It's Time to Jingle Bells!

The countdown to Christmas has well and truly started. Christmas decorations have been in the shops for months (well, it certainly seems that way), and I’m sure some places have already started having Christmas parties.

At Rankin Cottage Crafts we wait until November before putting the Christmas display up, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t prepared for it – have a look at this!

Our members have been busy making so many seasonal items there almost isn’t enough space to put them all. 

and how about this unusual
Christmas tree wreath 

There are handmade decorations for the tree

If you are planning to make your own Christmas cakes and puddings, you will need a suitable apron. 

But if not, we already have a good selection in Rankin Cottage. 

If you aren’t a pudding person, don’t worry, we have other choices too – come in and have a browse! 

More time to craft?

Spring is really with us now, although we all know the weather can take a turn for the worse at any time. Speaking of time, Daylight Saving starts on the first weekend in October, and for me at least, that is when I really think the warmer weather is here.

Daylight Saving is one of those things that people either love or hate. Personally, I love it! It feels like I have more time. Yes, I know that’s not true, and my curtains don’t get faded from the extra hour of sunlight, but it seems to me that this time of year is much more productive. Here at Rankin Cottage Crafts, we have the proof.

Doll clothes. Porcelain painting. Buttons. Cross-stitch. Coathangers.

Not only do we have lots of lovely crafted items, we have a HUGE variety – how many different crafts can there be in one place?

Keeping with the Spring theme, we have flowers popping up in all shapes and sizes and styles.

Embroidery

Toys

Tapestry

The list goes on…and on…and on. Come and have a look.

It's a Floral Fantasy!

It’s the time of year when we all breathe a sigh of relief – winter is over for another year! We can’t quite put our warm clothes and granny rugs away, yet, but things are starting to come to life again.

Everywhere we look, we see the start of spring, and flowers are everywhere, especially here at Rankin Cottage.

We have some lovely little ribbon flowers – no water required.

Or something purely decorative to hang on the wall.

But if you feel like being productive, what could be better than cooking up a storm. Head off to the shops, stopping in at Rankin Cottage to pick up an eco-friendly shopping bag

 and an apron to keep you neat and tidy.

Is Winter Over Yet?

Is the worst of winter over yet? No way! Last year there was a snow fall in August that sent the kids (both young and old) out to play in it.

Here at Rankin Cottage, we know there is still plenty of time to get good use out of winter warmers, so our theme of the month is still all about winter.

If the children want to go out and play in the snow (or just in the bitter cold, if they can’t find any snow), they need to be rugged up. We have some jumpers for little girls and little boys.

 Or if the children are little enough that this is their first experience of winter, we have baby outfits that will increase their cuteness factor – who could resist?

And then when everyone is back inside in the warmth, how about a piece of home-made fruit cake, or home-made strawberry jam on pikelets. Yum!

How to Survive a Bathurst Winter

Winter might have been a bit late in arriving, and the jonquils might have been a bit confused about when they are supposed to bloom, but we certainly know it is winter now!

So do we embrace winter in all its glory? or just look to survive it.

Our fireplace display for July

With the colder weather here, the knitters and crocheters (is that a real word?) here at Rankin Cottage have been working hard to keep a good stock of lovely items to help us survive the season.

If you can, stay inside with a granny rug on your lap. There a quite a few to choose from in the Cottage. 

Have a warming cuppa, and keep that teapot warm with a handmade tea cosy.












If you do venture outside, you must be one of those who embrace winter. But you don't have to be cold - keep yourself warm with a woollen hat, beret, or scarf.

And what could be better than a hand-knitted jumper and vest.

Visit us here at Rankin Cottage, and let Winter know that it won't beat you! We have the heater on.

It's a Winter Wonderland!

 It’s June, so that means it must be Winter Wonderland at Rankin Cottage Crafts. Our special display over the fireplace has been updated to highlight the lovely items available to help us all survive the cold winter here in Bathurst.

There are hand-knitted and hand-crocheted jumpers, cardigans and vests, for adults and children.

If you need a beanie to keep your head warm when you are out and about, watching the kids or grandkids on the sporting fields, or taking a gentle walk around, we have a variety you can choose from.

 Try on some of the gloves and mittens – maybe they will be just the thing so you can still feel your fingers when it gets a bit chilly.

How about buying a small heat pack – warm it up in the microwave, then pop it into your pocket and take it with you out into the winter air.

And we have scarves galore – pretty ones, warm ones, furry ones – something to suit everyone.

 

Here we are!

Well, it's finally happened - Rankin Cottage Crafts is on the internet! Just about everyone has a blog these days, so although we are all strong supporters of keeping traditional skills alive (knitting, crochet, sewing, jam-making), we can still do this and have an internet presence at the same time.

Now we are deep into Autumn, our thoughts are turning to warmer clothes. Come and take a look at the lovely knitted jumpers. Nothing is quite like a handknitted woollen jumper to keep you cosy and warm.

Or if you don't want a jumper yourself, how about for your soft-boiled eggs?

Watch this space for updates on what is happening at Rankin Cottage!