Freedom Train

Sometimes a very simple suggestion can make the world of difference. On this occasion the simple suggestion came from my husband- why not take the train for my night out watching Anton and Erin (of Strictly Come Dancing fame) dance? It was always going to be a bit of a 'freedom' day and night, as P was at nursery and I was staying away for the night (uninterrupted sleep!!). However, being on the train just made it even better. The journey mostly follows the coast, in places over sandy inlets so it almost feels like you're floating over Morecambe Bay. In addition to the views, another huge bonus of the train compared to driving is that I can knit. The journey down saw me start and nearly finish the wonderful 'Aviatrix' baby bonnet- a free pattern download from Ravelry. This one's going to be a gift for my cousin's brand new baby girl, but it's such a fantastic, clever and easy pattern that I can see myself making it over and over again. On the journey back today I was working on the project I've finally found to satisfy, in some very small way, my need to support the earthquake victims in Haiti. More on that tomorrow.

On commission

I fully accept that I'm never going make a living from making stuff. I'm not even sure I'd enjoy it if I did, as I'm never keen on making the same thing more than once. That said it has been immensely gratifying to enjoy some modest success with my Folksy shop. It feels even better when I can boast about being 'on commission'. A customer who bought a Union Jack tea cosy ended up giving it to a friend who admired it, so she asked me for another. As I was a little bit tired of the red/white/blue colourwork I was very happy to oblige when she requested an alternative colourway. Hence the pink and purple confection you see here. And yes, I know it really doesn't go with the orange teapot, but that was the only one I had that fitted!

Fresh air and careful progress

The onset of the first winter colds (we've done well to avoid them so far!) slightly marred the enjoyment of our weekend away. However, the slightly milder weather did at least mean we could get out and about for the first time in what feels like ages. A quick blow along the sea front to look at the little boats and the foolhardy souls out on the water (yes they had wetsuits and drysuits but still...!)with Granny and the dog, followed by fish and chips. It's that sort of morning that reminds you of why we live in this country!
Back home yesterday and despite a desperate need to sleep, the temptation to do a little more quilt work was too great. Those who know how hard I find it to go slowly will appreciate how careful I'm being. I laid out three blocks, then managed to put one together, painstakingly pinning together, sewing 1/2 a cm for each seam and ironing (!!) them flat as I went along. I'm absolutely delighted with how it's looking so far- time spent now is seven and a half hours. If I possibly can I want to get the top finished by mid February when I'm hoping to take a trip down to see my mum. With her vastly superior sewing skills and prior quilting experience I'm hoping she'll hold my hand through the actual quilting and binding stage.