Knowledge

Last week I went to Liverpool for a day. It’s not very far from where I live but access is complicated by the Mersey Estuary getting in the way! Friend K and I went by train which was quick and efficient. Oh and ALL DAY parking was 80p. This must be the cheapest parking anywhere!

We called in at Liverpool Central Library which was amazing. It feels as if all the knowledge in the World is there. An exaggeration I know but it is a temple to books and information. The building is a blend of modern architecture at its best and a traditional building containing old and valuable books and documents.

We didn’t have very long to explore as we were on a fabric hunting mission. I will certainly return to this wonderful place and spend much more time absorbing the atmosphere and even reading the books!

If ever I leave Hubs ( which isn’t on the agenda!) I will be found in this lovely library. There is a coffee shop for food and drinks. There are cozy chairs for curling up and reading in. There are computers for surfing the web and it is peaceful and quiet. Well it is a library!

Camping, wine and chocolate.

I wonder if you’ve missed me? Probably not! Who can blame you? I’ve taken a short hiatus from blogging as we are away in Damnvan1 AGAIN. We are in the Lake District AGAIN. It was Hubs birthday so it was his destination choice and, what a surprise, we are at Castlerigg Hall Camp site AGAIN. Not that I’m complaining you understand. I love it here as you might have noticed!

This is the view from my Campervan door. What more could you ask for?

Well…..

This is the view from my Campervan door!

It would have been rude to refuse. It was Hubs birthday after all.

We have had wonderful weather AGAIN. We have walked and shopped. There are so many “outdoor” shops all selling hiking, camping, climbing, biking and wine. A girl only needs so many pairs of hiking books and “wick away” Tee shirts. However a girl can always use another bottle of wine or maybe more chocolate!

Catch up soon. Cheers!

Knitting on the Needles

Well the current project is growing reasonably quickly. This has been helped along by going to craft group today and knitting for two solid hours. Plus I took it along with me when I visited my Mum yesterday. Mum used to be a great knitter and craft woman. I was showing her my work in progress when she explained that knitting “had left her”. I know exactly what she means and I think at nearly 90 years old this is hardly surprising! I’m just happy that she knit and sewed all my younger life. I think that this has instilled the desire to craft in me. So it’s onwards and upwards I go knitting, sewing, reducing stash, buying more stash and generally enjoying crafting.

I am a little disappointed with how dark this garment is turning out. For some unknown reason I thought that it was a more silver grey! Still maybe when teamed up with a bright colour it will look ok! Bring on pink or yellow or bright blue or all three!

It’s a Wonderful Life

Hubs and I are still hanging out in Keswick, Cumbria. The weather is absolutely beautiful, we have been so lucky. Tomorrow we need to go home to check out my aging Mum who is not very well. Next week we plan to come back! It would be easier if we moved up here but that’s not possible, therefore  we max it out using my Campervan. Happy days.

This part of Cumbria suffered badly in flooding last Winter. There is evidence everywhere of flood damage including many bridges damaged beyond repair. This Is the remains of a foot bridge that we normally use. Many footpaths are temporarily re routed but no one seems to know how long for. This diversion adds about half a mile to our normal walks so it can only be helping me to get fitter!

Today’s walk took us through Bluebell woods and down to the Lake edge of Derwentwater. We then walked along the edge of the lake to Lodore Falls hotel where we picked up the launch back to Keswick. Another fabulous day out.

Whilst we’ve been away I have started another knitting project. Watch this space for more information but it may take some time!

Reason for Being

This is it! This is why I crocheted my recent blanket (or is it Afghan or is it a throw?). The Coastal coloured blanket is now in my campervan and very nice too! Hubs did suggest that I made another one for the other seat! Doesn’t he realise that it took me six months? Not the fastest crocheter in the West!

We are currently in our favourite spot in the Lake District, Cumbria. On Monday we walked to Ashness Bridge, a beautiful beauty spot, and the right distance for me. Ashness bridge provided the perfect spot for our picnic and a rest.

As we tracked through The Big Wood and around Walla Crag we had multiple stunning views of Derwentwater. The sun was shining and hot and all was good in our World. We left Ashness Bridge to walk down to the Lake. Here we sat on a jetty and waited for Keswick Launch. In its own time it arrived and we sailed back to Keswick Town.

A lovely stunning day. One of the best!

I must point out that this is the second time that I’ve written this blog. The first was lost in the ether! Ahh the secrets of WordPress.com

On My Inspiration Board: Calico Gowns

Calico and some history.

Aimee's Victorian Armoire

It is hard to believe that a fabric which evokes simplicity, homey-ness, and (if you are me) Little House on the Prairie, has a very fascinating and international history.  Originating from Calicut, India, the fabric we know as calico gained popularity from it’s early 11th century birth and well into our modern age.  Known for a sold color on which a simply design repeats all over, calico has become a much used piece of fabric.

