A difficult Week

I have probably experienced the worst week ever with a very good friend of mine losing her baby three months in to her pregnancy and my son breaking up from his long term partner.
These you understand are traumas that aren't mine but I have shared in their sadness.
I hope them well and give them my love and sympathy at this trying time x

Messing about in boats (Ashby Canal)

We were both becoming a little stir crazy last weekend so as a way of getting out in the fresh air we decided to hire a day boat on the Ashby Canal.

As usual we used the Ashby Boat Company and set out bright and early.

The weather was rather unsettled and very cold.

As usual the scenery was beautiful.
Unfortunately for us though the silt in the canal had built up and during the day we managed to run aground on more than one occasion.  I hate it when that happens as it can be quite scary.

I thought I had better take a picture of the blue sky before it disappeared.

And the first blossom of Spring.

It was a great day and we hope to get out there a bit more this year.

Crochet Handbags

Oh it is so good to have resolved my camera issues.  The camera isn't mended though, I have just learnt how to transfer pictures by using my SD card rather than the cable.  Oh happy days.
I have been frantically crocheting children's shoulder bags this week. 

My friend Sharon has opened a new children's clothing stall next to my wool stall at Worksop and asked if I could make a few bags (twelve to be exact) to hang on the outfits she has.  She hopes they will attract more customers.

I only got to see the clothes last Saturday and until then had no idea what colours I was going to use.
Anyway I have now completed six but have suggested that she see how they go before I do anymore.  At least that gives me a bit of a break. 

They do look rather cute I must say.

The Great British Sewing Bee

It was the final of The Great British Sewing Bee last night.
Has anyone else been watching this programme?  I have absolutely loved it although I believe many people haven't been that keen.

I must admit they have used a similar format to the British Bake Off but hey why not.  It works!
Each contestant had three challenges to perform each week.  One was to make an item of standard clothing, one was to alter/embelish an existing piece and the final challenge was to make a more difficult item such as an evening dress or a tailored jacket.  Each week one person was knocked out. 
The contestants were all lovely and so when it got down to the final three it was hard to pick a favourite.  I did however agree with the outcome as I felt that Anne with her seventy years of experience was a true sewer in every aspect.  Her handmade garments were to die for and I couldn't help but notice that she was wearing one or two beautifully knitted cardigans and scarves which have inspired me tremendously.
Needless to say I got out my fabric at the weekend and have already got a pencil skirt half made.  I really hope that the programme has inspired more people to have a go.
It was lovely at the end to find out what the contestants had been up to since the programme had ended.
It had obviously given them the confidence to get out there and do what they truly had a passion for.
Surely that in it's self is something to celebrate.

Camera Problems

My camera has decided not to work anymore.  I can take photos but I can't load them on to my computer.
I have replaced the connection wire thingy but still no go I'm afraid.
I have lots of pictures already on my computer but remembering which ones I have already used when I have written almost 200 posts is proving difficult.
Normal service will resume shortly!

Pin Stripe Phone Sock

I recently visited Heath's Country Store at Ollerton and whilst there noticed a scarf which was hung up.  The pattern for the scarf was pinned to it and although I tried to memorise it I failed miserably.
Since then I have been thinking of how to duplicate the pattern having the idea but not the means stuck in my head.
I mentioned this to my lovely friend Nicky who is one of my most regular stall customers and loyal member of my knit and natter, and bless her, she brought me two wonderful books full of knitting stitch instructions.  I couldn't believe how many patterns you can create with two stitches, Knit and Purl.

Anyway after a little bit of trawling I came across exactly what I was looking for.
As a practice I made this phone sock which Steve very much appreciated.

The pattern will follow shortly.

Bempton Cliffs Nr Flamborough/Bridlington

Last weekend in a final attempt to make the last day of our break count we took ourselves off the Bempton Cliffs.

This is a RSPB site and is known for it's Kittywaites, Puffins and Gannets.

It was absolutely freezing and very noisy but we had a lovely time.

No Puffins I'm afraid.  Maybe next time.