Last winter I bought a granddad cardi. I found it squashed under piles of junk at the back of my favorite vintage shop in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. It was just as the trend began to start (and let’s face it, it never really flooded the market in quite the way it was predicted to). Non-deterred mine was dark blue, thick proper wool, (the itchy kind) with brown leather buttons and compacted areas of matted wear – I loved it!
I’m not sure if I’ve just noticed due to the recent re-discovery of ‘Big Blue’ (who had sneaked his way into a flatmate’s wardrobe) or if it is in fact an ‘underground trend’ but I have noticed increasing numbers of people knitting on the tube. I don’t think they’re doing it because they read the BBC article “Knitting ‘can delay’ memory loss”, and if they did I certainly hope that they have better things to do than sit at home and play computer games (no offense if that’s what you do do but at least you will remember this moment we have shared and seemingly I won’t!).
I think it’s more the fact that knitting is becoming more acceptable to the younger generations, those living in a fast paced world where watching a TV and going out to get drunk and squander men just simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Young up and coming women feeling the need to move forward with their lives constantly, feeling the need to do something productive like make, sculpt and craft, the satisfaction to turn your tube journey into a productive time. It’s not a bad plan actually, hats (knitted of course) off to them.
You may think it’s strange that the clocks have turned back, summer is ‘officially’ here and yet the knitting is out- not so. Knitting is cool. It is I swear! Even in small details for the spring and onto summer evenings too- try J-gloves from Lily Cole’s North Circular brand which look great with a ¾ sleeve leather jacket.
J Gloves
Now check this out- THIS is the ultimate cool: Patrick Frey’s ‘Gregor Calendar’. If anyone wants to get me a present this is it please!
Gregor Knitted Calendar
Addison Lee
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Each week we will suggest Anniversary gift ideas starting from year 1 throughout putting a contemporary twist on the conventional.
The 2nd Wedding Anniversary is traditionally cotton. Cotton signifies durability and prosperity which is significant when you have achieved your first year of marriage, believed to be the hardest. So besides the obvious gifts of Egyptian Cotton Linen or Monogrammed Cotton Towels, what else is there to gift on this very special anniversary?
- Cotton Scented Soaps & Candles
Christy, who is synonymous for quality and luxury (They gave Queen Victoria her first set of towels!) have been around for over 150 years and also do a lovely ‘Cotton Scented’ bath and candles range. Starting from £10.
Cotton Scented Candles - Christy
Cotton Scented Body Balm - Christy
- Luxury Cotton Tent
Once you’ve experienced the luxury of a cotton tent you’ll never want to go back to stuffy, claustrophobic synthetic materials. Unlike nylon or polyester, natural fibres can be waterproof yet still be able to breathe, allowing these cotton tents to be cool when it’s hot yet warm when it’s cold, with a refreshing airy atmosphere whatever the weather. myholidaypartner.com do a great large tent for £799. So whether you and your beloved are at Secret Garden or Bestival this year make sure your “glamping” (glamorous camping) is complete with the Thomas Lyte Leather Outdoor Kit. £350
Luxury Cotton Tent
Leather Outdoor Kit - Thomas Lyte
- Antique Botanical Illustration of a cotton plant
Reproduced from a late 18th Century French engraving, this illustration is in the original colour including authentic old defects giving it a beautifully unique look. Framed with a personalised plaque, this will make a stunning memento of your second anniversary together. Prices start at £14 from zazzle.co.uk
Antique Illustration of Cotton Plant
- For Him – Cotton and Black Deerskin Driving Gloves with Strap
Treat him with something indulgent this year ( We’ll add the convertible sports car to accompany these as an Anniversary #11 gift idea – watch this space) The perforated deerskin and breathable cotton make these extremely comfortable to wear and are available at black.co.uk for £57. To keep with the driving theme you could also add a monogrammed leather Spitfire Keyring from Thomas Lyte £40.
Cotton & Deerskin Driving Gloves
Leather Spitfire Keyring - Thomas Lyte
- For Her - Maison Martin Margiela White Cotton Canvas Tote
Want her to love you forever? Then you can’t possibly go wrong with this off white cotton canvas tote that goes with absolutely everything! But more importantly it’s the perfect partner to this spring’s pretty pastel. Available at net-a-porter.com for £320. To add a personal touch you can hide a silver compact mirror from Thomas Lyte engraved with a personal message in the inside pocket. £49
Cotton Canvas Tote - Maison Martin Margiela
Silver Plated Compact Mirror - Thomas Lyte
Thomas Lyte was very proud to see 2 of its iconic trophies lifted this weekend. Congratulations to England for winning the 6 Nations Woman’s Championship and Northampton Saints for bringing home the LV Anglo-Welsh Tournament Trophy! Both trophies were created by our master silversmiths in our London workshop.
