Friday Blurble

Ahhhh Friday again, how whizzy and wonderful this week has been!

I love my Friday morning potterings around town when I visit local shops and the market to stock up on produce for the weekend. I'll try and photograph the fruit/veg stall one day to show you, it's really quite visually lovely with all the beautiful, colourful fresh produce on display. Today I bought a couple punnets of English strawberries, I love how they come in a variety of shapes and sizes (unlike the supermarket ones) and are deliciously ripe and sweet. They really do need to be eaten pretty much straight away whilst still a little warm from the sun. Little B and I shared a whole punnet on our way home from playgroup today, sat in the shade of a weeping willow beside the canal. The strawberries hardly touched the sides, they tasted incredible.

Also in my bag today was a bundle of English Asparagus which I am really looking forward to smooshing up tomorrow. My love affair with this seasonal vegetable has not let up over the years (I laugh to myself when I recall this post), and I continue to think rather passionate thoughts about devouring these gorgeous spears.

When I came home from the market this morning, I unloaded my bags, put a fresh coffee on to brew, then ran up to the attic eaves to rootle around in my rather large box of Home Textiles. I was after a table cloth, a dash of summer colour to throw over the brown wooden outdoor table. A big improvement, but the table was missing a little floral something. I pondered over it a while, then decided on a sudden impulse to walk up to the park and gather some cow parsley. I remembered that a few of you suggested enjoying it outside instead of bringing it inside, so that's exactly what I did. The sight of it on my table has made me so happy today, I've loved being able to sit and gaze at it as I've sat eating, drinking and hooking.

I had a little play with hook and yarn this afternoon, trying out a few ideas from my new book.

The above sample is a variation of the "terraces" pattern on page 79, although I had to do it my own way. Sorry Jan Eaton but your pattern was really difficult to read and I just couldn't do it your way. My way worked out pretty good though, and I've got an idea for using it to make a small square cushion cover. It's a fabulous colour-play pattern, I'm quite excited by the idea of playing with it on a larger scale.

4.30pm now, and we are in that sweet lull that comes after the school run and before meal-making time. A friend called by to enjoy a little bit of Friday Afternoon Yummies. This tends to happen most Friday's, a spontaneous gathering of friends and neighbours, lots of children coming and going, a few nibbles and a glass of something delicious and chilled. My current Friday Afternoon tipple of choice is Demi Sec Cava. Oh it really does hit the spot rather nicely. Those bubbles! That fruitiness! Divine. So funny, I just had a look on the supermarket website for more information on this drink, and discovered the "tasting notes" for it.....Fruity nose due to the varietal blend and the short bottle ageing. Harmonious on the palate with apple and hints of toast. Very well balanced, good freshness and pleasant acidity level. Who knew all this could be applied to my drink????? Apples and TOAST??? Hahahaha, gosh I laughed out loud when I read that. I so wish my memory was good enough to recall those sentences, I would really love to be able to say all that just to hear the uppity words tumble out of my mouth.

Ahh, this is my back yard wall. Little B, bored with chasing woodlice, practicing a spot of photography. That kid, how very much I love his company. We've had a sweet, happy, toddling kind of a day together, he is quite wonderful to hang out with.

Now then.....before I toddle off and snuggle up with J on the sofa, I would like to mention three things.....

Thing Number 1 :: Janet Bell. Do you know of this lovely lady?? She is an artist with incredible talent, and moreover she is a super-nice lady you know. That's a print of hers up there on my bathroom wall, I absolutely love love love Janet's work, it makes my heart flip over and wibble with excitement. Janet's blog was the very first blog I ever encountered, so you can thank her for opening the door into Blogland for me. Did I say she was a super-lovely lady? I did? Go see for yourself, bob on over to her blog and say hello...she is peeking back through her own door after taking a baby-break and I'm sure she'd be thrilled to welcome you in.

Thing number 2 :: a wacky crochet tie, isn't it marvellous? Not my creation though, no, this was made by a good friend of mine. You may remember me chatting about this particular friend when I showed you her inspirational blanket?? Well this tie was made for her son to wear at school as part of a fund raising effort for the amazing charity Oxfam. Tomorrow some  of my lovely hooky friends will be taking part in an extraordinary walk to raise money for Oxfam. It'll be an incredible achievement and I am so in awe of them for taking up this challenge. They'll be walking a mind blowing 100km over 30 hours (yikes!), I can hardly get my head around it actually. I promised I would pass on their details in case any of you would like to donate to Oxfam via the Hooky Ladies of Yorkshire. The link to their team page is here.

And finally, Thing Number 3 :: the Sun Is Still Shining here and the sky is a most gorgeous shade of cloudless blue!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yipppeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a fabulous weekend, enjoy every precious little minute of it ♥

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Comments

[Sarah]

Lucy, I truly love reading your blogs and seeing your georgeous, colourful creations. I am trying to add my own creations to my home to make it as cosy looking as yours.

Hope your cold goes quickly! x

[Elise]

Between the gorgeous things made on your blog and that very same Jan Eaton Book (although mine has a blue and more colourful colour)I taught myself to crochet wonderful things!!

I've probably said it before, but I will say it again, Thank you so much for you crafty and colourful inspiration!

[Adrianne]

This aal looks so lovely. I wish I had a caravan and spruce it up with all lovely, colourful things. Have a great weekend.

Adrianne

[Jo]

I have that Jan Eaton Book, too. My big problem is that once I make a square, I want to make a different one! I need to come up with a blanket idea that is just a hodgepodge of squares, so i don't get bored!!
I just love your blog, it's my daily dose of cheeriness!

