Bank Holiday Weekend. The birds are chiruping, the washing is on the line and it is now possible to step into the garden (previously a quagmire). A full meal outside might be a little ambitious, but you could definitely manage a cup of tea and a scone with friends. Here is my favourite scone recipe which has been tweaked a little from one written by Queen Mary Berry.

SCONES

Ingredients

• 450g self-raising flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 3 tbsp caster sugar

• 100g slightly softened butter

• 2 free-range eggs

• milk

• a handful of cranberries (optional)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 220C. Line two baking trays with baking paper.

2. Put the flour, baking powder and sugar into a food processor. Add the butter and blast quickly until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Pour into a large mixing bowl.

3. Crack the eggs into a measuring jug, then add enough milk to make the total liquid 300ml. Stir the egg and milk into the flour and mix to a soft, sticky dough.

4. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface, knead lightly and work in the cranberries. Roll out to about 2cm thick.

5. Cut into as many rounds as possible with a fluted 5cm/2in cutter and place them on the prepared baking trays. Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk, or any egg.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the scones are well risen and a pale, golden-brown colour. Lift onto a wire rack to cool. Load with jam and clotted cream and eat as soon as possible.

Don’t forget to lay your table with pretty linen and always load your scone with JAM FIRST.

Sophie x

Linen tablecloth and napkins in Wimbledon and Gelato (in stock).

Strawberry Fields Forever

Liberty fabric ‘Paysanne Blossom’ is one of the stars of our Spring/ Summer Collection 2024. This gorgeous print features juicy red strawberries amongst pretty blossom against a sky blue background. We think that this is the perfect fabric to bring light and sunshine into your home at any time of year. However if there was ever a pattern to shout SUMMER, it’s ‘Paysanne Blossom’.

Single Bedding Bundle and Small Quilt in Liberty Fabric ‘Paysanne Blossom’. Linen Lumbar Cushion in ‘Wimbledon’. Big Top Cushions in Red and Green.

Our linen in ‘Wimbledon’ compliments the pretty strawberry print beautifully. The classic stripes in green and white against the soft blue liberty print create a seamless and delicate aesthetic. The image above shows a small quilt over the end of a single bed with ‘Paysanne Blossom’ on one side and ‘Wimbledon’ on the reverse. If you want to add a splash of bold colour, you could add a Big Top Cushion in Red or a fitted sheet in Liberty fabric ‘Theresa’.

Quilt in Liberty Fabric ‘Paysanne Blossom’

It is difficult to capture the true colour of Liberty’s ‘Paysanne Blossom’. It might be worth noting that our lifestyle images are taken with completely natural light and very little filtering. Here at Poppy and Honesty we are always happy to send out complimentary swatches to help with your tricky decisions.

Wishing everyone a lovely week. It looks like we might be treated to some sunshine at last! Strawberries and cream can’t be far behind.

Sophie xx

Photography by Dee Campling

Pink and green should always be seen

We are so pleased to bring you our Spring/ Summer collection which includes a beautiful range of pink and green bed and tablelinen. These gorgeous colours are great friends. Opposites on the colour wheel, they compliment each particularly well when they have the same strength and depth. We have chosen to use sage green and a dusky pinks in our latest range.

We are launching a new linen in classic green and soft white stripes that we have named ‘Wimbledon’. This linen sits beautifully alongside ‘Gelato’ with it’s pastel pink and green wide stripes. ‘Wimbledon’ will be available in duvet sets, ruffle pillowcases, simple lumber cushions, sheets, valances and on the reverse of our new scallop quilts.

We have introduced a Liberty fabric ‘Poppy and Daisy Pink’ which features dense meadow flowers in dusky pinks with sage green foliage. This fabric is available in duvet sets, pillowcases, cushions and quilts. The punchy pinks beautifully contrast the soft green striped linen.

We have extended our pink and green colour scheme to table settings. What could be more loving than sharing strawberries and cream or a large Victoria Sponge with your loved ones around this beautiful table!

Our new range launches 7.4.24 at 7pm GMT.

Enjoy

Sophie xx

All images by Dee Campling and The Wild Girl Cots.

Hot Cross Fun

Even though they have been winking at us in Tescos since January 1st, we are officially in hot cross bun territory, Ready for a bun fight? I am a hot cross bun diva…. they needs to be sticky, spicy, pufty and round with dried fruit ONLY. Hybrids such as choc chips, saffron and cheddar are a hard NO in this house.