England Celebrating the Six Nations Win
This trophy was commissioned in 2006 and was followed by a second in a similar design for the Under 20 Six Nations championship. Both are made from sterling silver and feature exquisite engraving detail with the logos of the competing countries.
Women's Six Nations Trophy Designed by Thomas Lyte
The Women's Six Nations Trophy created in the Thomas Lyte London Workshop
Northhampton Saints celebrate their LV Anglo-Welsh Tournament Win
When LV= took over the sponsorship of the Anglo-Welsh tournament for the 2009-10 season, Thomas Lyte were commissioned to design and make the new trophy, having made the previous Anglo-Welsh trophies for Powergen and EDF Energy.
This unique and distinctive trophy was made from sterling silver with gilding on the inside of the trophy and it stands 50cms high.
To complement the trophy, Thomas Lyte designed and made the medals presented to the winning team, Northampton Saints, and to the runners-up, Gloucester Rugby.
LV Anglo-Welsh Tournament Trophy
TL Anglo-Welsh Tournament Trophy created by Thomas Lyte
Thomas Lyte delivered two fantastic new trophies to the RFU at Twickenham, The RFU Championship trophy and the British & Irish Cup.
They were designed and made by Thomas Lyte in their London workshop’s and are a fantastic example of the craftsmanship of our highly-skilled Silversmiths.
The designs are very unusual with the Championship trophy being constructed from individual rods of silver, and the British & Irish Cup is a five-sided trophy, totally different to classic trophies with lids and handles.
To make trophies of this kind requires great skill and expertise, and Kevin and Mick at the Thomas Lyte workshop have years of experience of making fine silver pieces.
Both trophies are being presented for the first time this year.
It’s that time of year again for selecting the new leathers for the upcoming collection!
After weeks of keeping a beady eye out on the latest colour trends and attending seminars by numerous eccentric and enthusiastic Italian lecturers I have a clear idea of which colours I’m looking for to fully compliment the new bags that we’ve been working on.
Early in the morning I gather the team together and am glad to see we all agree on the colours, we hop on the tube laden with the latest mock ups and our precious book of chosen colour swatches. Four tubes, five taxis –ok one long taxi with our amazing driver Phil who patiently waited for us outside countless leather merchants and filled us in on relationship advice to Love FM in between- 3 pairs of shoes (not to mention a nice lunch in the sun next to Tower Bridge) later we return to the office exhausted but with numerous cut-offs of the season’s latest leathers.
One sleep later we’re back in the ‘slouchy’ office equipped with coffees and a fresh view on the findings of the previous day and we’re not leaving until we have the crack down on the final decisions. Fifteen discussions on product construction and leather graining, dying and cutting techniques later and we have our wrap!
The swatches are hanging on my latest mood board and I can’t wait for the skins to arrive. Judging by the amount the team keep touching and smelling them I think the new collection will be a winner so watch this space!
If you’re a fan of Thomas Lyte I highly recommend a visit to Kew Gardens this spring. It’s apparent throughout the grounds that they share the same thought, passion and love for design and growth, a truly inspiring place to take a bike ride.
Carmel Bike - globebikes.com
Making the most of the sunny weather this week I packed a mini outing bag, hopped on my bike and made my way to see the beginning of one of the biggest displays of colour in the country (5million bulbs continuing to bloom over the next 3 months). Check the Kew Garden online Bulb Map which is regularly updated so you never miss stunning displays!
Martlesham Rucksack - Thomas Lyte
So much more than 300 acres of beautiful landscapes, the gardens are an historic sight, enriched with history and host of artistic talents. I’m looking forward to visiting again in May for the International Photographer of the Year Exhibition showing the very best amateur and professional garden photographers in an outdoor display.
Diana Mini Camera
To help me capture the flowering splendour I took along my new Diana Mini 35mm film Lomography camera. An inexpensive purchase which allows endless creative opportunities and a good learning camera for those who have never used film before! Having used digital for so long I had forgotten the excitement of film, I absolutely encourage more use of non digital cameras. The anticipation for collecting my film tomorrow morning is immensely exciting and a feeling I have very much missed.
Garden Hotspot - Treetop Walkway
A must see is the treetop walkway, the 18-metre high, 200-metre walkway guides visitors around the crowns of lime, sweet chestnut and oak trees.Perch amongst the birds and take in the view from above with a cup of refreshing peppermint tea, I had mine in the Thomas Lyte Leather Bound Thermos Flask.
