We were out for the day with Little One, as we were planning to go to Newcastle Fiesta afterwards (more on that later), so we treated ourselves to a proper feast to set us up! Tom had the full English breakfast, and I had scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. Delicious!

We also had some pastries too, which were so good.

The cakes and bakes look so tempting, but we were a bit full after our mammoth brunch! The brownies with Lotus biscuits in look particularly good, and I’ll definitely need to go back for one of those soon. Violets Cafe serves the most beautiful looking afternoon tea, which we would love to go back and sample too. I love how fresh flowers are used in the presentation of the food, and how every detail has been thought about. This is true of the cafe itself, from the vintage style plates to the decoration – I took some other photos so you can see for yourself!

With excellent service and food, Violets is a sure-fire winner – especially with its quayside location. It’s perfect for an extra special treat or just to pop in for a cuppa or a coffee. It makes me wish I worked closer to the quayside so that I could go there more often! Little One enjoyed herself too (it did help that she was as good as gold though) and we would highly recommend it!

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It’s a good 10 mile round trip and, thankfully, the weather was perfect walking weather. Nice and sunny but not too hot! I took a few photos along our walk:[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8141,8142,8143,8144,8145,8146,8148,8149,8150,8153″ img_size=”large” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1439406452629{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]I also took a few more of the gardens. it was SO lovely to just wander around, look at the plants in the shop and have tea and cake![/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8094,8095,8096,8097,8101,8102,8103,8105,8106,8107,8108,8109,8110,8111,8152,8156″ img_size=”large” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1439406536062{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]I think this photo of a bee on white lavender is my favourite from the day!

The café and restaurant is currently being renovated, but when you’re there you wouldn’t know at all. Lovely food and great service, so we’ll definitely be going back! The Bradley Gardens website is currently under construction too – so we didn’t realise that we’d need to book in advance before visiting, so make sure that you do if you want to do this. We’re hoping to go during our holiday in a couple of weeks, so I’m sure I’ll be posting a few more photos then![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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It was really difficult to decide which of my photos to include here, and this explains why it’s quite a large gallery! The colours were just amazing, and people bought so many things. I managed to snap a few customers and their purchases – I hope they enjoyed their flowers![/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”7769,7770,7771,7772,7773,7774,7776,7775,7777,7778,7779,7780,7781,7782,7783,7784,7785,7786,7787,7788,7789,7790,7791,7792,7793,7794,7795,7796,7797,7798,7799,7800,7801,7802,7803,7804,7805,7806,7807,7808,7809,7810,7811,7812,7813,7814,7815,7816,7817,7818,7819,7820″ img_size=”large” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1435830709681{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]What I can’t convey through my blog post was the amazing smell of the flowers – it was just incredible! It really is something that you have to go and experience for yourself. If you’re in London and are looking for something to do on a Sunday morning then I’d highly recommend visiting this wonderful market. You can find more details by clicking the link at the top of this post. I hope you have enjoyed seeing lots of my photos from my trip there. Have a great weekend, what ever you’re doing![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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We got the bus from Newcastle along the coastal route – the timetables are a bit odd with buses switching in Alnwick, but if you plan ahead then you can work out which ones you need to get. We stopped over in Alnwick for a couple of hours and had a trip to Barter Books (click here to read my post about that from a while back) where I bought some lovely Observer books – a new collection has begun! The bus only takes half an hour from Alnwick to Craster so we were there in time for lunch. And what a lunch we had at The Jolly Fisherman! We both had the smoked haddock fishcakes and they were amazing (Tom said I was uncouth for taking a photo of my lunch – see below!). After that we wandered around the harbour and along the coastal path to Dunstanburgh Castle. We didn’t go in as there wasn’t really time, but it’s a great castle. It was lovely to wander along the cliffs, and I spotted some wild primroses – a great opportunity for a photo with my new wild flowers book!

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Other things to look out for include the traditional fish smokers (which smells amazing – you can’t fail to miss it really) and the gorgeous cottage gardens in the harbour. If you’re in the area and you fancy a day out, then I’d highly recommend going to Craster!

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Here are a few photos that I took – I could have stayed all day, but we had to get back to the conference!

