Stitches Galore

  We love Shetland.   It’s where one half of my family lives and where we wish we could live for at least one half of the time.   Someday we are going to live there; we have made that promise to ourselves. We spent nearly 2 weeks there in July with my Mum – it was a small invasion, and it was a wonderful time of catching up and renewing links with everyone we love.   As always, inspiration and interesting things are to be found around every corner – except this year we were plagued by foggy weather conditions which meant that we couldn’t really just enjoy the best of the dramatic coastline we knew was just out there – out of sight. One important visit was to Jamieson’s mill at Sandness to show them the Shade Card Blankets that Mum and I crocheted.   It was lovely to meet the Jamieson family and to see around the mill.   It was interesting to see all the processes the fleece goes through from clip to ball – all under one roof and, uniquely, all within the Shetland Isles.  

A few weeks ago I had the chance to visit Zagreb with work. I'd never been to Croatia before and to be honest, I am really looking forward to going back with John for another visit, hopefully with some more time to spend exploring. I was working with a group of other people on an accreditation panel, and it was a privilege to spend time in such an interesting place while meeting other people from all over Europe. The main square is surrounded by some amazing colourful buildings with so many architectural details - each one different. There is no shortage of museums, galleries and other places to see and spend time admiring. Plenty to fill a long weekend. St Mark's Church is situated in a square surrounded by government buildings in the old Upper town, one of the oldest areas of the city, still lit at night by over 250 gas lamplights. The front of the Cathedral is covered with carved stone filigree details - the craftsmanship is perfect. I didn't g