Snowdrops and a walk in the Woods

At last the ice and snow have thawed, just in time for the school half term so we are able to get out and about. Today we set off for a picnic and a good long walk. We went to Allen Banks which is a National Trust owned walk amongst ancient woodland. The steep sided gorge where the River Allen flows down to meet the River South Tyne was once part of a large estate which was landscaped in Victorian times to make pleasure grounds for the nearby Ridley Hall.

It was good to see these snow drops had sprung up under the snow and there was quite a drift of them down by the river. After a picnic lunch we set off up the valley towards the first bridge

This is just the sort of bridge the Three Billy Goats Gruff had to cross but Jenny wasn't taking any chances and jumped up and down to scare the troll and to wobble the bridge and scare me too.

Leaving the main track and the other walkers behind we started uphill towards Morrallee Tarn. The climb was heavy going but worth it as it was so quiet and peaceful up there, only the sound of the birds and me gasping for breath. We have seen deer up there before but today there was only a large Heron sitting on the Tarn looking for fish. He flew off as we crashed out of the woods disturbing his peace.

I have eventually finished my piece of Durham quilting from the Sandie Lush class. Once I got the hang of it , I found it quite relaxing to do. My stitches are about 4 times bigger than Sandie's were but I think she has had a bit more practice than I have.

Margaret finished hers in a couple of days , it has taken me a couple of weeks. How I have to make them into a pair of cushions.

Last week I also made a quick bag from the Tilda Sew Pretty Homestyle book. This was quick and easy to make and using up fabric from my stash , there were only the handles to pay for.

Oh well, back to work tomorrow.

Happy Quilting xx