EASTER GREETINGS!

 Gosh! Doesn't a week fly by when you are enjoying yourself. We had an absolutely perfect time, thanks to some very thoughtful weather. It was HOT all week! We spent most of it in and around Dalby Forest, where this photo of mum and lamb was taken. I think the sheep breed may be a Wensleydale, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

Knitting took a back seat, as we were out and about most of the time. However, I have managed to complete the little 'Daisy Cardi' for Sophie. It won't fit her just yet, but will be a warm layer in late summer, when the evenings are turning a little cooler.

It's a Debbie Bliss pattern and knite up really easily. I really like the simple shaping of the collar, which means it lies flat nicely and looks good. I'm not usually a fan of collared knitted items. The little daisies were blanket stitched on around the little eyelet holes, at the end.

I've managed to get started on Clue 2 of 'Spriteling', but only when in the cottage, as we left last Friday before it was published. I've had to follow the chart nd instructions from the computer screen! Needless to say, I've unpicked and ripped back several times, but have now reached Row 80. There are fourteen more rows to complete before the next clue is released.

The pattern has just begun to change and is less dense, but I guess I need to complete the last few rows for you to be able to see the pattern change clearly.

I love the pretty edging!

I have to say that 'lifelines' are a real lifesaver! This is not too difficult a pattern, but when you make an error, it is very tricky to correct with so many yarnovers, especially as I am not an experienced lace knitter. I could become one though! I've really enjoyed seeing the pattern develop and the interest created by having to concentrate on every stitch. Mind you, I'm saying that towards the end of a very relaxing holiday fortnight! I think lace knitting can only ever be for the  holidays.

I had three balls of yarn left over from the little 'Daisy Cardi', so rather than stash it, I made a very hasty visit to John Lewis, where I exchanged it for some Debbie Bliss 'eco baby'.

Not sure what it's going to be yet, but probably this summer cardi for Sophie. The yarn is actually a little lighter than the shade in the photo.

The Easter holidays are very nearly at an end now, so we have made the most of the Easter weekend, relaxing in the garden. We came home on Friday to lots more Spring blooms, that had blossomed whilst we were away.

I just love wisteria! It always seems miraculous how the pale, delicate, twisting tendrils can  sprout from the twisted, gnarled woody branches and the burst forth into such an amazingly beautiful display of colour and shape.

Bluebells have been a long time favourite of mine, since I was very young, in fact.  We now seem to have mutations in various shades of pink as well as these pretty 'whitebells'.

Oscar was pleased to be reacquainted with the garden. He has spent much of the weekend rooting out his best branches and logs!

Three days back at school next week and then another four day break! Hooray! See you next week!