A bit chilly
Ooh, it’s gone really cold, hasn’t it? The forecast said it’s going to get warmer again this week, but I was cold all last week and have been wearing more layers than usual.
This is, of course, exactly the right time of year to be wearing woolly socks and I’ve got both socks and yarn to show you today, but first of all I want to say a huge thank you for all your comments on not so small daughter’s post about her trip to Tanzania – she was so pleased that you enjoyed reading it 🙂 – and for buying the Well-Travelled and Sloping Hills Socks patterns. The discounted bundle for these patterns is still on till the end of the month in case you’re still undecided about whether you want to knit them or not, and I can’t tell you how much it means to know that you enjoy reading what I’m posting on the blog and knitting the patterns I’ve designed xx
We had frost a couple of mornings last week and I know that some places in Yorkshire had snow (I am taking this as a good sign and hoping for lots of the white stuff over the winter), and the skies have been such a beautiful blue when the sun has actually made an appearance. We’ve had a fair bit of rain here in Winwick and it’s been cold, heavy rain that’s made everywhere feel damp and draughty. I’m glad we’ve got our heating on now!
It’s been pretty cold out with the dog lately but it’s been so worth getting outside as I think this time of year is just lovely. I love it when it starts to turn from autumn to just a bit colder, those first frosts and the signs of nature getting ready for winter.
We’ve had some stunning sunsets too. Sometimes I’ve been out in the fields with the dog as it’s been going dark, and at other times I’ve rushed out as I’ve noticed the light start to change in the house to see the glow as the sun goes down.
I couldn’t resist taking a photo of these trees. I can remember being in an art class at school and our project was to paint trees that looked like this on a sunset background. Despite my Mum being an artist, painting and drawing has never been a skill of mine, but this particular picture turned out very well and it was always my favourite!
Knowing that the colder weather was coming, I spent some time in the greenhouse last week. I decided that I’d plant all my seeds for next year and just see what comes up. If I don’t, I know that I’ll get to spring time next year and be thinking that I must plant my seeds … and then realise that I’ve forgotten and everything will be either late or missed. I’ve done this for the last however many years and I’ve decided to break the pattern!
The seeds will hopefully be happy enough resting over the winter in the compost and then sitting in the greenhouse where they’re safe from the elements. It’s just a big version of a cold frame and I’m looking forward to seeing what might come up next year.
I’ve also brought in some of my plants that are either not so hardy or don’t like the winter wet – and I expect we’ll get plenty of that! I thought I’d make quite sure that they will stay above outdoor temperature by making an indoor shelter for them and this is what I came up with …
There are a few gaps where the fabric doesn’t quite meet but it’ll still be warmer than outside in pot. If they don’t survive, it won’t be for want of trying! 🙂
I was back at the local Winwick Knitters knit n natter group on Tuesday. Word is spreading and there were more people there which is lovely to see. I think there’s enough of us now for it to feel comfortable for people to drop in and out of sessions as life dictates but the group still feel cohesive and established enough to cope – sometimes, with a brand new group (as this is) if you only have a few people who regularly turn up it feels more difficult to miss a session in case it starts to feel like it’s not worth the effort of continuing, but that’s not the case here. It’s a lovely, friendly group and I’m very happy to have it on the doorstep. There’s a place for both virtual and real-life knitting groups and if you can get to both, you are very lucky!
I’ve been working on my Laughing Hens sock in the lovely autumn colours. It’d be nice to get these finished whilst it is still autumn but they are my Emergency Socks (socks for taking out and about) so it may not happen. Still, there’s never any rush with Emergency Socks and I’d rather have them available in my bag for when I need them than not!
I’m enjoying knitting this yarn (this shade is No 21 Celebration); it is really nice to knit with and I decided I was going to try out a couple more of the colourways, but in stripes this time.
The yarn is Laughing Hens Super Sock 4ply and the shades are No 13 Seymour (on the left) and No 14 Cleves. I think you can probably guess which one I have earmarked for myself, and I thought that my husband might like the other one. I’m very predictable with my purple choices, but I think the other one looks like college colours (it makes me think of Harry Potter, for some reason, but I think that might be because there have been some HP films on TV this weekend) and I think they’ll make good work socks for my husband.
