Our trip to Ilkley

I had a fab day out with my Mum yesterday.  I packed my little boy up with everything he would need for an afternoon with Grandad, and my Mum and I headed out for a girly afternoon.  We had already decided on venturing to Ilkley, as there was a 100% Handmade Designers Fair going on in Riddings Hall.

We had such a lovely day mooching around the shops and the Fair was great.  I wish I had taken my camera, as the ladies at the Fair had the place kitted out with yards of pretty vintage bunting and had set up a cafe with the most mouth-watering homemade cakes.   Also to my delight I found a stall there, that only the night before I had been drooling over their website -  'Dear Emma' makes the most gorgeous handmade soft furnishings and personal accessories.  I treated myself to a little potholder, which is now standing proudly on my mantlepiece.  I totally, totally love it.  All the way home I kept getting it out of the bag to have a look at it.  It is a buy that will be treasured forever.  Have a look at Emma's website if you get the chance www.dear-emma.com

Here are  a few other lovelies I bought from the fair.....

We also discovered a wonderful cafe and wool shop in the town, called Create Cafe - where I'm afraid I went a bit crazy, buying 10 balls of Baby Alpaca for a new blanket project.  I also picked up a ball of the Debbie Bliss 'Andes' - the softest yarn I have ever felt!  Ohhhh - I am going to have fun with my crochet hook!!

I have been busy on the making front too... putting together these little birds.  Their former life was my grey woolly jumper...

Ohhh...one last thing I must show you - this is a cushion that Grandma bought for my little boy to give me...love it!

Bye bye for now xxxx