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      Weekly round up of inspiration

      22nd July    

      Today I present a quick round up of things that have caught my eye, inspired me or kept me busy, hope you enjoy my eclectic choices...

      Sending hugs from all around the world.  The crochet crowd are buzzing with making small crochet squares and sending them to Wiltshire in the UK, all to show support and love for a young women who is fighting cancer and with whom she and her mother have touched many hearts, to see a full blog round up and to possibly get involved follow the link:  Jenny's blanket of hugs

      This was day 2 of the squares arriving
      and Kate kindly added my crochet mouse
      into the picture to.

      OK, this has not inspired me but thrown me off balance somewhat:  CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!!! I hope to goodness Ms Twisted is not reading this post as she may have heart failure, she cannot even hear the 'C' word until December 1st at the earliest.  But I must admit, as those who have been here at the eclectic home for a while, I just adore Christmas and I may begin to think about making such things come September, but this is a tad organised and too soon for me too...although, it has set my mind in motion...oh no...

      In case you have fallen for these crochet
      aprons, the details can be seen above


      The Norwegian Alice Haugen posted this beautiful baby blanket this week and I fell in love.  Just look at the colour combination, how calming and serene are they, colour perfection, just loving this palette.

      Stunning colours in this crocheted baby blanket

      Last summer I spied the trend of sewing ones own espadrilles and I was sorely tempted, as often the case time was not on my side and as soon as that northern wind and autumnal colours blew in the idea blew straight out of my mind, until this week when I spied not hand sewn espadrilles but crocheted ones along with a matching bag.  It was love at first sight for me.  How beautifully constructed as these makes by Deb Garretty.  I noticed that yesterday she also won Wool and the Gang photo competition for this shot too.  In case like me you are tempted you can purchase the kit here and no, I am not being paid for suggesting this, I just love them Crochet your own espadrilles


      Crocheted by Deb Garretty


      And finally the wonders of modern technology, my husband is kindly moving our boat this time from Ireland to the Scilly Isles where the children and I will jump on board but in the mean time we are able to track the progress of the boat on line.  How clever is that!  I do notice that progress is slower than expected and he has asked if perhaps we can find a B & B for the night on the islands, does he know how ridiculously hard that is?  All the websites suggest you do not purchase your flight or ferry to the islands until you have secured accommodation as it is so limited...I've told him in no uncertain terms that he best be there as the kids and I are NOT sleeping on the beach for the night...watch this space and I will let you know how it all pans out...  Thinking about it I bet progress is slow because of the Irish Guinness and not as he suggests because the engine was playing up or that they had to anchor unexpectedly one night as all the lights on the top of the mast had blown and he had to be winched up to replace them all...


      Ireland to the left and England to the right.  All the
      little dots are various vessels but only those that have the tracker,
      there are many more out there too!

      Can you spot where they made an unexpected stop one night,
      presumably to change the bulbs, I'm sure it was the beer calling

      As with Google Earth, you can change the view,
      here they are heading into Cork

      Joining in with  Amy   for the penultimate week before the break for the summer, sharing my 5 things with you, do pop along and see what others are sharing this week too


        Wishing you all fair wind for the rest of the summer  


      42 comments:

      1. I'd be glued to that tracker, I'm dreadful with that sort of thing! Like the idea of espadrilles, they certainly look great. A great five Selma have a wonderful weekend x

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        Replies
        1. I am too Katen. It refreshers every 2 minutes!! I can't leave the pc!

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      2. Those espadrilles look very comfy! Now, don't despair, but I've started planning Chr***m*s already. I stamped some parcel labels last week and I actually bought my first two presents yesterday. It's just how I am I suppose.

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        Replies
        1. Ha! That made me chuckle History Anorak. Good for you. Now j think I shall have to start but I'll leave it till August, is that a good compromise?

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      3. I love the way you can track things. We have an app that tracks the bus in jersey. I don't have to leave home until the last minute. Hope you get accommodation in the scilly isles. They are so beautiful. Have a good weekend. B x

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      4. Those espadrilles are wonderful. Takes me back years I always used to wear them in the summer. How wonderful that you can track the progress of your boat, I hope you have a wonderful time on the Scilly Isles:)

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        Replies
        1. Me too Rosie I always wire espadrilles in the summer. Maybe that's why I love these so much x

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      5. Great espadrilles and matching bag, hope you all get to the Scillies safely and don't have to pitch a tent on the beach.

