Spitting Yarn

We’ve been having a lovely time here, Chez Spitting Yarn.

We had Christmas No. 1 last weekend, which was an effort to get together with my side of the family as several of them are overseas at Christmas.  We ate venison stew, stewed red cabbage and mashed swede, pulled crackers and exchanged presents (although we are saving the opening until Proper Christmas).  My young cousins opened their presents, so I can show you something I made and gifted: a housey pyjama case.

This was inspired by Lisa Stickley’s textiles and was immensely fun to make.  I used broad fabric markers to apply the black lines and the rest were bits and pieces from my fabric, trimmings and notions stash.  I see more of this style of wares in my future!

The fun continued this week, as DF celebrated his 30th birthday.  As a treat we took a few days in Brighton, staying in a B&B called The Twenty One which I would recommend.  It was run by a charming couple, Matt and Andy, who were very hospitable.  It was mainly freezing in Brighton, but the friendliness of everyone we encountered, the excellent array of independent shops and some great food meant we had a very nice time, regardless.

One high point was our visit to Choccywoccydoodah’s Bar Du Chocolat – talk about hilariously indulgent.  DF and I could barely believe our eyes when they brought out our “slice” of cake (it was actually about an entire quarter of a cake, slathered in molten chocolate, plastered in chocolate icing and adorned with a wholly unnecessary wodge of vanilla ice cream).  I am very sad to report that the close up picture I took of it didn’t come out as the Bar’s unrelentingly red, glitzy decor played havoc with my white balance.  I did manage to get a picture of the hot chocolate and the decor itself, though (look for the cake in the foreground).

Sigh.  Chocolate heaven.

Continuing the good food theme, we also had a great meal at The Gingerman on DF’s birthday.  I had a gorgeous roasted quail and creamed savoy cabbage starter, followed by roast goose with my favourite red cabbage and a potato galette.  It was really very lovely.

We have further celebrations to come tomorrow, as we are meeting friends to celebrate DF’s birthday in good company and pleasant surroundings.  I’ll be sneaking out before we meet to check out the Craftacular.  Anyone else going?