Having such high hot cross bun standards, I have been experimenting with recipes and have found that this particular one from the Orange Bakery ticks all the boxes. I have made a few tweaks (such as using a spoon for applying the crosses because I can’t be bothered to mess around with a piping bag).

ingredients:

• 500g bread flour

• 100g caster sugar

• 1x heaped tsp of salt

• 2x sachets of yeast (14 grams)

• 2x tsp of cinnamon

• Zest of an orange.

• 1x egg

• 60g of unsalted butter

• 250ml of milk

• 200g of sultanas

Cross ingredients:

• 100g of flour

• 120ml of water

Glaze ingredients:

• 50g of marmalade

• 50ml of milk

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 200° C

2. Melt 60g of butter in a pan or in the microwave. Leave to cool.

3. Make a well in the middle of the bowl and crack your egg into it. Then add the cooled butter and room temperature milk. Next, either knead the mixture by hand for 7 minutes or use the beater attachment on a mixer to knead the mixture for 4 minutes. Once the bun mixture is smooth and slightly stretchy put it back in the bowl, place a damp tea towel or cling film over the top and leave in a warm place for 1 hour to prove.

4. Whilst your mixture is proving place 200g of sultanas and the cinnamon a mixing bowl. Pour over enough hot water from your kettle to cover all of the sultanas. Soak for 10 mins - 1 hour until the sultanas have soaked up some of the liquid.

5. Once ready, pour the sultanas into a sieve to drain all the remaining liquid out.

6. Your bun dough should have risen a small amount by now, knock it back by punching it down and add the sultanas. You can either incorporate the sultanas by kneading them in, using the dough hook on your mixer or just diving in with your hands (Kitty's personal favourite!). Once the sultanas are fully mixed into the dough, cover it again with a damp tea towel or cling film and place in a cosy warm area. Prove for 1 - 2 hours.

7. The dough should bounce back when prodded after the it's been proved. Tip the bun dough onto a floured surface and cut into 12 balls (roughly 100g each). Line a baking tray with baking parchment, place each ball quite close together, cover again with either a damp tea towel or cling film and prove one final time for 40-60 mins.

8. Stir 100g of flour and 120ml of water together in a pot until smooth. Using a knife of a teaspoon, spread the mixture over the buns to make a cross.

9. Place the buns in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

10. Once the buns are out and have cooled, place the marmalade and milk in a saucepan and heat until the mixture is combined.

11. With a brush, glaze each bun with the marmalade and milk mixture.

These buns make the whole house smell gorgeous and are well worth the effort. Thanks to Kitty Tait and her wonderful book Breadsong for the inspiration.

Happy Easter from Poppy and Honesty

Sophie x

Tablecloth and Napkins in Penzance Linen

Some books I have enjoyed in January

Hooray we got through January and little signs of spring are emerging everywhere. I thought I would share with you some of the books that I have particularly enjoyed reading. Short days are long nights offer the perfect opportunity to dive into a story, particularly if the setting is less muddy and provides a more interesting narrative to your current reality!

That Bone Setter Woman by Frances Quinn

This is literally a cracking historical novel about a girl who is desperate to become a bonesetter in Georgian London. Bonesetters were a form of early chiropractor who would set broken or dislocated bones. The characters are great and I particularly liked the feisty main protagonist Durie and her challenge to pursue what was considered to be a male only occupation. The way that Durie takes on the ranks of snotty London doctors is excellent.

Lucy By The Sea by Elizabeth Strout

I have to ration books written by Elizabeth Strout because i love her writing so much. She captures the human experience with such immaculate detail and perception. This particular book tells the story of Lucy, who flees New York during the pandemic to live on the coast in Maine. She ‘bubble’s up’ with her ex-husband William and the story looks in detail at the practices that became habit during the pandemic (which in hindsight seem utterly ridiculous and unimaginable). The narrative also follows the characters as they respond to the Black Lives Matter protests and the storming of the Capitol in 2021. This is a great book.

Breadsong by Kitty and Al Tait

This is a brilliant book about baking bread and recovery. Not only is it full of excellent recipes but it tells Kitty’s inspiring story. Aged 14, Kitty suffers from the most debilitating mental breakdown, with the help of her wonderful Dad Al, she slowly develops an interest in baking bread and starts to heal. Taking small steps, Kitty and her family establish a bakery in their local village, We have really enjoyed trying out the recipes which are brilliant (Miracle Dough, Foccacia, Bagels and Chelsea Buns) and learning about this courageous young women and her amazing family.

