Hope & Chances Creativity

Socks!

2025-09-20T17:30:00.005+01:00

Hello!

A special post for any sock visitors, welcome to my blog.

Please take a peek at my items in my Folksy shop, link in banner on right.

All socks are knitted from high quality yarn, 75% wool and 25% nylon/polyamide,

this allows for stretch and warmth. Also it means they can be washed easily.

I currently have a few Christmas sock commission slots still open,

if you are interested please reach out to me through the Folksy contact option.

Just a few pictures of recently knitted socks.

Happy Autumn and much love,

Where Have I Been??

2024-07-17T10:28:00.002+01:00

Hello friends

Well it is just a silly amount of time since I last blogged so where

have I been??

I've swapped my crafting tools for gardening tools -

if you are interested in anything garden/allotment related,

you can find me on Instagram as littlegreenshedallotment

or on YouTube - @LittleGreenShedAllotment

I've just celebrated my one year anniversary of having an allotment plot,

video below.

Much Love,

It has been a while...

2022-12-20T18:17:00.004+00:00

Hello friends

It has been a while, a long while since I visited you in blogland

and I hope this long overdue post finds you all festive and well.

What a year!

I'll get all the horrible news out the way first...

It has been a sloooow road to recovery with my new hip and gall bladder removal

but I feel at last I'm on the right path -

I've now started driving again and getting around a bit more normally.

The main news and what has occupied me is my boy,

Elliott has unfortunately been very unwell.

Rushed into hospital with sepsis, he spent time in ITU and then moved to a ward.

We are still discovering what could have happened, various thoughts that

three hospitals are arguing out - his brain tumour saying hello again,

a pituitary bleed among other things.

He came home to stay and thankfully is recovering and due to go

back to work in the New Year.

So all in all - most definitely what a year!!

And now some nicer stuff that happened this year:

I am typing this from a new office,

yes, I have a home office now, no longer parked in the dining room.

I'm currently working 4 days a week from home

returning to hybrid working in the office in January.

It took quite a bit of work to get to this, completely re-plastered, painted,

boiler cupboard built.

My new home office when tidy...

My work colleagues on the other side of the room...

It makes a big difference having these little characters with me during the day,

although I have to say Bella gets a little too enthusiastic on Teams calls.

Oh yes - talking of Bella she didn't want to miss out on drama this year and had

to have an op on her eye - she recovered perfectly

as opposed to the human recovering from paying the bill!

Mum celebrated a big birthday.

This was obviously before the snow!

It was a lovely day.

Mum, bless her, still has lots of hospital appointments.

What has kept me sane is my tiny garden.

I threw myself into growing, planting and reading about growing and planting.

First time I've grown plants from seeds and plugs,

I'm still learning and trying to remember to make notes so I don't

make the same mistakes next year. Monty makes it all look easy.

Solar fairy lights are the way forward everyone,

if I had a larger garden it would be festooned.

These little ones from Amazon - bargain and lasting very well.

I invested in a greenhouse, I say "invested" it was £10 - it has

done me proud and protected plants from all the recent snow,

funny how a small spend can give you a lot of joy.

Once Autumn arrived and then the snow it put pay to my gardening escape

so I figured it was time for me to finally pick up my crochet hook.

I started the Attic 24 Fireside Blanket which I am enjoying.

The colours are indeed warming on these very dark evenings.

Photo bombed by Bella.

And putting up my tree takes a ridiculous amount of time and yes,

it is wonky again.

Well my friends, it has been nice to sit down and say hello to you all again.

Lots of thanks to those who have been reaching out with messages and emails,

received at a time when they were appreciated far more than you could know.

I want to wish you all a joyous Christmas and the

happiest and healthiest of New Years.

I will be back - I promise!

Much love.

Hello friends!

2022-07-29T05:00:00.001+01:00

Hello friends

A blog post at last.

The aliens decided to return me, turns out I was a faulty

abduction specimen!

Joking aside, I have been absent from blogging and social media

for many months, definitely not what I planned.

I've been a bit of boomerang with hospitals, not content with a new hip

I popped back to have my gallbladder whipped out.

I am very much hoping that is my lot for this year and I can

concentrate on getting up and running - literally.

Nurse Bella is exhausted from day and night shifts.

Now, you would think with all this recovery time I would have

done a ton of crochet, sadly not the case as really didn't feel up to it.

I did make a bit of progress with my Battenburg Blanket,

it is a lot of joining and ends.

I've got projects planned so hope to get on with those once
the cro-jo returns.

Big thanks for the emails and messages - very much appreciated.

My family has been on hand to help and lift my spirits.

Elliott turned his hand to gardening,

what used to be Darcy's shelter is now a little bed for pot plants.

An old mirror dressed it up.

And my sister did a lovely tea for the Jubilee and Bella eyed the cake.

So not quite back to the old me but getting there.

I am returning to work on Monday, a phased return for a couple of months

working from home.

I'll be blogging again, not quite returning to the FCD's.

Again, lots of thanks for the lovely wishes.

Take care friends - have a super weekend.

Friday Chat Day

2022-05-13T05:30:00.001+01:00

Hello friends

Apologies for the current erraticness of my blog posts, this hip
business has been far more protracted than I anticipated.

This week I have some photos of the garden to share with you,
Elliott popped out there and took some snaps and these warmed my
heart, although it is messy the flowers (mainly Clematis, my favourite)

definitely give it the garden a colour boost.

Kimico Clematis

Super proud of this, it was a tiny struggling thing for two years

and has now found its feet (roots).

Montana Clematis

Most probably the easiest to grow variety and spreads easily.

The metal bench covered in Montana.

I would normally by now have planted a few tomato

plants but decided that I will have to give certain things a miss.

'This time last year' memories keep popping up on my phone

and I realise I've got a lot to do once I am able to.

(I often wonder if those memory jolts are good for you?)

This plant is a rarer variety!

He has taken to sleeping in the tree pot.

As mentioned, Mitchell has now left home
so the ratio of pets to adults is definitely unbalanced.
I feel very loved with the two cats and Bella all vying for my attention.

As you can see Pixel seems very unperturbed.

Bella is confused. She gets very excited by any visitors,

she was overjoyed when the postman made a fuss of her this week.

So what else have I been up to?

Well, not a great deal.

I keep thinking - imagine having all this time off work and being able

to get around - I could have done so much.

But I guess that is why it is recuperation time.

Very thankful to the telly - Britbox has been my favourite streaming

channel by far and Father Brown has been the perfect easy-going viewing.

I have this week felt like doing some crochet so picked up

my battenburg blanket and worked on more squares.

The blanket is going to be 16 squares x 16 squares so a total of 256,

that's a lot of ends!

It is a nice project to pick up whenever I feel like it, I'm very much tortoise as

opposed to hare at the moment.

