DILs are Good!

DILs (daughter-in-laws for any of you who aren't au fait with Netspeak) are good in lots of ways especially if they're sensible, hence a good influence on your previously wayward son. Also, one's son seems to become more thoughtful on occasions like Mothers' Day. I was happy to receive a Mothers' Day card on Saturday morning but, later on, I got the icing on the cake when the Interflora van arrived with these flowers and balloon.

As my own Mum left this world eleven years ago, I join in with the spoiling of DH's Mum. This year, she was treated to a three-course lunch and the goodies below. There are two handknitted hearts facecloths and some rose handmade soaps which have been arranged in a basket with some white cockle and delphinium shells from Hobbycraft. The arrangement of roses was from Marks & Spencer where we also bought the two boxes of Baklava. These are Middle Eastern sweetmeats made from filo pastry layered with nuts and honey and are one of MIL's favourites.

Click to enlarge

I really like the hearts pattern on the facecloths which I've made before in purple shades.


On both occasions I used Rowan Handknit DK Cotton which means they can be machine washed.

I also made this Knecklace for myself with yarn left over from the facecloths. I ran out of the dark pink for the final row and the cast off so had to use the lighter pink for this but I think it looks okay all the same. What do you think?


I recommend this pattern for anyone who wants a very quick, fun knit (it really is instant gratification). Not only that but it takes so little yarn that you can use up all those odd bits that get saved but you don't quite know what to do with and you can also use any yarn, any gauge. I think it might be nice with a few beads added so might experiment with that.

Anyone who does a lot of knitting for babies, and doesn't mind acrylic which is, after all, machine washable, might like to have a look in their local Sue Ryder Care shop. I got a few balls of yarn for MIL's preemie unit knitting a while ago and she asked for some more. This time they had more different colours to choose from and, at only £1.19 for 100g (less than 60p for 50g) I ended up buying a kilo for £11.90 so that'll keep her busy for a while!


Thanks for all the information on the Coldrum Stones and why the tree is decorated, etc. That is truly a fascinating place and I'll certainly be visiting again soon particularly as spring now seems to have finally sprung.

Oh, and I hope all you Mums had a fabulous Mothers' Day.