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