Four pm and the first flakes of a promised band of snow have started to fall as the light fades. Higgins hasn’t been beyond the garden today because there’s so much ice about and I’m paranoid about slipping over, damaging myself and not being able to walk, drive and generally take care of my immediate responsibilities, namely my Mum, Henry and Higgins. Snowy roads I can cope with, ice? No!
So I’ve been going a little stir crazy this week what with treacherous conditions and antisocial germs. I can’t imagine what it would be like without being able to reach outside my own little orbit and communicate in cyberspace. It’s not like I haven’t been busy, it’s just a bit solitary round here.
Yesterday’s walk was very bracing. Higgins has a new coat, just the same as the last one – red is definitely his colour – but a size larger. You may have noticed the one he’s been wearing is rather Pooh Bearish, snug and a little too short. I’ve been saving this one for the snowy weather, and it was perfect, reaching all the way down to keep his rump cosy! I think he liked it too because he ran all the way out…
…all the way around the fields…
…and back home again!
Not the most attractive angle, but you try getting in front of him!
It’s been extremely busy in the garden. I’ve put an assortment bird feeders just outside the glazed garden door and it’s been fascinating to watch the birds flocking to feed. The house sparrows who live in the roof, the robin, a colourful assortment of finches, several blackbirds, blue tits, a thrush and a fieldfare. I had suspended a wrinkly apple in the bush out of reach of a greedy dog, and there was quite a lot of kerfuffle as the fieldfare wrestled it to the ground, and then proceeded to demolish it whilst beating off any other bird that dared to come within pecking distance. It was mainly the blackbird!
This morning the blackbird had decided to fight back and had eaten quite a bit of apple before the field fare turned up with a couple of chums. The area round the garden door is a mass of bird prints and scuffles now, and I’m nearly out of apples!
I’ve had to abandon the studio this week alas, the snow on the skylights made it too dark, and it seemed silly to heat it as well as the house, what with all the to-ing and fro-ing and opening doors and letting in cold air so I’ve been crocheting in front of the fire quite a bit.
It might be snowy outside but February and St Valentines Day is just around the corner so I’ve been revisiting my Hearts and Flowers Garland Pattern which is one of my favourites.
It’s quite versatile, the little hearts are pretty on their own…
…and the flowers are simple to make, are a great way to use up short lengths of yarn and make a simple but beautiful decoration on a polystyrene ring…
I’ve attached clasps on individual hearts too, they look pretty on a key ring or as a bag charm…
If you like the look of these you might be interested in the current Giveaway on the Planet Penny Face Book Page which is a sample pack of all the Planet Penny Cotton yarns with a crochet hook and the Hearts and Flowers Garland Pattern. It’s running until tomorrow morning so you still have time to join in!
I’ll leave you with the usual link to Handmade Harbour where there is a special Handmade Monday Linky running to celebrate the 100th Handmade Monday post. There will be lots of goodies to win during the week too, so do pay a visit and find out all about it.
Wherever you are, have a lovely week, and I’ll be back soon…x
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Awww Higgins is so smart in his little red coat! He seems to like the snow 🙂 you should have harnessed him up and let him pull you along on a sledge! 🙂
Your hearts and flowers are gorgeous and wonderfully versatile – perfect makes for all kinds of occasions – Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, birthdays, Easter… they are cheerily reminiscent of Spring too x
Higgins looks great in his coat – a very smart dog. Your flower wreath is really gorgeous – I do love your hearts. Hope you have a good week.
I love your crochet creations and the colours are great as ever. Looks like Higgins has had a thoroughly good time in the snow too. Its unusual to see a Fieldfare in the garden. I need to see if I can remake the fat ball pine cone thing I’ve got hung in a tree outside the lounge as the little birds would probably appreciate it now
As usual, this post is an overload of gorgeousness and cute! The Higgins pics are just adorable, and I love the riot of colour in all your crochet designs. Totally, totally gorgeous!!
your heart garland looks amazing, and the heart keyrings are very cute!
I know what you mean about ice – it is a bit off putting! Your photos are lovely and Higgins looks very warm and happy.
