Out of the Blue


Today I find myself popping out to the garden to gaze up into the perfect, blemish free, china blue of the sky in amazement.   Only last week when Higgins and I were out on a walk I  had remarked on the fact that over our rural part of Norfolk there must have been 30 to 40 vapour trails in various stages of decay.  The Icelandic volcano is causing all sorts of havoc to so many people, so it’s good to record a positive aspect.

The vegetable garden is still a battle ground, and I am losing.  I have a sneaky black and tan garden pest, and a second sowing of salad greens with no labels and scraped up rows. I really thought the polytunnel would be a deterent but for a small animal of the low slung persuasion it seems not…

I ‘ve managed to protect the peas and beans with a cobbled together barrier of chicken wire and bamboo which has worked so far so we’ll see…

Things are growing fast.  I photographed the  rhubarb and the lovage a week apart…

 The lovage is at it’s best when young and tender, by the time it reaches its full height of over 6 feet high the leaves are a little tough.  I can’t wait for the rhubarb, I love rhubarb and orange crumble…

I’m plodding on in the studio.  I have shelves waiting for Tim’s return next week and that will make a huge difference as I can then shift so much bulk.  I’m slowly sorting, sorting…so much has got SO muddled, but it’s nice finding old friends and things I had forgotten about. 

I’m still finding time to be a bit creative, bearing in mind the ‘Twenty Minuter’ message.  I’ve needle-felted  a couple more little birds…

…but when I tried to make a pale pink one it stubbornly insisted on being a pig…

My Tabby Cat and Goldfish now have a shelf to sit on…

Henry and friends donated the whiskers, otherwise he’s solid Merino wool…as is the Blue-haired Lady.

Just as well I’ve recorded the positive side of grounding all aircraft, Tim’s trip back from the ‘office’ next week involves a helicopter so who knows when he’ll get back…

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About penny

I live in Norfolk, England in a cottage on the edge of the Norfolk Broads where it can be peaceful and beautiful, or wet and muddy, or occasionally wild and windswept. With me is husband Tim, Henry the elderly and opinionated tabby cat, and Higgins, the miniature dachshund with a massive personality. You’ll find me chattering on about wool and textiles, knitting and crochet, recipes, books and patterns, exhibitions and shopping and of course, the adventures of a small dog! Planet Penny has a Facebook Page, you can find me on UK Handmade and I am featured on Channel4/4Homes Favourite Craft Blog List.

8 thoughts on “Out of the Blue

  1. Val Reaves

    Oh, I do love to hear of Henry’s adventures. Last year I was very discouraged with my garden, and this year, I have found my second wind with it. So I can appreciate your post…but from the pictures, it seems that you are gaining on it!
    Val in Kansas 🙂

  2. Geraldine

    Your figures are all so beautiful and that is an especially fine cat ! I’m glad your latest decided to become a pig . I’m not sure the world’s ready for a four-legged pink bird .
    Good too that the rhubarb is dog-proof , even if Higgins seems have dedicated himself to a life of Vegetable Extermination .

  3. Rachel J. Fenton

    At what point did it become clear the bird was in fact a pig!? You made me laugh. I love the result of that creative excursion though – you are so very clever and talented – everything you have made shows such detail and skill.

    You’ve given me an idea to trawl through my old story files to look for inspiration. Thanks.

    Good luck with the veggies! Higgins looks like he’s on a mission!

  4. twiglet

    Those little felted birds/pig etc are delightful – I love the addition of hand embroidery – they have a Russian look to them – like they do their traditional embroidered stuff.

  5. vanessa

    Love the gold fish and cat! Especially that gold fish. Glad to see your little terror is doing his best to be a help in the garden. Gosh, he’s a little terror isn’t he? Must be driving you bonkers. Good thing he’s so cute! Love Vanessa xxx

  6. a-m

    I loved the sky this weekend too, it was beautiful to see it empty for a change! I’m really glad it isn’t anymore though – my husband is due back after two weeks away on Saturday!
    Higgins makes me laugh, if it makes you feel any better my cat left me a decapitated mouse, in the hall, one morning this week – lovely…
    Speaking of cats, yours is absolutely amazing!
    a-m x

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