Important Announcement

So today we have some news.... as I mentioned before I've been planning some changes for Patchwork Harmony.  After a lot of deliberation, I have decided it is time to make some big decisions.  As many of you know I recently launched 91 Magazine, I also run the boutique and blog, all on top of having a full time job. I really love what I do with all of these ventures, but I’ve realised its all become a bit too much work.  So, with a heavy heart, I’ve made the decision to bring trading to an end on the Patchwork Harmony boutique website.
Over the last 3 years I’ve learnt so much about running a business, and I hope you have enjoyed shopping with us! However its become clear that I simple do not have the time to make the boutique
as wonderful as I would like.
Thank you for all your custom, support and encouragement over the past 3 years - Its been immense!  BUT, don’t worry, we are not disappearing... Firstly, the good news! We are going to be having a huge....

 

With lots of stock to sell, there are great reductions on ALL products, with some items having 60% off! So come and have a look and get a bargain or two. The prices really are rock bottom....

The Future.... 

So, as I say Patchwork Harmony is not disappearing... We will still be sharing inspiration on our blog, which you may have noticed has just had a lovely new redesign.  We hope you like the fresh new look! We have also added a Directory, which listed all our favourite shops, designers/makers and

much more. So check it out, for some other lovely shops to buy beautiful things from. I plan to focus a bit more on the blog over the coming year.  And of course I will turn my attention even more to 91 Magazine. We’ve had a fantastic response since we launched in October 2011, the next issue is coming in June, so I hope to develop the magazine, and hope you will continue to follow it.
The Patchwork Harmony website will continue, firstly as we sell off existing stock, and then will become a hub for our blog, magazine, and other things to inspire.  So please keep us bookmarked!

So, there you have it... thanks again for all your support, we hope you will continue to follow Patchwork Harmony through our blog and magazine, and of course make sure to bag yourself a bargain before the boutique closes.... and I never say never, so maybe one day you will find me selling my wares again soon! 

Don't forget you can follow us on Twitter - @patchworkhrmy and @91magazine  Get updates via our Facebook page Follow us on Pinterest - patchworkhrmy  and Instagram - patchworkhrmy

Love, Caroline xxx

Where to Stay: The Hope Mousehole

We all strive to have the 'perfect' home, but with the pressures of modern life, work, family etc, the pictures we see in magazines are rarely the reality in most of our lives.  But every now and then we can escape from the rat race to take a little break away from home and relax.  More and more of us are choosing to holiday in our own country, so while we waive the flight costs, that extra cash can go towards that extra bit of luxury.
I plan to feature some of the boutique hotels, B&Bs and cottages that have gone that extra little bit in terms of their interior... and to start with might just be the most perfect of houses I have ever seen.  You may have already seen this in this month's Living Etc magazine.  I, for one, literally found my heart pounding as I turned the pages of this beautiful house which is based in Cornwall, owned by photographer Paul Massey.  If only I could step into this image, curl up on that chair and gaze out the window to what I can only imagine to be a beautiful view...

 

Styled in what seems to be Paul's signature look - going by his previous home which was the location for the BBC cookery programme - "The Delicious Miss Dahl" - you can in see my previous post here  - the pale hues and distressed white wood is what one can only dream of living in on a daily basis. 

I'm sure if I was to stay here I would not want to leave the house, even with the beautiful surroundings of the Cornish coast! 

Unfortunately for me, the dream of living here even for a couple of days, was quashed when I saw the rental rates for a week - £2500.  yes indeed. But hey, perhaps I'll start saving for my 40th birthday weekend! (in 10 years time!)

If unlike me, you aren't saving for a wedding & a new kitchen, and can spare a couple of grand, you can check out availability at The Hope Mousehole on their website:

www.thehopemousehole.com

Changes are a-happening!

 Once Wed

Just a little note to say that there are some changes forecast for Patchwork Harmony in the coming months... I can't give away too much just yet, but the first thing that is happening is the blog is going to be getting a bit of refresh! I'm excited to unveil it, and hope to hear your thoughts on it! I do hope that I will be able to be a bit more active with my blogging soon too, but more on that later.
The next issue of 91 Magazine is under way, and is due to publish in June, and I've got a few extra little ideas I hope to put together to accompany this too.
And if you read my recent 'back from holiday' post you'll have heard I got engaged, so some of my time will be going into the planning of our wedding obviously, so things are pretty hectic to say the least! I won't bore you too much with wedding related things, but if you do fancy seeing some of my inspiration boards for it, you can pop over to my Pinterest page where I'm gathering ideas! Anyway, I'll be back soon with the big reveal on the revamped blog! xxx

Flea Market Chic

If you're a regular reader you'll probably know that I like to do things on a budget! So I am always going to be chuffed when a book with the tag line 'the thrifty way to create a stylish home' lands on my doorstep! 

 Flea Market Chic is the latest book from Liz Bauwens & Alexandra Campbell, and is stuffed full of beautiful homes photographed by Simon Brown.  The book looks at how to style for a town, country or modern home using flea market finds, and proves that buying second hand can really fit into any interior, adding character and quirkiness.

 Full of inspiring images, the book shows how a few thrifty finds can add interest to a quiet corner, such as below, or how you can start collections of things such as coffee pots, plates or even dried sunflowers heads (!), see last pic, to create displays around the home.

Another lovely book for my coffee table, that I literally wish I could step into and live in! At least it will inspire you to drag yourself out of bed this weekend, and hit the markets and car boots, I know thats where I'll be! :)

Buy Flea Market Chic on Amazon : Published by Cico Books

This Weekend.....

If you are in London tomorrow, you should pop along to Selina Lake's Homespun Style book launch and market in Spitalfields. Buy the latest book from Selina herself, and check out the lovely stalls that will be selling their wares on the day, including Charlotte Love, Heart Zeena and Papermash to name a few!

 And if you are interested in furthering your creative career, Shipshape studio's Illustration & Design Forum takes place this Sunday in Hammersmith, where a talented panel will be discussing themes such as social networking and marketing yourself.  If that wasn't enough, Emma Block will also be signing copies of her book, Tea and Cake, and artists will be selling their work too! Get your ticket here

 

Have a fabulous weekend! 

xxx

Fab Followings... Lola Beau Design

Before I went away in Feb, I started a new series on the blog called Fab Followings - featuring people I follow on Twitter.  In a quest to become more connected with my Twitter followers/followees, and learn more about what they do! You can read the first post about Colporter here

So the *follow up* to that is Lola Beau Design.  Jo Clark stocks a small but perfectly formed collection of vintage items and reloved furniture.  I love the polaroid style photography for her product pics....

 

Clip on birds - £3

 

Glass Jar - £10

  

Vintage Tin - £20

  

Teapot vase - £8

 

Pink French chair - £120

 

Set of 6 glasses - £20

A reasonably priced collection of lovely products don't you agree? Check out the rest of their items here

xxx