I finally spent a day organising my yarn collection which was in desperate need of doing because I have a habit of spotting pretty yarn and giving in to the urge to buy it all… whoops… I really need to learn to restrain myself, especially as most of the time I don’t even have a pattern in mind, which means I may or may not end up buying enough yarn for potential future projects.
So in an attempt to be more aware of what yarn I am actually currently in possession of, I spent some time sorting my office and having a re-jig of pf my shelves to create a proper yarn corner. Without much further ado, here are the before and after photos of my office rearrange.
The past few months had seen my desk become a bit of a dumping ground. So it feels great to finally have an organised space again. My yarn had also been stuffed into big boxes which although great for storage, meant I couldn’t see half the yarn in them and I’d forget what yarn I had.
Now with everything on display I can finally keep track of my yarn stash. I’ve got them all sorted and grouped into various yarn types and stacked up on my bookcase. It’s so satisfying to see all the pretty colours and know what yarn I have available. I’m so happy to have a corner dedicated to my crocheting and knitting and it’s inspiring me to keep creating!
I really enjoyed my first Floret Pop Pullover pattern test for Yarn by Beck and was eager to do more. When I saw Eli looking for testers for her Basic Beret pattern I thought it would be the perfect relaxing pattern test to apply to as it wasn’t as big a project as the last one.
I really loved the look of Eli’s Basic Beret and was excited to be chosen as a tester. I was keen to test making a light summery version of her pattern and thus decided to reuse the same multicoloured DK recycled cotton yarn from my previous project as I still had plenty left.
This was my first project working in the round and I definitely felt like I was getting lost sometimes with the stitch counting, but I manged to fumble my through. I also think I may be low key obsessed with this yarn! I just love the dye pattern and how nicely the warm colours blend together. Saying that I also really want to check out some other colours from this yarn in future!
Being a beginner to reading crochet patterns there were certain elements that initially confused me, but I soon figured out. With it being such a small project it also doesn’t feel quite as precious; meaning if I didn’t get it right the first time, I could always try again and make a second or third hat quite quickly. Although I made a few mistakes first time round, I would still say Eli’s pattern is definitely beginner friendly.
Eli’s pattern is also easily customisable and it’s fab to see just how differently all testers approached it. I used a 5mm hook with a dk recycled cotton yarn and although I like the tension I was working with, my end product turned out just a tad too small/tight. So next time round I think I might try a 6mm hook or add an extra row or two, or both aha. I defiantly want to try making a cosier winter version with a thicker yarn.
So here’s the finished Basic Beret by Eli. I’m really pleased with how my first attempt turned out despite the odd mistake and miscounting. If you want a beginner friendly beret pattern, please make sure to check out her pattern here!
After finishing my granny sqaure cardigan I felt like I was on a crochet roll and decided to apply to be a pattern tester for this wonderful looking jumper by Yarn by Beck. She stated it was begginer friendly and I ended up being chosen to test her new Floret Pop Pullover pattern, which I was chuffed about.
As summer was approaching I thought I’d try and make a loose and lightweight version of the jumper and, after some deliberation, went for a lovely multicoloured recyled cotton yarn in wonderful warm shades.
The beginning was the hardest. After getting used to working in squares, it took a while to adjust to building up a pattern in a linear fashion. I also wasn’t quite sure how big to make it and continually worried I’d accidentally increase or decrease stitches. However as I got used to the pattern I slowly got comfortable and managed to retain a straight shape.
I spent many an hour listening to an audiobook and building my first jumper row by row. As I’m still a relative newbie this stich combination was not known to me but I absolutely love how the pattern comes together and the overall look of the Floret Pop Pullover.
At one point I was off to Sheffield to visit my best frind Emily from Peak Knits, and of course I had to take my crochet with me. We explored a beautiful local garden and spent some time sitting in the sun working on our projects. It’s also a great activity to keep you occupoied on the train whilst listening to an audibook.