And that's my news at the moment, a lot of indoors

punctuated with hospital trips and physio.

I will be back soon but until then...

wishing you a sunshiny lovely weekend.

Take care friends.

Friday Chat Day

2022-04-29T05:00:00.001+01:00

Hello friends

Just stopping by to say hello, haven't forgotten you all but not a FCD this week.

Little setback with recovery but getting there, I'll be back to full blown natter soon.

Take care and enjoy the weekend and Bank Holiday.

Christine xx

Friday Chat Day - I'm back!

2022-04-22T05:00:00.001+01:00

Hello friends!

It has been a while! I hope you are all well and enjoying the recent sunshine.

I've had quite a lot happen over the last month, primarily a new hip.

Sporting the lovely support stockings in hospital.

I must admit the surgery was a lot more debilitating than I thought it was going to be.

I naively had visions of being able to run around within a week or so.

I'm now 5 weeks post surgery and pleased that I can mostly manage on one crutch!

I am still not able to bend down and I cannot begin to tell you how many times you

need to reach down and can't! Plug sockets for one example.

And tiredness, it's like someone hits you with a cricket bat,

one minute awake the next snoring.

Slowly reducing pain killers so definitely on the right track.

Bella spent the first few days looking concerned.

The cats less so...

I also imagined I would get tons of crochet done, I've managed to finish one blanket.

This super bright granny square one.

I need to get good photos once I am able to.

Watching telly was something I achieved magnificently.

Bridgerton on Netflix, all seven Harry Potter films (again),

Why Didn't They Ask Evans on Britbox, Moon Knight on Disney+

and I'm sure there was more.

Plus my audio books, got through three of those.

So definitely resting in between setting the alarm for physio,

so many of you told me how important it is to do the exercises.

In other news whilst I've been hobbling about, my eldest Mitchell

and his girlfriend have decided to move into a flat.

Within a few weeks they secured a lovely maisonette in Newington,

near Sittingbourne and he officially left home.

I'm now for the first time in my life living alone.

I confess I privately shed some tears but then scolded myself,

it's an inevitable milestone and a new chapter and I need to embrace

the change and the positives, washing will decrease by 80% at least!

Bella is confused and will need to adapt. The cats are well, cats - mostly indifferent.

I've still got a little more time before I return to work, thankfully a phased return

and working from home.

I'm itching to get into my tiny garden.

So much is growing and it's terribly scruffy, I'm trying not to look although I did

capture this photo just before my surgery, Cyril and hyacinths.

Big thanks for your lovely comments, emails and Instagram messages,

I truly appreciated them.

Take care friends and wishing you a lovely weekend.

Friday Chat Day - a mini one!

2022-03-11T05:30:00.001+00:00

Hello friends

Whoosh and it is Friday, I hope you are all keeping well.

Bit scant again on news in my world this week so

it is a mini chat day!

In crochet news - I have been making more

little solid granny squares for my battenburg blanket.

These are nice to plod along and make - not taxing at all.

Different story when it comes to joining them I bet.

I really wish there was a 'sewing in ends fairy'.

Spot the Cyril.

Each day he has been back and visiting, collecting his sunflower seeds

and apple and mostly burying the former.

I expect to have sunflowers growing in random places this year.

It was so lovely to see some sunshine yesterday, I noticed

that blossom is appearing - it is truly the nicest season.

I mentioned last week that Elliott and I were taking a trip to the cinema -

I can report that Death on the Nile was

utterly brilliant - both Elliott and I enjoyed it very much.

Seeing Russell Brand play a serious character was interesting.

It got me in a 'Agatha Christie' mood so have been revisiting

a few more adaptations.

If you happen to have Britbox book a date to watch

'And Then There Were None' - edge of your seat stuff.

The remainder of my week has been work and getting prepared at home

in readiness for my hip surgery next week.

I've been compiling huge handover notes to my work colleagues,

woe betide any of them that mess up my billing spreadsheets!

I'm feeling a little protective over my work systems but I'm sure I can

pick things up again when I return.

At home - taking advice with regards to putting things at waist height,

getting a bell to summon Mitchell! (Joking about the latter).

I do hope to pop back and do Friday Chat Days but just in case you

stop by and I haven't posted, I promise to make it up to you - I will be back!

Take care friends, have a lovely weekend.

Friday Chat Day

2022-03-04T05:30:00.011+00:00

Hello friends

Happy Friday - can you believe we are in March?
Nobody sent the weather gods this memo, it has been a very damp
week here in Kent. My home had decided it is a colander, new leaks
have appeared - we step over bowls and towels when the heavens open

and that is with a new roof!

Never mind - worse things are happening...

But, I shall swiftly move on to more comforting items -

Crochet

The Cath Kidston colour inspired blanket is finished -

(I'm thinking I need to abbreviate the name).

Quite a narrow border as again, determined not to buy

more yarn for this blanket - it was supposed to be leftovers.

I'm very happy with it, it certainly adds a pop of colour

on these dull days.

I am still working on little squares for a battenburg blanket

and just started a striped project,

I'm still undecided and may

frog it back and revert to squares.

Telly

Britbox

Murder in Provence

Adapted from the books by M.L. Longworth, the show follows Antoine Verlaque,

a Judge, played by Roger Allam as he and his partner investigate the murders

in beautiful scenery.

Oh I really want to like this but confess I will a little disappointed.

Mr Allam is a super actor and plays the part well but the plots

feel very daytime TV. It is also aimed 100% at the middle aged - I don't mind that!

It is still worth watching for the eloquence (Patricia Hodge also stars)

and glorious scenery bathed in sunshine.

Squirrel news

Cyril has been sprightly on his toes this week,

so much so I've only snapped one (bad) photo of Cyril's bum!

He has been scrabbling about on my bathroom roof,

clearly no fear of heights.

Oh and this hazy one - again not posing for the camera.

(Christmas tree growing well though).

The rest of my week has been work, physio and hospital appointments.

All gearing up for my surgery soon and I'm thinking of how

to make home a little easier for when I come out of hospital.

Or, I can just keep the boys on their toes!

This weekend I am hoping to go the cinema to see the new

adaptation of Death on the Nile, Elliott and I are big Agatha Christie fans

and we really enjoyed Kenneth Branagh's Poirot before.

The cast is incredible including Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

I think that wraps up my news - woefully unexciting right now!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend and hopefully

some sunshine where you are.

Take care friends.

Friday Chat Day

2022-02-25T05:30:00.001+00:00

Hello friends

I do hope everyone is fine following the storms.

Very little damage here at the VT, just a little bit of broken fencing.

It really was something wasn't it, feel so sorry for those who lost power.

It was a good excuse not to venture out and do some crochet.

