Lola tea cosy by Ulster Weavers

Ulster Weavers have designed a stunning kitchen textiles collection taking their inspiration from retro designs of the swinging 60’s.

Designed with apples and pears in beautiful shades of sage, light blue and red, the new ‘Lola’ range is a fresh and brightly coloured collection that really does take you back to the retro styles and fashions of 60s life.

The 60s trend, is a very popular and memorable and has been used to furnish and design a variety of different products such as stationary, ceramics, clothing and interior furnishings over the last few decade. However the kitchen furnishings world hasn’t seen a 60s style like this for a while and this gave Olive Rankin, the mastermind and creative manager at Ulster Weavers, to design a complete product range based on this fantastic theme.

Every era creates its own designs and fashions but the 1960s created them faster and more passionately than any other in the history of interior design. As the 60s retro trend grew and grew, rule after rule and statement after statement were created for the trend faster than most people at the time could keep up with.

Before the 1960s, in the period that stretched from the end of the First World War into the Post War and late 1950s, the accent was on a style known as Modernism. The emphasis was a lack of colour, ornamentation and a precision of empty spaces accompanied by great slabs of furniture and pastel colour.

In fashion and design terms the 1950s, with its overhang of rationing, bomb damage and Cold War tensions, the period had been relatively austere and utilitarian. But as the country began to recover both physically and psychologically a time for more flippant, throwaway designs began to evolve.

Then the 1960s came along and undid most of the original conventions of the previous decades, forcing designers to rethink and delve back into the history of interior design to create a new look that was both modern yet had its roots firmly in the styles that had passed.

This era was seen as fun-loving dosed with a passionate spirit that added a small yet personal twist to each design creating individuality and very memorable retro patterns and art.

However, the first real link and inspiration for retro interior design was through the fashion catwalks. The Mods with their sharp looks and culture crossing music took their lead from designers like Mary Quant. Skirts began to get shorter, suits began to get funky and rock & roll was imported giving way to major bands like The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

So the styles began as open plan interiors were filled with new flat pack furniture curtsey of Ikea. With inflatable furniture, bean bags, molded plastic and nylon items in bright, vivid colours the trend really took a world and mind of its own incorporating styles and trends for the 60s fashion world.

Fashions and styles were in some ways influenced by world events. The space race inspired the invention of new man made materials as well as the intense use of vivid colour.

And the whole retro design encompasses a variation of patterns and styles which can look great in the kitchen.

Lola oven glove by Ulster Weavers

The new ‘Lola’ collection comes as a complete set comprising of a cotton apron, cotton tea towel, double oven glove, gauntlet and tea cosy. All products are machine washable and make the perfect finishing touch to any kitchen.

And if the psychedelic 60s look really does take your fancy you may be interested in the ‘Kaleidoscope’ range, a fresh and funky pastel design which comes in a range of kitchen coordinates and canvas bags. The design is just like the Spirograph drawings in a variation of bright and beautiful colours and can be purchased via the Ulster Weavers website.

For more information about their products visit UlsterWeavers.com today.

Limited edition 'Two Years to Go' tea towel with Ulster Weavers

To mark the two year countdown to the London 2012 Games, Ulster Weavers, kitchen textiles licensee for this major sporting event, have launched a limited edition linen tea towel which went on sale on 27 July.

The 27 July 2010 is exactly two years until the official opening of the London 2012 Games and what better way to mark the occasion than with the ‘Two Years to Go’ limited edition tea towel that buyers can keep as memorabilia.

The linen tea towel will be retailed at just £7.50 and can be bought via UlsterWeavers.com

This is the first Ulster Weavers product launched for the London 2012 Games since the Company were awarded the licence in June this year.

The Ulster Weavers team of designers are currently creating a wide collection of London 2012 Games kitchen textiles which will go on sale in January 2011. Products will include tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, tea cosies and textile bags.

To purchase your very own ‘Two Years to Go’ limit edition tea towel please visit UlsterWeavers.com today.

Strawberries are a succulent, fragrant fruit loved and enjoyed by everyone. Traditionally, part of the of appeal is that its short, six-week season, from early June until mid-August, coincides with the brief, long-awaited British summer.

Nowadays the British strawberry season extends from mid April until mid December, through the use of plastic polytunnels which provide the berries with a warmer, more protected environment –and a much longer growing season.

