A Year of Projects Update - week 5

 I missed last week.   Didn't quite mean to, but I spent most of last Sunday driving back to Somerset to meet up with my brother.

I have been doing some crafting since breaking up for the summer.   

I finished my first dress for Goodwood.   This is not thd best picture but will havd to do for a moment - then I will do a modelled shot!!

We are going to the Goodwood Revival in September and so I need 2 dresses for the Saturday and Sunday- this is the first. 

I have also nearly finished the Desktop vest but have now ran out of wool - I have ordered a last ball but need to wait for it to arrive.

I have therefore, started a new project!  I fancied a fitted Cardigan, so I've decided on Joy by Veera Valimaki.

I am going to use some John Arbon Textiles yarn and I have made a few inroads on the yoke already.

I have a somewhat busy week this week - all nice!  Meeting friends and doing a bit of walking.  Last week I, not only visited Somerset, but also went to London to check out where my gran used to live.

Anyway,  me and my friend had a lovely day and found out a bit more history of the family!

And that is that for this week.  It's a busy one ahead, but I should be able to report in next week - I hope everyone has a great week 😊 

A Year of Projects Update - week 3

 The end of term is now in touching distance!  Just two days this week.

I have finished my Windlass.

I'm really pleased with it - it is knit in John Arbon Textiles yarn.

I didn't really do much on my socks, but did pick the Desktop vest back up.

I'm knitting this in Ulysse by de rerum natura in the caramel colourway.  The pattern is one from Squidney Knits through the Squid school of vintage knitting.

I've been trying to finish the book - The Room of Lost Things by Stella Duffy as it is due back to the library this week and I'm enjoying it so don't want it unfinished!  I've already renewed it the maximum I can online so I have to finish it for Wednesday!

Otherwise,  it is the end of term on Tuesday and on Thursday I am going to London with a friend to see the houses and school that my grandma lived in and went to.   I have several addresses from where I've been going through mum's things.  I also intend to go back to Somerset to sort through a few more things next Sunday.

And that is it for this week.  I hope you all have a good week. 😊

A Year of Projects Update - week 2

 The start of my year of projects always coincides with me clawing my way to the end of term, and this year is, of course, no different.  I have seven school days left before a long awaited summer holiday!

I have been reasonably busy the last couple of weeks.

First I have an FO.  I have a dress.  For those that have been reading a while, you will know, when I sew, I much prefer hand sewing rather than using the sewing machine.  This dress is a Macalls pattern that I have made before.  This time I have used an old duvet cover.

I  really like this and can't wait to wear it out!

I have also been working on my Windlass knit with John Arbon Textiles yarn - I already have the back completed and so am nearly there now.

I am hoping this may be completed by the end of the day, if not, by next week.

Otherwise,  I am reading a book by Stella Duffy called The Room of Lost Things which I am really enjoying.

I haven't done much in the garden - it's just got to the point where there is so much to do it is overwhelming.  Because I missed all the setting up and preparation out there at the start of  the year it has got out of hand!  Both myself and my husband have decided we will just keep it ticking over and gave a real push in the autumn to start again next year.

Finally, to explain my kitchen cafe!  I follow a lady called Jenna O'brien on substack and YouTube and as part of her Feeling magazine she advocates turning your kitchen into a cafe to bring joy!  As a result I now do the followjng:

I always used to plan out the weeks meals, but now I pick a cafe name, and plan out the meals like a menu.  This has been fun, looks good and is making me think of new things to cook.  I am now branching out into the coffee side of things!  On Jenna's advice I have bought a milk frother and a drink shaker to make iced tea and coffee - I shall report back on my adventures!!

And that is that!  Next time, I will have just 2 days left and I will definitely be winding down!  I hope everyone has a great week.