Cold Comforts

I was up with the larks this morning, 5:45am to be precise. That's silly o'clock on a Saturday morning isn't it? but I just couldn't sleep any longer. So I decided to make the most of the quiet moments to compose an entry here at Annie's Place. 

It's been bitterly cold of late, and I'm trying very hard to stave off the January blues by surrounding myself with small comforts. My parents were very generous at Christmas gifting me with a voucher for John Lewis, so at the first available opportunity I went to my local store for a browse.

Of course I headed straight for the second floor to explore their stocks of lovely yarn. I grabbed one of their trolley basket thingies because I knew I would need more than two hands to carry my woolly purchases. I felt like a kid in a candy store. You know what I mean don't you? 

After several minutes squishing I opted to buy some Erika Knight Double Knit 100% Wool, and a complimentary selection of Debbie Bliss Blue Faced Leicester Aran, again 100% Wool. The subtle colour palette and uber softness was the main attraction. I've started a quick and easy project using a bobble stitch, but more on that next time.

I'm trying very hard not to graze all day, but whilst there's a nip in the air it's hard not to. I have to admit though that my wee treat of a large steaming hot cup of tea and cake feels like a real indulgence.  My cute coaster says it all really.

I'm still enjoying the short days though. I love when 4 o'clock rolls around and the dark descends upon us. My colourful Cable and Cotton lights really come into their own, and create the perfect ambience for a cosy evening at home. I bought 2 sets at Christmas, one for me and one for my sister. I know a lot of you have them too. They're so pretty aren't they?

Well the sun is well and truly up now, and the day promises to be bright, cold and crisp. I'm not sure what the plan is yet, apart from I have a new bed to assemble. I keep procrastinating,  but the two large boxes cluttering up my hallway are getting on my nerves now. 

Till next time, I'm sending you best wishes 

and happy days ahead.......xxxx

Happy Autumn Days

I am well and truly embracing the Autumn season upon us. More than happy to hibernate under lamplight with my latest hooky work in progress. 

The lovely church you see in the picture above can be found in the heart of the Georgian Market Town of Oundle in Northamptonshire. It's such a pretty place, steeped in history. I stopped by there on my way to Peterborough recently and had to take a few snaps. I've often dreamt of living somewhere like this. I covet the limestone cottages that are commonplace in this part of rural Northants. They look so cosy this time of year.

One thing I didn't foresee was finding a LYS there, and making a purchase of some new yarn. There was a display of Rico Baby Classic DK in the window, and because the colours took my eye I went in for a closer look, and a squish of course. I opted for 5 colours (017, 040, 041, 043, 044 if you're interested). I hadn't purchased any new yarn for months so this felt like a real treat. 

From there, it was onwards to Peterborough for a browse. I love crisp, sunny Autumn days. The light was wonderful and illuminated the stunning Norman Cathedral beautifully. The blue sky and wispy clouds made for a fabulous backdrop. I thoroughly enjoyed my meander along the cobbled streets surrounding this magnificent building. The sun had diminished by 4:30pm, so I headed back to the car for the hour or so journey home.

Once home I couldn't wait to snuggle up on the sofa with my hook and new yarn. I decided to crochet up some Happy Flower Blocks. I've enjoyed revisiting this pattern, working with a more subtle palette this time. I'm having fun with it, but am yet undecided what to do with the pile I'm fast accumulating. 

Well, it's just a short post from me today. For those that continue to drop by for a read I say a big hello!! I hope to be back again soon x x x x

Solent View

Spoilt. Yep, I think that kinda sums up the last few weeks for me. Not least because the weather's been so very kind to us here in the UK. Unseasonably mild temperatures have meant an extended Summer for many. I celebrated a big birthday near the end of September too. You know the one where life's supposed to begin?

Way back in January I decided to book a mini break to the Hampshire coast for my birthday weekend. Admittedly I was taking a risk booking a trip to the seaside in September, with no guarantee of good weather, but I had accumulated quite a few Tesco clubcard vouchers, so I exchanged £30 worth for a £100 cottages4you voucher via rewards. It seemed like a good deal to me, so I trawled through lots of accommodation on the website and finally settled on Solent View. 

Initially I was seduced by the lovely slide show of pics and the property's description. But ultimately it was the sea view that sold it to me. So decision made, Solent View it was. I have to say we were not disappointed when we arrived last weekend to glorious sunshine and an immaculately presented holiday rental. A real home from home.

The residents of the neighbouring chalets were very welcoming, so it didn't take long for us to settle into our temporary seaside retreat. I immediately felt relaxed, and couldn't wait to explore. We were up with the larks on our first full day and ventured to Portsmouth & Southsea.

As I type, the view out of my window is obscured by driving rain. The wind is blowing quite ferociously and there are menacing grey skies overhead. Such a contrast to what we were blessed with this time last week.