[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”7478,7456,7475,7474,7455,7457,7458,7461,7462,7460,7463,7464,7467,7466,7468,7469,7470,7473,7472,7471″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1429562379077{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]The alpine house was definitely one of my favourite parts of the garden! I’d love to go back and explore more if I’m ever in Leicester again. If you’d like to plan a visit, you can find out more information on their website. Hopefully it will be on a beautiful sunny day like this![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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We took our snazzy camera along, so Tom had that (I had my glasses on and I can’t use it when I do – how ridiculous is that?!) and I had my phone camera. The spring flowers are just coming up so the snowdrops and crocuses are out (although the crocuses were closed up to protect themselves from the wind). There are so many kinds of snowdrops there, and Christine (who owns the gardens with her husband, Mike) was busy doing an inventory of all the different kinds. Such a windy day to be doing it, so cups of tea were frequently required to help! We had some lunch first to gear up to face the winds. Here are a selection of photos that Tom took:[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”7154,7155,7152,7153,7151,7156,7157,7158,7159,7161,7162,7164,7165,7166,7149,7167″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1426091973134{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]I really love being able to see the bare bones of a garden at the beginning of spring, with the pops of colour here and there. Here are some of my photos:[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”7169,7170,7171,7172,7173,7174,7175,7176,7177,7168,7178,7179,7180,7181,7182,7183″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1426092376214{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]The hellebores were just beautiful – the wind made it difficult to take photos of them at times! One of my favourites from the day was that unusual iris with its pale blue and yellow petals. Just gorgeous! We bought a couple of plants to take away with us too, so hoping to get them planted out soon. And we’re really looking forward to going back in a few weeks to see some more of the spring flowers and how the garden has grown![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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The views from the castle are brilliant (even on a dull day) and from the top viewing point you can see both the north and south bays – obviously this called for a panoramic photo!

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”6316″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1415388265215{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1415388100967{padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]It’s such a beautiful view! Here are a selection of photos from the castle and then around the south bay.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”6307,6314,6308,6309,6310,6311,6313,6312,6275,6276,6277,6305,6278,6279″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1415388192564{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]Some of the final photos are from my Instagram feed – I just love the coffee bean and the donut man! They reflect part of the British seaside style which is just brilliant. And the double 99 was yummy too! It was good to spot those little colourful beach huts and we’ll definitely have to go back one day for a closer look. Maybe on a warmer day![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Scarborough fun appeared first on Hello! Hooray!.

We were greeted by really friendly staff on arrival, who made us feel very welcome. After checking in we were shown to our room – we stayed in the Skipton Suite, which had a lovely view of the countryside beyond.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”6243,6246,6245,6244″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1414877917411{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]Once we had settled in we had afternoon tea, which was delicious! Tea was served in the lounge, which had the wood fire burning and it was really cosy – perfect for autumn. Although, let’s face it, yummy cake is good at any time of the year![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”6199″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large” css=”.vc_custom_1414875545905{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” interval=”3″ images=”6250,6253″ column_number=”2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1414873637104{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]We went for a wander around the grounds afterwards, which are just beautiful. This lovely warm weather that we’ve had recently has brought some of the flowers out again. I imagine that the gardens are even more wonderful in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom![/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”6234,6235,6236,6237,6238,6239″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1414876537606{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]We had our evening meal in the Courtyard Restaurant, where the service was excellent and the atmosphere was really relaxed. And the food was delicious too – the raspberry creme brûlée was amazing! I had the risotto, lamb and the creme brûlée, and Tom had the soup, cod and then sticky toffee pudding to finish.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”6232,6225,6226,6227,6228,6229,6231,6230″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1414877832476{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]The staff were setting up for a wedding this weekend in the Dovecote Suite – this is a large room that can be configured in many different ways for various functions. Here’s the ‘before’ shot:

This is what the room can look like once it has been set up (the next 2 photos are courtesy of Ox Pasture Hall):

Many thanks to Ox Pasture hall for inviting me to come and stay! We had a very relaxing and enjoyable time and would highly recommend it if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in or around Scarborough. If you would like to find out more about the Courtyard Restaurant click here, and if you would like more information about the wedding facilities at the hotel, click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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There are different areas which include the town, colliery, pit village, 1940s farm and waggonway. Each area of the museum preserves a different period of time, and work is beginning on a 1950s area too. There are so many things to see and do there, and so many things have been preserved as a part of the work carried out by the museum. They often buy buildings from other locations and then re-build them brick by brick on the museum site! One of the latest additions is the fish and chip shop – and what an addition! They were probably the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted! I took so many photos, but here is a selection of my favourites:

[vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”6025,6019,6021,6020,6022,6024,6026,6027,6028,6029,6030,6031,6033,6034,6035,6036,6037,6038,6039,6040,6042,6043,6045,6044″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1413554101694{padding-top: 30px !important;}”]The Beamish summer season ends on 2nd November, and after that the winter season opening times will be operating (click here for more information about opening times). Tickets cost £18 for adults, £10 for 5-16 year olds and under fives go free (you can save money if you go by bus like we did). This might seem like a lot but they are valid for a year, and it’s difficult to cover everything really well in a day anyway. We’re hoping to go back and visit the Christmas markets there, so stay tuned!

