Yarny Days.

 Time is moving swiftly at the moment. Summer is quickly changing to Autumn and my big little Archie grew 1cm in 1 week. How does this happen? The roses are onto their last flush and the apples are plumping up in the orchard. 

This is actually my favourite time of the year, both boys were born in Autumn and the sudden cold mornings and clear skies fill me with such a nostalgia... of course it also means that two birthdays are looming and no presents have been purchased!

My days have been filled with endless crocheting and stitching (more on that another day) so I have been getting up early each morning for a walk. Some mornings the boys come with me - these mornings are the ones where I have to remind myself to walk slowly and enjoy the conversation. Other mornings it's just Bertie (our Border Collie) and myself enjoying/avoiding the fresh dairy farm smells that crop up here and there, barking at pheasants (just Bertie I swear) and trying to get a little bit of a pace up.

My ergonomically adjusted chair.

I've also been having a bit of a book festival. Lovely, easy reads have been making their way to my bedside table. I adored 'Garden Spells' by Sarah Addison Allen which was her first book written in 2007. 'First Frost' is a sequel and has only just been released - I loved it, truly a case of catching up with old friends. 

Susan Wiggs has also kept me very happy with her Bella Vista Chronicles. The first in the series is called 'The Apple Orchard' and the second, 'The Beekeeper's Ball'. Add a little bit of Tess Gerristsen to the mix and you have a nice balance!

And finally, some roses.

Lots and lots of love,
Kate. xxooxx.

Hooked! - a Blog Hop Book Review.

Hurrah for today because I get to review 'Hooked! 40 whimsical crochet motifs from weird to wonderful' by Michelle Cecile and Sylvie Delprat. I am over the moon at being given this opportunity because I have been wanting to appliqué with crochet forever. 

 As you may know, I have a rating system where I count how many patterns I would make from the book. The number required for me to buy the book is variable. If the patterns are amazing then 3 projects would make it worthwhile. I also look at whether it would compliment my collection - this one would as I don't have anything on crochet motifs -the books available on this subject haven't been to my taste...... this one however breaks the drought. The styling alone with baby's breath, washi tape  and roses dotted with crochet, makes it a visual feast. And the projects are truly adorable as you can see from the photos.

I'm mad on the little hedghog. I can't wait to make bunting for Hugo with little hedgehogs along it. 

 And the rabbit patch is perfect for Easter.

 Wahoo - a project that Archie will want to make!

 I couldn't resist crocheting a cupcake. The pattern was simply written and very easy to do - always a good thing.

So here is what I made - perfect for the kitchen!

And now for the score, 30/44 which is fantastic. I am sure that when Archie comes home from school camp the score will go up when he chooses his favourites! 
And here are two more wonderful things.
 1. 'Hooked!' is on a book hop which means you can see other reviews and projects made from the book here.
2. There is a competition going on over at Stitch Craft Create where you can win a copy of the book and a lovely bundle of yarn!
Lots and lots of love,
Kate. xxooxx.

New Adventures.

 I think that I was a bit premature in my last post, announcing that I was back from holidays.... Back in the country yes, but about to head off to the beach for a couple of weeks. I really thought I would be able to fit in some blogging but I do find the whole process to be very difficult on my phone.

During that time I started on a couple of new projects which I will show you more of over the next couple of weeks. Let's just say that my vintage Playmobil collection is finally coming into its own.

The boys are back at school. Would you believe that school camps have also begun. Archie is away for the first couple of nights this week followed by Hugo at the end. It is quite nice to temporarily downsize the family after longish holidays isn't it. Cooking is that weeny bit easier and halving school lunch requirements - bliss.

Goodness me it is so good to be back.

See you tomorrow.

Love Kate. xxooxx.