I was happy to just sit and stare out at the vast expanse of water that is the Solent. Just what I needed. Not a moment was wasted. Though with all that sea air we did work up quite an appetite. So we went in search of the obligatory fish & chip supper. We happened upon the aptly named Rock 'n' Sole a short drive down the promenade. It was YUMMY, nuff said.

The rest of the weekend was spent in similar fashion. No firm plans were made, we just went with the flow. Sometimes that's the best way to be. I'm so glad we managed to eke out those last few days of warmth & sunshine. It was just perfect. 

I'll leave you with a few more pics of some of the stunning sunsets we witnessed whilst away. They really were breathtaking.......xxxx

Summer lovin'

Several weeks have passed since I last posted here at Annie's Place. We've been blessed with lots of wonderful weather in my little corner of England, and I've been busying myself away from technology, tending to home and family. I've missed you all, and hope to pick up where I left off last time I was here. I'm looking forward to catching up with all your news too, so the kettle's on and I'm prepped to immerse myself once again. 

I've spent many blissful hours in the great outdoors, both locally and further afield. Plenty of al fresco dining has taken place. A cool box full of tasty treats, a picnic blanket, and a quiet spot. That's my idea of relaxation. Oh and not forgetting my hook & some yarn. But I guess that goes without saying. 

I took another trip to Cambridge, and even though it's only a short drive from home via some lovely country roads it felt a million miles away. I love the ambience of the place, and the fact that it's steeped in history. I'm sure it would be something quite special to study there. 

We also welcomed thousands of visitors to Bedford at the end of July for the Biennial River Festival. It's something I always look forward to, and it's lovely to see everyone having fun in the sun. One of the greatest spectacles for me this year was Jet Boots Bob. I'll let the pictures above speak for themselves. 

Needless to say there were lots of wide eyed children and adults, oohing and ahhing at the strange sight of a man being thrust high into the air on jets of water. It looked super fun, but I'm not sure I'd have the stomach nor the balance for it.

On the crochet front I've been a bit lazy. However after many months of hibernation I decided to revisit the Granny Square blanket I started at the back end of 2012. Yes 2012, can you believe it? Oh how time flies! I had every intention of finishing it a lot sooner than this, but as per usual I get drawn into starting something else and become distracted. 

Anyhoo, I'm back on it and will endeavour to have it all done & dusted by the time the weather changes. I think it's coming along well, and looks rather nice sitting alongside my Mini Squares Cushion. 

It has not escaped my notice that in my absence I've had a lot of new faces stop by. I welcome you all, and hope you'll visit again.

Till next time

x x x x x

Here comes summer!

A snapshot of my weekend, 

 glorious sunshine, spectacular green pastures, 

riverside walks, strawberries & cream, hooky heaven......

Happy.....xx

Tinkering

Tinkering. I like that word. I've spent a lot of time tinkering lately, fiddling, pottering, playing around with ideas for a new hooky project. I acquired a couple of balls of Rowan Pure Wool DK on my birthday last year, and ever since they've been sitting idle in my little craft cubby waiting to be put to good use.

I decided on a whim to create a simple circle within a square motif. There are hundreds of variants of this sort of pattern out there, but I have decided to call my wee version the Isobel motif. I don't have enough yarn for anything bigger than a cushion cover, so a cushion cover it shall be. It should sit nicely on my bed once finished. 

I've happily hooked up a few of these squares this week, whilst watching some of the French Open Tennis on TV. I'm really looking forward to the match up between Gael Monfils and Andy Murray tomorrow! Then it's onwards to Wimbledon, hurrah. Can't wait.....

Thank you for keeping me company here...

x x x x

Snippets

May is whizzing by, and I'm looking forward to the sunshine and warmer temperatures promised toward the weekend. I've been a bit of a home bod these last few weeks. Trying to get on top of all the little jobs that need doing. I seem to spend my life sorting laundry, elbow deep in a bowl of washing up, or with a duster and can of Mr Sheen in hand. Exciting life I lead.....

Vintage Fair

Northampton Guildhall

Though I did manage to escape the humdrum for a day out with my Sister recently, to the Vintage Fair held at the rather spectacular Northampton Guildhall. We had a good nose amongst the stalls, and marvelled at the ladies from the vintage hair lounge offering the cutest up dos for both young and old. 

After working up an appetite wandering around the fair, we decided to grab some dinner at Buddies. The menu was vast, but we both opted for a burger with everything. To say we were fit to burst afterwards was an understatement. Thoroughly enjoyed.....

I'm still working on my big granny blanket. I haven't bought any new yarn for months, as I need to concentrate on the wips I have yet to complete. The temptation is always there though. That nagging urge to treat yourself, especially when you're trawling Pinterest, exposing yourself to SO many gorgeous pics. It's impossible not to get drawn in & seduced by the endless possibilities, of potential new hooky projects.

Before I go, I know many of you are often on the look out for new yarn stockists. Well I have a wee treat for you today as the Big Wool Shop would like to offer my readers a 10% discount on their first order using the code BLOG10, valid until 07/06/2014. Worth a look......xx