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18
Dec
2013

Poppy loves Cath Kidston

categories: Poppy

A little while ago, Poppy received some very pretty things from the lovely people over at Cath Kidston. I have been a Cath Kidston fan for a long, long time and I’m pleased to report that Poppy is most definitely a Cath Kidston dog!

One thing I find frustrating about dog accessories that you find in pet shops is that they are often dull, over the top (what dog needs a diamante collar?!) or expensive. With the Cath Kidston range, you get something pretty, reasonable and lovely. I really like the collar that Poppy received, as it’s nicer than a lot of others we’d seen, but it’s only £8 so it doesn’t break the bank.

We also received a matching lead, but we keep that for ‘best’. We mainly use a retractable lead for when Poppy is in squirrel hunting mode. The other day, we turned a corner in the park and saw 8 squirrels. Poppy didn’t know what to do with herself! But when we’re walking through town or stopping at the pub for a drink, then the Cath Kidston lead is ideal. It’s hard wearing, pretty & perfect for getting Poppy to walk closely. Plus, when we stop somewhere for a drink, I can put the handle of the lead round the chair leg to keep Poppy close, which isn’t something you can do with the retractable. I really like the accessories that they currently do, but would love for them to expand the range even further. A Cath Kidston harness – I’d buy that. Cute spotty dog coat, yep, Poppy could do with one of those! Heck, I’d even Cath Kidston poo bags! Anything to brighten up that job!

This bed is probably Poppy’s most favourite thing. I hadn’t finished getting the cushion in before Poppy got in it! She loves it. She likes resting her head on the edge, as well as having something to lean against when she’s curled up into a little ball. It’s such a lovely, cosy bed, she spends almost all day in it. Just wish I could have one for me!

We also received this lovely treat tin, which we keep some of Poppy’s treats in. We’re trying to train Poppy to go into her bed in the kitchen without being asked and stay there. When she does it, she gets a treat from the tin. These treats are only used for this purpose & a bit fancier than her regular treats. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. We’re working on it!

We’re always working on something with Poppy. At the moment, it’s about getting her to wait for her dinner. As soon as it gets dark, she’s jumping over you, climbing over you, anything to get you to get up and get her dinner. She is one demanding pooch!

*While the Cath Kidston dog accessories we received were free, my review is my honest opinion.

06
Dec
2013

Cath Kidston Bloggers Craft Night

categories: Crafty

Last week I was lucky enough to attend a bloggers craft night at the Cath Kidston shop in Oxford. I was joined by Natasha, Catherine, Victoria, Zoë, Dina & Rosalind. We were invited along to an evening of crafting in aid of Crisis. Cath Kidston are selling decoration kits, as well as giving the profits from the sale of the charity Christmas cards to raise money for Crisis.

There’s something pretty awesome about being in a shop after opening hours! We were able to have a good look around and start our Christmas shopping/buy some treats for ourselves! I bought these lovely charity Christmas cards & a pair of penguin pyjama bottoms. To be honest, I could have spent way more money! There are so many lovely things in Cath Kidston. They keep on bringing out gorgeous prints and great products!

We were given kits of Christmas decorations to make, complete with all the tools necessary to make them. After a quick mooch about, we all got started cutting out our shapes. Before long we got chatting, eating & drinking (hello mulled wine!). Progress was varied and I have to admit I didn’t finish mine during the evening, especially as I got distracted with some out of hours shopping! But I did sew my bricks on one side of the chimney. I finally finished it this week and have to say I’m pretty pleased with the outcome. I took the opportunity to have a go at different stitches. It’s not very often my hand sewing is as neat as this!

Not only that, but we were also given a few treats, including a second decoration to make. I can’t wait to finish this one too so that they are ready to go on the tree! Are you making any Christmas decorations this year? It does add a nice touch doesn’t it?

14
Nov
2013

Cath Kidston Press Day #ckss14

categories: Home & Garden, On Tour

I have been a fan of Cath Kidston for many, many years. So when they got in touch and asked if I’d like to attend a press day for the launch of their new prints for next year, there was only going to be one possible answer. A most definite yes. So I headed off to the Big Smoke & managed to find my way to the Rook & Raven gallery, where the day was being held. I had a good look round and took plenty of pictures. Take a look!

I was very excited to see what they would have to offer and I’m not disappointed. I like the new prints. I think they stay true to what people expect from Cath Kidston, but they’re different enough to keep us all interested, and boy am I interested! I’ll take one of everything please!

Not only were there lots of lovely things to see, they also provided refreshments! (Love free food!) I have the most delicious tasting soup ever – A butternut squash and sage soup. Perfect for warming up, as it was bloomin’ freezing in London! I also received a goody bag, which included these gorgeous socks from the Safari range, a handy travel cup, which I plan to use asap and a lovely tote bag, also from the Safari range.

What do you think of the new prints? Which one is your favourite? I can’t decide between Tea Time, Spots & Budgies!

06
Jan
2012

Cath Kidston Suffolk Puff Cushion

categories: Sewing

A few months ago I attended a Cath Kidston craft night to launch her new book, Patch. At the event we were given material to make a suffolk puff cushion and we started making suffolk puffs.

Over the festive season, I decided that I wanted to finish it off & set about sewing some more suffolk puffs. 81 to be exact. 81 circles of fabric. I had no idea how long it would take to sew them. Yesterday, I’d finished all my paid work so thought I’d complete the whole thing in the morning. I only had to make about 12 more puffs, stitch them together, make the cushion & attach the 9×9 rows of suffolk puffs.

Well, needless to say I didn’t have it finished by lunch! I was working on it from 8 until 5.30pm…and it still wasn’t done! I’d sewed the rows of puffs together & made the cushion cover. All I had to do was attach the puffs to the cover using slip stitch, which I hadn’t used before.

Technically, I was supposed to be working on a website this morning but I wasn’t going to leave the cushion sitting there – mocking me! So I’ve spent this morning attaching the top to the bottom. And it is finished! It looks pretty good. My cover isn’t exactly square so it isn’t sitting on the puffs at the correct angle but at this point, after this many hours, I don’t care! It’s finished and that’s enough for me! I had no idea that it would take this long to complete. This is why handmade products are so expensive. It took me over 10 hours to make. If I was to charge for this, my time alone would mean it cost £60.80. It’s a good job that I got the materials for free!