frayed at the edge

A very VERY busy weekend - part one

Saturday morning found us standing in Hawick High Street, waiting to see part of the spectacle of the Common Riding, which you can read about here.  We knew the proceedings were about to start, when the band formed up on the road

 

 

The band moved off, as the Cornet, with his right-hand and left-hand men, came into view

 

 

Following them were horses of all sizes and colours, with riders of all ages

 

 

The bearded chap on the left is our neighbour, Billy the Farmer

 

 

After all the horses had passed, we followed them up the High Street

 

 

There was an entertaining moment, when this horse was determined to head back down the High Street

 

 

And of course, the the most essential part of the parade wasn't far behind!

 

 

After all the excitement, we walked round to where we sometimes see a heron, on the River Slitrig ....... and there he was (for some reason, we have just assumed that it's a male!)

 

 

He was sitting minding his own business, when a crow swooped past him, causing him to raise his head at glare at the offending bird!

 

 

Back home, I headed out to the studio, and turned the tv on ...... to find there was an even grander spectacle to watch - the annual Trooping the Colour, to celebrate the Queen's Official Birthday - you can read about it here

 

 

 

 

 

I then spent the rest of the afternoon quilting the other Linus quilt that I made recently - but I'll save the photos for tomorrow, along with what we did yesterday.

 

Of course, Monday means the knitting update.  Last week's project was a string bag.  Straightforward to knit ..... but the pattern said it took 150g of double knitting cotton ...... and I only used 50g!  The pattern said to put fabric binding round the handles, but as I'm just going to hang the bag up in the utility room cupboard to put carrier bags in, I didn't bother

 

 

 

I wouldn't put anything heavy in it - this is how much it stretched with just a tin of tomatoes in it!

 

 

I am getting a bit fed up with the poorly written patterns and the vague making up instructions.  I have eight more projects bagged up ready to do, but I think after that I will just do the ones that appeal, rather than working my way through the rest of the book

 

 

This week's project is a pencil case, knitted in two colours

 

 

I was at the dentist this morning ....... and there was some very bad news!!  No, no, nothing wrong with my teeth, they are doing well ......... but shock, horror, my dentist is retiring!  I said to him 'you can't retire, I'm in love with you (in purely a dentistry way)'.  He said he may come back and work part time, so maybe I'll get to see him again - he has been such a help with all my dental trials and tribulations, that it is quite upsetting to lose him!!

So do remember to come back tomorrow for part two - including a visit to a quilt show .......

 

 

That tastes good!

I'm not talking about my soup and bread that we had for lunch with a friend (more about that later), but about something which was so delicious, these lambs had escaped from the field to eat it

 

 

They were so engrossed in their munching, that they let me get really close to them

 

 

So what was so delicious?  Beech hedge ..... you can see where they have strippped the lower branches.

 

 

The lambs weren't the only ones enjoying the taste of the hedge ....... further down the road, this horse was tucking in too!  (It doesn't have a coat on because of the chilly weather - it's a fly coat)

 

 

So, back to the soup and bread!  I took two lots of soup out of the freezer last night - and couldn't understand why one lot looked brown, rather than red like the other one

 

 

My first thought was that perhaps it had gone bad (depite being in the freezer).  However, common sense prevailed, and reading the labels, I discovered that one lot was 'tomato and veggies', while the other one was 'tomato and roasted veggies'.  I simply stirred the two together!!  I also baked some cheese and onion bread (oh. alright, I confess ........ I put a packet mix into the bread machine and an hour later I had a delicicious loaf!)

 

 

I took these next photos yesterday, but they got bumped down the schedule by Warkworth!  On my walk yesterday, I had a detour down this farm track .......

 

 

........ as I could see these lovely fellows in the field

 

 

As I approached the gate, I saw this rabbit ........

 

 

......... which obviously thought that if it didn't move, I couldn't see it!  It sat there while I took several photos, and only moved when I turned away

 

 

I would have looked in the next field to see the Jacob's sheep ......... but the gap in the hedge that I usually go through to reach the field gate is completely overgrown with stinging nettles!

