Sunburst Granny Square Picnic

 

 

For my regular blog readers, you will know that a couple of weeks ago I crocheted this sunburst granny square stool cover for our little puss. Well, with Summer here, my next priority was beautifying our picnic basket with the hope that we will have lots of wonderful and sunny days this summer to enjoy picnics (one can but dream!). Having really enjoyed working these little squares I decided these Sunburst Granny Squares by Priscilla Hewitt would made the perfect little jersey for our basket.

Although I had a good idea of what I wanted, I still needed to figure out how I was going to get there, which to be honest was a bit of guesswork here and there. I was set on having the cover go over and under both lids, but I didn't want it to sit up onto the handle of the basket, if this makes any sense. Basically, I wanted it to fit like a glove. For this project I used DROPS Paris Cotton Aran which I purchased from The Wool Warehouse. I definitely misjudged the amount of cotton I was going to require and there were a couple of days waiting for some more (hate it when this happens). As you can see from the pictures, I did eight granny squares and the rest is just granny crochet  around until I got to where I wanted it to be, increasing and decreasing along the way.

 

As most of you will know we celebrated Fathers Day yesterday and I wanted to do something special for my wonderful other half, as I genuinely think that he's simply the Best Dad in the world! We didn't fancy a meal out as that will be happening tomorrow night for another celebration, so I decided a lovely picnic (weather permitting) would be just right. Well it is fair to say that all our angels were watching over us as we had a dry and very pleasant afternoon in the end.

I chose a very lovely spot on our doorstep, one we haven't been to for quite some time, largely because for some very strange, but unknown reason (I blame age here!)  I have forgotten all about it. Does this happen to you too?

 

We had this very beautiful place all to ourselves. These photo's don't do it justice, but the fields were bathed in little pretty smiling buttercups.

It has river running through it and Josh had so much fun pretending he was surfing on a rather surfboard-like rock.

We found the most perfect spot to camp out for the afternoon to enjoy a rather late lunch and an afternoon of chilling.

 

For me picnics are all about lovely sandwiches and freshly baked cakes or brownies and a cup of tea offcourse! I took a little empty jam jar with and filled it with some water from the river and a posy of beautiful buttercups. I love pretty things and there is no reason one can't have these little pleasures when your eating out of a basket!

We also tried out the new Strawberry and Rhubarb jam, which I wrote about here and I think I will be making some more very very soon, delicious!

 

The kids had such fun just wading in the water in their wellies (and boy it was freezing!!!).

 

Little Es, enjoying climbing on to everything and anything, such a little monkey.

 

 

Both Josh and Dad really enjoyed having some quality time playing footie, whilst

 

us girls just enjoyed reading Fantastic Mr Fox. It is one of my all time faves and I so enjoy reading it to the kids. I have stopped counting the number of times we have read this story and I can't see me ever tiring of it.

 

For me these beautiful old trees are so expressive, every curve on their bodies speak of some chapter in life and express their carefully sculptured moods. For some reason they always make me reflect on my own grounding and how we are all part of this earth, belonging to the greater good. There is something so nourishing about the feeling of belonging and being connected to nature.

Hats on for a cup of tea and some very scrummy chocolate brownies. Our household has become quite fond of these wonderful 'Flourless Chocolate Brownies' by Nigella, possibly because they suit all my intolerances, but also because I am yet to taste a better brownie, so if you haven't made these yet, give them a go.

 

 

It was such a wonderfully relaxing afternoon, but all good things have to come to an end.

 

 

Thank you for all your lovely comments on my blog. I wanted you to know that I really appreciate you reading my blog (even when posts are so long!) and for following me, it brings me so much joy. I always try and leave a reply to your comment(s), but I appreciate that most of you most probably never read them. It's just my way of saying that I appreciate each and every one of your comments and so enjoy reading them. Welcome to my new followers, I am so pleased that you are enjoying your little visits here and I am looking forward to seeing lots more of you.

Wishing you all a very happy Monday and wishes for a creative and enjoyable week.

Hannapat

xoxo