Busy, Busy, Busy...

Goodness me we have been so busy here at the Homestead. We have had some truly fabulous guests staying with us during the summer months and they have been blessed with fantastic weather too. What more could you ask for here on our wonderful island at the edge.

I have been knitting commissions continuously, I love it! 

And I have had the pleasure of teaching some lovely folk how to knit Ganseys, design their own garments, using traditional patterns, intarsia and Fairisle too. I delight in sharing knowledge about 'all things' knitting and I have also learned a thing or two myself. Reverse and Continental style knitting are a couple of new skills. I believe reverse knitting is widely known as 'frogging' I prefer reversing as it doesn't sound quite so drastic as 'ripping out' rows and possibly more rows of wonderful work. I must admit, when I knit a commissioned Gansey and find a mistake several rows back, I only reverse knit the stitches where the 'variance' of the motif is. This works for me and I find it less onerous than to reverse knit several 'full' rows.  
Continental knitting is a brilliant way to knit. I believe our friends over the pond refer to our knitting style as 'throwing' the wool, their style is to hold the wool in their left hand (if you are a right handed knitter) and hook the wool with your left hand needle. Purling is a wee bit more technical - for me, but as I usually work on 40 cm needles, even for the smallest of knitted items I make, continental style suits my knitting style so as I can work on 20 - 30 cm needles. Brilliant, I don't poke anyone's eye out anymore - least of all my own...

I have been designing new things too - but you'll have to wait a wee while longer to see what I have been up to - I will post the pictures up as soon as I have completed the 'sample' garments.

I do have some Crofters, Aviators and Kiloran Sweaters in stock, perfect for keeping out the cold and for Christmas of course. Have a look at the Island at the Edge website.

I also came across a wonderful book, Dutch Traditional Ganseys written by Stella Ruhe. She writes about the history of Dutch Ganseys and how they originated in Britain. Some say that the quality of the 'old' photo's isn't perfect, but we mustn't forget, they are old! Does a little 'graininess' detract from the ambiance of the photo? 
Stella has compiled 60 fabulous, easy to follow,  Gansey patterns, I am planning my first knit from this fabulous book as part of my winter projects list.
If you would like a copy for only £19.99 plus postage and packing, I am a stockist for the book, contact me and I will post one straight out to you, it's well worth it...

So what else I hear you ask!
Have you had a wee read of the blog I have added to my blog roll? Wooly adventures? We were featured in this blog earlier this year as part of an extensive and whistle stop tour of the UK (for all things sheep and wool). Jacqueline was an absolute pleasure to be with, such a kindred spirit. Her enthusiasm for knitting (and all things sheep) was unbounding, I truly missed her when she left here. I do hope we can meet again someday. 

Kapitein has been hard at work, he has moved his orifice (office) twice this year, but is finally settled in his new domain with views over the hills and far away. He finally got the barnacles off his bottom and coated it with special lubricant to keep any future 'growths' from forming, I am not saying a word about the colour - battleship grey, but he likes it...

We have been having some fantastic weather of late, hold on to your hats! winter is coming...

Cassidy and Sundance come to visit!

The island is still recovering from some very, very special visitors...
D'Nanty Sue came all the way from the mainland - she had serious concerns about the removal of barnacles from Kapiteins bottom and the mere mention of 'blue rinses' and the use of sanding equipment had her in a bit of a spin. She came with hair, paint and everything else stripper to aid Kapitein in his quest! He's like a shiny new pin, he even glistens in the sunlight - well done D'Nanty Sue!
D'Nanty Sue departed on LOTI (we miss her already) and we greeted Cassidy & Sundance! They got seriously lost on the Colonsay Ring road (our equivalent to the M8) but eventually found us.
Their visit was a huge success. They sampled everything here on our wee island, even doing laps!! (they were spotted on several occasions driving around the ring road, causing havoc). They stayed at 'Fawlty Towers and met up with the rest of the posse  Shortbread - by Royal Appointment and Little Jem. They all teamed up for the Quiz and were joined by 'Eric' the fastest cyclist in the West! There was rumours there was a wee bit of cheating (as if) but their score was healthy - or so I am led to believe.

The other highlights of their visit was when they met Compo and Cleggy, but there again, who doesn't think they are a wonderful pair! Sundance was also amazed with May's Sugary Wonders and thrilled to meet Gavalus Gavalar at the Pantry. 

Cassidy & Sundance believed they may find their 'Hole in the Wall' here on Colonsay. Strange when we don't have a bank! But to be honest, I think they did and assure me they are now 'going' straight! However, they had to return to Tombstone to meet up with Wyatt Earp and Billy the Kid as there is work to be done... I can't wait until they return here to our wonderful wee island. But, I have the pleasure of going off to meet them later in the year. They both think I need a 'dose' of all things mainland and are even planning a visit to a Casino! I will definitely keep you posted on this outing...