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      6. Hi Selma, you have inspired me with all those great crochet ideas! The tracking of your boat is amazing; technology is so much fun. I hope you are having an enjoyable summer . My best to you, Pat xx

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        Replies
        1. Sending love and safety your way Pat. Thinking of you in Turkey x

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      7. I just had this image of you sleeping on the beach, at least you would look good in those espadrilles, they are amazing. Amazing technology these days.

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        1. When technology works mamamercantile it really is amazing.

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      8. My blanket of hugs yarn arrived this morning! Hope your husband saved the Guinness until after he had been up the mast. The tracker is brilliant but how do you tear yourself away from it? Wish I was coming sailing with you - have a wonderful time.

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        1. Oh I'm so glad about the yarn Annie. Truly I am. Would be cool if you were sailing with us x

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      9. Once again, I'm in awe of what the internet has to offer. Imagine, tracking your boat. Wow!

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      10. the tracking looks fun, i know i'd be watching all the time! the little espadrilles are cute and summery!

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        Replies
        1. Fun Tamy and all makes me anxious at times too

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      11. How cool that you can track that! Who knew?

        Christmas? What's that? I'm another one who doesn't want to think about it until Dec 1st. Thinking of 'it' just makes me think of winter and snow and cold...and snow. Yuck. Not ready for that yet even if I would like a break from the heat!

        Have a great weekend

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        Replies
        1. Sharon I wish we had more warm weather! You are in good company with Ms Twisted

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      12. Seems like everything is possible on the internet. Love the idea for Jenny's blanket of hugs ... good luck to her. I've been getting the Christmas in July emails ... I'm ready for the cool weather. So many fun projects! Have a fun weekend!

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        Replies
        1. It's weird isn't it Snap. I don't think ice noticed Christmas in July before!

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      13. Love the Scilly Isles. Been twice, once in October to birdwatch and then in August for 2 weeks with work. The project was for the council so I lodged with one of the councillors. It was over 20 years ago so doubt he is still working there! Have a fab time x

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        Replies
        1. Can't wait Karen. Have wanted to go here for over 20 years x

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        2. Brian Lowen was the guy!!! He seems to be still on St Marys. Church warden. Was Environmental health officer. Also has a yacht!! I was there back in the 90s for 2 weeks as Karen Bradshaw working for water research centre. Everyone very friendly so sure you will be OK!!! Have an Amazing time xxz

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        3. Brian Lowen was the guy!!! He seems to be still on St Marys. Church warden. Was Environmental health officer. Also has a yacht!! I was there back in the 90s for 2 weeks as Karen Bradshaw working for water research centre. Everyone very friendly so sure you will be OK!!! Have an Amazing time xxz

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      14. Great inspirations! have a good time away. Thank you for joining Five On Friday. Hope that you have a good weekend!

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      15. Loved reading about your hubby's exploits afloat in the sea. I'm on pins and needles til we hear if you and the kids had to hit the sand or if he came through for you!

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        Replies
        1. It's looking like he might be in about 5 pm tonight. I hope so. We are now on the ferry to the islands. Only time will tell ;)

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      16. Happy to have connected with you again because of the Five on Friday link-up. Lots of inspiring info here and good to know that you enjoying the Summer with different projects on the go and will soon be off on your hols.

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        Replies
        1. Snap and thanks Linda. Have a good summer yourself xx

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      17. I love the idea of tracking the boat, brilliant! I also agree about the Guinness, Himself and I both had Irish parents, we understand the allure ha! I love those espadrilles they are gorgeous. Have a wonderful holiday xxx

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      18. Surely not Christmas yet? But as it is I have to start thinking about it soon as well, where is the year going?
        I enjoyed looking at your tracking pics as well.

        Diana

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      19. I loved Christmas when I was a child, and until my son was born, then there were always family fights, so I would prefer to not celebrate Christmas, lol !

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      20. What a lovely blanket to receive (and how wonderful it has been made with such thoughtfulness and caring). I am still enjoying the hot days of summer and stubbornly stick my fingers in my ears (lalalala) whenever Christmas is mentioned! I am so NOT there yet! Best of luck with all you travel plans. It sounds like you are ready for a grand adventure. Have a wonderful weekend!

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      21. Quite a lot of boats sailing there! The modern technology is amazing.

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      22. Just stumbled into your blog. It's a brief visit, though - I know nothing about sailing, but what you say is fascinating. Impressed!

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      I will always read all comments and will try to reply but it may take me a couple of days, do please pop back and lets get a conversation going...