 

 

After my visitor left, I did some more work on the Baltimore block.  I had arranged the big flower on the right, taken this photo ........ and realised there was slight error

 

 

If you can't spot the error, I'll tell you tomorrow, and show you what else went wrong!!

Real chips!

We very rarely eat chips - if we do have chips at home, they are oven chips ........ ok, but not as good as real chips.  So when we were out for lunch with Jennifer today, we shared a bowl of real, proper, delicious chips (with salt and vinegar, of course!)

 

 

So where did we have this feast?  In this pub in Warkworth .......

 

 

........ and of course we ate more than chips!  I had this delicious stottie, with ham and pickle

 

 

Malcolm and Jennifer both had spicy chicken skewers

 

 

We went for a walk round the town after lunch - and the first sight we saw was somewhat unexpected - a window displaying a knitted Royal Wedding!

 

 

On the river bank, this seagull was happy to pose for a photo ......

 

 

........ but these ducks turned their backs!

 

 

As we came up the footpath from the river, we arrived at the back door of the castle

 

 

The castle must have been an impressive sight before it fell into ruin

 

 

Of course a visit to Warkworth has to include walking over the old bridge

 

 

It's just a pity that the replacement bridge is rather ugly!

 

 

As usual, I didn't just look around me, I also looked up ........ and was rewarded with this striking piece of wrought iron

 

 

There was more wrought iron on these front door steps

 

 

and a beautiful climbing rose round this door and window

 

 

All too soon it was time to head for home - but we did have one more stop to make.  We pass this postbox every time we go to see Jennifer ....... and every time we mean to stop on the way home (as it's on that side of the road).  So finally today, we remembered to stop.  This is the only postbox I have ever seen in a hedge!!

 

 

Would you like to join me .......

........ on my morning walk?  You have to be up early, unlike these horses in the field across the road, who were enjoying the sunshine (we haven't had much recently!)

 

 

However, the sheep in the next field were up and about

 

 

No matter how many times I walk this route, I never tire of the view ....... on the right are the Minto Hills and on the left the Eildons (this view only shows one of the two Mintos, and two of the three Eildons!)

 

 

I walk for a mile and a half, then turn for home - and am faced with a long walk uphill

 

 

and more uphill

 

 

and yet more uphill

 

 

But once round the bend, the rest of the way home is downhill

 

 

As I get to the last field, the sheep and lambs start up a ferocious racket!  I discovered that it is because they are hoping I have their breakfast - sadly not, that's supplied by the farmer some time after I go past.  But the ewes and lambs run across the field every morning as soon as I appear.  Here are some of them watching to see if I am going to stop

 

 

While these ones ran down to the gate (I feel like the Pied Piper!)

 

 

But while I'm striding out, I do notice lots of things to take photos of.  In a few weeks these little buds will be raspberries

 

 

This little rosebud .......

 

 

...... will soon look like this

 

 

This plant looks like something from a sci-fi film!

 

 

Back home, another poppy has flowered - at least this one won't be battered by the wind and rain!

 

 

When these little clumps of toadstools come up in the grass, I always imagine that they contain a town of tiny pixies or elves!

 

 

 

It's almost time for Woolfest!  I am very lucky this year, as I am going on both days.  Are you going too?  Do leave me a comment or e-mail me (there's a link on the sidebar) if you are - perhaps we can arrange to meet!

Finally, thanks to everyone who identified my little creature for me - I was almost right ...... it's not a hummingbird, but a hummingbird moth.

A very busy weekend!

I have lots to tell you and show you ...... so here goes!

On Saturday morning we went to Jedburgh for breakfast (just a roll and sausage, not the full works!).  We then had a potter round the charity shops - I didn't buy anything.  But, when we went into a recently opened antique shop ....... I saw a wonderful little pincushion made with Victorian coins.  I immediately wanted it, but having looked at the price tag, I couldn't really justify buying it.  As I stood gazing at it, Malcolm came over to see what I was looking at.  I showed it to him and said I really, really wanted it ..... and he said, well buy it (normally he drags me from the shop!)  So the little pin cushion came home with me!

