Relaxing Sunday…..

Yesterday was a nice relaxing day spent sketching, baking, pottering about in the garden and walking Cuilean.  I took measurements and drew a rough sketch of my hot water bottle.  Just need to work out my gauge and I’m ready to go.

My Sister bought me a book about baking bread which is something I’ve taken an interest in recently.  I made my first bloomer loaf from scratch.  It was time consuming but so worth it.  It was deliciously crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside.

My back garden is starting to take shape too.  My Mum and Dad bought me a plum tree a few weeks ago and today I noticed a tiny little flower on it.

This little purple primrose is the hardiest little plant I have in my garden.  It has survived scorching summers, pouring rain, frost, snow and being piddled on by the dogs and it is still thriving!

I can’t believe I’m going to show you this picture because it’s such a mess but I’m so excited by what it is going to become (after a lot of hard work).  This is outside my bedroom window at the back of the house and it’s going to become my vegetable garden.  I can’t wait to get started!

My Dad built me a shed to store all my gardening bits and pieces and he hung up my little bird houses.  I really hope they get used.

Cuilean and I went for a walk up to the Caledonian canal which is a short distance from the house.  It was a lovely albeit windy day as Cuilean can attest too.

Isn’t this the cutest little map?  It’s on a large standing stone which leads you down to a nature reserve along the road from my house.

Can you read what has been engraved onto the stone underneath the map?  It says:

“When the tide goes out you can see the witches coffin”.

Can you see the witches coffin?

I’ve circled where it is on the picture below.  I’ve no idea what it actually is or where the story came from, or whether there is any truth to it or not.

Cuilean was fascinated by these swans that were swimming about the canal.  They are beautiful birds – so graceful.

Tourist season is well underway in Inverness and the tourist shop windows are full of tartan, tweed, whisky, knitwear, highland cows and the lovable Nessie.

It’s been a long day so I’m going to relax for a little while.  Dishes are done so it’s time to put my feet up and snuggle with my best buddy.

Swatching & Photographing…..

I’ve been busy over the last few days working on swatches for my C & G design – a hot water bottle cover.

From top to bottom:  Ridge Stitch, Trellis Stitch & Woven Stitch.  I was going to do a cable swatch but my existing hot water bottle cover has a cable on it and I quite fancy a change.  The stitch patterns came from:  400 Knitting Stitches.  I think I’ve decided to do the cover in the ridge stitch.  It’s simple and I quite like the look of it.

I chose to make the cover with an Aran yarn (with a bit of help from Cuilean).

On Saturday, it was an absolutely beautiful day here in Inverness so Cuilean and I, armed with the camera went for a long walk.  We walked down to Carnac Point which is a 10 minute walk from the house and took this picture of North Kessock / The Black Isle which is a beautiful area.

There’s a good view of the Kessock bridge.  Occassionally, if you’re lucky you sometimes see dolphins swimming about quite near the shore.  On the left hand side of the photo underneath one of the pillars there’s a small white building – that’s our local RNLI.  They are mostly volunteers and are so busy all the year round.  Thank God for them!

Before the bridge got built, there used to be a ferry taking people between north and south Kessock.  The little white jetty is still there.  You can just see it on the left hand side of the photo below.

Inverness from the air.

On Sunday, the weather was a total contrast and was wet, windy and miserable.  Still, come rain, hail or shine Cuilean still needs his walk so off we went, again with camera in hand to see what we could find.  There’s an industrial estate a 10 minute walk in another direction from my house and right in the middle of it is this clock – Cromwells Clock.

It’s such a shame it is where it is.  I always think it should be in the city centre somewhere.  There’s a couple of plaques on one of the walls which read:

From top to bottom:

“To the East of this clock tower lie the ramparts of Cromwells citadel founded in 1652 and demolished in 1661 after the restoration of the Monarchy.  This clock tower was partially demolished and later re-roofed”.

“Inverness common good fund – This historic clock and tower was restored in 2010 with a grant from the Inverness common good fund”.

I must admit, I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve no idea who Cromwell was.  It’s something I must look into…..

I love buttons and have an abundance of them…..