The Daiai Lama’s Cat by David Michie

I have only just started listening to this audio book but I have to tell you about it because it is a GIFT. Each chapter of the audio book looks at the teachings of Buddhism through the eyes of HOH (His Holiness’ Cat). As such, what would otherwise be quite a heavy subject becomes fun and more digestible. With buckets of self deprecating humour, the cat applies Buddhist teachings to her own experiences of over eating, jealousy, flirting and fur balls as well as giving us fascinating insights into life at the Dalai Lama’s residence.

Please tell me what you are reading so we can fill February with fun and interesting books. Enjoy the daffodils and listen out for the woodpecker.

Love

Sophie x

Selection of cushions and quilts from Poppy and Honesty. Handmade in Cornwall.

Ruffle Cushion in Liberty Fabric Capel.

Big Top Cushion in Green

Small Scallop Quilt in Liberty Fabric ‘Poppy and Daisy’

Small Scallop Quilt in Liberty Fabrc ‘Annabella’

Bring the sunshine into your home

Even though it feels like there are at least 10 weeks in January, the days are getting longer and nature is on the move. I can’t resist big bunches of daffodils with their cheerful trumpets heralding the start of a new season. If like me, you are impatient for spring, we have lots of beautiful fabrics here at Poppy and Honesty in mood enhancing colours of bright yellow and orange.

In colour therapy, yellow is believed to bring happiness and freedom. Used in large doses, bright yellow might be considered overwhelming but adding a cushion, a bedding set or tablecloth in our zesty linen ‘Penzance’ might just give you a little va va voom ! Mix your bedding up with some pillowcases in Felicite and Capel and bring in the joy.

Ruffle Sheet in Penzance Linen. Tablecloth in Penzance. Bedding Set in Penzance. Lumbar cushion in Penzance. Photo Credits ; Goodrest Studios and Dee Campling,

We do have a limited number of tablecloths and napkins in our Marmalade Linen. Off-set against a pale blue background this jumbo check is full of cheer and Vitamin C. Please be quick, as our Marmalade Linens are in hot demand.

Photo : Dee Campling

Tablecloth in Marmalade

Mothers Day Workshop - Spring Wreaths

We are so excited to bring you the first of a series of workshops held by Poppy and Honesty at our Sail Loft in Falmouth. During our Mothers Day Workshop you will create a beautiful spring wreath and enjoy afternoon tea in our beautiful harbour side studio.

During the workshop you will be assisted by trained Florist Fenella Deering and me to create a unique spring wreath. These could be hung on a door or wall or alternatively can be used as a very pretty centre piece for your Mothers Day Celebrations. Our workshops are an excellent opportunity to make something beautiful and spend the afternoon chatting and eating cake. Spaces are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Our Mothers Day Workshop will be held on Saturday 9th March from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Cost is £45 per person which includes afternoon tea plus all the materials you will need. Please go to this link to book your place.

Winter Pursuits- Embroidery

My favourite winter sports include reading, cooking, getting outside and doing a bit of sewing. None of these will incur injury or require extensive travel insurance. Recently I have been really enjoying learning very simple embroidery. It’s a great winter sport because it doesn’t require a lot of stuff and you can do it on the train or in front of the telly. I also find embroidery very soothing and satisfying.

For our Christmas table I embroidered everyone a napkin with their name on it. I didn’t use a particular script, I just used a heat erasable fabric pen and wrote their names on the fabric in my own handwriting. Below I will detail the very simple equipment and method that I used in order to create something that was a little imperfect but special and personal.

Time to get your mob cap on and start an embroidery project before Mr D’arcy arrives. Maybe you can fit in some harpsichord and singing practice if you have time?

Happy January

Sophie xxx

Equipment

Heat Erasable Fabric Pen

Embroidery Hoop

Embroidery Threads (I prefer Anchor)

Method

1. Place your embroidery hoop loosely over the napkin or fabric. Decide where you would like to write (ensuring that there is enough room).

2. Using your heat erasable pen write your name onto the fabric, If you make an error it doesn’t matter as you can remove the ink with an iron and rewrite,

3. Secure the hoop over the fabric. Cut your embroidery thread and split the thread so that you remove one of the little strands (you should have x5 strands total).

4. Make a straight stitch at the top of your first letter leaving a little tail of thread that you can knot later.

5. Continue around all your letters using back stitch.

6. To finish your name go to the back of your work and tuck your needle under some of the thread from a previous stitch. Pull it through - but leave a loop. Pass your needle through the loop to create a small knot. Make sure you go back to the loose thread at the beginning of your first letter and tie off in the same way.

Write your name with a heat erasable marker.

