Getting ready for the E17 Art Trail, and a trip to Minsmere

I've been knitting furiously over the past week, in preparation for the E17 Art Trail. Testing my hat patterns (again), even taking them away on a little holiday to finish. This sounds like it was an effort. It most certainly was not. I always take knitting away with me, (in fact I take it almost everywhere with me). I aim to always be knitting furiously, when life permits.

We were kindly offered a cottage in Suffolk for a few days over half-term by friends, so we jumped at the chance. It was right near Minsmere RSPB reserve, where Springwatch is based this year. My boy has a true love of nature, nurtured by us, and it was a joy to be with him as he experienced all the beauty of Minsmere. We saw an adder, bearded tits, avocets, and sand martins swooping low just past our faces. We even heard the boom of a bittern. We were lucky enough to have two sitings of bitterns. Miss B was more interested in the ladybird backpack the reserve gave her than the bittern flying directly over her head!

We had a day out in Aldeburgh, where we found the loveliest diner I've ever seen, and I've been to America and everything! Delphine's (it has no website), was a little slice of 50s kitsch, but so beautifully done, right down to the condiment jars. It was a tiny place but we grabbed a booth by the window.

Formica table tops, mint green walls, and a mirrored ceiling!

The most crucial thing for me, and the American hubby, was the food. It was up to the standard of the decor, and that is high praise indeed.

We ordered apple juice for the children, and it came in cute little bottles with straws.

I found a vintage fair in Snape Maltings, so I went a bit embroidery crazy! A cushion cover,

an enormous tea cozy, and a couple of table cloths. I also picked up an entire box of 1930s embroidery transfers. I didn't really want the whole box, but it was the end of the day, it was raining, and the woman selling them said she didn't want to take them home. I'm not complaining, there are some crinoline ladies in there! I could seriously get into embroidery, if I didn't need to sleep at night.

I also saw some 'china' I had never come across before called Melmex. It is a type of plastic from the 1960s (I think). I confined myself to just one, in this pastel pink. I rather fancied a lime green one too, and now I regret not buying it.

Fun was had on the beach collecting rocks, and them throwing them into the sea.

I went to the International Club again last Saturday night with my knitting buddy Simone. We met in Zedel's for dinner first and were pleasantly surprised when the staff gave us a complimentary glass of bubbly. It was because we were wearing hats!

Simone had been to Fashion on the Ration earlier that day, so was wearing a 1940s ensemble, consisting of a CC41 dress and maroon hat.

Photo by Wozza

I wore a cotton jumper I made from a Beehive Wool String pattern book, named 'Interlude'.

The hat I wore is a beret I designed because I just couldn't find the right 1930s pattern for one. It is crocheted, in navy cotton to match the jumper, and because I love navy. Unimaginatively named 'A Draped Beret', I designed it in two sizes, (21 inches and 22 - 23 inches). It also comes in three 'depths', to be worn with more or less drape depending on your personal preference. The beret above is the middle depth.

This version in white has the least depth, which gives it a more nautical look. I will be releasing this pattern at the E17 Art Trail on Friday if I can get a half decent photo of it by then.

Theodora.