All winter I put out niger seeds in case any passing goldfinch was hungry ...... so you would think that when a pair appeared in the garden this afternoon, they would have waited until I fetched the camera!!
So instead of wonderful bird photos, I'll start with a knitting update. The good news is that I sailed through the vikkel braid ......
first stage
second stage
ready to start the next section of the pattern
........ but then I ran into a slight problem! The pattern said cast on using the backward loop method - oops, I had no idea what that was. I went on to Ravelry, where I found a reference to a video clip on Youtube. I had a look at the clip, to discover that I did know how to cast on that way - I just didn't know that was what it was called! The extra stitches are for the steeks ...... pay attention, I shall explain this only once! Knitting on the circuar needle means that I am knitting a tube - but obviously for a teapot you need openings for the spout and handle ........ so, you cast on extra stitches where the handle and spout will be, then when you have finished knitting the tea cosy you ....... CUT through the middle of the steek stitches. I have never done it before and I am slightly apprehensive, so I will be studying Kate's tutorial ery carefully before I wield the scissors!
one set of steek stitches
When I was sitting in the summerhouse this afternoon having a cuppa, I had a little play with the camera, as I had put the long lens on in the hope that the finches would return. Its amazing what you can take a photo of without leaving your chair!
raindrops on a hosta
the clematis flower lost its outer petals in the strong winds last week
the ring where Malcolm hangs his hammock
the honeysuckle flowering on the pergola
I did get up to take these photos of the lavender - I couldn't see it from my chair!!
Ali has received her swap parcel, so I can show you what I sent her - actually I can show you half of what I sent her, as I forgot to take a photo of the little bits and bobs from the studio that I added to the parcel. So this is what I got at Woolfest for her ..... lots of little bits of nuno felt, and some beautifully coloured mixed fleece curls
To finish - Malcolm took this photo of me in the town centre this morning (I don't know why I look so anxious!)
The little plaque set into the wall to my left shows the height of the flood waters in July 1846 .......
..... just as well I wasn't standing there then!