Elsanta – just one variety of strawberry – accounts for 80 per cent of the British fruit sold in UK supermarkets, although there are many other varieties available from farmers’ markets and pick your own farms which are worth seeking out.

In fact strawberries have long been a key ingredient in classic British summer foods such as the Eton Mess, summer pudding or strawberries and cream.

So why the strawberry season is still going strong, we thought we would find some delicious summer strawberry desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Strawberry and Champagne Sorbet

This gorgeous refreshing treat is perfect as an after dinner dessert for your guests. Whether it’s a dinner party or BBQ you are throwing the delectable dessert will go down a treat.

Full Recipe…

Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry cheesecake is a light and fluffy dessert that wins over everyone’s heart.

Full Recipe…

Strawberry Trifle

Strawberry trifle ticks everyone’s boxes. Cake, cream, fruit and custard, what more could anyone ask for!

Full Recipe…

And while you are going strawberry mad this summer, why not dress for the occasion with the stunning Strawberry kitchen furnishings range at UlsterWeavers.com.

The fresh, crisp and super delicious design has a summery feel, ideal for when entertaining alfresco, baking or even making yummy pots of jam. The Strawberries collection comes complete with an apron, PVC bag, tea towels, gauntlet and double oven glove, the perfect finishing accessories to make your house super fruity and summery! 

The tea cosy. A common every day object that doesn’t seem very interesting to anyone other than your grandmother and her knitting club.

In fact, many people see tea cosies as an unfashionable accessory for the home which should be shoved in the loft with all the other bits and pieces we never use; when in fact the history of the tea cosy is a rather interesting one.

Now we at UlsterWeavers.com are proud supporters of the tea cosy and are not afraid to say it. And to help sway your ideas of the tea cosy world, we have the history here in our hands and a few funky knitted tea cosies designs along the way!

Dating back to Nobel origins, the tea cosy was not only brought about to keep the teapot and its contents hot, but to extend social activities!

The tea cosy time line begins when tea was first introduced to Britain in the 1660s, when King Charles II married Catherine of Braganza. Catherine brought to court the pleasure of tea taking. However, the importing of this then luxury item was very costly and a pleasure only the aristocracy could afford until 1750 when tea became Britain’s national drink. Colonialism and the ever-increasing empire meant that more exotic goods were being brought to Britain more often and more cheaply.

However, it is probably the Duchess of Bedford who brought about the popularity of the tea cosy.

In 1840, the Duchess of Bedford established the activity of ‘Afternoon Tea,’ an event that became so British that we still refer to 4pm as ‘Tea Time.’ During this era ‘well to do’ ladies didn’t work, so the introduction of afternoon tea was a welcomed occupation. Unlike today, afternoon tea was a rather posh affair; the best china (usually fine China tea services imported from China) would be used along with fancy cakes and pastries to accompany the tea.

The tea party would be served at the table, often in the garden during the summer months. Afternoon tea was a time for networking and keeping up to date with the latest gossip and topical news, and of course with all the chatter at the table, the teapot would get cold. Usually this would cut short tea parties giving reluctant guests an excuse to leave instead of sending for a fresh pot of tea. And so that is where the tea cosy came about; a little warm jacket to keep the tea pot piping and the chatter continuing.

The tea cosy started to be used in North America in the same period. Newspapers at that time where saying that tea cosies enjoyed a “sudden and unexpected rise in public favour” among women who hosted tea parties. Newspapers of the time even included advice columns on how to make one.

The tea cosy craze died for a while, but since the boom of arts and crafts around the globe, many people have taken to knitting their own tea cosies to accompany their tea pot in the home.

And have we found some cute little designs out there that you have made. Here are our favourites.

This adorable strawberry knitted tea cosy would definitely brighten up any kitchen.

Sweet little knitted flower basket perfect for the gardener in you.

We love this quaint tea cosy, ideal for a sophisticated tea break between you and your friends.

Themed tea cosies also go down a treat. We found Christmas Puddings, Santa Clauses and Easter Bunny knitted tea cosies too.

We aren’t really sure what this is meant to be but it’s a funky design that will definitely keep your tea toasty hot!

If we tempted you into tea cosy land but knitting truly isn’t your forte, then why not visit UlsterWeavers.com to view

Thomas Joseph Knitted Tea Cosy

 a range of modern and professionally designed tea cosy collections.

