Cover Girl

Check me out...Miss October! This was the image for the month of October in The Bread Book: A Baker's Almanac, by Ellen Foscue Johnson. Back in the day...(over used phrase I know Pops!), my brother and I were very willing kiddy labour for a family friend's bread book illustration. 

 

Mutt tells the tale that she was preggers with my younger brother Al, and they took a shot of her holding this bowl of dough, then one of her with a baguette and baby in her arms. Must dig out those pics. Bun.In.The.Oven...literally.  I had a whole wardrobe of those smocked dresses and James? Well, he was permanently in sweat suits, Izods, towelling wristbands, green flash sneakers...leisure-wear! This was shot on the front porch of our house in Weston,VT. Man, still so many memories of that magical place.

Thanks to my dear friend Anna Dibble for digging this one out.

 (We made the cover too...couldn't get a good image, will have to dig out our copy)

Handmade Therapy: Knit one, purl one....

Everyone knows by now that knitting is all the rage. No longer the domain of your granny, this craft is taking over. Stitch 'n Bitch anyone? At primary school in Scotland we had a sewing/craft class for many years, but I don't recall ever completing a knitting project although I did try my hand at it. I preferred the sewing projects, until I drove the needle of the machine clean through my finger....another time.

Anyway, the ladies in my family have all been knitters and both my Grannies were into it. Granny Fox managed to knit full outfits for us all from our own wool provided by a couple of sheep in our back garden in Vermont. I am talking rompers, cardigans, footed leggings, hats, scarves, gloves.....I am allergic. The latest of the clan to resurrect this craft is my mother. Her philosophy is to keep it simple, and create pieces that will have lasting use and a uniqueness to them that just couldn't be bought. Her signature is the baby blanket, and she has created a beautiful piece for each of her 4 grandchildren, most recently for Isobel who arrived less than two weeks ago. I love that they all have a piece of De Oma (her Granny name) to snuggle up with.

I'll let her tell you more...
"I learned to knit at primary school in the north of Scotland (Distant memories of grey woollen socks on different needles -not the easiest thing to start on but we had a stash of sweets in our apron lap bags to keep us going!). I didn't get back into knitting again until the prospective arrival of the first grandchild and thought I would have a go at a patchwork square blanket."

For Oliver, the first born.

"Knitting was becoming fashionable again and I was inspired by my mother-in law who could knit a pair of bootees by tea time and made all the hand knits for our children. Leggings and hooded coats with rabbit ears and bonnets and mittens on a string as well for sleeping outside in the big pram-those were the days!"

F is for FOX, for Noah. Seriously..monogramming? Love it.

"Knitting is a kind of Meditation for me, something centred that I can always pick up and go back to. I knit in soft cashmere or cotton mix as I like the feel of this wool particularly with wooden needles for smaller projects. You can knit on a train (though no longer on a plane), take it with you to fill in the hours wherever you are and the latest pattern is always something to look forward to-a few rows at a time is the rhythm."

A touch of Pink for the first Granddaughter, Honor (the addition of colour was saved until the birth as we didn't yet know what sex she would be).

"I stick to simple garter, stocking and moss stitch but have just mastered cable! Start with something simple (no point in labouring over a complicated cardigan you can buy in Baby Gap). A white silk Lavender sachet with ribbon or cosy hot water bottle cover are both within the grasp of first time knitters.

A simple knitted square pinned to a New Baby card is the equivalent of baking home made cookies wrapped up in a paper bag with ribbon - your time and effort make a gift money cannot buy. Simple knits for Cherished Babies by Erika Knight is a constant inspiration and worth it for the photos alone."

Hot off the press! The latest blanket for the latest Grandchild, Isobel.

"Now that baby blanket 4 is finished, I am on to the next project- cashmere wrist warmers -first time on 3 needles for a while so watch this space!

Happy Knitting "

One of the first books my mother bought in recent years on knitting was Debbie Bliss's Baby Knits for Beginners. That was where she got the patchwork pattern for the first blanket (below).


The images are the cutest (don't you just want to eat that baby up?) and the projects seemingly simple. They almost make me feel like picking up the needles again. Although I am inclined to leave it to the experts! Thanks Mutt. x

WEEKLY REMEDIES

This week I am loving bowties...

1. Bianca Print, Matou en Peluche 2. Cosmopolitan Freestyle Bowtie, xo elle 3. Girly Little Blouse, Heidi and Finn Studio

4. Tout Petit Carpet Bag, Mary Kaiser 5. Vintage Necktie Hair Bow, Care Wood 6. Scarlet Convertible Top, Seana Gordon

7. Bear in Glasses Print, Pamela Michelle 8. Bowtie Dog Collar, Pecan Pie Puppies 9. Moustache Bow Tie Shirt, Oh Fiddlesticks

OK, so not all of these picks are technically bowties, but you see where I am coming from! Just a quick note on the subject of bowties. The men in our family are diehard bowtie wearers. Long before it became fashionable for younger men to wear them, my brothers were rocking them and Pops never goes a working day without wearing one. I am not kidding..ever..in my whole life..have I seen him go to work without a bowtie (35 years and counting).

