A poppy

A quick make at lunchtime today.

I used a pattern in my latest copy of the Simply Crochet magazine, and some cotton yarn scraps - possibly Drops?

I shall be wearing it tomorrow.

Enjoy your evening.

Sara 
x

A Good Start to the Weekend

Some of you know that home life for me is a "little tricky" at the moment, but no one is ill, and we have lots to be thankful for.  I'm finding that I just need to be aware of the positive things in life to help the day along, and face it in the right frame of mind.

This weekend started well - what a great view to face at the start of the day.

It really lifts my spirits and makes me smile.  I know I'm very lucky to have this on my doorstep - literally.  (It isn't quite as lovely in a howling gale and rain though!)

Yesterday continued well.  I met a friend and we went to a new Knit and Natter group, Wind Up Steyning.  A lovely way to spend a couple of hours crocheting, drinking a cup of tea or two, accompanied with a doughnut too!  And there was some yarn, and wonderful buttons and ribbon on sale too.  Has anyone use microfibre yarn?  It feels so soft, but I can't think what to make with it - so I resisted adding to my stash.  At the moment anyway!!

I then drove my friend home, and as Matt was playing golf with his Dad, I didn't feel the need to rush home.  In fact I went shopping.  Usually, I like to shop with a friend or my mum, but it was lovely to spend a couple of hours just wondering around.  I replaced some make-up, and "saved" £30 using some Boots vouchers I'd accumulated.  "Saving" like that is always fun.  M&S had also kindly sent me a 20% off voucher.  So I popped in there too, and bought a new jumper.  I assume the entire population in Sussex had the same vouchers.  Goodness it was busy.  I nearly drove away initially as I couldn't find a parking space, but was glad a persevered.  :)

Back home, my new nail varnish had arrived, so there was time for a quick bath and then I painted my nails.  (I use a gel varnish, just in case you are interested and they are much cheaper from here than I can find them in town.  I now have dark mauve sparkly nails.)

Then it was time to pour a glass of wine and watch Strictly.  I know it might not be the most exciting Saturday night, but I love it.

I also started a new little crochet project.  I fancied trying Tunisian crochet.  I am making a facecloth for a friend for her birthday and will package it with a nice face wash.  This style of crochet makes quite a different fabric.  I'm glad I've tried it, but I'm not sure it's as much fun as ordinary crochet.  Although I probably need to give it a little more time than one Saturday evening!

Today, I plan to catch up on some chores (I really must hoover round before my mum arrives), cook a roast, and do a little gardening.  And hopefully there will be some craft time too.

Wishing you all a happy Sunday too.

x

Elmer Blanket

Hi there

Sorry I'm not around much at the moment.  The recovery from my foot operation means that I am not out and about as much as normal, so photo opportunities are much fewer.  Although I have an abundance of rugby ones!  However, they aren't really very pretty, and if you weren't involved, I suspect not in the least interesting.

It has been so warm here this weekend, although very blustery. More like late summer temperatures - quite odd really.  Not that I am complaining.  It's just that when I step outside, the temperature isn't what my brain is expecting!  

Matt has broken up for half term now.  He needs the break as he is tired.  So the next 2 weeks will be a little slower, although he does have quite a lot of homework to do too.  He is very pleased that we start the holiday with a trip to the dentist tomorrow!

Yesterday, I spent the day at The Glitter Pot at a card class.  I don't think I will ever be too old to play with inks and do some colouring!  I'm always surprised how tired I am when I get home too.  Probably all that talking to fellow crafters as we "work" hard!  I will share the cards once I've finished them and taken some photos.  But I am quite pleased with them, if I say so myself!

Today has been spent in the garden (after a morning cuppa with my mum).  I've been pottering around, cutting things back, and generally continuing to get things ready for Winter.  I'm quite slow at the moment, but have still managed to fill the green bin, so really couldn't do anymore anyway.

I've also finished some crochet.  A friends daughter is pregnant and her baby is due next month.  I'm really not sure I'm old enough to have friends with daughters who are pregnant.  I remember when Alex was born too - where does the time go?

I had seen a couple of these sort of blankets on various blogs, and rather liked the idea of making a colourful blanket and giving it as a present with an Elmer book for the baby too.

I used Stylecraft DK so it was affordable, and also will be easy to wash and dry.

I hope they like it - it's certainly colourful.

Wishing everyone a happy week.

Sara x

Essentials

Today it has been raining - lots of rain!  And the wind is expected to get up this evening.

After a trip to Brighton (making the most of my teenage son wanting to go shopping with me!), we decided chocolate cake was essential on such a day.

I hope you've all had a good weekend.

Sara x

Mended!

Sorry I've not been around much.

Partly, there hasn't been much happening of anything which makes a good photo, and partly life here is more than a little complicated.  But hey ho - such is life.  Onwards and upwards and all those things.

Anyway, last Thursday, I went back to hospital for my 6 week check up.  After a couple of x-rays, I have been given the all clear.  The operation has been a success.  I am so relieved as my foot is still quite uncomfortable and walking any distance is slow and awkward.  But I can drive again now - although only short distances at first.

I have got to be careful for the next 2 or 3 months as there is a high risk of a stress fracture.  So no standing on tip toes or running.  But I can go back to my Pilates classes, which I always find so relaxing. And no more visits to hospital required unless I have any queries or problems.



The swelling apparently could take a year to totally go, but "hopefully" (the consultants words not mine) will be pretty much back to normal in 6 months time.  Next summer I will be back to wearing flip flops and heels - if I want to.  :)

I won't bore you with the shoe shopping experience, but it wasn't quite what I was looking forward to when going to buy my first pair of shoes post op.  But I'm now the proud owner of size 7 trainers and ankle boots (I usually only wear a size 5.5 - so one is flapping around a bit! )  Anyway, at least with the weather turning my toes are warm.

Who else wants to put the heating on?

Just in case you fancy looking - here is my mended foot - complete with screws!

Hopefully, later this week I will be able to share something prettier - some crochet maybe?

x

Yarndale update

I have enjoyed looking at other peoples photos and reading about Yarndale this year, but not as much as actually going!  So I have put the dates for the 2015 show in my diary already!

I was, however, very excited to see my crochet in this article by Simply Crochet!  I was so pleased to see it on a lamp post in the park.  :)

Sara x