July walk Craft Olympic “Special” finish
This is made in alpaca wool from Peru
which daughter brought back,
so it is special.
I am therefore counting it as a “special” finish for Sylvia’s Craft Olympics.
One side is striped
and the other has hearts.
I made it from a pattern in a magazine, where different colours were used.
Now I will take you to the sand dunes within walking distance of the house, back in July.
Tadpole in a pool of water.
Waterlily
in a large pond.
“There is a willow grows aslant a brook”
Hamlet Act 4 Scene 7
Pine trees.
In the middle of the dunes is this dead forest.
so Halloween!
The fluff of a dandylion.
One of the Natterjack Toad habitats. It is rare in the UK.
I was amazed that anything as fragile looking as these plants could survive in this sand-soil.
One was familiar- Everlasting Sweet Pea.
Posted in Craft Olympics, Travels by House Elf with 6 comments.
Beddgelert Craft Olympics New 5
This is my last entry for the “new” category in Sylvia’s Craft Olympics.
They are my 1st attempt at crocheted hexagons in an African Violet setting.
I gave the table centre a fancy scalloped edging trying to remember how to increase and decrease in the right places. I think I managed it some of the time.
The yarn came from the Flying Mitten in Jarvenpaa, while with Ulla.
I promised you last time, a little walk in Beddgelert.
We go south of the village past the church.
Along the riverbank,
And across what looks like an open field.
Looking back the way we have come. You can see the setting for Beddgelert- beautiful.
Early fungi- just for you Ulla.
The path leads to a tree
where there are ancient stone markers much worn with age. The modern stone has the explanation:
“Gelert’s Grave
In the C13th Llywelyn, Prince of North Wales had a palace at Beddgelert. One day he went hunting without “Gelert the faithful hound” who was unaccountably absent. On Llywelyn’s return the truant stained and smeared with blood joyfully sprang to meet his master. The prince alarmed hastened to find his son an saw the infant’s cot empty, the bed clothes and floor covered with blood. The frantic father plunged his sword into the hound’s side thinking he had killed his heir. The dog’s dying yell was answered by a child’s cry. Llywelyn searched and discovered his boy unharmed, but nearby lay the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert has slain. The prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again. He buried Gelert here. The spot is called Beddgelert.”
“Bedd” means grave in Welsh. What a beautiful and apt setting for a hunting hound. How awful that his much loved master was so hasty. My grandmother always said to give an animal the benefit of the doubt if something looks bad. It gives you a chance to evaluate the animal for yourself.
A little further along the track was an enclosure like a roofless house. Inside was a bronze statue of Gelert to welcome you. Bungle stood next to it and looked little -he is 29″ tall!
A rough coated hound probably like an Irish Wolf hound.
We lined up the pack with just Fluff being awkward facing the wrong way. At 13 3/4, I think it is allowed. It works out at 96 and 1/4 years. The new lad Carruthers is at the front with Squeak behind in the pink collar, Fluff facing the wrong way, Bungle at the back by the statue.
I hope Gelert enjoyed his fellow hound visitors.
Posted in Craft Olympics, Travels by House Elf with 6 comments.