An Island Life

As a child, I spent several years living abroad in Europe. This meant that good children's books printed in English were quite hard to come by. My parents always made a point of making sure we had access to books by Scottish authors and other things which would remind us of home, such as taking us to traditional Celtic music events and seeking out specialist shops for familiar treats.

I think it was their way of infusing our nationality in us, making sure we didn't lose our culture and identity when we were immersed in foreign surroundings. I am grateful that they took the time to do this, as it is something I now cherish in those childhood memories.


One of my favourites as I was growing up was the series of books about little Katie Morag by Mairi Hedderwick, who lived on the (fictional) island of Struay, which I have since learned was actually based on the Scottish island Coll, near Tiree and Mull.

I particularly loved the lively illustrations of the island and will always remember the red-haired Katie Morag wearing her ubiquitous Fair Isle jumper with a yoke and her cheerful little kilt.


I think one of the things I liked the most about these stories was the depictions of life on a raggedy wee island with a wonderfully unspoilt landscape. Naturally I always enjoyed hearing about the scrapes Katie got herself into too!

Reading Rocks

I had an idea for a blog series and it came to me last night, like all of my best ideas do, just as I was drifting off to sleep. Which of course meant that I then couldn't get to sleep as my head was buzzing with hundreds of thoughts about it!

I'm glad I remembered it in the morning instead of the idea getting lost in the ether, as can happen when you don't write it down before the dreams take over.

Every fortnight (or so) I have decided I will write about one of my favourite childhood reads. The first of these is the Mog books by Judith Kerr.


As you've probably guessed by the title of my blog (not to mention the name of my business!), I have a slight obsession with all things furry, particularly those which go purr and meow! I adored these books for their beautiful illustrations (by the author herself) and the antics of the slightly cheeky cat Mog and her various adventures.


Find out more about the Mog series on Wikipedia.

Easter Bunnies!

It's been a bit quiet around here recently, so apologies for that...but a few inquisitive little rabbit creatures have just hopped past. It must be Easter time!


Amigurumi Bunny Rabbit by Moon's Creations


Red Hares Gocco Print by Dee Beale


Eco-friendly wooden bunny family by Imagination Kids

Love Mum

Here's something a little different for Mother's Day...



I'm a big fan of Emily the Strange, (the skateboarding comic book girl with several black kitties) and recently discovered the Emiwee range. Not just a cute name, they have t-shirts for little kids and toddlers as well as sleepsuits for babies with Emily prints on them.

Little Bruiser

I was more than a little thrilled to discover that one of my WildKittens scarves, the spearmint and chocolate skinny stripe, was recently featured on {KID} Independent, a blog for "your daily dose of indie style for kids."



The story was entitled 'Little Bruiser' - what a great idea for a style challenge! :) That little blue monster guy up in the corner is a sock puppet, (available in pattern form, by the way) from Danger Crafts on etsy - so cute.

Dreamy Mobiles

Wooden mobile by Sleepyheads

I've been thinking about making a mobile for a little while now, and have been keeping an eye out for any particularly cute, colourful and fun ones for inspirational purposes. Here are some of the beauties I found!


Dinosaur Felt Mobile by PinkPerch


Abstract Felt Mobile by Lupin Handmade


Crazy Monkeys Mobile by Susurrum

If you want to have a go at making one yourself, might I suggest this DIY tutorial for a felt butterfly mobile by the lovely Laura of Lupin Handmade.


Butterfly Felt Mobile by Lupin Handmade

Sweet Treats

Tomorrow, I'll be at Dolly Mixtures, a Thursday late night shopping extravaganza. It's sure to be a good one, featuring stalls of handcrafted goodness, clothes swishing, lovely handmade silver jewellery by Alibali Jewellery, gorgeous tasty cakes by Demeter Baking, teapot cocktails, not to mention an Abba live tribute act!



I will be there too, showcasing woolly delights of the WildKittens & WildCat Designs variety :)



Come to join in the fun at Electric Circus, Market Street, Edinburgh on Thursday 4th February, 5pm til late.