Thermos Flask - Thomas Lyte
At Thomas Lyte we only use the best quality leather, but even the best leather is subject to damage. With the right care leather improves with age providing many years of enjoyable use.
Here are some general leather care tips:
- Colour changes or irregularities should be considered natural features.
- Avoid using or placing sharp objects on leather goods. Leather is very durable, but not accident or damage proof.
- Protect your leather from direct and even indirect sunlight. Some leathers, such as full and semi-aniline, will fade over time.
- Keep leather free from dust by dusting with a soft cloth and storing in a protective cotton pouch, such as the one provided with all Thomas Lyte products.
- Store in a flat clean dry place.
- Remember that leather is a natural material and should never be stored in plastic because it encourages the growth of mildew and bacteria and will ruin the leather!
- To Clean your leather wipe with a soft cloth, a wet cloth can be used but please allow to naturally dry.
- Fresh stains such as food can be cleaned up quickly with a damp cloth.
- Stains from oil or grease can be lifted by grinding ordinary blackboard chalk, sprinkling the area, and leaving the powder on for a twenty-four hour period. Resist the urge to rub the powder in. After a sufficient time has passed, simply use a leather care brush to remove the powder.
- Whilst fresh stains can be treated and cleaned at home, ground-in stains should be attended to by a professional cleaner who deals in leather.
Each week we will suggest Anniversary gift ideas starting from year 1 throughout putting a contemporary twist on the conventional.
1st Anniversary is traditionally paper. I know what you’re thinking: personalised stationery, photo album or gift voucher – right? Well here are a few fresh ideas to make your first anniversary truly memorable.
- Origami Paper Light Shade. Designed by Claire Norcross for Habitat. Each aperture can be opened or closed for different light effects. This could be a great for him or for her or for the happy couple. £65
Origami Lampshade
Origami Lampshade - Folded Open
- Designer Wall Paper. Heritage brand ‘Cole & Son’ have an amazing collection of designer wallpaper ranging from the divine to the sublime including designers such as Vivienne Westwood.
Designer Wallpaper - Cole & Son
- Hard Cover Photo Bound Book. A new take on the photo album, you can have personal photographs bound in a hardback coffee table style book. Jessops currently offer Europe’s #1 Photobook service.
Personalised Photo Book
- Flight Tickets. Why not whisk your other half off to a romantic destination? Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique & Luxury Hotel Specialists offer romantic breaks around the world whether it’s pampering your partner on a New York city break, romancing your date at one of Rome’s most romantic hotels, or adding ooh la la to your love life while you weekend in Paris…
Romantic Weekend
- Limited Edition Art Print. CollectorsPrints.co.uk is the UK’s leading supplier of popular fine art. You will find over 10 000 limited edition artworks that could turn out to be a great investment as well.
Limited Edition Art Prints
- Hand Written Love Note or Poem. Nothing is more personal than a hand written love letter or poem spoken from the heart. Investing in a great fountain pen is a must to make it that extra special. For the finishing touch you can encase your note in a Thomas Lyte Leather Love Notes Envelope, available in Fuchsia or Black Patent and is lined in silk. £78
Leather Love Notes Envelope
Girls spring is in the air which can only mean one thing – new wardrobe. Here are my top picks for this spring,
- Diane von Furstenberg’s Golden Tan Peggy Foldover large suede clutch is a must for weekend wear. Great to wear with demins and chunky bangles. £310
DVF Clutch Purse
- Girls it is all about chic simple nails this spring. Use Chanel’s Particuliere, £19 The perfect shade of mink.
Chanel Nail Colour
Relaxed spring neutrals were all over the catwalk this season, here are my must haves for city chic & weekend wear:
- Cropped chino in Pink by unique Topshop £65
Chopped Chino by Unique
- Cream lace dress by Zara £35.99
Cream Lace Dress - Zara
- Timeless platform shoes from LK Bennett £150
Timeless Platform - LK Bennett
- Thurley cream silk dress has delectable intricate black beading at the neckline and a black sash which sharpens the soft nude tone £450
Silk Dress by Thurley
- Vanessa Bruno sheer nude cotton camisole is a must have layering essential. £38
Camisole by Vanessa Bruno
- Top shop frill front blouse £32. Team this light feminine piece with tailored pants.
Frilled Blouse - Topshop
- Multiple hoop pendant in 24ct Gold by Vinnie Day from Astley Clarke £195
Spiral Pendant - Astley Clarke
Leather Journal - Thomas Lyte
Sterling Silver Fountain Pen - Thomas Lyte
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