The home furnishings store has many different styles and designs to choose from including an adorable Thomas Joseph Red Knitted Tea Cosy. The red and white striped design finished with a while bobble on top is the perfect accessory for your kitchen.

For more information visit UlsterWeavers.com today.

The kitchen is the place where everyone congregates after a long day at school or work to chat about the day’s events.  With this in mind why not make it into a homely and relaxing environment, transforming it into a practical room with colours and life.

And if you are on a tight budget and can’t afford to redecorate the whole kitchen then here are a few helpful tips from UlsterWeavers.com to help you make your house a home.

Bring in more colours

We don’t mean splash the kitchen with blocks of colour and throw in random fluorescent accessories; instead we are talking about adding a touch of colour here and there to add some colour into your kitchen. Things like flowers, vases and candles are the perfect finishing touches, or you could even purchase coffee makers and blenders which come in a range of colourful designs.

Add fresh fruit bowls

Add fresh fruits on a nice basket or tray. Fresh fruits are always colourful and look perfect on a table in the kitchen. It adds colour and vitality to any kitchen.

Small kitchen appliances

Kitchen appliances should be small to avoid occupying more space. You could purchase multi-purpose appliances which are perfect for the kitchen and can be used for mixing, blending, chopping or grinding; all the functions in one.

Textile furnishings

When you think of a homely kitchen you imagine cakes baking in the oven, tea stewing in the tea pot and mum cooking with her apron and oven mitts on. Now this idyllic scenario may not always be the case in your hectic lifestyle but you can always pretend it is by decorating your home with tea cosies, aprons, ovens mitts and decorative tea towels to spruce up the kitchen environment.

And we are not talking plane Jane designs here. We mean decorative and creative home furnishings by UlsterWeavers.co.uk. The website has some beautiful collections to choose from including British Cats by English artist Ann Walker, to Vintage style aprons and tea towels. There are a wide range of designs all at affordable prices to help spruce up your kitchen from drab to fab.

For more information visit Ulster Weavers today.

When it comes to decorating a home, everyone has their own sense of style and design that they envisage.

At UlsterWeavers.com we are always learning about the new and exciting trends in the kitchen industry and over the years have come across some rather strange kitchen interiors that can sometimes be – in our opinion – a bit of an eyesore!

To give you an idea of what we mean, here is a list of some rather bizarre kitchen designs and accessories, which sit as far away as possible from classic kitchen styles and moving into a realm which we really cannot begin to explain.

Inside looking out

When we thinking of bringing the outdoors inside, what usually springs to mind are fresh flowers or home grown fruit and vegetables; however we think that this kitchen design has gone a step too far.

The 18^thCentury townhouse look is never something that has ever taken off in the kitchen furnishings world, and we can certainly see why. With the dizzying and ever so un-classy look, complete with a clinically white oven slap bang in the centre, you will think your kitchen is a domestic goddess’s heaven in disguise. In fact, we are sure many of us would’ve never thought the words, “Just grab the salt from house number 12 by the white oven,” would come out of anyone’s mouth. Let’s just hope they have a cute pair of oven mitts to tone down the bright white oven!

Wood you like a cup of tea?

No, it is not a spelling mistake and yes it really is a wooden tea pot by Swedish designer Jakob Solgren. Agreeably titled, ‘Wood you like a Cup of Tea’ the pot is sculptured from black stonewear. “This teapot serves as an inconceivable portrait of nature and creates an extraordinary lure to the border between fiction and reality,” explains Solgren.

Backstabbing kitchen accessory

We are not really sure what the designers had in mind when they came up with this idea, however it’s a design that is definitely out there and something I reckon most home owners wouldn’t allow into their kitchen.

Edward Scissor Hands

Imagine your guests turning up for a meal to find that to eat their food they have to put a knife and fork onto their index finger?

A funny joke, but the laughter would soon die when you don’t bring some proper cutlery.

Waking the dead

Getting yourself up in the morning for work or school is horrific and it can be like waking the dead, however this kitchen really has gone that far with coffin-shaped cupboards and dark furnishings.

We felt slightly worried and recommend some cute hedgehog or adorable floral aprons to brighten up the place. There really is no need for this rather deadly environment.

