http://folksy.com/shops/AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR A VERY BRITISH AFFAIR reflects and celebrates a range of traditional motifs and themes - from traditions, customs and rituals, to the nostalgic, quirky and eccentric. Homewares and accessories celebrate the idiosyncracies of our heritage and lifestyle through the use of pattern, colour, texture and natural materials. My latest teacosies are worked in wool and tweeds, drawing initial inspiration from country life and the local landscape. en-gb A VERY BRITISH AFFAIR A VERY BRITISH AFFAIR reflects and celebrates a range of traditional motifs and themes - from traditions, customs and rituals, to the nostalgic, quirky and eccentric. Homewares and accessories celebrate the idiosyncracies of our heritage and lifestyle through the use of pattern, colour, texture and natural materials. My latest teacosies are worked in wool and tweeds, drawing initial inspiration from country life and the local landscape. You can't run with the hare and hunt with the hounds An English proverb in use from as early as the 1400's meaning you can't have it both ways. It could also be translated as having one's cake and eating it too. I have interpreted this proverb in two different styles, choose from either running with the hare or hunting with the hounds, and maybe having it all is not such a pipe dream after all! This is a huge teacosy predominantly made from chocolate coloured recycled and felted pure wool in a cable pattern. The lettering is hand cut from camel coloured cashmere and woollen tweed overstitched in red. The hound, modeled on my own lurcher Silas has been added in an oatmeal coloured felted cashmere. The tea cosy is fully padded and has been lined with a soft, subtle green and lemon striped, woven cotton and measures 39cm at its widest point by 31cm high and has been photographed alongside a large 2 1/4 pint teapot. Please stay in touch with any new ideas by following my blog - I would love your feedback! http://sarah-averybritishaffair.blogspot.com AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:35:19 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2977858 http://folksy.com/items/2977858 Hunt with the hounds tea cosy Mountain hares, lepus timidus are Britains only native hare and have been here since the Ice Age - unlike the brown hare and rabbit which are thought to have been introduced by the Romans. Mountain hares change colour in winter, becoming white to camouflage them against the snow. They are often commonly known as blue hares as one of their summer colour forms is a bluish grey. The Derbyshire Peak District saw the introduction of this beautiful yet elusive animal around the 1880's when it was introduced from Scotland to the Dark Peak area. My mountain hare mixed textile collage features a machine embroidered hare on unbleached irish linen. The hare has been appliqued onto a neutral linen background and heathery tweed landscape. I have used embroidery silks to add foliage in sage green and lilac by hand to add texture and depth. The textile piece has been framed in light wood which measures 32.5 cm wide by 27.5 cm tall; the frame itself is just over 4 cm deep, has a back stand to allow it to be freestanding or can be hung on the wall. The collage itself is 24 cm wide by 19 cm tall AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:48:24 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2977678 http://folksy.com/items/2977678 Mountain Hare textile collage Mountain hares, lepus timidus are Britains only native hare and have been here since the Ice Age - unlike the brown hare and rabbit which are thought to have been introduced by the Romans. Mountain hares change colour in winter, becoming white to camouflage them against the snow. They are often commonly known as blue hares as one of their summer colour forms is a bluish grey. The Derbyshire Peak District saw the introduction of this beautiful yet elusive animal around the 1880's when it was introduced from Scotland to the Dark Peak area. My mountain hare mixed textile collage features a machine embroidered hare on unbleached irish linen. The hare has been appliqued onto a neutral linen background and heathery tweed landscape. I have used embroidery silks to add foliage in sage green and lilac by hand to add texture and depth. The textile piece has been framed in light wood which measures 32.5 cm wide by 27.5 cm tall; the frame itself is just over 4 cm deep, has a back stand to allow it to be freestanding or can be hung on the wall. The collage itself is 24 cm wide by 19 cm tall. AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:13:34 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2758726 http://folksy.com/items/2758726 Mountain Hare textile collage Inspired by my oiginal Sherlock teacosy, just simpler! It also combines three of my favourite fabrics - tweed, felted fairisle knitting and boiled pure new wool. The cosy comprises six panels, two recycled wool, one boiled fairisle and three tweed, featuring a padded complementary tweed panel with 'A VERY BRITISH AFFAIR's' logo name tag. Each panel has been padded and lined with a pale grey felted shetland wool before being overstitched together leaving a hole for the spout and handle. The knitted woolen rose on top has been finished with a vintage leather button. The cosy measures roughly 24cm high and each panel is about 13cm at its widest point, so its about 82cm in circumference at the base. It very confortably fits my Denby 2 1/4 pint teapot and will accommodate a much larger pot. Please stay in touch with any new ideas by following my blog - I would love your