Frida's Flowers CAL Part 1

I have yet to finish my Lily Pond blanket (all the individual pieces are finished, I just have to put them all together!) but I could not resist starting the Frida's Flowers Blanket, both of which were designed by the very talented Jane Crowfoot.  I figured that once I had finished each part I could do my Lily Pond inbetween.  Makes sense right?!

Colours used here are Meadow, Ivory and Fuchsia Purple

 

Both patterns are free to download from the Stylecraft webpage as well as the pattern for the Frida's Flowers Project Bag which I am not doing...yet! I do love it though and it was specifically designed so you can keep your Frida's Flowers project in it.  I am trying very hard to not buy any more wool but the temptation is always there. 

The desire for more wool is always strong!

I am using the Stylecraft Special DK pack which is always great to work with.  I got my pack from Topstitchcrafts which has free delivery and has both the cotton and special dk pack in stock (when I last checked anyway).

The chart below shows the colour combinations.

So having finished Part 1, I can honestly say I think I am going to really enjoy doing this crochet along, and dare I say it even more than the Lily Pond. 

The fuchsia purple is such a pretty colour

I found that I preferred to do all the flower centre pieces first so I was able to get a bit of rhythm going without having to keep looking at the pattern and also so I could put meadow and ivory away.  I also think (for me anyway) that it stops me from getting bored.  I then alternated doing a full cosmos and a half cosmos.

Here's to Part 2 tomorrow!

Anniversary Treat

Ok well I haven't posted anything for a while but I am making a new resolution that I will post a new post on my blog at least once a month, with hopefully having a new post every week which is my ultimate goal! 

I thought I would write about my hubby and I's visit to York at the end of August for our wedding anniversary (2 whole years!) as I think it is such a wonderful city and we visited to purely take in all the tourist spots which, unforgivably on my part as we live 30 minutes from the York, I have never actually done before (I'm afraid I have only frequented the shops and bars in the past!!)

The first place we visited was Clifford Tower which I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the city.  It was bizarre as it's pretty much in the centre of the city.  You turn a street corner and you are met with a piece of history.

The views of the city from the top of the tower are well worth the entrance fee.



York Minister

We then went on a lovely relaxing cruise along the river...although I did get slightly sunburnt as it was sooo hot that day! It was worth it though as I got some great photos.

It's a ice-cream boat/van! Loved this!

It's a cow! (NB: I love cows!!)

We then visited York Minister which was truly magnificent.  I am not a religious person at all but I appreciate great architecture when I see it.  I was in awe at this building and found it to be a very photogenic building.  A strange thing to say I know but when you see the photos I think you will know what I mean! I took a lot of photos inside and out of the Minister and could have happily taken more.

 
We also visited the Yorvik Viking Centre but were incredibly disappointed...the only good thing was the gift shop when we bought a nice bottle of traditional mead!

We also had a lovely afternoon tea during the day. While in York this is just something you must do and let's face it tea + scones + clotted cream is a great combination!

Hubby and I enjoying a lovely ice cream!

Local Surroundings

When I got my new camera I really wanted to try it out.  Fortunately for me I live in a picturesque area of my town with the oldest church of the town literally round the corner.  So one gorgeous Saturday morning my hubby and I walked over to the church to take some photos and I have to say I am very happy with the results!

We also took a trip down to the river (which is also nearby) where there was a gorgeous field of wild flowers growing.  They are so colourful and friendly looking.  I always get the urge to frolic through them but I don't like the idea of getting insects (mainly spiders) on me and I'm sure my hubby wouldn't be very impressed!

 

I also got the chance to use the macro mode again (see previous post) which I always love to do!

 
 

It's great to think all of these photos were taken walking distance from where I live and that you don't always have to go hundreds or thousands of miles to photograph some amazing and beautiful things.

 

Snap Happy

I love taking photos wherever I am and whatever I am doing...I just find the whole experience incredibly enjoyable.  As I keep saying to my husband, "I am capturing a memory", when he starts to roll his eyes!

The camera I use is the Samsung NX3000 which came with a 20-50mm lens and I have also purchased a 16mm pancake lens for wide angle shots too...I haven't had this camera long but I love it! I'm not a professional photographer but I feel like one with this camera!

The first photos I took with the camera were in my parents' garden mostly using the macro mode.

 

I love bumble bees!

I am starting to try and use only manual mode on my camera as much as I possibly can but I must admit it is always very tempting to go back to auto mode.  I must persevere though as otherwise I will never learn!