Today was very windy and I was teaching in Reading so had a drive along the M4. Most of the journey was OK but there are a few places where the land on either side of the motorway is flat and open. No trees to block the wind. As a result there were a few places where the car felt heavy to hold in the lane but it wasn't strong enough to cause any problems. The wind was one issue and at times it was made worse by heavy rain. This is not how the start of the working week is supposed to be.
I thought you might like to see what folks here have been making or repairing. When my son was young, about 3 if I remember, my father made him a wooden train. It was one of his favourite toys and as he got older he was determined to keep the train. Fast forward to this year and my son renovated the train and gave it to his nephew. Aubrey is 3 and very into his trains. He was very happy to be given the train but he said it needed a wagon so my son made him one to match the train.
We took the train and wagon with us yesterday to give to Aubrey. He spent ages playing with them and later in the day, when it was time to tidy away his toys and books he used the train to collect up his belonging and take them to the toy box. He had a great time making the train pull the wagon and then used the engine to shunt the wagon. One happy nephew and one happy uncle. It is lovely to see the train my father made for my son about 38 years ago being enjoyed all over again by the next generation. My father also made my son a wooden fort but he has no intention of parting with that at present.
My younger daughter Lucy recently finished a crocheted blanket for her brother. Lucy took up crochet during the covid lockdowns and has since made some toys and this blanket. It is a good size and very warm. The colour hasn't come out very true to life as the brown crochet around each block is really a lovely pale grey!
In November Lucy and I have a craft weekend booked, learning some advanced crochet techniques. We are also looking forward to the swimming pool and spa available at the hotel.
On Sunday morning I sewed another two blocks together for the Christmas quilt. I have now made 5 of the 9 blocks. I still need to make some half square triangles for the stars in the sashing and border. This is a photo of one of the blocks.
My older daughter and son in law are expecting their second child in January, so still a way to go but I have been asked to knit a baby blanket. They know they are having another boy. I will be using the same pattern I knitted for Aubrey.
Aubrey also asked me to knit him a rainbow striped scarf for the winter, I will start on that first as the weather is definitely getting colder. I should have all the yarn I need in my stash. Recently I had started knitting a long cardigan for myself but I haven't got very far. That will get done in between knitting the scarf and the baby blanket.
I'm still sewing ends in on the crocheted blanket. Why didn't I sew them in as I went along? Although there are still a lot to sew in, the end is in sight. Once done I will crochet two rows around the edge to finish the blanket off.
I am also sewing hexies for the Grandmothers garden quilt. It is moving along slowly. I really want this quilt finished. I also have an idea for a scrappy quilt to use up my 3 inch squares but I won't start that this week.
Oops I've just seen the time and I must go to bed.
Take care
Lyndsey
