Valentine

Here is the perfect film for St Valentine and lovers everywhere, Little Dark Poet by Bolex Brothers.

X

For R x

Vegetable Materia Medica

This is the book that I spent nearly all my money on at Kempton Antiques market. A manual of Vegetable Materia Medica, by George S.V. Wills M.P.S., &c., published by Simpkin, Marshall & Co in 1878. I don't usually spend more than 2 0r 3 quid on an old book but this is quite possibly the most beautiful book I ever beheld. Still a bargain at £10 and there are 23 more plates of hand coloured exquisite vegetable parts. Sigh.....

I have just discovered more about the author George Sampson Valentine Wills - he was born on Valentine's day in 1849. You can read more about him here.

Bicycle <3

I bought myself an old fashioned Dutch style bicycle - I have always wanted one of these - ever since a trip to Amsterdam in the early 8o's. Having no front brake and only a back-pedal brake is taking a bit of getting used to but it is a joy to ride.

Birthday wishes.

Bike Love

'The Chain that fell off my bike last night

Is now wrapped round my heart'

Picture courtesy of Richmond Cycling Campaign, words by Billy Bragg, listen to the song here. From the 1988 album Workers Playtime.

The Big Knit

Little knitted hats by Joanne Haywood

Every year innocent smoothies run a campaign to get folks up and down the land to knit little hats for smoothie bottles. For every behatted bottle sold, Sainsbury’s and innocent give 50p per bottle sold to Age Concern to help keep older people warm in winter. The money raised from The Big Knit goes towards providing hot meals, blankets and advice to older people on how to keep their homes warm.
Last year they raised over £200,000 for Age Concern and this year they are looking to raise lots more.
Check out their website for knitting patterns, resource packs and delivery forms.
You have until 17th October to get all your little hats over to Fruit Towers… So get knitting!

My knitting needles have been feeling a bit redundant so far this year - thankyou Joanne for the information.

Cut from the same cloth

Embroidery by Katy Prowse.

Song by Anthony and the Johnsons.