-
Read MoreC’est si bon! Experience the bounty of Normandy
Tour of Normandy: World War II Beaches, Handmade Lace and Village Charm A few hours’ pleasant train ride from Paris takes us to Bayeux, near the historic Normandy beaches, home of the legendary Tapestry of Bayeux, wrought just after William the Conqueror vanquished the English at the Battle of Hastings. In addition to the historic treasures and living lacemaking tradition of Bayeux, an added benefit of our visit was the great variety of locally-produced foods, and the wonderful weekly farmers’ market – a Cheese Wonderland! Here are some photos of this fascinating town, evocative of old France and sheltering a vibrant community that remembers the past and continues its honored traditions based on the land. If you’re thinking of Paris, think of Normandy – a great add-on even for 2-3 days….we can help craft a custom itinerary that will delight and surprise you! Contact us...
Small Business TipLine
Most Recent Articles
Tea Brack, New England style
Ireland’s culinary tradition includes the baking of tea brack in the autumn, around Halloween time. ‘Brack’ meaning ‘speckled’, most versions of the bread include some combination of dark raisins, sultanas, mixed peel or currants. Tea brack usually refers to a quick bread leavened with baking soda or baking powder, while Barm brack is a yeast-raised loaf, one of the few yeast recipes in the Irish farm kitchen repertoire. A Halloween tradition in olden times was to make these cake-like breads with charms and symbols baked inside. Katherine Nolan on her excellent site DoChara explains the meaning of the charms. Today, breads are generally baked with only a ring inside, predicting a wedding within the year. I’ve made her traditional tea brack recipe, and, using a lot less sugar, have put a Yankee spin on it. Briefly, here’s how I make my version of Tea Brack: New England Irish Tea Brack The night before baking, place in a large bowl: 1/2 cup dark or golden raisins (dark will absorb the liquid better), 3/4 cup craisins (dried cranberries), 1/4 cup brown sugar, and the grated rind and juice of 1/2 lemon. Brew a pot of Lyons Tea (OK, you can substitute another black tea but it won’t be the same). When you have a strong tea, pour 1 cup of it over the fruit,...
Read MorePinterest and Your Marketing Plan
Pinterest can help your marketing efforts if done right! Our article on Pinterest for Marketing shares some of FastNet Media’s advice on integrating Pinterest into your bag of Marketing tricks. See also Kathleen’s Pinterest Boards and the Textile Travel Pinterest...
Read MoreIrish Lace Museum: an Enchanting Journey into the Past
History and Artistry Meet at Sheelin Lace Museum & Shop in County Fermanagh, Ireland Close to the border with the Republic of Ireland, the town of Sheelin houses a magic place: the Sheelin Lace Museum and Shop: Not simply a dusty collection of mouldering garments, this is a vibrant place of restoration, recreation and celebration of all things lace, particularly Irish lace. Owner and lace expert Rosemary Cathcart not only preserves antique lace, including a stunning collection of gowns;...
Read MoreIreland: Cow tag on a seaside farm
Cows by the sea, painted sheep, grey sky lit by a rainbow — must be the Coast of...
Read MoreExpand your horizons, meet new friends – Textile Travel!
Travel, particularly around a craft or hobby, brings us in contact with like-minded people who teach us much about our interests and ourselves. Try a small-group tour or cruise with a textile focus – combining a stimulating yet leisurely travel experience with the fun an excitement of learning something new and sharing your knowledge with others! See highlights of our Textile Travel Alaska Cruise with fiber artist Prudence Mapstone. Let us help plan a group experience for your guild...
Read More
Check our Resource pages for books, music and other materials that will enrich your travel experience!