My Cath Kidston inspired blanket is done bar the border which

I am just starting. It was reduced to 90 squares instead of a 100

due to running out of blue yarn (again!)

I didn't think it warranted buying another ball of yarn just to join 10 squares.

Overall I am happy with the simple design and colours.

In other news...

Cyril has embraced his new feeding spot and chomping his way through

a great deal of sunflower seeds, looks like I have another dependant.

A few more of his mates visited this week but Cyril is keen

to see them off - this is HIS garden now.

It has occurred to me that maybe Cyril has a lot of lookalikes,

but for the moment I'm calling each of them Cyril!

I am also pleased to have received a surgery date for

my new hip - 17 March, it is fairly soon!

Forgive me if I go AWOL at certain times.

I will keep you posted on the charity kit situation.

I'm going to be working for my city job (thankfully from home)

up until that date and then possibly off for approx 6 weeks.

That is going to feel very strange.

Unfortunately the VT is not the best house for recovering from this sort of op,

we have steps everywhere and steep stairs but certain I will manage.

I have pre-warned Mitchell that he will be doing a fair bit of running around

and cooking! Most important bit. He's thrilled!

Elliott is booking some time off to keep me company,

we are planning some serious telly watching.

Talking of which...

Dodger

BBC/BBCiPlayer

Family drama based on the iconic Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist.

Ten-part series follows standalone adventures,

which are then brought together in the final episode.

Christopher Eccleston is Fagin and although definitely geared

for the younger generation with some farcical running around,

it is entertaining. I am a real sucker for any period drama

and the scenery is brilliant.

Not a huge amount of news from me this week,

the real news is making up for that!

Goodness it seems that anything and everything is happening

right now - so much tragedy.

Apprehensive to even tune into the news each day but also

feel like I need to, things are moving fast and all very worrying.

Anyway - let's not leave on a sad note...

I hope you all have a lovely weekend and take care friends.

Friday Chat Day

2022-02-18T05:30:00.001+00:00

Hello friends

Happy Friday to you all. Good week so far?
Hope you haven't been blown away.

Welcome to squirrel central.

I now have many squirrels flying about the garden.

I think Cyril the squirrel went back to Squirrel HQ and said

"there's sunflower seeds at No. 5!"

I'm now calling them Cyril & Co.

I had no idea they could climb walls - very agile on the pebble-dashing.

They are proving to be a source of entertainment to the cats.

Thankfully they are not showing any interest in chasing them.

Lily nestled among my blooming hyacinths

and if you squint Pixel is outside on the table.

And yes, still grubby windows - I am resisting the urge to clean the

conservatory windows as they will only get dirty again when kitchen is installed.

It isn't hard to resist believe me!

I feel quite sorry for all wildlife at the moment with these storms

hence the extra sunflower seeds.

Crochet

Not much progress on my Cath Kidston inspired blanket due to running

out of the blue joining yarn. Some arrived yesterday so I can crack on with

joining the remaining 40 squares and the border.

I am really happy with it though and thoroughly enjoyed how simple

traditional granny squares are.

Whilst I was waiting for the blue yarn to arrive I made a start on

some solid granny squares using very posh yarn by my standards.

They are dinky squares and will eventually be joined with plain cream

squares to create a battenburg blanket design.

These are nice little projects whilst indulging in plenty of telly viewing.

Talking of which...

Telly

BBCiPlayer - This Is Going to Hurt

Based on the best-selling memoir of the same name,

the series follows junior doctor Adam Kay in his chaotic job in

Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

All episodes available and starring Ben Whishaw.
Wow - this packs a punch.

Be prepared to laugh and cry - excellent viewing.

Mr Whishaw appears to be able to turn his hand to many characters

including the voice of Paddington which is perfect.

BritBox - Magpie Murders

Set in 1950s and today, the story focuses on the murder of a mystery author

and utilises a story within a story format.

I mentioned a week or so ago this was coming and I was

really looking forward to it having read the book.

It really is a clever format.

I binged watched it and I wasn't disappointed.

Lesley Manville is perfect as Susan.

My only criticism is that if felt too short, six episodes just wasn't enough.

If you don't have BritBox then I definitely recommend the book.

In other news:

My work continues to be busy.

I am still working from home which has been agreed due to the fact

that I've got a dodgy hip and hopefully getting an op soon.

It has stopped me doing quite a bit of stuff - house, garden, Bella walking

so it will be good to be back to 'normal' at some point.

I fear this op could jeopardise timing of the new kitchen but we will see,

it certainly isn't the end of the world if I have to postpone it but

it may mean I have to clean those windows!

Take care friends, keep safe with these storms and have

a lovely weekend.

Friday Chat Day

2022-02-11T05:30:00.004+00:00

Hello friends

Happy Friday.
I hope you are having a good week and looking forward to the weekend.

A sell out with this month's Charity Kit - big thanks to you all.

The next kit will be April - ah Springtime - what a lovely thought.

So what has been happening here?

Not a great deal but I am super close to finishing the big bottom bunny cushion.

Just five more rows and ta dah - only taken a few years!

As to how soon it will become an actual cushion, now that could be another story.

Crochet

On the crochet front, I am now joining 100 squares for my

Cath Kidston colour inspired blanket.

I enjoy seeing them all piled up but they are not a lot of use until

they resemble a blanket.

All the joining is in blue and the border will be cream and that dark reddish colour.

Joining is a bit boring but nice to see it coming together.

A couple of evenings I couldn't get warm so I snuggled under the duvet to crochet.

Bella has liked this arrangement very much!

Squirrel!

Time for me to introduce you to Cyril the Squirrel.

Not the best photo and goodness once I saw this photo I cleaned my window!

This little character has been visiting my outside planter as I work

at my desk and he really is a highlight in my day.

I've done a little research into what squirrels eat so on his menu today

is some pumpkin seeds and chopped apple.

I know I may regret this as squirrels are destructive -

(they ate all my tree blossom last year),

but his character and cuteness (and anything to make me

look away from my work screen) has won me over.

Garden is still somewhat messy but I did go out and prune one of my

clematis this week.

I watched a Monty video and I'm fairly confident I've done it correctly.

We shall see.

Telly

This time of year I think my viewing hours double.

The Nevers - Sky Atlantic/Now

A group of Victorian women suddenly gain mysterious powers and go up against

a relentless stream of enemies to fulfil their mission which could change the world.

Yes seriously - it is like Marvel meets Charlotte Bronte!

But actually I loved it - it's all a bit mysterious and then the final

episode explains everything.

Lots of well known faces pop up.

Dexter - New Blood - Sky Atlantic/Now

Dexter Morgan, a man with homicidal tendencies.

He used to work as a forensic technician for the police department

during the day and kill heinous perpetrators in his free time.