Start your work with as straight stitch and go around all the letters using back stitch.

Handmade napkins make a special gift and create a gorgeously personal table setting.

Napkins shown in Rose Gingham and Florence (in stock).

Twelfth Night and Continuning the sparkle

It seems a dreadful shame that all the sparkly Christmas fun has to stop on January 1st. i know that this month can be particularly gloomy for many and. I am constantly on the look out for signs of spring. (I cannot tell you how overjoyed i am that my early bulbs have decided to flourish).

For me, the best thing about Christmas is company, conversation and community and there is absolutely no reason that this has to stop in boring January. For this reason, I am planning some winter warmers with dear friends, kicking off with Twelfth Night on Jan 6th.

The French celebrate Twelfth Night with the Galette Des Rois (Cake of Kings). Hidden within this gorgeous french frangipane tart is a little bean. Traditionally, as the Galette is being served, the youngest member of the party sits under the table and decides who will have the next slice. If you are lucky enough to have the bean or charm in your slice the you are crowned King. Recordings of the celebration of the Galette des Rois date back to the 14th Century, so lets keep it going!

Below I have put a simple recipe. I must say that my Galette des Rois looks nothing like the picture and probably considered a total disrespect of the French tradition (bouff!) I plan to serve a huge cheesboard alongside the Galette and so we can call it early supper. In my experience simple is always best.

Bonne 12ieme Nuit

Sophie xxxx

Ruffle Tablecloth in ‘Florence’.

Napkins in Rose Gingham and Florence.

Available with or without lace trimming.

Recipe for Galette Des Rois (adapted from BBC Food)

Ingredients

400g Ready Puff Pastry

2 tbsp Apricot Jam

100g Softened Butter

100g Caster Sugar

1 lightly beaten egg

100g Ground Almonds

2tbsp brandy

Method

1. Heat the Oven to 200° C

2. Roll out your puff pastry. Cut out two 25 cm rounds of pastry (I used a saucepan lid)

3. Spread the apricot jam onto the circle of pastry leaving a 2 cm gap around the edges.

4. Beat together the softened butter and sugar and then add the egg, almonds and brandy.

5. Spoon the almond mixture over the jam evenly. Then add your little charm or bean.

6. Cover with the second round of pastry sealing it carefully with water around the edges.

7. Egg wash your tart and add a pretty pattern with a sharp knife.

8. Bake for 25- 39 cm until crisp and brown ….. VOILA!

The books I have most enjoyed in 2023

I have read some wonderful books this year. I have put a small selection below that might catch your interest. Snuggling up with a book in is one of my favourite winter pursuits. There are some more gritty reads that I have found brilliant, but I am not sure that January is the right time of year to be broken by a novel !

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett is one of my absolute favourite authors and this book did not disappoint. I would love to visit her bookshop in Nashville one day. Anyway this is a story within a story. Lara, her husband and daughters are living through the Covid lockdown on the family cherry farm. After much persuasion, Lara (Mother) narrates the story of her past life as an actress and relationship with a famous actor. Lara has no regrets about her past but simply enjoys telling her story to her enthusiastic daughters. This is a lovely book.

Hello Beautiful Ann Napolitano

This is a gorgeous big hearted story about sisters who essentially rescue a broken man. William has a horrible childhood which inevitably ends in a breakdown. Despite the fact that he ends up marrying two sisters within the novel, this is a story of love, loss and the warm embrace of a family.

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue

This is a spicy book about complicated relationships and friendships set in Dublin. It’s a funny novel that brilliantly dissects the messiness of young adulthood and finding out who you are and who are your real friends.

The Twat Files by Dawn French

For anyone wanting a good laugh this January, this is the book for you ! Dawn French tells us about her most embarrassing moments to date and they are utterly hilarious. Perfect for French and Saunders fans and a little reminder not to take life too seriously.

Please share the books that you enjoyed in 2023 below.

Wishing you health, joy and peace in 2024

Sophie xxx

Just a reminder that longer lighter days are coming. We’re on the flip side of the Autumn Equinox ! Hooray.

Handmade bedding in ‘Penzance Linen.’ Available in sizes from Cot Bed to Super King :

Duvet Cover ; Ruffle PIllowcase :Lumbar Cushion : Ruffle Sheet : and Fitted Sheet.

Poppy and Honesty's Little Gift Guide

Meaningful gifts are hard to choose. Thinking about a present that will give joy to one person may end up in the charity box of another recipient. I particularly enjoy giving experiences but these can be sometimes be hard to organize. Here in our little Poppy and Honesty studio, we have some gorgeous things that when given some thought, might just be the perfect little handmade treasure for your loved ones this Christmas.

