New Adventures

Welcome everyone 

Thanks for joining me once again in the beautiful Glenkens region of rural southwest Scotland, UK.

Well hello everyone. Long time, no blog. I apologise for the long hiatus. I think like very many people the Covid-19 lockdown effected our family life in many ways. For me I went through so many emotions as I prepared myself for being called back into the NHS as a nurse to volunteer to help with the expected mass influx of ill people. After several weeks of being on tenterhooks I started to relax whilst awaiting that call. In the end Dumfries and Galloway was thankfully not effected in anything like the numbers expected and Scotland on the whole has managed to avoid the large numbers of infections sadly seen in other parts of the UK and abroad. We now hold our breaths again and await to see how relaxations in lockdown restrictions play out. Personally I have felt pretty positive through most of the lockdown but have had days when I simply felt 'flat' and a bit helpless. All I can do is hope. There is always hope. 

Instead of being a nurse I found myself in the role of teacher to my three children. I have to say that on the whole it was a positive experience. Towards the end of term though I think we could all honestly say we were flagging a bit. Our local school were of great support and the wonderful teachers set interesting and fun activities each week. Having a set (but not too regimented) routine each weekday really helped keep the girls motivated. It gave us all structure and goals to help combat the uncertainty and anxiety we all felt. The weekends still felt like 'down time' and I know that I shall always treasure the extra family time we have had.  We camped out in the garden over the glorious Easter holidays, we held our home school Sports Day, complete with bunting, mascot, biscuit medals and a trophy. Games such as 'toss the (toy) sheep' were a real hit.  We went swimming in the local river. We Skyped and Zoomed friends. Alfie (the pedestrian collie dog) enjoyed all of the extra walks in our thankfully very quiet and rural countryside. We stayed safe in our 'bubble'. The girls are now excitedly awaiting the restart of school next week.

As the weeks, then months passed we found our rhythm and own personal space when we needed it. I found time to dig out the demijohns and forage to make home brew. So far I have dandelion, daisy, rhubard & ginger, and elderflower wine bubbling away. I'll keep you posted on how they turn out. One positive is that people have turned to the local village and town shops for food supplies. The services they have provided have been amazing and I can not thank them enough for the hard work they continue to do, making sure that the folk of the Glenkens have plenty of supplies and good food to enjoy. Our nearest big town is Castle Douglas (16 miles away) and it is renowned for being an excellent Food Town. We are lucky to have tasty, locally produced ingredients readily available and delivered to outlying rural areas. Particularly over the initial first few weeks of the lockdown these deliveries, plus the village shops, were a real godsend. I know that this has helped remind people of the importance of shopping locally so as not to lose these valuable services. 

My gardening exploits did not end well. We have ended up with potatoes, tomatoes and a few herbs. Most of my seedlings did not appear and I have a real talent for growing weeds! Still, next year I aim to buy a pop-up greenhouse as I feel a great problem was simply not having a constant warm temperature to germinate seeds. Although we had a wonderful hot spell around Easter we have suffered with many damp, grey and wet days too. Typical for SW Scotland, especially now we are on the school holidays. There are a great many slugs, snails, birds and field mice to contend with. Hopefully next year we can combat them with hens and we have also brought in the big guns - our new kitten! Litten (named by my middle daughter after a Pokemon character) we are hoping will help keep the rodent population down a bit. He is of good farm cat stock and already pretty feisty (and cute too).

My biggest accomplishments over lockdown have been quite exciting. First of all I passed the third module (year) of my BA (Hons) Design & Innovation degree course with the Open University. I only have another 3 modules (years) to go! 

The most exciting though has been the realisation of a very long held dream. I have always wanted to start some type of textile related business, using my knowledge from my BSc (Hons) Textile Studies degree (that I completed many years ago) and my years of working in the textile industry before I changed direction for a while into nursing. So, as of last week, Midge Porter Design started trading when I opened my Etsy shop. I am starting out with digital downloadable patterns for cross stitch and blackwork embroidery. I shall be adding kits very soon and then I hope to diversify into sewn and hand-dyed products. To be able to run a business that allows me to explore and share my creativity, plus work around home/ family commitments, certainly makes me feel excited for the future.