…..so I decided to brighten up my white board and attach some magnets to the back of some of the buttons to use as markers instead of the boring ones I had.

I enjoy growing seeds from scratch.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.  I thought I’d try to see if I could get some apple pips to sprout.  Imagine my surprise (and delight!) when I seen these little green shoots from my green apple…..

…..and the one seed I got from my red apple.

I read on Google that they have to be kept in damp kitchen roll in the fridge for 6 weeks before planting so all being well they should be ready for planting around the 10th of May.  Watch this space!

My sunflowers seeds have shot up too at an alarming speed.  I’ll be separating them shortly into their own pots.  I’m looking forward to planting them along the back wall in my garden.

Not so long ago, I wrote on my blog that I enjoy making my own cleaning products.  I got told of a recipe for a carpet deodoriser using bicarbonate of soda and aromatherapy oils.  I also use it as a mild abrasive on my cooker top, kitchen counters etc.  It smells lovely.

It consists of:

1 x 200g tub of Bicarbonate of Soda.

20 drops of Lavender.

10 drops of Lemon.

10 drops of Tea Tree.

Mix all ingredients together and store in a jar.

*Disclaimer:  Please always do a patch test if using aromatherapy oils or bicarbonate of soda on any carpeted areas, worktops / counters or any appliances!*

Spring has sprung (and a lovely gift)!

Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to my Californian friend Jen who sent me a beautifully soft pair of hand-knitted fingerless gloves.  I can’t tell you how much I’ve worn them since I received them.  It’s been so cold here so they were very much appreciated.  There was a lovely pack of home-made shortbread too which was delicious.  That never lasted a day!  Thanks again Jen! X

Finally after what seems to have been a never ending winter, Spring seems to be finally here.  Inverness was lovely today and it was nice walking along the River Ness with Cuilean seeing the new green shoots appearing.

I love the yellow of the gorse bush which is starting to flower – a real sunshine yellow.

I never tire of looking at that little smiley face.

I’ve started back growing my herbs and a couple of other things in the garden, rhubarb being one of them.  All my herb seeds were planted at the same time – some have shot up and some haven’t even sprouted yet.

In those little pots is pumpkin seeds.  I planted seven of them and so far three have sprouted.  I’ve no idea what I’ll do with seven pumpkins if they all take!

The photo above is a chinese lantern flower.  I’ve never had any success up until now growing them.

I’ve taken an interest in baking bread recently from scratch and so far it’s turned out lovely.

I’ve been making a load of vegan cupcakes too which also are really tasty.  I have a very sweet tooth but that’s ok because vegan is healthy!  

The cupcakes above were for my sisters birthday.

Excuse the state of the frosting – that was my first attempt with the piping bag!

I’m still plodding along with module 4 of my City and Guilds course.  I just have a household item left to design so I decided to do a hot water bottle cover as mine has been getting a lot of use lately and can do with getting replaced.  I’m busy poring through knitting stitch books just now.

I just can’t resist this cheeky face!

Have a great weekend! x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Books, Books, Books!

I love books, particularly knitting ones. I was looking through my bookcase today, contemplating having a bit of an early spring clean but I just can’t bear to part with any of them – so there they stay!

A couple of the books are copies of books that I originally got when I learned to knit when I was 9 years old (and that wasn’t yesterday!).  I love flicking through the pictures – makes me feel quite nostalgic!

I remember thinking that ball was amazing.  Imagine being able to knit a BALL!

I got this book when I was in primary 5 at school.  I remember how excited I was to get it.  I knitted the yellow scarf that is on the front cover and was so pleased with myself at the accomplishment.  That was the start of my love affair with knitting.  I’m so grateful to my Gran for taking the time to teach me to knit in the first place.

I have a couple of vintage knitting books and I just adore them.  I love the fashion from that time – so elegant.

Look – the model is smoking – you wouldn’t see that nowadays! There’s another picture a little bit further down and the model is holding a cigarette.  How times have changed!

I don’t think I’d be able to wear knitted vests, underwear or swimwear.  I imagine it would be so itchy.  I do love the style of clothes though.  How long would those knitted dresses take to complete?  I can’t imagine.  My favourite is the close fitting hat in the last picture.  I don’t know what the attraction is with it but I think it’s my favourite pattern in the book.

