This And That

 Although I have been away for several weeks I am told despite  the Winter having been mild there has been several damaging storms.  The winds have been extreme which does affect the running of the ferry...lots of delays and cancellations.  We did go to town last Thursday for a very disappointing shopping experience.  The fresh food aisles were empty both in Tesco and the Co-op, I hadn't checked that the freight ferry was running.  Big mistake to make.  Thankfully we had enough to make do.  I went into town once again yesterday and this time we had plenty of choice and I was able to stock up once more, prior to the arrival of storm Dudley which should hit later today early tomorrow.  There was a little storm damage from a previous storm whilst we were away to the outbuilding which as yet to be repaired properly.  Here's hoping it won't be as bad as predicted.  We are as ready as we can be with torches/blankets/fuel to hand along with batteries/radio and snacks. 

At the moment I am working on a crochet throw, which I want to drape over the pew.  This has been a project on my list to do for sometime so as soon as the storm passes a start will be made on the pew.

I have been using Aran wool in the main with pockets of oddments used for the stripes to add texture.  I am enjoying the process.

I am also working on a few small projects that I can carry with me and always have a project ready for on the go.  A dear blogging friend sent me this stunning project bag a couple of years ago and it has become a constant companion.

I am working on a few gifts for my gift drawer and found this adorable pattern for a brooch which uses oddments of yarn.

I was gifted this amazing crochet wreath book for Christmas and have had so much fun with it already browsing the pages.  The one on the front cover is succulents in a wonderful array of colour.  

My intention is to sort out all of my yarn stash and see what I have without having to buy too much.  Another job to add to the never ending list.

I am also working and experimenting with the joy of watercolours.  I am not a great artist but I am enjoying the process.

I must admit to been overwhelmed by all your comments, your love and support means so much.  I have made a start on visiting your blogs and will continue to try and catch up.  The household tasks have now all been caught up with, although realistically it is a constant cycle.

See you soon.

 

Summer Crafting

 Good Morning, another week has flown by I am seriously wondering where the time goes?   The weather has not been anywhere near the same as the mainland with lower temperatures and some days rain, like today.  Saturday saw quite a lot of wind which has damaged quite a few plants.  Island living...I wouldn't change it.  

The chickens had a little adventure this week and escaped from the garden, they were found walking down the road.  Fences have since been repaired and they are back in a pen safe!  We are blessed with good size brown eggs daily but I thought I would share this particularly large egg from late last week.  I don't think I have ever seen one so large.

I have made time to craft this week as a friend from Church wanted me to make a brooch/corsage to match a dress.  I actually had fun making three so that she could choose which one she favoured.  Two crochet ones which were a very quick make and a Harris Tweed one.

The craft room has had a good sort out and some areas rearranged, making it easier to find and indeed get to materials needed for a project.  Storage is a lot better and much more effective.  During the clearout I did come across a project languishing in a basket which I have retrieved and am now working on.  It is a picnic throw that I started several years ago and for some reason never finished.  It is so bright and cheerful and perfect for a gift for my grand daughter who we have a tepee ready to take when we visit.  I am hoping to either sew her name into the tepee or paint her name on it using fabric paint.  I am hoping to start it later today, when I return from aerobics.

We intend to spend a few hours this afternoon working in the garden room, this area has been such an asset to us and enables us to grow a little food for ourselves.  The winds here are not conducive to growing some things outside.  We are enjoying strawberries, which for me are a beautiful taste of Summer.  I made a trifle yesterday out of about 6, such a luscious   Sunday treat.

As always I do thank you for your visit and your uplifting comments.  Cherie asked if I was a shawl person.  Yes I am, they are a comfort item for the climate we live.  Crafty in the med asked about the yarn used for the shawl. it was Paintbox Yarns simply DK.  Grandmadbeckyl asked about Debenhams, sadly the whole chain has closed the store will certainly be missed by me.  Mrs Tiggywinkle asked about Church, yes I am thankful that we are back in Church and are now allowed to sing but still have to wear masks and sit 2 metres apart.  Apparently from next week it is 1 metre apart.  Hope this helps.

I am also busy making lists as we intend to visit family and help with childcare during the Summer holidays.  We have had quite the issue booking ferries as they are all fully booked as so many people are having staycations and the Islands are a beautiful place to visit.  Tourism is indeed a great source of income for the Island so is certainly welcomed.  However, the added number of visitors is making it very difficult for Islanders to travel particularly with the reduced numbers allowed on board.  We are thankful that we have finally been able to get ferry bookings so we can now visit family.  I am also thankful for such good neighbours who will look after the cottage and chickens whilst we are away.

See you soon.

Glorious Red Skies

This morning we have awoke to another dreich day, damp and misty not tempting me to go out at all.  So I think it will be a craft day today, working on some of the things that I have started.  Although we do have plans for a film and curry evening tonight. 

I have been working on a lacy Spring cowl for a gift using alpaca yarn left over from another project.  It just needs to be stitched/crocheted into the round.

I will show you it when it is finished.  I love how delicate the pattern is and will due to its neutral colour go with any outfit.

I am also working on a crochet wreath, a start has been made on covering the wreath.  I am using wool from local sheep and spun on the Island.  It has numerous colours through it and reminds me of the ever changing colours of the moorland.

I have already made some flowers using vintage lace and buttons from my massive collection.

It is now my intention to crochet some flowers.

I have just finished another flower brooch, this time with the addition of a ladybird button.  I like to have a small gift ready now and again for a little friend and neighbour who I craft with on occasion.

There has been some progress made on Honey's blanket, albeit slowly.

I am also plodding along with my Christmas scrapbook and have been enjoying the process.  Making some cards for the next few months is on the list to do.  So plenty to be getting on with and keep me busy.

Yesterday we awoke to beautiful red skies and sat for sometime looking out of the window nursing a cup of tea.  It was spectacular and in truth the photos do not do it justice.

A beautiful awakening.

As always I thank you for your visit and hope you find something of interest, I also thank you for your uplifting comments.  A warm welcome to new followers I do hope you enjoy my little adventures through life.

See you soon.

Weekend

The engineer arrived and was able to do a simple repair to the boiler but we were only able to have hot water or heating not both.  As we have the stove we opted for hot water.  The part needed was order and arrived this morning, Gerard drove to Stornoway this morning to collect it and now we are waiting for the engineer to come and fully repair it.  Apparently the boiler is coming to the end of its life but with the repairs may give us another couple of years.  Time will tell, it is worth a try on the repair.

There has been a project languishing in a bag for some time and as I was looking for a Birthday present I thought this finished would be the perfect gift.

It took no time at all to finish it, sew in the ends and block.

I don't know why I left it so long to finish it.  I then crocheted a brooch to go with it.  Made with love and perfect for the gift needed.

The sheep are in the field now right next to the house.  I believe they are to be scanned this week, lamb season coming around again where does the tie go?

A quiet weekend but lots achieved.  Several more rows have been done on Honeys quilt, I am enjoying the easy pattern and the calming colour combination.

Wishing you all a wonderful week.

See you soon.