If you’re tempted to go and look at the Super Sock yarn, there’s currently a Black Friday promotion on the Laughing Hens website (which I completely missed 🤣) and they have a good range of yarns and accessories if you need to stock up. The link is here: Laughing Hens and the links to this website are affiliate links.
Right, time for a brew and then on with the next job of the day. I realised last week that our utility room has become unacceptably scruffy and I needed to do something about it. It’s always been the room where our cats and the dog have had their beds, where they’re fed, where I keep all their stuff (they do seem to acquire a lot of stuff, don’t they?) and where the “utility” part happens, which is of course why the room is called that. When you’re in and out every day, back and to into the garage or dropping off leads or changing litter trays, you don’t always notice how shabby the paint gets or the muddy marks on the door frame – but they have been spotted now and I am doing something about it!
A deep clean on Saturday, fresh paint has been bought and the ceiling painted so far – the prep work always takes far longer than I expect and “a quick coat of paint” is now on its third day of work, but it will be worth it. Astrid helped me pack up the room by packing herself …
and she’s now taken up residence on a pile of packaging because she does like a crinkly-sounding nest!
I’m off to wield a paintbrush and I hope you have a wonderful day, whatever you’re up to! xx
Love the holly photo, so pretty and festive. I’m no gardener but I’m sure my other half knows what he is doing with his beloved cacti which are huge now and need repotting. Still feeling the bite but didn’t see any snow here. I do like the chilly sunny rain free days where you can wrap up warm and enjoy walks. I was told it snowed heavily in Hull and york! Im am really liking the look of Laughing Hens sock yarn. Thanks for sharing the photo’s, Can’t wait to see the finished sock 😉 xxx
photos are great. All my plants are away. and jy banana tree is wrapped in fleeces too. I have gone back to my socks because things are settling down. it will be our first Christmas with out her but I think we shall have a sing song with the girls. You take care and happy knitting. xxx
Lovely to get your news Chris, I’ve just finished a pair of socks in Yarnsmiths Merino, so soft and comfortable and certainly good for keeping feet warm – I wore them to Harrogate on Friday when I went to the K&S show with my Granddaughter (17 and doing a art design course in Leicester) we had a great day looking at the exhibitions and exploring the many stalls, I’ve now got a couple (?) of non sock projects to ge busy with. Keep warm and carry on! xx
Hi Christine thanks for another lovely read. I have made loads of your socks and always used dpns which I like. I am really interested in what you are using in the photo. I have tried using circulars but with the shortest cord it’s all just too tight and uncomfortable. I have been knitting for 75 years but not too old to learn something new😃
Thank you for any help you can give. Best wishes Jeanne xx
I’m using a 30cm short circular needle which is my go-to for socks. This is the largest size of short circular you can get and I prefer this size because the tips are longer at 7cm. However, these needles don’t suit everybody and it can all feel a bit tight in the beginning until you get onto the knit section where everything loosens off. If you do decide to give them another go, try angling your wrists out slightly (especially useful if you’re a “handlebar” knitter like me) and try not to grip too tightly as that will tighten up your shoulders and neck as well as your hands and that’s not good for you! 🙂 xx
My church knitting group was organized in 2000. We have had as many as 25 members, and as few as 4 (present group). Those of us knitting now are in our mid to late 80’2. The group has been a blessing to our community, but more than that, a close circle of friends who love and support each other through all of life’s events!
Always love reading these but often never remember to say it. So I’m saying now to cover me till I remember again next time
Love it – and thank you very much! 🙂 xx
Beautiful photos – this is my favourite time of year and your photos are just wonderful.
And Astrid! Lovely cat – great photos of her too.
Good luck with the Utility room – such a satisfying job.
Very envious of the local knitters group – sadly our’s is no longer as there were too few people who were young enough to carry it on – I was the youngest by a long shot and am now 78!
The holly photo is beautiful – we have a holly tree in my back yard that was sprout from my Dad’s holly tree, must be at least 10 ft tall. Always love watching the berries appear – green, yellow, orange, red. Thanks for sharing, also, love the yarn your currently using.
Hi Christine it’s lovely to get your newsletter through each week and to catch up with your patterns. I’ve just started knitting your boxy rib socks in alpaca for my son as his feet are feeling the cold. I love seeing your photos and appreciate the time and effort you put into sending them out to me and everyone else who appreciate your patterns and support.