I’m a huge fan of Alice Starmore and am lucky enough to have some of her books.  That’s another set of books I enjoy flicking through.  She’s a genius.

I like to get the latest ‘how to’ manuals when a new one comes out.  There’s usually a technique or something new I’ve never seen before.

I received the latest issue of ‘cast on’ magazine.  I quite like a few of the patterns in it.

I think that jumper above is beautiful – everything about it is lovely.

I have been learning how to crochet a granny square for my ‘learn 12 crafts in 12 months’ challenge and will post a picture when I’ve managed to make it look more presentable. I’d be too embarrassed to show it in its current state!

Happy New Year!

I want to learn 12 new crafts over the next 12 months that I’ve never tried before using online tutorials and this ‘Needlecraft Encyclopedia’ that I’ve had for years.

These are the crafts I’ve decided on:

January: Crocheting
February: Tatting
March: Calligraphy
April: Hand Quilting
May: Mosaics
June: Handmade Buttons
July: Book Binding
August: Jewellery Making
September: Embroidery
October: Card Making
November: Soap Making
December: Candle Making

Happy New Year!

A Knitter’s Christmas Eve by Nancy Massaroni

’Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
There was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren’t hung by the chimney with care
’Cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep—he was no help at all.
And the sweater for him was six sizes too small.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash.
Tripped over my yarn and fell down in my stash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how far I still had to go.
When out on the lawn I heard such a noise,
I was sure it would wake up both Dad and the boys.
And although I was tired and my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
Yet what I heard left me very perplex-ed
For nothing I heard was what I expect-ed.
“Move Rowan! Move Patons! Move Koigu and Clover!
Move Shelridge! Move Starmore! Move Spinrite! Move over!
Lopi, don’t circle around, just stand there in line.
Pay attention you sheep and you’ll work out just fine!
I know this is hard, as it’s just your first year,
But I’d hate to go back to 8 tiny reindeer.”
I peered over the sill.What I saw was amazing!
Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing!
And then in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa’s big boots stomping on the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet.
As I turned around, St Nick I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe
And his clothes were hand knit from above to below.
A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back,
And his toys were all stuffed in an Aran sack.
His hat was a wonder of bobbles and lace,
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf on his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
On the back of his mitts was an intricate cable.
And suddenly on one I spotted a small label:
“S.C.” in duplicate on the cuff.
So I asked, “Hey, Nick, did YOU knit all this stuff?”
He proudly replied, “Ho, ho, ho, yes I did.
I learned how to knit when I was a kid.”
He was chubby and plump, a well-dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself, for I’d thought up a plan.
I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked down in his lap
Where I had laid my needles and yarn for a cap.
He began then to knit, first one cap then two.
For the first time I thought I might really get through.
He put heels in the stockings and toes in some socks,
While I sat back drinking a scotch on the rocks.
Quickly like magic his needles they flew,
Good Grief! He was finished by two!
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.
I heard him explain as he sailed past the moon,
“Next year, start your knitting sometime around JUNE!”

Santa’s Little Helper!

Happy Christmas and all the very best for 2013!

 

Time Flies!….

I can’t believe it’s December!  Where has this year gone?  My Christmas tree is back up – it doesn’t seem like long ago I was moaning about taking it down.

I received my latest copy of ‘Cast On’ magazine and a couple of designs caught my eye.  First one being the little baby cardigan and bonnet – it’s so cute.  Pity I don’t know any babies to knit for.

The second design I thought was lovely was this Aran jumper.

I have been collecting the swatches that I’ve been working on for my course and don’t know what to do with them.  I can’t make up my mind whether to throw them out or keep a hold of them in case I want them in the future.

Here’s some pictures of my Christmas tree.  I finished putting it up this morning while drinking half a bottle of non-alcoholic mulled wine to get me in the festive spirit.  (Not that I needed much help!)

I got given this cute little nativity set a few years ago as a gift when I moved in to my house and I just love it.

I’d better not forget to hang up Cuilean’s stocking either!

