A day off from the circus

There are two more full weeks of the school holidays. Part of me will miss the lack of routine, longer days and limited bursts of sunshine. The other part of me will be crawling to the finish line desperate for a quiet house.. I have to say that school holidays are easier when the children are older but you are still running a circus and spinning plates are being dropped in this house.

When the kids are little you are literally holding together a full on Cirque Du Soliel summer camp. Six weeks with teenagers is much less intense but with some hairy moments on the trapeze (note underage festivals). As the kids grow up, parents often take on more work (to pay for all the Vinted purchases) and it is a scramble to fit everything in. Last week I had 24 hours at Thorpe Park and then a 6 hour drive back to a full inbox in Cornwall. Knackered.

To stop myself from falling in a messy heap at the start of September, I have found that scheduling a reset day is very important. This doesn’t have to involve money which has all been spent on school uniform. But there are strict rules that need to be followed.

1. No looking at work or school related emails.

2. Do not go and tidy the kids rooms or do any boring routine chores.

3. Do the school drop off and go back to bed with a cup of tea for as long as possible.

4. Watch TV in the middle of the day. Preferably a very trashy series.

5. Have a bath in the middle of the day.

6. Go for a long slow walk.

7. Do what you want to do rather than what you have to do.

The wellness industry would tell you that you need a sound bath, a cacao ceremony and a silent retreat to reawaken your chakras. I find that saying ‘I am not doing nothing for nobody’ for a day makes me feel a whole lot better and is much more accessible. Schedule yourself a reset day in September and see how you feel.

In the meantime, good luck with the ***t show and the trip to Clarks.

Sophie x

Bedding Set made from Liberty Fabric ‘Annabella’

Big Top Cushion

Photo : Dee Campling

Paul's Summer Tart

i am very lucky to be married to a semi professional pastry chef. I am also lucky that he works away, otherwise I would look more like a choux bun. Here is his recipe for a summer tart. He prefers to use apricots but you could easily add nectarines or peaches.

Recipe for Paul’s Summer Tart

To make the pastry….

250g flour

125g butter

Pinch salt

Cut the butter into small cubes and place in fridge to ensure they are cold. Blitz the butter, flour and salt until fine breadcrumbs. Add a small amount of cold water to the mix to bring it together. Tip out the dough and combine by hand but do not knead it. Shape into a disc and cover with cling film and rest in the fridge for at least 30mins. Roll out the dough into a circle approx 2-3mm thick. Place into a 25 cm tart case and prick the bottom with a fork. Refrigerate for at least 15 mins. Place foil over the pastry and fill with rice. Blind bake for 20mins at 180*C. Remove the foil and rice and continue baking at 200*C until golden brown.

To make the filling…

200g almond meal

200g softened butter

100g caster sugar

Tablespoon of vanilla extract

Zest of one lemon

2 eggs

3 or 4 apricots

Combine all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pour into the cooled pastry shell. Halve the apricots and remove the stone, Arrange the fruit in the tart with the filling. Bake at 180*C for 25 to 30 mins (until golden brown).

Serve warm with cream and or ice cream.

Tablecloth and Napkins in Seaside Stripe Linen.

The Ups and Downs of running a small business

I’ve been running Poppy and Honesty for over 11 years and it has certainly been a fairground ride, specifically the ‘spinning tea cups’, which is supposed to be sedate but actually makes you feel a bit wobbly at times. Who would have thought that tinkering with beautiful fabric combinations and turning them into life long treasures could actually have a downside?

To be honest there are many fantastic aspects of running this gig. It’s very exciting when a new fabric arrives from Liberty of London and designing our own linens is a fun and creative process. I also get to hang out with my adored spaniel in our Sail Loft and generally choose my working hours. Our little corner of Falmouth is bursting with nice cafes and people always ready for a chat which makes the solitary nature of my role more fun. Our sewing team are all local, but choose to work in their own spaces and on their own timelines to fit in with other commitments. Flexible working keeps the team happy which reflects the quality of their work.

The scary part of running Poppy and Honesty is getting through low sale periods and trying to maintain some sort of equanimity. I am not very good at this and tend to spiral into a panic of ‘what ifs’ and googling dead stock outlets. Covid was booming for Poppy and Honesty and gave us a false sense of high productivity and sales. Inevitably when the furlow funds dried up, it wasn’t so great. To get us through hard times, I need to cement the fact that there will always be people who appreciate good craftsmanship and will support local, sustainable and small businesses.