I really love your hearts and flowers. Your lovely bright wool is so gorgeous – it never fails to cheer me up! I hope that you have another great week 🙂
Oh Higgins’s ears! Bless him.
It’s true that we have to be careful walking around. One of my friends is in plaster due to a slip and fall recently.
Those hearts are perfect for Valentines Day and just the splash of colour we need after seeing nothing but white snow.
Like you I am a bit concerned about walking around on the ice, a twisted ankle is the last thing I need.
Love your heart garland, it’s great for all year round.
Higgins looks like he’s having loads of fun 🙂
Jan x
Ohhh I love the rainbow hearts 🙂 Looks like Higgins enjoyed the snow! Simmi x
I can see why the hearts and flowers garland is one of your favourites.
I’m definitely with you on ice- I love snow but cannot stand ice!
I love these little hearts – they are so colourful and gorgeous 🙂
Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity
Hi Penny and Higgins! His new red coat is super and I love to see him running ears up! What a cute bundle little hearts – you have the best ideas for colourful crochets!
Have a lovely week! x Teje
Ps. Do you allow pinning?
I love all your colours, and the heart garland looks really lovely. Higgins does looks like he is enjoying the snow.
Love the Higgins pictures – he’s got the most brilliant ears :-). Reminds me a bit of my aunt’s old dog! Hadn’t realised you had a Facebook page until now but have ‘liked’ now :-).
I wish I enjoyed the snow as much as Higgins (what a great name, BTW!) It’s all I can do to get to the bottom of the garden to see to the hens. Hugs, Chris
Higgins looked very happy in his new Red coat and certainly loves running around in the snow!! Gorgeous little crochet hearts.
Oh, those hearts with the flowers are just too cute! Clever you! LOVE seeing Higgins in flying ear mode! 🙂 Brrr!
I love Higgins! He looks so cool in his little coat. My cat won’t entertain going outside in this weather and my kitten is too small to be let out yet!
I, too, am terrified of slipping in the ice. I fell a couple of years ago and broke my wrist so I am in no rush to get out there…..
Love the colours and your designs and the bag charms are simply adorable.
Happy Handmade Monday!
Anna x
wow you have made so many things I am in awe! Lovely hearts and flowers garland – very topical for Valentine’s Day!
Higgins looks very smart in his red coat and certainly seems to enjoy running through the snow. I really like the hearts on the lobster clasps. They would look so pretty on a bag. Have a lovely week.
Ali x
I love all those colours – already a bit tired of the monochrome world outside. Crocheting by the fire sounds a lovely idea.
I love the little heart key rings especially and what fun Higgins appears to be having 🙂 The pictures of the birds in your snowy garden are beautiful! You do feed them so well 🙂
I absolutely love your crochet hearts, they are making me want to learn to crochet again after about 15 years of knitting. Gorgeous colours too.
Love those heart keyrings
I’ve been feeding the birds all week as well, and have really enjoyed some lovely visitors. Our problem is thse big bully boy seagulls here. the hearts are beautiful. Keep warm and Happy 100th, Jo x
I don’t envy your snow! Here in South Africa it is summer, and the temperatures hover in the 30s most days.
Higgins is delightful, just like my god-daughter’s Caspar.
A friend imported a Weimaraner pup from the UK, the breeder published a picture of him sitting in the snow, and now he is trying to get adjusted to the summer weather. It took a couple of days, but he is now running around with my dogs. I puppy sit while his owner is at work.
I love your hearts; I have been making hearts from card with crochet edges. Have a look at my blog.
Higgins looks gorgeous in his little jacket. I have just ordered 3 of your designs as I think they are fab. I can’t wait to get started and I’ve only been crocheting a couple of months. I think the heart as a handbag charm or keyring are brilliant and can see it as great end of school year gift for my son’s teacher. xx
I spend my days thinking up new craft ideas for children, so what a refreshing change to see such original, beautiful ‘grown-up’ crafts that I can sit and make in front of the fire. I especially love the crocheted wreath. Great ideas. I will return!