Teddybearscottage

The Isles of Scilly

2011-03-26T03:44:00.000-07:00

An unspoilt haven drenched in luminous light.

The Isles of Scilly lie 28 miles from Lands End - the most South-Westerly point of the UK. Accessible by Sea or Air.
It comprises 150 islands, A combined population of about 2000, and many smaller uninhabited islands and rocky islets. five of which are in habited.
The islands' position produces a place of great contrast - the ameliorating effect of the sea means it rarely has frost or snow, which allows local farmers to grow flowers well ahead of those on mainland Britain while the exposure to the Atlantic winds means spectacular winter gales lash the islands from time to time. This is reflected in the landscape, most clearly seen on Tresco where the lush Sub-Tropical Abbey Gardens on the sheltered Southern end of the island contrast with the low heather and bare rock sculpted by the wind on the exposed Northern end.

St Mary's is the largest and boasts a variety of landscapes ranging from woodlands, heaths and wetlands to rocky headlands and sand dunes.
The islands' humid climate and clear waters mean that they are home to a huge variety of rare plants and flowers not seen on the UK's mainland.
The exposed fringes of the Islands include Samson, which is no longer inhabited, but its twin hills are a major landmark.
Boat trips provide visitors with an opportunity to see the islands' wildlife at first hand including puffins, Atlantic seals and hundreds of varieties of sea birds.

Tresco is the second largest of the Islands, with an amazing variety of scenery, from the wild and wind-swept North, to the sub-tropical Abbey Gardens and numerous sandy beaches to the South. There are no public vehicles on Tresco, with cycling and walking the prefered method of travel. Not difficult as it's only two miles wide!!!

St Martins is the third largest and is the first land you see when crossing from the Mainland by sea or Air. For the visitor wanting a quieter Holiday, Tresco, St' Martins and Brier have much to offer. There is a choice of some of the finest sandy beaches with safe sunbathing (although from my experience I've had the Beaches all to myself!! ), secluded coves, and many interesting walks along the cliffs and downs whers purple heather and golden gorse grow in abundance, or walk along the self-built roadway from Highertown to Lowertown!

St Agnes is one of those rare places which can honestly claim to be unspoilt. It is a small flower farming community which has not been robbed of its tranquility by commercialisation. The beautiful island, about a mile across, welcomes those who want a simple holiday away from the stress and pollution of the mainland. The sea is crystal clear. ideal for snorkeling and diving, and at night the stars can appear remarkably bright an the clear air.
The curving sandbar between St Agnes and Gugh is one of the finest beaches on Scilly. There are several other sandy coves and rock pools, including 'Beady Pool' where children and adults alike hunt for beads buried in the sand from a 17th century shipwreck.

Bryher, the smallest community of the Isles of Scilly welcomes the visitor to share its peaceful, yet spectacular island. It is an island of contrasts. In spring there is aprofusion of colour with wild flowers - daffodils and narcissi in every hedgerow and fieldcorner. In autumn many migratory birds use Bryher as a resting place.

From Easter to October there is a daily boat service to these islands as well as fishing trips and special hire.

Knitted Flowers

2011-03-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Spring is on its way and makes us think of all the flowers and warmer days ahead. I've been keeping warm inside and doing lots of knitting. I found some lovely knitted flowers. This Arum Lily

A Field Poppy

A Crocheted Lily of the Valley

They can all be found in this Brilliant Book 100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet

Giveaway winner!

2010-05-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

We're all back at home safe and sound. Sorry it's been so long. We still don't have our internet connection at the new cottage. Our three nights in Tenerife turned into seventeen nights! We all had great fun though and never imagined we'd have such a long holiday ever!

The sun shone and it was glorious. Heading down to the beach every day, collecting shells, hunting for crabs and starfish and racing around the beach.

We didn't have to swim out far to see the crabs. The beach at San Eugenio was a sweet little bay enclosed by rocks and a nearby harbour.
We made great friends with the local Restautanteers and became regulars at Louis Bar.

One of the more modern bars on the Beachfront and Restaurant

Finally the winner of the giveaway. I used the Random Number Generator for the draw. The winner was number 4. Fiber Happy. Congratulations. She'll be on her way to you very soon!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

4
Timestamp: 2010-05-10 17:58:58 UTC

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Extended holiday!!!

