Annie's Place 2015 - A Year In Review

Handmade Christmas

Season's greetings friends, I do hope you are enjoying the holiday! Just a quickie post from me to show you the cushion I made for my Sister as a Christmas gift. I was working on it right up until the last minute on Christmas Eve, but it was all worth it!

Thanks go to Haafner for the inspiration and fantastically brilliant free pattern for the popcorn square. Also thanks to the hugely talented Vanessa at Coco Rose Diaries for posting about her super gorgeous blanket project, (also inspired by Haafner) that had me salivating, and ultimately led to the creation of this gift.

Like Vanessa, I used WI premium Acrylic on a 4mm hook. Four squares worked up and crocheted together for the front, and again for the reverse. I used an 18" square cushion pad. This pattern creates the most fantastic textured panel. I absolutely LOVE it and plan on making some new sofa cushions in the same. 

Hope you like it too??? 

My Sister was pleased, and that's the main thing!

This is my last make of the year, 

so I will sign off with a 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

See you on the other side lovely people.....xxx

Hometown Tourist

Hello you lovely lot! I'm taking a moment out of the festive madness to connect with you here today. I'm sure you're all super busy with one thing or another, so I thank you in advance for taking a little time to visit with me. 

As I explained in an earlier post I'm working on a Crochet Christmas Gift, which is taking up most of my spare time. Of course I cannot share this with you now as it would completely spoil the surprise for the recipient. But pics will follow after the big day, promise. 

In the meantime I thought I'd take you on another walkabout through Bedford, my hometown. So with appropriate attire befitting the weather, I strolled into the centre of town. The arcade was my first port of call. The Christmas garlands are up and give the place a lovely festive feel, just as I knew they would. 

I then headed onto the Castle Road area of town. There's lots to love about this place and I like nothing better than wandering the streets having a good nose in the many independent shops, passing by some of the loveliest homes. Many of which I covet. It has a lovely village feel. Tree lined streets criss cross this area, housing rows of cute terraces and huge Victorian mansions, and being only a short hop, skip and jump from the glorious Embankment it's a sought after area to live in.

Take a look at this apartment currently on sale right opposite the River. It wouldn't look out of place in many Central London locations, but for a fraction of the price. 

The Embankment is my favourite part of Bedford. Oh how I LOVE this place. No matter what time of year, this really is a stunning location. I started at the Butterfly Bridge, stopping off for a chat with the ducks and swans that always gather looking for tasty titbits. I rested a while on one of the many benches that line this stretch of riverside. Most of which have plaques, with loving tributes on them dedicated to people who have passed.

It was then onwards past the rowing club, over the boatslide bridge. The water gushing and rushing underneath. Creating quite the torrent of deafening sound. It's the strangest thing how once over the bridge the noise miraculously dissipates.

There are many lovely vantage points along the banks of the Ouse in Bedford. One of the best is the Webster Suspension Bridge. It's a great spot to really see the majesty of the river stretching out in front of you.

I wish I'd taken some pics of the carpet of leaves that were at least a few inches deep here in Autumn. Spectacular is an understatement. Now the trees are completely bare, but still have a certain stark beauty. Come to think of it you can see a selection of lovely shots on this Flickr page.

Once I'd exhausted myself by the riverside, I took the route past the Higgin's Gallery and Pantry back into town. The annual Christmas Fair and Market was on so as the light faded it was lovely to see all the attractions and stalls lit up.

After a bit of Christmas Shopping, I wanted to head back over to the Riverside for one last photo opportunity. The Swan Hotel comes into it's own this time of year. Lots of Christmas parties in full swing, people all dressed in their best bib and tucker. The lights that line the Embankment are lovely, and set the scene perfectly.

You may be wondering if I'm working on behalf of Bedford Tourism with this here post, lol......nope. Just my take on where I call home. I'm a Bedfordshire girl, but Bedford has only been my home for the last six years. I love it here, and choose to only see the positives.

I'd like to leave you with this scene from my all time favourite Christmas flick It's A Wonderful Life. Whenever I have walked the Embankment in Bedford, especially after a covering of snow I think of this moment. How apt that George Bailey is running through Bedford Falls. So many similarities to mention!

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I received some very sad news yesterday that a childhood friend has lost her father very suddenly last week.  Makes you stop and think about all the people that are suffering grief, and in general the fragility of life.  I am very grateful for all that I have, and this has just served to remind me to make the most of every day.

The world doesn't stop turning, as much as we might like it to at times.  I know my friend's family have a very strong faith, so I find consolation in knowing that they are comforted by that.  My thoughts will be firmly with my friend and her family over the coming weeks and months.

Appreciate one another

x x x x