A grand day out!

Last week Malcolm and I took our youngest son, Tom, to his favourite day trip destination - the National Railway Museum in York. I have lost count of how many times we have been here over the years, with toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents, such is its appeal to all ages. What I'm sharing with you here is only a fraction of what's on offer so please check out the website (I'm not being sponsored) it really is worth it....

......and best of all it's free!! 

A frequent attraction at the museum has been the Mallard, the A4 class locomotive that set the world record for steam locomotion back in 1938. At 126mph that record still stands!

As part of the 75th anniversary of this amazing achievement 3 more of the 6 surviving A4's were on display alongside their sister locomotive.

Bittern on the turntable.

Malcolm and Tom get a closer look at Mallard.

 

Dominion of Canada repatriated from her home museum in Canada.

Dwight D Eisenhower all the way from the US.

It was fantastic to see them all together!

There is so much more to see if these monsters don't float your boat if you'll excuse the travel connection! I love peeking inside the royal carriages including those of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.

                

                        

A glimpse into the past. Hogwart's anyone?

Even the Warehouse and The Works (where Flying Scotsman can currently be seen under restoration) are fascinating areas to visit.

Husband and son both wishing they could get down into that workshop and get their hands dirty!!

A glimpse into the future too.....

......but wasn't Drax a Bond villain?!!!

Peace, love and marshmallows!

Louise x

For me and mine.

 As you can see, my Etsy shop is bereft of items except for a lone knitted apple cosy - which I will probably use for work if it doesn't sell! 

I have decided that it is high time I spend some time creating lovely things for myself, my home and my loved ones. Also Christmas will soon be looming and I need to think presents if I'm to have enough time to make some seasonal gifts.

So here is a round-up of the latest :-)

This is the laundry bag that I made for my daughter, Bethany, to take to uni with her. Hopefully it will encourage her to be a tad tidier than she is now - and even do some washing occasionally! 

I used the pattern in Emma Hardy's Sewing In No Time which was a doddle to follow.

I'm pleased with how well the main fabric and the lining work together and the barrel shape makes it more roomy.

These crochet pots, a Kirstie McLeod design from Simpy Knitting magazine, are perfect for tidying up the bedroom.

  

I wasn't sure if I had enough of each colour for stripes so I took inspiration from Jacquie at Bunny Mummy from her crochet bowl tutorial. Using the cotton doubled gives a much sturdier finish too. I use this bowl for all those bits and bobs - hair bands, Q-tips, cotton wool, lego, dog poop bags (empty!!) - you know the sort of thing!

Things look better already.

I also finally bought pads for my round cushions and finished them off (after finding them again!)

                                      

Have you any Christmas projects on the go yet? Or is it  way too early to think about it?!

Peace, love and marshmallows!

Louise x