Garden catch up and crochet

We both have the weekend off so we decided to make the most of the dry weather. We had another walk down to the river because yesterday we spotted a mink catching fish and darting around having a thoroughly good time. Unfortunately mink prey on water voles which isn’t good but they are very pretty creatures.

When we got back I went shopping and then we did a bit more gardening.

It’s looking even more tidy now, all ready for some pretty bedding plants if ever they arrive in the shops.  Can you spot the bee in the middle of the flowers above? You might need to zoom in.

As I like to pack as much in to my day as possible I also did some crochet from Nicki Trench’s book Crochet with flowers. I’ve made a lot of these gorgeous mats. They are so useful. I will finish it tomorrow time permitting.

I made this rainbow for the window a few days ago to show our support for the wonderful work the NHS are doing during these awful times.

Garden Tidy

Over the last couple of days the weather has been glorious. We decided to take advantage and ventured in to the garden.  Since we moved nearly eighteen months ago our neighbour has very kindly looked after both sides of the garden.  He’s done so since the previous owner was ill so he just continued.  Anyway when hubby decided to move here permanently this Christmas we said we would be able to do our own garden and this was our first opportunity of keeping to our promise.

As you can see it had become a little neglected but after a couple of hours work it started to look a  bit better.

 The little row of plants are actually primroses.  There were some shaggy looking clumps so I broke them up and made lots of small plants.  If they survive they will look beautiful next year and eventually I will be able to split them again.  Plants for nothing, brilliant.

Peace and Tranquillity

I have been the worst blogger ever just lately and can't believe I have neglected this space so badly.  Unfortunately I have had quite a lot of stress due to my Mums illnesses and now to her recently being diagnosed with dementia.  She is coping well but it has been very difficult for the family.
Anyway I am here now and am determined to get back on track.  The blog may change a little as it is now connected directly to my revamped website.  I strongly suggest you hurry over there to Needlecraft Corner 

We have lots of lovely fabrics, wool and buttons on the site and there will be lots more added shortly as soon as I find the time to get them all on.
Obviously as the blog evolves it will also include items that have arrived in the shop but it will still include what I have been up to both out and about and at home in my little crafty world.  I hope you continue to drop by and I look forward to sharing my comings and goings with you all.

Last weekend we had a lovely time pottering about the house doing lots of jobs that we've been putting off.  Mainly gardening.  We love being outside and are determined this year to progress with our vegetable patch.  This consists of two 10 x 3 foot beds which currently have potatoes, leeks and cabbages in them.  Watch this space as more things will be going in as the weeks go by.

On Sunday afternoon after sorting the garden etc Steve suggested that we go out for a walk so we jumped in the car and set off for a new haunt of ours which we discovered a couple of weeks ago.

This is an absolutely beautiful stretch of canal at Sykehouse near Doncaster.

Hawthorne in full bloom

It is definitely a hidden treasure that is not often used by boats or walkers.  It is packed with fish of various sizes and types and there are plenty of fishermen sat enjoying the scenery.  We have walked several stretches of this waterway recently and love the tranquillity of the place.  We even came across a little bunny rabbit on the toll path this week together with herons too.

A heron landing on the opposite bank

 On a completely different topic, I wanted to create a little work of art using some of the plants found in our garden.  I had been browsing Pinterest as you do, and decided to mount a few of the items picked in the garden on a canvas.  I then sprayed them with craft paint bought at B & Q and this was the result.  I was so happy and it now sits proudly in our recently decorated kitchen.

My latest work of art

Well that's all I've got for you today but promise to be back soon with the reveal of my brand new patchwork quilt.
Thanks for dropping by x

One step closer to Self Sufficiency

We nipped out for lunch to our local garden centre yesterday.
We needed a few things including some Spring plants for the front border and whilst there spotted a walk in green house at a very reasonable price.

We had discussed buying a proper one and having a base built etc. but the expense out weighed the benefits.  This one ticks all the boxes and will last a few years if I look after it.

I couldn't wait to get started.  These are my Sweet peas and normal peas.

I pricked out some Chili plants.

I also took Monty Don's advice and bought a pot of tiny Petunia plugs.  These should have been £3.99 but a couple had died back so they had been reduced to £1.50.  Hopefully they will grow in to large strong plants ready to put in the garden in June.
I spent several hours in the garden yesterday.  The sun was quite warm and it was just perfect.

My Garden

Hello
As you already know, my garden has suffered from neglect this year much to my regret.  I do enjoy gardening but have never been really devoted as many of my friends seem to be.  I would much rather pour myself a glass of wine and break open a new ball of wool.  Each to their own I suppose.
Well the main problem recently has been the distinct lack of a lawn mower.  Ours decided that it needed a little bit more attention than we were giving it and started to kick up a fuss.  We ignored its tantrums but they became out of hand and eventually I gave in and took it to be mended.  Unfortunately I was unsure where exactly the lawn mower repair company was and once in the vicinity decided to ask the friendly mechanic at the motor bike repair company if I was in the right place.  I was told I was but that the repairers had gone out of business.  That could have been quite a dilemma, however Mr Mechanic came to the rescue and offered to have a look at my lawn mower himself.  I was a bit unsure but thought it couldn't do any harm.  I supposed that all engines must look alike so he was welcome to have a go.  Anyway to cut a long story short, I picked up my lovely machine today all spic and span, brought it home and hey presto:-
Before

and after

My little lawnmower ran like a dream and cut through all that long grass like butter.  All I need now is a new strimmer.  I know I'm never satisfied! Bye for now Paula x

Sunny Days

Hello again, I'm very pleased to be back with you and am thrilled that it is finally the weekend.  I'll be back on my stall tomorrow which is so exciting.  I love it.
Hasn't today been a gorgeous day.  I haven't seen much of it but it's great to see the sun shining through the windows.

I took these pictures just before I left for work this morning.  The climbing pale pink roses have flourished this year but I think I am going to have to cut them back later on as they are starting to get a bit wild.  The lupins are the best I have had too.  I think it could be because I haven't had time to weed this year so the roots haven't been disturbed.  This is a lesson to everyone to stand and smell the roses rather than do loads of weeding and end up killing all the plants.  Well that's my theory anyway.
The Iris is one we bought on a visit to Gardeners World Live many years ago.  I was attracted to it because it was called Steve.  I couldn't resist it as my husband is called Steve.  It has done really well unlike the little blue plant called Paula which lasted approximately one week before it shrivelled up and died.
I hope you are impressed with the way the words and photos are placed today.  This was definitely good luck and will probably never be replicated again.
Have a lovely weekend.  I can't promise to blog in the next couple of days but will certainly try.
Best Wishes Paula x