My Crafting World:

With all of the time at home over lockdown you would think that I had loads of crafting wonders to share with you. In actual fact, after teaching the girls, keeping everyone fed, trying to keep the house in order, etc... I rather lost my mojo for crafting for a while. Listening to other fellow crafters it seems that I was not the only one. I did manage to complete a few projects and also make a grid of 'intentions'. This was nine projects that I would like to complete by the end of 2020. This helped focus my attention somewhat. The idea was given to me by the lovely Amy of the Noble Character Crafts podcast and her 'Make Nine MAL'. 

Listed from left to right, top to bottom:

1) 'Norah's Vintage Afghan' by Norah Gaughan as part of the @purl_together KAL

2) 'Bloom your Heart out' shawl by Inese Sang @isangknits

3) 'Pusteblumen' cowl by @wollmuschi

4) 'Green man' cross stitch by Durene Jones @durenejonescrossstitch

5) 'Under a rose moon' socks by Louise Tilbrook @louisetilbrookdesigns

6) 'Thoughtful cowl' by Christine Perry @winwickmum

7) 'Katie's Kep' fairisle pattern by Wilma Malcolmson @shetlandwoolweek

8) 'Field Flint' shawl by Knorfolknots @giannabertelliknowles

9) 'Temperature blanket' using the crochet ripple pattern by Lucy @attic24

WIPs (Works in Progress):-

(i) The first of my 'Make Nine MAL' WIPs: This knitted project being hosted as a KAL by Jana of the Purl Together podcast on YouTube. 'Norah's Vintage Afghan' consists of beautiful cable knitted squares and can be found as a free download at https://berroco.com/patterns/norahs-vintage-afghan . I set myself the target to complete at least one cabled square each month and so far I am managing that. I am loving using the Sirdar Harrap Tweed DK yarn range. Lovely soft tweed effect yarn. I have decided to track down all the colours in the range and was delighted to find some at Wool Warehouse. As the yarn is becoming 'discontinued' so you might wish to choose a different yarn but so far I have been lucky to track down a couple of balls in each colourway. This is my progress so far. I love the different textural effects given by the yarn and the varied cable patterns. Some are more of a challenge than others and knitting cable at night always ends in tears the next morning when I notice a mistake and have to rip it back!

(ii) The second of my 'Make Nine MAL' WIPs: The 'Green man' cross stitch by Durene Jones @durenejonescrossstitch. I had wanted to stitch this pattern for quite some while but I find that I stitch better in the lighter summer months, especially when there is a close gradient in the design colourway. I have loved this design and it has sewn up quite quickly. As you can see I only have a few stitches left to go. I am hoping to find a really lovely round frame to mount the piece in.

(iii) The third of my 'Make Nine MAL' WIPs: 'Katie's Kep' pattern by Wilma Malcolmson. This design is to support Shetland Wool Week 2020. Sadly, like so many shows and festivals, this has been cancelled. Lets all hope it can be back in 2021. I am making my kep using Jamieson & Smith 100% Real Shetland wool 2/8 worsted. I am using Auld gold, Madder, Indigo, Berry and Dark grey from their Heritage range.

(iv) The fourth of my 'Make Nine MAL' WIPs: my 'Temperature blanket' using the crochet ripple pattern by Lucy @attic24. I am still running a behind with my year long project. As I have said before, this project is 'yarn thirsty' and so I had to await delivery of yet more Stylecraft Special DK yarn. At least there has been more daily temperature variations in SW Scotland and so I have enjoyed adding some warmer colours. I essentially have three months to catch up on now but as it is a great evening project that I can crochet away at whilst watching TV I reckon I will catch up quickly enough. This picture shows the 'warmer' rows in the blanket.

(v) I continue to enjoy working on another other year long project - the 'A Year of Blackwork' SAL by Peppermint Purple designs https://peppermintpurple.com/pages/a-year-of-blackwork Each week a new section of the sampler is published. I am a couple of weeks behind due to business planning but I love it so far - including this very special motto. The gradient changes of the embroidery cotton floss are lovely.