I am truly grateful to you all for supporting Poppy and Honesty. All your sales, words and messages of encouragement keep this little boat bobbing along.

Sophie x

Just a little sale

Our business model doesn’t usually allow for much of a sale. I say ‘business model’ in the loosest possible terms. Basically we only make up small quantities of items and most of our bedding is handmade to order. Working with a small amount of stock, allows us to keep the quality high and our UK seamstresses in good biscuits. We rarely offer wholesale as our profit margins are already narrow, meaning that you are actually getting what you paid for.

In order to make space in our studio for our Autumn range, we have got a little sale on our website. Snap up a pretty thing while they are still there. Here are some of our favourite sale pieces.

Cushion made from Liberty fabric ‘Paysanne Blossom’

Bedding set made from Liberty fabric ‘Theresa’

Tablecloth in Marmalade Linen

Quilt made from Liberty fabric Poppy and Daisy Blue

Cushion made from Liberty fabric ‘Theresa’

Three books to read this summer

Rather like ‘Chick Lit’ the concept of a ‘Beach Read’ has rather a bad reputation. This may have something to the marketing push of books on stands at the airport that are covered in stickers that promise you that this is ‘The Book Of The Summer’. I think that the best books to read over the summer as those that you can pick up and put down and engage you in a good story. I don’t want fluff and I don’t want to go to dark places when I am on my lounger gazing at the sea. Books about rather dysfunctional families are always welcome on holiday as they make me feel better about the teenagers’ behaviour. Obviously reading is incredibly personal experience, however here is a very short list of fiction you might consider to take on holiday this year.

‘Sandwich’ by Catherine Newman

This story revolves around three generations of a loving family on their annual holiday to Cape Cod. The main character ‘Rocky’ is in the sandwich between her nearly grown up children and her ageing parents. Rocky is incredibly relatable as she struggles with the menopause, letting her kids go and unraveling secrets from her past. This book is funny and heartwarming, reminding us all that loving, happy families are never perfect and certainly don’t look like we think they should!

‘Really Good Actually’ by Monica Heisey

I initially picked up this book because the author was a screen writer on Schitts Creek which kept me laughing through the dark days of the pandemic. Monica Heisey does not disappoint in this painfully funny story about Maggie’s marriage breakup and her subsequent insufferable and appalling behaviour. This book is not a ‘feel good’ read but you will enjoy ‘Really Good Actually’ if you like dark humour and can relate to the essence of Maggie’s unhinged and erratic choices following a major life event.

‘Long Island Compromise’ by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

If you have a Succession shaped hole in your life this book will fill it. Long Island Compromise is quite a multi layered book but basically it is about inherited wealth, superstition and holding position in society. Holocaust surviving Jewish grandparents set up a very unscrupulous polystyrene factory in Queens and amass a vast fortune. This success is taken for granted by the second generation whilst the filthy rich grandchildren completely blow it ! The book is told from the position of all members of the family and poses the question of whether it is better to be bought up with the trappings of privilege or to earn your own livelihood.

i am extremely lucky that I have lots of time to read, so I will continue to put book reviews on my social media channels. Wishing you all a wonderful summer and sending power to the parents of young children.

Sophie x

Duvet Cover and Pillowcase made from Liberty Fabric ‘Paysanne Blossom’

Cushions in ‘Big Top Green’ and ‘Wimbledon’.

Our Guide To Cornwall in Summer - Part 2

Where is the summer? Biblical storms and weather warnings are not helping my anxiety levels as the 6-8 week school holiday approaches. Those of you heading down to Cornwall this summer may be freaking out, but don’t panic - there are things to do other than crabbing and eating £5 ice creams in the rain. In this post I will try and give you some rainy day ideas as well activities that are a little off the beaten track.

Dog Days Out

Many popular beaches in Cornwall allow dogs before 10am and after 6pm (details here). Our favourite all day dog friendly beaches on the South Coast include Flushing and Grebe. The former is a pebbly beach with plentiful rock pools, swings hanging in the trees and the local shop sells pasties and ice creams. The newly opened Habour House in Flushing, is a foodies dreamboat. Breakfast and lunch are more budget friendly options at this formidable pub.

