Sunday has been filled with hours out clearing the garden, baking cookies and crumble, and exploring our pebbly beaches. It’s been so grey and still, with talk of snow on the radio. Oh, if only! I’ve been sitting by the fire, knitting up a storm, and hoping the weather will take the hint. This snowy Pullman book describes a world in which everyone has a daemon. I’d like to think mine would be a red squirrel; busy, always well-stocked for food, and happiest when outside.
Yesterday was a gorgeous sunny day here in Cowes and I was lucky to be at home to enjoy it. I was busy contemplating spring garden plans. This involved lots of sitting and pondering over a cup of tea. Hard work, but someone has to do it..
Half the fun of Christmas is, for me, planning and making gifts for friends and family. It always gets a little hectic, but I love the challenge of thinking of what people would like and trying to match it with what I could feasibly make. That said, come January, it is fun to be selfish and think only of what I would like to make for myself. And there’s no deadline!
After much umming and ahhing on Ravelry, I’ve chosen a beautiful pattern designed by the talented Kate Davies. The pattern is, inevitably, far more ambitious than I’d initially realised, and as you can see I have yet to get beyond swatching! But, the pleasure of selfish knitting is that if it takes ages or goes a little awry, it doesn’t matter a stitch. Wish me luck!
It’s been a whirlwind winter break, filled with city trips, family visits, baking and overeating, and relaxed times at home. It’s back to work tomorrow, but not without a little moment to pause and appreciate how much fun Tom and I had this holiday.
Thanks to Alec’s hospitality, we were city-folk for a few days, with gigs, art, and lectures in London. Robin Ince hosted a fabulous night of comedy, music, science and maths, thrilling my inner-geek. We did lots of wandering and were surprised by how quiet London was, once away from the shops.
Tom and I spent Christmas home alone- our first in eleven years and much appreciated. We revelled in Christmas Eve preparations and the relaxed pace of a Christmas Day For Two. With stuffed stockings, and stuffed tummies after an enormous brunch, we had a winter wander before heading back home for presents and an incredibly delicious Christmas Dinner, with all the trimmings (thank you Chef Tom!) Considering that we bought a turkey for 6-8 people, I’m surprised by the lack of leftovers we had..
With so much delicious food, fun times, and good company, this has certainly been a Christmas to remember. Now the new year is upon us, I’m looking forward to new projects, more exploring, and plenty of good food with good friends.
Happy New Year!
I know I can be fickle, but I think November must be my favourite month. It’s finally got cold enough to start layering up the wool, and a little fibre appreciation is inevitable.
Wool, oh stuff of wonder! What a pleasure it is to choose from any myriad of colour and texture, slubby or lacey, bright or heathered. Howies do fantastic merino wool for tramping off into the cold, and Etsy offer enticing wooly goodies for any number of uses. Nothing is as warm, wearable, and pleasing as a big woolly jumper, and if you fancy knitting one yourself, Ravelry is a good place to start. With the winter holidays fast approaching, I’m getting my knitting speed on amidst gifting plans. Now that it’s colder I might have to admit to getting a little excited about Christmas.
This is the month for wool, in all its wonders. No wonder some call it Wovember.)