FIs (Finish Items):-

(i) I finished the blanket I was making for my middle daughter. It is the 'Nature's Walk' crochet blanket by Sandra Paul of Cherry Heart https://www.cherryheart.co.uk/2019/08/natures-walk-cal.html. Crocheted in Stylecraft Special DK yarn. The final blanket is lovely and soft but also perfect for washing easily. The different crochet square designs kept me interested throughout and I think that the border looks so elegant. Needless to say, middle daughter loves it and snuggles up with it nightly.

(ii) Being a big fan of Kay and Dan Jones of The Bakery Bears podcast I decided to join in with their Knitting University courses. The main aim for me was to improve my sock knitting technique. Designed by Kay Jones, these are the 'Short and Sweet' socks. I made then using WYS Signiture 4ply in the @winwickmum colourway 'Seascape'. I then added a scrap of Regia Fadig Tweed sock 4ply as contrast toes as I was about to lose at yarn roulette! My first try at Kay's umbrella toe and I love it. The socks fit really well. I did not enjoy the magic loop technique but I have discovered that I can very successfully use two circular needles (one for the front and one for the back stitches). At the split for the heel I then add a couple of dpns for the side stitches until I complete the gusset decrease. I find this really handy for keeping any pattern details correct while I am turning the heel. I used two KnitPro Symfonie 2.25mm circular needles, then added in 2 KnitPro Zing 2.25mm dpns when making the heel.

(iii) Following on with the sock knitting I then completed a pair of the 'Oakworth' socks, also designed by Kay Jones of the Bakery Bears. Again I used WYS 4 ply, this time in the colourway designed for the Marie Curie charity. 

**NEW** - Etsy Shop News

This section is to show you what is stocked in my new Etsy shop. So far I have 9 designs that are available for digital download. Kits for these designs will be added shortly. There are several Cross Stitch and Blackwork designs available. I have also be busy making several new designs for Blackwork embroidery. Generally my work aims to take the traditional 16th century art of Blackwork and use these historic techniques to make fresh, modern designs. You can access my shop at:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MidgePorterDesign

'Star Crossed Love'

'Circuit Hub 1 & 2'

'Electrickery'

The Solstice and Equinox collection

'Art Deco Sunrise'

Please do pop along to my online shop and help support me in my new venture. Thank you x

'Sharing The Love'

I call this section 'Sharing The Love' because I want to grow my blog within the wonderful crafting community. Here are some of the wonderful creative people that I would love you to find out more about. Tell them I sent you!

Mad Madam Mel - You can find Mel on YouTube, IG and she has her own Etsy shop too. Mel is based up in the beautiful Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland and she shares videos about her creative life as well as taking you on little drives through the stunning landscape up there. Mel is vlogging in August and you can catch up with her spinning, knitting and dyeing projects. Mel also shares food and beauty tips too. Mel's shop sells natural botanical hand dyed yarns. Take a look. They are gorgeous. Find her at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MadMadamMel

'Another Love'
(aka the music, book, podcast section where I share my other passions in life)



'Falling in Love' by Cigarettes After Sex
Released on Partisan Records on October 8th, 2019 Written by: Greg Gonzalez https://www.cigarettesaftersex.com/

I came across this track using Spotify's App - Discover Weekly. I just felt that it was so atmospheric. They lyrics are hauntingly beautiful. Simple and yet have so much depth and meaning.

'Crossing the Line: Lessons From a Life on Duty' by John Sutherland
Published by W&N (14 May 2020) ISBN-10: 1474612369 ISBN-13: 978-1474612364

This is not an easy book to read. By that I mean that you may think that you have a good idea what the Police have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. You might think you understand the challenges that the Service faces. This book will really open your eyes. I listened to John reading this via audio book. Quite a few times I needed to stop. Some people have said to me in the past that they could never be a nurse. Well I for one could never be a police officer. I really appreciated how John talks about mistakes made, old prejudices, failures, as well as success and positivity - many times against the odds. The dignity he affords to people he has come across in his career, on both sides of the tracks, is heartfelt. I think we should all have our eyes opened sometimes.



