It’s that time again when we brush away the cobwebs collected upon the Christmas Tree and have put it away for another year. We can feel the warmth of Spring – where? – and look ahead to losing a jumper or two and enjoying the warmth of Spring. I have already seen someone cutting their grass…in January! So what about Easter: where do we put the egg?
Special Guests
We have some special guests arriving into Glasgow over Easter. In the Methodist Church we have a President and Vice President (she prefers Lay President) who are in office for a year at a time. Wesley didn’t want someone to be in charge forever so they can only sit in his seat for a year maximum. These two people, Sonia and Barbara are hoping to give out Hot Cross Buns on Buchanan Street on Good Friday. It’s a time when we can pass on a message to others who wouldn’t attend church at all, have a conversation perhaps about why are we doing this?
This year we also felt that we could provide people with an Easter chick with an egg. Now where do we put the egg?
Knitted Chicks
In the past eggs have been ‘inserted’ inside the central cavity, keeping it warm and cosy. Here is a pattern for a knitted chick but we are sure that we can be creative and sew a chick if that’s where our expertise, like a chicken, lays…
To make the chicks you will need: Yellow or Lemon Double Knit wool. a pair of needles, UK Size 11 needles, and orange felt for the beaks, black felt or thread for eyes, cotton wool ball or stuffing for the head, and some coloured ribbon to finish off.
Cast on 26 stitches.
Knit 1 row.
Increase 1 st at the beginning of every row until 42 st are on the needle.
Cast off 11 st at the beginning of next 2 rows. [20 st].
Increase 1 st at the beginning of the next 4 rows [24st].
K4 rows.
K2 then 2 together to last 2 st k2. [14 stitches].
K4 rows.
K2 then 2 together to last 2 stitches. k2.
Draw wool through remaining stitches and pull tight.
Sew with that piece of wool round the edge of work to the beginning stitch leaving the cast on edge open so that crème egg can be inserted.
Stuff the head with a cotton wool ball and sew around the neck and gather in. (optional)
Sew 2 eyes with fine black wool and stick or sew a small diamond shaped piece of orange felt for the beak. Try a few beaks to get the size right.
Tie a thin piece of ribbon around the neck and tie in a bow. (Optional)
Could anyone add a crochet or a sewing pattern please?
We have heard that some Angels we made for December last year have made it as far as Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides. It is interesting to think how such a small craft object can continue to bring back memories, support people for such a long time.
Legacy in our Crafts
We briefly discussed the creation of garments which can lovingly support those who are very ill. The provision of a hat, rather than a wig for those suffering from Cancer, if that’s what the person desired, gives people hope.
What’s in a name?
Our names carry great meaning but their origin comes possibly from the younger days of our parents. Who was famous or popular in those days, did that influence our parents? This might explain how the names seem to change over the decades. Here’s an interesting website where you can find out how your name may be known in different countries and when it was the most popular: Meaning of your name. You can also look back since 2004 as Google tracks the popularity of the name. Warning: you might lose track of time tracing the trends!
Summer Walks or Cycles
We reminisced about past holidays walking or cycling around Bute or Millport. The beauty of the island, the sights across the water. Keeping to the coastline might avoid some of the hills. I feel the urge to go for a run!
The dialogue was very interesting