2010-04-18T02:56:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Me and the guys at teddybearscottage have had to extend our holiday. We're at the Canary Isles and due to the volcano all flights are cancelled. Our three night break is turning into an extra special two weeks!! I will of course extend the giveaway and speak with the winner on our return x

Free giveaway at teddybearscottage

2010-04-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

Me and the guys at teddybearscottage have packed our bags and we're now on the move to our new home. We'll be taking a little break after and heading off across the waters for a little sunshine. I thought it would be a nice idea to have a little giveaway while we're off relaxing, soaking up the sun and playing in rock pools.

Here's the lady in question!
Mirielle.
She's up for grabs.
Knitted with Sirdar Luxury Soft Cotton 4ply using 2.75 needles.
The winner will be drawn at random on April 24th.

Just leave your "Spring related" comment below!
Good luck to you all.

Spring is finally on the way!

2010-03-17T01:04:00.000-07:00

At last. Here in Derbyshire we have finally seen some sunshine! I always feel like Spring is on its way when the crocus are in bloom and the daffodils are on their way. I love the colours that come with Spring. Yellow Daffodils, Red Tulips and Spring Blossom.

We start dreaming of summer days in the garden and being able to spend all day out there pottering, weeding and planting.

The Spring brings changes here at teddybearscottage. We're on the move! We'll be packing our belongings and moving to another cottage in Derbyshire. I'm looking forward to it now I have the material for new curtains.

I've still had time for my knitting and even sat out in the garden last Sunday!

Frosty Mornings

2010-03-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

We're still having frosty mornings here in Derbyshire. The sun's been shining though and the sky has looked so beautiful. Snowdrops in the garden and daffodils emerging means spring is on its way.

If your hands are still feeling the chill these gorgeous mittens will be right up your street! You can find the pattern here.

I've started to knit a pair and can't wait to wear them.

I've been thinking a lot about Easter and what gifts to make. The Knitting hut have a free knitting pattern for a Bunny Egg Cosy. I'm sure this would make a lovely gift. You could knit stripes, dots, or block contrasting colours. The world's your oyster!

You can find the free knitting pattern here.

Beautiful Rowan Knits

2010-02-14T00:13:00.000-08:00

The weather's still chilly here in Derbyshire.
I've spent most of my free time hibernating! Catching up on indoor jobs has taken a back seat with me prefering the knitting.
Rowan have some lovely snuggly knits for the cold weather.

You can find the pattern here

This gorgeous Chunky Top

Click here for the free pattern

I've been a busy bee with Teddybearscottage. Lots of bunnies and monkeys have ben re-homed

George, Katie, Norman and Bridie have found a new home at Tinaandneilsplace.

Normandie's on his way to London as we speak. He's a special monkey made for a poorly girl. Hopefully he'll be a good friend for her.

Hope the weather cheers up soon. Happy knitting and roll on Spring!

Chunky knits for the Cold Weather!

2010-01-25T23:49:00.000-08:00

The weather's turned chilly again here in Derbyshire. On Saturday morning it was lovely and sunny. I even left the house without a coat on! Forgot myself. I've been busy working on new additions to teddybearscottage. I hope to have a few monkeys in the Cottage Shop by the end of January. In the meantime take a peek at these lovely chunky knits!

They do require membership, but it's easy peezy to join. Click here to join!

This beautiful jumper.

Click here for the free pattern

This gorgeous Chunky Cowl. I shall start knitting right away! Click here for the free pattern.

Feed The Birds

2010-01-17T03:45:00.000-08:00

At this time of year it's important to feed the birds. The low temperature has affected them too. I've been making seed feeders using pine cones and hanging them in the garden. I've spotted birds that wouldn't usually venture in to gardens unless very cold or hungry!

ITEMS NEEDED

Open pine cones
Bowl
Bird seed
Leftover fat (cooled down, but warm) or shop bought dripping
Ribbon or string
Scissors
Blunt butter knife or spoon
And someone who doesn't mind getting all sticky!

Using an open cone like this means you can cram it full of mixture!