Can you tell I've got Now TV on an offer at the moment?!

Just a £1 a month for the Entertainment channel so I'm making the most of it.

I watched the original series of Dexter back in 2012 when I had my shop,

I remember sitting in the back room making pretty things while he

chopped up bodies! The fact that he kills nasty people makes it all fine,

well not really - but you actually feel sorry for him at times.

10 years on the series had me riveted so another recommendation

from me if you are not squeamish.

I've also been listening to many Audible books too which induces sleep

like nothing else - problem is I have to keep restarting chapters.

One book takes quite a while.

I am currently on book 12 of the Agatha Raisin series read by the

wonderful Penelope Keith.

And that has been my week so far.

So quiet on the home front - so busy on the work front.

I am craving Spring so I can fill my Friday Chat Day with

flower photos.

This weekend - catching up with family

and possibly a clothes shopping trip with Mitchell as he is starting

his new job shortly and actually has to go into an office for training.

Take care friends and wishing you a lovely weekend.

Charity Kit Day - February 2022

2022-02-06T07:00:00.002+00:00

Hello friends

It's Charity Kit Day and this month we are donating to

a charity that is close to my heart as my mum suffers with this disease.

The British Sjogren's Syndrome Association.

They are raising awareness of this disease and supporting research

into cause and treatment.

Without further ado, here is this month's kit:

A fresh white square 'For You' card with layered die cuts and

subtle flowers and foliage.

Included in your kit:

White square card

White envelope

Die cuts – Braided Grace Square, Hemstitch Squares,

flowers, leaves, sentiment 'For You'

Full instructions

(Items you will need: adhesive, foam pads, pearls/gemstones, inks/pens)

The kits are packed in recyclable paper bags and sent in a 'do not bend'

envelope so they arrive in pristine condition.

To make up the kits you have full printed instructions to follow.

You just need a basic craft kit, all die cuts are pre-cut.

The kit cost this month is £4.85.

that's the total payment - inclusive of postage and packing.

Limited number available.

Payment is via the PayPal link below.

It is possible to purchase multiple kits,

there's an option with PayPal for that too.

If you would like to support the kits but do not need one right now,

there is a 'Ko-fi' button', at the top of the blog, it's not really for coffee...

all donations enable me to purchase card blanks, envelopes, the paper bags,

sticky labels etc.

It is truly a great help so lots of thanks to those who donate.

Wishing you all a lovely Sunday.

Take care friends.

Friday Chat Day

2022-02-04T05:30:00.001+00:00

Hello friends

I hope you have all had a good week so far.

Yet again I am staggered how quickly the days fly by but

heartened to see that longer evenings are ahead.

It's February and so far a mild one here in the South East.
I have reminded myself that for the last two years

we have had snow in February though -

this was 7th February last year.

According to Bede, writing in the 8th century,

February was known as the “month of cakes” because this was

when gifts of cake were given to the gods.

I think that just means we can eat more cake than normal.

All my baking items are packed away in anticipation of the new kitchen,

so cake has to be shop bought right now but we are managing!

Thank you for Mitchell's birthday wishes.

We ventured out for a meal in Bluewater which felt like a real treat,

we haven't done that in ages.

It was a bit of a double celebration as Mitchell applied

and got a new job, still working within IT - he is now moving

to a company that develops software for dental surgeries.

The beauty of this job is regular hours. He has been working a 6pm - 2am

shift for quite a long time now and craving some normality.

Home

My hyacinth bowl is growing beautifully but irregularly,

unlikely to have all blooms at the same time but it will last longer.

The purple/blue is so lovely.

I'm unsure about the weathered look of the metal pot -

I keep thinking it looks like it needs cleaning!

Crochet

Crochet squares continue on a slower pace with Lily observing the

ends that still need to be sewn in.

Yet again a project that was supposed to be stash busting will require

the purchase of a few new balls of yarn, it's a conspiracy I'm sure.

Telly

I've been catching up with Brit Box offerings and discovered

Hotel Portofino.

The daughter of a wealthy industrialist moves to Italy in the 1920s

to set up a quintessentially British hotel in the beautiful town of

Portofino as Benito Mussolini's brand of fascism was on the rise.

Watch this if only for the breath taking scenery.

Oh my goodness Portofino looks stunning, the vibrant

colour of the sky, sea and pastel painted properties.

Apparently some of this series was also filmed in Croatia.

It is a nice series, it feels like one of those dramas that work for afternoon viewing.

If you happen to have Britbox look out for Magpie Murders

coming soon. I read the book by Anthony Horowitz and it is wonderful

so fingers crossed the telly adaption is just as good.

Also on Now or Sky is The Gilded Age

Set in America in the late 1800s and written by Julian Fellows.

It is Downton Abbey - just with railroad tycoons.

With the upstairs affluent society and downstairs servants with their woes.

Very watchable even when seeing them dodge the muddy puddles

on unmade roads in those dresses.

Charity Kit

This Sunday is Charity Kit Day, first one of the year since moving

to alternate months. Here's a sneak peek.

The post will go live at 7am on Sunday and I will post over social media too.

And that has been my week so far.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend, I'm playing catch up at home

but hoping to fit in some crochet time.

Take care friends.

Friday Chat Day

2022-01-28T05:00:00.001+00:00

Hello friends

Hope my nattering finds you all well.

This week has flown by, no sooner was I dreading Monday at my desk

Friday arrived. In fact the whole month has sped by which truthfully I don't mind -

January certainly isn't my favourite month.

Highlights of my week: Bella got a haircut.

This is what happens when you have techy sons - you send a nice photo of her

in her car seat and they slap an image of burning buildings in the background!

It did make me giggle though.

Not such a highlight was the news.

So very sad to hear about the loss of Meatloaf.

His music has played a big role in my lifetime.

My Dad is a fan and I grew up to Bat Out of Hell belting out of the

speakers on a Sunday morning (or the 1812 Overture - very diverse!)

I subsequently introduced his music to the boys and Elliott has

spent this week revisiting his songs and loving it.

Back to positive:

Crochet

I've had a flurry of blanket sales - perhaps it is the nip in the air?

I have in fact only got one cushion cover and a Sweetheart Blanket left for sale.

More details, photos and their bargain prices are in a blog post here.

I think this gives me the perfect excuse to carry on crocheting and ignore

housework! I am still working on my Cath Kidston colour inspired blanket -

still being rebellious with not sewing in my ends.

And I'm really close to finishing this bunny rug/latch hook cushion.

I really love it but I NEVER want to make another one -

goodness it is time consuming.

Telly

I have been guilty of watching telly rubbish/mush for the brain this week.

Do you get those periods when you just don't want to concentrate too hard?

