Yep, it’s definitely spring!

Blackthorn (sloe) blossom

A couple of days ago we looked out of the kitchen window to be greeted by this – the blackthorn (sloe) tree suddenly in full blossom at the far end of the garden!

Blackthorn (sloe) blossom

I love the delicate little flowers – such a contrast to the vehement spikiness of the tree itself.

Pear bud

The pear tree’s waking up as well – as is the apple, although it was apparently too shy to be photographed this morning. The apple buds are tiny, but I’m hopeful for some nice braeburns. We didn’t see any pears at all last year, though they might have come and gone before we moved in.

Oxalis?

I’m not sure what this is, but we’ve got a border full of it, and it’s beautiful! My Mum thinks it’s the “weed” variety of Oxalis, and she’s very keen for us to dig a bit up and save it in a pot for her. It might be technically a weed, but it was flowering in November when my parents first came to visit the new house, which as far as we’re concerned makes it a very valuable plant!

Oxalis?

I just love the way it collects the water, in the centres and around the edges of the leaves. I really want to see whether I can create something that looks like this – maybe with felt and glass beads.

Rainbow

As I was walking home this afternoon, thinking about posting these photos, it started to rain, just the tiniest bit. I came around the corner by the church and was greeted by this absolutely glorious rainbow – I don’t know that I’ve ever seen one so strong!

I case you’re wondering, I have been making things, but I’ve been stuck in the busy corner of my work rota again, so I haven’t had much time to do both the making and the blogging. Hopefully this will result in quite a few making-things posts for you next week.

A couple of scarves

Loopy Cowl

I think this is the last project I finished in 2011. I started knitting it on Christmas Day, having been asked by my mother-in-law to bring a pair of 5mm needles to dinner with me. Somewhat confused, all became clear when I opened my gifts to find two balls of Rowan Felted Tweed and two books of knitting patterns!

This is Loopy Cowl by Rachel Proudman. It’s made up of eight strands which aren’t i-cord, they’re simply knit flat and allowed to curl up on themselves. All the strands are seamed together, then the seams are covered by another strand. I think you’re supposed to wear it with the seams at the back, but I quite like it at the side like this. Even better with a blingy brooch pinned to it, I think.

You need two balls of Felted Tweed because you’re knitting with two strands held together, although you only use around 70g of yarn. Not quite enough to risk buying only one ball, but enough left over (hopefully) to make a pair of matching gloves, or perhaps a little hat.

Moss Stitch Scarf

This enormous beast is the biggest scarf I’ve ever made, and also one of the quickest. Knitted in Rowan Big Wool and Noro Blossom on 15mm needles, I finished it in two evenings and it’s more than two and a half metres long!

Should you happen to need a pattern for a giant moss stitch scarf, I’ve added it to the tutorials section. Perfect for the silly snowy weather we’ve got going on at the moment.