I was really happy with how the front and back panels came together but I did feel somewhat stressed towards the end as I knew I wouldn’t have time to finish the sleeves before the deadline, and thus decided to make a t-shirt version by only adding short selves for the time being. They weren’t amazing as I winged the pattern, but I knew I’d be able to go back and add long sleeves later down the line.
And voila – my first finished pattern test! The Floret Pop Pullover by Yarn By Beck. If you want a beginner friendly pattern to make a jumper tailored to you, please make sure to check out the pattern here!
Completing my first pattern test was a big learning curve for me and although it had it’s challenges I loved the experience. I’m not 100% sure on the colour of the yarn on me personally, and the neckline and jumper in general ended up a tad too big, however, the recycled cotton has created a very loose fitting and airy version of this jumper which is perfect for summer and exactly what I was after.
I do love this pattern and am hoping to make another Floret Pop Pullover with a thicker warmer yarn for winter. Do let me know if you decide to buy this pattern and have a go – I can highly recommend!
On our way back from our holiday at the caravan a few weeks ago we decided to make a stop off at Washington Old Hall; another National Trust site which we’d not yet visited. Although it’s the second closest National Trust site to where we live, about 20mins in the car, we’d just never made the time to explore it yet, and so I was eager to finally go and make the most of our National Trust passes before they run out in May.
Having checked out of the caravan at 10am, we arrived at around 10.50am and found somewhere to park along the side of the road (which was free) as there didn’t seem to be any parking onsite.
Note:Being a weekday and not the best weather when we went, we didn’t struggle to acquire a parking spot close by, however, I’m not sure what the parking situation would be like on a busy sunny day.
Washington Old Hall is a relatively small yet picturesque National Trust site that sits in the heart of historic Washington village. The stone manor house and gardens feature parts of the original medieval home of George Washington’s direct ancestors, from where the family took their surname of ‘Washington’.
We must have come on one of the coldest days as snowflakes danced from the sky I wrapped myself up in my big scarf. The first signs of spring were slowly showing their face though as snowdrops were out in abundance next to daffodils still shrouded in their protective layers.
Exploring the Gardens didn’t take too long as in my opinion there wasn’t really too much to see this time of year (it would be interesting to see what is in bloom later on in the year). Saying that I do think that with the big field at the back, I can imagine it’s a great place for kids to have a run around on a slightly warmer day.
Dogs are welcome in the gardens, but not in the manor house, and so we took it in turns to have a quick look around, albeit a short one, as we didn’t want to leave the other waiting with Maya in the freezing cold outside for too long.
The manor house is set up to reflect gentry life following the turbulence of the English Civil War and incorporates parts of the original medieval home of George Washington’s direct ancestors. The staff are attentive, letting you explore in peace or at hand to tell you more about the history of the place.
Being a small enough exhibit means you can take your time to read all the information given without feeling overwhelmed or it taking too long. It’s a shame I only had time for a whistlestop tour on this visit, but perhaps I’ll get another chance when the weather is warmer to read all the information boards and learn more.
On our way out, near the entrance, the friends of Washington Old Hall also run a mini second hand book & antiques shop and although tiny, they allow dogs in, so we decided to have a quick nosy. There’s not much admittedly but I did find a cute little vase and bought one of their mystery books*. At only 50p a book I though it was a nice way to support them.
*the mystery book I ended up picking was Greyfriars Bobby. Although I loosely know the story from having seen a movie as a kid, it’s a classic I’ve not read before, so perhaps I’ll make time for it this year.
All in all we enjoyed our little mooch around Washington Old Hall and it makes for a nice half day trip I would say – especially when the weather is warmer and you can enjoy being outside a little more.
