Wednesday 21 February 2018

Unravel and Vegan Life

I've had a couple of nice days out in the past few weeks. The first was a visit to the Alexandra Palace in London. I've been to the Ally Pally before when they hold the Knitting and Stitching Show, but this time it was to visit Vegan Life. It was initially L's idea - we had planned on visiting a vegan market in Bristol just before Christmas. Unfortunately, E had a concert the following day that we wanted to see, and driving there two days running seemed a bit too much. Then L spotted an advert for Vegan Life, suggested it, and, living nearby, decided that she wanted to come too.
There was a food court, stalls selling clothing, shoes, confectionery etc., and various cookery demonstrations. 
To be honest, I was in two minds about it all. Whilst it was lovely to have such an enormous choice for lunch, it was very crowded and, in places, a bit too political for me. I've only been vegan for the past 4 months, I have, however, been vegetarian for the past 34 years. In all that time, I've adopted an 'each to their own' approach. Just because I choose to avoid meat, I don't expect anyone else to. I rarely mention it, unless at cafes/restaurants when inquiring about the menu, and I NEVER, EVER preach. Consequently, I found some of the rather aggressive slogans on the clothing for sale questionable. Quite frankly, it made me want to go out and bite a cow! If it did that to me, I hardly think it would endear the movement to your average omnivore. To be fair, they weren't all like that; just rather too many for my comfort and I don't think I would go again. Still, it was a day out and I got to spend time with L.
Here are some photos:

 Such was the choice for lunch, that we had difficulty deciding. In the end, we chose from 3 different stalls and shared:



My other day trip was to the yarn festival 'Unravel' held at the Maltings in Farnham. Unlike Vegan Life, I felt totally comfortable here; as if I had found my tribe! I came here last year too, but this time came with a friend, W, and it made it all the more enjoyable.
These baskets were gorgeous and I may have succumbed and bought one!




 Drop spindles - very pretty, but I have no desire to learn to spin.
Compared to some (mentioning no names, W!), I was rather restrained. I only had one thing on my list and that was 3 skeins of fingering weight yarn to make the 'Featherweight' cardigan. L bought me the pattern for my birthday, so I wanted something special to make it with.
Here is the yarn I chose - 'Industrial Kingfisher' from the Stranded Dyeworks stall:
...... and here is my new basket!
 
I'm not starting my Featherweight cardigan yet, however, as I have still to finish my 'Soiree' sweater:
Just 2 other photos - my Valentine presents from R. A bunch of roses and some Booja Booja vegan chocolates, which I can highly recommend whether you're vegan or not. YUM!

Well, that's all for this week. I'm just off to the dentist for a check up and then it's back to the decorating for me. After finishing the hall, I've now started on the landing. The stairwell, however, will have to be left to R - just standing on the stepladders to take down the curtains and looking at the drop made me go all wobbly!

Toodle pip for now. x 

11 comments:

  1. Halls and landings go on forever don’t they! Love the look of your yarn day out. Good choice of wool for the shawl, it will be beautiful I’m sure. I look forward to seeing it. You’ve hit the nail on the head how some people go about the whole vegan, vegetarian issue. As you say everyone to their own. Nothing worse than the strident element. Those chocolates sound delish. Good luck at the dentist. B x

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  2. You’re such a brilliant knitter and I love the colours of the new yarn. The woolly day out sounded brilliant, and I am with you on not being comfortable with militant attitudes. To each their own. None of us has the right to preach and it isn’t the way to get people on board anyway. How is Hamish? Xx

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    1. Hamish is fine, thank you CT. Although very moulty at the moment! He sends hugs to Poppy and Ted. xx

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  3. I absolutely love Booja Booja chocolates!

    There are things I don't enjoy about vegan fairs, but I think of them like a supermarket, something for everyone but not everything. Plus I'll put up with a lot if it means I get cake!

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    1. Yes, yes, yes to the Booja Booja chocolates, offhand I cannot think of a single thing more divine. CJ xx

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  4. What a fun day. I would have bought one of the baskets, filled it with yarn and joined you for lunch. Perfect. I'm reserving my opinion on vegan chocolates until I try some :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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  5. I've been to the Vegan festival in Bristol and I know what you mean about it being a bit preachy. Some vegans are quite radical, although I do feel it's becoming far more mainstream these days, and more of a health-conscious and environmental decision for many, rather than mainly an animal rights issue. When I initially went vegan in my teens it did seem to be very hand-in-hand with animal activism and posters of factory farming etc. Now it does seem to be touted by calmer proponents, with lovely books and pretty food and good photography, which is probably more likely to sway people than the more radical approach. Catching more flies with honey etc. Unravel looks brilliant, glad you had a good time. CJ xx

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  6. I missed Unravel this year, it's a lovely size festival with plenty to see but without being overwhelming. Have you tried the Booja Booja ice cream? It's soooooooo good! (I have a friend who can't eat Dairy or wheat so it's perfect for her.)

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  7. I know what you mean about preachy vegetarians/vegans, I've been a vegetarian for about 30 years now but never discuss why unless someone asks me. I've never tried veganism as I'd miss cheese too much, so am impressed by you keeping it going successfully. Your yarn and flowers are gorgeous, and I've had my eye on similar baskets at a local health food shop. The chocolates sound amazing!
    Cathy x

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  8. The food looks delicious even if the hard-sell tactics are hard to swallow. Each to their own I say.

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  9. I agree with you about the Vegan Life show. I have also been vegetarian for years - but each to their own! I never preach. Love you new basket.

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