hello

It feels like such a long time since I last wrote a blog, even though it's only been a couple of weeks. I've been so busy with work and other things and I just had no head space to think about anything else, so it's good to be back. What did I miss?

I haven't just been working though, the allotment has needed watering and weeding, of course. Thankfully all the hard work has been paying off and this evening we went down and had our first proper harvesting session. We were all squealing with delight as we felt around in the crumbly soil lifting up golden potatoes and cheering as we pulled up our first few juicy carrots- the other allotmenteers must have thought we were a little eccentric to say the least!

In the rest of my spare time I've been crafting my socks off making fancy dress costumes for my friend's 30th birthday 'British Icons' themed party, which all four of us are attending on Saturday. I have been getting a little bit carried away, and can't wait to show off what I've made... more on that in a few days.

Oh, and do you remember I was grumbling about not being able to find an old watering can to go in my little back yard? Just look what my wonderful dad surprised me with at the weekend- it's exactly what I wanted- hurrah!

I've got a little bit more fancy-dress making to be finishing off tonight, but I promise to pop by all your blogs and have a proper catch up over the coming week. I can't wait to read about what you've been sewing, knitting and harvesting in the sunshine. I've missed you all!

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!