Sunday Happies

I'm delighted to announce that the random number generator has spoken and Jo from Bristol has won the Cable and Cotton lights giveaway. 

"Hi Gillian! My name is Jo, a teacher who tries to crochet to relax in my spare time, and I live in Bristol. I love these cable and cotton lights and have hankered after a string set as they just have a real cosy glow. I am not fond of bold ceiling lighting preferring the glow of fairy lights or table lamps in my house. I think my choice would be the marshmallow set- they'd add a perfect warming and soothing glow in my lounge! I am a regular reader of your blog- thanks for sharing!"

Jo - please could you email me at talesfromahappyhouse@yahoo.co.uk confirming your choice and giving me your address - thank you!

Rolling on with the usual weekly round-up of everyday goodness:

1. I've begun a new crocheted project, a shawl, and it has brought me huge amounts of pleasure this week. It's all new to me as I've never made a shawl, I've never worked from an American pattern before (get me, translating!) and this is my first time working with variegated yarn. It's not my usual taste (it's a gift) but I am enjoying every single stitch.

The yarn is Noro Silk Garden, which I won in a blog giveaway some time ago and, while it is not the softest, easiest yarn to work with in the world, the depth and variation of colour are just stunning. I love watching the colours change as I work, with no ends to darn in! Me and variegated yarn are becoming friends after all.

2. Pretty pumpkins. I might attempt something crafty with them later, but for now I just love the look of them on the table.

3. A nice cup of tea and a sit down is truly one of life's simple pleasures and my children aren't so old that I don't appreciate what it is to drink a cup of tea while it is still hot. Add cake* and a new magazine and I'm practically floating.

4. Today. It was brilliant. We drove up to Malham Cove and walked to the top. The views! Then we had a huuuge pub lunch (a Sunday roast, it had to be done) before stopping off for a stroll around Skipton on the way back to Leeds. I forgot my big camera (I kicked myself for that) so here are some phone snaps. 

This is the cliff face of the cove. To give you an idea of scale, you can just make out some climbers on the rock.

The view from the top of the cliff. 

Those famous "limestone pavements".

My boys.

Bella, looking for fossils. 

Thank you for your lovely comments on my summer embroidery, you are too kind. It's half term here and we are all very glad of the break. Tired parents, tired children, tired teachers - this autumn term always feels like a hard slog. Have a great week everyone.

* Apple and Currant Crumble Bars from this book - totally delicious and generously spiced with cloves, cinnamon and ginger. I can't find this particular recipe online but there are many similar ones.