Ruffle Pouch in Seaside Stripe.

The Ruffle Pouch

These beautiful pouches are handmade from linen and lined with a contrasting floral Liberty fabric. We have finished the pouches with a small frill and added a brass zip. As someone who is always rummaging around in a big bag, I think these pouches are supremely useful. Instead of emptying the contents of your bag onto the car boot to find your car keys, you simply pull out your pouch which contains the essentials and not the dog-poo bags, snack wrappers or something worse.

You can add little things to the pouch like a favourite chocolate bar or a nice lippy. I plan to print out some photos from the year and put them inside with a few little treats for a couple of friends. The ruffle pouches are a generous size, so they are practical enough to fit a small tablet, book, kindle, wallet and other things too.

The Pillowcase

Bedding is extremely personal. Some people want their bedrooms to be neutral sanctuaries with natural colours and textures, whereas others want bold pattern and more drama. We have such a wide variety of pillowcases which you can easily mix and match. For a very neutral colour scheme, our linen pillowcases in Florence will add warmth and texture with their pretty terracotta and olive stripe. For more maximalist friends, they might enjoy a couple of bright pillowcases in Liberty fabrics ‘Betsy Pink’ and ‘Thorpe Green’. Finally for your more traditional recipients you cannot go wrong with delicate floral pillowcases in Liberty fabrics ‘Poppy and Daisy’ Blue or ‘Felicite’. Please note that all our pillowcases are available to purchase individually or as a pair of two.

From top to bottom:

Pillowcase in Liberty fabric ‘Capel’, ‘Wiltshire’ and Marmalade Linen.

The Cushion

Everyone loves a new cushion. Whether it’s for a lonely armchair or to compliment an existing collection on the sofa. Think about your recipient and their favourite colours. Lots of people have a dark blue sofa which would suit our Ciara cushion perfectly. Our velvet cushion in Capel will look wonderful on an armchair of similar Autumnal tones (orange, green, rust). In many homes you will find grey neutral furniture, throw in a cushion in Thorpe with a stripy trim to add some seasonal joy. Remember, cushions do not have permanent homes and often need to be thrown around until they find just the right spot.

Velvet Ruffle Cushion ‘Capel’

Please remember to shop from small, independent brands this Black Friday Weekend and have fun choosing some special, well thought out presents.

Love

Sophie x

Non Drinkers and Christmas Parties

I don’t drink. I don’t mind if everyone else does, in fact I want them to have a jolly good time ! But for the love of Aperol Spritz, please stop asking me why I don’t chose to participate. This is particularly difficult over the Christmas season, the television is full of ads for special sparkly wines and cocktails. It appears to be a national expectation that we all get sloshed at Christmas.

As a non drinker at a boozy party, I often feel like a party pooper. It’s true, I can’t stay up late with a bunch of tipsy revelers having fun until the wee hours. However I love a canape and a loaded karaoke machine. i recently heard from a non drinker that they were offered orange squash at a dinner party. (She wasn’t 10 years old by the way). Perhaps this year we can do better and offer the non drinkers something nice in a fancy glass like the coupe’ based on the breast of Marie Antoinette with some sort of frosting?

Shloer does not cut the mustard and neither do regular soft drinks. Fanta with your Caviar ? No thankyou. I recently enjoyed a very nice Seedlip Garden Non Alcoholic Spirit and I intend to try out their Citrus Fizz this season. Otherwise a glass of fizzy water is fine by me. But please don’t ask me why I am not drinking.

Bottoms Up!

Sophie x

Bow in Liberty Fabric Capel

Bow in Liberty Fabric Wiltshire

Bow in Marmalade Linen

Give Back Weekend

Over the past few posts, I have talked a lot about the value of small business and how in fact you are getting a good bang for your buck when you buy from small brands. Their businesses are often built on high quality craftsmanship, good materials and a little mark up to keep the ball rolling. Many small brands including ours, are not able to offer Black Friday Discounts, as you are getting the best price we can offer every day.

As in previous years, we have decided to support our local food banks this long weekend. Basically, for every purchase you make, we will buy two essential items for Penryn Foodbank in Cornwall. Most Foodbanks will provide you with a list of required items if you give them a ring.

Don’t forget about the little guys in over this crazy commercial period. If you go back a couple of posts, you will find some of our favourite small brands. Also remember, the best gifts you can give your time and experience (and maybe some nice ceramics… hint, hint).

