Sunday 28 May 2017

And breathe ...


It's the start of half term and it's been a warm weekend here in Norfolk. We had a brief thunderstorm yesterday but it's felt sticky today and I'd like it to cool down a little for the rest of the week so I can get a few things done. Holidays have always been like little beacons of light, something to look forward to and treasure every single minute of. But since Mr JK died, I've found the holidays pretty difficult. Work keeps me busy and stops me from having too much thinking time; whereas holidays, with a lot more time spent alone, can be tough going. Bearing that in mind, I've tried to set myself lots of little tasks this week, along with a couple of days out, and meeting up with friends too, which will hopefully leave me in a better frame of mind than at Easter.

I've been in the garden today, trying to get the lawn looking more lawn-like and less like a moss and clover patch! There are so many weeds trying to invade all the beds, it's a bit overwhelming. I'm trying to clear a bit each day. There are lots of flowers fighting their way through though and that is so good to see. Here are a few that I snapped today...









I've finished knitting the first of my handspun 'Lovehearts' socks and am pretty pleased with how it's turned out. Fingers crossed I will have enough yarn left to knit its partner and then they will be headed into the sock drawer ready for the autumn. The yarn is between a 4ply and DK in weight, so I have fudged the pattern. But it fits! Believe me, I only kept it on for the time it took to get a photo. It's definitely not sock-wearing weather now. 




I have a fair bit of secret knitting and crochet coming up so won't really be able to share much of what's on the needle or hook with you. But it is all rather exciting and I feel very lucky to have been asked to come up with some new designs. I am playing around with lots of stitch patterns and swatches right now. 

I treated myself to a couple of new publications this week - the special 5th anniversary edition of PomPom magazine and the latest edition of Making. Both are beautiful and I'm still savouring my way through them. If you want something special, I can recommend them both.




I took myself up to Blickling this morning - even though I went early, it was still pretty warm. All the bluebells are long gone, but I heard a cuckoo as I made my way through the woods. The rabbits and squirrels were darting about too, it's a magical place and I'd love to be able to sit there and watch the woodland creatures wake up one morning.





Someone commented recently that they'd missed seeing Flo in my post, so I'm posting a photo of her being rather lazy as she took up residence on the bed for the morning. She doesn't like the hot weather very much, bless her. 




If you've not yet entered my May Pay it Forward giveaway, you've only got a couple of days left to do so here.  I'll be on the lookout for goodies for my next giveaway this week. xxx

4 comments:

snoopydogknits said...

The sock looks really lovely! They'll be a lovely snuggly pair to look forward to wearing when the colder weather returns. I have to say, you have some little beauties showing up in the garden!!! xx

Lynne said...

Your garden is looking beautiful, and I wouldn't worry too much about the lawn. Mine is mostly moss and clover too, but it looks green from a distance, and that's good enough for me! I'm absolutely loving the colours in your sock, it's gorgeous! Good luck with the second one.

VeggieMummy said...

You have some little gems in your garden and your socks are lovely. I know what you mean about clover/moss on the lawn - R put some moss killer on ours recently; there was hardly any green left! Hugs to the gorgeous Miss Flo and I hope you enjoy your half term. xx

Winwick Mum said...

I've been raking up the moss and deliberately planting clover in our garden to try to improve the condition of the grass. I don't mind that it doesn't look like a bowling green (a tall order with a dog that does handbrake turns on the lawn!) but I'm hoping that the clover will keep it looking green for longer in the summer and that the bees will enjoy the flowers (giving me a god excuse not to cut it so often!). I love your socks, those colours are just fabulous! xx