Grebe is a magical beach and by far my favorite place to swim in Cornwall. Park in the nearby National Trust Car-park and wind your way down the track to this beautiful cove lined by overhanging ewe trees. Access is a little tricky for strollers etc but well worth the effort. There are many walks from this point that are detailed on the map in the car-park. We enjoy the 45 minute walk along the coast to the Ferry Boat Inn.

Living in this very damp corner of the country means that the gardens are glorious. Pretend you’re a pixie and walk under the gunnera or enjoy the enormous hydrangeas reminiscent of 1950’s swimming caps. Trebah and Enys Gardens are lesser known properties that welcome dogs onto the grounds.

Rainy Days In

Cornwall has some excellent independent cinemas that show mainstream as well as more unusual films (listed here). Likewise there are a lot of galleries dotted around the county including Newlyn, The Barbican, and Barbara Hepworth. Many of these will include activities for children that you can book onto. Sailors Jail in Falmouth is a studio designated to art classes for adults and children.

For those seeking action there is an excellent climbing centre in Wadebridge. Falmouth Maritime Museum can get crowded but it definitely has something for everyone including an indoor playground (kids go free). Flow Riders is perfect for surfers with itchy feet and you will find football golf and all the usual suspects in most main towns.

Restorative Days

Beach Sauna’s are popping up all over Cornwall. Whatever the weather it feels good to sweat out the chips and take a cold plunge in the sea afterwards. We like Kiln Sauna currently on Gylly Beach.

There are loads of yoga and wellness centres across Cornwall. I can recommend Falmouth Yoga Space and Sunshine Cafe and Yoga. The latter serves lovely food and offers a wide range of classes and therapeutic services. There are plenty of spas across the county which are stunning but also quite hefty on the budget. For spa value, I would recommend the hydrothermal experience at St Michael’s Hotel.

A visit to the church at St Just in Roseland cannot fail to warm your heart regardless of your religious beliefs. Set in the most beautiful gardens on the Fal Estuary, it is a magical and ancient place to visit. If you can catch a service, you will be made very welcome and I am sure you will come away feeling a little lighter (they also tolerate rowdy kids and muddy dogs).

Shopping Days

I understand that grocery shopping exclusively at independent stores is too expensive for most families. However, where you can please buy from a local bakery, butcher or fishmonger (links attached). Farmers market including Tregrew Food Barn (undercover) have a great atmosphere and very high quality local produce.

Wishing everyone a happy July. I know it’s grim out there, but the sun has to come out at some point.

Sophie xxx

Bring back the postcard

Alongside letter writing, we have seen the steady decline of the postcard over the years. These days we prefer to send a lovely filtered photo of our destination and ping it around the world for all to see within seconds via Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook etc. Unsurprisingly Britain’s oldest postcard publisher. J Salmon shut its 140-year-old operations in 2021 due to declining sales. Such as shame since these little sun cream smudged notes hold so much significance and remind us of people that we love.

When my best friend died ten years ago, I was clung to tangible things that made me feel connected to her. These included a small stash of birthday cards and I was very sad when our text messages perished alongside my old phone. If you have experience cleaning out the home of an elderly relative, you can piece parts of their together through letters and postcards with their dates and stamps. Even a few words scribbled on the back of an overexposed sunset, form part of a paper trail and a legacy.

Over the years I have tried and failed to write postcards. This is a particularly excellent rainy day activity or something to do with children when waiting for a meal. The tricky part of completing this task is having a pen, buying stamps and finding a post box. I would suggest getting the stamps, novelty pen and postcards on the same day. There is usually a post box at the airport and it really doesn’t matter if you get home before the card arrives.

It makes me a bit upset to think that all my memories, photo’s and correspondence are stored in the cloud and probably being used to suggest weight loss programs, cruises and funeral plans amongst other things. This year, I am going to attempt to write, because there’s nothing like that dog eared postcard that constantly falls off the fridge and reminds you of someone.

Sophie x

Tablecloth in Wimbledon Linen

Our guide to Cornwall in Summer - Part 1

I wouldn’t dare call myself a local, however after living in Cornwall for ten years, I have a little list of Cornish gems that I would like to share with you. Sometimes visitors to our beautiful county have an underwhelming experience due to the lack of parking, queues, prices and general infrastructure. These little suggestions might help you to avoid the tourist hotspots and have a really wonderful time. (You’ll be happy to know that that the Chivvy Roundabout (A30) has not been completed so you might want to save your best snacks/ podcast / episodes of Paw Patrol until this stage of the journey).

