How fashions change. I am amazed by how a simple item is re-invented over and over by a tweak here, a tuck there, then hey presto it’s a must-have of the modern wardrobe. Take cardigans. We’ve all worn a cardigan at some time in our lives, if only when at school. It might have been shop-bought or if you were lucky, or unlucky, depends on where you stood in your family group, hand-knitted and handed-down. Made unique by choice of…
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…blah, blah, you know how it continues. We all probably know at least one fan, and have bought or made a Star Wars-themed card present at some point. Would I be able to find something to knit along those lines, I wondered? Ha! Oh, ye of little faith. Surely, by now I had realised that the knitting community has a pattern, a design or just an idea of absolutely ANYTHING I…
I wanted something simple, seasonal and novel for my Christmas gifts this year, something quirky that would knit up quickly. I found it with this very simple pattern for a Knitted Napkin Ring by Shellie Wilson. All those paper napkins, used and abused at Christmas lunch and tea, could last well into Boxing Day if looked after properly. A good linen serviette could last for days. I had some appropriately coloured craft string, so got cracking. Did I say simple? …
What to give as a 50th birthday present to a party girl who talked of visiting the south of England from her home town in the south of France in October (apart from an umbrella)? A lover of the wacky, the wild and the daft, and a mean foot on the accelerator… Why, a map, of course. Not too detailed, just an outline, to show where we are in relation to where she is. Maybe with a symbol or an…
Now, you and I know that knitting is great, it’s fantastic, it’s relaxing, productive and over all GREAT. What I love about it most of all is the fact that knitted gifts are unique. People can buy and receive new baby cards or 25th wedding anniversary cards, and they might even keep one or two of them, the rest hitting the recycling box at some time in the future when it’s time to declutter. However, a knitted memento is different…
I have, what I describe as, a tolerant nature. I can put up with things and situations that others would find intolerable, even abhorrent. But there you are. If you buy a French farmhouse, complete with barn, outhouse and cellar, you need to let things be or just turn a blind eye sometimes. Cobwebs adorning the landing window (so delicate and symmetrical you have to admire it)? So high up that to reach them involves a plank and ladders? Well,…
Our new Sweet Cherry tree, just a stick in the ground when we planted it back in November, now stood taller and fuller with lots of lush new growth…and was hosting many, many Blackfly. Using the Spray Away technique passed on by his mum – fill plant sprayer with warm soapy water, aim, squirt, bye bye Blackfly – DH worked his way around the tree, diligently turning each leaf, always thorough, some might say obstinate. Let’s go with persistent. But…
No matter what your sport, it’s probably true to say that if you don’t work up a sweat you’re not putting in enough effort, and not getting much out of that little effort either. But no matter how hard I work, if my feet and legs are cold I can’t concentrate on isolating my muscles or getting in the zone. Anyone else have that problem? Thick socks and long woolly socks made my feet slide and overheat; then my friend’s…