Woolacombe Tank Top

Over the bank holiday at the end of May, myself and my wife had an amazing four night stay in Woolacombe.

I never go anywhere without my knitting and this trip was no exception!

I took with me my summer top I designed, based on a simple t shirt style, with a little flair at the bottom.

I have combined two laceweight yarns. The first is Fyberspates Gleem Lace 

this comes 25 glourious colourways and is made from 55% Bluefaced Leicester and 45% Silk.

The second colourway is Chester Wool Tranquil Lace .  

I have a BIG stash of Chester Wool yarn as I just love it so much. The yarn is all natural colours which I love, but many indie dyers buy their yarn from here directly.

This yarn is made from 50% Camel and 50% Silk.

So with these two yarns combined the drape of the garment is just perfect.

While away the accommodation had the most perfect window seat.  I have never been anywhere with a window seat and what a view!!

When my wife was not sitting in the seat I sat and looked out down to Woolcombe sands and all the surfer's and people enjoying the beach.

If I was not sat in the window, I sat on the sofa and the view was equally amazing.  I spent many happy hours just looking at this hill, watching the cars coming a going and the sheep on the hill.

Whilst away we walked about 35 miles around this stunning part of north Devon and we loved it so much we have booked to go back next year!

I have named my top Woolacombe Tank top as the colours from the area match perfectly with the colours in the finished garment.

This is Woolacombe beach

This is Barrican Beach, which after the sandy beach is my favourite place.  

Here you can find so many shells and incredible rock formations.

Just look at the incredible colours found in these rock.

This is the finished top, I feel it will get alot of wear and I love it so much I am going to make another.

Slimbridge in May

I have been a member of World Wetlands Trust for more years than I can remeber and try and visit Slimbridge which is only 30 minutes drive from me as often as I can.

On 19th May which was a rather warm day and also the day of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wedding.

I decided it would be a quiet day to head off to have a relax at the trust.

I found a new walk which I had not been on before that takes you right down to the Seven Esturary.  I sat here for about an hour and just watched the waders and the River Severn ebb and flow.  This river is the longest river in Great Britain and brings together four rivers into one. It also has a hugh tidal range and Tidal Bore which is a spectacle I have yet to see.

 

 

There are the amazing pink Flamingos in three different locations around the site.

 

The South Lake hide is my favourite spot to just sit and chill and watch.

I take knitting almost every where. This project will be my new Deckchair socks.

The iconic building that I regonise instantly to symbolise Slimbridge.

Over the next two year's they are making changes to the site in a project called Slimbridge 2020.

I am so looking forward to being able to view Sir Peter Scott's home and visit the new aviary.

Another aspect i love about Slimbridge are the arrear of flowers they have.

So if your ever in the area pop in. You won't be disappointed.

Trip to Tewkesbury

This morning I woke to this poignant message having being sent to me by a good friend. I was unsure what to do with my day as I had no plans and the weather was set to be nice. 

So I decided to heed the advice and set off to Tewkesbury. 

On Friday I had treated myself to a nice new pair of walking shoes so this would be a great first outing for them.

Not even five minutes into my walk I spotted this beautiful Bluebells.

My first stop was a place called Lower Lode, Tewkesbury  you come down to the River Severn and the viewing point looks over to the 13th Century B&B/pup/campsite which was very popular today.

I decided to sit and people watch and listen to the bird's singing for 5 minutes whilst knitting a little of my new sock.

I then headed back the same way and walked across the park with the majestic Tewkesbury Abbey as the backdrop .

Here I sat for a little longer and listened to the bell ringing and watched as a coach load of visitors from Nottingham came to look around the Abbey.

In the grounds of the Abbey is the most amazing tree. 

It is always fun to stand under such spectacular branches.

I then headed into town for a short walk and take in the architecture of this mix of old and new buildings. 

There is a great rabbit warren of alleyways which are always great to explore. 

I then started to head back and took the route across Severn Ham Nature Reserve

At the end of my walk I came across this beautiful cottages.

Back in 1995 on the second year of my Degree in Knitwear Design this cottage was the inspiration for my jumper.

Plant life

Another passion of mine aswell as knitting is my garden. 

I have lived in my home for over 14 year's  so over the year's I have established and continuing to add to my garden. 

I love bulbs as every year it is a surprise to me what will come up.  Equally I love to add hardy plants that will slowly grow and give a base to work around in the garden.

For people that know me you will agree I have a terrible memory for names, be it a person or a plant, I just know I love to watch my plants grow.

So here I have taken some images of what is currently flourishing in the borders and containers around my garden.

Another hugh pleasure I have is seeing plants emerging from the soil.  I decided to plant some small bulbs and keep on the windowsill in the kitchen, so I can see them up close .

I also have great joy from taking cuttings from a plant and producing many many more.

I hope you have enjoyed my garden here in the Cotswolds in spring.