Thank you once again for joining me. Enjoy being creative until we next meet. Stay safe and well.
Midge x

STEPPING UP

Hi everyone. 

Thanks for joining me once again in the beautiful Glenkens region of rural southwest Scotland, UK.

I am writing this blog in the midst of the terrible Covid-19 worldwide pandemic - two weeks into the UK lockdown. How things have changed since my last blog in January 2020. None of us could have foreseen where we would be right now as we were making plans in January for the new year and wondering what life would bring. I hope that you are all coping OK and staying safe and healthy. It is a frightening time for everyone, not least for those people suffering from the virus or the many people who have lost someone they love to it. It is also a time when the country has seen amazing acts of generosity, ingenuity and courage.

As I have been an NHS nurse within the last three years I signed up on the emergency register to rejoin the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) so that I could legally practice as a nurse again. I have attended my NHS Trust induction and now I am awaiting the call to be posted where I am needed. It is with pride that I rejoin the NHS family. It is also with trepidation as to what I might face and the risk this may pose to my immediate family. I know that I am not alone in my concerns - every single front line worker, be it in the NHS, emergency services, food distribution, voluntary sector, etc... must feel the same. My heart goes out to them, and especially to those front line workers who have lost their lives trying to help others. It is very sobering and makes me think greatly of those I love and miss seeing. Take time to get in touch with folks. Let them know you care. It would mean the world to them at this scary time.

I have been lucky enough to get out daily for my government prescribed exercise (sounds a bit George Orwell's 'Nineteen Eighty-Four') in the stunning countryside on my doorstep. I value my dog walks with Alfie 'the pedestrian collie' in the fresh air so much. It helps me destress and to have a bit

of 'me' time. We are surrounded by newborn lambs in the fields just now - my farming neighbours have been working like Trojans day and night in amongst the added stress we are all facing.

We passed the Vernal Equinox on the 21st March and in the UK we have moved the clocks forward an hour to British Summer Time (BST). I for one love the lighter evenings and the promise of warmer days. As I walk I note how surreal it is that as the seasons change nature carries on (and flourishes) regardless of the crisis facing the human population. That feels like a positive note amongst such negativity.

Talking of positives - my two youngest daughters have finally got the hang of cycling on two wheels. My youngest went from a scoot-a-long balance bike. Two days later and you wouldn't know she had only just moved to a normal bike. My middle daughter had really struggled with confidence to move on from stabilisers. Today she just went for it and it 'clicked'. Hopefully we can get on some of the numerous cycle tracks in the area once the virus crisis is over.

We have also been planting lots of seeds in the hope of getting a decent vegetable garden going this year. I planted some sweet peas, lavender and verbena too. I want to try and encourage the bees and butterflies to visit us.




My Crafting World:

In times of worry and stress I always fall back on my creative skills as a form of mindfulness. I concentrate on and become adsorbed in the creative process and this stops my mind from churning over and over. I hope that you are all finding that your crafting projects (or any other projects/ activities) are of comfort at this time. Due to home schooling my three daughters I have found that I have limited crafting time or that come the evening I am only able to concentrate on mindless tasks. I do have some crafting to share with you though.

Before the local school was closed due to the lockdown I had the great pleasure to be involved in a craft project with the P6/7 year class. The task was for each child to design a patchwork square which represented Scotland. They could choose the backing fabric and the motif design. I was there to help them choosing suitable fabrics, help them design a motif that was clear and easy to sew onto the fabric, and also to assist them with cutting and sewing. The children were all brilliant and so enthusiastic. Some of them had never sewn or even threaded a needle before. I was immensely proud of them all and this was the final quilt result. I look forward to our future crafty sessions together.

