Cold Aston CL

We arrived yesterday, 6th October, at Cold Aston CL in the Cotswolds. There are already 3 caravans on the site, but it is a very large field with plenty of room. Having had three days of almost constant rain, we were lucky to travel in a bright autumn weather and set up the ‘van and awning before a quick shower arrived.

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The view across the valley is wonderful.

After a quick bite to eat we walked to my sister Debbie’s home and dodging the showers had a tour of the garden and Chris set to work fixing her computer and sorting out a kitchen job he will tackle later in the week.

Just look at the size of her inglenook fireplace! Her cottage is full of quirky hide holes.

Chris and Deb planing the project he will work on tomorrow when rain is forecast.

As today, Wednesday is the only day with a dry forecast we are off to visit Batsford arboretum.

Quilting, carrots and Facebook

Quilting, carrots and facebook sounds like a strange recipe!

I started machine quilting my latest quilt, the Birthday Cake Quilt, I really am not very good at this and struggle with such large pieces of fabric but the only way I know to get to a finished quilt is to quilt it. Hand sewing is definitely out, as is paying for it to be long arm quilted unless its for a special gift.

I try to use simple designs and take my time, as soon as shoulders and hands start to ache I do something else.

Chris walked into my Happy Room and said I need a machine with a larger throat, hope he told Santa !

Our first carrots straight from the garden container... they were delicious.

A couple of blog posts ago I said how I dislike this snowflake quilt. Pat Sloan, who I follow on Facebook asked us to put up a photo of a quilt we would like to do again and the reason. I put up my snowflake and it received Seven hundred and Ninety One likes or comments, most people saying they like it and I should finish it and donate it, or make it into a tablecloth or a Tree skirt. I am amazed how many people commented on it and will indeed finish it, maybe as a tablecloth or donation.

Sock knitting

The last time I picked up knitting needles was on holiday in Spain in January. I love knitting socks and have a number of pairs I wear all the time, why did I stop knitting?  I’m guessing with all the chaos and constant worry over the pandemic I needed something new to work on and after a spell of not wanting to do anything, I turned to quilting and have made a number of quilts and other sewing items.

Saturday evening I suddenly had the urge to knit and found the pair of socks I had been working on ten months ago. One sock was complete, the other had the heel turn completed. It took me an age to work out where I had left off and how to continue, but I managed a few rows and will work on them in the evenings while watching TV. With the sudden change in the seasons and colder weather I will be wearing these socks soon.

I think these are the dullest socks I have made, normally I like very colourful socks.

I’m guessing the wool was on an offer I could not refuse!

  I love how the wool is designed that both socks turn out the same pattern wise.
I have a number of pairs of Regia Pairfect socks and wash them in the washing machine on a 30 minute cool wash, dry them on a heated rail and have never had a problem unlike some of the more expensive yarns I have bought!

Halloween I’m ready

Normally, if you can remember what normal is, at this time of the month I would be buying Halloween sweets and carving a pumpkin. I love to see the local children and their parents dressing up and having fun together. I cannot see that happening this year with Covid still on the rampage.

Earlier in the year I found a seedling growing in my compost bin, looked like it might be a pumpkin, courgette or melon so I transplanted it into a pot and the leaves grew and grew and suddenly a flower appeared, how exciting, yes it does not take much to get excited at these strange times. The flower turned into a small bulb and I had great hopes for a large pumpkin.

This is the final result, even Chris said it’s too small to carve !! It will be my only Halloween decoration this year.

Still no idea what it is, but definitely not a courgette.

No sweets for the children will mean none to finish up afterwards, that’s a good thing I guess.

Everywhere in the garden is starting to look autumnal, but the succulents are doing well and add a lovely pop of green.

I am trying to cultivate a few in tiny pots.

The last time my sister came to visit she brought me a lovely bowl of succulents she had grown herself.

Such a cheery sight on my garden table.

October has arrived

October has arrived and it is pouring with rain after a lovely bright sunny day yesterday, definitely feels very autumnal.

A few days ago I went into town for an eye test, my first trip to town since the pandemic, what a dreary place Northampton has become, with many shops closed and a good clean would do wonders.

