The Best Type of Rainy Sunday is a Cornish One

This afternoon we took a trip out on one of our regular quay walks. There was not a soul in sight for most of it (if you don't count the majestic swans, cormorants, seagulls and these brave little chaps in the background).

Some places are depressing in the rain. Cornwall is simply enchanting: a timeless magic seems to descend. 

The boats were soundly moored in preparation for the next storm to crash in off the Atlantic, expected tonight. 

This is another of our favourite haunts: Portmellon. It seems to capture the essence of Cornwall: the sea comes up and laps over the road, washing up sand, seaweed and its secret treasures. The pub is called The Rising Sun, as the bay faces east. Whilst I am not really a pub person, somewhat conversely I love them as landmarks, and I love their history and heritage. I would bet that this one has seen a good amount of smuggling over the centuries. 

Working on Workshops

I have some upcoming crochet workshops later in the month, in Falmouth (Cornwall). The first one is detailed below.

There is so much that you can do once you are confident crocheting a humble granny square, and after we have gone over some basics I am quite open to where we go with it. Pictured are some options: we can look at how to make slippers, bags, blankets, even this lovely shawl is based on the humble granny.

If you're not sure the workshop is suitable for you, or you'd like a little more info please contact me, or if you'd like to book please contact Sweetpea & Betty (or pop in- it's very easy to access in central Falmouth).

February 16th,
Sweetpea & Betty, Falmouth

'Learn to Crochet Granny Squares and Beyond'

Description: If you are a complete novice crocheter, are just branching out into crochet projects, or are a bit rusty then you are welcome at this class to learn how to make granny squares, and get some inspiration about what to do with them next! Be it a blanket, slippers, a bag or a scarf... once you can granny the possibilities are endless! And if you can granny confidently already I will show you how to make a beautiful pair of slippers. All basic materials included, 10:00-1:00, £30pp

Personal Anniversary

I am the first of our little clan to have a birthday in Cornwall, our new-ish part of the world. And what an amazing few days I have been treated to! 

Amongst my many pleasures there was a few sneaky yoga poses on a deserted beach we had walked to. 

This was followed at home by lime cake with clotted cream, and a pot of lapsing souchong- what an indulgence! 

 The weekend also gave me paella, which I would happily bet is the best paella in the UK, cooked by my honorary Spaniard.

There were lovely presents (including an extremely thoughtful 'Running Songs' cd given to me by my nearest and dearest, a fantastic cable cardigan, and a new nightie with proper Victorian-style trimmings- just how I like them!), heartfelt birthday cards which drew the odd sentimental tear, there was coffee from a thermos in a cave watching birds, some great workouts, breakfast in bed... it's embarrassing how spoilt I am! 

But also impossible to describe how lucky I feel and how grateful I am to all the lovely people in my life, as well as to the circumstances that have given me so much in terms of health and good fortune. 

Busy Bee

I wanted to share with you a recent sample that I am developing into a throw. Inspired by the Cornish sunset, this is going to be both a design in my ravelry store, and form the basis of a workshop in October. I just love how the star-shapes are formed where the hexagons meet, and the contrast of bright orange with grey... there's always something so exciting about a new design.

There will soon be a link to the workshop on the right, but if you simply cannot wait for details please do get in touch. 

I have decided that Sunday is my new blogging day. Our Sunday routine is to do the housework, visit the local boot fair, then sometimes I go to yoga, and whatever else we get up to is interjected with coffee breaks and quiet time... it seems like the perfect day for reflection. 

If you are enjoying these pictures of the amazing Cornish scenery then you might like to follow me on instagram for more: my username is StitchingPixie. Do say hello! 

Crafty Cornwall

I'm delighted to be thinking about my blog again!

There are so many hours to be whiled away just looking at the sea (before touching on any of the other wonders of this beautiful place) that having much of an online life has slipped down the list.

I am hoping to bring you news very soon about some craft classes in Cornwall, too.

I have been doing some teaching, but it has been concentrated at the big trade shows. Now that the year has turned, though, I am ready to think about getting back to it. If you have any requests for crochet/knitting/sewing classes, do let me know as I am very open to locations and topics at this stage.

Project-wise I am a little stuck on my Cornish guernsey- it is a much larger project that I had really thought about, and the tiny needles require good daylight. I am almost up to the point where I can join at the shoulders, and then I will consider myself roughly halfway through.  Pictures to follow...

A Change Has Come

I have relocated. To the most beautiful place in the world. For many many reasons I feel like the luckiest person ever- I won't get swamped down with fine detail, but you will understand the greater picture I am sure. 

 

This is a fantastic fresh start, and a chance to re-focus and move forward with what is really important and exciting to me. I have one new design under my belt (but gah: cannot find my blocking pins!) and ideas for many more. 

I am following my new path with eager excitement, wondering what I will find inside each beautiful door...

I even have a work room of my own in which to be quiet and creative. 

Fresh bread from my new breadmaker has been feeding my creativity. The smell of freshly baked loaves has got me feeling very grown-up and homely. 

A Blank Sheet of Paper

The feathers which I mentioned before are coming down to land. Gently, beautifully, settling down in just the right places.

More to follow of course, as for now everything is awash with cardboard boxes.

A blank sheet of paper, a fresh start... a little bit of magic.