I am celebrating. This post marks the half way point of my hexi puffs project. That’s half way through my Beekeeper Quilt. The knitting part at least. I am conveniently not counting the time it will take to sew all the hexi puffs together.
It wasn’t till I tipped out the bag to photograph the hexis and then count them back in again, that I realised I was over half way through. Somehow four little puffs had not been added to the tally.
So half way through the project and I’ve stuck to most of the rules that I set myself:
A hexi puff a day – some days I’ve knitted three and other days none, but I’m still ahead on this rule
Recycle and reuse – hmm, that one has pretty much gone by the wayside. I started off well and still buy in bulk.
High % pure wool – still keeping to this one.
Variegated wool – still keeping to this one too.
Here’s to the next half.
I’m joining in with Ginny’s Yarn Along today, which gives me a chance to include my current book Weeds. A strange choice, perhaps, for someone who is still clearing areas of the garden to plant out her sweetcorn and other seedlings which are desperate to leave the confines of their pots. At the same time, we are developing our meadow areas again, so I am finding the book fascinating.
I have a fresh respect for weeds. They are determined little plants which have evolved to survive. Some can lie dormant for years and still germinate. The book describes one quarry site where the top soil was stored for 50 years with the idea of reinstating it one day, once the quarry had been filled in again. The soil was pre weed killer and they hoped would contain some viable seeds. The quarry was turned into a nature reserve and the top soil added to one part of it.
“The following spring the field burst unto bloom, with an explosion of weeds that had not been seen in the area for decades. Blue cornflowers, purple corncockle, yellow corn buttercup. The long, comb-like seed pods of shepherd’s -needle. The purple and yellow pagodas of field cow-wheat.”
I’ve only read two chapters so far, but already I find myself rooting for the weeds (pun unintended – although I can’t help looking at the hexis and thinking about the 1000 seeds held in each poppy head and fifty heads per plant….). This may not be entirely good. I have about fifty teasels to pull out before the pumpkins and squash can be planted out, so I’m hoping not to read anything in the meantime to change my purpose.
I love a good read that makes me think and maybe see something from a different angle. What are you reading and knitting, at the moment?
Wonderful!! I love the colors and yarns you are using. Did you buy them special for this or are you using up yarn ends? I want to make this but the time involved and the variety of my leftover yarns are not the same gauge or sheen or fiber. You have a lovely pile of hexipuffs there. I hope I catch your post when it is finished. It helpes that Ginny has photos with the posts now. 🙂
I started off using left over sock yarn and recycling, but I ran out a while back. I now try and find bargain priced balls of wool. I have lots of the balls of yarn in my stash that are the wrong gauge. Annoying but I’m sure I’ll find a good project to use them up.
My goodness, look at all those hexi puffs! The F.O is going to be amazing! can’t wait to see it.
Book sounds super interesting, I often wish my seeding would grow as quickly as my weeds do!
I’m looking forward to seeing the end product too, although I am really enjoying the journey!
Oh, my. Those hexipuffs are going to take forever to sew together, but the end result with be STUNNING! I love the colors you’ve used so far.
I am fighting a never ending battle of the weeds because my neighbors don’t! It’s frustrating!
This is such a looooong project, but it does feel good to know that I’m half way.
I hope you win your weed battle. I’m seeing them less of a problem and more interesting now. Still need to clear some from the kitchen garden. 😀
There are few things that make me happier than seeing a great big pile of hexipuffs. 🙂 Hurrah for halfway!
😀 Oh so true!
congratulations on being at the half way point!!! I must say you have a lot of them already!!!
I keep looking at them and wondering if I really want a big quilt. I just know that I need to stick to the original plan, otherwise I’ll be disappointed. Keep knitting, keep knitting.
what an amazing pile of hexipuffs!!
and the book looks really interesting! i watched a really interesting show on plants the other day on pbs…
Weeding is suddenly more interesting. I’m really looking forward to learning more.
wow! half way! that is a real accomplishment! keep it up!!! look forward to seeing the result!
Thanks Elizabeth. It does feel good to be half way through.
thanks for your comment on my blog about squares…your encouragement blessed me today! I am really hoping I will love the sewing also!!
I hope you do enjoy it. 🙂
Lovely pile of colourful puffs for your quilt.
Enjoy the weeds.
The puffs are making quite a pile now!
I remember reading a Richard Mabey book years ago and have always remembered how he described sparrows flying over hegrows as rubber bullets, it stuck with me.
I made a lot of jams and chutneys from his book.
I love the hexy’s but just couldn’t get the hang of them, I will try again some time.
Briony
xx
What a great turn of phrase! I like his writing style. It’s easy to read. Alas, I think this book has no recipes, but I’m now intrigued. I shall have to keep my eye out for his other books.
The hexis are fiddly, for sure, and there are times that I wish I could knit a nice, long row instead of these short ones. I may need to start a shawl as a contrast.