a little finished object...

Thankyou so much for your lovely comments after yesterday's grumpy old woman post! It's nice to know I'm not alone in feeling a bit disgruntled at times!

Today, I have taken a deep breath and enjoyed a bit of colour and you will be pleased to know all my things are back where they should be in my corner, just possibly a bit neater...

A little while ago I indulged in some cheerful Rico cotton...

...to turn into an Attic 24 inspired pressie for my littlest nephew who will be one in two weeks time. And the night before last I finished him!

Ta dah!

I didn't have a pattern - just the photos in Lucy's blog to go by, so sort of made it up as I went along but I think it turned out ok. He has a couple of bells in his tail so he rattles and is about 130-140cms long.

I used a mixture of double crochet and half trebles, started at the tail with a circle and then just kept going round and round, increasing fairly evenly where it felt right until I got to 28 stitches in a row. Then I just carried on in different width bands of colour until it felt long enough (I didn't measure so I'm guessing a bit on the length - he's quite long!) then increased a bit more for the head. I stuffed him as I went along - which made him a bit bulky to work with in the end, but meant I could decrease at the top of the head until it was a small enough hole to run a thread through the last few stitches and pull the hole closed. The only thing I would do differently I think (if I did it again!) would be to use double crochet all the way as, although it looked quite dense as I was working, the stuffing does show through a bit in places, especially in the darker colors. The other thing I'm a bit rubbish with (and wonder if anyone has any tips?!) is keeping the join even at the end of each round - I found the beginning of each row kept drifting across and I had to really work at it not to end up with a spiralling join going round the snake. I don't know if that makes sense - I guess it will if it has happened to you too! I suppose its something to do with what you count as your first stitch to join into at the end of the row and then where you start your first stitch on the next row...anyway, any words of wisdom gratefully received!

I followed Lucy's advice regarding the eyes and went with crochet rather than buttons so that it's baby safe and for the tongue, crocheted into a few loops on the head so that it is really secure.

I think he's quite cute! Hope the small person likes him!

Only thing is, I now have a little stash of left over colourful cotton, probably getting on for half a ball of each colour... so have to come up with something to do with that now!

Til next time,

Sx

oh, for some me space...!

Sometimes I think that there is no time in life for some 'headspace'; you know, that time when you can just have your own thoughts, in your own time without having to think about everyone else first. I think its part of what drives me to stay up late sometimes, just to have a bit of time when I don't have to justify or defend what I'm up to - if I want to watch a trashy film, or browse blogs, or spend far too long finishing (in a slightly obsessive way) the latest crafty project, so what? 

But I am also increasingly craving some physical 'me' space. As a child, even as one of three sisters, I was quite happy to spend time 'pottering' in my room. Does that make me sound like a very odd child?! Do kids potter? I think I did! I always fiddled about with made up worlds, or drawing or, from quite an early age, sewing or knitting (I'm pretty sure I made my first jumper at the age of about 9; I can remember the pattern - it was a tanktop, with a fancy stitch pattern - well, we are talking the 70's!). Then as life goes on, the space all seems to get filled up with work and home and children and general 'stuff' that has to be done.

Much as I love my family, I feel like I've no space for me - nowhere to just spread out things I'm in the middle of. It might be a book, or one of the many projects I have on the go or magazines that have the beginnings of ideas but they are all important things that become much harder to just dip in and out of when they are hidden away.

Tonight, I got home from work to an empty house (boys are all out at a comedy night locally). Bliss! I thought, I can have a cuppa, have a quiet relax and a bit of quality hooky time in my favourite chair! No xbox clanging away, no tv, no loud boy noise (believe me boys are so loud!!!)...

But no! R has had this week off and has been saying all week that he would give the house a 'go over' for me (does this irritate anyone else? I don't tell them I've done the housework 'for them' - I just do it 'cos it needs doing!). Well today, it seems he has done tidying man style. This seems to largely consist of moving my things, hoovering a few obvious bits of floor and sticking a bunch of flowers on the table.

I know I should be grateful - I am supposed to do profuse thanking when they get in and be dutifully touched by the flowers. But, has he cleaned the bathroom? or the toilet? or emptied the linen bin? or (god preserve us!) dusted anywhere or displaced a spider or two? NO!