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We had a cup of tea and something to eat before we looked around – we wanted to make sure that we had the stamina! And also the showground was filling up, so we thought that this was a good plan before the queues got too big. Then we had a good potter around the stalls, and it was really difficult to know where to start! There were so many gorgeous things there, but one of my favourite stalls was Colouricious. They have the most beautiful hand carved wooden stamps, and they were doing some demonstrations of how you can stamp with paint and decolourant and used mixed media for different projects. I bought a set of blocks for printing and some decolourant too – can’t wait to have a go! My favourite stamp is this one – as you know, I just love owls!

Another lovely stall that we found was Farne Designs – they print beautiful textiles in Cornwall. We both bought a little selection of fabrics, and I got an embroidery kit for Mum for Christmas. Their stall was just so inviting – look at these fabrics!

One of the things that I was most excited about was meeting Stuart Hillard from the Great British Sewing Bee! For those of you who don’t know this programme, it has got so many people into sewing and making clothes and Stuart appeared on the first series. He was at the quilt show to sign his new book, and Mum has very kindly bought me it for Christmas so it will be fab to have a signed copy! Stuart was so lovely – he chatted to us like he had known us for years and was so welcoming. It really was a pleasure to meet him!

After we had spent up, we looked around the exhibition quilts. I can’t begin to tell you how inspiring they were – all the quilters are so incredibly talented, and the attention to detail is amazing. I love that people had incorporated different techniques into their quilts (including felting – look out for the planets quilt in my gallery below) and there were so many different styles. I went away with so many ideas, although I’m nowhere near good enough to create anything like these! The first quilt here won the ‘Best in Show’ and was by Liz Villalobos from Newcastle (quilted by Kay Bell) – simply stunning! I tried my best to take photos of all the labels so that I could credit all the quilters here, but I did miss one or tow (sorry). Click on the photos to see the quilter’s details.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” interval=”3″ images=”5720,5721,5722,5724,5723,5728,5725,5726,5733,5729,5738,5730,5731,5737″ img_size=”large” column_number=”2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1412354012241{padding-top: 30px !important;}”]Very inspiring, I’m sure you’ll agree! We left talking about all of the lovely things we’d like to be able to do with quilting one day… On the way home we met a lovely lady called Jennie at Harrogate station – she had also been to the show and had picked up some supplies for Christmas! Jennie has a Facebook page, so do pop over and say hello! Making a new friend was certainly a great end to the day! :-)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post The Great Northern Quilt Show 2014 appeared first on Hello! Hooray!.

We were immediately greeted by some art work by Francisco De Pajaro, who has been working on various pieces around Darlington this week and was doing the same around the site today. They are so much fun, and it was great to spot them throughout the day![/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”3″ images=”5581,5582,5583,5584″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1411851233983{padding-top: 30px !important;}”]Right from the beginning of the day, there was such a lovely atmosphere and SO much going on. We started at the Arena and main stage and pottered around the stalls there. I loved the Charity Shop DJ where people could choose cheesy tunes from a box of LPs from local charity shops, and have a go at DJing.

 [/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”3″ images=”5587,5588,5589″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1411847878771{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]Next, we headed into the Beehive – just look at that writing! I love the retro styling of Lingfield Point.

There were some fabulous stalls in there, and I was super organised and got a couple of Christmas presents. It was here where we bumped into curators of the Festival of Thrift, Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway! I explained that I’m a part of the School of Thrift, and they very kindly agreed to having their photo taken – thank you so much to you both!