Disney Channel - Agent Carter

Life changes for Peggy Carter after her boyfriend Steve Rogers (Captain America)

is feared dead. Now she leads a dual life by doing administration

for the SSR (Strategic Scientific Reserve) whilst going undercover.

So having seen all the Marvel films this is one of the telly spin offs.

Quite a lot of British actors feature - Hayley Atwell, James D'Arcy, Dominic Cooper.

It really is quite farcical, Peggy has a zillions lives - being impaled on metal rods

one day, up and about dancing the next!

Well, who doesn't like a bit of escapism now and again?

I'm mid way through Season 2 so yes, I've binged.

Before I go, just in case it was giving you sleepless nights but that is possibly just me(!)

I made a decision on the worktop - going for the lighter colour.
Bella is still very bored by it all.

And that has been my week.

This weekend I am catching up with family and we also have Mitchell's

birthday on Monday so some celebrating.

Take care friends, wishing you a lovely weekend.

Friday Chat Day

2022-01-21T05:00:00.002+00:00

Hello friends

Welcome to another Friday Chat Day, a round up of my week

which although quite uneventful I still manage to natter about it!

Last weekend I had a second visit to the kitchen company.

It is so nice they give you all these choices of colours and designs.

It is also not so nice because it makes it difficult to make decisions.

Bella is not a great deal of help apart from looking at me quite

concerned at how much time I spend looking at samples.

The units are going to be a very pale grey and the dilemma is worktop colour -

light or dark. I am keeping the existing floor tiles.

I am swaying towards lighter worktop - perhaps it will not show every crumb

and generally look bigger?

Now she's just getting bored...

Crochet

Now for something a lot more colourful.

I've started a new project, a simple granny square blanket

in Cath Kidston colours.

Yes, lots of ends and I normally sew as I go but got lazy.

I saw someone create this blanket on Facebook some time ago,

took a screenshot and I've been working it out from that.

So someone truly deserves the credit for selecting these colours - not me!

Telly

BBCiPlayer - The Aftermath

Rachael Morgan (Kiera Knightly) arrives in the ruins of Hamburg

to be reunited with her husband, a colonel in the British Forces.

The couple will be staying in the requisitioned house of German

architect and his teenage daughter.

So just by reading the synopsis you can see trouble ahead,

sharing a house with a very dashing German gentleman when

things are rocky between in their own marriage.

It is a slow burning film but engaging.

Garden and bits

Hyacinth bulbs from last year doing their best to flower.

This Clematis has been in a sheltered spot and flourishing.

It's a strange variety with an usual leaf.

And so surprised to see this - I was waiting to prune this Clematis

once the milder weather arrives and yet is has started to grow.

This is on Darcy's shelter, I like to think it is a little message.

This weekend I am in my cabin organising February's

Charity Kit - I will be grateful for the heater in there.

Take care friends, have a lovely weekend.

If you are venturing out - pop your scarf and mittens on.

Friday Chat Day

2022-01-14T05:00:00.002+00:00

Hello friends

Hope you are all well and warm.

We seem to go from freezing frosty days to warmer wetter days.

Not much sun here that's for sure.

Something a little brighter in my garden is my Winter Beauty Clematis.

Not masses of flowers but it is trying.

As for the rest of the garden, still not looking nice but I have read

that I shouldn't prune too much - I need to wait for all the frost to go.

Perfect excuse to ignore it all a little longer.

Crochet

I revisited a finished blanket to add a wider border.

Hello Winter Blanket.

I felt the blanket was a little too small for the end of my bed.

I had visions of adding little squares but got lazy and just did rows.

I'm not convinced I like the wider border but it has made the blanket

a nicer size.

My scarf is finished.

The colour is Peony and darker in real life.

Despite the lattice pattern it is snuggly.

It is long, wraps around twice. I haven't really been anywhere to

wear it, fellow dog walkers may have seen it!

I have resisted the urge to start Attic 24's CAL - Harbour Blanket.

It has been hard as I do enjoy following these things but trying to be practical.

In my mission to sort, clear and tackle all outstanding items

(it will not last - it's a January thing!)

I have been working on this rug making cushion kit.

Or 'bunny with the big bum' as it has become known.

I am nearly there - making sure I do at least 2 rows a day.

I'm finding him quite endearing and impressed how the textures are emerging.

The 'fun' will be making it into a cushion although I have cheated a little

and bought a pre-prepared panel with inserted zip.

I never knew they existed until I looked online.

Telly

A Very British Scandal

BBCiPlayer

The story of events surrounding the notorious divorce of the

Duke and Duchess of Argyll during the 1960s.

Starring Paul Bettany and Claire Foy.

Just three episodes and it was excellent, stellar acting throughout.

Detailing their difficult relationship and vicious divorce,

all of it shocking and scandalous at that time.

It's a definite recommendation from me.

Other stuff

Thank you for your very kind words on the loss of Darcy cat.

I still go to get out a feeding bowl for her, it will take time.

Thankfully the other cats do not appear to be missing her.

I look out at her place in the garden and know that it has to come down

at some point but waiting until Spring.

This weekend - I am visiting the kitchen supplier, this time Elliott

is coming with me to take a look. I am rethinking a few things,

including the worktop so hopefully making a decision.

There isn't a great deal more happening at the moment -

(not unless you are following the news!)

I've been head down working all week -

it feels like a January if that makes sense.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend - take care friends.

Friday Chat Day

2022-01-07T05:00:00.018+00:00

Hello friends

Happy Friday.

Finally this week it felt like winter, we got quite a cold snap, cold enough
for Bella to sport a knitted jumper and for me to put my big coat on.

I am pleased to report it wasn't this jumper for Bella which has been

a bit of a crochet faux pas!

It definitely needs some addressing/correcting.

On my birthday last year I received a Sarah Raven voucher,

(if you haven't discovered this gardening website go take a look -

be warned it is really too nice).

I waited for their sale and snapped up this lovely tin container of potted

hyacinths which should be Delft Blue when they flower,

(I've heeded the warning of them being poisonous to pets so it was just placed

here for a quick photo).

There is something soothing about watching bulbs grow, the promise

of new, especially when Christmas is over and the tree greenery

(albeit I had a tiny tree) has gone.

I am still on a tidying/clearing mission indoors and tackled a bigger job,

organising my yarn. I have now got pretty much all of it into one cupboard,
not perfect, but feels nice to have it in one place.

That pile of blankets is my keep pile, I pop a different one at the end

of my bed each time I change the duvet.

And talking of blankets...

thank you for the blanket purchases, there's still some available

in my blog post here with the bargain prices.

And, yes...bargains, there is a kit sale here.

Previous kits at reduced prices, each price still includes postage.

A couple of designs have already sold out - thanks to those who have purchased.

I need to clear my 'kit shelf' ready for next month and any extra for charity

is always brilliant, so thank you.