The truth is out there.... Next blog coming soon...

Oh what a fantastic journey...

I have been on an epic journey over the last 2 - 3 days and when 'travelling' from our wee island at the edge, first and foremost, we pray for good weather!! And very, very good weather is what we have been having of late.
It all started on Thursday morning with a flight to Islay with Hebrideanair - I can't thank Julie enough, we landed in Islay at 09:00 hrs. I was transferred to the main terminal to connect with the 09:40 hrs flight to Glasgow International with Flybe/Loganair. Checked in and through to security - Fantastic...
On paper, this journey appeared impossible as the scheduled landing of Hebridean Air Services flight to Islay was 10 mins after the Glasgow flight check in closed! but Hebridean Air pulled out all of the stops - Hebridean Air Services are an extremely professional team and were more than happy to make this possible for me. The moral of the story is... Yes you can fly to Glasgow from Colonsay - all it takes is a wee bit negotiation and everything is possible. So all I can say is a huge big thank you to all those who made this journey possible...

Flying over Islay

Out into the 'wild blue'

Isle of Arran in the distance

I arrived in Glasgow safe and well...
After all of the 'bits and bobs' I had to do (all things mainland to you and I) I had to return to Colonsay.
So, how could this be done!!
Easy...
I caught the 08:40 Flybe/Loganair flight to Islay on Saturday morning - was collected by the wonderful Lamont in his trusty taxi and transferred up to Port Askaig to connect with the Saturday ferry back to Colonsay.
And what a surprise!! Port Askaig is just beautiful...
I arrived, very, very hungry (for those that know me - this isn't unusual)
I headed for the wee Port Askaig Hotel. They were just clearing breakfasts away and I tentatively knocked on the kitchen door.
The gentleman who greeted me was so polite. I asked if it was at all possible, to have an obligatory bacon sandwich and some coffee. 
"Of course" he said.
So there I was, sitting in the wee snug bar at 10:00 am enjoying the most delicious coffee I have had in ages with a super bacon sandwich - Thank you so much, it saved my life!! I highly recommend this hostelry...

Hotel at Port Askaig

I had a wee wait for the ferry to come in... It was lovely, just sitting on the 'dock of the bay - wasting time' in the warm sunshine overlooking the isle of Jura.

Overlooking Jura from Port Askaig harbour

The Calmac staff were so helpful we had a good chat about all things 'ferry' which raised a question as to why so few folk come to Colonsay via this route? is it because it is not known about?

Aboard the Hebridean Isles

So, to all of you out there, wishing to island hop, come and visit us here on the wee Isle of Colonsay, even if it is just for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. The journey is truly wonderful and when you arrive, you will see our fantastic wee island. Diogenes can organise a 'whistlestop' tour of Colonsay in his trusty minubus. You can visit the Pantry to see Gavalus Gavalar and sample 'May's Sugary Wonders', you can take a wee perambulation through the Colonsay Gardens, meander up to the Hotel for a nice coffee or a wee spot of lunch, go to Christines Den to see her wonderful array of crafts, visit the Old Waiting Room Gallery, visit the Bookshop or Colonsay Brewery or you can be collected, by me or Kapitein and sit a while and  the home of Hebridean Isles Trading Company (Island at the Edge) and knit, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With so much to do on our wee island, what better way is there to spend your time on a Saturday afternoon.

Approaching Colonsay

So much so, you may really like our wonderful wee island and wish to come and stay here in our 4 star Bed & Breakfast. We do hope to see you all very, very soon and a huge, big thank you to everyone who made my mainland visit possible....

The Generals visit...

Where have I been!!
It has been inordinately busy here at the Homestead, we have had lots of wonderful guests here, from all over the world, of late and one extra special person, the General - AKA - Stocky, who came on a whistle stop tour of all things 'Colonsay' choosing to stay here with us here at the Homestead, and what a delightful chap he was...

We knew he was that little bit 'extra special' from the moment he arrived!  but couldn't quite put our finger on it!! Was he a 'celebrity'? Another 'secret agent', Well, it turned out he was all of these things - then he informed us of why he had travelled all the way to our wee island, in rough seas, way out here in the Atlantic ocean, to sample all things 'Homestead'...

 It turned out he was a 4 star General, and we discovered much to our delight that he had left behind 4 of his stars just for us! The best Bed & Breakfast on Colonsay...

So if you wish to Colonsay then why not come and join us here at the Homestead for your quality bed and breakfast and delicious evening meals.

Wedding Bells...

