Remember Jemima? It seems like a whole life-time ago that she was finally finished, yet she's still lacking a full wardrobe of outfits. I'm delighted to say that finally some of her modesty can be regained as at long last she has a pair of knickers! Next I need to sort out her top half! ... read more
A late harvest
I have absolutely no idea as to why but this year it has taken an absolute age before any of my tomatoes would actually turn red. Better late than never though we are now finally enjoying a (modest) harvest. Luckily this has coincided with a late heatwave meaning that eating salad is much more acceptable than it normally is in late September, and it saves me having to actually cook them up in some way! ... read more
We survived!
This time last week I had no ideas quite how I'd be feeling today. The last four days have been full of adventure and firsts for the whole C family. We've just returned from a short trip overseas. Our first trip abroad with Little Miss C. Her first trip in an aeroplane and the first time all three of us have shared a hotel room. I'm delighted to say that we've not only survived the trip but I'd go as far as to say that we've enjoyed it and LMC most certainly has. I can't say that I've come back feeling relaxed or quite like I used to do after a holiday, but then ... read more
Calling all local crafters…
I've got some exciting news that I've been meaning to share with you for ages - I've found a new home for all St Albans crafty types. The lovely Charlotte has opened up StudioDelirium in the grounds of the Secret Garden Cafe here in St Albans. She's offering knitting and crochet classes, a weekly Stitch & Bitch session and also selling a delightful array of lovely yarn and crafty accessories, as well as some lovely handmade bits buy local people including myself! Whilst she's starting small she is very keen to meet the needs of all local crafts people, so ... read more
Intricate knitting
My first attempt at knitting following a chart. Whilst I'm really enjoying doing it, it is also making me realise just how rare it is that I am knitting whilst there is nothing else fighting for my attention. Knitting like this doesn't lend itself well to being done with only half a mind on it! Progress may therefore be even slower than normal. The yarn is Rowan Pure Wool 4 Ply and if I could find the ball band I'd even tell you what colour it is! The chart I am following is one for a Lace Scarf by Sarah Hatton that came with the Rowan International members gift a couple of years ... read more
Travel with kids
Like many young professional couples Mr C and I loved to travel before Little Miss C came along. Together we've been to about twenty countries all around the world and even managed a round the world trip together for our Honeymoon. Since we became a family of three we've limited ourselves to staying in the UK, but now that LMC's a bit older we're ready to dust off those passports (and apply for one for LMC) and head off again. The practicalities aren't too difficult, but it's fair to say that "fear" is probably the thing that's holding us back the most (if ... read more
Reason for not blogging #721
Several times in the last week I've sat down to write a new blog post only to find that my broadband has gone down again! Our connection has been all over the place recently: up for ten minutes, down for five, repeat until the user gives up. Fingers crossed it stays up long enough for me to write this post. Just checking emails has been hard enough this week... ... read more
No time for words
I guess this may become a regular feature as there aren't enough hours in the day some days. The yarn came from my mum, and was originally picked up in a charity shop for 50p for the whole (slightly knotty) bundle. Not yet sure what it will be used for. ... read more
Growing crochet
The pile of squares is growing and I'm also starting to get some ideas about how colourful this blanket is going to be eventually. The only problem I have is now that the weather has become all autumnal I've really got the knitting bug - with three projects currently on the needles! Think I may have taken on a bit too much at the moment and that's not taking into account the Christmas decorations that I've started to make to sell either! ... read more
Childhood TV memories
It may be seen as being controversial by some but we do allow Little Miss C to watch television. We try to manage what she watches quite carefully and it's certainly not on all the time, but we do find that sometimes she needs something to calm her down and 20 minutes of watching something she likes seems to do that. She can be running round like a loon and getting all frustrated because it's chucking it down with rain outside and I won't let her out into the garden, but just switching on Mr Tumble or similar can calm her down and when it's finished she's quite happy ... read more