^^^

While sweet cotton rompers are at the top of my list clothes-wise, warm knits are a must when you live in the UK. In the middle of summer you can wake up to pouring rain and cold temperatures, so snuggly jumpers and cardigans really are essential.

British clothing company Joules recently sent us some amazing pieces for both Baby and Josephine to road test, and this sweet cable knit cardigan is perfect for a boy or girl. I'm really drawn to muted, earthy tones for this baby, so this is ideal. 

I could have chosen so many things from the baby section of the shop; sweet welly boots for girls and classic dungarees for boys, plus i'd actually already got these booties in store (and adore the delicate floral print of the girl's version too), which are so lovely. 

With quality fabrics and quirky details and prints, Joules has something for everyone, and I was pretty tempted by this dress and this blouse for when the bump has gone and Baby has arrived. Stay tuned for possibly my favourite ever skirt on Josephine, plus a raincoat she wore indoors for hours on the day it arrived in the post. Great pieces from a lovely shop :) 

WHAT PHINEY WORE

WHAT PHINEY WORE: Coat la coqueta // Tights john lewis // Boots clarks // Hat handmade using Dover & Madden pattern

Finding the perfect winter coat for Josephine this year took me forever, but boy was it worth the hunt. I wanted something traditional, in camel, that could be passed down to all our children; with the possibility of it becoming something of a family heirloom. I know, I don't ask for much. 

Thank goodness for Instagram. I somehow found Celia's feed, which featured her beautiful children wearing the gorgeous wares of her store La Coqueta. I found the shop online and there was the perfect coat, in an array of colours, but most importantly, in camel. I bought it in age 3, to ensure it lasts this year and next at least, and while the sleeves need to be turned up a bit right now, it fits so well. Sure, it's not cheap - in fact it's the most money I've spent on one item of clothing (for me or Phiney) in about 8 years, but it is the ultimate investment piece, and is just beautiful; from the soft wool coat to the velvet covered buttons. 

Once you've found the perfect winter coat, the perfect hat is a must. And for me, the bonnet is the sweetest thing for children of all ages. I have loved Vicki's designs for years now, and when I was pregnant with Josephine, one of her little knitted hats in red was a must. Last winter, Vicki so kindly sent Josephine a few new designs to try out and the mustard Clover hat and sunshine yellow bonnet became staples in her wardrobe. When Vicki told me she was going to produce a pattern to buy for the Clover hat, I was so excited and bought it as soon as she released it. With freelancing taking all my time, I passed the pattern to my expert knitter Mum, as well as some lovely lavender wool, and she produced this gorgeous piece. I love the purple and camel together, especially with her little leather boots. The perfect winter attire :)

ps. next to awesome Mama's like Celia and their independent shops, vintage and second hand pieces are a must. One of my favourite Insta buddies, Jude, found her little noodle the best vintage coat I've ever seen. Isn't it awesome? I'd happily steal it for Phiney. And about a month ago I found a lighter camel, almost identical version of Josephine's coat at the charity shop. In age 9-12 months it'll be ideal for Baby this time next year. By a French brand I've never heard of, and for the grand sum of £2.50, it was a pretty great find. 

HAPPY CIRCUS: new listings

Just wanted to pop by and let you all know that I've listed a whole bunch of lovely vintage pieces in the shop. French, British and even a couple of South American items, all of which are fantastic! Above are just a few of my favourites. 

There are also a few bow ties, hair bows and baby knits on offer at just half their normal price. Yes...HALF PRICE! All were knitted to be photographed for the shop and promotional purposes and are in absolutely perfect condition. Go grab yourself a bargain, because once they're gone...they're gone!! 

Thank you, as always, for supporting my little store. I hope you find something you like :) Happy weekend everyone. 

HAPPY CIRCUS: at little hanbury

I am so excited to say that Happy Circus' knitted boy's bow ties are now stocked at the very cool and super stylish Little Hanbury; a new store especially for the little boys in your life. 

Owner Sarah has sourced the highest quality pieces from around the world and her store is packed with items you're going to love; including my little bow ties, of course. Alongside my green and blue designs is a custom mustard yellow design, and they are styled to perfection with Quenotte and Imps and Elfs shirts. Classic and traditional yet so modern, and totally gorgeous. Go check it out :) 

HAPPY CIRCUS: women's bow ties

Totally inspired by my beautiful friend Tori, Happy Circus is now stocking bow ties for women. 