He has stripped our bed (which was changed 3 days ago - I don't know about anyone else but that does not normally constitute a need for a change of sheets in this house!) and he has tipped all my crafty stuff onto the rug in the middle of the living room, the unspoken message being 'Sort it!'. I would take a photo to show you but I actually feel a bit irrationally upset abut it and can't bring myself to. Usually, all my stuff takes up a little corner of the room - think I may have shown you a glimpse in a previous post...

What you can't see in this pic is the little pile of stuff that is hidden away under the table in the corner! And I have had quite a few things on the go at the moment and not much time so its probably been a little messier than usual. I know he doesn't get it. I don't think he has a creative bone in his body or any need to make things. He can't see the point unless something is 'needed' and functional and definitely doesn't understand the desire to create things 'just because...' Pretty is a bit wasted in a houseful of boys. But this is the only space in the house where I have my few things and I really don't see that they are doing any harm. Its not like the rest of the house is a show home! 

Sorry to have a moan but I needed to get this off my chest - this month has been a bit rubbish in lots of ways and I am trying to keep a balanced view of things; not sure I'm succeeding!

Oh well, deep breath, better go make the bed and tidy up my stuff (its all going back in the corner!!) and then I might get a chance to crochet - I have to redo half a row of my ripple blanket that looks as though its been pulled out in the grand tidy...

Grrr...

Sx

red sky at night...

Do you remember that saying? 'Red sky at night, shepherd's delight, red sky in the morning shepherd's warning'. My mum has always come out with random sayings and I always thing of her when I see a sky like this...

Unusually, I didn't have my camera with me when I drove into Norwich to pick up son 3 this evening so had to make do with the camera on my phone to catch this. In reality it was a much more crisp beam lighting up the clouds.

Does anyone else have little sayings they've 'inherited'?!

Wishing you all a delightful weekend...

Sx

simple pleasures...

The smell of freshly ironed clothes...

I have a bit of a contradictory relationship with ironing! I can't say I particularly enjoy it - in fact I loathe the sight of a growing pile of washing and I hate the fact that no sooner is it done than there's more waiting in the wings!

But...I do quite enjoy the sense of satisfaction from finishing a pile, when it looks neat on the airer and has that lovely 'clean' smell - especially when it's been dried on the line!

Simple things! Or is it just me?!

Sx

Festival fun...

I am a bit of a latecomer to festivals. I don't really remember that they were something that Most People went to when I was younger - at least not most people that I knew. And certainly not something my parents would ever have wanted to do. I suspect they still think that festivals are for Young People or ageing hippies - neither of which I can claim to be!

But having discovered them, I love the atmosphere and the chance to experience new music. I love the slightly eccentric nature of festivals - with people (who probably have 'normal' boring jobs in the real world) donning crazy clothes or hats or makeup.

This weekend is Latitude festival in Suffolk.

We didn't go for the whole weekend this year - just for the day on Saturday. Although there is something to be said for being a part of the whole experience, I have to admit to being glad to have had a dry house to come home to given the amount of rain we've had in the last couple of days. And don't even get me started on festival toilets...!

It was seriously muddy in places this year, wellies more of an essential than an optional extra...

The skies were grey and the flags were flying in a brisk breeze...

But that didn't stop everyone having a good time! Latitude is not just about music - there are literature and poetry tents, outdoor theatre and art, comedy, cabaret and all sorts of random stuff happening across the site.

In the woods, the paper sculptures seemed to be holding up reasonably well...

(that is the path at the bottom of the picture!)

...there was some funky woolly art...

...and blue-lit trees...

And the bands were great. Bellowhead are a contemporary English folk band that wowed the crowd with foot stomping, exciting music that even got the small people on shoulders clapping and waving...

One of the nice things about festivals is just stumbling across something new - we saw The Raghu Dixit Project in the tent in the woods; an Indian band mixing traditional folk sounds with up beat rhythms that rocked the tent and had everyone jumping! Hoping to see them again in Norwich soon! And was very impressed by Ed Sheeran, originally from Suffolk and just hitting the big time, who gave an assured and confident performance of his own songs and a breathtaking version of 'The Wayfaring Stranger'.

I am a big fan of this man...

