Hello and goodbye to Scotland, lovely new purchases and back to the real world........

Well, half-term has been and gone. In a flash my week in Scotland was over.....but what a fantastic time we had!

I absolutely adore Scotland. The beauty, isolation and peacefulness of the west coast is like something from Lord of the Rings (minus the nasty monsters). I love wrapping up in my winter kit and heading out into the mountains. During this trip I managed to find some time to walk alone. I love walking with my other half but this was quite a rare and welcome change. Walking alone down into the valley (that I'd earlier walked/climbed up with my husband and a friend) was something quite special. In the silence I could clearly hear the running water of the half melted falls and the sound of the ice and snow cracking and crunching underfoot. It was one of those moments when you just have to stop and and take in the beauty around you. In that moment I felt very lucky to be able to enjoy such an experience.

Below are some pics to give you a taste of what I got up to.......

Beautiful day for a walk in Scotland

Scrambling up some very icy rocks

Reaching the plateau - taking in the view of the climb ahead

and what better way of testing my makes............????
 

Checking out the lower falls of Falls of Steall in multi-colour, multi-purpose snood

Of course, we had to have at least one rest day :) Off to Oban we went...........and I found not one but TWO lovely wool stores to mooch around. Purchases were made...... some new 10mm knitting needles, a beautiful hat for me (it even has bells!) and some knitted wrist warmers for an impatient husband :)

Back to work today for me......which means less time on the fells. Thankfully the nights are getting lighter which allows some cheeky trips out after school to make the most of the lovely weather we appear to be having here this week.

Love to hear from some of you soon....... 

KnittyNora xx

Making the most of a beautiful weekend

Wowee.... what a weekend! I have been utterly spoiled by beautiful weather and trips out on the fells with my husband. A long weekend is the perfect excuse to make the most of time off work together and to make the most of the beautiful countryside that I find myself surrounded by.

I have to admit that not much crafting has happened this weekend because my hands have been busy climbing rock faces. After a guided walk on Saturday and some indoor climbing on Sunday, we decided to go on a scrambling adventure on Great Gable yesterday. If anyone reading this knows much about scrambling you'll know that it's a fair mission just to get the actual scrambles. We set ourselves the mission of scrambling Threading the Needle, the Sphinx Ridge and Pinnacle Ridge and up onto the summit of Great Gable. We did it....and what fun we had in the process! :) I have discovered a renewed passion for climbing recently and have been pushing myself to do more outdoor climbs. Yesterday's grade 2 (and at times, grade 3) scrambles were both fun and exhilarating. Although I wouldn't recommend it if you're scared of heights :)

Here are some pics, just for you.....

The prize....

The view back to Threading the Needle from the Dress Circle

Making my way to meet the Sphinx and Sphinx Ridge

Today is a rest day ...of sorts. An early lunch of Venison sausages purchased from a local Farmer's market followed by a trip to the book shop for some climbing books. And later, meeting friends on the lake for some windsurfing. May have to take along my crotchet needle and some wool and see what I can dream up.
Here is a picture of my oh so random brooch design....must find a pin so that I can wear it!

Not the best picture.... aiming for abstract rose design :) 

Hope you've all had a lovely long weekend. Please pop by and say 'Hello!'.

KnittyNora xxxxxxxxx

Rain, rain go away....

What a miserable day?! After a week of glorious sunshine I have awoken to lots of rain this morning. Although this means no BBQ for me today, I'm sure my garden is very grateful for the drink.

My husband and I have been busy planting lots of lovely things in our garden. It has been a blank canvas for a year and a half as we settled into our new home and were busy out and about, exploring the beautiful countryside. This year we have decided to give our little patch of green some much deserved TLC and have started with some beautiful young trees and Rhododendrons. I've also purchased some fruit bushes to plant - blueberry and raspberry! Perfect for making jam and for decorating homemade cakes. Hidden under the compost are some herbs I planted a week or so ago and some sunflower seeds (left over from my Wedding a year and a half ago). I really hope they grow! I'll be sure to post some photos of our progress soon.

On a crafty note, I'm currently making some soft toys for my new nephew, George. He was born two and a half weeks ago and he is just beautiful. Both baby and mummy are doing well and this auntie is delighted to be able to shower little George with lots of homemade gifts. He has already received his first little knitted cardie and booties (see pics below - left: baby elephant teddy and right: George's first hand knitted Cardie and booties)

This half-term (once the planning and marking is done) I plan to spend lots of time outside enjoying the beautiful countryside and mountains that surround me. I've been out this weekend and feel so lucky to have such beauty on my doorstep. Climbing, walking and crafting.......what a way to spend a half-term :)

Lots of love and crafty hugs,

Knittynora xxx


P.s. All photos are my own. Please ask for permission before using these elsewhere. xx

(Outdoor pics - top left: climbing Red Pike, bottom left: some scrambling on Middle Fell - Iron Crag)

Thank goodness for the sunshine!

After a busy and stressful couple of weeks I am glad to see the sun shining. It manages to lift your mood and make you feel just that bit lighter.

I haven't 'blogged' in a week or so. I've had the flu, which still seems to be hanging around, and lots of things going on at work. With the Easter holidays approaching, I am looking forward to some well deserved me time and the opportunity to get out in the hills and enjoy some walking and rock climbing. 

With the sun shining I'm turning to lighter weight wools and beginning to think about the presents I can make for people with birthdays in the colder months and, yes,........ Christmas! It's a way off yet, thank goodness, but I like to be organised and hate to put down my knitting needles just because it's warm outside. The weather has got me thinking about knitting in the great outdoors. I do a lot of outdoor activities and can think of nothing better than sitting upon a hill, with magnificent views, indulging in my favourite hobbies - knitting and walking. I'd love to hear about your favourite places to knit/craft.....?! :)

Best wishes to you all. Enjoy the weather, whilst it lasts :)

Knittynora xxx

P.s. I am pleased to report that my sister gave birth to a beautiful baby boy just over a week and a half ago. His name is George, and he is just gorgeous! I'm so happy to be wrapping the little treats I knitted for him during my sister's pregnancy and cannot wait to see him wearing his funky little booties and hand knitted cardigan.