Completing UFOs, making plans and plodding along

Daffodils in the garden

Everything seems to have started growing in the garden. It is lovely to see some bright colour outside.

Crocuses

Work has continued over the past few days on the weaving theme. You will see a sample of a woven pocket in the next photo. The sketchbook belongs to the challenge starting soon for the MEG group. I am looking forward to getting this one started. I don't normally use a sketchbook, preferring to jot things down in my notebook, so it will be interesting to get some guidance on how to put one together and then begin to use it.

I treated myself to a sewing magazine this morning, so will probably end up tempted to make something else. Unfortunately, my list of things to sew seems to be getting longer. I have now cut out the lining pieces for my Cocoon coat, but it has got no nearer to completion. I keep getting tempted to do a bit more with the weaving project. The first draft of the instructions has been written. It remains to be seen whether the directions and illustrations make any sense. 

The pdf pattern belongs to this design from "Sew Now" issue 3. I need to find some nice denim or fine corduroy to make this. Years ago I had a pair of dungarees which I really loved wearing. This is a more practical item of clothing for me these days. I just love those pockets.

Pinafore design in issue 3 of "Sew Now".

I did mention finishing UFOs in my title. Last time I mentioned a piece of embroidery but didn't show it. 

This is it. I only have the scissor keeper to embroider now, then I will be able to get the whole thing assembled. It has only been in my UFO pile for a few years. Embarrassingly I cannot now remember exactly how many years it has been languishing. The finished size of the closed Etui will be 3.5 inches square, so it really is rather small to have lain unfinished for so long. The brown felt shown behind the embroidered pieces will be used for the lining and the needlecase pages.

The designer, Sue Hawkins is a very talented and her work is really colourful. I couldn't resist it when I saw this little kit, which is why I am getting on with it now. There will be a needle case inside, and somewhere to stash a small pair of scissors inside the back cover, also a neat little thimble case which is to be attached to the scissors on a long cord. A rather useful item for my hand-stitching projects. I just need to find a nice sharp pair of embroidery scissors to keep inside it. 

My idea this year, is to get on with the rather large number of unfinished projects which have been lying around. Some may end up being drastically redesigned. My interests have changed rather a lot over the years. I'd like to use up at least some of the yarn I have collected, and then there is my rather too large stash of fabric.............. I must check to see if I already have something I could use up for that pinafore dress.......... Now that really would be sensible.

Do have fun with your own projects.

Finished!

I finally got the Traveller's Chuck completed.

The back is one fleece which I picked up cheaply some time ago. I had intended making it into part of a coat. I also have a deep yellow fleece bought at the same time. In the end, I really didn't fancy a yellow and orange coat even though it would have been really warm. The yellow will back another quilt.

The front is bright and cheerful. My dear husband's reaction? "That's bright!!" He isn't too keen. Never mind, he will enjoy using it for picnics.

Outside, it has been the most wonderful Spring day. Chilly this morning, but bright and sunny all day. Definitely a day for sitting outside. This is the delightful Rhododendron which lives in a corner of the back garden. The cats love hiding underneath it.

Have you seen this wonderful event yet? Use the link in my sidebar to join in the fun. When I visited today, there were over 300 quilts entered! Amazing. I still haven't decided which of my quilts could be anywhere good enough to be seen amidst these wonderful entries. I'll ask my daughter Rosie to choose for me. She has a good artists eye.

Carey Park

One of the things I had promised myself this Easter holiday was to start having a daily walk. I really do need to get myself fit. Parking close to the entrance to Carey Park was a perfect opportunity to explore.

This has not been a park for very long. It had started out life as a landfill site. The signs around the park encourage walkers to remain on the paths since some areas are quite polluted due to the rubbish left underground. However, the trees don't seem to mind. They were really healthily showing new leaves.

The paths are lovely - really sturdy and flat.



The following photos show the trees and plants around the path I followed.











I went as far as Carden's Ferry Bridge. A rather attractive pedestrian bridge over the River Weaver.





This is a well-used pathway at the weekend, since it links to the Anderton Nature Park. You may remember that I went on a walk here on Boxing Day.

After this I walked back to the car park by another section of pathway. The nice things about these pathways is that they are accessible to the disabled and parents with children in pushchairs.

This photo shows the industrial nature of the area around Anderton.

I just couldn't resist this beautiful moss. Such a wonderful colour.

The daisy had just opened it's petals on the grass in front of my car as I got back.

A lovely walk, I shall try a different route next time.

Plans starting to come together.

I've had another busy week. This time managing to get some sewing in - well, the sewing took place yesterday and today. No housework took place. During the week I got on with some knitting.

Sorry, the green here looks rather washed out. This is the Sirdar pattern.

Next comes the Vogue design by Vladimir Teriokhin. This has been such fun to knit so far. It looks a little odd at the top at present because this is where the second v cable starts. Again the colour is not quite right, it has more of a green cast.

Then I was playing with my camera and took these one evening.

Today was such a gorgeous day, that I took these.

Spring is definitely on the way!

With my trusty helper watching from the mending pile (when he wasn't asleep), I sarted getting on with the new quilt.

Its still just a collection of blocks at present, but its getting there. I shall soon have to choose which of my fleece blankets I should choose for the backing.