Come with me...

There's a small park in the heart of the city. A place of calm where I go to watch the squirrels and experience a few brief, soothing moments of nature. I took these photos a couple of weeks ago, before the strong winds, when the trees still had some autumnal colour.

Before we go through the gate though, I need you to listen to the song Pure Imagination from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It came into my head when I was thinking of a title for this post and has stuck around ever since. Go on, don't worry, I'll wait.

OK, ready? Then let's take a walk through the park. Come with me....

Hope you enjoyed your stroll through the park. The gate is just ahead but I'm going to linger awhile.

I may not be around much until the New Year as it's proving difficult juggling work and all the preparations and activities of the festive season. Really I want to say I'll be taking a bloggy break but am finding it hard to let go! I'll still be around and visiting you though and will be back to wish you a merry Christmas. See you then. xx

Crochet-a-long: washcloth

I haven't picked up my crochet hook in a while. In truth, I think I prefer knitting - two implements seem much easier than one! However, while I was casting around for ideas for a Christmas present for my friend, I saw the lovely washcloths that Gillian had made and her plans to make up a pampering basket.

I really liked the idea of making up a box of bits and pieces and decided to create a 'Saturday Night In Tin'. First to go in would be the washcloth. I had a hunt around the internet and came across a pattern from Petals to Picots. Though it's listed as a kitchen dishcloth, I really liked the interesting textured pattern and, as one cloth seems pretty much like any other, that's the one I chose to make.

The green yarn is Rowan handknit cotton (shade 352) and the grey is Debbie Bliss ecobaby (shade 14030). Funnily enough, both were bought to make my Attic24 little birdie.

It was so quick and easy to make - only a couple of hours from start to finish. The edging could be neater and I've just realised the first photo shows the 'wrong' side - ho hum. Still, I'm very happy with it and it's lovely and soft to touch. I think I'll be making one for myself at some point.

So, what else is going in the Tin? I'd like to say more handmade Home Jules goodies but time is just too short. The soaps were handmade by someone else though, does that count? The washcloth and soap seemed to suggest a long, hot bath, so I also added a box of scented tealights. And finally, for sofa snuggling later, a DVD and a bag of posh popcorn.

It was great fun choosing all the different elements and the added bonus of finally doing some crochet is that I can join in with Marianne and Chrissie's weekly Bloomin' Crochet-a-long, even if only for a week.

Lastly but by no means leastly, thank you all so very much for the lovely comments on my Scavenger Hunt post. xx

Photo Scavenger Hunt: November

Once again joining in with Greenthumb and her monthly Scavenger Hunt. Here's my entry for November.

Gold : Golden lights in the arches of a building in Manchester.

5 : Well it makes a change from pound shops!

Patterns : Frost on the roof of my car.

Bread : Cranberry and toasted pecan from Magic & Sparkle.

Happiness : I was on a bus one day and this little boy kept turning around to wave and smile at his friend. His joy and happiness were so infectious I couldn't resist taking a sneaky snap.

Rain : Sitting in my car this week waiting for the rain, rain to go away so I could get out!

Traffic : Queuing at the lights on the ring road in Preston.

Boxes : Colourful boxes of cereal at the supermarket.

Staircase : In the art gallery.

Sunset : I knew this would be one of the most difficult simply because there are very few windows of opportunity when both the weather conditions are right and I'm able to take photos (at this time of year I'm usually still at work when it goes dark). I had a so-so photo lined up but then, last night, this happened.

Park : Miller Park in Preston.

Pair : My daughter's lucky cats.

If you'd like a challenge in December other than the stress of Christmas present hunting, why not join in? You can find the categories on Greenthumb's blog. x