Have you visited Washington Old Hall before? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Opening Times:
Thursday – Monday | 10am – 5pm
Admission:
Ticket type
With Gift Aid
Without Gift Aid
Adult (18+)
£7.20
£6.50
Child (5-17) under 5s free
£3.60
£3.25
Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children)
£17.90
£16.25
Family (1 Adult and up to 3 children)
£10.80
£9.75
Facilities:
There is no cafe on site, but there are toilets, a picnic area and a small play ground for young children.
After the success of my first crochet project I was eager to take on another, and once I came across the hexagon crochet cardigan I knew this would be it. I popped to my local Boyes to browse the yarns and decided for a chunky marble in a greeny blue shade.
This design still followed the basic granny square pattern I’d already learned, but instead of going round in a square, you add two extra sides, making a hexagon which will eventually folded in half to create one sleeve and side panel.
Once I had both sides made to the same size (which I almost managed, the tensions was slightly off), I went on to sew up the sleeve seams and decide how to connect the two at the back.
I decided to make a series of smaller granny squares in a lush deep blue for the joining back panel and then also went on to add a border on the sleeves and bottom of the cardigan. I’m so happy with how well the dark blue compliments the green / blue marble yarn.
To finish off the cardigan I made 2 larger granny squares with a mix of the deep blue and green / blue marble yarns. These two granny squares I then sewed on to be pockets at the front of the cardigan.
And voila – there you have it – my first ever hexagon granny square cardigan! I am so so pleased with how it turned out and it really is quite satisfying being able to say I made a cardigan from scratch! I love how it all came together, the pattern, the colours and the fit!
For now it’s a finished project. However, in future I might still experiment with making the cardigan a little longer. Generally speaking, I prefer my cardigans a bit longer, sitting below the bum, so I might still add a few rows to the bottom one day.
Finishing my second crochet project has been even more rewarding than my first. There’s something so satisfying about making your own clothing.
My next project is a jumper. I’ve been chosen as a pattern tester for the Floret Pop Pullover by Yarn by Beck and I’m super excited to get stuck into this new crochet project. I’ve already started and it’s such a lush stitch I can’t wait to see how it all comes together!
Have you been busy with any craft projects or learning new skills??? Do let me know in the comments below!
Last weekend Luis and I packed up the car and headed up to Cresswell for a long weekend at our favourite caravan. We first came across this holiday let on Airbnb last year and enjoyed our time there so much that we keep returning. I think this was our fourth visit. The caravan is situated in the Cresswell Towers Holiday Park and is only about a 5-10 minute walk away from the beach. It’s really reasonably priced, always clean and well kept, and offers a quiet and relaxing spot for a seaside holiday. Note, we’ve only ever gone off season, so can’t speak for what it’s like during peak times.
Cresswell is about an hours drive for us so a good distance for a long weekend away. With my travel anxiety I don’t like being in the car too long, especially if we’re only going away for a couple of nights, so this is an easy enough drive for me to do. The first 30 mins are just up the A1 and then we tend to turn off at the Seaton Burn services, which although kinda dirty, rough and run down, are in a good location as a half way stop to settle my anxiety before we continue on through Cramlington, past Blyth and up to Cresswell.
We both still had to get some work done on Friday, but managed to finish a bit earlier and ended up leaving the house at about 4pm. Once we arrived we unpacked and before wrapping up warm and heading out for a short walk to the beach.
For Valentines dinner I made a vegan spaghetti bolognese which turned out yummy even though I forgot the herbs and spices at home. After dinner we cosied up and unpacked Patchwork, a new game we’d got for Christmas from our friends. I didn’t know what to expect but it turned out to be an easy to understand and really enjoyable 2 player game.
On Saturday we headed out to Amble for a mooch around the Marina. It was icy cold and rather miserable, but it was good to get out. We stopped off at the supermarket on our way back and got some pastries to enjoy with a coffee for once we got back to the caravan and settled down to another game of Patchwork.
