Although still lovely and warm in the early 20s, it’s definitely feeling like we’re on the cusp of autumn now. The horse chestnut leaves are mostly brown and I found a pocketful of shiny new conkers at the weekend. My thoughts are starting to turn to soup and stews, rather than salads and lighter meals; these are always signifiers of the change of season. It’s also time to work on blanket making, as has become traditional this time of year.
I’ve dug out the strips of my linen stitch crochet and found there are now enough for a good sized baby blanket, or a lap blanket for an adult. I’ve sent several parcels of woolly things Knit for Peace and I imagine this will be destined for them too, unless I know anybody who needs this blanket.
I’ll start to darn the numerous ends this week and then decide on the joining method. I might try a whatchamacallit braid, I’m not sure. Originally I wanted an invisible join, so it looked truly patchworky. This is why I left the ends long, but now I realise there will be weaker joins if I change colours all along the edge of each colour block. I’ve got the darning time to consider the matter. What do you think?
I’m reading The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach, the book that inspired the film(s). When I saw it in the library I pounced upon it, then realised after the first few chapters that I’d already listened to the audio version in 2012. It’s well written and the characters are distinctive, so I’m sticking with it.
I’m still listening to The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar. It’s one of my best audio books this year due to the original story and Juliet Stevenson’s lively narration.
If you like book talk and enjoy hearing interviews with authors then I recommend Simon Mayo’s Books of the Year podcast. It’s free on iTunes and Acast. Ahem…someone has had her emails read out on the last two episodes *cough cough* as she is an avid listener. Kate Atkinson is to be featured soon and I cannot wait. I love her writing. Human Croquet is my favourite.
Joining in with Ginny’s Yarn Along.
The Little Room of Rachell 
Ah that blanket looks lovely. I have seen that book in the library but have not yet read it. I went a bit crazy a couple of weeks ago and reserved rather a lot of books which have all come at once!
Thank you. I remember! It’s so tempting to get lots isn’t it. Enjoy your reading Cathy.
Oh, I like the look of your blanket very much. The colours are lovely together and I like the calm simplicity of the design. Thanks for the recommendations – I’m always looking for things to listen to whilst making/ drafting patterns/ doing practical things about the house. X
Thanks. It was an easy stashbuster I started earlier in the year.
Did your sourdough starter go ok?
Yes – and thanks for remembering! I just got it going nicely when we went away and I fell out of the routine and let it spoil. Time to start again, I think. We also made sourdough crumpets as you suggested, which were delicious.
You can leave it in the fridge for a few weeks and it should be ok if you warm it up to room temp and feed it.
Glad you liked the crumpets. I think they’ll be great when Winter comes calling.
Could you try crochetting them together on the right side with dcs in a contrasting colour you haven’t used; or doesn’t that work with linen stitch?
I did consider that but don’t really want the raised stitching this produces on either side of the piece. Super glue them?!
Lovely blanket, I enjoyed that book so much it’s one of the few books I have read a second time.
Thanks Deborah!
I love linen stitch. It’s my favourite crochet stitch and the strips look great. I’m sure they’ll make a cosy blanket
It does make a nice textured fabric. DC is not my favourite of stitches to hook though; think I prefer the movement of trebles. Thanks JJ.
Lovely pictures, what a treat! I made a note to get and read The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Apparently, it hasn’t been translated into Czech yet so I hope to find it in English.
PS: I meant pictures from Taking Stock – August as you have probably guessed :)
Ah I yes! I thought it had to be as only one here. Thanks
I purchased the audio book of The mermaid and Mrs Hancock and have just finished listening to it. Thankyou for the reference as i found it most enjoyable, loving your creative work as usual.
Oh great! Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks very much.