A quick trip to Normandy

We've just returned from a late break with our boys (actually grown up sons, but still always my boys) to Normandy. I love Normandy. We had a wonderful time together, relaxing, enjoying the unexpected autumn sunshine and wonderful markets. 

The evening meal on Saturday kind of sorted itself out - we bought beautiful skate wings, fresh parsley, and a wonderful selection of vegetables. 

All sold with a smile and calls of 'Bon weekend!'

We had a wonderful trip to Versailles where we were met with a surprisingly long queue. We later found out that it was free entry for the day - every first Sunday of the month from November to February - result.  I couldn't really think of a better place to have to queue! 

Bon weekend!

My creative influences..

I have sewn, knitted, embroidered and crocheted since I was a probably about 7 years old. I don't know where the passion to create came from - I remember wearing wonderful cardigans and jumpers knitted by my Mother - but otherwise, there were no influences close to home. I was never particularly good at any of them being largely self taught but somehow I muddled on.

Janice - a  dear childhood friend of mine whose Mother was at the time a very talented seamstress took me under her wing when I was around sixteen and we spent many a happy weekend sewing. Janice would spend perhaps a couple of weeks perfecting something she'd made - I always remember her wearing a beautiful jacket to school that she had sewn herself. She was also an expert knitter and went on to study at Saint Martins School of Art (or Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design as it is now known). She gradually built up a wonderful, unique wardrobe - where are you Janice? 

I, on the other hand was impatient to wear anything I'd sewn. I can remember going out with a safety pin at the waistband, so desperate was I to wear my newest creation. Finishing seams carefully wasn't really on my radar. What a difference now, when I might spend an age on finishing touches. 

Sewing classes at school were blissful. I can remember sewing a nightdress in a beautiful lavender cotton with a ditsy flower design. A gathered yolk and hand sewn hems - I was so very proud of that nightdress. 

Crocheting was taught to me one Sunday afternoon by a favourite aunt. She used to crochet very delicate, intricate pieces. I went on to crochet bags, waistcoats and blankets, often in quite gaudy colour combinations! 

Knitting teeny weeny cardigans for my three gorgeous baby boys was a pleasure that was so strong I can taste it. I can see myself now sitting happily knitting, too heavily pregnant to do uch else!

However, although I spend a large chunk of my time now sewing and embroidering, knitting and crochet have largely taken a back seat. Most evenings over the last couple of years see me embroidering, while any spare time of a weekend is usually spent sewing yummy blouses and beautiful underwear - a new skill that I'm still a long way to perfecting. There's a whole new world out there of lace, elastic and fastenings that has sucked up waaaay too much of my time. 

Recently however, I have picked up my knit sticks and crochet hooks again and I'm loving it. I can spend hours on Ravelry, have found a whole host of new knitting and crochet blogs and wool shops have become my new favourite place. 

A blanket for a special someone has been gradually growing. Using a pattern from Attic 24, I have been crocheting my heart out. The crocheting came with me last week on our trip to France where I picked up some more delicious wool. 

WIP

I have many works in progress at the moment - some that have been hanging around waaay too long. 

The crocheting is destined to be a blanket, using up some of my yarn stash so will be ongoing for some time. It's so easy to sit and crochet squares. Think it's going to be a Christmas blanket.

The cardigan I have been knitting for weeks months. Ahem. It didn't take me long to knit it up but there are two issues that lead to it still hanging around waiting to be completed...

1. It's going to be too small. I'm not quite at the stage where I can address that issue and couldn't say whether it was a size muck up or a teeny bit of weight gained. Moving on..

2. I do not enjoy knitting the border all the way up both sides. Grrrr.

I'm finishing a blouse - polka dot again and have just ordered some wool for another knit. I want to attempt a fair isle but I'm too scaredy about it.

On another note - I have just finished reading The Girl Who Wasn't There ,which was not what I expected, was oddly addictive from the start, vaguely unsettling throughout but was a worthwhile read. I'm now just about to start The Architect's Apprentice, which I'm looking forward to. 

For someone who completed a degree in English Lit while working full time, I used to read unbelievable amounts of wordage. Last year I read five books. Five. So this year I'm stepping it up a little!

Ahhh France...

We managed a quick break to France last week. A hop across under the Channel, a skip down the autoroute and there we were in the glorious French countryside of Normandy. 

Today I just wanted to share a few memories of our short break. 

We made new friends, ate way too much cheese and fell in love with a donkey..

I want a donkey...

Elephants!

'Nature's great masterpiece, an elephant - the only harmless great thing.' John Donne 

I adore elephants - always have. Their gentle intelligence, sense of fun, love for one another and those eyes...

As Lyall Watson the botanist and author said - 'If elephants didn't exist, you couldn't invent one.' They are truly extraordinary and it breaks my heart that man has treated them so very badly.

I have designed so many different styles of cases for Kindles, glasses, phones etc but the design that is by far the most popular is the fun and quirky elephant applique design. At craft fairs, it's the elephant that people are drawn towards - adults and children alike. 

Today I have been happily sewing elephant cases whilst looking out onto the garden in rain, sun, rain, sun, rain, sun. My least favourite kind of weather - I like to know where I am with my day! The elephants have been keeping me company and making me smile. 

I have a tutorial for this case on my website here. I give you fair warning - it's a long tutorial - my first attempt at one! I think I need to shorten it somewhat or split it into two when I get the time. Let me know what you think. 

Winter is coming...

Game of Thrones has a lot to answer for :)

I love Summer and my recent ATC swap creation showed that. 
However...
...I'm also quite fond of Autumn. 

I love the colours of the leaves as they begin their change.

A recent Instagram post showed my anticipation as this leaf dropped onto my pad  while I was sitting outside a few weeks ago.

My thoughts also turns to a different kind of eating. 

Salads turn to soups 

and pies

and warming puddings..

..with custard.

With the final of the Great British Bake Off tomorrow, I'm already in baking mode. 

I suppose it's that I struggle to stay inside in Summer. 

I sit in my room and sew, all the while looking longingly out of the window to the outside where I want to be.

Autumn signals the nights drawing in, logs stacked up by the fire- the dogs vying for who can get closest, we close our curtains and in my case - I cook. (and crochet, and knit, and embroider..you get the picture)

I love it.

Bye bye salads. Hello casserole. 

A garden in the sunshine, a garden in the rain.

There is such beauty in both.

I do love a cottage garden. This summer I have been 'encouraging' plants that give off a whiff of rebellion - those that won't always conform, standing tall but with attitude. The self seeding poppies and feverfew are real favourites...
... Popping up everywhere. 

All colours and shapes are welcome. Some of the 'weeds' in the garden this year have been so very lovely.

Having previously lived within a couple of miles of Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, I have witnessed that there is beauty in all shapes and styles of garden. 

Strolling around the garden today, first in sunshine and later after a downpour, I was admiring the beauty of flowers in both weathers. 

I love the poppy seed heads left behind when they have finished flowering. I have thousands of these little seeds ready for next year.

Beautiful. 

'The more one gardens, the more one learns; And the more one learns, the more one realises how little one knows.'

Vita Sackville- West (1892 - 1962) 

#alwayslearning.