Knitting and Crochet Diary Week 2

Sharing my week of knitting and crochet, and life in general.

Welcome to my yarn diary for my knitting and crochet business. A peek behind the scenes of what I get up to with knitting and crochet, and life in general. Grab yourself a cuppa, and I hope you enjoy my weekly diary.

A break from knitting and crochet: Early evening walks

Our first evening walk of the week took a very different route this week. Our daughter and her partner have bought their first home together, which is really exciting. We’re so happy for them, and proud of them too. Getting onto the housing ladder is so hard these days, and they have worked so hard to get there.

They have a gorgeous Black Labrador called Reggie, and their home is in the perfect location for walks. It couldn’t be better for him.

What a joy it was to see him take off and run like the wind along the paths and through the trees, with his ears flapping and his tongue hanging out. He runs so fast, like a greyhound, and it’s made my heart melt to see him so happy.

Our walk was along the old Biddulph Valley Railway which was a local double-tracked line that once ran from Stoke-on-Trent to Congleton. Hubby remembered travelling on it as a child and it was nice to listen to his stories as we walked.

Sadly, most of the stations eventually closed, and they were all demolished. But now, it has been transformed into a wonderful open space for walkers and cyclers. The path is surfaced so that it’s suitable for wheelchairs and prams too, so it’s accessible for all, which is really great.

The Macclesfield Canal also runs alongside the pathways, and it was lovely to see the narrowboats moored along the tow path. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the amazing spaces and environments that are within our reach. I had absolutely no idea that all this was so close.

Although it made me realise how much I miss my oldest daughter who also lives on a narrowboat in Lincoln. I’m really looking forward to seeing her in a couple of weeks, and catching up.

Losing my touch

I was doing so well with my houseplants. But all good things come to an end!!

I mentioned last week that I really don’t have ‘Green Fingers’ despite my very best efforts. And the proof was in the pudding, or should I say the plant. I found my Calathea collapsed!! 

Its home is the downstairs loo, as there is no direct sunlight. It was so happy and growing so well. And then BAM. It collapsed. I think I may have forgotten to water it!!!! My biggest downfall when it comes to plants.

Armed with my scissors, I snipped off the dead leaves and watered it in small but regular doses. I popped it in the recovery room (aka the laundry) where my poorly plants seem to recover well. I’m happy to report that my nursing efforts worked and my Calathea is back to good health. Now I just need to keep it up and take more care!!

Knitting and crochet: A pretty blanket

I’m crocheting furiously at the moment as I have lots of deadlines. It’s very different crocheting to deadlines than it is to crochet for enjoyment. Crocheting as quickly as you can requires a lot of focus to maintain speed. I smiled to myself, as I sat watching the Olympics. I felt as though I could perhaps win a medal myself for the fastest crocheter. On your marks, get set, CROCHET!!! 

I tried a new yarn that I haven’t used before. My plan was to use a variegated or multi-coloured yarn option for this particular book project. After searching the internet, I found this pretty, variegated Scheepjes Stone Washed Minerals which is perfect. It’s a combination of colours from their gorgeous Stone Washed range, all mixed together in one ball. I bought my yarn from Wool Warehouse, and I’ve added a link at the end of the post. Isn’t it lovely!

I’m secretly hoping that I have a ball or two left over so that I can try knitting with it. I think it would make a gorgeous baby cardigan.

I also have a ball of plain Stone Washed in my stash to edge the blanket with and frame the pretty colours. All-in-all, it’s a project that I’m thoroughly enjoying, even though I feel like I’m in a crochet race, rather than a leisurely stroll.

Pre-loved and sustainable: A new blouse

I’ve been doing a few things a little differently of late. 

1. Trying not to buy things I don’t need.
2. Selling my unwanted things on Vinted.
3. Mooching in charity/thrift/second-hand shops for pre-loved clothes.

Whilst I often find a few bits and bobs in charity shops, I never seem to be one of those people who find amazing items of clothing.

We have two charity shops across the road, which is handy. I’ve made a note to enjoy a little mooch, each time I pop to the shops.

I made myself laugh last week in one shop. A pair of red Clark’s sandals caught my attention and I thought they were really nice. I fondly remembered I once had a pair too, as well a brown pair. They were my favourite sandals and I walked miles and miles in them.

Then surprise, surprise, there was a brown pair on the shelf below too. I realised that they were both mine that I had donated in a clear-out. I honestly almost bought them back!! But I resisted the temptation.

Instead, I found a lovely blouse which is a style I love, made with pretty, patterned fabric. When I took it to the till, everything was half price, so for a mere £2, I have a lovely new top. 

And there we have it. Another week has passed by, filled with family, outdoors, and crochet.

I hope you had a fab week too, and that the week ahead stays bright.

Lynne x 

Here is the yarn I mentioned (not an affiliate link): Wool Warehouse Scheepjes Stone Washed Minerals

P.S. If you love to knit or crochet, then I also share free patterns. I have a great crochet blanket pattern, for a baby blanket, which you can find here: Ombre Star Blanket