It’s supposed to snow tonight with the temperature’s dropping to -7.  I found pictures of Cuilean from last year running about in the snow.  He had a great time.

I was having a bit of a tidy up of the laptop and found a photo of Cuilean when he was 8 weeks old.  Isn’t he so adorable?!

I was out and about the other day with my camera and took a couple of pictures from Inverness Castle looking up and down the river Ness.

I went out to Dores (near Inverness) a few years ago on a beautiful freezing cold morning like today and took these photo’s.

I was in Helsinki this time in 2005 and loved the place.  Here’s a couple of pictures of two of the church’s I walked past every day and never tired of looking at them.

When I was there I bought this postcard as I loved the knitted hats the little characters wore.

Especially this one…..

I’m wondering how easy it would be to replicate it…..

I’m thinking for next year of learning 12 new crafts in 12 months.  The very first craft I would like love to learn is crochet, followed by tatting and calligraphy.  As for the rest I’ll need to sit and have a little think about it.

If I don’t post again before Christmas, have a lovely time! x

Found: An un-finished (and long lost) jumper.

A good few months ago I mentioned in a post about an aran jumper I was knitting.  Well, I lost it.  I was getting work done in the house and put it somewhere ‘safe’.  I thought it had been accidentally thrown in the bin and was gone forever…..until tonight.  I was looking for something else and found it in a bag in the corner of a cupboard that doesn’t get used very often.  To say I was delighted was an understatement!  I sat tonight and completed the front.  Just two sleeves to go now.

(Note to self:  Find a more interesting backdrop than the living room floor!).

I got the latest copy of ‘Cast On’ from The Knitting Guild Association a couple of weeks ago.  There’s some beautiful patterns inside…..

Isn’t that gorgeous – look at the detail!

There was a couple of aran jumpers that caught my eye too.

I bought myself a new mug with a fair isle design on it.  Isn’t it cool?

I love this heart shaped ice cube tray – it’s just a pity we’ve not had much of a summer to make use of it.

My peas and rhubarb are coming along nicely.  The rhubarb has been put into bigger pots since this photo was taken.

I planted a herb garden and a pot of tomatoes in the kitchen too and that is growing well.

The mint isn’t growing as quick as the rest even though the seeds were planted on the same day.

My garden has been blooming nicely and looking lovely and colourful.

The sweetpeas got planted from seed earlier on in the year and I can’t believe how quickly they have grown.  They smell absolutely gorgeous!

I’ve taken an interest in baking.  I made a victoria sponge with fresh cream and strawberries for my Mum and Dad who came to visit and dog biscuits (of all things!).

Cuilean got his hair cut again (not as short as last time though thankfully!).  He was so soft and fluffy and smelled lovely.  I couldn’t stop cuddling and sniffing him. 

I started making my own cleaning products recently using baking powder, lemon juice, essential oils, vinegar and castile soap.  It’s so much nicer than commercially bought stuff which I find catches in my throat.  I like using Dr Bronner’s castile soap, it’s so versatile.

I was walking down the high street in Inverness last week and was approached by a lovely Irish woman and she handed me a sprig of lucky white heather in return for a donation.  I didn’t have my coin purse on me but she told me to keep the heather anyway so it’s taped to the side of the fridge for luck.

A few weeks ago I was woken at about 1am by Cuilean and my sister’s dog Bo making an almighty noise. I jumped out my bed to see what the commotion was about.  A little bird had came into the house and was hiding behind the bathroom door.  The dogs were trying to get it, I was trying to grab both dogs and get the bird before they did when the little thing ran between my feet and hid behind the laundry basket.  Initially I thought it was a mouse as it was so fast.  Isn’t it the sweetest little bird?

It was so small – no bigger than a golf ball.  I put it in a cardboard box on a towel with a saucer of water and left it in quiet room away from the dogs.  The SSPCA came later on that day and took it away.  It’s wing was injured but the girl that collected it said she thought it would make a full recovery.  She took it home for observation and to feed it up for a couple of days before releasing it.

I am a Princess – it’s official!  (According to my Sister anyway).

Who am I to argue with that! 

This & That…..

