papa's got a brand new...

pair of socks!

I have been furiously knitting away trying to get my dad's Fathers Day present finished in time and managed to complete the second one at gone midnight last night. It's a pattern I've not used before called Harris Tweed, and whilst I like the quite masculine pattern along the leg, I'm not sure about the rather odd wedge-shaped toe. If I make any more in the future I'll use one of my other patterns to get the more rounded toe shape that I'm used to knitting.

He was pleased though, I've been promising him a pair of knitted socks for months.

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The other very super Daddy in my life has been working flat out on our little patch of allotment, playing at being a 'real man' by getting all sweaty and grubby. He has even taken to drinking ale.

I'm trying to decide what to plant, as it feels like a funny time of year. I think I'm going to sow some more spinach, as we get through masses of the stuff, and I fancy growing some pretty rainbow swiss chard.

I think the rest of the patch will then have to wait until August, as I've seen a fantastic bargain pack of Winter brassica plug plants. It's a bit of a cheat, seeing as all my Summer veg has been grown from seed, but unfortunately I've missed the sowing window for most winter veg.

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Back at Purl Cottage, we have been harvesting our first crop of peas- my goodness they taste so sweet and wonderful straight out of the pod. I doubt any will make it as far as the steamer, let alone onto a plate!

We have gazillions of ripe strawberries too, which are going down well with the small people....

I never want this Summer to end!