Telly

Around the World in 80 Days

BBCiPlayer

I loved this!

David Tenant plays gentleman adventurer Phileas Fogg who sets out

on a quest to travel around the world and back home in a period of 80 days.

Scenery is amazing although read that it was filmed in just two places,

South Africa and Romania.

Mr Tenant never lets us down, his acting is just superb.

Also on BBC and iPlayer is Father Brown.

He is back with another new series - the ninth in fact.

Each episode is cosy, serene, you get swept along by the idyllic village,

the sight of Mrs McCarthy's scones and then you remember a murder or two

has taken place. It is perfect afternoon viewing

(or, for me, in the evening when I finish work).

Other news

I am afraid I'm ending this blog post on a sad note,

our beloved Darcy was put to sleep yesterday.

She went downhill suddenly, the vets ran a scan

and discovered her kidneys were failing. She was coming up to 17.

Such a trooper what with coping with losing an eye a few years ago.

I so love having animals until it comes to saying goodbye,

always feels way too soon and never gets easier.

As a kitten.

I am going to remember her for being the perfect barometer,

she loved her outdoor shelter but the minute it was nippy she was on my bed/chair.

I will remember her for being a furry alarm clock, her insistence to get me out

of bed knew no bounds, if I tried to ignore she she would even

attempt to chew my eyelashes.

She would meow like a little bird, little short chirps and purr as loud

as a motorbike running.

Her imperfect white nose with the line of white, looked like someone

got jogged with a white pen drawing in her details.

She would respond to two names - Darcy and DD (DD short for Darcy Diane

because all the women in our family have the middle name of Diane!)

Goodbye beautiful girl.

Take care friends,

Kit Sale!

2022-01-03T10:11:00.005+00:00

Hello friends

I had planned to put up this post yesterday but, like many,
I'm still grappling with what day of the week it is.
Never mind, today being a Bank Holiday feels like a Sunday anyway.

My mission to clear some space continues and, as promised,
I'm having a kit sale.

These are some left overs and we all enjoy left overs!

Prices have been reduced and postage and packing is included.

Please click on the 'here' links under each picture

to take you to the post with the PayPal buttons.

Festive gift bag kit.

Link is here and price is reduced to £3.50

**********************************************

Kraft and white mini card.

Link is here and now £2.50

*****************************************

Fresh white Spring card.

Link is here and now £2.75

********************************

Wallet with tea bags for two.

Link is here and now £2.50

Big thanks, the kit sales allow me to pop over a little bit extra to charity.

Happy Monday!

Take care friends and I'll be back on Friday for my regular chat day.

Friday Chat Day

2021-12-31T05:00:00.004+00:00

Hello friends

Happy New Year's Eve!

Goodness it only seems like minutes ago I was typing 'Christmas Eve',

time has flown by.

I hope you had a lovely Christmas.

Santa filled a very important stocking,

Bella got lots of new toys and was very appreciative.

She was so excited the whole of Christmas Day, she slept for hours

on Boxing Day.

The weather was not festive at all, grey, foggy and wet.

My garden is disgraceful, I have been very lazy in trying to

tidy it but the weather just isn't conducive to stepping out there.

This murky greyness has resulted in very damp Bella walks.

Here is she is being cheeky and sitting on the back of my Mum's armchair

following a said damp walk.

Crochet

I was able to have some down time and picked up my crochet hook.

I'm revisiting my Hello Winter Blanket and crocheting a larger border,

this one drapes over the end of my bed during Winter and I just want it to look bigger.

It also colour tones perfectly with Bella on my lap.

She's under there, loves to snuggle.

I also got the urge to do some sorting out.

Perhaps it is the prospect of New Year, a reset button flicks in my head

and I feel like I need to purge.

The boys bought me some photo storage boxes for Christmas

and I've been getting organised with those.

I discovered this photo which made me so happy.

My family on holiday in wet and windy
Wales in the 1970's and look...

I have a crochet bag - it must be in my DNA!

I am now tackling my yarn storage - that's taking longer!

I've put together all the blankets I currently have for sale -

they are taking up valuable storage space so I'm

doing a very special sale here with BIG discounts for my blog followers.

All are washable, you just pop them in a laundry bag/pillowcase and use a

delicate cycle.

There's just one of each - free postage - please click links.

You'll be making me very happy with space to fill with...yes, more yarn probably!

Hello Autumn Blanket

SOLD!

Colours are warmer than this photo is showing (drat to this weather!)

Measures 96cm x 96cm.

***************

Meadow Stripe Blanket

SOLD!

This is a big blanket - ideal for a single bed or sofa.
Measures 194cm x 128cm

**********

Little Squares Cushion Cover

Plain reverse with pretty buttons.

Requires a 14 x 14 cushion pad which can easily be inserted.

£15

*************

Cupcake Blanket

SOLD!

Another big blanket - candy colours.

152cm x 142cm

**********

Sweetheart Rose Blanket

Pretty vintage colours with a bobble border.

96cm x 96cm

£28

***********
Hello Spring Blanket

SOLD!

The close up photo shows the colours way better, pastel Spring-like.

Measures 98cm x 98cm

As mentioned, I'm including postage and packing in the price.

Telly

Ooo I've watched quite a lot!

I do love a Christmas special and Call the Midwife did not let me down,

I sobbed a bit and then smiled a lot - all normal.

I've kept a few more Christmas specials as treats to watch in depressing January.

Charity Kits

Just a reminder that going forward kits are alternate months so February

is the next one.

I've updated the Charity Kits page here - it details the 2022 chosen charities.

There is still space for a couple more so suggestions welcome please.

I am going to have a January kit sale so please watch this space -

determined to get some cupboard space!

And that was my crimbo week - truly hope Santa was kind

and brought you some goodies.

Remains for me to say lots of thanks for stopping by

each week and reading all my ramblings.

I wish you a happy and very importantly, healthy New Year.

And if you make a crochet purchase I'll ensure to get it to you

ASAP!

Take care friends, much love.

Friday Chat Day

2021-12-24T05:00:00.001+00:00

Hello friends

Happy Friday - happy Christmas Eve!

I hope you are all well and ready in your own way for the festive period.

This week I received birthday flowers again!

This is the subscription that the boys bought for my birthday,

it appears each month I get the same card too which is quite funny.

Talking of being ready for Christmas in your own way,

here's a contrast for you - top pic is last year, bottom pic is this year!

It is a very very little tree but it is doing its job perfectly,

plus I get to plant it outside.

I have scattered a few more fairly lights around the house but yes,

very pared down Christmas decs.

How are you spending your Christmas? I hope you are able to

see your families. It all feels rather a muddle doesn't it.

Today I am working half day and then going to collect Elliott who is staying over.

