Writing, fatshion, me: January 17th and 18th

On the 17th of January I headed to Wakefield to go to a lace making class. When I went to Pudsey Lace Fair last October I met the Bridge Lacemakers who meet in Wakefield every month, and this was the first time I could make it. As a reminder, I used to make lace as a kid, did a little bit about thirteen years ago, and then got everything back out again in February 2025 when someone at craft club wanted to learn. While I remember all the basic stitches, I don't always know how to start things off and finish them. I had spoken to one of the organisers who said she's a tutor and would help me, so I packed all my things and set off.

It was held in Wakefield city centre, somewhere I've never been before but knew vaguely where it was. I parked and went in with some others - we were the first there though. In all I think there were about fourteen of us. The day is held from 10 until 3pm, and you take your own lunch, although there is tea and coffee available too. I could visit three times before having to join, but I've already decided I will join when I go again in April as I think it's good to put my money towards a dying art like lacemaking. I couldn't make the dates in February and March which I did warn the group about - I didn't want them to think they'd put me off!

Susan helped me get started on this piece straight away as I already had bobbins wound and ready to go. I made this mat a zillion years ago when I was little, and didn't fully understand how to start it. Susan helped me and I learnt a lot from her! I managed to complete a quarter and a little bit during the day, which was good going. However it's now nearly a month after this and I haven't yet picked my lace up again! Maybe soon!

When the day had finished I drove back home, popping into Tesco on the way home to get cake. It was nearly my birthday so I wanted a cake for home and one to take to craft club, and I needed vegan stuff because our vegan friends Paul and Lianne were coming. They arrived at the station about 4.30 I think, so Lee and I went to pick them up.

We showed them the house and Lee made vegan chilli for us all, and then we just chilled out for the rest of the night. Paul kep choosing vinyl for Lee to play and we were just chatting. They had been in Sheffield for an art thing, and were staying for lunch with us on the Sunday too. The table wasn't booked until late as my mum and stepdad were at church, so Paul suggested that we went to Elsecar Heritage Centre as they had enjoyed it there previously.

So around ten on the Sunday morning we set off there. We went round all the antiques bits and I even ventured upstairs. I'm so glad I did because I found this vintage sewing machine which had to come home with me! I've been wanting one for ages to just have as an ornament, and this one is so pretty. I think it actually would work - when I turn the handle the needle goes up and down - so I might give it a go one time.

We went into the nicer cafe for a hot chocolate each and a sit down. We didn't go in many more of the shops as we'd spent a long time in the antiques centre! So then we set off to the Dunkirk pub. It's not that far from our new house and I've heard rave reviews so I wanted to go it. Lee's mam and stepdad came down too, and my mum and stepdad, so there were eight of us in total. We got there a bit earlier than I had booked, but could sit down anyway.

My mum and stepdad arrived eventually and I opened presents. I got some lovely things including a wine cooler from my mum, champagne from Lee's mam, and chocolate and stationery from Paul and Lianne. We ordered food, I don't think service was particularly fast but we didn't mind as we were chatting. I had Yorkshire puddings and grayv to start with, and then a chestnut roast with all the trimmings and vegetables, and cauliflower cheese. It was so good, I've rarely had a nut roast like it. For pudding my mum and I shared some puddings, but neither were really that good.

Lee's mam and stepdad took Paul and Lianne home which was brilliant. Lee and I got home and watched two films for the rest of the evening. I had been wearing my star print Simply Be dress that I hadn't pulled out at Christmas so I thought it would be nice for my birthday. I also wore my newish Dr Marten boots. They're black and pink and I love them, but I did get a bit of a blister on one ankle. Next time I needed thicker socks I think! I'm determined to break these in.