Paolo Nutini was headlining on the main stage and did not disappoint, with a great mix of old and new songs that had everyone singing and dancing in spite of the rain. I love love loved this performance!!!

There were plenty of people sporting de rigueur fashion...

....marquees across the field...

...and community knitting!

Latitude is renowned for being about appreciating words as well as music and this young lad was engrossed in his book between bands...

(apologies for the blurry photo, the light was poor and I was being chivvied into the middle of the tent but couldn't resist snapping this as it made me smile!)

Also making me smile was giant bubble blowing...

And more bubbles..!

I love bubbles!!! I love the colours and patterns in them, their strength and fragility as they seem to escape away into the sky - I don't think I shall ever outgrow them! And I loved watching the faces of the kids  chasing them or floating them up at unsuspecting adults!

And the sun finally came out!

Best start saving for next year!

Sx

Mid month photo...

I really think I have to do something about later colour in the garden! It is looking very lush and green now we have finally had some rain (actually lots of rain in the last couple of weeks!) but a bit short on colourful flowers and I do crave a bit of colour in the garden!

Hey ho, this is my garden on a very grey day in July...

Can you see all the clover in the grass?! I rather like it but it is causing R much anguish!! For some reason he has a personal vendetta against Things that Should Not be in the Grass - he's losing, clearly!!!

I am enjoying a pot of blue agapathus on the patio...

Even in the rain!

Sx

Phew...!

This week feels like it has been mad busy and I am really tired so should head to bed but if I don't have a quick catch up tonight think I will forget what I have been up to since I last posted! So... this is what I have mostly been up to this week...

Moved son 2 into his first proper flat! He's going to be here for a year while he has a work placement year before going back for final year at uni. This has involved another trip up to Derbyshire (this time in a Transit van - not to be recommended! ...more of that later!), much sorting, packing and unpacking, endless hunts for affordable 'homemaking' stuff (thanks heavens for freecycle! amazed what some people are giving away!), calls to insurance companies (never my favourite job) etc etc. Its pretty small and a little bit institution-like (ex-sheltered housing!) but will do him fine and he's pleased with it. Of course, til he gets paid for the first time he has NO money so this month has cost me an absolute fortune... I have laid the emotional debt heavily on the line and let him know that I expect to be well cared for in my old age...! Can't bring myself to photograph his empty room at home - really feels like he's left properly now!

This made me smile - the rest of the flat was pretty sorted out but the bedroom...! He assures me its all tidy now!

Had a quick trip to Burton-on Trent for provisions for the boy, essentials like internet connection, rug and lampshades (my 20 yr old has suddenly got an interest in homeware shops!!!) and wandered through one of the shopping malls early on Sunday before anything  much was open.

Loved the light through this roof and the blue details but these ladies were a bit freaky...!

Norwich to Derbyshire in a transit van I wouldn't recommend, except...I wasn't driving so took my knitting and crochet along and on the way up finished these...

Difficult to take pictures of your own feet! These are my 3rd pair of socks, knitted with Opal sock yarn and a pattern I found on the 'net called Easy Thin Socks. It was straightforward enough to follow but I don't think I liked it as much as the last pattern I used so won't be using it again. I sort of wish I'd bothered to match the yarn colours cos it kind of irritates me that they look a bit like odd socks. This pattern has made them come out a bit baggy at the ankles but on the plus side - I love this yarn, I'm definitely getting quicker at socks (finished these in a week!) and I've finally mastered kitchener stitch! Go me! 

On the way back I got going on the next hooky project, inspired by two Lucys! Smallest nephew will be one next months and I loved this over at Attic 24 and followed Tete en l'Air's link to the cucumber patch for a yummy yarn treat...

This is Rico Creative Cotton, which I have never used before but have seen others mention - as people have said it is pretty splitty which is a bit of a pain but it was seriously good value and such gorgeous bright colours - perfect for this little project! I was very impressed with the service - ordered about 11.30am on the Friday and arrived just before we left on the Saturday at 10.30am - perfect timing!!

I also couldn't resist this half price ball of Noro Kureyon sock yarn...

Can't wait to see how it knits up!

Also this week...

