Summer Arrives

What a beautiful day here on my Island paradise, the sun is shining brightly and the temperatures have risen.  What more could I ask for...there are a lot of flies around but thankfully as we have a slight breeze the midges are NOT out and for that I am thankful.  I have been to my aerobics class, cut the lawn at the back and hung out the washing.  I have delivered some eggs to my neighbour and stayed for a yarn or two and now it is my intention to go upstairs and sort out the chaos I created over the weekend.

To cut a very long story short I made a start on culling my stash of craft materials or at the very least storing it better.  There were times when I wished that I had never started but there was also a lot of joy as I remembered some previous projects.  There was fabric from when each of the grandchildren were born, flowers from weddings and christenings the list goes on.  It was like opening the boxes of Christmas decor and remembering the places and people around each piece.  I remember now why this particular cull didn't take place prior to our move.  So once again it is staying. 

The drawers and cupboard are now complete, they have been waxed and are now ready to be moved from the barn upstairs.  But this means the train diorama  must come down so we need help to get it all into position.  I am thankful we have good neighbours.

I did find some unfinished projects that need work and those will now take priority.  Honeys blanket has slowed down considerably of late.

A second shawl has been started and never finished.

The same for a knitted cowl, a second was started and never finished.

A baby blanket and baby bootees were a surprise, I don't remember who I started them for...who knows!

I prepared the meat for dinner this evening early this morning it is all ready to be popped into the oven with some vegetables.  Pork fillet wrapped in bacon stuffed with apricot and ginger stuffing, a firm favourite of ours using the Hairy Bikers recipe.

It will work well cold tomorrow with salad.

Well onwards and upwards I have sat for a short break so will get on with the front lawn and do some weeding.  The weeds are prolific in the pots and tyres, all this rain helps their growth.  I will catch up with you later, I am back outside to enjoy the Summer which took its time to arrive.  Almost forgot there's chocolate cake with strawberries if you want to join  me for afternoon tea.

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.

Crochet Blankets

Drum roll please...

Bertie's blanket is finished.  It has taken awhile to crochet but it is filled with love and all ready for when he visits in April.

Two rows of dc

One row of tr

Two rows of dc   forms the pattern throughout.

A border added to give added interest and neaten it all off.

Rolled and tied off with a ribbon and a wooden handmade button added.

Now a start has been made on Honey's, a few rows each evening will soon make it grow.  I am hoping to have it ready before she visits.  I would like them to have their gift together.

I have sorted out the yarn that I want to use, it may need a little more pink adding to the mix.  Time will tell.

We had planned to go for a drive this morning but unfortunately the boiler has sprung a leak so we have no heat or hot water.  We have lit the stove so at least one room is warm.  We are now waiting for the plumber.  We are hoping it can be repaired but feel we may have to invest in a new one.

From the kitchen this week, basil oil and mixed herb oil. 

Chicken casserole is on the menu for this evening with some green beans and broccoli.  Yummy!  I plan to do a roast pork dinner with stuffing and all the trimmings for tomorrow.  Do you still have a Sunday roast?  It seems quite an old fashioned thing these days...

As always I thank you for your visit and your comments.

See you soon.

Weekend

What a mix in the weather.  It went from snow and ice to a couple of days of raining.  Raining hard with a horrible wind.  Once again the wind was howling around our little cottage so the decision was made to stay in and not go out for the Burns night.  For those that asked Burns Night is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns.  His best know work is Auld Lang Syne, so popular for new years eve.  Once again the Ferries had cancellations on Saturday although not all.  The freight ferry was OK so there will be plenty of stock in the supermarkets.

The rain fell endlessly for two days creating quite a few issues in the garden, not least the overflow of the soak away at the side of our garden.

The ground just couldn't cope with the amount of rain falling and the water very quickly started to pool.

Thankfully the wind helped and dried up the overflow of water quite quickly so once again it is dry. 

Another questions asked on my last post was which pattern I used for the shawls.

I used the West Yorkshire Spinners Crochet Winter Warmers book, I am not sure if it is available on line.  The pattern is Called Bryony triangular wrap.  The two that I made were gifted to a friend and her daughter.  I used to do the craft fairs before our move but since moving haven't.  I always have enough to do for our home and family but I am not going to rule it out for the future, not yet.

I have worked on Bertie's blanket and am now starting on the border.  Honeys will be a mirror image but a different colour.

My grab and go project is going to be slippers and then I want to get going on some flowers for a wreath.

Hope that helped with all your queries.

We have woke to a rather grey and dismal day but I am going to tear myself from the stove.  Aerobics here I come...

See you soon.