Whatever type of kitchen style you adopt in your home, make sure that it is welcoming for you, your family and guests to live and eat in by decorating it with kitchen furnishings at Ulster Weavers.com.

Mad Hatter's Tea Party in Disney film, 'Alice In Wonderland.'

When the Mad Hatter throws a tea party in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ it is not a relaxed and dignified affair that is most often seen at a tea party.

It is a care free, hopping mad party that has everyone having a crazy and fun time.

If you are thinking of planning a Mad Hatter party, then here are a few helpful hints from UlsterWeavers.com to get you started.

Firstly, you will need;

• Invitations
• Tables
• Chairs
• Croquet set or horse shoes game
• Decorations
• Playing cards
• China
• Refreshments.

Delightful Treats to serve at your Tea Party

A Mad Hatter party is best set outside that has plenty of green lawn and places for tables.

Plan a menu

A tea party isn’t a party without finger food and light treats. Maybe a small selection of desserts and several types of teas will add the perfect touch for your menu.

Entertainment and games

Since it is a Mad Hatter party, hats would be the correct attire. Get your guests to decorate their own crazy hats to wear at the party. Include a game of croquet, just like the film as well as a few card games set at individual tables for those who don’t want to participate in a physical game something to occupy their time.

Decorative ideas to brighten up the party

Decorate your chairs and tables with covers and large ribbon bows. Maybe consider a Cheshire cat in a tree as well as a few plastic flamingos to set the scene for your Mad Hatter tea party.

Setting the table

Use nice white tablecloths on the table along with good silver and mis-matched china. Reserve each guest a seat with a little playing card with their name on it. The finishing touches always look the best.

And where would a tea party be without a tea pot? Have a few tea pots on the table so people have plenty of tea throughout the party. And don’t forget the tea cosies. Keeping your tea hot is essential and what better way to do it with a bunny tea cosy at UlsterWeavers.com. The cute little tea cosy will complete the decor on the table and the perfect accessory for your hopping mad tea party!

Send out invitations

Use handmade cards to invite your guests at least two weeks in advance. Ask them to R.S.V.P within a week.

If you are looking for more bunny rabbit accessories for your kitchen, then visit UlsterWeavers.com. The online furnishings store has an adorable rabbit linen tea towel as well as bunny shaped egg cosies to complete your collection.

Having your kids help out in the kitchen could potentially mean them having a healthier lifestyle.

While nutritionists think cooking with your kids is a great way to get them to try new things, and child psychologists are forever talking about the importance of spending time with your kids, bringing the two together can kill two birds with one stone keeping everyone happy.

Teaching your children the basics of healthy eating at an early age is a big advantage and will help them in making decisions about what to eat for the rest of their lives. Helping them learn and understand nutrition is a good starting point.

A good idea would be to find some kid-friendly recipes online that are highly nutritious as well as being child friendly. And summer is the best place to start with all the fresh fruit and vegetables abound in flavours and colours that kids get excited about. Put all your fruit within easy reach and you will notice that getting them to eat their five helpings of fruit and vegetables each day is easy.

It is equally as important to talk to them about the origin of foods so they know where they come from. The easiest way to do that is to take them to a farmers market so they can buy their food directly from the people who grew it.

Cooking and baking are great ways to get your child involved in the kitchen, so get their aprons and oven mitts at the

Five A Day Apron By UlsterWeavers.com

ready and get cooking!

And why not dress them for the occasion with a matching apron and chef’s hat at UlsterWeavers.com.

The online home furnishings store has some stunning childrens aprons and chef’s hat which will have them cooking in the kitchen all day long! From Animal Farm aprons to Five a Day PVC aprons, there is something for all children’s tastes, styles and personalities at UlsterWeavers.com.

Summer has finally arrived and everyone is cleaning the BBQ, getting out the sun lounger and enjoying a bit of much needed summer sun to top up our lovely milky-white tans.

And while everyone is getting into the summer spirit, thousands of people are hosting summer BBQ’s for their families and friends to sit back, with a glass of wine, some good food and good conversation.

If you are hosting a BBQ this summer and want to impress your guests, then why not bake your very own summer desserts?

From cakes to summer fruit treats, why not spend a little time in the kitchen with the apron and oven mitts at the ready, and wow your guests with your scrumptious culinary skills.