WIPs (Works in Progress):-

(i) I am running a bit behind with my year long project - the 'Temperature Blanket'. My crocheting was put on hold while I awaited delivery of more Stylecraft Special DK yarn. I am finding that the project uses quite a lot of yarn. Crochet projects are always 'yarn thirsty'. I am also finding that the temperature has been pretty steady over the past few months in my part of the world so the colour variations have not altered much. I find myself wishing for warmer days so that I can enjoy adding in some new colours!! I am catching up on the March stripes and by the time I get to April's stripes I will be rewarded with some new colours due to recent warmer days. This picture shows you my progress so far. As you can see it is already a monster project. I am going to split the blanket into two six-month lengths and then sew them together to make a really warm (and large) king-sized blanket. I am sure by Dec 31st 2020 I will be very glad of it.

(ii) I have nearly finished the blanket I am making for my middle daughter. It is the 'Nature's Walk' crochet blanket by Sandra Paul of Cherry Heart https://www.cherryheart.co.uk/2019/08/natures-walk-cal.html. I have a satisfying stash of crochet squares and I have just received the contrast yarn I have chosen to sew together and border the blanket. This again is knitted in Stylecraft Special DK yarn as I was using up my stash for the squares.

(iii) I was also awaiting embroidery threads to continue my other year long project - the 'A Year of Blackwork' SAL by Peppermint Purple designs https://peppermintpurple.com/pages/a-year-of-blackwork Each week a new section of the sampler is published. I am a couple of weeks behind but very happy with the progress so far.

(iv) I have started yet another blanket project (can you tell it gets cold in winter here?!). This is a knitted project being hosted as a KAL by Jana of the Purl Together podcast on YouTube. 'Norah's Vintage Afghan' consists of beautiful cable knitted squares and can be found as a free download at https://berroco.com/patterns/norahs-vintage-afghan . I am using Sirdar Harrap Tweed DK yarn in some lovely colours. I had some scrap balls and then have managed to get some contrast shades. Note: This yarn is becoming 'discontinued' so you might wish to choose a different yarn.

(v) My 'Mitred Ridges Top', pattern by Lion Brand is not going very well. The 100% cotton Rowan Handknit yarn is lovely. The drape looks good. All parts are knitted. The problem is that now I am about to set in the sleeves they just don't seem to match up well when sewing. The sleeve sections seem too small. I got fed-up and put the project in the 'naughty corner'. I don't need that sort of stress right now! TBC...

FIs (Finish Items):-

(i) I have finished Winwick Mum's 'Sanctuary Socks' https://www.winwickmum.co.uk/2020/01/sanctuary-socks-free-pattern-and.html This was part of Christine's 'Winter Haven KAL' at the start of the year.  I used some lovely yarn from Wee Sheep Yarns in 75% Merino/ 25% Nylon superwash. The pattern was so easy to follow and, due to the cable pattern, felt like a really quick knit. I used two KnitPro Symfonie 2.25mm circular needles, then added in 2 KnitPro Zing 2.25mm dpns when making the heel. I found this to be a great way to speed up my sock knitting. I love the socks and feel like I am perfecting the right sizing for my feet.

(ii) I had previously reported my aptly named 'Virus shawl' pattern by Made by Helen http://giftsbyhelen.co.uk/2016/06/virus-shawl-a-written-pattern/ as a FI - then it became a WIP as after a couple of wears I decided that it was not quite big enough. I bought another ball of Schoppel Zauberball Crazy to add some more rows and it is now definitely a FI. I am so pleased with the results. It is light to wear but really warm too. The colours are beautiful and really keep you interested as the shawl increases in size and the rows get longer.

Borrowing the pup from next door for a cuddle :)

(iii) A quick and fun make was a 'Fair Isle headband', pattern by Anne Sinclair (of the Fisherman's Kep pattern fame - see my previous blogs). I used Jamieson & Smith Shetland Heritage 100% Shetland wool yarns. This was a great little stash buster. A great item to keep my ears warm and my headphones in on windy dog walks.

