There’s a new woman in Justin’s life!
She’s an alpine flower girl – and resides on this fabulous vintage pinny.
She came home with him on Wednesday – and he definitely took longer photographing this apron than he does photographing a cruet set – dreaming of life in the alpine meadows!
We love period kitchen textiles – tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, pan grabs, curtains etc.
Have a look at all the vintage pinnys currently available in the H is for Home shop
We spent a splendid few hours at the launch of the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. This year, it’s being held in Manchester city centre at Spinningfields.
There are almost 150 stands featuring the work of top class designer-makers from as far afield as Cornwall, Bristol, Argyll, London… with a strong representation from Greater Manchester and the North West. There was a huge turnout of visitors – many bagging themselves some fabulous early Christmas presents (for friends, family & themselves!).
We couldn’t blog about absolutely all the craftspeople there, so here’s a bit about some of the ones who especially caught our eye…
We were both really taken by these delicate and tactile hand-thrown porcelain vessels from Belfast-based Derek Wilson Ceramics. His display was the epitome of pared back, understated loveliness!
Adelle has a soft spot for colourful & playful jewellery like these felt pieces from Lynsey Walters…
…and a well-known penchant for vintage and vintage inspired handbags & purses!
These ones above are from Monica Boxley who, as well as using original vintage fabrics, makes beautiful handmade leather handbags inspired by a 1950s one belonging to her mother. It’s named the Marianne in homage.
As we’re on the subject of bags & purses, here are some lovely natural linen examples below from Teresa Green who makes an array of goods using textiles that she designs & hand prints.
If you’re a regular reader of our blog posts, you’ll know that we love pottery. The timeless slipware made by Hannah McAndrew is just the kind of thing that gets us excited.
Her pieces would sit equally comfortably in both an ultra modern pad as well as well as an antique furnished country cottage.
There’s another Hannah exhibiting who’s work we’ve known & loved for a very long time. She’s Hannah Nunn, a lighting designer based a 10-minute drive away from us in Hebden Bridge.
If you’re ever in the area, her shop Radiance is in Hebden town centre. If not, she also sells online.
Ruth Green Design had a lovely display of eye-catching silk screen prints.
In addition to screen prints she has a lovely selection of linocuts and oil on paper works available on her website.
Tricia Needham is another screen printer whose work caught our attention. She makes these tea cosies as well as cushions, bags, scarves and ties (seen adorning the neck of Jon Snow no less!).
One stand that was getting a lot of attention from visitors on the night was Ingrid Wagner‘s…
Ingrid was encouraging people to try their hand at knitting with her giant needles and huge balls of wool & fabric. Ingrid in fact broke the world record last year for ‘extreme knitting’ – using needles three and a half metres long!
The Fair’s on until Sunday 25th October so get down there, it’s well worth a visit!
We’re taking a look at the vintage and hand-crafted scene in Manchester, concentrating on the Northern Quarter area situated in the city centre.
The area has a nice collection of shops & stalls to tempt the vintage and hand-crafted enthusiast.
Let’s start with Manchester Craft & Design Centre. It’s a wonderful old building – a Victorian former fish & poultry market.
Spread over 2 floors, it houses a number of fabulous designer/makers, each with their own workspace cum retail outlet.
There are lots of gorgeous jewellery, clothing, home furnishings and accessories on sale.
Special mention must go to Calico Angel at Holm, owned by Susan Kane & Clinton Pilkington.
Not only are their products beautiful but the display was really imaginative – it’s an inspiring space.
There’s also a lovely little coffee shop, Café Aromat, on the premises. On a recent trip we had the best homemade muffins we’ve ever tasted!
Sticking with the hand-crafted theme, we move to Manchester Fashion Market
It’s held on Saturdays at the Piccadilly end of Tib Street.
It’s a group of about 10 outdoor stalls which sell clothing, bags, accessories and homewares – many using recycled fabric and materials.
Continuing on with vintage…
…there’s a great selection of vintage and retro shops in the area.
We love Pop Boutique on Oldham Street.
It always has a few tempting things in the window.
Once inside, you’ll find retro fashion upstairs and vintage homewares downstairs – along with a bustling café.
Across the road is Den Furniture…
…which has a mixture of contemporary & period vintage furniture including reupholstered pieces given a new lease of life.
Next door is Ryan Vintage – a real rummager’s paradise – both mens’ & womens’ fashion and very popular with Manchester’s student population.
Also on Oldham Street is Oxfam Originals…
… a great selection of clothes, bags, shoes and ties… and of course, the money goes to charity!
A short walk around the corner – back on Tib Street – is Rags to Bitches…
…it stocks a discerning selection of vintage clothes & accessories.
They also run lots of fashion-related talks & events in their shop.
Then there’s Cup on Thomas Street – homemade cakes & vintage crockery – what could be better?
Close by on Church Street, is Affleck’s Palace, something of a Manchester institution.
Three floors of fashion, vintage and alternative culture.
Also in the area and worth a visit are American Graffitti, Bluerinse Vintage and Retro Rehab – and some good art & craft supply shops like Fred Auldous and Abakan Fabrics, Hobby & Home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our little tour and get the chance to visit!
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