So simple slippers

The slippers are finished.  It was interesting to see how different yarn works on the same project.  The green yarn - Wendy Mistral took just 60 grams, but the Wendy Narvik took just over 96 grams.  I was beginning to worry that I wouldn't have enough.  They actually look much better on than they do off, but I hope the recipients like them.  My only worry is I get a flood of requests for these as they are going to be worn around my daughter's office by two of her colleagues!  This happened when I made slippers before, everyone wanted a pair.

I am pleased to report summer has returned, typical though, as I put the 9 tog duvet back on the bed.  Spent last night alternating between hot and cold, its England it won't last long.

Some pickings from the garden

Hoping to get out and try to tame some of the borders this weekend - going away is detrimental to the garden, its just runs riot, not helped by the fact that the weather has been wet since we got back.  Nevermind always something to do

Oh by the way - the long grey top is in its final stages - just the armbands to knit, then the sewing up, should have something to show you by the end of the weekend.  I won't be sorry to say goodbye to this project, reminds me why I normally only knit small things or blankets with a bit of interest, all that mind numbing stocking stitch........

You know...

autumn has arrived when the Michaelmas Daisies (Asters) start to flower

the Ice Plant (Sedum) also

The Hydrangea is going dusky - I love this stage and usually pick them at this point for the house.

Fairy rings in the lawn

The temperature is dipping, 8C today, and its raining again - I had hoped to go in the garden this afternoon - luckily I took the photos this morning.

The heating is on at work but we are resisting at home, its just too early.  The forecast is for us to be back in the mid 20's next week, so we will see.  Clothing is another problem, bare legs are too cold, but tights and boots seem a step too far. I'm going down the Capri pant and layers route, ankles/feet are cold, but I'm not plunged into winter yet!

There is still some colour in the garden, though looking at these pics its mainly yellow, with the odd lonely rose.  The wall pots and hanging baskets are looking straggly, so will be consigned to the compost soon

The apple trees are full, we have 3 eating varieties and 2 Bramley cooking apple trees, we need to starting juicing or they will go to waste, we just can't eat them quick enough.

The fig tree is laden, but sadly unless we get a miracle these will all go to waste as they are still not ripe, anyone know what we can do with them?

I got a request for a couple of pairs of knitted slippers yesterday, along with the yarn to knit them.  I had planned to add them to the list but decided when faced with more stocking stitch last night to whip these up. They are adult size I promise, just look a bit small here.  The first pair is being knitted in Wendy Mistral chunky - a wool/acrylic/polyester mix

the 2nd pair in Wendy Narvik, also chunky - acrylic/mohair/wool/polyester mix.  I love a quick project and these are just that.  30 stitches, 8" of garter stitch, then K2tog for 2 rows. Draw up the toe, fold in half length ways and do a small seam up the front and join back seam.  I then cast on 5 stitch at the side for the strap.  Job done.  They really need some Sock Stop, but as I don't have any by me the recipients can always add it afterwards.

That's done then ........

Zig & Zag Sock Pram Blanket - for dolls pram

Finished size 15" x 21" - nice use of stashed yarn oddments and a good way to spend a dull, cool, damp Saturday afternoon

Wet Saturday

Its finally finished raining here for a while, but the forecast is not looking so great for the rest of the weekend. I've done some tidying, prepared some fruit for the freezer, started a pudding for this evening - greengage upside down, spoken to my mother, sorted my knitting area in the lounge!!  Now its time to think about lunch, then an afternoon of knitting.  Not much else you can do when the garden is sodden and you don't want to go to town - boring!

I finished the second cardigan of a request - Lucy from Patons UK, knitted in King Cole Big Value DK, this will go along with the cardigan featured in this post

I also started this blanket on Thursday at craft group, the pattern is the Zig & Zag Sock Pram Blanket, I am making it dolls pram size, for a special little lady who has been in and out of hospital this past month. Hopefully she is on the mend now and can enjoy pushing her dolly around, all snug in a new blanket.

Love this pattern but not so keen on all the ends to sew in!!

I plan to have this done by the end of the day so that I can get everything sent off on Monday.  Great to start getting some things ticked off my list.

I spent yesterday with the boys, didn't really get a chance to take many pictures, they certainly keep me on my toes now.  Laurie is everywhere!!

these boys love to dig

Rufus insisted this would make a seat on his bike for Laurie, but I declined to try him on it!

Enjoy your weekend, I hope its dry for you, if not, just get those needles and yarn out and have fun

WIP Wednesday

With being on holiday for the last couple of weeks there has not been much progress on the knitting front. I did take my knitting with me but it was just too hot to knit for long.  I managed about 20 rows on the long grey top, I didn't even bother to photograph it, so this is what it looked like before we left.

I did make a little bit of progress on the baby cardigan, just the sleeves to do.

I have an ever growing list of requests for knits, which is good and will keep me occupied for a while.

I did manage to get a couple of books read.  The Cecelia Ahern was mind numbing and oh so predictable, but as I only paid 50p in the charity shop for it I didn't mind so much.

This book I did enjoy, and I see it is being made into a film, which would be worth a look.  Check here for a synopsis of the book

Whilst we were away our garden carried on producing and we came home to some very large courgettes!

windfalls

Les Grande Vacances

We are finally back from our family summer holiday.  What a wonderful time we have had.  Lots of fun, sun and happy memories and nearly 700 photographs.  Don't panic I won't share them all!

We returned this year to Barbentane. You may remember we went in 2011.  Same house, beautiful location. The boys had a great time, such a lovely property with lots of room for them to run around.  We didn't really do too much sightseeing as the weather was so hot, all we really wanted to do was sit/play by the pool.  But we did catch a few markets, watch the bull run/fight, visit a friend and enjoy a few meals out.

Rachel got a nice surprise when Stu turned up on the Tuesday for a week.  He had originally decided he couldn't come due to work, but then a few weeks before departure decided that he could manage a week, so we decided to keep it as a surprise from the rest of the party.  It was great to see their faces. He proved a big hit with the boys and gave Pops a bit of a break from swing duties.

Rebecca and Tim managed a few days away in Carcassonne, leaving us with the little boys.  So without further ado here are some photos.

First croissant

Rachel after Stu arrived

Off on a trek

Pine cone on a stick - no you can't eat it!

Quiet time

Morning out in Beaucaire

Jones Family

3rd grandchild cooking

Cool dude

Morning in Graveson - it was their festival day

Fireman Jones

Horse racing in the pool  - Mrs Jones is a fierce competitor

Pops got a beating with the swords that the boys received from Carcassonne!!

Sunday market in Isle sur la Sorgue , I took so many photos these are just a few

Men talk

Kitchensmiths goes to St Remy