...saw Romeo & Juliet in the cathedral cloisters. I know this is a bit blurry but this was The Scene (you know, the 'Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo...') so I just had to quickly snap. Sadly, my silly autofocus little camera thought I really wanted a picture of the girl in front's hair! It was lovely. Beautiful setting, funny and moving, and inspiring that something written so long ago is as relevant and entertaining today. Loved it. But look at the clothes people were wearing! Mid July and I had mitten envy cos the woman sitting next to me was much better prepared than I was!

The cathedral spire looked imposing form our seats. There are a couple of peregrine falcons up there at the moment and they flew around periodically through the performance (no respect for the emotional passages of Shakespeare!).

The cloisters provide a stunning backdrop...

The sun was just beginning to set at the interval and the clouds were just tinged with pink...

By the end, the cathedral was lit against the night sky...

Lovely evening.

And in between all that, I've been at work for almost 12 hours each day this week! Which is where I have to be in less than 6 hours! So 'nuff rambling, must hit the pillow!

Til next time!

Sx

sleepy cats and 60mph photos...!

Thankyou all so much for your nice comments - funny how 6 months ago, I truly felt I was happy just to keep updating my little 'electronic diary project' regardless of whether anyone read it. I still sort of feel a bit like that but actually I really enjoy the interaction with all you lovely people out there in blogland and I love to read your comments. 

I also love to look at other great blogs - I am constantly fascinated by the fact that you get a snippet of life on the other side of the world or from someone looking at things from a totally different perspective to me. I am slightly conscious that I am at risk of spending way too much time following other posts, so am trying to be strict with myself about blogging time and how many more blogs I add to my list to follow!

But...I did want to share this one with you...I have had a couple of nice comments from Mikko Tyllinen who is an artist in Finland (somewhere I have always fancied going to visit!) and I had a curious look at his blog. He creates some beautiful colourful paintings - very clever! Pop over and have a look if art is your thing!

Also thought I should just even up the cat pics and feature Basil today as Jemima took the spotlight last time!

He is actually looking a bit of a poor old thing just lately - they are both 14, which I suppose is no longer young for cats but Basil has had his share of 'health issues' along the way and spent several months on medication which they now think may have slightly damaged his kidneys. Sometimes he still behaves like a kitten but I'm not sure the recent hot weather has been great for him - he moves so slowly around and just seems to sleep where he stops, sometimes in the oddest positions. He's definitely got a bit scrawny again and for some reason, when he's not quite right, his coat seems to lose its soft, black shiny feel and turns a bit brown.

Excuse all the clutter in the background - we are moving son 2 into a tiny flat for his uni work experience and he seems to have an unbelievable amount of 'stuff' to take on Saturday!

As far as the cat goes, I suspect that sleeping (or pretending to!) in the hotspots doesn't help...

Have you tried telling a cat he probably shouldn't get overheated and please, could he drink a bit more water?!

Hasn't been much time for photos this week, but I did snap these out of the window of the van we borrowed to collect some stuff for son 2's big move (thank goodness for freecycle! we have virtually furnished his flat with donated items!)...

As you might know, I have a bit of a thing for clouds and skies and these sun-rays just looked like they were pouring through the gaps in the clouds. (I'd like to point out that while I was hanging out of the window, trying not to get my camera blown away, R was driving, not me!) 

Til next time then, 

Sx

flora and fauna!

Little bits of colour appearing in the garden again this month...

Hollyhocks...

I love these pale pink ones...

...even if they've fallen over and are laying on the grass!!!

The first sweet pea is flowering a pretty lilac...

and the ornamental thistles have opened into little globes of tiny blue flowers...

...which the bees seem to love...

While I was watching this bee another visitor arrived...

This tortoiseshell butterfly nearly landed on the bee! And however many pictures I took, I couldn't quite get a sharp one of the butterfly (believe me I took loads! thank heavens for digital cameras!) - this was the best I could do...

I know its not really in focus but I like how different it looks from this angle looking up at the underneath of its wings.

We have had some gorgeous sunny weather of late - perfect for lounging in the sun...

Jemima was not relinquishing this chair for anyone, and to be fair, how could you tip her off???

Lovely cloudless blue skies through the trees...

Loving chilling on my daisy blanket...

and drinking tea with my lovely mum...

Happy days!

Til next time,

Sx