Place ribbon or wool around the cone and tie to secure. If you want to be really fancy you can screw a net curtail eye to bottom of cone.

Put the warm fat in the bowl and mix in the seed with your spoon.
Stuff it in to the pine cone and leave to dry for fifteen minutes.

Now hang up in the garden and watch for those birdies!

New Year

2010-01-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

Brrrrrr...... It's been very chilly here in Derbyshire. We've escaped the terrential weather that's made some parts of the country inaccesible. After the festivities I ventured to Wales, much to the horror of family and friends who thought I must be bonkers due to the weather!

My niece and I went to the North. Criccieth. It has a lovely bay and the remains of a Castle nested above the beach. The sun shone on us while we were playing on the beach. We made sure we had fun whatever the weather. We were really lucky and the roads stayed clear while we were there....

On the journey home we stopped of at Conw'y on the Northern coast of Wales.
It's a walled town with the remains of the castle, A lovely little harbour and nestled amongst the cottages is the Smallest House in Britain. It was under renovation so we weren't able to venture inside!

Stopping off at my favourite tea room!...

And I'd never pass Chester without dropping in. Another walled town with the river running through it, cobbled streets and an abundance of eateries and pretty shops and a beautiful Cathedral and Gardens

I plan to hibernate on most of the chilly evenings and catch up with my knitting. George found a new home at Christmas along with a bunch of other guys down at Teddybearscottage! I shall pop some items in the Teddybearscottage Shop at the end of January.

Knitted Presents

2009-12-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

My. It's been a while since I've posted. Been busy making Christmas presents and cards for friends and family.

I've found these beautiful leg warmers that I know my niece will love! I plan to knit two pairs. One cream and the other blue like in the photo

And these cute little mice. Aren't they adorable!!!
I plan to knit lots of these little fellas and make them in to tree decorations and greeting cards. They are designed by the magnificent Barbara Prime over at Fuzzy Thoughts. She has some great patterns for sale and they knit up beautifully and are easy to follow.

I've also made some more knitted monkeys. Three are ready for adoption and Santa will soon arrive to pick them up!

I hope you all have a smooth run up to Christmas and enjoy your day.

Keep warm this winter

2009-11-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

Keep warm this winter by knitting these beautiful hat and scarf sets.
Drops is an amazing site. If you haven't heard of it before you really must take a look. All the patterns are free and you can buy the wool directly from them and I can highly recommend. Please take a peek!

Busy bee....

2009-11-19T03:02:00.000-08:00

My the weather's been blustery here in Derbyshire. I've been busy working, knitting and having family get to-gethers. We've all had a great time. My nieces Birthday is just around the corner so she has a lovely surprize in stall!

I've been working on a new addition to teddybearscottage. A cheeky little monkey from Ala and Ela. He's lovely to knit and ever so straight forward. I've made about five so far and already have new homes.

Here are the newest additions.....

Keep warm...

2009-11-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

Get knitting to keep yourself warm this winter..

The evenings are getting cold here in Derbyshire. I seem to be lighting the fire earlier every day. Here's some great patterns to help keep you warm during the coming months. Get out those needles and start knitting!

This gorgeous Cabled Boyfriend Cardigan

Gorgeous hat and scarf

and this sexy skirt

This beautiful Chunky Throw

More presents to knit

2009-11-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

For those of you still searching for presents to knit to fill your stockings the wonderful Jean Greenhowe has some amazing little treats for you.

I'm sure they'll make lovely gifts and are quick to knit.

Lovely little Rainbow men

Yummy treats

Cutie pie snowman

Let's get knitting!! Christmas is coming!!

2009-10-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Let's Knit Magazine has some super gifts to knit.
It's easy peezy to join. Just click here to find out how

This gorgeous tea cosy will brighten up any kitchen

Close up of the pretty flowers

This gorgeous bag will suit any girls outfit

Let's all get to work and spread the joy of all things handmade.
Good luck to everyone!

Christmas is coming!!!

2009-10-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

The nights are now drawing in, coal fires are burning and out comes the cocoa and blanket.

