February...ing

Hello friends! I have been a bit slack on blogging of late. Happy to read them but too busy to write one. Let's kick off with some seasonal fayre and a round up of what I have been making.

Filling - the gaps of my fading Autumn wreath with some roses I dried (a birthday gift from January) It gives it a little spring like edge but it is so delicate now that I have to keep it inside to stop the wind blowing it away from the front door.

Digging - the last of my parsnips while the ground is still soft but trying to stay off the soil. The veg patch needs a little while longer yet until I can give it a dig over.

Picking - a few choice hellebores for my table vase. You have to condition them well or they just wilt straight away. I cut an angled stem at the bottom and dipped them in boiling water before standing them in cold water up to the stems for about 3 hours. Then into the vase they went. 

Buying - a new hellebore called Camelot which has beautiful peachy tones. 

Promising - to be a glorious show in the front border. The bulbs are appearing and although it should look at its worst right now, in the depths of February, it looks OK 

Finishing - my toe up socks. I really liked the way these were constructed and the after thought heel was not a compromise on comfort. It felt the same as my other ones but was much easier to do. I am going to try a few more from the booklet.

Feeling - just OK with my new knit. I wanted it to be boxier and more of a swing over top so I sized up but because I made it in 4ply scraps instead of double knit it is a bit fitted for me. I have blocked it and that gave it some more space but I will see if I wear it and if not I will send it to a friend. The pattern is here and I would definitely do it again.

Using - up some of my yarn leftovers with some baby knitting and crochet. A little white sweater and a car seat blanket for my neighbours' daughter.

 

Diving - into my vintage sewing patterns. I haven't made one for a couple of years but have a massive collection. This brocade suit was for a video tutorial for Minerva (its not on there yet) I actually like wearing it as separates but it does make a beautiful suit. 

Having - my favourite chair reupholstered. I bought it 16 years ago for £70 in an antique shop and kept saying I would have it re-done. It was my new years resolution to get the seat repaired and recovered professionally. It is so comfortable to sit on/in but it has one drawback - I can't knit in it! There is some fabric left over so I am thinking about making a deep foam seat pad to lift me up. That way, I am hoping I can move my elbows at knitting height. 

Leaving - you as ever with my kitchen table view. The sunsets have been amazing this week. One every night which changes in minutes. 

Thanks for dropping by. Jo xxxx