(iv) I am very pleased to have finally knitted a garment I actually want to wear! I completed the 'Night Shades' jumper, pattern by DROPS of Norway (printed in 'Knit Now' magazine issue 111) https://www.garnstudio.com/pattern.php?id=8768&cid=17. I knitted this in Artesano 'Inca Mist' 100% baby alpaca yarn. It is so soft and warm to wear. I added glass seed bead detailing plus a thumbhole in each cuff as I like that style. I learned a great deal making this garment. Next time I will increase needle size for the colourwork section as the tension difference from the main body to yoke was noticeable until a couple of washes of the garment. I will also add extra to the back yoke to avoid gaping at the neck next time.

'Sharing The Love'

I call this section 'Sharing The Love' because I want to grow my blog within the wonderful crafting community. Here are some of the wonderful creative people that I would love you to find out more about. Tell them I sent you!

Create With Fibre - Janet Renouf-Miller runs a website and business that offers online video courses, as well as real life courses here in SW Scotland. She is the author of 'Knit 1 Bike 1' and 'How to spin - just about anything', plus many other booklets. I have greatly enjoy several online craft 'n' natter sessions over the last few weeks with Janet and fellow crafters. I hope to take part in some real-life courses for dyeing and Fair Isle knitting in the future. You can find her at https://createwithfibre.co.uk/

'Another Love'
(aka the music, book, podcast section where I share my other passions in life)


The Bakery Bears Radio Show (podcast)

I am already a big fan of Dan and Kay's 'Bakery Bears' podcast on YouTube (knitting, crochet, baking, great adventures, etc...). This show takes you out for a walk with the hosts and you can listen in while they discuss any number of topics, from 'The Power of Music', 'What are the ingredients to a great TV show?', and 'What did the Romans ever do for us?' I love listening in during my dog walks.

'Follow Me' by Muse
Released: 2012 on the album 'The 2nd Law' Label: Warner Bros.

Just feels quite an apt track just now. One of the best concerts I went to was seeing Muse at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow a couple of years ago. I find it quite strange that the connected SEC centre will shortly become a field hospital where I might end up nursing.

'New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)' by Simple Minds
Released: 1982 on the album 'New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) Label: Virgin 

I have a huge love for 80's music (although you can leave most of the Stock, Aitken & Waterman stuff at the door please). I always seem to get into bands after they have had their major success. I came across this track a couple of years ago and simply love it for its ability to let me reminisce about growing up and learning to appreciate music in the 80's.

'War Doctor - Surgery on the Front Line' by David Nott
Published by Picador 2019 ISBN-10: 1509837027 ISBN-13: 978-1509837021

I read this prior to the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. I listened to David Nott read this on audio book. David worked as a general and vascular surgeon both for the NHS in the UK and in some of the world's most dangerous war zones/ humanitarian disaster areas. He is still working today and is instrumental in training other doctors around the would in how to treat people in appalling conditions with unimaginable injuries. This is not a book for the faint-hearted but I found it so interesting from a medical angle and so moving in terms of both David, and his fellow medics professionalism in the face of extreme danger and adversity. This book has certainly inspired me greatly, especially at the moment as I prepare to go back into nursing to help support the NHS.



Thank you once again for joining me. Enjoy being creative until we next meet and I pray that you all stay safe and well.
Midge x

ACCEPTANCE

Hi everyone. Thanks for joining me once again in the beautiful 

Glenkens of SW Scotland.

A New Year

I may be a couple of weeks late in writing this but welcome to 2020 - a fresh new year. Signs of hope and rebirth are starting already - I saw my first snowdrop yesterday despite local flooding and snow on the Galloway hills :) I wish you all the very best for 2020 and I hope that your plans and wishes for this year come to fruition. Slainte.

Tebay Services M6 - Lakes view

Thank you for bearing with me for such a long delay in posting a blog. Everything in my life seemed to come to an abrupt standstill in mid November with the sudden death of my Father. Nothing felt important anymore but life does rush on around you, even in times of grief. I found myself, along with my brothers, arranging a funeral and also trying to make preparations for Christmas. As the world was whipping up into a frenzy of celebration, joyfulness and socialising I felt anything but. After a few distressing delays my family came together just before Christmas to say goodbye to a wonderful man who will be missed so much by so many. As I said in my eulogy, he was not just my Dad - he was my best friend. I am coming to terms with his loss and taking it one step at a time. Some days are better than others but I recognise grief for what it is and I am so thankful for the love of my family and friends. Those that matter have come together to support each other.

