Meeting the need!

With only 3 or 4 shoping days left, I thought some of you more desperate gift buyers might like some inspiration for unique gifts, that won't break the bank!

How about this stylish but homely tea pot, by Taena Pottery, for a tea drinker? Just right for 1 or 2 mugs!

Or this tiny original painting by Trudi Hayden? Give them a White Christmas for all the years to come!

Or perhaps you know a stylish man, who (like so many men!) is difficult to buy for? These sparklingly discreet cuff links may be the answer. This is just a glimpse of Fran Harding's hand made glass jewellery range.

Men often like to have somewhere to empty their pockets of all the 'stuff' we women keep in handbags, a fellow craftsman would perhaps like this? Or it would make a fine fruit bowl for a single person, perhaps. John Jacques, our wood turner, has a range of bowls, clocks & barometers, which are popular with our male customers. Not to mention earring stands, pendant watches and other goodies for ladies, too!

Thes little dishes by Tara Davidson would serve a similar purpose, for men or women - we all have little 'bits' that need to be kept somewhere safe! Single earrings, paperclips, etc, or they would be ideal for all those 'nibbles' at parties.

We have, of course, many makers of costume jewellery to choose from, this is a kniited and beaded silver wire heart, by Kate Michelle Jewellery - and she does classes in knitting wire jewellery, so if you have a crafty person to buy for, perhaps booking a place on one of those would make their eyes light up?

Hope I've given you lots of ideas, to make your task less burden some!  A very happy Christmas, and a properous 2012 to all of you, from all of us!

Snuggles for little ones

Amanda set up 'Amanda Hawkins Knitwear' in 1990 with the help of a small grant from the Prince's Youth Business Trust. She had gained an Hons. Degree in woven textile design at Birmingham, but a loom in a bedsit was out of the question, hence she bought a knitting machine. For the first few years Amanda  produced  ladies textural wool & chenille jackets with co-ordinating hats, which sold at prestigous fairs, such as 'Chelsea Craft Fair' & 'Country Living', as well as in galleries throughout the country & in the USA. With their spiral toggles & scalloped edges, they lent themselves to childrenswear & in 2000 the 'Tassles & Toggles' childrens range of knitted cotton accessories developed, including hats, scarves & mittens, which sold at Covent Garden Market.

 

In 2002 Amanda & her partner moved to Stroud in Gloucestershire to start a family. The 'Made in Stroud' shop stocked her knitting immediately, (& still does today) giving her the opportunity to become a full time mum working from home.  It was in September 2009, when her youngest daughter was starting school that Amanda came across 'By Local' by chance on a shopping trip.
'I knew that this was something I would like to get involved in, & was very excited to be accepted. The response by the public was amazing'.

In 2009 personalised knitted bunting was added to the range, & a year later, smaller door plaques. They cost £4.00 per flag for the bunting & £3.50 per flag for the plaques. They are both available in all the colours shown, & beautifully lined with gingham. Choose end design flags or just the name. Orders take about a week.

New for this season have been the trio of 'Nelly Noodle' teddies which were designed after the arrival of a new cousin, & took inspiration from a range of new hats.

To complete the look, Amanda has also recently added co-ordinating soft cotton baby blankets in two sizes; swaddling blankets & moses basket snuggles.

P.s. if it's not clear from her blog - Amanda loves knitting!!