Hunningham, shown in the photos above, is a tiny village, just outside Leamington Spa, a typically Warwickshire collection of higgledy piggledy dwellings clustered around the parish church (where I used to play the organ as a teenager).  It was lovely to visit again as I hadn't been back for many years - lots of new development of course, but a great deal also remained unchanged.  But we couldn't stay long - we had an important mission to complete - so were soon back on the road again heading north towards Northumberland...

I remember visiting Northumberland on a childhood family holiday,  but had never seen it through adult eyes.  I was struck by the stark beauty of the countryside, all greenery and softness stripped away by the wild winter weather, as well as the wide open skies and rushing water as stream after stream merged into tributaries of the River Tees.  We will definitely return, but couldn't stay long on this visit as we had an important mission to complete....

Collecting "Auntie" Ruby from a wild and wonderful place where she had lived all her life with a lovely lady who also bred Ted's dad. Ruby is an ex-brood bitch and her owner, now that Ruby is six and her puppy bearing days are over, wanted her to enjoy a happy retirement in a family home where she could receive lots of individual attention, spoiling and treats.  (I feel I must emphasise there is absolutely no question of any welfare issues, Ruby was much loved and well cared for, and has only had three litters).  And so Ted's Auntie Ruby, on the left of the photo below, has joined our team here at Bustle & Sew HQ.  

And finally, there are snowdrops everywhere now, even on the Northumberland moors.  So if you haven't already, then please don't forget to CLICK HERE to download your free pattern for the bowl of snowdrops pictured below. 

Until next time, very best wishes from us all!

Helen x

The Wheel of the Year panel is now back in stock on Etsy and delivery times have returned to normal after Christmas.  There is also a digital option if you're confident with drawing and dividing your own circle and transferring the motifs.the so many birds

Aflowers and other motifs I would have loved to have stitched but simply didn’t have space for!

Anyway, the Wheel of the Year panel is now back in stock on Etsy and delivery times have returned to normal after the Christmas holidays.  There’s also an option for a fully digital pattern if you’re confident drawing your own circles and transferring the motifs.) the edges of each panel as I always think finishing the edges to avoid fraying is one of the less exciting parts of beginning a new project.  The panels are printed on a nice quality pure cotton fabric that is a pleasure to work with.  I loved stitching my own wheel (you can see it in pride of place on my shelf in the first image), and really didn’t want to finish it.  I shall have to think of another project that takes us through the year in the same way – there are so many birds, flowers and other motifs I would have loved to have stitched but simply didn’t have space for!

Anyway, the Wheel of the Year panel is now back in stock on Etsy and delivery times have returned to normal after the Christmas holidays.  There’s also an option for a fully digital pattern if you’re confident drawing your own circles and transferring the motifs.