Sunshine and Ice Cream

Do you remember that fortnight or so of sunshine we had? Not that long ago?

Well, on one Saturday I decided to take myself off for a day at the seaside. I was headed for Colwyn Bay on the North Wales coast. The plan was to enjoy a leisurely walk along the sea front and then up Little Orme to eat my packed lunch whilst enjoying the fabulous view from the top.

On the way I decided to have a little detour to Abakhan at Mostyn. It’s been a long time since I was last there and now they have a whole building dedicated to knitting and crochet and I felt it my duty to check it out.

Theory was that I don’t need any more yarn at the moment, especially as I’m going to Woolfest soon, but what harm would it be to take a look and maybe pick up a pattern or two in readiness?

I wasn’t prepared to be totally inspired this Sirdar pattern booklet.

And especially this pattern,

And so while I was there, I may as well get the cotton yarn that it calls for and some buttons that went very well with it, hadn’t I?

Ah well, will power is not my strongest point, but I was really pleased with my purchases.

This will be the first garment that I’ve knitted in a long time. I had somewhat lost my confidence in knitting garments for myself quite a few years ago due to the items either not fitting me correctly or was just plain wrong for me. So I’m hoping this one will go well and be first of many. I’ll keep you posted.

I finally got to Colwyn Bay late morning, it was warm but a bit overcast, with the promise of getting better. I set off along the sea front enjoying the sea air, with a spring in my step and the joy of casting on a new project when I get home.

The weather did clear up and it became a wonderful sunny day. The short steep climb up Little Orme was well worth it, with a stunning view over Llandudno and the Great Orme one way,

And Colwyn Bay the other.

I had the whole of Little Orme to myself while I enjoyed my lunch.

By the time I had walked all the way back to my car I was ready for the ice cream I’d promised myself. A day at the seaside is not complete without one!

I couldn’t leave this perfect day without a paddle in the sea, another must on such a sunny day.

It was quite late by the time I got home, so I saved my new project for the following day.

On the Sunday, I weaved in the loose ends on a cowl I had knitted and blocked. This was a bit of a made up pattern using the pattern repeats from the Floating Checks hat I had knitted a while ago. I’m really pleased how this had turned out although I probably (hopefully) won’t be wearing it until later in the year when the whether gets colder.

Later on, savouring the moment, with tea and cake, I started my new cardi project.

Hope you too, enjoyed the sunny weather and the excuse to eat ice cream!

Till next time…