feedback! http://sarah-averybritishaffair.blogspot.com AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:24:14 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2949062 http://folksy.com/items/2949062 Simple Sherlock teacosy This teacosy is constructed from two panels of vintage recycled woollen tweed in a blend of black and cream; each lined with fantastic vintage black and white floral cotton. The panels are joined at the top and bottom, leaving a long slit for both spout and handle -perfect for all types of teapots; the panels are finished with a very pale grey leather ribbon bow. This particular tea cosy measures flat 27cm wide by roughly 20cm tall and is shown here on a white china 1 1/4 pint teapot but it will take a slightly larger pot if required. If you have a particularly special, small or extra large tea pot that you would like a cosy making for; please contact me and I will create a special one to your own measurements. AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:15:08 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2846970 http://folksy.com/items/2846970 Vintage tweed upcycled tea cosy This teacosy is constructed from two panels of vintage recycled woollen tweed in a pale, subtle blend of greens and creams; each lined with a vintage, kitchen fabric featuring fruits, blossom and leaves in greens, yellows and blues. The panels are joined at the top and bottom, leaving a long slit for both spout and handle -perfect for all types of teapots; the panels are finished with a brown leather ribbon bow. This particular tea cosy measures flat 30cm wide by roughly 22cm tall and is shown here on my favourite Denby 2 1/4 pint teapot but it will happily take a larger pot if required. If you have a particularly special, small or extra large tea pot that you would like a cosy making for; please contact me and I will create a special one to your own measurements. AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:55:57 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2846886 http://folksy.com/items/2846886 Vintage tweed upcycled tea cosy A reworking of our very British tradition of wearing pearls into something much more contemporary. I am currently working with both creamy white and irridescent black freshwater pearls and am totally fascinated the beauty and individuality of their lustre. Using genuine freshwater pearls, leather cord and sterling silver, these simple pieces are fully adjustable to suit both men and women and can be worn as either bracelets or anklets - they look striking when layered together, but equally stunning on their own. I never take mine off as the pearls lustre is improved through contact with your skin. Each pearl has been drilled by hand and measures between 7mm and 9mm; knotted onto either a black or brown leather thong and finished with two sterling silver beads, just add your preference of thong colour to your order. AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:07:15 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2832150 http://folksy.com/items/2832150 Genuine white freshwater pearl on leather thong A reworking of our very British tradition of wearing pearls into something much more contemporary. I am currently working with both creamy white and irridescent black freshwater pearls and am totally fascinated the beauty and individuality of their lustre. Using genuine freshwater pearls, leather cord and sterling silver, these simple pieces are fully adjustable to suit both men and women and can be worn as either bracelets or anklets - they look striking when layered together, but equally stunning on their own. I never take mine off as the pearls lustre is improved through contact with your skin. Each pearl has been drilled by hand and measures between 7mm and 9mm; knotted onto a black leather cord and finished with two sterling silver beads AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:58:14 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2832118 http://folksy.com/items/2832118 Genuine black freshwater pearl on leather thong Roe deer are one of only two species that can be considered indigenous to the British Isles, the other being the Red deer. Deer antlers are one of the animal kingdom's most dramatic examples of male prowess and thus since ancient times have been held in great regard by humans. Casting of the stag's primary antlers marks the onset of an annual regenerative cycle that will continue throughout its life. Deer antlers are finally formed as solid bone that is completely cast off and then grown again each year of the life span. Roe deer begin regrowing antlers almost immediately after they are shed and antlers are cast from late October to early January. This small antler measures roughly 14cm long and approximately 3cm wide and has been very simply enhanced by the addition of a hammered, sterling silver karma ring and hangs from a wrapped suede cord measuring 34cm; a total drop of 46cm; adjustable as you wish. This pendant makes for a striking traditional statement piece when worn with classic knitwear or over a woollen or tweed jacket, but creates a more edgy contemporary look when juxtaposed with more contemporary pattern or sheer textiles. AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:10:10 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2831922 http://folksy.com/items/2831922 Roe deer antler necklace Roe deer are one of only two species that can be considered indigenous to the British Isles, the other being the Red deer. Deer antlers are one of the animal kingdom's most dramatic examples of male prowess and thus since ancient times have been held in great regard