Christmas count down, comfort food & crochet

So the month of November is swiftly drawing to a close, and a new exciting one begins. I have butterflies in my tummy, and feel all dizzy with excitement for the count down to Christmas.  I'm looking forward to homes everywhere becoming festooned with lights and decorations. 

There are some gorgeous old Victorian houses in the town where I live and it's a bit of a tradition that we either take a slow drive, or walk around to have a good old nose at their beautiful festive displays. Trees that are dressed to perfection, and proudly displayed in the huge bay windows so often a feature of this period, create the most amazing ambience. I confess to being a wee bit jealous of the folks that live in some of these homes. I'm a sucker for old buildings that have a lot of history attached to them, especially at this time of year when they really come into their own. 

Not that I'd want to live in Dickensian times, when poverty and disease were rife, but stories like A Christmas Carol effortlessly transport you to that era, and I for one thinks it's simply magical.

Source

Speaking of magical, who's as excited as I am that Channel 4 have commissioned a three part fly-on-the-wall documentary going behind the scenes at Liberty of London, as it gears up for the festive season????? I know where I'll be at 9pm on Monday 2nd December. 

As you can see from the pictures above the diet is well and truly out the window. We have a new Morrisons supermarket opened up locally and the cream cakes are simply to die for. I can highly recommend the fresh cream muffins and the raspberry and fresh cream turnovers. I dread to think what the calorie count is on these scrumdiddlyumptious treats! So naughty, but ever so nice!

I'm on the home straight to completing another cushion cover project. Just those awful yarn tails to deal with then I can crochet both sides together. 

I've decided to go for a reversible cover this time around, using some of the country cottage patchwork squares I made earlier in the year, along with the teeny weeny brightly coloured squares crocheted up a few weeks ago. 

I think it'll be a nice contrast having a muted palette on one side, and a bright zingy one on the other. I'm getting impatient for the moment I can share my 'ta dah' with you.

Well that's it from me for now. Thanks to all that visit Annie's Place regularly, and to those that leave lovely comments I appreciate every word. Those of you that are a bit shy, do say hello. I'd love to hear from you.

Till next time

xxxxxxxxxx

Ambient light

Dear readers, you may remember back in July I wrote about finding the most amazing woodland retreat not too far from home, namely Rushmere Park. I absolutely fell in love with the place and couldn't wait to return to witness the awesome transformation from Summer to Autumn. 

I was so excited on the short drive from home, conjuring up images in my head of the wondrous sights awaiting me. The trees were sure to be making their transition from green to gold to red, and every hue in between. I couldn't wait to stroll amongst the enormous canopy again, and to enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot. Care to take a walk with me?

Oh it was such a joy to explore, and I spied an abundance of cute creatures on route too. There were squirrels galore, whom sadly never stood still long enough for me to get a decent picture. Mr Robin Red Breast on the other hand was more than happy to oblige. Isn't his rotundness just adorable? 

I love, love, love this time of year. Any excuse to get wrapped up in scarf, hat and gloves, boots on, camera round neck, I'm there! There's something so enchanting about the landscape this time of year.

And the sky, the wispy white clouds set against a sea of blue. 

It's just magical.......

The cherry on top is coming home, popping the kettle on for a nice hot cuppa, lighting some candles, and cosying up with some crochet in my favourite corner. 

Happy............

x x x x 

Blogiversary & Teeny Weeny Granny Square Love

Hey there lovely readers, November sure is whizzing past and it has come to my attention that this lil' ole blog of mine has reached it's first birthday!! Wow, what a year it has been! I've received tremendous benefit from embarking on this journey. Having the opportunity to share a little part of my world with you has been an incredibly uplifting experience. 

I want to thank each and every person who has thought to drop by over these last 12 months, and for every kind word written. I'm overwhelmed by the interest that has been shown in Annie's Place, and hope you will continue to visit with me when time allows. I've rustled up some celebratory cupcakes, do help yourself to one......

This last few days I've felt in need of something easy peasy to work on, an instant colour fix if you will. So what could be better than hooking up some oh so simple, straightforward, itsy bitsy two round granny squares, joining them as you go. 

Uncomplicated is my mantra this week, and I think this project fits the bill perfectly don't you?. I'm seeing a rather jazzy cushion cover in my future. These happy little multi-coloured squares are a pleasure to crochet, and the tessellated effect that's produced is so instantly gratifying. You really should give them a try!

I hope any grey days are interspersed with 

many sunny moments, wherever you are 

reading this in the world today. 

Back soon

x x x x x x x

We will remember them.....

Country Walks and Granny Stripe Crochet Overload

I thought it was high time I had a 'ta-dah' moment here at Annie's Place. It's been many months since I first wrote about my rainbow inspired granny stripe blanket, and shared the colour sequence I used with you. Well I'm happy to report it has been finished, and is getting lots of use now there is a nip in the air.

There were moments when the light was so perfect over the weekend, I couldn't resist the temptation to take my blanket out into the countryside for an impromptu photo shoot. 

I did hesitate though, as I deliberated whether it was a good idea. What if someone saw me, wandering around, Granny Stripe in hand? They might think I was a tad odd. But I just couldn't waste the opportunity of getting amongst nature with my colourful crochet creation. After all; I am proud of it, so why shouldn't I show it off? 

It was hurrying towards late afternoon and the light was diminishing fast, so I wasted no time in finding a suitable location. There are a plethora of beautiful villages in Bedfordshire, so I had no shortage of options.

The landscape is really spectacular at this time of year. I can't tell you how much I LOVE Autumn. Woodland walks, wrapped up in layers has to be my favourite pastime.

I was so snap happy by the time I reached the river, the light had faded quite dramatically. But I still thought the contrast of the bright rainbow stripes against the stark watery back drop was worth capturing.

I didn't stray too far off the beaten track, as I had visions of getting lost. So I just did a loop of the village, through the trees, and over the bridge. Right back to where I started.

In the end my only audience was this handsome fellow. Although I expect he was more interested in what I might have for him to eat, and not my crochet blanket. Alas I did not have any snacks for him on this occasion. The poor chap looked bereft, bless him. I felt really bad that I had no tasty morsel to offer. Ah well, next time....

Now, this is the part where I share more gratuitous shots of my Granny Stripes. I was so pleased with my efforts, persevering with this project to completion I just went a bit mad taking pictures. Look no further if you're all grannied out. This is just my moment to reflect on finishing this gargantuan task. 

These happy stripes make my heart sing. The border ended up nothing too fancy, just a few rows of treble crochet, followed by a shell edging.

It's 6ft 4in wide, so plenty big enough 

to get well and truly wrapped up in. 

My biggest project to date.

It's super duper snugglicious, and will be a permanent fixture on the sofa. All the family cosied up under it watching TV.

If you've made it this far, then I salute you my crochet comrades. 

I hope you've enjoyed my colourful celebration?!! 

x x x x x x x x