Surf and Seals

You can always find space on the long stretch of beach ‘Gwithian’ near Hayle. This is usually a great spot for surfing and there is nearly always a horsebox on the beach serving lovely coffee and bread and butter pudding. If you walk further up towards the lighthouse past Godrevy, there is a perfect look out point over Mutton Cove which is home to a huge colony of grey seals. Make sure you plan your visit for high tide and you may be treated to a lovely display of seals and pups lolloping and rolling in and out of the surf.

It is easy to see why this wild and dramatic landscape inspired some of Virginia Woolf’s most famous novels. There are some hairy cliff drops but for the most part this is a great place for families and dogs. Lots of parking options at Gwithian and a National Trust carpark at Godrevy, which also has an excellent cafe serving big sandwiches and chips.

Miracle Theatre

Cornwall is home to some very talented artists, none more so than the actors in the Miracle Theatre Group. These highly trained performers usually spend the summer touring the west country and have performances at some of the most beautiful locations in Cornwall including the glorious Minnack Theatre as well as Enys House, Trebah Gardens and many more gorgeous spots. Their current production ‘Love Riot’ is a Bridgerton-esque parody. Miracle Theatre is consistently high quality and always good fun.

Legendary Coves

The magical village of Zennor is perched on the cliffs at Penwith. A great place for a wild and woolly walk along the coast, finishing up at the Tinners Arms for some classic pub food. The legend of the Mermaid of Zennor is a wonderful eerie tale and you can visit the Mermaid's chair in the ancient church of St. Senera.

St. Agnes and Chapel Porth are home to the legend of the Bolster the Giant. There is a beautiful circular walk (6 miles) between the two beaches with a pit stop for crab sandwiches at Chapel Porth. On busy days there is overflow parking in the field above this beach.

Train to Porthminster Beach

Driving into St Ives is traumatic in the low season and homicidal during the summer. Ditch the car at St Erth Train Station and get the branch line into St Ives. The train journey is spectacular as it follows the coast and delivers you directly to Porthminster Beach. Either hang out at this expansive family beach or go straight towards Porthmeor and BYPASS the main strip.

Head in the direction of The Tate St Ives and wind your way along the narrow streets popping into pottery shops and studios along the way. The Tate St Ives is an impressive building, don’t forget to look for Patrick Gale’s glorious stain glass window in the foyer before checking out the small and well curated collection. The gallery-averse can hang out in the cafe on the top floor which has the most beautiful views across the bay.

Poppy and Honesty Studio, Falmouth

Please make an appointment and visit our Sail Loft Studio in Falmouth. Check out our beautiful textiles which are all handmade here in Cornwall. We’d love to welcome you and chat over a cup of tea so please get in touch (I may even be able to muster up a scone).

Summer in Cornwall Part 2 will be coming soon. Please remember if you are visiting Cornwall to support local businesses as much as you can, it makes all the difference.

Sophie xxx

Tablecloth and Napkins in Gelato Linen.

Hello Skirt - Our new linen valances

Dressing up your bed has been more fun with the addition of our gorgeous valances (also known as Bed Skirts and Dust Ruffles). Mix and match our patterned linens with Liberty fabrics or go for a single print for more minimalist aesthetic, We are launching valances in our wide stripe linen ‘Gelato’ as well as our perennial favourite “Seaside Stripe.

Valance made from Seaside Stripe Linen. Pillowcases, fitted sheet and duvet cover made from Liberty fabric ‘Paysanne Blossom’. Big Top Cushions and Ruffle Cushion made from Liberty Fabric Theresa.

As all our valances are handmade to order in our Cornish studio we are able to offer you a bespoke service. On our website, we offer a range of sizes from Single to Super King, however if your size isn’t listed we are able to make any size from our wide width linens. Similarly, our valances include a drop of 38 cms, if you would like this dimension altered, we can try and meet your requirements.

If you would like any assistance choosing patterns and fabrics, please send us an email and don’t forget allow 2-3 weeks for your order to be handmade.

Enjoy the sunshine,

Sophie x

Valance and Ruffle Cushions made from Gelato Linen. Pillowcases, duvet cover and fitted sheet in Wimbledon. Cushion made from Liberty fabric ‘Annabella’ with velvet ruffle.

