Vicki and I have followed each other on social media for years. I read her blog long before Instagram. And once volunteered to test a crochet sock pattern for her. I don’t dwell on that really; since my stitch count definitely did not tally with the pattern’s. I kept on thinking it would magically resolve, but we all know how that ends. I remember giving up and embarrassingly bowing out with a “Well, you’ve got plenty of other testers, oops!” The fault was all mine.
I’ve been promising to visit her newish shop String in Cheltenham, a town in Gloucestershire, for ages. Saturday was finally the day. I went with excellent intentions; I would have a look around and introduce myself, but not buy any yarn. For reasons of stash. I crumbled. How ridiculous to go to a beautiful shop like that and not buy any woolly products! I don’t know what I was thinking really. It would be like going to Italy, and not eating a single bite of pasta or pizza…
As you see I didn’t crumble spectacularly, but I love this skein of DK ’Hendricks’ so much that I’m already anticipating my next visit to String. It’s a bright space filled with very good things! (And a very nice maker, designer and shop keeper too.)
Here’s Vicki’s site, Vicki Brown Designs where you can make heart eyes over her small batch hand dyed yarns. She’s also to be found on all the socials.
I then took myself off for a walk in Cheltenham’s most beautiful park. I have family connections to the town and a visit without a wander around Pittville would feel lacking.
Information about the history of the park and the Pump Room
Lovely to see the candles on the horse chestnut trees. Everywhere is looking so lush and green now. England in May is spectacular.
Eye catching planting
http://www.Cheltenham.gov.uk
And now I shall put my beautiful skin of Hendricks away, hopefully just for a little bit, while I finish my blanket and shawl.
I’ve had a hiatus in crafting lately, but I feel inspired again after a visit to String.
Have you been on any trips lately? Met anyone in real life you’ve ‘known’ online for years? How did it turn out?
The Little Room of Rachell 
Ah! What have you got planned for your new yarn? I have been away for a few days this last week as you will discover if you read my blog post on Monday.
I need to sort out what to do with the shawl – whether to try to block it to make it big enough to wear, which is unlikely to work, or whether to unravel it and reuse the yarn, or pass it on. I’ve also got to put the blanket pieces together and crochet a border. I want to clear the decks first, then I’m going to think what to make with one skein of artisan yarn.