Good things for tough days

The last week has been a tough one. My energy seems to have flown off with the swallows and I confess to having slept for a fair bit of it*. Towards the end of last week Mr M suggested I had a night away so I spent 24 hours in Wells-next-the-sea - a tiny, lovely holiday that was much-needed.  The rows of starlings on the rigging of a ship shown above were a simple moment of joy whilst I was there. They were busy and chattery and kept shuffling themselves around like beads on a string.

I can't say I feel quite myself now I'm back but I'm taking things slowly and hoping my energy returns.

Whilst I've been feeling rough I dug out some fairy lights and draped them round the living room and used a new textured crochet stitch to knock up some wrist warmers (see above, snapped grainily in the pub), using the slow, beautiful rhythm to cheer myself up.

I've also been seeking out good things: patterns I'd love to try, recipes I'm keen to make or plan to when I'm feeling a little better. Sometimes simply looking at something joyful is needed

It struck me that these things may help others who might be having a tough few hours or days so here is what I've found. Perhaps you could bookmark this for the times that feel like the old pants your Nan used to use as dusters.

MAKING

Who has a 'Best in Show' Book?

Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne's knitted animal designs are full of joy and woolly charisma. They rather remind me of Victorian portraits of favourite pets or prize animals, standing poised and proud but with a gleam of mischief and possibly just moments from legging it around the garden or farmyard woofing or oinking at nothing in particular.

I have long wanted to knit my own dog show but as a slightly wobbly wielder of needles I'm not sure I have the skills to fashion a leg or ear. 

Simply looking at this pattern for a pig family (photography by Holly Joliffe) 

and this one for Lil the regal whippet cheers me up though. The thought that there are knitted piglets in the world is very lovely indeed and Lil reminds me so much of Minnie our sprightly old lurcher that it's uncanny. If you give these a try PLEASE send me pictures.

I have recently succumbed to Pinterest. I didn't think there could be any other online places I could become addicted to like extremely very much but I was wrong. I made a crochet inspiration board. And then I discovered the MINIATURE CROCHET AND TEXTILES.

Oh

for

Crying out loud.

Also I WILL be attempting this great tit.

BAKING

Debs' apple blondies are one of the quickest and simplest recipes I've tried. The rapidity of preparation belies the deliciousness of these little appley spongecakes. I scatter pine nuts on the top but they'd be delicious with some cinnamon-isn crumble, pecans as she suggests or simply a thick layer of demerara on their surface. Apologies for the slightly crappola image but they never hang around very long once I've made them and this was a quick snap before they were demolished.

The Tuesday evening cosy cake, crochet and knitted budgie-filled #makingwinter hour on Twitter has introduced me to some excellent people. Folk join in to share they're favourite recipes, their woolly endeavours, new designs and the ways in which they're celebrating the new season or making it a little easier.  John Holland and his other half Chris are baking wizards. I do wonder whether one of them might end up on next year's bakeoff.

Printmaker Kathy Hutton tweeted some delicious-looking orange super simple fork biscuits and after a clamour she shared the recipe. It's next on my baking list...

FOR THE VERY TRICKIEST TIMES...

When baking or making is just not possible here are these badgers scratching their bellies amongst bluebells,

these joyful sifaka lemurs who like to gallop about as though they're playing horsey - watch for a minute or so and it's like a particularly unusual version of the 2.30 at Newmarket.

This parody of Brief Encounter by Victoria Wood is one of the loveliest things on the whole of the internet.

Huge thanks to those who have linked up with November's Making Winter post. If you're making the grey days better with cakes, quilts, mittens, candles, lovely walks or simply celebrating being snug indoors then do link up if you fancy. Pop over for a peep at the wonderful recipes and making going on over on others' blogs

In a few days' time Clare of Little Conkers will be sharing a special Making Winter guest post about crocheted pinecones. There will be lots more guests coming up, including Kirsty Elson, Chetna Makan and Juliabesidethesea. You'll be able to read about how they feel about the colder season and how winter changes the way they work creatively. 

*Huge apologies if I haven't been answering your emails very promptly