I've been thinking a lot about presents and what I need to make. I've found some lovely knitted gifts I'd like to share with you. I'm afraid this one's only available to members of ravely, but it's easy peezy to join and there are some beautiful project to look at. Tess young has a lovely free pattern for these super little cupcakes. Go take a peek

This gorgeous bag would make a lovely gift and can be found here. I can think of a few of my friends who would love this. Me included!

A lovely moss stitch headband can be found here

Off on our holidays

2009-09-29T23:25:00.000-07:00

Our bags are packed and we're off on our adventures.
S'illot is on the Eastern coast of Mallorca, still quite traditional I'm told. Let's hope!

We shall spend our time outdoors joining in with the locals; fishing, eating, searching through rock pools and playing games.

Giveaway Winner

2009-09-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately there can only be one winner. Wish I could send you all a little something. I shall do another giveaway in time for Christmas and have runner up prizes too!!

I used the Random Number Generator so the results were fair. Thank you so much to everyone that entered. Good look for next time. Hope you all have a lovely day from me and the bunnies down at teddybearscottage

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
42
Timestamp: 2009-09-26 06:52:59 UTC

Unfortunately I don't have the fancy software required to link directly so I've had to copy and paste.

The winner is Comment number 42. Miss Cake!

*Miss Cake* said...
Oh, this is so cute! My son would love a new little freind... :)

22 September 2009 13:46

Congratulations to you. Please send me your address to teddybearscottage [at] hotmail.co.uk

Kipper Giveaway

2009-09-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone that's entered and left such lovely comments. As it's worldwide I'll be posting the winner Saturday morning British time. Good luck to everyone!

Softie Giveaway! Now closed

2009-09-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

I think Autumn is finally arriving. The leaves are falling from the trees and the evenings are getting chilly.

Thought I'd brighten up the colder weather with a giveaway.

Kipper is a Knitted Bunny using Rowan Classic Yarn in Alpaca Soft and his jumper with Luxury Soft Cotton. He's one of my smaller bunnies measuring 12 inches from the tips of his ears down to his lovely little paws!

Just leave a comment below and the winner will be chosen at random on 25th September.

2009-09-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. My It's getting chilly here in the evenings. We've had some lovely sunshine in the day though. I've been able to spend some time in the garden. Pruning, cutting, sweeping and painting!

I've found a lovely shop while visiting Leamington Spa. "Joules" Ladies, Mens and Childrens Wear.

The most fabulous Wellies too!!!

They have a Mail Order Catalogue you can send for packed with colourful and well made clothing.

I've been working on a few more additions to Teddybearscottage. Four new Bunnies. Aasia, Aimee, Lily and Bobby. I've popped Aimee in to my Etsy Shop and the others are gifts to friends and family.

Aimee

Aasia

Lily and Bobby!

2009-08-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

Howdy folks. How are you all. My we've had some rain here in Belper this week. Beautiful sunshine one minute then a downpour the next. I've been caught out a few times. My washing too! As well as working and drinking lots of tea I've found time to do some knitting. An order for Fi' at work and one for an old friend. I used three of my favourite yarns; R.Y.C Cashsoft Chunky, R.Y.C Alpaca Soft and Sirdar Luxury Soft Cotton.

I've also put my name down for the Cricket Match on Sunday so that will be fun! Hope you've had a lovely week.

Ruby was made for the Grand-Daughter of a very special friend

I really enjoyed making Ruby and her pretty dress. I'm sure she is well loved in her new home

Summer Memories..........

2009-08-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

Hello there. The weather's been very changable here in England these last few weeks. Brilliant sunshine one day then pouring the next! This week we've had some lovely sunny periods especially late afternoon when the temperature's just right for snoozing in the garden while the dinner's cooking! Makes me feel all dreamy and I start to reminisce about the years adventures - Holidaying in Norfolk - Following the coast round from Sheringham to Lowestoft, through the broads and back again. It's a beautiful coast line and was very windy some days! but great fun.

Beautiful Beach-Huts adorning the coastline. The colours really make you feel like you're at the sea-side

Me steering the boat. Four mile an hour speed limit which I wasn't too happy about!

I love this photo. Everything about the broads appeals to me. Boats, fishing, swimming, beach huts, tea rooms and eating ice-cream

The boys having fun at Wells Next The sea. Quite a rare event they play together without falling out.........

