~Charity Shop Marathon~

10 charity shops in 2 days... Not bad going considering the kids are at home and family life is busy. I have tried not to buy everything I fancy, mainly because I can't afford to at the moment. Thrifting is tricky territory though - on the one hand you've got to grab it when you see it -  it's a never-to-be-repeated-offer; but it's important to have a little voice saying the following;

1. 'do you really need that?'
2.  'will you use it?'
3. 'where the devil will you put it?'
4.  'can you sell it on?'
5.  'and anyway you already have 5 of them'

This teaset was a real gem I think, 1950s Broadhurst 'Alpine' - gorgeous colours and shapes, edged in silver. In VGC; just a little crazy in places; just like it's new owner!

It passed the 5 question test; 1. Yes    2. Yes   3. China cabinet    4.Yes     5. No, I don't. 
I paid £5 for the set. Something that didn't pass the test was a wooden hostess/serving trolley for £3, but I still feel guilty that I could've rescued it, painted it, used it and loved it.

~Monday's child is good at baking~

After a (horrible) journey into Leeds to queue (horrible) to pick up L's tickets for Radio Aire's Party in the Park, a free (teenage-type) concert in Yorkshire on Sunday; I disappeared upstairs for some sanity-sewing time listening to lovely 80s music ...When I descended I was greeted with these lovely chocolate buns, courtesy of L.  Bless.

Alas muffins do not help my muffin-top, but I'll worry about that tomorrow.

~I must... I must... I must improve my...crochet

I have been following Julie on Little Cotton Rabbits with her recent discovery of crochet and her beautiful one-a-day blanket.  Why, oh why do I have an aversion to learning crochet? I was too busy knitting and sewing as a little girl; I thought crochet was inferior (!) on a par with macrame and Knitting Nancy, so never bothered with it. I was a very fickle child.  The trouble is I feel I've left it too late, and my aversion has now snowballed into crochet-fear.  I found this 1960s instruction manual recently in a Charity Shop for 20p and I MUST make myself have a go this summer...

I want to make granny squares! That's all; nothing too complicated.  My Nana B. made this huge blanket years ago (it's now in my caravan-awaiting stash); it's in lovely quality wool, and I love the black crochet joining the squares.

Any crochet advice greatly appreciated...Once again many thanks for getting in touch; it's really lovely to hear fom you.         x    Lavender Attic