Have a great weekend and don’t get sucked it ! If you know of any businesses that are trying to make a small difference this weekend please put their details in the comments.

Sophie xxx

Tablecloth, Napkin and Placemats in Florence Linen

Oh We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside!

Poppy and Honesty is based in Falmouth, Cornwall on the far west coast of the UK. Our studio is a sail loft and I can see the waves lapping at the quay as I type this post. We receive so many messages asking us where we have a shop front or offer wholesale, however for the time being the only place that you will find our lovely products is by the sea here in Falmouth. We love to welcome visitors for a look around our studio, have a chat and a cup of tea. Please contact us for an appointment first (so that we can have a bit of a tidy up a bit and make sure we are actually here).

Photo : Sarah Jane Humphries

Falmouth is a vibrant town during all times of the year. In the summer the streets are crowded with pasty eating holiday makers or enthusiastic shanty singers, however for the rest of the year Falmouth hosts university students who bring creativity and fun to an otherwise sleepy town. My preference would be to avoid the crowds and visit Falmouth out of season. Here are some of my top recommendations,

Eating

Stones Bakery : The towns finest bread and pastries. Carb-load in their cosy cafe until 4pm.

Espressini : The all day breakfast menu is always creative and the coffee is superb.

Nude Canteen : For healthy poke bowls and not-too-naughty cakes head to Nude Canteen up on the Moor.

The Star and Garter : This pub has a gorgeous view over the harbour and serves food that is sourced locally for lunch and dinner. One of our favourites,

Shopping

Love and Honor : Beautifully curated homewares shop with treats from Amuse La Bouche and Casa Cubista. Marie Clare also pours her own candles and there are often beautiful bunches of flowers for sale outside.

Willow and Stone : If you are looking for a gift for a tricky person, this is the best place to go. They also have a fantastic range of front door furniture and their Christmas window always rivals those on Regents Street.

Bosuns Locket : This outdoorsy sailing shop for ruggedy types, offers high quality goods and I love their Scandinavian jumpers and backpacks.

Things to Do

The Poly : Our independent Arts Centre hosts local artists and regularly shows films and bands. The Poly Shop offers a gorgeous selection of handmade treasures by local artists.

The Cornish Bank : This vibrant venue is the place for fun in the evenings. As well as pop up food vendors, they host a range of bands and stand up artists.

Morgans : Art and Design gallery in a beautifully restored Georgian building. Stunning selection of contemporary art and ceramics from local craftspeople.

Obviously the best thing to do in Falmouth is walk along our beautiful harbour and discover the pretty coves. Please come and visit our Cornish town and say hello to us at our Sail Loft.

Sophie xx

From top to bottom.

Ruffle Cushion in Florence, Ruffle Cushion in Liberty Fabric Wiltshire and Ruffle Cushion in Granny Smith.

Small Shop Directory : Home

Ceramics

Marigold and Lettuce create beautiful chunky white china. I love the way you can see the potters’ thumbprints in each piece. Best of all you can throw everything in the dishwasher which is a massive win in my book.

Florence Mytum. If you are a fan of wobbly china you will love Florence Mytum’s mugs and candle holders. I have the gorgeous wiggle mugs in the studio, they are robust and everyone admires them. Florence is a ceramic artist based in East London.

EOT Ceramics are all handmade in Cornwall. Emily’s designs are perfect someone who favors a paired back Scandinavian aesthetic. We particularly love the dimple mugs. Keep a look out for EOT’s winter collection launching on 13th November

Textiles

In Casa by Paboy : Paboy crafts the most beautiful cushions, towels and other accessories from vibrant cottons expertly patch-worked together. Each piece is a work of art. Paboy has the most astonishing and inspiring story and this is definitely a fantastic small business to support this Christmas.

Sunday and Story : Alongside sourcing amazing rugs from around the world, Josephine has a lovely selection of smaller pieces such as wool pouffes, pretty jute placemats and Kilm Cushions.

Poppy and Honesty : From pouches to huge scalloped edged quilts, we have a gift for almost everyone. All of our textiles are handmade from start to finish in Cornwall from Liberty fabrics, our exclusive linens and velvets. Please check our lead times for bedding sets and quilts.

Cards and Art Prints

Mimi Dickson : Mimi is the queen of beautiful tiny illustrations featuring little nostalgic joys such as Penguin Classics and jars of Marmite. Mimi makes beautiful cards and personally I would rather send x5 of her special creations that x50 generic Christmas cards from Tescos.