Northampton being famous for its shoe industry someone had the bright idea to put shoe statues everywhere, which I am sure looked great the day they were put there, but now are all chipped and full of rubbish.

The eye test confirmed I need new glasses, I could not decide between two pairs, so ordered them both!  It was that kind of day.

Really disappointed with this snowflake quilt, and intend to make it again. It was a mystery sew along, and I am not good taking part in mysteries, I always like everyone else’s version. I love the snowflakes that were made with just two colours, especially if they had dark backgrounds.

Yesterday I took my Bringing Home the Christmas Tree quilt, together with the wadding and backing, to the Long arm quilter. Now I cannot wait to get it back and put  the binding on it. In preparation I have cut out the binding and sewed the strips together.

saw this on Facebook and it’s just how I have been feeling lately.

Stay safe everyone as many places go back into Lockdown and there are more and more restrictions on what we can and cannot do.

Love to read your comments, so please feel free to leave me one.  Diana

Last Monday in September

Well here we are the end of September in sight. Hard to believe October will be with us this week as we head into the Winter. After a very cold windy day yesterday the sun is shining and the wind has dropped, I may venture into the garden to plant some bulbs into my raised beds.

The Covid rules are still well and truly with us, but last week I set up the Happy Room with tables at each end and a friend joined me for a sewing day. It was lovely to see Dorn and chat the day away, plus do a little sewing. 

I worked on my Birthday Cake Quilt and this morning the final border went on and it is ready for the wadding and backing. I intend to quilt it myself in a simple design.

My holder upper of quilts has hurt his back so I stood  on a stool over my table to take the photo.

I have enjoyed making this fairly easy quilt and pleased with the summer feel of the finish.

 I really like this book and the way everything is explained.

There are patterns for 16 different quilts based on Layer Cakes [10 x 10 inch fabric squares] and each pattern is named after a cake.

Mint Choc Chip, Banana, Peaches’n cream to name but a few, plus of course the Birthday Cake Quilt top that I have just completed.

My ironing board was in dire need of a new cover, and I had a scrap of this jolly car fabric that was just big enough to make a quick cover.

I do not remove the old covers as I like the feel of the padded board, there are probably half a dozen covers on it at the moment.

Notice behind the ironing board the stack of Leaders and Enders is steadily growing.

First haircut of the year!

My hair has been driving me nuts as I have not felt confident to visit a hairdresser until today.

I bit the bullet and visited Mason Hairdressers for a cut and blow dry.

I was very impressed with their Covid precautions, and delighted with the cut, thanks Ella.

New quilt projects

On Monday I started the Birthday Cake Quilt featured in the Perfect 10 Quilts book, published by The Fat Quarter Shop.

I thought this was an appropriate quilt to start this week as it’s Chris’s 70th birthday week and we will not mention my Fat Quarter!!

Such a nice selection of fairly easy designs.

Preparing the fabric from stash.

Starting the sewing process, still using Starters and Enders, which reminds me I must prepare some more, its amazing how many little blocks I’ve made without even thinking about it.

Found after much searching on Ebay...

I have wanted a set of these letters for quite a while, and bingo! I managed to find a pack of 2 sets on Ebay for 20p ! 

Such a bargain even with postage they were only a pound.   What did I want them for??

Answer is to super glue to pins [thanks Chris I hate super glue] and use to mark fabrics that I cut for different patterns.

I have tried using pieces of paper, sticky notes and a number of things but usually they fall off... the pins will hold the markers securely.

I am preparing to make 3 Christmas cushions and the fabric pieces are very similar in size.

Chris’s 70th birthday lunch

I booked a table at the Hare in Loddington and invited four of our friends to join us as a surprise for Chris.

We were all busy eating when I remembered to take a photo!

Chris, Bill and Peter

Ann, Dorn and myself all enjoying a really nice meal.

The bonus at the end was 20% off the bill !

Happy Birthday to Chris on his special day.