by humans. Casting of the stag's primary antlers marks the onset of an annual regenerative cycle that will continue throughout its life. Deer antlers are finally formed as solid bone that is completely cast off and then grown again each year of the life span. Roe deer begin regrowing antlers almost immediately after they are shed and antlers are cast from late October to early January. This small antler measures roughly 15cm long and approximately 3cm wide. It has been very simply enhanced by the addition of a sterling silver heart bead and hangs from a wrapped suede cord measuring 38cm; a total drop of 53cm, adjustable as you wish. This pendant makes for a striking traditional statement piece when worn with classic knitwear or over a woollen or tweed jacket, but creates a more edgy contemporary look when juxtaposed with more contemporary pattern or sheer textiles. AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:03:29 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2831522 http://folksy.com/items/2831522 Roe deer antler pendant Roe deer are one of only two species that can be considered indigenous to the British Isles, the other being the Red deer. Deer antlers are one of the animal kingdom's most dramatic examples of male prowess and thus since ancient times have been held in great regard by humans. Casting of the stag's primary antlers marks the onset of an annual regenerative cycle that will continue throughout its life. Deer antlers are finally formed as solid bone that is completely cast off and then grown again each year of the life span. Roe deer begin regrowing antlers almost immediately after they are shed and antlers are cast from late October to early January. This large antler is part of a pair and measures roughly 20cm long and approximately 12cm wide. It has been very simply enhanced by the addition of a Pandora sterling silver ribbed clasp bead and hangs from a wrapped suede cord measuring 38cm; a total drop of 58cm, adjustable as you wish. This pendant makes for a striking traditional statement piece when worn with classic knitwear or over a woollen or tweed jacket, but creates a more edgy contemporary look when juxtaposed with more contemporary pattern or sheer textiles. AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:44:49 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2831422 http://folksy.com/items/2831422 Roe deer antler pendant Roe deer are one of only two species that can be considered indigenous to the British Isles, the other being the Red deer. Deer antlers are one of the animal kingdom's most dramatic examples of male prowess and thus since ancient times have been held in great regard by humans. Casting of the stag's primary antlers marks the onset of an annual regenerative cycle that will continue throughout its life. Deer antlers are finally formed as solid bone that is completely cast off and then grown again each year of the life span. Roe deer begin regrowing antlers almost immediately after they are shed and antlers are cast from late October to early January. This large antler is part of a pair and measures roughly 20cm long and approximately 12cm wide. It has been very simply enhanced by the addition of a Pandora sterling silver ribbed clasp bead and hangs from a wrapped suede cord measuring 38cm; a total drop of 58cm, adjustable as you wish. This pendant makes for a striking traditional statement piece when worn with classic knitwear or over a woollen or tweed jacket, but creates a more edgy contemporary look when juxtaposed with more contemporary pattern or sheer textiles. AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:19:56 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2818738 http://folksy.com/items/2818738 Roe deer antler pendant I have loved producing this crocheted bunting, particularly in soft muted colours; a real alternative to garish tinsel and flashing lights. Most strands are around 1.5 metres long and look fabulous over fireplaces and mantlepieces - as well as trees on moors! This particular string of plain bunting comprises five individual flags in olive green pure wool; it has been embellished with six pairs of darker green knitted holly leaves and red mixed button berries - it really looks wonderful! I am continually creating new strands in different textures and shades of red or green wool and will be updating the shop as they are completed and I can get them photographed. I have also made this particular style of bunting in red wool with the same knotted holly embellishment - please let me know if you are interested before I have the chance to photograph and list it. I also have a much longer strand with 24 red small flags almost ready to list which will look fabulous instead of tinsel on a christmas tree - please contact me if you are interested; we are so close to Christmas and daylight for taking good photographs is limited - it would be a shame to miss out on another lovely product. AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:24:12 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2763786 http://folksy.com/items/2763786 Seasonal crocheted bunting I have loved producing this crocheted bunting, particularly in soft muted colours; a real alternative to garish tinsel and flashing lights. Most strands are around 1.5 / 1.7 metres long and look fabulous over fireplaces and mantlepieces - as well as trees on moors! This particular string of plain bunting comprises seven individual flag and has been crocheted from a bamboo / silk and wool mix in a blend of bluish greens. I am continually creating new strands in different textures and shades of red or green wool and will