 

the front

 

 

the back

 

 

the side with some pins

 

On our way home, we called in at a small craft fair in the village of Denholm.  I recently met one of the stallholders, and said I would pop in to see her.  Everything Jakki makes uses recycled materials.  You can see her two Etsy shops here and here.

 

 

In the afternoon, I went out to the studio, to finish making this week's knitting project, the peg beg.  I choose one of my (many) curtain samples for the lining

 

 

I pinned the two together .........

 

 

I stitched round the edge, leaving a gap to turn the bag through to the right side

 

 

I then stitched the sides

 

 

I should have put a coathanger in the peg bag, but I didn't have a suitable one, so Malcolm cut a piece of dowel and added a large cup hook

 

 

 

I enjoyed knitting this much more than some of the other projects - but again, the instructions for making it up were minimal - a diagram showing how to do the lining would have been helpful.  This week's project is a cushion cover.....

 

 

........ which I started yesterday.  The back is just stocking stitch, which was quick to knit, and I have now started on the three-coloured pattern

 

 

Yesterday afternoon was spent in the studio sewing.   I quilted the little Linus quilt - it was relatively quick to do, as I quilted it with straight lines

 

 

 

All that remains to do is trim it and put on the binding.  I have also finished another knitted blanket for Linus (it still has to pressed) - Jemima was quite happy to model it!

 

 

I've started another blanket, using some variegated yarn that I bought in the hardware shop in Jedburgh on Saturday!

 

 

To finish .... we spotted these beauties in the car park in Jedburgh on Saturday morning ..... but I don't think I would give up the comfort of my car for a motorbike and sidecar!

 

 

 

 

International cuisine

When we were in Hawick this morning, we popped into Lidl, to see what was on special offer.  We came home with a rather mixed bag!

First, French potatoes ...... I know it seems strange to buy potatoes in a tin, but these are quite tasty, and handy to have in the larder for one of those busy days when you don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen

 

 

Next, some Greek cheese - good for grilling

 

 

Spanish chorizo - delicious diced and added to an omelette

 

 

And last, some French salami - tasty when thinly sliced and added to a salad (or put on top of a homemade pizza)

 

 

After lunch I did the ironing.  I often watch a DVD while ironing, so as there was rather a large pile to get through, I put on Lords of the Rings

 

 

While I was ironing, Malcolm was busy cleaning up a little coal scuttle that he bought in an antique shop yesterday (he was too efficient and I didn't get a 'before' shot!).  He then put a plant, which we bought this morning, in it

 

 

He also repotted the rubber plant, which has doubled in size since last year!  As you can see, he was watching the cricket - which had a delayed start because of rain

 

 

He also found pots for two other plants which we bought this morning(they were much cheaper if you bought two!)

 

 

 

 

Through in the back lounge, the yucca just gets bigger and bigger.  Soon we will be afraid to go in there, in case it turns into a plant from a horror film and attacks us!

 

 

This orchid flowered just before Christmas.  The last flower dropped off several weeks ago - but before I got round to cutting back the flower stem, two undeveloped buds suddenly filled out, and have now flowered (hooray, because this is my favourite orchid!)

 

 

........ although this one is a close second

 

Bouncing back!

Our oriental poppy in the front garden has been flattened by the wind and rain .......

 

 

..... but as you can see, one brave poppy has popped its head out

 

 

I have been doing a lot more work on my Baltimore block, but I've become increasingly more frustrated with the pattern.  In accordance with the instructions I cut out twelve flower petals,only to find that I actually need sixteen.  Then when I went to put more pieces in place, I found that the placement guide (which I assumed would be reasonably accurate) hasn't been drawn to scale, so the flowers didn't fit.  So I have abandoned the guide, and have arranged the pieces by eye.

 

 

I've added stems to the two big flowers, and moved the bud at the top - this is the next staged pinned in place and ready to stitch

 

 

Next, I got out the quilt top that I made recently for Project Linus.  Just before we went on holiday, I had bought three pretty pink fleeces which were in a sale in Sainsbury's - perfect to back small quilts with

 

 

I pinned the top and backing ......