I don't think I could ask for a more stylish model in Tori, whose modelling a custom Brown Tweed bow tie here; so chic and elegant. This piece is perfect for everyday or a special occasion  and comes in Olive Green Tweed, Rust and Grey, each on a Liberty-inspired floral cotton. Head over to the shop to see this and all the other bow ties and hair bows Happy Circus has on offer :) 

WAITING FOR SUN: spring knits

Seventies Child. 

My Mum recently made Josephine this awesome little waistcoat. I'm envisaging a whole selection for her in an array of colours. I feel an obsession coming on...

ROLL UP, ROLL UP: christmas shopping at happy circus

After months of really hard work and hours of scouring charity shops and markets, I am so pleased to announce the launch of a whole host of new goodies at Happy Circus.

Firstly, after the increasing requests and success of my hair bows and bow ties for weddings, I've designed a new range of bows for boys and girls, men and women, that are perfect for everyday and those special occassions. For the boys, the bow ties now feature knitted bows on carefully selected cotton fabrics with classic bow tie fastenings, while the girls can enjoy hair bows without ties (no more clumpy knots at the back of your head) in the classic size, oversize, little girl size and bow clips. I've also replaced synthetic wools with beautifully soft, plump cashmerino and almerino yarns in sorbets, tweeds and faded vintage hues.

Next I've added a new material to the ranges here at HC. I've loved working with felt over the last few years in an array of different projects, so I'm really excited to bring some of my designs to the shop. From multi-coloured triangular felt garlands to fun wall hangings that will look awesome in your child's room (or any other room in the house for that matter) these bright and colourful additions make me smile everytime I look at them, and hope you find the same.

Finally, I'm so excited to launch the second Happy Circus Vintage event. Over the last few months I've been gathering items for boys and girls of all ages and there are more than 30 truly awesome pieces on offer this time. The sweetest smocked dresses sit alongside chunky knitted jumpers while delicate blouses work perfectly with classic Osh Kosh dungerees.

I hope you'll go visit the shop and discover some treats for yourself, your kids, your friends and family this Christmas. I'm very happy to be offering you all a 10% discount off all your purchases over the next 48 hours - just become a follower if you're not one already and go 'like' our new Facebook page here, where you'll be first to know about new pieces, special offers and all behind-the-scenes news. Then enter the promotional code HCChristmas at the checkout to receive your discount.

Thank you as always for your support with my little shop. I'm really excited to see what 2013 brings in developing the store and hope you'll enjoy wearing your purchases as much as I did making and sourcing them.

Happy Monday everyone :)

*

So you all know what a knitting machine my Mum is, and have seen the beautiful things she's made our bub. Well now she's offering the world of Etsy some gorgeous knitted treats too, through my shop Happy Circus. With three styles of cardigans, some awesome dungarees, leggings and two hats on offer, there's plenty to choose from. All are based on vintage patterns and come in a really fab collection of colours - perfect for boys and girls.

Ben and I have already got versions of all these pieces lined up for our baby (the leggings and dungarees are seriously unreal) and I can guarantee you'll all love them too.

Plus there's a few new items from me - some Little Bow Pins to spice up your top, jacket or hat and a new pink hair bow too. There are also a few other bits in the pipeline, so keep your eyes peeled.

I hope you like these new additions, let me know what you think...

ps. Happy Birthday shout-outs to my sister and Nan for their birthday's over the weekend. We hope you both had the fabulous days you deserved xx

*

Anything cuter than a baby in stripes? Me thinks not. With the exception of something hand knitted obviously. Hand knitted stripes, you say? Hold the phone...

A collection of Happy Circus booties, knits from my Mum, second hand finds and high street bargains just waiting for our little friend.

*

Hello! Sorry for the lack of posts round these parts this week, it's been a hectic one. Plus now it's getting dark at 5pm, taking nice bright pictures when I get home from work is problematic to say the least. The temperature also seems to have plummeted to -8 degrees overnight (ok, maybe a slight exaggeration) so autumn has well and truly arrived. Today I even wore my winter coat for the first time. Unsurprisingly it was a little more snug than last year...