2009-08-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Hope you're all okay and managing to keep dry now all this rainy weather's on it's way out. We've had more than our fair share and the weeds in my garden have gone mad!!! I've been busy putting the final touches to my Etsy Shop. I aim to be up and running by Wednesday! Here's a few of the latest additions down at teddybearscottage

Tabbitha in her new pink dress

Here's Beau in his favourite jumper

2009-07-22T05:23:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Hope you're having a lovely week. I'm heading off to Stratford-Upon-Avon for a short break tomorrow. Before I go I'd like to share the newest additions here at Teddybearscottage. They're ever so quick to make and eezy peezy, so are great fun too! The pattern can be found here. Just make his nose a wee bit longer and add the cutest little ball feet! Hope you all manage to keep the children entertained during the holiday

Henrietta wearing her new hair slide

Sophia

Here's Sophia and Henrietta together.....

Knitted Sheep

2009-07-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I've been a busy bee this week. Still had time for a spot of knitting though! Found a super little pattern to knit the most adorable sheep. You can find the pattern here. I changed the yarn to Drops Eskimo to give a more chunky feel and used 4mm needles, then added a cute little flower to make her look pretty.

2009-07-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

tk83sxgnb5

2009-07-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

My. Hasn't the weather been changeable this week. The rainy weather has given me chance to catch up on some knitting and give the cottage a very late spring clean!!

I've also been looking back at the lovely times we've had this year and I'd like to share a few of them with you. Hope you've all had a lovely week

Friends For Tea!

2009-07-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I've been a busy bee this week. No time for blogging or knitting. aarrgggh..... We've all had a lovely time though. Lots of tea parties in the garden (in between thunder storms!). The guests fell completely in love with the knitted bunnies so now I have three less.

This cheeky chappy left with Hendrix.

Summers here!

2009-06-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

I think summer's finally arrived but the days have been really stuffy and warm. I do love the sunshine but isn't it great about 9 o'clock onwards. The sun's gone down and just the right temperature for supper in the garden! Hope you've all managed to keep cool. Will visit the horses later. I've been thinking about giving them an apple, but not sure whether i should. Wouldn't want to make them feel bad. I've been working on a few bunnies this week. Here's the latest editions down at Teddybearscottage. Hope you like them!

Elizabeth and Hughie

Elizabeth

Hughie

New neighbours

2009-06-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

I've been expecting the new neighbours for some time now and yesterday they finally arrived! Been to see them twice already.....

Little Holidays

2009-06-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

Hello there. I'm bright and breezy having returned from my little holiday to Chester. It's a beautiful town surrounded by a Roman wall, cobbled streets and an abundance of cafe's and bars! Stopped off at the cutest little town in Wales named Conw'y. A teeny tiny house in the harbour, just the right size for some teddy bears I know.....

Frederick...

2009-06-16T23:53:00.000-07:00

Hello there. We've been enjoying some lovely weather here in Derbyshire. I've been able to spend lots of time in the garden, which I love. The baskets and bedding plants are coming along beautifully and get very thirsty on hot days! I found some lovely wool to knit my new batch of bunnies jumpers. I've gone crazy for knitting bobbles so you'll see a few bunnys wearing them. Received a photo from Tina showing me Fredericks new home and an embroidered Tea-Towel I made. I'm sure he's well looked after and loved in his new home. I'm off on a little holiday to Chester and Wales now. I do hope you all have a lovely week and see you soon.

Lovely Day......

2009-06-08T16:28:00.001-07:00

I'm so pleased todays been fine. I finished knitting two bunnies and even had time to visit the Well Dressings. So much hard work and dedication goes into making them. Today they were in Monsal Head. Derbyshire has some beautiful countryside and the views from The Head are stunning. I do hope you've had a lovely weekend

New home

2009-06-06T11:26:00.001-07:00

New Beginnings

2009-06-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hello there. Thanks for stopping by.

I've very recently been blessed with the gift of a super piece of equipment. The laptop! I've spent many hours looking at all things pretty and have come across some amazing sites.

I love to knit and when I came across Barbara Prime's site I fell completely in love with her little fellas. With lots of practice and an enormous amount of mistakes I came up with some little beauties of my own.......