And if you are not too sure about where to start, then don’t worry too much as we at Ulster Weavers have come up with our favourite summer treats that will keep your guests super full and coming back for seconds.

1. Lemon strawberry bars

These delightful summer treats are perfect as a light snack for your guests. If they have stuffed their bellies with plenty of BBQ food, we can guarantee they will find room for these tasty treats.

Full recipe…

2. Blueberry Pie

A blueberry pie is actually an easy dessert to make, but many people shy away from cakes thinking they are going to make a complete mess of it. This summer pie will go down beautifully at the end of the evening when the BBQ food has settled and everyone wants a sugary treat to finish of a fantastic dinner.

Full Recipe…

3. Sparkling Strawberry Cocktail 

It’s all about the summer fruits this year and what better way to finish off the evening with a sparkling strawberry cocktail.

A delicious treat to finish off the fabulous BBQ food.

Full Recipe…

RHS Hooker's Orchard Muff Tea Cosy

And if you are really wanting to be the domestic goddess or the hostest with the mostest this summer, then why not wear the full attire with a complete apron, tea towel and oven mitt set from UlsterWeavers.com. The home furnishings website have some absolutely stunning summer floral designs so you can show off to all your guests.

And the beautiful summer Hooker’s Orchard collection is the perfect product range to wear when entertaining your guests. The creative plant and flower prints featured on each product gives it that perfect summer look for 2010. The product range comes complete with tea cosy, oven glove, apron, pott mitt, PVC or cotton bag and tea towel.

The home furnishings website has many fabulous collections on offer in some stunning styles, so even if your cooking doesn’t really hit the spot, you know that your aprons will.

Home Textiles Company, Ulster Weavers will be taking domestic goddesses to a whole new level this summer, with the launch of their brand new home fashion collections to be displayed at the Harrogate Home and Gift Show from 18^th-21^st July 2010.

The annual show will see Ulster Weavers showcase their brand new summer collections at their trade stand.  From fabulous vintage aprons to the iconic animal linen tea towels, all products are made from high quality fabrics and there will be a wide range of designs on display.

Visitors to the show can expect to see an array of products, including three brand new vintage style collections.  Titled ‘Ginger,’ ‘Marilyn’ and ‘Gloria’ the collections come with appliquéd tea towels complete with loops for hanging, as well as aprons finished with cute bows and pockets; with the ‘Ginger’ collection finished with an adorable detachable brooch.

British Cats Tea Towel by Ann Edwards, to be displayed at the show

Other collections include the Iconic Britain and British Cats collection, both designed by British artist Ann Edwards. The collections will capture the heart of any cat lover or admirers of British culture. Featuring a PVC apron, PVC reversible bag, tea towel as well as a cotton reversible bag, the product range is perfect to add the finishing touches to make a house a home.

Another animal moment comes along with the ‘Twitter’ collection, a product range finished with lots of embroidery stitching on all of the stunning textiles.

From 60’s retro styles, to wrap around aprons and oven mitts, there is something for everyone in the all new Ulster Weavers collection and all are available to view and purchase at the trade show this summer.  

Vintage Ginger Cotton Apron - New collection at Ulster Weavers

Creative Manager, Olive Rankin, said, “For our latest product launch we have come over all nostalgic with three new additions to our vintage style apron collection. The aptly named ‘Ginger,’ ‘Marilyn’ and ‘Gloria’ aprons and tea towels feature divine retro prints with pretty detailing and make the perfect give for any aspiring Domestic Goddess.  Also look out for our new ‘Iconic Britain’ and ‘British Cats’ ranges which pick up on the current trend for all things British.”

Situated at Stand DP2-13 the Ulster Weavers team will be on hand and happy to answer any questions about their latest products and how you and your brand can sell them in your store.

The company are already in the spotlight with their brand new contract with the London 2012 Olympics, supplying all the kitchen textiles for the major event. The official licensed products will include tea towels, oven gloves, aprons, tea cosies and textile bags and are due to launch at the end of 2010.

The home textile furnishing team are also members of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) a body dedicated to promoting best practice around the sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution of promotional products.

 For more information about the Harrogate Home and Gift trade show visit www.homeandgift.co.uk

 or to view more information about Ulster Weavers product range and more about the Northern Ireland company visit www.ulsterweavers.com/trade