Tada! "On the Huh" Poncho

They have some funny old sayings in Norfolk - one of my favourite being "on the huh" - although I'm not really sure how you spell it?  I do know that it means when something is not quite straight, or is a bit wonky.  Which perfectly describes this poncho!

I love this asymmetrical look - and what is perfect about it is that the sides aren't completely sewn up so you can get a coat on over it, and can even wear a rucksack over it.

I've made quite a few of these now and I don't think I'll ever get tired of them.  (In fact, I have another one ready to sew up - and it has been ready for quite some time now!)  They are perfect just for a bit of warmth over your shoulders and back, when it's not quite cold enough for a jumper or cardi.

The pattern is so simple but so effective, and you can make just one half for a lovely shawl cover up.

I have worn these a lot over the winter/ spring, but they are just as good for cooler evenings in the summer too.   My new favourite garment!

Christmas Present Makes 2017

I really am hopeless at this blogging malarkey - it's nearly June and I'm typing up a post about Christmas!  In my defence, I haven't had the most up to date technology and my old computer used to take about three days to fire up, which is why I've treated myself to a new laptop.   Hopefully, I will get up to date with posts eventually.

In the meantime, this post includes photos of things that I made for Christmas presents - although I'm a bit concerned that I seem to have lost quite a lot of photos - I'm sure I made more?!

This was a scarf, hat and gloves set for Amanda in beautifully soft Hayfield wool.  There is also an orange, brown and cream colourway in this wool and I'm seriously considering making myself a set for this year.

I have made a number of these ponchos now, but I think the cream version is my new favourite, it shows the pattern up so well, it looks very natural somehow.

This lovely shawl was for my friend Mary in Dubai.

And these beautifully sparkly socks were for cousin Mary.

Another asymmetrical poncho - this one was my secret santa effort for the Knitters with Attitude ladies.

And this is beautiful - a shawl for Mum made in three ply yarn.  And it had over 600 stitches to start with!  But I loved making it and it was surprisingly much easier than I had anticipated.  Beautiful.

Other People's Gardens - April 2018

I have started to pick up quite a bit of gardening work again - the weather has changed and everyone wants to sit in their garden, but don't always have the time - or the inclination - to tidy up themselves which is where I come in handy.  Also, people don't always know what they're doing and feel rather overwhelmed with the size of the task.  I know that I am overwhelmed in my own garden and I (supposedly) know what I'm doing!

My first proper job of the year and I was knackered afterwards - I had forgotten how intense the two or three hours that I spend working for others can be.  The bonus of working in this particular garden is my company while I work.

This handsome chap proved somewhat of a distraction I must admit!

College has been very busy - what with tending the allotment plots and trying to get all our assessments out of the way.

I am always so late typing up these posts and everything is so much more advanced now - the difference in quite a short space of time is astonishing.

What is becoming more and more apparent is how much I'm going to miss college when it finishes in less than five weeks (as I type this).   I'm torn between wanting my final exams out of the way and not wanting them to ever get here, as that means it will be all over.  

All change!

Seeds and Stuff - April 2018

Seed sowing season has recommenced!  Although not an awful lot to show for it.

The start of the year has been so cold that the soil didn't really get a proper chance to warm up so while my courgettes, cucumbers and broccoli are doing OK, the rhubarb, tomatoes and carrots have done nothing.   In fact, Roger at college has donated me eight tomato plants which saves me sowing more tomato seeds, but I will need to have another go at rhubarb.  I might give the carrots a miss and try something else.

It's been a bit disappointing, truth to tell, but hopeful that I'll have more success with future sowings.