Me with my wonderful Dad

I decided to follow the example of fellow bloggers and vloggers with choosing a word to guide me this year. For me 2020 will be the year of ACCEPTANCE. It is about accepting that I can not achieve all of my plans and dreams straight away. It is allowing the past to remain there and not colour my future. It is knowing that it is alright to have memories but not to let them hold me back. Of course the main focus is to accept that I will not see my lovely Dad again but that he will be in my heart forever. 

In the lead up to Christmas I had been busy making gifts for family and friends. Knitted socks, mittens, hand made cushions, crochet cloths and scrubbies, etc... It felt good to give gifts made with love. I lost my crafting mojo for a while but then found that the mindfulness of knitting and crocheting helped me through dark days. Simple patterns that did not require much thinking but enough to let me concentrate on the repetitive act of making something - anything - really has been helping me. Since the new year I have developed a plan for long term projects that I do not feel under pressure to complete in a rush. I'll share these below in my Works In Progress (WIPs). I have also set myself a little challenge...

My crafting world:

As I have a dream to travel around the complete coast of Scotland (and visit as many of the little islands as possible) I decided to set myself a virtual challenge for 2020. The 'Stitch Around Scotland'.

Embroidery by Margaret Montgomery, made in tiny silk cross stitches,
early 19th century (National Library of Scotland)

It is my plan during 2020 to travel (in the virtual world) around all 6,160 miles of the coast of mainland Scotland. I will achieve this by travelling one mile for every metre of yarn/ thread stitched in my knitting, crochet, stitching projects this year. I will be interested to see how far I manage to travel. Wish me luck!

WIPs:-


(i) This project started with some kindly donated yarn and unfinished garment. The yarn by Artesano is called 'Inca Mist' and is 100% baby alpaca. So beautifully soft. The original pattern that came with the yarn was not a garment I fancied making but I liked the idea of making a colourwork garment. I have made several Keps (hats) in Fairisle colourwork in the past but my success at garments is poor. I decided to make the 'Night Shades' jumper (pattern by DROPS of Norway). The pattern was printed in 'Knit Now' magazine Issue 111. It is knitted in the round from the bottom up, sleeve up, and then all joined together to complete a lovely Nordic colourwork yoke. So far I have knitted the main body and I'm on the second sleeve. I did swatch up a Scottish thistle design at first but decided to stick to the Nordic yoke design this time and use the other design in the future. I felt that the yarn choice was not correct to make the thistle as clearly defined as I would have liked. I have decided to stick with additional hem and cuff detailing using some very pretty glass seed beads in sage - produced by Preciosa. 

My original thistle pattern design

(ii) I have started a year long crochet project - a 'temperature' blanket. Each day I will note the average daily temperature for the Glenkens. I have allocated 14-15 colours of Stylecraft Special DK (from my scrap stash) to the project. For each 2 degrees in temperature - ranging from below -5oC up to over +25oC - I will use a designated yarn colour. This is my palette of colours and my progress so far. I am using the ripple row pattern from Attic24's 'Woodland Ripple' blanket pattern. I was up-to-date but decided to start again as initially I had allocated 3 degrees per colour but was ending up with solid blocks of several rows (due to our unusually warm and steady January daily temperatures averaging about 6-8oC). So I am a few days behind but catching up after starting again!  

(iii) I have joined in with Winwick Mum's 'Winter Haven KAL'. Please do go to her blog site to find out details of this very relaxed KAL. I downloaded her 'Sanctuary Socks' pattern to try out some cabled socks for the first time. I am using some lovely indie dyed yarn by Wee Sheep Yarns which I was fortunate enough to win last year. I had been saving it for something special and this felt right. It is called 'sugar almonds' and is a 75% Merino/ 25% Nylon superwash blend. My winter haven is sitting in my crafty corner, listening to good music or an audiobook, brew (or hot toddy) by my side and Alfie 'the pedestrian collie' curled up next to me. Bliss!

