Snood

Hello gorgeous people!!! How's your week going?
I'm having a good one! Lots of fun and frolics, not to mention I'm feeling extremely energetic and motivated at the moment. My sudden spur of motivation means I'm getting lots done and enjoying the feeling once I've accomplished something.
I'm just talking small things, like learning a new German word (and actually using it), getting myself to the gym, finish of the book that's been sat on my shelf for months!! I like it when things get done. It's a rather nice feeling!

So one of the things that finally got ticked off on my 'things to do list', was a gift for my friend Andrew.
Andrew is my (just in case he reads this:-)) amazingly talented, extremely good looking, kind, considerate, humorous best buddy and he wanted a "snood" for his birthday.

I bought some truly scrumptious 'Alpaca Chunky" in a deep shade of grey which I thought would be perfect for this project.

I've worked with this yarn once before, on a similar project I made for myself last winter. The yarn is so nice to work with. It's extremely luxurious and keeps you very warm when wrapped around your neck on a cold day in Hamburg. 
Last year I simply made mine using single crochet, here's how it looked:

With Andrew's snood I decided to use double crochet. I alternated between working through the back loops and front loops of each round, giving it a ribbed effect.

This project was extremely quick to make.  Not only is the yarn very thick, but I also required a BEAST of a hook! 

I was extremely pleased with how it turned out. Thick layers of extravagant yarn ready to defend against the coming winter.

Andrew was also delighted with his gift!! He ever so kindly became my model and let me take a couple of pictures of him wearing it.

It's such a nice feeling when you give a handmade present to someone. To see them actually wearing your creation and enjoying the effort it took to make. It really makes me feel extremely proud.

Sooo untill next time my lovelies!!! Happy Friday and enjoy your weekends!!!
Matt xxx

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Clotted Cream and Jam

Happy Sunday lovelies!!!!
I can't believe two weeks have passed since I was at home spending time with my family!!..... I can't believe two weeks have passed since I last posted! My, TIME IS FLYING!!!
Needless to say, It's been a busy couple of weeks.  I've had a bunch of pictures sat in a file on my computer, just waiting to be shared.
So here they are, two weeks later, pictures summing up my lovely and indulgent week at home:

Beautiful sunny days spent walking around my traditionally English home town.

Afternoons spent chatting with my mum. Stopping off at a local tearoom and enjoying clotted cream and jam scones.

Washed down with a soothing pot of tea. It really warms the heart.

Yummy pub food

and late night hot chocolates with my sister.

Laughing and gossiping whilst Mum and Dad are upstairs sleeping.

Sunny trips to the nearby town of Cirencester.
One thing I noticed when I was at home was how very traditionally British everything appeared. I'm not sure if things have always been this way, or if it was the left over spirit from the Golden Jubilee, Royal wedding and The Olympics? Whatever the reason I loved it! Everywhere seemed very patriotic and bunting appeared to be draped everywhere I looked.
You all know I'm a tad partial to a bit of bunting :-) It makes everything look so 'Postcardy', very quaint and cute.   

Sure the Sunny day helped, but Cirencester looked really beautiful. So "oldy worldy'. I did enjoy looking around the many vintage/antique shops and hunting for forgotten treasures. 

Time at home spent in my Dad's section of the house.... the garage. Playing around with his 'babies'.

It always amazes me how pristine my dads motor bike is. Always fully polished and sparkling with pride.

Finally...a day spent out in Bath, with Mum, Dad and my Sister. Walking around the endless traditional shops. Eating home-made pastries, sweets and fudge.

Discovering the local yarn store. Simply named 'WOOL'. :-)

and falling upon a treasure of a store. "The Makery Emporium"

I was in love with this shop. So cute and everything I love all under one roof.
The lady working in the shop kindly let me take a couple of pictures to share with you all.
The shop was full of all things crafty. Books on crafting, bags, needles, stamps, and many many buttons.

Gorgeous, bright and fun fabrics.

and endless amounts of beautiful ribbons. I was in heaven.

Not only do they sell all sorts glorious stuff, they also teach crafty classes in the above floors of the shop.  This was a true diamond of a shop. My sister and I had a lovely time browsing through all of the crafty eye candy.
Of course we couldn't leave empty handed! My sister bought a gorgeous scrap book and some fun decorative ribbon and I left with these cute little trinkets. Possibly for future projects I give as gifts.

If you're ever in Bath I'd really recommend keeping a look out for this cute little shop, you'll love it. So there we have it, my week at home. I really did enjoy it. Hopefully I've got a couple of exciting posts coming up in the next week or so, I've got things that I NEED to share! Until then enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Matt xxx

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