More Felting!

The second felting session of the week, and more adventures into the magic that is wool fibre


Some really creative panel work today - looking like a fusion of paint, tapestry and clay!

magnificent!

looks like an Elm Burr!

Pots

Felt Workshop 26 July

Elaine hosted another great Felt Workshop today, with four friends from North Down coming south for the day.


The weather was spectacular and we had visits from 4 Red Kites at the same time!

creative mix!

Despite the distractions, great work was done with a really amazing collection produced.

colours galore

familiarisation pieces

sumptuous flowers

work to be proud of

you can feel the heat in this one!

beautiful dreamy tones

vibrant spectacle case

lovely swirly handles!

Weather Data for June

Follow the link to the right to download weather data for the year so far, month by month, collected from our weather station here at the Turnip House or click here.


June was predominately COLD - with less that half the days getting above 15 degrees C

see the MetEirann report here:

‪ExcelIsFun's Channel‬‏ - YouTube

Found this really great site for those who know just how great Excel is.....

but don't know how to unleash it's awesome power!

‪ExcelIsFun's Channel‬‏ - YouTube

screen shot of Excel How to videos

The Big Butterfly Count

Today it is  once again warm and sunny


So we're out in the garden doing the 

It's a great reason to stand about in the sunshine! give it a try!
There is a great identification chart on the site: http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/

be careful to make sure that it rotates and shrinks the image when you print it. It didn't for me the first 2 times!

Furby

Furby the Cat

Third dimension

Time to add some height to the garden - not least because 

• a) we need some wind breaks (we're not a mile form the Windy Gap for nothing!) and
• b) Elaine has 26 runner bean plants to plant!

In keeping with our reuse recycle plans, we're using bits and pieces salvaged from the farm to add interest. They are fascinating artefacts in themselves, and they 'belong' here.


there are a number of gates that could do with a new purpose, and plenty of metal - corrugated tin, wire mesh poles etc.

green beans - very tasty, but still involves double digging!

Ready to plant out

Concrete reinforcement rods - great stakes

Raw materials

almost ready

the finished framework

Planted Out

One of our many gates - staked out at the top of what will be the 'green lane'

The start of the trail

Turnip House Courtyard: before and after

Thought you might like to see another before and after picture:

Gardens Like Rain!

We had brilliant surprise when we got back - the lawn man had laid our turf! It looks great, and not only did he do an excellent job of fitting it around the stones (Don claims he used to be a carpet fitter!) He came up every night we were away to check that it had enough water- fantastic service and professionalism.


No need to worry about watering today!

we're proud owners of a real lawn!

an abundance of blooms

sun glints

Tropaeolum speciosum like a red waterfall in the front garden

stormy weather on Donard

Our 'Dobbies' flowerbed is thriving!

We're Back!

Well, after a marathon trip round the more interesting parts of the English motorway system we#re now back home.


It was great to do and see all the things that we did - catching up with friends and relations, sorting out many logistical necessaries for Kate as she gets ready for Cambridge in September, and grooving to some excellent music at Littleborough Music Festival


BUT .. it's great to be back

Sailing By - the distant Mournes from just off the Isle of Man

Belfast; Samson & Goliath, the cranes against the sky

Celtic Jewellery

further to my musings earlier, last night we had a visit from Frances, who brought us more of her beautiful delicate Celtic earrings - perfect gifts or souvenirs:


We have a really nice collection of them now, great

pretty shiny things!

scattered over the barbecue slab!

Turnip House Celtic designs

People have been asking about the designs that we put on our sweaters and hats.


When we started knitting 24 years ago, we were always motivated by the patterns on the garments whether 'traditional' Fair Isle, our own bright poster art creations or the ornament of the Celtic peoples and their predecessors here on the Western edge of Europe.


Celtic ornament is one of the world's great artistic legacies. It can be found on stone carving wood, metal ,leather and stone, adorning practical and precious objects.


Many of the motifs are with us still transmogrified by modern interpretation. We are doing something similar


Over time, we have specialised in these six designs, but new ones move in and out of focus from time to time.

the origin and inspiration of our most popular designs

A sweater for a Texas Longhorn Fan

We had a visit from some really nice people over from the US, and they ordered a Triscele sweater. 


In the colors of the Texas Longhorns  . Just washed & pressed it today, and I must say, hanging out in the sunshine it looks well.


It's amazing how the Triscele, a 5,000 year old rock ornamentation, can still appeal today.

washed, pressed and hanging out to dry in the sunshine

July At Last

July has come in - bringing a hint of Summer, We've been enjoying the fruits of our labours and getting out in the garden.

butterflies are appearing. Thanks to Kate for capturing this one

Charlie- prime candidate for the most relaxed dog on the planet - but not the most elegant!

an evening treat!

Eleanor out to grass

the mountains reflected in our big mirror

sewing up in the shade

doors wide open - wonderful

the hanging basket that we got form the Secret Garden, Hillsborough