I can’t believe we are more than halfway through June!  Where has this year gone?  It doesn’t seem like 6 months ago I was moaning about taking my Christmas decorations down.  I’ll be putting them all back up again before I know it!

I’m nearly finished module 4 of my course, just a tiny bit left to do.  I’m determined to have the whole thing finished by the end of this year so I can make a start on the diploma.

I finished the garter st hooded jacket by Debbie Bliss a while ago and finally got round to photographing it.  I was quite pleased with how it turned out.

I bought myself a ball winder.  I’ve wanted one of these for ages and am having great fun transforming skeins into cakes of yarn.

This yarn is by ‘Virtual Yarns’ in colourway ‘Pebble Beach’.  I bought it so long ago I forgot what I was going to make with it but I love the colours.

I bought myself ’Sweater Design in Plain English’ by Maggie Righetti.  It’s a brilliant book.  I’ve found it to be quite handy for my course.

I joined ‘The Knitting Guild Association’ earlier on this year too.  They publish a magazine called ‘Cast On’ which is pretty good.  It has lovely patterns, good articles and tutorials.  I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next issue.

I’ve found myself getting into gardening recently – something I’ve never really bothered about before.  I’ve planted garden peas…..

and rhubarb.

They seem to be thriving which I’m surprised about as I’m not particularly good with plants.  Having said that, I planted some strawberry seeds too and not one has sprouted so I don’t know where I went wrong there.  I’m putting it down to a bad batch of seeds (that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!).

I bought a couple of hydrangea’s and a couple of conifers (I think they’re conifer’s - please correct me if I’m wrong!).  I need hardy plants in my garden that are dog proof.

This is my favourite wee corner of the garden with my lavender, daisies and montbretia.  I love the wildness of it and the colour combinations.

I got a new kitchen and I can’t believe how much more space I have now.  I went from having literally one cupboard for all my plates, bowls, cups, glasses, pots and pans etc…..

to having loads of room.  It’s so lovely being able to lift out a plate / cup / bowl without having to lift half a dozen things out the way first.  Even Cuilean has his own food cupboard now.

(Please note:  The old cupboard hasn’t got dirty shelves.  No amount of bleach and elbow grease got that to look white).

My boiler quite often plays up and takes an age for hot water to get through which is frustrating when I want to get my dishes washed.  The kettle doesn’t boil quick enough for me and I have to boil it 3 or 4 times until I get a decent amount of hot water anyway so instead I fill my basin with hot water from the shower.  My Mum couldn’t believe her eyes – I thought she was going to have kittens!  It works fine for me as I can control the temperature and it’s hot water on demand.  Am I the only person that does this?!

The weather here in Inverness has been dreich* the past few days.  We did have a lovely few days last month where it was scorching hot so I took my camera out with me one day when walking Cuilean.  This is the River Ness – a beautiful walk and only 5 minutes from the city centre.  The castle in the background is our sheriff court!

I think it’s a beautiful building and would make a gorgeous hotel.

This is my favourite view of the city although it’s not a particularly good photo.  This is just a 5 minute walk from my house.  When the streetlights are on at night it’s really nice and at Christmas time when all the lights and decorations are up it’s lovely.

I joined ‘Scottish Slimmers’ last month.  It was one of my new year’s resolutions to lose weight.  I know it’s June but better late than never.  I started off at 14 st 5lbs and am now 13 st 9lbs so I’m quite pleased.  It’s a step in the right direction.  Height-wise I’m 5ft 3″ or 5ft 4″ so I know the weight I was, was not healthy.  It’s a good simple diet to follow and you can still eat what you like as long as you don’t go over your allowance.  I must admit I found the first week really hard and I thought about food all the time – what I could eat and how many checks it was but now it’s much easier and I’m enjoying it alot more.  I’m going to America later in the year to visit family so am hoping to be at near enough my target weight by then.

My Sister bought me a cute present to hang on my wall and I think it’s so true!….

That takes pride of place beside these ceramic wall ornaments I bought in Dublin many years ago.

The Angel is actually a Christmas decoration but I think she’s too pretty to be seen just once a year.

Talking of little Angels, here’s my best buddy with the cutest smile.

*Dreich – A Scottish word for wet and miserable weather.