hilkat

I’m terrible with projects, really I am. I’ve got about ten half-finished things on the go at the moment, from clay bead making to knitting, several crochet ventures and a little dressmaking (note: I’ve never made anything clothes-wise before in my life…) thrown in for good measure. The two most predominant are my crochet blanket, which is technically a gigantic granny square, and my knitted scarf, which is turning into a multi-coloured wonder. Neither are anywhere near finished, but here are some more current pictures anyway…

I’ve also added to my button collection with these gorgeous little beauties - the reason behind my rapidly expanding collection is that I was going to add buttons onto the purl sections of one end of the scarf. The majority is knitted in garter stitch, so the two purl stripes create two indentations, perfect for sewing buttons into. Surprise surprise, I haven’t actually managed to sew anything on yet, but am justifying this by deciding that it should be done last, after the knitting is complete. Ahem.

While I spend most of my time dribbling over the Toast website, stroking the beautifully made and brightly coloured clothes at Paul Smith (my place of work!) and perusing the Next catalogue, I have to admit, I do still receive the Topshop style notes email. Usually, I scan it quickly and then dismiss the bodycon dresses (after a baby? I don’t think so!), hot-pants and shorts (ditto), and paper thin t-shirts and fashionably ripped jeans (Winter equals cold, and I’m just not prepared to suffer for my fashion anymore…). But when I received the latest edition, detailing the rather lovely Jubilee collection (OK, perhaps not the cycling shorts…), I sat up and paid attention. I am a big lover of cardigans, comfortable clothes, sequins and bright colours, and this little lot seemed to tick three out of four boxes. Although I’m not that keen on bows in the hair (surely not on anyone over the age of ten? Is that controversial?), bows on clothes is fine, and while sweatshirts are great for Winter, they’re always a bit better when they’re embellished. So lets have a drum roll for my pick of the rather lovely Jubilee collection at Topshop…

I think Autumn is one of the best seasons for photography - the bright colours and changing nature scenes make for wonderful pictures, rather like my latest ones. Outside my window is a tree which seems to be losing its leaves at a rate of knots, leaving the ground looking like its been carpeted in yellow, while a little way across is another tree which has turned bright orange.

As I was resizing the images, I got to thinking how much like the blog is currently like the Autumn season - lots of changes, everything from the past making way for new things and an overall sense of progression. I’ve finally got to grips with the fact that I can enjoy clothes and crafts and domesticity and going out for the evening, all at the same time. Liking fashion doesn’t mean you have to follow trends religiously, as I used to (and frankly, with a one-year old, who has time?!), and I’m currently reveling in bright colours, patterns, the Toast catalogue and pretty dresses. Reading previous posts makes me smile to myself, as it was only over the summer that I was convinced I had to keep up with the teenagers with regards to style and clothes - I’m far happier just collecting pretty things!

PS: I bought some great buttons yesterday!