Charlotte Farmer : Bold coloured screenprints and wild designs (some even glow in the dark). These prints would be the perfect gift for someone with a sense of humour and a colourful home.

Rosie Harbottle : Gentle watercolour and pastel prints of still life compositions and more stylised images. Based in Dartmoor, Rosie’s beautiful paintings and prints are so pretty and nostalgic.

Other lovely things

The Appreciation Project : Natasha stocks the most beautiful selection of dried flowers which will look lovely and delicate on your mantlepiece even when the fire’s roaring and the heating’s wacked up. The Appreciation Project also sources the most exquisite marble vases.

Folie Chambre : Alongside beautiful bobbin mirrors and lamps, Natalie also makes candle holders and christmas decorations. Folie Chambre is known for amazing British craftsmanship as beautiful antique treasures.

I totally understand that shopping exclusively from small brands is not budget friendly for most families, however I hope that there is a small way you can support little independent businesses this Christmas. Please add your favourite small brands to the comments below, we’d love to know where you find your treasures.

Sophie xxx

Shop Early and Shop Small

According to everywhere, Christmas is on. As someone who won’t put up the tree until mid December and is likely to punch a box of mince pies if Maria Carey sings in the supermarket before next month, the prospect of Christmas shopping seems very premature. However if you are planning to support small independent brands it is important to get ahead with gathering your Christmas haul.

Small shops like Poppy and Honesty don’t have the capacity to stock all of their products as many of these are handmade to order. We offer such a huge range of sizes, that we ask our customers to allow 2-3 weeks for bedding sets and quilts to be handmade. Other small retailers will need longer lead times as they will possibly need to source materials to make your beautiful orders

The joy of shopping from small businesses is that there is no big guy in a shiny office taking a handsome cut from profits. Therefore your hard earned cash is more likely to be reflected in the quality of the product and will find its way more easily into the pockets of makers and small business owners. Think of it this way, your Christmas pounds could be paying for someone’s ballet lessons, school holiday, electric bill or even turkey!

I am absolutely no expert in economics but including shopping from small brands when you are gathering your Christmas loot seems like a pretty good idea. Over the next few weeks, I will be creating some mini directories of my favourite small businesses. If you have any suggestions, it would be lovely if you could add them to the comments below.

Happy November

Sophie

Quilt in Liberty Fabric ‘Ciara’

Duvet Cover in Liberty fabric ‘Poppy Forest’

The Small Joys of Autumn

Let’s be honest, Autumn and Winter can be grim : the longest term ever for the kids under low grey skies and the assault of Halloween and Christmas marketing in parallel with a cost of living crisis. However, all is not lost, I have been in cahoots with my family and friends and we have come up with a list of the tiniest things that may bring you a little touch of joy this time of year.

I find that short days provide the ultimate excuse to be lazy, there is no laundry to bring in and it’s too dark to possibly go out. Autumn really is the perfect time to snuggle up with your books, films and listen to music as soon as the sun goes down. I have put a few ideas below and hope that I have included some small joys that are accessible to all.

1. Sunrise at an acceptable hour.

2. Hedgehogs. Help them to hibernate successfully, build a hog house or maybe even get a camera !

3. Eating bowls of custard with or without crumble (Birds is fine)

4. Candle light, firelight and fairy lights.

5. Sparklers (fireworks too scary for dogs)

6. The lingering smell of bonfires.

7. Hanging up food for birds. Recipe for Fat Balls here

8. Sunday roast at home or in a pub after a long walk

9. Bright orange tangerines in the shops

10. Soup … think of all those poor disgarded Halloween pumpkins. Recipe here (I love mine with ginger and toasted pumpkin seeds.

11. Plant as many spring bulbs as possible (dig them deep into the soil- it will be worth it..)

12. Corduroy

Once you put your mind to it, I am sure that you will find other pleasures suited to this time of year. Please add them to the comments below for everyone to enjoy.

I will leave you with this beautiful quote that we can all aspire to, although in my opinion it is perfectly acceptable to moan and bitch throughout the whole season.

In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger – something better, pushing right back.

Albert Camus

Sophie xx

Linen tablecloth and napkins in Florence.

Introducing 'Florence'

Finally our beautiful linen is here; just in time for the cosy season. There have been many hurdles launching our new starlet out into the world, but we think she’s an absolute corker. ‘Florence’ is a 100% Oeko Tex Certified Linen and features a gorgeous pinstripe in terracotta, olive green and soft white. We think she looks soft and cosy alongside our resident linen ‘Rose Gingham’ and feels wonderfully romantic with our Liberty fabrics ‘Poppy Forest Rust’, ‘Wiltshire’ and ‘Capel’. I am sure that our creative customers will come up with some fabulous bedding and table linen combinations.