The Joys of June

I can’t quite believe that June is upon us, one of the absolute best months of the year. Apart from exams and the background waffle of this years Genny Lec, June is a good one. Some of you cool cats will be enjoying festivals this month. I have finally admitted to myself that Hay On Wye is the only festival for me and you can have the Pyramid Stage and all the sequins and I’ll have a nice bed in a Welsh cottage with my books. Anyway, here are my small joys of June…

• Pick Your Own (PYO) . Basic PYO farms are getting harder to find (a field with a weighing scales). Nowadays many of these venues seem to have a cafe and fancy farm shop (also nice). It’s always fun to pick your own strawberries and feel slightly sick driving away….

• Village/ Church Fairs. A lovely slice of WI sponge whilst listening to a questionable brass band. Always good jam, plants and a gorgeous community atmosphere. Bonus points if there is a dog show.

• Glastonbury on the sofa. With BBC Sounds you can pretty much watch the whole festival in real time from your sitting room. If you want a more authentic experience, serve warm beer in plastic cups.

• Lots of good book releases including ‘Same As It Ever Was’ by Claire Lombardo and ‘Bear’ by Julia Philips. There is something lovely about reading outside in a quiet spot.

• Outdoor Cinema / Open Air Theatre. Bring warm clothes and a competitive picnic and huddle up to watch a classic film or play if you are lucky. ‘The Secret Garden’ is on at Regents Park Open Air Theatre and we’ll be watching Miracle Theatre at Trebah Ampitheatre (Cornwall).

• Wimbledon again on the sofa. It’s the time of year that we give out unqualified tennis tips to top athletes from our own home and make a failed plan to improve tennis playing.

There are many more great things about June. Please add yours to the comments below and I will continue to add little gems of fun to Poppy and Honesty’s Instagram.

Wishing you a lovely June

Sophie x

Handmade Quilt in Liberty Fabric ‘Paysanne Blossom’

Things I have been enjoying lately.

Bursting hedgerows, bumblebees and long days punctuated by burnt bbq’s are the best things about this time of year. Despite high hopes, we all know that summer doesn’t always deliver here in Great Britain. Here is a list of indoor things I have been enjoying lately, I thought they might be handy, even though I love a damp Mr Whippy, don’t you?

Reading

Piglet by Lottie Hazell

This is brilliant story told through dialogue and descriptions of amazing food. Piglet is due to marry her seemingly perfect fiance Kit. However he does something awful before the wedding and Piglet spirals out of control. This debut novel is darkly funny and very impressive.

Theatre

Nye by Tim Price

This production is well worth staying out after 10pm. ‘Nye’ has been beautifully filmed and beamed to cinemas via National Theatre Live. Bevan Nye is the force behind the establishment of the NHS in 1948 and his story is brilliantly told with care and humour to convey his great passion for a national healthcare provision. Michael Sheen’s performance as Nye is incredible and the production is flawless.

Film

‘High and Low - John Galliano’ by Kevin MacDonald

There is no need to be a fan of high fashion to appreciate this documentary about disgraced fashion designer John Galliano. Not only does look at how creative and moral worlds can collide but raises issues around cancel culture and redemption. MacDonald frequently makes reference to Galliano’s phenomenal fall from grace through clips from ‘The Red Shoes’ (Pressburger) and in particular a devastated Napoleonic figure. It is quite a serious talky film but there is plenty of razzle dazzle with scenes featuring Naomi, Kate and the gang.

Listening and Eating

Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band makes me think of the Carribean, fun times and Notting Hill Carnival. I am making a lot of Muffin Cakes to provide revision sustenance for the boys. You will probably have all the ingredients for this easy cake by Ravneet Gill. I use whatever frozen fruit available and halve the quantity of sugar.

Gardening (not really)

I will be watching Chelsea Flower Show next week and feeling inadequate about our weed ridden football pitch/garden. However this candle by Earl of East actually smells of a greenhouse. One step closer to the good life…..

I hope that you are having a lovely May. Please share any of your rainy day tips and tricks below.

Sophie x

Quilt and Duvet Cover made from Liberty Fabric ‘Paysanne Blossom’.

Sheet, cushion and pillowcase made from Liberty Fabric ‘Theresa’

Handmade in Cornwall

Image Dee Campling and The Wild Girls Cots.

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!