[Kari]

Hello Lucy

I couldn't believe it when I clicked on your "new book" link and discovered it linked to the Jan Eaton book, which is literally the only crochet book I have ever bought! I still prefer your patterns, as they are so incredibly user-friendly and produce such very beautiful things. Of all the crochet blogs around (and aren't there so many?!), yours is still my all-time favourite.

From an avid crochet person in Cape Town, South Africa,
Kari

PS - my latest project has been crocheted bowls for little trinkets and Things That Don't Really Belong Anywhere.

[Kondicionieriai]

I just want to dive into that bin of yarn on your table. What beautiful, luscious colors!

[beats by dr dre]

Nice one, there is actually some great points on this post some of my associates will find this worthwhile, will send them a link, thanks

[Lisa]

Hi Lucy,

it is a funny tie. I love it. And beautiful colours.

[Sharmayne]

Hi Lucy, I've been following your blog since stumbling across the great crochet bag you made - Well, I just wanted to let you know that I had fun making a smaller version of yours and have taken photos & linked it back here to your blog . Thanks so much for the pattern & I just loved making the little flowers! Will definately be making more flowers! Hugs Sharm .... oh and a PS, Aussies also use the same instructions as our English forebearers, so am glad you wrote out what you meant by the US terms (& it finally explained why so many of their patterns look so strange when I make them using "those" stiches LOL) If you want to come see my photo www.countryfragrance.blogspot.com

[Sandra]

I love the Terraces pattern on page 79 of Jan Eaton's book. One of my favorites is called Granny in the Middle on page 88. I have made lots of those as presents to be used as modern doilies for a vase of flowers. I usually crochet a flower separately which I pin in one corner, choosing the colours of the square to go with the flower in question. You are very adventuresome to try out one of the more complex, but very lovely, patterns! Have agood week!

[Katie Belle]

Your words make my heart fill with happy! I love your rambles with the baby. I would definitely luv to see the shops and stalls that you visit...and someday will get to England to see them for myself. :) Right now we live in a high desert area-so your lush pictures of greenery are wonderful. Enjoy all of that greenery for me! :)

[Kathryn]

oh I love your blog so much, it really makes me smile!
Hey Lucy - I came across this lady's work today on Etsy and thought you would love it, it's very you!
love, Kathryn
http://www.etsy.com/shop/EllenGiggenbach?ref=seller_info#

[Jayne]

You have worked out what life is all about and know how to live it well. And isn't the sunshine wonderful?

[Fiona Francis]

You appear to have stolen my Janet Bell print!! Even the frame looks the same! We obviously share the same great taste!
I found your blog because Janet Bell kept talking about it in her blog.

[Lianne]

Sounds like a wonderful day...it sure was a joy to read your blog.

[WoollyBudgie]

A lovely post. The cow parlsey looks beautiful in the jug. What a good idea. The sun makes everything so much more enjoyable doesn't it!

[Melanie @ M&M]

Love your posts all the time. I wanted to let you know about a fun book I found at out local used bookstore recently. The Cool Girls Guide to Crochet http://www.amazon.com/Girls-Guide-Crochet-Nicki-Trench/dp/1405473193.
Made me think of you! I started a project from it and it's just making me so happy! I'll post pics on my blog later. Dd and I had asparagus wrapped in black forest ham with goat cheese as an appetizer for her birthday dinner. To die for! Happy Weekend : )

[Eugenia]

hi lucy
i love that tie.I went to a market today and i just discovered a lovely lady in a van crocheting and i thought of you.She has an amazing selection of wools and books to sell so please feel free to have a look at her wedsite www.winniethewoolwagon.com enjoy our summer!

[Julie]

Well done little B on your first photography attempt, first pics are usually your own shoes when camera playing, obviously copying mummy and her talented photography.
Super tie, I bet that got some great comments.

[T. Crockett]

The Jan Eaton book is the one crochet motif book that I have. It's funny to see that you went straight for a block I've never tried but have admired. I've only figured out how to crochet in rounds. The back and forth like a typewriter ones always confuse me.

Happy hooking

[teja]

Hi Lucy, I was looking all over your page to find your e-mail and I couldn't find it. I'm sure you can help me ... We're going to England on holidays in October and I would like to find some shops with cute & cool fabric ... I don't know where to start searching, I only found one crafty cute little shop in Bristol last year. Can you help me?

[Peri]

Nice post.

I have that Jan Eaton book and made loads of squares from it and have yet to find a pattern that isn't easy to follow or well written - I think all her books are fab and she really is one of the best crochet authors around. Shame she's retired now and their are no new books of hers to look forward to - she's a crochet legend. But each to their own :o)

[Emma p]

Absolutely love your blOg it's so inspirational and positive.

[Janice]

What is cow parsley? And what does it smell like? I've never heard of it before. I have only just worked out how to post a comment (I know it's easy now!!), but I have been reading your blog for quite a while, and really love your photography, especially of simple things that look so beautiful the way you use close up, and when you show how the same scene changes over time. I have been inspired by your crocheting and made a version of the hexagonal blanket, but I went around the edge in rows to fininsh it off. I would send you a photo but I don't know how to do that, but I am pleased with the result.

[sewgirly]

Hi Lucy,

Not sure if you will see this post or not, but i saw your picture of the yummy salad with the 'giant' couscous. It's possible you may be looking for Royal Quinoa (keen-wah). I noticed a leaflet in the health food section of my supermarket with a picture that looked just like your giant couscous. I was looking for Quinoa flakes to use in my baking as it's supposed to be extremely healthy! I made the Lemon Drizzle Cake the other day & I have just come back to write the recipe down to put in my box of 'keepers'.

Thanks for such an inspiring blog, Tania.