be updating the shop as they are completed and I can get them photographed. I have a much longer strand with 24 red smaller flags almost ready to list which will look fabulous instead of tinsel on a christmas tree - please contact me if you are interested; we are so close to Christmas and daylight for taking good photographs is limited - it would be a shame to miss out on another lovely product. AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:56:25 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2763610 http://folksy.com/items/2763610 Seasonal green bunting I have loved producing this crocheted bunting, particularly in soft muted colours; a real alternative to garish tinsel and flashing lights. Most strands are around 1.5 / 1.7 metres long and look fabulous over fireplaces and mantlepieces - as well as trees on moors! This particular string of plain bunting comprises seven individual flag and has been crocheted from a bamboo / silk and wool mix in a blend of reds. I am continually creating new strands in different textures and shades of red or green wool and will be updating the shop as they are completed and I can get them photographed. I have a much longer strand with 24 smaller flags almost ready to list which will look fabulous instead of tinsel on a christmas tree - please contact me if you are interested; we are so close to Christmas and daylight for taking good photographs is limited - it would be a shame to miss out on another lovely product. AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:40:01 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2763390 http://folksy.com/items/2763390 Seasonal red bunting I have always wanted to create a cosy from genuine sheepskin - it is wonderfully soft and will keep your pot of tea warm for ages. The cosy is constructed from six panels, is handstitched together with waxed linen thread leaving a hole for the spout and handle. The cosy is topped with a handknitted rose in Noro angora yarn and finished with a vintage leather button. Unlike my other cosy's, this one is unlined as the natural sheeps wool is insulating enough - and so beautiful. It measures roughly 24cm high, very comfortably fits my Denby 2 1/4 pint teapot and will easily accommodate a much larger pot - I am happy to make one to your own specifications if this is too large for your pot. Please stay in touch with any new ideas by following my blog - I would love your feedback! http://sarah-averybritishaffair.blogspot.com AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:31:12 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2758614 http://folksy.com/items/2758614 Sheepskin Teacosy I absolutely love this teacosy! It combines three of my favourite fabrics - tweed, felted fairisle knitting and boiled pure new wool. The cosy comprises six panels, three recycled wool and three tweed, two of which are embelished; 'tea milk no sugar' in camel coloured felted cashmere and the other a padded complementary tweed panel with 'A VERY BRITISH AFFAIR's' logo name tag. Each panel has been padded and lined with a pale grey felted shetland wool before being blanket stiched together leaving a hole for the spout and handle. The cosy measures roughly 24cm high and each panel is about 13cm at its widest point, so its about 82cm in circumference at the base. It very confortably fits my Denby 2 1/4 pint teapot and will accommodate a much larger pot. Please stay in touch with any new ideas by following my blog - I would love your feedback! http://sarah-averybritishaffair.blogspot.com AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:53:08 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2734894 http://folksy.com/items/2734894 Sherlock teacosy "You can't run with the hare and hunt with the hounds" An English proverb in use from as early as the 1400's meaning you can't have it both ways. It could also be translated as having one's cake and eating it too. I have interpreted this proverb in two different styles, choose from either running with the hare or hunting with the hounds, and maybe having it all is not such a pipe dream after all! This teacosy is predominantly pure felted wool with hand cut text in camel coloured cashmere and woollen tweed, the running hare is also added in tweed. The images uploaded here have taken on a bluish tint, however the actual item is in shades of green, brown and camel and I am happy to sent you further photographs direct. It is fully padded and lined in traditional heavyweight cotton ticking. It measures roughly 35cm by 28cm and is shown here alongside a large 2 1/4 pint teapot. Please stay in touch with any new ideas by following my blog - I would love your feedback! http://sarah-averybritishaffair.blogspot.com AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:08:58 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2357885 http://folksy.com/items/2357885 Run with the hare tea cosy This teacosy is predominantly tweed with the argyle pattern in recycled and felted wool. The pattern is machine overstitched and has a wool and button detail on the reverse. The images here suggest it has a bluish tint, however the actual item is in shades of green, brown and camel. It is fully padded and lined in traditional heavyweight cotton ticking. It measures roughly 33cm by 26cm and is shown here alongside a large 2 1/4 pint teapot. Please stay in touch with any new ideas by following my blog - I would love your feedback! http://sarah-averybritishaffair.blogspot.com AVERYBRITISHAFFAIR Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:03:55 +0000 http://folksy.com/items/2357849 http://folksy.com/items/2357849 Argyle tea cosy