Friday 19 July 2013

The Great Gathering

After the Wool Experience, it was the other half's turn.  So it was that we made our way this weekend, on an even hotter day, to the National Railway Museum at York with some friends.  We were going to see the six A4 pacifics, the Mallard and all its friends, all together for the first time (and quite possibly the last).  I like steam trains and so do the kids, but the men were just slightly besotted.  The way it was laid out meant that you couldn't see them all until you were standing on the turntable.  They are awesome engines and are beautiful, especially all together.





(Click on the photo to see it better; there were six, I just couldn't get them all in!)

We had a very long day (did I mention it was hot too?) and came away with exhausted kids and very happy menfolk.  And us ladies?  Well, we enjoyed the trains but also the tea and scones, and the chance to chat. And we also really enjoyed the children's storytime that involved being trains and making lots of noise!

Monday 15 July 2013

The Wool Experience

Well, it was time to experience wool again last weekend, with the added bonus of the most delicious ice cream.  The venue was, as ever, Blaze Farm and the children enjoyed seeing the animals and watching the sheep shearing while I explored the wool. I didn't take any pictures of the actual event as I was too busy fondling wool, and I only had a limited time before the children got too hot and wanted to go home.  I could have bought so much, but as I still have a whole fleece from last year I really couldn't justify any more, so I came away with just one fibre braid:


This is Finnish, from WeaveKnitIt, and it is so soft and gorgeous, I can't wait to try spinning it. (It's also brighter blue-green, in real life, but I can't get my phone to comply.) Plans are afoot for a wheel (what are big birthdays for if not for big pressies?) but until then it'll have to be on the spindle. The spindle is of course currently occupied with something else:


so I'll have to finish that first.  I forsee much spinning in my immediate future...