After that we left them to rummage through some LPs and continued on our way. We came across a stall from The Beehive Brand, which had the most beautiful knitted garments in traditional patterns. I can’t really describe how beautiful they were, so you’ll have to take a look : [/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”3″ images=”5596,5597,5598,5595″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1411851507792{padding-top: 30px !important;}”]The Beehive Brand was established in 1785, but after a period of decline has recently been bought by Andrea Freeman, who’s passion for this exciting project really shines through. Not only is she recycling the old brand, but the old patterns too, and new garments using old patterns are being gradually released once more. I’m really excited to see how the brand develops! If you’d like to find out more, visit her website.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1411850503131{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]Here are a few more photos from around the site! Look out for the tea ladies with the invisible dog (if, indeed, you can ‘look out’ for an invisible dog!) if you’re going tomorrow – they’re hilarious![/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”3″ images=”5602,5603,5604,5605,5606″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1411849392734{padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”3″ images=”5607,5608,5609,5610,5611,5612,5613,5614,5615″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1411849832037{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]Mum had a go at weaving, and made this to add to the huge spider’s web – fab!

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]There were so many lovely stalls around the event, but I was really pleased to catch up with my friend Victoria, aka Dizzy Miss James! We met a few years ago at a craft fair and it has been wonderful to see her shop develop. She designed all of these little guys herself – aren’t they adorable!?

It was also brilliant to meet some new people at the event, including Angela from Maison Royale – her stall was fabulous and she was so lovely to chat to! You see that gorgeous arrow light? That will be hanging in our new kitchen in a few months! Yes!

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1411851452668{padding-top: 30px !important;}”]I took so many more photos, but I don’t want to give everything away! If you’re in the area tomorrow then you MUST go along. And don’t forget to tag your photos on social media – #FOT14

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Can you believe it was a year on Sunday since we got married?! I can’t believe we celebrated our first anniversary this weekend! Last year, my blog was full of wedding-related posts and the run up to the big day went so fast, but this year has actually flown by as well. It has been lovely to reflect on our special day and our first year of marriage Hooray! To celebrate we had a really lovely day out and a stay in a B&B which was fab – and a lovely surprise which Tom had organised! It felt like we were on holiday…but we did have to go to work on Monday!

The first place we went to was Tanfield Railway, which is just outside County Durham and it’s the oldest railway in Britain. I had never been on a steam train before, and the past few occasions when we’ve tried to go on one the steam train has been replaced by a diesel engine!

I’m pleased to say that it was a steam train – yay! We had a little potter around the train shed before we went on it too, and in keeping with tradition I bought a pencil and eraser! Here’s a little selection of some of my photos (I took quite a lot…):[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”nivo” interval=”3″ images=”5381,5382,5383,5384,5385,5386,5387,5388,5389,5390″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1411070641466{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]We had a yummy lunch at the Black Horse pub afterwards which set us up for the afternoon, and then walked along to Birkheads Secret Gardens, which is just the most wonderful place! The owners, Christine and Mike, created the gardens from a field (amazing!) and they also have a little nursery, shop and a cafe there. It’s the perfect place for a lovely day out, and we bought a season ticket so that we can go there at different times of year. I can’t wait to go when all the helibores are out – they have so many there and it must be wonderful to see! Here’s a little gallery of some photos I took:[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”nivo” interval=”3″ images=”5394,5395,5396,5397,5398,5399,5400,5401,5402,5403″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”Large”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1411070678403{padding-top: 30px !important;}”]We stayed at Hedley Hall B&B, and I’d definitely go there again for a little weekend away – it was fab!

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A couple of weekends ago we went to Doncaster to stay with some very dear friends who we hadn’t seen for ages! On the Sunday afternoon we went up to Clumber Park – it was a glorious sunny spring day, which was perfect for wandering about and having the first picnic of 2014 Clumber Park is maintained by the National Trust (find out more on their website) and so there are lots of lovely things to do with great facilities. You can stay in the busier bits, or wander around on your own and hardly see anyone, so it’s perfect for spending a lazy afternoon!

We had a look around the lovely walled kitchen garden (which you need to pay extra to get in to if you’re not a member) and pottered around the lake and in the fab bookshop, where all books are £1! Tom got me some amazing vintage craft books – they’re so lovely that I’ll be doing a post about them, so look out for that…in the meantime, you can enjoy my photo gallery from Clumber Park!

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Last spring, we visited Wordsworth’s House in Cockermouth, Cumbria. It’s such a wonderful place to visit – the garden is simply beautiful. I was pleased to spot daffodils in there! Tom also got to play some Bach on the harpsichord! When we visited, there was an exhibition by Dianne Standen, who specialises in creative textiles – you can find out more about here work here. I hope you enjoy my gallery!

