I've been out

Yesterday I travelled down to Darlington with Mr FF who had meetings there. Even though it meant getting up at 6 am and leaving home well before 7, something I am really not used to, I had a lovely day. Mr FF dropped me off in the town by 10 and I relished the prospect of 6 hours to please myself.

I did a little light shopping, some pillow cases in the final sale reductions and this pretty sequined silk and linen clutch bag I found in a charity shop for less than £5. I thought it would be a glamorous way to carry my sock knitting but now I wonder if it might be better suited to a smart evening event or a summer wedding. I'm such a sucker for labels.I called in at A Fine Yarn as I needed to buy a couple of presents that I obviously can't reveal. I also came away with a colourful set of Knit Pro needles for me, shown here with my travel knitting

and a new pattern book, Sugar and Spice by Patons, that includes this pretty bolero that takes just 100 g of 4 ply cotton. I thought at first it was a crochet pattern but no its knitting, the effect without the effort suits me. There are several patterns in this book that I will never use, the knitted dress on the right is an example but there is also a cross over top I might attempt some time.I showed great restrain in not buying any more yarn, in fact I think I showed great retail restraint all round. I also met up with a friend I hadn't seen for over 20 years though we have kept in touch. So much to talk about that I was late meeting Mr FF for the journey home and my head was so buzzy last night that despite the early start I couldn't sleep, too much stimulation I suppose, it was my first real day out this year.