We are definitely well in to Autumn season here now. It feels much cooler, the days are shorter and the trees are shedding their leaves.
The cutting back in the garden is still a work in progress. Not that there is a lot of it, I just haven't found the time. Although, the table and chairs have been put inside and are awaiting a coat of wood stain in preparation for next year.
Last week, a girly day out in Liverpool was very enjoyable and a much appreciated change of scenery. A little sightseeing, a delicious lunch out, then a thorough browse of the John Lewis Christmas section followed by coffee and a cake. A return trip has already been planned to include an overnight stay and a look around the Christmas market, which I'm really looking forward to.
Finally, to ease myself back into a crafting mindset I have, at last, picked up my crochet hook and started a new project - a throw for the sofa.
It's strange to think how I had no desire to do any kind of crafting during the late summer months. My heart just wasn't in it and maybe it was something to do with spending more time outdoors. Now the nights are getting dark earlier it feels time to cosy in and do something productive.
I am using just grey yarn and am finding there is something pleasantly relaxing about crocheting row upon row with no colour changes to think of. This is not a challenging project by any means but a lovely way to unwind in an evening or any other time I get chance to pick it up as it requires very little by way of concentration. I'm hoping I can get it finished before the weather becomes much cooler.
J. X
A real snuggle blanket in the making I'm sure! I could never tire of the beautiful colours of autumn...so vibrant without being gaudy. x
ReplyDeleteThe colours are gorgeous, aren't they, Jackie? The blanket does feel nice and snuggly already.X
DeleteYour first photo is just beautiful, it sums up autumn perfectly. John Lewis opened a new store in Leeds yesterday so I'm looking forward to having a trip there when I do my Christmas shopping. I haven't picked my crochet hook up for quite a while now, I'm too engrossed in knitting and cross stitch at the moment but I know what you mean about the seasons putting you in different moods where crafting is concerned. I'm sure once winter's here I'll be reaching for the hook again. A blanket or throw is the ideal winter project as it keeps you warm as you work on it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jo. It was taken on one of our walks through the woods. You can't beat a good browse around John Lewis, it's one of my favourite stores. You are right, the blanket is keeping me warm while I work on it. X
DeleteThe seasons changing certainly gives you the urge to craft, a throw is the perfect Autumn/Winter project. I have just finished a great throw and cushion for my daughter it really was a therapeutic project.
ReplyDeleteI think the dark evenings lend themselves to a bit of crafting. X
DeleteBeautiful Photos, what a lovely girlie day out, I think crafting is more for winter, looking forward to seeing the finished article, have a lovely weekend xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Marlene. Yes, I'll be sure to put a photograph up when it's finished. X
DeleteLovely photos, what beautiful countryside. Looking forward to seeing your throw :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, I will put up a photograph soon. X
DeleteI have never managed to get to Liverpool. Driven by many times. I really should stop one time.
ReplyDeleteYou really should. We had a great day. X
DeleteA grey sofa throw is my idea of a very good thing indeed! I know there's a saying about quilting whenever there's an R in the month, so it makes sense to take a break from the cosiest crafts during the summer, gives us chance to miss it.
ReplyDeleteWe're planning a trip to Liverpool very soon, we've not been for a few months but both you and Kezzie have mentioned it this week so now it's top of the list. I've visited the cathedrals before but Dan hasn't so we're off for a stained glass and concrete boost!
I've never heard that saying before but it does make sense. X
DeleteLove the pink wellies
ReplyDeleteThank you John. X
DeleteI love that first picture! It is like an invitation to come for a walk along that path. Crocheting a grey throw sounds like a lovely, cosy project. One could never have too many throws to cuddle under when it is cold. I hope you share a picture of it when it is completed.
ReplyDeleteHi Bless. Yes, I will share a photograph once it's completed. I do like throws and blankets on my sofa. X
DeleteLovely photos, especially the one of Lily holding the conkers. Your day in Liverpool sounds perfect. I find there's something about getting together with the girls, it can give you a boost for quite a while even when you're back in the daily routine.
ReplyDeleteAs you're picking up the hook, I'm making a conscious effort to get all my projects finished and sent off so there's a bit of a crochet frenzy going on here at the moment. There is definitely something quite therapeutic about crocheting though, so even with the best intentions, I don't think it'll be too long before I start something else! xx
Thank you Suzanne. We have so many conkers now. We seem to collect more with each walk.
DeleteYour crochet projects all look fantastic and for such a worthy cause. X
snuggly sofa blankets are the best x
ReplyDeleteThey really are. X
DeleteI love your mantel decorating idea. I'll have to keep my eye out for some dry Autumn leaves - the conkers I have already.
ReplyDeletexx
I'm not quite sure it's decoration, more Lily emptying her pockets after every walk. X
DeleteI know what you mean about not feeling like crafting. I felt the same and regretted very much, the plans which I didn't fulfil.
ReplyDeleteAutumn walks have been one of the highlights so far of this season which I traditionally don't enjoy! OOoh, I went to Liverpool over the Summer unexpectedly and I was surprised by it! In fact, I thhink it's still my current post (Hmmmm...goes to check... yes it is!) I was disappointed originally but it was really enjoyable in the end!
We have been so lucky with the weather recently, which has made our Autumn walks far more enjoyable. Thank you for commenting. I'm going to have a look back at your post now. X
Deleteand now the clocks go back tonight! I love this time of year. When I worked in town, I didn't mind at all walking home in the dark.
ReplyDeleteFunny how the crafting mood comes and goes. I am determined to get on with some sewing that I started a while back, but have barely looked at, let alone picked up.
Have a beautiful weekend. I loved your photos today. xx
Thanks, Sadie. I'm learning to love this time of year now too(probably some thanks to you.) I have always yearned for the Summer months but now I am taking the time to appreciate each of the seasons we are blessed with. X
DeleteDo you know, much as I love crochting with colours, I think a single colour throw could be absolutely gorgeous. Especially in grey, very elegant. I always get an urge to crochet when autumn arrives, it must be something about wanting to be cosy. x
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure anything I crochet could be described as elegant Gillian, :-) but I know what you mean. I do like to be cosy when the nights are drawing in and it does keep me lovely and snug whilst I work on it. X
Deleteone thing I'm going to miss about England is that there doesn't seem to be ANY conker trees anywhere near us. Perhaps once we've bought the land I'll have a go at growing them a conker tree, but I suppose that will be for my future grandchildren more than anything, trees do tend to take a while lol
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed collecting them this year. X
DeleteJust catching up after our week away. Years since I went into a John Lewis (not many branches in the Lake District, ha ha) but sounds like you had a lovely trip out.
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