We named our fabric ‘Florence’, as it reminded us of the pyjamas worn by Grandfathers and bygone war time heroes. Thus we made the very tenuous link to Florence Nightingale and it also happens to my middle name! Bringing the collection together at the last minute due to an oil spill in transit (****) was an herculean effort and we couldn’t have made it all work without my tribe of warrior women (Kate May, Rhona McDade and Fliss Lincoln) as well as ‘got it in one shot, Rob Herron’.

Ruffle Edge Table Cloth in ‘Florence”

Alongside our bedding range we have also created a table linen collection showcasing our beautiful new ‘Florence’. Not only does this fabric look gorgeous but it is also incredibly absorbent and durable. I am very much of the mind set that things should not be kept for best. Laying the table beautifully for your chippy tea and lighting a candle will simply make you feel better about the long Autumn evenings. Greasy fingers on linen are no problem, as you can hurl your tablecloths and napkins into the washing machine and ironing is entirely optional. We recommend combining the Florence Table linen with napkins in Rose Gingham; these are available with or without crochet edging.

Large Linen Tablecloth in Florence

Finally, it is definitely worth mentioning that as well as being a mega babe, our linen in ‘Florence’ has eco- friendly credentials. As the flax for our linens is grown in the fertile soils of Northern Europe, it requires very little water and virtually no fertilizers or pesticides. Every part of the flax plant is used for making linen as well as linseed oil, food for livestock and soap. Our linen requires very little dye for colouring and is completely biodegradable. What’s not to love about Florence?

Sophie xx

Location : The Harbour House Flushing

Photography : Good Rest Studios

Styling : Otti Styling

Taking a walk on the wild side with House of Hackney

We are so excited to be working with House of Hackney who are launching part two of The Market Garden: their marketplace bringing together a collective of craftspeople inspired by a joint muse; Mother Nature. 

From handcrafted ceramics and original artworks to decor accessories and textiles, House of Hackney carefully curated The Market Garden to bring the beauty of Nature into your home.

I first visited the House of Hackney Flagship store ‘St Michaels’ back in February 2023 and although I was not greeted by a tiger or cobra, I was absolutely blown away by their incredible use of colour and pattern. I think I might of counted at least 5 paint colours and 8 patterns blending together perfectly in one of their exquisite rooms. Needless to say we were thrilled to be invited to join The Market Garden.

Our first project in May, was to work on a stunning tablecloth, handmade from House of Hackney’s ‘Floribunda’ fabric. Our head seamstress Kate literally squealed when she clapped her eyes on the pattern which is brimming with meadow flowers.

POPPY AND HONESTY Floribunda Magna Table Cloth

This season, House of Hackney enters the dark side of the Garden; the Gothic Garden. Featuring a carefully curated collection of artworks and homewares. We were delighted to be asked to contribute some beautiful linen bedding to the collection. The classic green and white stripe duvet and pillowcases contrasts beautifully with the patchwork throws and bespoke made headboards crafted in Devon.

Photo Credit Rosie Woolman

Photo Credit Rosie Woolman

We are so grateful to House of Hackney B Corp for generously extending their platform to make opportunites to craftspeople like Poppy and Honesty and hope that you enjoy looking at their stunning curation in The Market Garden.

Sophie x

Bows to bring joy

We have been busy hand crafting huge bows in the studio to be launched on October 8th. Each is carefully handmade from either Liberty fabric or linen and lined with soft cotton wadding to provide some structure. We have added a ribbon for hanging and also provided a little square tag if you would prefer to pin or nail your bow to any surface.

For me ‘the bow’ is a symbol of joy. From the sickly cellophane bows around bouquets to wedding cars, gifts and lavish 80’s bridesmaid dresses. Put a bow on anything and it makes it feel special. When I was about 9 years old I was obsessed with making Fergie bows, the larger and more gaudy all the better ! A little cottage in a village we used to drive through, was seasonally dressed in a huge pink ribbon with a large bow. The treat of seeing this gift of a house was source of fun and anticipation for my family.

Perhaps you will keep your bow wrapped up with your Christmas decorations and treasures to bring out ceremoniously every year. I am sort of girl who never keeps anything for best and would probably hang a bow over the downstairs loo or on the end of the bed. A little reminder that life is a gift, even though it doesn’t always feel like one.

Sophie x

Beep Beep ! Here come the bows…