Chris’s birthday party

On Sunday Richard and his dog arrived to take his Dad for a walk around Pitsford Lake, all three looked worn out when they arrived back, its about 6 1/2 miles. Jacq and the girls arrived and we had a KFC meal delivered and thoroughly enjoyed.

I had managed to buy a 12 pack of fairy cakes and jacq brought a couple of little cakes so much fun was had while Chris blew out the candles.

The party boy.

Blowing out the candles.

This was followed by a silly game we like playing, which does not involve much brain power and we can sit in comfy chairs.

Today is a relative calm day before his actual birthday on the 22nd.

Lazy week at Cransley CL

Our week is coming to an end, and my Internet ‘goody bag’ which gives me the means to use wifi has run out !

We have walked around ‘our’ field a number of times and said ‘hello’ to Mr Darcy, a lurcher buried at the top of the field, each time we pass.

The farmer mowed the side of the corn field which makes for an easy walk.

Quick ‘hello’ to Mr Darcy when we pass at the top of the field.

New houses being built on the edge of Kettering, with the Parish Church spire on the left in the distance.

Enjoying Spaghetti Bolognaise followed by warm cherry pie filling [without the pie!] and custard.

It has turned really warm today and we were entertained by the farmer ploughing ‘our’ field ready for another crop.

I think we have found a really nice local bolt hole here at Cransley and will be back again.

A field walk

An early morning ‘peek a boo’ with the Alpacas.

They are just leaving their overnight quarters, together with a flock of sheep.

Just look at all that lovely soft wool !

We decided to walk around the field, it looked like a long trip, but in fact was made all the easier as the farmer had cut a path through the undergrowth.

Our caravan is the white dot on the right and above the farm buildings the white spire of Kettering Church of Latter Day Saints can be spotted.

The half way point and a much appreciated seat to admire the views.

A garden centre trip

We visited two garden centres this morning, the first one in Finedon where they are only selling plants outside and have kind of moved their whole shop outside to cover the Covid rules.  I bought a few plants for my raised beds.

The second shop meant passing the church where my parents are buried, so we made a quick call. My father had a crabapple tree planted when he died and it was not doing too well for a while, but seems fine now with tiny red crabapples on it.

A very pretty tree.

This ‘stone trail’ was wonderful all along the entrance to church, each one painted with a design or message.

It was at least twice as long as my photo as it went around the corner.

Next stop was The Seasons Garden centre, and these plants found their way into my trolley.

Not sure buying plants when you are away from home is such a good idea, but !!!

Cransley CL, Northfield Farm

We arrived yesterday lunch time to find a really nice greeting and welcome from the owners of Northfield Farm.

Allocated site number1 we were told if we preferred a different site we could change, but we were happy to use the allocated site and have plenty of room. Every gate, water, rubbish, electric connection has a bottle of gel next to it, which is most welcome during this Covid time.

When we arrived there was one motorhome here from the Isle of Man, but by evening time three more Motorhome were also on site.

The site is only about 15 miles from home but is like a different world and hidden away from the hustle and bustle of life.

An evening stroll to see the Alpaca in the field behind us, hopefully I will get a better picture today.

The field in front of us has a walk around the perimeter with a seat half way round, it is a huge field but we will attempt it while here. Trying to improve my step count.

12 wheels, potatoes and the fish pond

Twelve wheels on my wagon and I just keep rolling along....

Each car has two wheel and as there are six cars I made all the wheel at the same time. I had hoped to get the car blocks together by yesterday but that didn’t happen. Youngest granddaughter needed more masks, they have put restrictions on the colours she can wear, plus life in general just got away from me.

The potatoes I planted in potato sacks are looking really good, hope there are lots of potatoes growing, need to take a sneaky peek through the lift up flap! The carrots are also doing well, you can just see them at the back.

Love the flowers on the potatoes, nature certainly knows how to put colours together.

One thing that has kept us busy is the pond, the fish were not well at all and we had tried a few treatments but nothing helped. A phone call to a friend suggested it may be the water. To put this in context, my father was an aquarist and always used rainwater to top up ponds and fish tanks, he had many and won many prizes,  so I have continued to do the same. What a difference 50 years makes, now the rainwater is so acid it is damaging and killing the fish. A PH test was taken and half the pond emptied and refilled with tap water and a treatment to combat the chlorine, plus an ulcer treatment to help the fish.  Hopefully we have sorted the problem and they will be back to there happy little lives.