An update

I was asked by Henrietta at Kentucky Mountain Girl News to give a bit more information about Wordsworth’s House, so I’ve done a bit of research on the National Trust website! The house is where Wordsworth and his sister grew up, but it has a very long history itself – built in 1690, the house was originally home to many wealthy landowners in Cockermouth. The Wordsworths moved in in 1766, but the house actually belonged to Sir James Lowther who was the employer of Wordsworth’s father, John. Lowther very kindly allowed them to live there rent free, but when John passed away the children were sent to live with relatives.

Apparently the house narrowly avoided demolition in 1937, but local people contributed enough money to buy it and it was presented to the National Trust in 1938.

The post Wordsworth House and Garden – photo gallery appeared first on Hello! Hooray!.

[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”4902,4903,4904,4905,4907,4906,4908,4909,4910,4911,4912,4913,4914,4915″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” column_number=”2″ grayscale=”no” choose_frame=”default” img_size=”medium”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1408390099490{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]If you’d like to go up to the top yourself, you can book tickets at the NewcastleGateshead visitor information centre (in Central Arcade – see my post about the arcade here). Tickets are £3 for adults and £1 for children, and the tours last for 30 minutes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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The Festival of Thrift was launched last year at Lingfield Point in Darlington, with the aim of showing just how much fun and creativity there is to be found in living thriftily and sustainably. Thrifting, the idea of creating something yourself or ‘make-do-and-mend’-ing has definitely seen a huge revival over the past few years and this is something that the festival celebrates wholeheartedly.

The team behind this fantastic event includes Co-Curators Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway, Festival Director Stella Hall and John Orchard, a Director of Marchday, owners of Lingfield Point. When speaking about the festival, Wayne said: “The success of last year proves even further that thrift is not just a flash in the pan but a set of values applied to the way you live your life. Thrift has become a vital, contemporary movement reflecting traditional values, and it’s evolving each day as our needs and the needs of our planet change”.

Activities at last year’s festival included sewing, dancing, foraging, playing, music-making, hula-hooping, theatre, gardening, upcycling, eating, bargain-hunting, learning, oven-making, quilting, baking, crafting – and plenty of inspiring talks on sustainable topics taking place. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? I must admit that I couldn’t actually go to last year’s event (because we had a family party following our wedding) but the excellent news is that the festival will be returning to Lingfield Point in September this year!

As part of the launch for the 2014 Festival of Thrift, the Festival of Thrift’s ‘School of Thrift’ has been set up online at their Google+ page. Here you will find expert advice from the lovely people at Festival of Thrift, plus they have recruited some fantastic bloggers to share their ideas and tips about how to upcycle and generally lead a more thrifty life. Throughout the past week, contributors to the School of Thrift have been announced and these bloggers include:

Vicky from The Owl and the Accordion (I absolutely love her style and have been following her on Instagram for a while now)

Elizabeth from Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary (possibly Britain’s most Northerly food blog – the photos will make you hungry just looking at them!)

Sarah from Drawn Threads (who has declared 2014 her ‘Year of Thrift’ – find out more on her blog!)

Kim from Witchmountain (based in the one of the most glorious parts of the UK, the North York Moors, she’s one super-crafty lady!)

Karen is an international contributor to the School of Thrift, and she makes amazing videos with her husband, Danny, of their thrifted makes in Australia – see them on her YouTube page.

And the next contributor is…me!  Yay! I’m so excited to be a part of this wonderful project alongside some really talented people. It has been brilliant to find out who else is involved and to meet new bloggers, crafters, artists and thrifters. And there are so many more to come! I’m already planning some exciting projects, so stay tuned…

The Festival of Thrift takes place on Saturday September 27 & Sunday September 28 2014 at Lingfield Point, Darlington. You can find out more and sign up for updates at the Festival of Thrift website. I hope that the van is there this year – I’d like to have afternoon tea in it too!

All photos courtesy of Festival of Thrift 2013.

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The bookshop is housed in the old station and retains so many of the original features. You can even grab a cuppa in the station buffet, and they do amazing cakes too! We can also thank Barter Books for rediscovering the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ posters, as they found some originals there in a box of old books! If you want to find out more, you can visit their website.  I hope you enjoy this gallery!

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We just pottered round and about where we live, where there is lots of evidence of the old industrial past. Tom used our snazzy camera but I took these photos on my iPhone – there are no filters on any of these. I hope you like them!

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