I'm excited about that - I know my sons are grown men but still my boys

and it is lovely having them both here for Christmas.

Christmas Eve is by far my most favourite day of Christmas

and Elliott and I will walk Bella this evening when it is dark to see all the lights.

Mitchell still has to work until quite late (11pm) but thankfully from

home so I can pop some sausage rolls and a glass of something

on his work desk.

Christmas Day...

My Mum has had a tough time with her health and it is much easier for her

and Dad to be in their own home at Christmas so my Sister and I came up

with a plan for Christmas Day lunch.

The two of us are splitting the cooking and we will meet up at

my parents, grandchildren as well, for us all to sit down and eat together.

It will not be glamorous china, there will be quite a bit of foil!

But we will all be together and that's important.

Oh yes, Bella will be there too, she's rather excited - can you tell!

Crochet

I am very close to finishing this baby blanket.

The original plan was for it to be all white but I couldn't resist a bit of colour.

Also working on my scarf - it would be wise for me to finish that in Winter.

If Santa has read my Christmas list I suspect

I could have a few new yarn goodies soon - I will be in total flux

wondering what projects to do!

I would also be speedier if I didn't have little 'helpers' interrupting me for fuss,

Lily is our most timid cat - she looks like she has a pin cushion on her head here.

Garden

I still haven't got out there to prune back various plants,

each time I try the weather is just wet and awful so I scuttle back indoors.

I did remember that last year I had a bowl of hyacinths and

ventured to the shed and found them, they are trying to sprout.

I think I read somewhere that they may not flower again

unless they are planted outside but I've brought them in as an experiment.

Telly

It has been a mishmash of viewing this week but

I have been watching the Spiderman films (a mother of sons can you tell?!)

Reason being, Mitchell treated me to a trip to the cinema to see the latest

Spiderman film - in IMAX (that's a first for me) and big recliner seats.

I was a little worried I may doze off as it was so comfortable

but the film was all action so no chance!

Such a lovely treat from Mitchell.

And keeping in theme with super heroes I binged the entire

season of Hawkeye on Disney+

Again, all action, totally incredulous and thoroughly entertaining.

I am planning to watch something more realistic soon

but this escapism stuff is rather nice.

In other news a builder has been round to view the kitchen and conservatory.

I contacted five builders and only one responded.

I am awaiting his quote so fingers crossed although he will not be

able to carry out all the work and install kitchen until end of March.

That isn't so bad, I can wait before everything is topsy turvy again.

And that was my week.

Very relieved we have gone past the shortest day so lighter evenings

are on the horizon.

Just remains for me to wish you all a happy, wonderful and healthy Christmas -

I shall raise a glass to you for being such lovely followers.

Take care friends.

Friday Chat Day

2021-12-17T05:30:00.001+00:00

Hello friends

Eek Christmas is around the corner...

and here's a squirrel!

(Photo looks hazy as taken through my grubby windows!)

I have no idea what this one is doing - part relaxing, part exhausted maybe?

The school behind my house has closed down so the field is becoming

overgrown, it is now a haven for wildlife which has been lovely.

Although not the mice - we have one cat that is on hunt alert 24/7.

Instead of pretty festive photos which would be normal at this time of year,

let me share with you a plastered conservatory.

Not everything went to plan last weekend, unfortunately the electrician

couldn't do the work in the conservatory on Saturday and instead arrived on Monday.

My schedule to move everything back, reclaim the lounge went out the window.

Instead, I attempted to tidy the garden, it was very wet but managed to

make it even more accessible to squirrels.

But when the electrician did arrive on Monday, this felt magical.

We haven't had lights in here for ages.

We then spent hours putting everything back in the conservatory.

It is just piled in boxes as we no longer have units but at

least the lounge is back in use for Christmas.

I then remembered back in 2019 that I shared this nugget of info with you...

But my boxes are temporary so I'm going to keep telling myself that.

I did have a big sort out, because 32 dinner plates here are totally unnecessary!

I'm feeling a little anxious at being behind with all things Christmas,

but I've decided to be kind to myself

(and my family - they don't want a grumpy Mum at Christmas) so...

for the first time ever I am not putting up my Christmas tree and spending

hours decorating it. Instead I've bought a tiny tiny potted real tree and added lights.

It looks even smaller in this photo.

And outside is the Christmas tree that I bought online a couple of years ago,

(it arrived no more than a twig) well look at him now!

I shall pop up some garlands, decorate the fireplace and probably add more

lights and that will be fine.

I am my own worst enemy in that I give myself tasks and deadlines,

I must do something about that in 2022.

Anyone else do that?

So with the electrician delay there was another positive,

I was able to book an appointment and look into a new kitchen.

It is rather flash nowadays, you get to see plans in 3D

and even in VR - that was weird but interesting.

A chap came out and took measurements first, I was mortified

when I got to the showroom and realised he had also taken photos -

typically it was the day I hadn't had time to empty the dishwasher and tidy up -

mugs and plates stacked on the draining board along with

pet bowls all over the floor. The designer promised me she had seen worse

but I bet she's seen better!

So now I am considering all sorts for a new kitchen.

All going well (and the bank robbery goes to plan - just kidding),

I am having it installed in March.

Crochet

Whilst waiting for the yarn to arrive for my scarf I started

something new, this is going to be a baby blanket.

I wanted a subtle rainbow look going through it so hopefully

I am achieving that.

Then the scarf yarn arrived so I'm in a nightly dilemma of what project to do.

This baby blanket is a definite telly project.

Telly

Kirstie's Handmade Christmas - Channel 4

Kirstie is back!

It is time to make some pretty, often impractical things,

or things that require 30 years experience in metal working!

I jest - I do actually like this programme a lot and I will always be thankful

for Kirstie introducing me to pom-pom makers many years ago.

And that was my week and this time next week

it will be Christmas Eve.

I will be posting, I cannot guarantee scintillating content...

I really do appreciate those of you who stop by and read

my natterings each week.

Take care friends, keep well and have a perfectly brilliant weekend.

Friday Chat Day

2021-12-10T05:00:00.001+00:00

Hello friends

Welcome to another round of natter - Friday Chat Day.

Compared to previous natter days this one is shorter as

it has been a work work work week.

Let me start by sharing some flowers which are the nicest thing in my
conservatory right now.

For my birthday, the boys bought me a monthly flower subscription.

Such a nice idea, the gift that keeps giving.

These are already a few weeks' old so lasting amazingly well.

Conservatory news (thrilling!)

I am doing a happy dance today as the plasterer is coming and tomorrow

the electrician. I will no longer have just plasterboard,

dangling plug sockets and no lights.

By the weekend (once I tackle the dust) I should be able to move stuff

back into the conservatory (piles of boxes) and at least get the

Christmas decorations up, I am very late this year.