The forest is growing

I have managed to find a little time to work on Bringing Home the Christmas Tree,

The four sets of three trees are complete, and now I have managed to complete the 6 trees for the top of the cars.

Still a long way to go as the cars have 53 pieces in each block and there are six of them! 

As this is a Sew Along with Pat Sloan over 5 weeks I am trying to get a little ahead as we have another weeks holiday during the 5 weeks.

Gradually the Happy room is taking shape and the blinds are up, had to cut 2 inches off the sides and about 40 inches off the drop!

No where seems to make curtains for little short fat windows !

With my arm rash still bothering me I am loving the air conditioner.

I’ve been conned!

Actually I’ve been Air conned. Chris has completed the installation, I am so happy that I can be either cool or hot depending on the weather.

Needless to say the disruption in my Happy Room has made me what to change things that I have made do with since the room was built.

I have decided to change from curtains to roller blinds in the two windows next to the new Aircon unit.  I like the sleek look to that side of the room without curtain rods and curtains. The sun midday is quite strong on that side of the house and although I have patterned glass it needs a little something to lesson the suns rays. A trip to Dunelm and I have just what I was looking for, needless to say they need to be made narrower and shorter as the windows are not very tall. A job for another day when I can find my tables and cutting mats again.

The curtains in the caravan are quite dark and have seen better days, probably 15 years old! So Dunelm to the rescue again and a pair of curtains came home with me that I will cut and remake to size, I already have one curtain the same left over from another project. It is amazing how much fabric is needed to kit out a caravan, 8 curtains in total.

Looks like I am going to be busy !

Masks, masks and more masks

I have spent most of the day making masks for my two granddaughters. Eleanor the younger one goes back to school on Thursday, while Abigail starts next week as a sixth form student.  The Covid rules seem to change all the time, and at the moment they will need to wear them everywhere in school except the classroom.

The top eight are for Abigail the lower set for Eleanor. Both will get one ready for Halloween, using the end of my pumpkin fabric.

It was fun making them, but I am now ‘masked out’ and fortunately run out of elastic so no more until I get more.

A normal Sunday

The last Sunday in August was spent as normal as possible. In the morning Church had a Zoom meeting which was very informative and I am so grateful to those that organise these meetings during the Covid times.

A little sewing in the afternoon followed by a visit to our family for dinner. It is the first time we have been in the family’s home, and all kept the best we could to the ‘rules’. The meal was delicious and the company always the best.

I had made four different masks in different sizes and only Eleanor’s was too small, she has grown so much this year. I will now set too and make the girls enough for when they return to school this week.

The latest family portrait !!

Glasses and masks just don’t like each other !

We finished the evening with a game of Ticket to Ride, USA version, how can six people make so much noise!

Brilliant evening and just what the doctor ordered.

The Air-con unit

When the Happy Room was built it had one failing, it was never warm enough in the winter and I always had to use a little oil filled radiator even when the central heating was on. This summer has been brutal for me, with the extremely hot temperatures, so it was decided to install an Air-con unit that hopefully will solve both problems, cool in the summer and heat for the winter.

Chris did a lot of research and we had a couple of quotes. He decided to DIY, he has always been known as Mr Fix It and this would  save us a lot of money. 

Friday the units arrived.

The start of chaos in my room, but also very exciting.

Windowsills and every square inch is usually covered in ‘stuff’ all had to be removed before Chris starts drilling holes through the wall.

It is a good opportunity to have a sort out and clean up, where does all the dust come from?

The Air-con unit will go between the windows. I should have taken a photo of the chaos this has caused to the rest of the room.

I did however manage to keep a small table and space so I can continue to sew while the work goes on.

Curtain tracks had to be removed and some of the Row by Row Quilts that line the top of my walls had to be removed.

What a blessing to have a handy husband who is always willing to help.