Yarns and Words

We’re now in the second weekend of floods here in West Yorkshire. I am lucky to be out of harm’s way bar a few large puddles although travel becomes restricted as road and rail are disrupted..

I came across this knitwear designer and publisher based in the West of Scotland:

https://kddandco.com/about-kdd/

A rather lovely combination of knitting and publishing which is true to the Highlands and Islands styles. Professionally produced, KDD & Co is a delight to browse through and discover more of what is available in the world of yarns. There are books, kits, yarns, knitwear and tutorials in the online shop. So much to inspire a maker on a dreich day!

‘Kate now donates 20% of her time to volunteering, mentoring and consultancy, sharing her expertise with a wide range of organisations and individuals. She’s a champion of the MAKE manifesto and one of the twelve members of the Scottish Government’s Business Leadership Group, encouraging other businesses to commit to the ideals of fairness and equality behind the Scottish Business Pledge. From its beginnings in difficult circumstances, Kate is proud to have built a sustainable and successful creative business completely from scratch.’ (KDD website)

I am working on a shawl with a circular needle, combining two yarns simultaneously. I enjoy the marl and texture which mohair can give to an ordinary ball of wool. I’ve also approached felt with embroidery, experimenting with shrinking, presenting Mama Nature in Abstract. There has been exploration of further study in textiles too.

Fig and Walnut Biscotti

Biscotti recipe from 2015. #Mondayblogs

Gabriel & Hare

It’s the end of January at last. A month where we make lots of resolutions and then, well, put them off. It’s been a snowy month so far, an icy blast from the north has turned my face all ruddy after a walk around the woods.

It’s been a while since I made biscotti, so today’s a good day for it. This recipe will make a good amount which can be stored in jars or tins. Dip in your coffee or eat with cheese and port.

I got this from Bertolli:

400g plain flour, plus extra for dusting – I used half white, half wholemeal

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

150g olive spread

50g walnut pieces, roughly chopped

75g dried figs, roughly chopped

100ml milk

2 medium eggs, beaten

Freshly ground black pepper

Rub the spread in to the bowl of flour, baking powder and salt.

Then add…

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Great Things To Do This January | Visit Bradford

Visit Bradford

Our guide to the best events, exhibitions and things to do throughout January 2020 in Bradford and district.

Kick start the year with a brisk walk around Bradford on a guided walk. You may be surprised at the variety of landscape and wildlife to be experienced both in the countryside and in the urban areas of Bradford.

André Rieu invites cinema audiences around the world to join in his birthday celebrations! This unique anniversary event will take you on an unbelievable journey around the world to André’s most amazing concerts, such as Schönbrunn in Vienna, Radio City Music Hall in New York and the Royal Coronation Concert in Amsterdam.

There’s still time to catch the pantomime. Oh yes there is… Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (until January 26) The much-loved fairy tale will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance…

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