(iv) Another KAL I have joined was recommended to me via a friend on Twitter. You can join the closed group on FB. It is called 'Knit-along 2020! Knitting & Crochet Guild 1923 Woman's Weekly camel sweater'. We are following a vintage garment pattern with classic 1920's lines. I am swatching up some Rowan Handknit Cotton yarn at the moment as I think it will make a lovely cool top to throw on in the spring or on summer evenings. I'll let you know how I get on but recommend the FB group to see how other people are experimenting with different yarns types, tensions and artistic licence with the camel motif. My favourite was one person who changed the camels to Star War's ATAT walkers! Brilliant! 

(v) My other year long project is 'A Year of Blackwork' SAL by Peppermintpurple (FB, IG, Pintrest, Twitter). Each week a new Blackwork design is published to place on a pre-set grid. I will share photos once I have started stitching more than just the grid lines. The SAL is on week 3 so not too far behind if you fancy joining in. Again, there is a FB group to join in a see how others are getting along.

I have plans to make several other projects but I think this is enough to occupy my spare time just now. I am starting to create some new cross-stitch designs and I am really hoping that 2020 is the year when I can finally publish and sell some of my patterns.

FIs:-

Not much to report really. Most of the FIs I had were Christmas presents and so have been sent off and I did not get many pictures due to the pre-Christmas craziness.

(i) I completed the Stylecraft Yarns 'Sunstar' blanket CAL. The blanket used Stylecraft's Special DK 100% Acrylic yarns. It has come out really well and is now much loved by my youngest daughter to keep her snug through the winter nights. I will take a better picture once we lose the constant wind, rain, grey and generally 'driech' weather out there!

'Sharing The Love'

I call this section 'Sharing The Love'. I want to grow my blog within the wonderful crafting community I have found online on Ravelry, YouTube and Instagram. I thought that each week I would share one of my favourite sites so that you can also go and visit them. To help me grow my site (and help me in my future plans to set up an online textile design business) could I ask that when you visit them you mention that I sent you their way? Thank you so much xx

Sewrayme Uk: I have been enjoying Rachel's YouTube channel for a while now. She is very creative with her crafting - knitting, sewing, etc... but also talks about nature and cooking. Rachel makes you feel welcome into her home to share her passions. She makes lovely mystery boxes, each with a theme, with lovely crafty items to enjoy - as well a little treats. She makes beautiful project bags and other items that can be found on Etsy. You can also find her on IG. 

'Another Love'

(aka The music, book, podcast section where I share my other passions in life)

Griefcast: Podcast by Cariad Lloyd

This podcast has really helped me to work through my thoughts and feelings. It helps to hear how grief effects everyone in different ways and also to hear the personal memories each guest relays about the person being remembered. The host and guests are comedians so be warned there is quite a lot of dark humour and irreverence along the way. As my own Dad brought me up to enjoy subversive humour of the type Monty Python, The Goons, Douglas Adams, etc... produced I have found this podcast uplifting as well reflective.   

'Journey of the Sorcerer' (Theme to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) 
by Tim Souster (Originally by The Eagles) 

Released: 1981 Produced by: Tim Souster 

My Dad introduced me to the wonders of Douglas Adams at an early age and I remember loving the TV series version of 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'. I like to think my Dad would have greatly enjoyed that his children chose this wonderful version to be played at his funeral.

'Islander: A journey around our archipelago' by Patrick Barkham

Released: 2017 Published by: Granta ISBN: 978 1 78378 190 4  

I love that I live on an island - albeit a large one. I have dreams of living up in the Orkney Islands. I have visited Uist, Orkney, Hoy, Rousay, Birsay, Crete, and Ireland. I love islands. This books is a great exploration of 11 of the smaller Islands within the UK. Patrick goes into great detail about each island and it's history, people, floral and fauna. A good way of exploring afar from your armchair haven. 

Thank you for joining me once again. Enjoy being creative until we meet again.

Midge x

Please feel free to visit me on my links to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook. I can also be found at Ravelry as MidgePorterDesign