When Harry met Ted... (From Gazette & Herald)

When Harry met Ted...

12:14pm Thursday 23rd November 2006

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REMEMBER that advert - chuck out your chintz? Zealous stylists from a well-known Danish furniture store provoked a riotous frenzy in a suburban street as women rid their homes of floral fabric and ditched their doilies as the craze for minimalist chic took hold.

Well, that was a few years ago, and, as we all know, fashion is fickle.

Since then, Cath Kidston has become a global success with her range of all things homely and kitsch, and Nigella has become a bestseller telling us how to bake cakes and be domestic goddesses.

Ryedale friends Zoe Browne and Zoe Corney, then, are very up-to-the-minute with their newly-launched business venture.

They make country gifts under the brand name Ted & Harry. Imagine the comfort of a 1950s-style hot-water bottle cover, a home-stitched blanket, homemade Christmas tree decorations and garlands, soft toys, and wreaths for the door.

"It's the world of home-made lemonade, bedsocks and open fires," said Zoe Browne.

Both women have a background in the field - Zoe Browne a degree in textiles and Zoe Corney a GNVQ in fashion and textiles. They met when Zoe Corney was giving a class in patchwork in Malton.

These girls can spin, knit, hand sew, machine sew, embroider, make rag rugs, do patchwork and much, much more.

While they were both pregnant with their sons, Ted Browne and Harry Corney (hence the name), they formulated a plan which would allow them to use their skills and work flexibly.

"We talked about it for a long time, and then I eventually just decided to book us a place at a craft fair and see what happened," said Zoe Browne, who also has six-year-old twins Joseph and Lily.

"Of course we were nervous, but we were making stuff we liked and would buy ourselves," said Zoe Browne. "When my husband looked at a dresser full of stock and said: that looks like the kind of rubbish you buy', we knew we'd got it right!"

The first fair led to another and another, and now people are contacting them to ask if they'll come.

"We're really pleased with the way it's going and the response we've had so far," said Zoe Corney.

The business is based at Zoe Browne's home in Welburn, and the pair have one full day a week when they send Ted and Harry to the local childminder and sit at the kitchen table and work.

Everything they make is from vintage and recycled fabric, and made by hand. "Friends know what we're looking for and give us old stuff, and we have a band of loyal ladies in Ryedale charity shops who keep an eye out for us," said Zoe Corney.

"At the moment we are looking for old Witney blankets for the winter range."

Although craft fairs have been their main outlet so far, they have started to supplying to some local shops, including Agnes and Co and Castle Howard Plant Centre - and they want to increase that line of supply.

"We'd like to go to more shops and also develop a brochure for each season's range," said Zoe Corney.

"We take commissions as well," said Zoe Browne.

In fact, their latest commission really sums up the personal, sentimental touch which typifies their work.

Zoe explained: "A lady has ask us to make a blanket for her son who's going to boarding school. We're going to add in bits of fabric by appliqu, and other bits and pieces which all remind him of home. It will instantly transport him through touch and smell - I think it's such a lovely idea."

There will be an open house event at Zoe Browne's on Friday, December 1, with mulled wine and mince pies to start the festive season, and ideas for decorations for the house and the tree will be on display.

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