Pops (above) rocking the bowtie off duty too.

I learned to tie a bowtie when I was about 12 or so, kind of an essential skill as far as my mother could see just in case your date hasn't quite tackled it successfully himself. Mutt always had her maternal priorities in order! You see, wearing a clip on, or pre-tied bowtie is UNACCEPTABLE every and any time. If you can't tie it, don't wear it...this includes babies and kids no matter how "cute".

Check out the regular weekly post Fridays are Tie Days by my brother (above) to get a sense of just how much ties mean to the Fox men.

(last two images 10engines, cheers buddy)

Animal Husbandry and Quiche

This weekend has been packed full of activity, in no small part due to 4th July. In addition, our big Boys (Socks and Whiskers) returned back from Summer Camp today, where we hope they learned a few more manners.

Socks (in front) and Whiskers.

Socks, giddy on grass!

We used to have lots more animals (cows, dogs, geese, ducks etc etc), but these days we are just overrun with chickens and these two Boys.


The eggs are out of this world, and make for great hostess gifts (everyone loves fresh eggs, right?). We really haven't worked out the best way to sell them and have a fridge FULL. I am always thinking of what I can cook to whittle down our egg mountain, so a quiche was the order of the day yesterday.

A few points here:

• I never make the crust, always buy pre-made (life is too short to make pastry as Mutt would say).
• I use the Silver Palate basic egg custard recipe and it never goes wrong. Bake for 40 mins or so at 375 Fahrenheit. Just don't let it get too hard, you want a little give in the egg mixture.
  
• Quiche is a vehicle for whatever you have on hand. Any amount of classic combos exist but I think it is much more interesting to create your own. When it comes to the filling, more is more...pack it all in.

This quiche was made out of leftovers from a picnic we had the night before. Poached salmon, asparagus, peas, sauteed onions and garlic, with lots of chopped coriander (sorry, cilantro). Yum!

We've gone free range here on the farm since we no longer have dogs to pester the chickens but we shut them up at night to protect them from the beasties. For the past two weeks, I have had a couple of furry house guests so have to keep a close eye on their outside antics, just to make sure the chickens don't get munched.

Veda (left) and Django (right)

Cuteness factor x 100 with these two. I will be sad to see them go tomorrow. Time to get ourselves another dog, or two...

Anyone for tennis?

Today sees the start of the 2010 Wimbledon championships in SW19. Since it's foundation at the All-England Lawn Tennis Club in 1877, Wimbledon has been one of the bastions of the British sensibility for sportsmanship and the obligatory rigorous rules. The all white uniform code for players has been slightly relaxed over time but there is still a strict sense of tradition in everything that they do. The officials' and ball boy/girl uniforms had been redesigned by Ralph Lauren in 2006 to give a distinct Brideshead Revisited feel, as ironically only this US master of preppy can do.

Umpire Uniform (Image from the Daily Mail)

The latest Polo Ralph Lauren Wimbledon Collection is available to buy now, although the blazer is exclusively for the Officials.

So inspired by Wimbledon, here are a few picks for tennis lovers.

Vintage Butterick Tennis Dress Pattern, Hey Chica

Wimbledon Gigi Purse, Bagatelles And Co

Embroidered Tennis Racquet Patch, Fern Curisoities

Child's Tennis Dress, Elise Hooper Designs

David Crystal Lacoste Dress, J. Emporium

Let the games begin!

Say it with flowers

It cannot have escaped your attention that Mother's Day (in the US) is on Sunday 9th May. In Britain it was on Sunday 14th March. In my family it is more of an occasion to mark with a special card and a nice chat, as we are spread all over the world and rarely get to spend any of these dates together. Anyway, as my Mutt would say, forced celebrations/occasions hyped by the card making companies are not the time to say something that you should say to your loved ones all the time. Spontaneity and genuine instinctive expression of our feelings are much more our speed in the Fox household.

But then there are flowers...I mean, who doesn't love them? Why not give a gift that is flower related and will stand the test of time, not wilt or die off, so it can be kept and cherished? Why not indeed!

"English Roses on Aqua" Print, Annechovie

Daisy Bunch Headband, Lou and Lee

Clothespin Cushion Cover, Coucou Salut

"Colt Love" Print, Hillary Bird

Yellow Poppy Clutch, Red Ruby Rose

So, whatever you give, and wherever you are just take a moment to thank your Mum with a little bit of spontaneity at any time, not just on the designated Sunday.

My brother was asked to do a piece on our mum (pictured above) who we call Mutt (as in Mutter, German for mother) for the fabulous blog, All Plaid Out. Pop over and check out this perfectly pitched tribute to our fabulous mother here. Damn, he is just too good with words! I am pretty sure that is one of the best Mother's Day gifts she has ever been given.

Cheers to all of my favourite mothers in my life, Mutt, Nance, Mindy, Fe, Duff, Sally, Jean and Dorothy. My absolute respect and admiration for what you have all achieved. Love you. x

HOUSE CALLS: The girls from Belle and Boo

Early on in my Etsy youth, I stumbled upon the exquisite images from Belle and Boo. Soon after that, Mutt gave me one of their prints and I quickly fell in love.