Hours have also spent knitting away on a very exciting project this week. One that I anticipate to fill the next month or so. It's only fuelled my passion for making Happy Circus my full time job once I become a Mama and I hope marks the beginning of a whole new stage of this little homemade business. Before Christmas a lot will be happening with my Etsy shop so make sure you stay tuned.

Now, I'm off to my work station (aka my bed) to settle down to some knitting time and re-runs of Kirstie's Homemade Christmas.

Those last three pictures? Of this insanely gorgeous family all wearing custom Happy Circus bows, taken by this truly awesome photographer. Oh to have tonnes of money and be able to fly him over here for a photo session.

*

Tonight it’s just me and the bump, while B’s out on the town for a team meal with his work buddies.

So I’ll be watching this beautiful, amazing movie (girl crush on Sofia Coppola. I heart her)…

While eating these…

And carrying on with this blanket…

And then tomorrow is Friday. How blissful.

*

It’s been go go go on the house front. With B’s birthday on Sunday and a little birthday lunch going down, we’ve been trying to get the last bits done round our home. To be fair, we’ve done a bloody good job in the last week, but there’s still a few things to get finished.

Alongside all this interior beautifying, has been plenty of sewing machine action. New pillows for the sofa and a few for the baby’s room too. The one with the pompoms was constructed using an old fabric remnant found in the shop also known as my Grandparent’s house and a piece of vintage yellow velvet I uncovered in this place. No matter what it is, if it’s that shade of yellow, it’s mine. I’m obsessed with that colour right now. I also finished this little quilt for Baby a few weeks back, with some help from my Mum on the binding front. She of far superior ability made those corners a lot neater than I ever could.

So what next? I’ve had a few Happy Circus orders come through, but those have all been finished off so I need something else to occupy sofa time now the dark nights have set in by 7.30pm. I’m tempted to order this Donna Wilson book and give a few of these creatures a go. I know a few kids who could look after a critter like this pretty well, and I’d love to see Baby cuddling something I made. Plus it’d be a mate for Old Stripey Head.

And then there’s this cushion from Cath Kidston's Stitch book. I love the Lucky Boy Sunday pillows, but they’re a little out of our price range right now, and I figure a handmade version like this is always better. For the bank balance and the World. So I’m off to scour the internet for the right supplies and choose my colours. And try to track down some bottle green velvet for the backing. Anyone have any scraps matching that description lying around, you know where to send them….

ps. Happy Birthday Charlie...have the most awesome of days tomorrow little brother x

*

Some rather lovely things that are making me a happy bunny today and cheering up the day. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the day a little brighter. Something I’ve noticed more and more recently. Maybe it’s the little hands and feet knocking me in the belly that remind me the best things always come in small packages.

Firstly is this beautiful book. I saw a copy in a store in town and had to grab it. It’s basically how I want our house to be. Plus it’s written by Emily Chalmers, the owner of Caravan. Such a cool shop. The gal knows what she’s talking about.

Next is this awesome package from Kelly. The magnetic buttons are making their way to the fridge right now and I’m trying to decide whether to use the card and label or just keep them for myself. Thank you lovely Kelly.

A few days ago I got a message from Hinke, letting me know she was showcasing some of my Happy Circus booties on her blog. I was so happy to receive such a note, as it led me back to House of Hink. A beautiful blog from another corner of the world. Go check it out.

Another bundle of treats from the knitting machine that is my Mum, including these dungarees which are up there with my favourite pieces for the baby. And she made the pattern up as she went along. We’re building some ideas for her additions to Happy Circus and I think these have made the grade.

And this brilliant card, drawn by my sister and sent to us from her crazy rattakins to say thank you for the new cage B grabbed off the forums at work for a bargain price. Apparently Bette, Diane and Goldie are loving the extension to their home. Name explanation? Dora and I love the movie First Wives Club.

Oh, and thank you for the brilliant comments on our nappy quandary. It was so good to read some first-hand reviews and find out what works and what doesn’t. What fabulously helpful readers I have. Don’t go anywhere…your services may be required again.