It is hard to feel festive when the house looks like something out of Hoarders!

This has helped me feel a little festive though,

one of the decorations in our reception at work - adore the animals

at the foot of the tree.

I'm not sure I'll be returning to the office now until next year after Boris' announcement,

very sad for all the venues that were hosting Christmas lunches, parties etc.

Crochet

I'm making a scarf - shock it is not a blanket!

I needed a smaller project to concentrate on at the moment.

I have only got this far because I ran out of yarn -

words I did not think I would utter for a long time.

Truth it, it is specific yarn in a specific colour (Stylecraft - Peony)

so waiting for it to arrive.

The pattern is from YouTube and is a lot easier than it looks.

Once finished I am returning to blankets - of course.

Charity Kit

Just a few kits remaining if you missed out on this month's kit,

please pop across to the blog post here.

Also thank you for your understanding moving the kits to

alternate months, next one is February.

I am still happy to receive charity ideas too please.

Telly

It is definitely that time for trashy Christmas films on

Netflix and Prime - they are so bad they are good!

They all follow a similar pattern which is laughable.

A Castle for Christmas - Netflix

This one definitely tested me - really not sure what to think

of Brooke Shields in this.

But the set designers are amazing, possibly some of the best

Christmas decorations and bucket loads of fake snow.

And that rounds up my week, they go by in the blink of an eye

at the moment.

I hope you are all keeping well and your

Christmas plans are on track.

Take care friends.

Charity Kit Day - December 2021

2021-12-05T07:00:00.002+00:00

Hello friends

Charity Kit Day - goodness how did we get to December so quickly?

As always, thank you for stopping by and taking a look.

Each month a donation will be made to a different charity.

This month it is The Donkey Sanctuary who are discovering

many ways to make the world a better place for donkeys.

Without further ado, here is this month's kit:

a festive decorated kraft gift bag.

Included in your kit:

Kraft gift bag

Patterned silver and white paper

Die cuts – Christmas Tree, Reindeer, Rabbit, Tag, Mini Poinsettia

A Gold mini peg

Felt leaves

Full instructions

(Items you will need: adhesive, foam pads/tape, inks/pens, pearls/gemstones)

The kits are packed in recyclable paper bags and sent in a 'do not bend'

envelope so they arrive in pristine condition.

To make up the kits you just need a basic craft kit, all pieces are pre-cut.

The kit cost this month is £6.25.

that's the total payment - inclusive of postage and packing.

(A little higher price this month I'm afraid because they need to be

posted out as Large Letter)

Payment is via the PayPal link below.

£6.25 - Now £3.50!

If you wish to purchase but would prefer not to use PayPal, please email me:

hope-chances@live.co.uk

I'm happy to help with alternative payment arrangements.

It is possible to purchase multiple kits,

there's an option with PayPal for that too.

If you would like to support the kits but do not need one right now,

there is a 'Ko-fi' button', at the top of the blog, it's not really for coffee...

all donations enable me to purchase card blanks, envelopes, the paper bags,

sticky labels etc.

It is truly a great help so lots of thanks to those who donate.

So going forward with the Charity Kits I have some news...

with working full time I do find it a bit of struggle to cram everything

into weekends but I do not want to stop the kits.

Instead I'm going to be switching to alternate months, that's six kits a year

instead of twelve - I think that will be a nice balance.

That means the next Charity Kit will be February 2022.

I will need your help again with selecting charities so please email me

your suggestions to hope-chances@live.co.uk

As you know I pick both people and furry charities.

Take care friends - have a lovely Sunday.

Friday Chat Day

2021-12-03T05:00:00.001+00:00

Hello friends

How are you? What a chilly week - did you have snow?

No snow as yet here in Kent but certainly nippy.

I mentioned last week that I would be sharing my birthday outing

and this was it. A 'Call the Midwife' tour.

Apologies if this isn't a show you watch as I am about to bombard

you with pictures that I have taken along with images from the show and info.

I knew some time ago that they recorded quite a lot of Call the Midwife

in the Chatham Dockyard (only about 20 minutes away from me)

but I hadn't realised there was an official tour.

The Dockyard is steeped in history and film crews use it regularly,

Les Mis were there a while ago.

What is interesting is that it still a workplace too, a ropery business

operates daily from there.

A separate tour is available for that along with a submarine tour.

Back to Call the Midwife - it has now aired 10 seasons.

All episodes available on BBC iPlayer.

It could be mistaken for just a show about giving birth and babies but it is a lot more,

a brilliant insight into social history of the 1950s and beyond.

The dockyard has plenty of Georgian and Victorian buildings

(it is actually a 100 acre site!)

In addition cobbled lanes which gives the feel of old London.

The tour is conducted by a fully uniformed midwife (who although

very knowledgeable confirmed she would not be able to deliver any babies).

Our first stop is this passageway featured in many scenes...

including opening credits with the washing strung between buildings.

Props and more props are needed. The addition of strategically placed baskets etc

can hide anything that doesn't fit into the time period.

There is a little museum housing original items from the show.

I'm a big fan of the red cardigans - I've struggled to find one that exact red.

My sister and I felt quite old when we saw this toy dog on wheels

as we remember having one as children.

Along with roller skates exactly like these.

Mum was very sensible - she only let us wear one roller skate at a time so

we didn't fall over!

The iconic bikes - imagine cycling in all weathers, carrying everything

and then delivering a baby.

Spot the crochet cushion.

I was able to grab a photo of my TV screen showing this decor.

Varying shades of brown and orange were popular back then.

Back outside and these buildings double for scenes as the police station

and maternity hospital.

Nonnatus House isn't in the dockyard. Originally it was a St Joseph's

Missionary College in Mill Hill, North London until

it was sold to make swanky new flats.

So now Nonnatus House is actually Manor House, Surrey a house built in 1853.

I'll leave you with one last snippet we learned from the tour.

Christmas episodes are always filmed in the Summer due to the fake snow,

if they were to use it in cold, damp weather it would not look so good.

This means the cast are absolutely sweltering when we think it is freezing.

In this festive episode Sheila Reid (Madge from Benidorm)

was apparently wearing just a swimming costume under her coat!

Between takes she would strip off to cool down

(which apparently is not allowed for continuity but a veteran actress

can probably get away with it).

And that was my birthday tour of Call the Midwife and loved it.

Other news: oh I am still in such a muddle indoors!

Plasterer and electrician are coming to finish the conservatory next weekend.

This all should have happened months ago,

original dates for conservatory was last May!

Once stuff can go back in there I will be rushing to get things moved and finally put

up the Christmas decorations.

I feel very behind but I'm sure it will all be okay eventually.

I will be catching up with you next week re: crochet, telly as I think

this post may have already taken up a lot of your time.

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

Take care friends.