On Sunday it rained on and off for most of the day and we enjoyed a cosy day inside. I read my book, Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi, spent a lot of the day crocheting, trying to finish my granny square cardigan and got stuck into trying to solve some Murdle logic puzzles with Luis which was good fun. It was a lovely relaxed day.
Check out was at 10am on Monday and so we got up early to start our day by heading out to watch the sunrise before having to pack up. It’s something we’ve been doing since our first visit. Although I always find the 10am checkouts somewhat stressful, starting the day by watching the sunrise is always so worth it. We really should make the effort more often to get up early to watch the sunrise – it’s always so beautiful – such a magical time.
Frozen after our early morning beach walk we headed back to the caravan to have breakfast and then pack up the car. It’s always sad having to leave the caravan – we’ll have to stay longer than a weekend one day, but it was another lush weekend away for Valentines. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend too.
On a random day at the end of 2024 I decided to follow a crochet tutorial by one of my favourite YouTubers by Helen Anderson. Managing to pick it up pretty quickly, I instantly became hooked – it’s such an addictive hobby.
Early in January, after completing 3 large granny squares as practice, I decided to embark on my first full project. One of my oldest friends was coming to visit from France with her baby and as she had just moved house I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make her a cosy blanket for a housewarming present.
I browsed the yarn section in my local Boyes for forever, trying to decide which colours to go for and how to combine them. Eventually I made my choice and got started as soon as I got home, eager to see my vision come to life. I had chosen a mustard yellow, a pinky red, a light blue and a white to create two different designs by inverting the order of colours used for the squares. I also went for a darker blue to border the squares and be the join colour.
As the pile of squares grew, so did my excitement – the squares were looking soo good. A little niggle of worry did cross my mind too though as the tension wasn’t always 100% equal. I just hoped they’d all join together nice and evenly. Working every evening after work, I managed to get all my squares completed in about 2 weeks.
The joining of the squares was another new learning curve as I’d never done it before. I had a look online at a few different methods before settling on one that seemed simple enough. It was a little confusing at times and I accidentally joined the wrong sides once or twice and had to back track, but seeing the squares gradually transform into a cohesive blanket was very rewarding.
Crocheting my first granny square blanket has been such an enjoyable and rewarding experience and I can’t wait to make more – who knows, perhaps I’ll make everyone a blanket for Christmas this year aha!? The success of my first project has spurred me on to learn more and also try some more challenging projects.
Next stop – a granny square cardigan!
I’d love to know if any of you also crochet or knit??? Do let me know in the comments below!
A couple of weeks ago my sister was visiting from Canada and the weekend weather forecast was promising, so we decided to spend the day in Northumberland. We packed the cars and drove up to Alnmouth for a walk and lunch at the beach followed by a mooch around Alnwick in the afternoon.
If you’ve never visited Alnmouth and Alnwick before I highly recommend. It’s about 1h and 15minuts by car from Durham (traffic along the A1 depending) and perfect for a fun filled day out with beach walks, book shops and perhaps even lunch in a tree house.
We left late enough on the Saturday and made our way up the coast to Alnmouth Beach. It can get pretty busy and you’re not likely to find free street parking on a weekend, but there is usually enough spaces right down by the beach – although take note that it costs about £3.50 for parking with zero amenities and only a handful of picnic benches.
We arrived about 30 minutes after my parents as we had to stop for a toilet break on the way up and not being sure of services post the metro center had decided to briefly stop at Ikea which ended up being a bit of a detour and confusing google maps something awful!
Anyway, we eventually made it and were lucky with the weather. It was surprisingly sunny and warm at the beach and not the 8 degree we’d been expecting. So we set off on a dander along the beach with Maya bounding along in happiness and stopping to dig in the sand every few minutes.
It was such a peaceful walk in the sand. The beach oozed a soothing presence with the gentle lapping of waves, warm glow of the sun and fresh sea air dancing around.