Little Belle Hugs Boo

Mandy Sutcliffe, with her good friend Kate are the girls behind the most delightful Belle and Boo. They produce prints, cards, buttons, mirrors, dresses and more...all featuring Belle and her sweet friend Boo (a rabbit), and many more characters.

Belle, the Tree Hugger

Belle and Boo images make me think of a sweet, innocent childhood full of animals, deep friendships and lots of adventures! They are clean, delicate drawings full of gorgeous detail and beautiful colour. And most of all fun! Mandy conjures up images that are wholesome and cuddly, but not too cutesy. Belle has a character all her own.

Belle and Boo, Halloween

Anyway, Mandy from Belle and Boo has taken time out of her hectic schedule (most recently showing at the design show Top Drawer Autumn 09, in London) to share with you the inspirations and secrets behind her work. Enjoy!

Describe the work that you do.
"I illustrate moments of childhood, a child hugging a tree, kite flying or simply staring out on the landscape from their favourite tree."

Lost Cut Out, Paper Doll

What was the career/education path that got you to this point?
"My eyes were opened to the vast possibilities of art during my foundation course at the age of 18. After a lot of deliberation between choosing a fine art course and a graphic arts course I opted for illustration at Leeds University. There were easels and paint everywhere, the carpeted floors and technical rulers had put me off a lot of other graphics courses."

Where do you get your inspirations?
"From life, I see children doing sweet stuff all the time, from stories my friends tell me about their kids, from my favourite books, the internet and day dreaming."

Describe the creative process in designing/creating a particular piece.
"I sketch roughly first the initial idea, them I refine that sketch, then I draw the final line work on tracing paper. It is usually a collection of different bits of the finished drawing. I scan them in and in photoshop I put the image together. I print out allot along the way, and re-sketch parts many many times, to get the line and flow just right."

Where do you create your work?
"In my studio in the back garden."

The Bristol Work Station

Share 3 artists whose work you admire.
Joyce Lankester Brisley (of Milly Molly Mandy fame), Beatrix Potter and Bonnard

Where do you sell your work?
www.belleandboo.com, www.belleandboo.etsy.com

What/who are the things you love most in your life?
"My partner Russ, we met at art college. He is one of the most talented creatives I know. I love travelling, eating and sport."

What would you do in "your wildest dreams", if there were no restrictions?
"That's difficult, if I want to do something I usually try and make it happen. Russ and I fancied spending this winter in the sun, so have organised a house swap to Sydney.
BUT I would love to cycle around the world or something like that."

What is your greatest professional achievement?
"That keeps changing daily, the latest one was having a 4 page spread about Belle & Boo in Junior magazine & having a beautiful stand at Top Drawer Olympia"

Belle and Boo stand, Top Drawer Olympia 09

What is new with you and your work?
"Fabric stuff! soon we will be selling cushions, dolls and we are developing a new range of children's clothes."

Lost Dress

Let's Hug Pinafore Dress

Belle Hugs Boo Soap

Cushions...coming soon!

What is your motto in life?

"Keep going, work hard, believe in yourself & things will start to happen."

Follow the girl's exploits on their blog, and you can download new outfits for this adorable Belle Doll, for free. It doesn't get sweeter than that!

Dress Up Belle and Boo

INSPIRED BY... Julia Child

"Julie and Julia", is a new movie based on the legendary cook Julia Child and writer Julie Powell. Julia Child single handedly transformed the American approach to cooking, with her bible "Mastering the Art of French Cooking".

Julie Powell, sought life changing inspiration through her commitment to cooking all 524 recipes in this book, in just 1 year.
Her blog was so successful that she got a book deal and then the 2 lady's stories were merged to create this wonderful movie. The gorgeous scenes set in 1950s Paris, are enough to make your mouth water.

If you don't know Julia Child, then shame on you! Check out her classic TV shows on PBS here. Julia was a ballsy woman who was determined to challenge herself through learning to cook, relatively late in life. Her story is a passionate one, both in her intense love affair with her husband and her commitment to introducing fabulous, and often decadent, food to America.

The Child Kitchen

Julia Child's Cambridge, Mass. Kitchen was transported to the Smithsonian as part of a permanent tribute to the Grande Dame of American Cooking. I LOVE the teal/duck egg blue colour of her cabinets. I will visit one day, but until then try the online tour here.

So, inspired by the fabulous Parisian scenes of Julia at the Cordon Bleu, and her own considerable personal style...here are my picks. Bon Appetit! as Mrs Child always said!

Julia Posters

1. The Boutique Sugar Apron, The Cupcake Goddess 2. Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer 3. Portmeirion Sophie Conran, Pestle & Mortar 4. Le Creuset Cast Iron Casserole 5. Muji/Thonet Bentwood Bistro Chair

I love Julia Child for many things, but mostly for her unflappable approach to cooking in her confident belief that anything is possible in the kitchen, with not inconsiderable dedication to the craft. Above all, she urged the viewer/reader to carry on regardless. The ultimate example of Keep Calm and Carry on!

Thanks Mutt for a great day at the movies!