 

 

...... and used masking tape to mark the first line to be quilted - I will just re-use the tape to mark the lines as I go

 

 

The weather still isn't very good - it is decidedly chilly for this time of year, so I think I will end with another holiday photo!

 

the magnificent roof of the Town Hall in Alcudia - and wonderful blue sky!
 

A brief interlude

The weather was much better when I went out for my walk this morning - although it turned out ot be a short lull in the very wet and windy weather.  One of the trees in the front garden has started to rock in the wind - we are just hoping it doesn't fall over before we get the chance to get a bigger stake to give it extra support.  But while I was out this morning, the sun was shining and the animals were all looking at their best in the fields.  There are some ewes and lambs in the first field that I pass - although it was bright, it was also chilly, and the lambs were cuddled up to their mums

 

 

It is getting difficult to take photos of animals in the fields, as the hedges and verges are now growing vigourously ...... this hedge is over six feet high!

 

 

So unless I suddenly grow a lot taller (not very likely) or take a step ladder with me (pretending I'm a press photographer), I shall just have to do some creative shots through gaps!

 

 

 

 

The lambs are much bigger now and are much less dependent on having therir mums nearby - these three were quite content to stand watch me walk past, instead of running back into the field

 

 

Fortunately there was no high hedge to stop my getting a photo of these beauties

 

 

Just after I took the photo, they started chasing the sheep they share the field with - it was quite funny to watch!

 

 

Just before we went on holiday, one of the neighbours had a load of logs delivered.  They are still lying in a heap in front of his house, so when I walk past every morning, I have the naughty thought that I could 'accidently' pick one up (or perhaps I should pick up one in each hand to maintain my posture).  I am sure the logs would rather be neatly stored in our log store, rarher than lying in an untidy heap in the wind and the rain!

 

 

Back at the first field, the ewes and lambs were up and going about their day.  This little lamb was the only one paying any attention to me, as I headed home for breakfast

 

Drookit!!

When the alarm went off this morning at 6.30, I stumbled crawled was pushed by Malcolm leapt out of bed, looked out the window ...... and seriously considered getting straight back under the covers!  It was wet and windy - not at all inviting for a three mile walk.  However, memories of all those cakes eaten on holiday compelled me to get dressed and head out the door.  It wasn't too bad at first, the rain was light and the wind was behind me.  But on the way back, I was walking into the wind, then the rain got heavier and heavier.  When I got home, I had to get stripped off in the kitchen, as I was thoroughly soaked and dripping!  I had to put the airer in the bath and leave my things to drip - they are still wet!

 

 

This was the view from the lounge later this morning - not the sort of weather we expect well into May!

 

 

Did you notice that there was no knitting update last week?  Things didn't quite go to plan on holiday.  The first project was the shelf edging - not that I have any shelves that I would want to put edging on, but as it is knitted in cotton, I thought that it might look nice on the edge of a towel.  However, after working three repeats of the pattern, I decided that I really didn't like it and wasn't going to waste time knitting any more.  I haven't blocked or pressed it, which no doubt would improve it .....

 

 

I think this stitch with all the loops is a bit strange - it looks like a parachute!

 

 

The second project was a tealight cover ....... and I have to admit that although it was just a little thing, it didn't get finished on holiday!  It's one of those patterns where you are constantly counting the stitches, and ad we were always chatting in the evenings, I kept losing my place, so I gave up and finished it last week when we got home!

 

 

This week's project is more substantial - a peg bag knitted in aran wool

 

 

I could also have a go at knitting something from this magazine which I bought on holiday ........

 

 

........ although I think I will have more success using these patchwork magazines ...... 

 

 

....... and these cross stitch/craft magazines

 

 

We regularly passed a field with sheep and lambs, but as it was on a busy road, Malcolm was never able to slow down enough for me to take photos ....... then last Tuesday, on the way to the airport, he had to make an emergency stop, as there were sheep and lambs on the road!  (this is for Thimbleanna - who loves all things sheepie!)

 

 

 

Ouch!

This was Malcolm the Saturday before we left .......

 

 

........ sitting with an icepack on his poor sore finger

 

 

What happened?  He somehow managed to catch it when he was shutting the garden gate