The joy of a new season.

I am a day late! I didn't fully mark the last day of summer but yesterday I did appreciate the first day of autumn and it had snuck up on me really. I love love love autumn. It is glorious.

We usually get some "summer" yet but a couple of weeks ago we noticed it much darker in the mornings. Evenings cool. Lovely sleeping. Beautiful days. Today is the most gorgeous day. Perfect.

There are so many things that come with the change that are just lovely for life and the home. It won't be long and I will be thinking of soups and the crock pot will be full of casseroles and the oven of meat pies. 

But the first thing is I have pulled out my crochet! In summer I work on light things (below) like wash cloths, edges around pillowcases and towels and things like that. 

In autumn and winter I get into blankets and rugs. They end up nice over your knees as you work on them. Last year I learned some new patterns after using the same ones for so many years! It was as easy as going on to You Tube and looking through the tutorials for patterns I loved then watching them. It is fantastic. It is the same as sitting having someone teach you at home. In half an hour you are doing the new pattern and off you go.

I learned three new main ones. Then I sat and taught Mum two of them and she has done blankets in them since. Her blankets are out of this world. One day I will post her rugs that are textural, soft strips and enormous full queen bed size. Amazing!

So I have three rugs to finish and I am using them as gifts. 

The dark blue and the pink are a lace type pattern formed in two rows. You think it makes no sense but it works! Learning new patterns is really good for your brain. Seriously this is true, it is good for you!

The pale blue is a scallop pattern, also formed in two rows. Both are lovely to work and very quick. If anyone wants I will post the link to the tutorials I used. Honestly so quick to pick up.

Even if you have never crocheted it is quick to learn and a joy! And if you can knit or crochet and have unused yarn get going! Make a rug to donate to someone to keep them warm this winter. 

We watch football which starts soon. Once I hated it but now I'm converted! But I use these hours to knit or crochet and goodness things grow quickly. I would hate to sit there doing nothing but with this I produce so much work and feel content and happy. I feel I think happy thoughts when working on something lovely. I know it is good for me. And if you know someone who loves to do handiwork but can't due to lack of funds or yarn, give them your excess yarn and see them have the most wonderful time. We are meant to be productive and you can see the difference in someone who goes from doing nothing to being creative and  productive. it's like a switch is turned on. Teaching someone new stitches, teaching kids to knit or crochet, you are setting them up for years of happiness. 

It is never too late to learn. Every lesson we could ever need is a click away but also maybe you have a Nana or neighbour who will help you. They would adore it! These things passed on and so valuable and beautiful. It is like the love of reading. Boredom is impossible once you have these things!