An example of an early calico fabric

Long used for a variety of sewing projects which ranged from dresses to quilts to kitchen linens, calico is easily one of the most widely used and widely appreciated fabrics around.  The other wonderful thing about calico is it’s very affordable price tag.  I love picking up yards of happy calico, even if I don’t have a particular project in mind, because of its versatility.  While not exactly…

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Done It!

Yippee! I’ve finished my crochet blanket, or is it an Afghan? I have worked this blanket in front of a roaring fire all winter. The colder the weather became the faster the blanket grew. I am delighted with the end result. It’s very fortunate that it is complete as I was making this for my campervan. We go away in Damnvan1 tomorrow so hooray.

 

I bought this crochet kit to make a blanket way back in September last year at Yarndale. I bought the yarn from Attic24 and intended to make their Coast Ripple Blanket. This colour scheme is so representative of the sea, beach and cliffs it is perfect for a camper-van. The yarn pack is Stylecraft Special DK.

I started the pattern provided but WOW! As a fairly inexperienced crochet girl I really struggled with the “wave” or ripple pattern. My waves didn’t ripple at all. Obviously a major problem with my technique. After multiple attempts at the waves I abandoned hope.  At this point I stumbled across “Spice of Life” crochet blanket by Sandra Paul. Sandra is also known as Cherry Heart http://www.cherryheart.co.uk

 

 

This Spice of Life pattern was perfect for me as it was like working a sampler. There were multiple stripes using many different stitches. I worked my way through the pattern ( a little slowly) and built up my stitch repertoire. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The yarn is soft and warm, the pattern lovely and the end result very satisfying.

I deliberated long and hard about whether or not to do a border but I’m really glad that   I did. The border was a further learning experience and really finishes off the blanket. The blanket didn’t need blocking.

The finished blanket is made from the Spice of Life pattern by Cherry Heart and Black Sheep Wools. http://www.cherryheart.co.uk  www.blacksheepwools

The wools and colour sequence are from Attic24 at http://www.attic24.com

I think that now I would be able to work the ripple blanket. In fact I noticed that Attic24 have a new kit, so maybe at Yarndale this year……

Crochet, Cruise and Craft

During our recent crafty Cruise we encouraged ladies to bring their own crafts to our classes. This was a great success and we had ladies who crochet, knitters and cross stitchers. We enjoyed the variety and their company.

There was a young girl recovering from an accident who whilst not able to work, had taught herself to crochet. It was good to watch her progress and help her where we could.

The age range of participants was unexpected and a great bonus. We had one elderly lady who had really bad arthritis in her hands. She decided to make herself a mobile phone case, which was her design. We watched with bated breath as she stitched slowly. Her hands were so painful that she had to keep stopping to rest them. She was delighted with the end product and we were delighted to see her success.

There was a lady who was knitting a foxy scarf and another who was knitting animals  (just seen in the picture.) Everyone had a great time and I can’t wait to do it all again!

Victorian Nursing Chair

This chair has since been recovered. I will show you in a few weeks!

Noddfacrafts

Hi there! Here is the nursing chair that lives in my bedroom. It is a typical Victorian nursing chair with no arms and sat quite low. They were designed for nursing mothers ( or Nannys ) when holding an infant. This particular one is still in its original fabric as it has been protected with a loose cover for many years. Nursing chairs were usually found in more wealthy homes and have traditional cabriole legs with brass castors. This chair  is padded with horse hair and quite comfortable especially if you were feeding a baby.

Here is the same chair complete with its loose covers. My Mum made these particular covers in the 1970s complete with piping and pleating. The cover fits perfectly and is fastened on with hidden Velcro. I removed the cover today as I am Spring cleaning! Yes REALLY! One day I will make a new cover…

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Cruise project – gadget bag

The final project that we worked on whilst on our recent crafty cruise was a gadget bag. It started out as an iPad cover and then I realised not everyone would have or want an iPad! The patchwork quilted bag evolved into a project that could be adapted for tablet case, make up purse, sun glasses case or whatever your imagination decided. This guided but flexible project allowed the crafty ladies on the cruise to sew wherever their ideas took them.

The original idea was to use a “Grandmothers Fan” pattern which is attractive and a challenge for novice patch workers. I seriously underestimated the ability of many ladies on the course. The majority wanted to give the “Grandmothers Fan” a go. We provided the template, choice of fabrics and guidance and away we went. It was great fun and wonderful to see the delight when the padded bag was finished. I

have to admit to there being minimum quilting due to time constraints. Many of the ladies wanted to carry on crafting long after the class finished. It was rewarding to see many ladies on deck, enjoying the sun and stitching with enthusiasm between formal sessions.

The cruise was a great delight. We visited Portugal, Madeira, Canaries and Spain. I explored crafting emporiums, fabric shops and market stalls. We met lovely people and an adorable crafting group of ladies ( men tended to come just to see what their wives were up to!). Most of all we had fun! We have been so very lucky to have this opportunity and hope with fingers crossed that we can do more cruises. I have an ambition to craft my way around the World so watch this space!