Tuesday 21 February 2012

A cardigan for Isla



I knew Kelly Hindrich's pattern, In threes was worth the purchase as I enjoyed knitting it so much the first time. I have now completed my third one and am about to attempt a dress for Lj following the basics of the pattern, while modifying it a little. This cardigan is for my dear friend's little girl, Isla.

Monday 20 February 2012

A hat for Patrick



 As we walked past the library in town on Friday, MJ asked if we could go in. Quite surprised by his request, of course I agreed. He said he wanted a book on trains because he would like to be a train driver when he is a grown up! I asked him if he would like a story book about trains or a book about how trains work. Of course I knew the answer...' a book about how trains work' he replied!

Anyway, we took Grandad with us and came out of the library with books on trains, tanks, rockets and ships. We got a few story books for Lj and I found a couple of nice knitting books.

Patrick was born a week or so ago and I wanted to make him a little pressie. I found the pattern for a striped hat in my library book, Special family knits by Debbie Bliss. Rather than use 4 needles I tried using my 60cm circular needle with the method explained to me by the owner of 'Wool', Bath. She gave me the name of the method but I can't remember what it was and I can't explain how to do it....but it works and is quicker than using 4 needles and just as tidy!
 

Sunday 19 February 2012

London with little ones #2- Museum of London, Docklands


Yesterday we made our way into London with my parents, sister and her little family. The boys had hoped to visit HMS Befast while the girls planned a gallery visit. However, HMS Belfast was closed so we need a plan B.

We agreed on the Museum of London Docklands.

My friend who owns a flat with parking in the Docklands very kindly allowed us to park there which made the journey to the Museum fast and easy.The Museum is located in Canary Wharf so it is easily accessible by the underground or the DLR (Docklands light railway).

As with most of the museums we have visited in London there are fantastic activities for kids. MJ and Lj spent most of the time in the 'Mudlocks'. (I had to use my camera phone so the quality is poor).

  Shifting cargo from the ships to the warehouses.

 Going crazy in the soft play.


Damming the river!

We had lunch next door in Wetherspoons which was also child friendly.
Had the weather been a bit nicer I think we would have enjoyed a walk around the docks looking at the boats and along the river Thames. We managed a short walk but almost got blown away!

Another fun day out in London for all the family!

Wednesday 8 February 2012

Night night my little people.

 I love to check on the kids just before I go to bed...to check they are asleep and wrapped up warm. Tonight as I tip toed in they were totally unaware of my presense and as they slept deeply I realised what busy little lives they lead.


Today as I chatted to my sister, Lj was climbing into my nieces pram with piglet and wrapping the two of them in a blanket. She loves her little cousin, always eager to mother her (if she could just lift her!). She is also like this with her doll. She loves to push her round in her buggy, get her a drink, tonight I even found her trying to dress her in MJ's clothes! My mum says it is just what my sister would have done at that age (I was a bit more of a Tom boy!).I wonder if she will one day be a fine mum like my sister has turned out to be.


MJ is loving the snow. As soon as he can get out in the morning, he is there building a snow man, clearing the path with the spade or just tramping around in his snow boots. He has also confirmed my belief that he is able to dress himself, get his shoes on, do up a zip when he needs to! He is sleeping extra soundly tonight as he had swimming class today. It is strange how he is never too excited about going but always always comes out 100% happy and full of chat about how much he enjoyed himself. Today he was in the 'big' pool and told me that Bob (his teacher) was very happy with him...this boy makes me smile!

Night Night,
Sleep tight,
Watch the bed bugs don't bite,
And if they bite,
Squeeze them tight!

Tuesday 7 February 2012

The Playground by LS Lowry (1945)

The Playground by LS Lowry
While outside in the snow on Sunday, as we looked over the lake and all the people out on their sledges, a friend commented how it looked like a Lowry painting. To me it felt like a day at the beach...everyone was in holiday mood, enjoying the fun and company but with the exception of deck chairs!

The comment regarding the Lowry scene left me intrigued. I don't know alot about Lowry and his works so  felt impelled to find out!

The painting above is 'The Playground' by LS Lowry and I wonder if this was the one my friend had in mind when he make his remark.

A brief history, taken from Wiki.
Laurence Stephen Lowry (1 November 1887 – 23 February 1976) was an English artist born in Barrett Street, Stretford, Lancashire. Many of his drawings and paintings depict nearby Salford and surrounding areas, including Pendlebury, where he lived and worked for over 40 years at 117 Station Road (B5231), opposite St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church.
Lowry is famous for painting scenes of life in the industrial districts of Northern England during the early 20th century. He had a distinctive style of painting and is best known for urban landscapes peopled with human figures often referred to as "matchstick men". He also painted mysterious unpopulated landscapes, brooding portraits, and the secret 'marionette' works, the latter only found after his death.



Our view across the lake

Chating and playing in the snow

 I have now set my laptop background as 'The playground' and am looking forward to showing it to MJ in the morning and listening to his ideas of what Lowry painted.

Sunday 5 February 2012