When in Alnmouth we always make a stop at Scott’s of Alnmouth – a lush artisan coffee stop and deli. A lot of the foods they stock are admittedly rather pricey, but we see it as a treat and choose something for a date night at home. This time was a wild garlic pasta, truffle pesto and a Portuguese wine.
After our mooch in the village we made our way back to the beach and the cars for lunch and were lucky enough to nab an empty picnic table. I honestly hadn’t thought we’d be having a picnic outdoors at this stage in the year – but the weather held up and it was fab.
After lunch I was almost ready to head home as a wave of tiredness hit me, but we packed up and made our way to Alnwick. Mum wanted a walk to the tree house at Alnwick Gardens but we were rather surprised and annoyed (on my part) to discover that dogs were not allowed anywhere on the grounds at all. So my parents had to stay behind as my sister and I took our partners to the tree house as they’d never seen it before. It’s a cool sight to see and has a wonderful restaurant inside if you want to go for a special lunch or dinner. However, it really wasn’t our day as even the tree house was fully shut for a private function and we couldn’t take a closer look. Thus we headed back to the car and shuttled off to Barter Books which, especially if you’re a book lover like me, is always a must visit.
If you haven’t been or heard of it before, Barter Books is a second hand bookstore located in an old railway station. It’s one of those wonderfully quaint and quirky places that ooze cosiness and charm. They have a huge variety of books from lifestyle, cook books and art to fiction and even some foreign language books. It’s just lovely to have a mooch around and or grab a drink from their cafe and sit in one of their cosy nooks to get stuck into a book. Barter Books also offer a scheme where you can hand in old books in exchange for credit. I’d been meaning to set up an account for ages and finally did so, trading in some books I wasn’t going to read again. I decided not to pick up any new books on that trip yet as I already have such a ‘To Read’ pile at home.
After a nice browse we called it a day and headed back home for dinner and a game.
I’d love to know if you’ve been to Barter Books before and what your favourite spots in Alnwick and Alnmouth are – do let me know in the comments.
Although it’s just down the road, we don’t often head into Durham City Centre, but with the weather being so nice that weekend we fancied a little outing and decided to head into Durham for some breakfast and a stroll around Crook Hall. We renewed our National Trust memberships again this year and wanted to make the most of our local sites with the closest being Crook Hall. These beautiful gardens set against the backdrop of a medieval hall are only 12mins in the car from us and thus perfect for a mini outing.
We opted for the Riverview Kitchen as it’s dog friendly and we hadn’t actually been before, so it was somewhere new to try. I chose the avocado on sourdough with bacon and eggs and Luis opted for the full English. Prices were expensive enough, but what you’d expect in the city center. Saying that portion sizes where generous and I struggled to finish. We enjoyed the food and the coffee was decent too, so we would definitely return. However I would say the atmosphere is not the cosiest as the tables are all very close together. I understand they want to maximize on space, but it does make it feel very cramped, and not very suitable if you have a dog. We were lucky and managed to snag a table in the corner with a bit more space which was great as we had Maya with us, but if we’d had any other table, I’m not sure it’d have been as enjoyable a experience, as we’d have to be continually watching Maya wasn’t in the way of anyone and she wouldn’t have settled.
Once we finished our breakfast we walked over to Crook Hall. We love having Crook Hall on our doorstep as it’s perfect for a gentle afternoon stroll enjoying some fresh air amongst the wonderful flowers and plant. It’s not admittedly very big, but filled with lots of little nooks to sit in and enjoy the gardens, it’s also the perfect place to spend an afternoon with a book on sunny day.
What I love most is being able to come back throughout the year and watch the garden transform. From the crocuses and snowdrops in spring to vibrant and lush scented roses in Summer, It’s beautiful to see. If you have a National rust membership and love a good garden mooch – I would highly recommend, however at £3.30 parking and £8.50 per adult it it perhaps a bit pricey an entrance fee if you do not have a membership.
Have you been to Crook Hall before and do you have a favourite time of year to go?
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