SCENE: Manchester Craft and Design Centre

The Manchester Craft and Design Centre are having a Winter Extravaganza – an afternoon of pure distinction – on Saturday 28 November. 2-5pm

Featuring live music / mulled wine/ canapes / activities / yarnbombing / exclusive discounts.

(Images are Timea Sido bowls, Becky Harle vessels, Kaori Tatebayashi teapot set

Distinction

14 November 2009 - 23 January 2010

A stunning collection of distinctive monochromatic ceramics, glass and textiles, to be shown this winter alongside our vibrant selection of resident artists and makers.

For more details and artist information please go to the website http://www.craftanddesign.com/exhibitions/distinction

LIFESTYLE: comfort and cake

As the rain lashes down onto my broken roof and the wind whips the naked trees into a swaying frenzy, I think that it is best to surrender to the elements, admit defeat and hole up with a good film, a pot of tea and a simple, comforting cake, the type that hugs you from the inside. (this is an order if you are in Cumbria: don't go out!) Pyjamas are, of course, essential, as are blankets: in an ideal world, they would be Attic24-style, but I'm just as happy with my cheap and snuggly Ikea fleece ones. Cashmere socks would be ideal if available, although I am very happy in my cheap New Look ones - whatever socks keep in the warmth and joy are good.
This cake, based on one by the Hallowed Domestic Goddess, is very plain and I make no apologies for this: this is what you need on a rain-lashed day. If it is too plain for you, tart it up with vanilla frosting, stud it with Smarties or lace it with a boozy drizzle (limoncello or the liqueur of your choice mixed with icing sugar to a pouring-cream consistency.) but its beauty is in its simplicity. Having said all that, I did add vanilla to the mixture and cinnamon to the final sugar sprinkling: I need a big internal hug today!

Easy Like Sunday Afternoon cake

240g butter (unsalted, salted or spread) at room temperature
200g caster sugar + extra for sprinkling
grated zest juice of 1 lemon
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
225g self raising flour
75g plain flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• Preheat the oven to 170oC, gas mark 3
• Grease and line a loaf tin
• Cut the butter into cubes and, in a large bowl, cream together with the sugar.
• Add the vanilla and lemon zest and mix in.
• Add the eggs one at a time with a tablespoon of the flour: mix each one in before adding the next egg and flour.
• Gently mix in the remaining flour.
• Add the lemon juice and mix in.
• Dollop into the prepared tin and sprinkle the top with caster sugar (about 2 tsps), then the cinnamon and then another spoonful of sugar.
• Bake for an hour, or until a skewer comes out clean.
• Allow to cool in the tin and then turn out onto a cake rack.
• Serve with a pot of tea, pyjamas, good company (if appropriate) and a good film.

What will you be watching?

FOCUS: Children in Need

One thing the crafting community is known for is their more than generous help and donations for various charities around the world. Today in the UK it is the BBC's Children in Need day and schools, businesses and community groups across the country are holding events to raise money to help children both here and abroad.

The Team over at Crafteroo have set up a shop at Folksy where members have donated a wealth of quality handmade gifts at very reasonable prices, so if you are looking for presents and stocking fillers for loved one make sure you stop by their shop first!

Custom Animal Portrai by Urban Animal

Ice Crystal Resin Ring by PennyDog

Owl Embroidery Pattern by Incy Wincy Stitches