Chulmleigh valleys shrouded in morning mist
Not long to go now and we’ll be escaping the misty fields and forests to embrace the moor and the sea. It’s been a drawn-out three months for everyone but as the days lengthen and the bird song gets louder we’re all looking forward to a bit more freedom.
So, what’s been happening in our quiet corner of Devon?
aqua green and rich teal – new colours for spring
While the shop’s been closed Hilary’s cosy workshop at the back has been very busy with orders for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and lots of birthdays. Quite a few people have treated themselves too – and why not!
The bespoke bags Hilary’s been making have been ordered in a rainbow of different hues and shapes – people have gone for their happy colour rather than follow a trend, including our latest hides in shades of peacock.
It’s no surprise really – the world of fashion has been hedging its bets this year in terms of direction – the most exciting trend we’ve seen is for ‘midriff flossing’ which just made us belly-laugh when we saw it (oh the irony). We might have given it a go 20 years ago but we’re much preferring the long floaty chiffon numbers that come the height of summer we’ll be wafting around in.
We’ve also been revisiting some old favourites including this barrel bag – perfect for carrying a hydrating bottle of water (or, rather more likely in our case, a whole packet of hobnobs).
We’ve also got some new designs in the pipeline – more on that soon, but we can say that we’re very excited!
There’s been some kitchen action too – and most importantly, this has included Nish’s kitchen action. Take a look at this beauty! A full-on, no holds-barred Black Forest gateau. Layer upon layer of creamy, rich, chocolatey, kirsch-infused, cherry-filled heaven.
We were on a roll after that – lemon drizzle cakes, pancakes, flapjacks – even the cat joined in.
Bear using all his powers to will the lid off the cake stand
New life arrived in the middle of this creative frenzy – the fluffiest little chicks and hundreds of lambs with more to come.
Vickie’s new arrivals
Karen’s newly hatched chicks
Our prickly friends are doing well too – many hoglets born at the end of the summer last year were just too small to make it through the winter but with some lovely foster parents they’re thriving and will be strong enough to be released back into the wild later in the spring.
And finally, given that it’s Red Nose Day today, what did the toothpick say when it was overtaken by a hedgehog?
Oh no! I missed the bus!