The marriage of Chris Baker and Pauline Campbell took place here on our wonderful Isle of Colonsay on Saturday.Guests were piped into the church by Hollie Nesbit (and a grand job she did! Lewis - you've got competition!)

Hollie - photo courtesy of Paula Higson

  
The guys looked really dapper in their traditional dress - fabulous...

Photo courtesy of Paula Higson

Pauline and all of the wedding party looked radiant... I'm sure you'll agree.

Photo courtesy of Paula Higson

Photo courtesy of Paula Higson

There was one uninvited guest who appeared at the church!

Photo courtesy of Paula Higson

I am sure you will join Kapitein and I in wishing the happy couple every happiness for their married life together.

The wedding breakfast was held at the Village Hall in Scalasaig -which had been beautifully decorated by Fiona a long time friend of Pauline. She did a fantastic job, I've never seen the Hall look so welcoming.
The night saw everyone dancing at a traditional Ceilidh topped off with Semus, Keir and the Campbellini's singing. Thank you to everyone for a fantastic evening. 

Colonsay on the TV tonight 16th April - Rockpools- BBC4 at 9:00pm

I don't know if I mentioned, we had some very, very special visitors here last year to the Homestead!
The BBC 4 team came to film Colonsay for a programme about Rockpools - and there are plenty here I assure you. You can see the programme at 9.00pm tonight. If you missed the programme, you can access it on BBC iplayer

The musicians AKA Camera man & Producer - Simon

A very, very famous hat!

The very famous Richard Fortey

We were thrilled that the team came to stay at the Homestead to film footage on Colonsay for the programme about Rockpools.
An added bonus, they were wonderful musicians, Kapitein and I were serenaded with outstanding music whilst the guys were here. Also Richard brought me some wonderful Blewit mushrooms that he found here on our wonderful wee island - they made the most wonderful flan we have ever tasted - Thank you so much.
We hope to see you again sometime in the future guys - it was our pleasure... 

Ganseys. Kapitein, Danger Mouse and Gavalus Gavalar...

Goodness me!! Where to begin!!
Poor Kapitein has been a wee bit neglected of late. I have been so busy here at the Homestead, I think I saw him the other day, well, I think it was him busying away in the inner sanctum. His beard and other things are nearly down to his knees it's been so long... 
I decided to check out the sheep shearing equipment, ahead of this years annual clip,  so I dragged him out and set about the task of shearing Kapitein, with very good results apart from the nose hair which is very very difficult given the size of the comb on the shearer. Kapitein isn't like a Hebridean sheep (which fights to it's last breath) he is more compliant, though not entirely. Despite the look of terror in his eyes, a couple of elastoplasts later and the nose hair had been successfully trimmed to an acceptable length, this allows him to appear in public again without frightening any of the tourists that have now descended on the island.

Kapitein has also resumed scraping 'barnacles' off his bottom - it is amazing what he is inspired to do when the sun shines! He needed industrial machinery this time as tentative scratching at his bottom had little effect.  He did change his appearance somewhat whilst he worked, sporting a nice shade of royal blue on his bonce! - this was just in case anyone recognised him, as it isn't every day you see folk scraping their bottom with a sander now is it!! Then to my amazement, he started polishing his sides, buffing so furiously his arms ached, I've never seen someone buff with such vigour. I tempted him in for some sustenance - after his complexion became a deep red, then had the onerous task of encouraging him to remove his hair dye, it took more than a little gentle persuasion, I can tell you as I think he quite liked it. But with the offer of tripping the light fantastic at the Ceilidh later in the evening, thank goodness, he gave in. Kapitein did do some dancing at the Ceilidh.
The Ceilidh raised in excess of £400.00 for the Marie Curie Cancer Care fund. Well done to Hollie for organising things.    

I have been off island to catch up with all things 'mainland'  but, latterly  when I go off, the ferry seems to be cancelled when I am due to return- the occasional high winds of over 50 knots does hamper berthing here on Colonsay. (No! I'm not the jinx - honest!) However, my last trip, I had to make alternative arrangements to get back home - namely flying back on the Saturday morning Scholar flight. I did bring with me a very special person. She informed me she was a nervous flyer, and with winds of over 30 knots, I was a little apprehensive to say the least as to how she would cope with the wee bumps you can experience whilst flying. However, all of her fears - and mine, were allayed as Hebridean Air Services pilot, Alan - the veteran boy racer of the flying world, brought us safely to Colonsay unfettered. A fantastic flying experience, especially as we flew over Balnahard and Kiloran Bay, before a flawless landing. It never ceases to amaze me how our wonderful pilots, Julie, Sebastian and Alan make one feel so safe. Its well worth coming to Colonsay, just to fly here.

Anyway, I digress.
Pretty Miranda came to knit the Colonsay Gansey. And knit she did... She also is just as enthralled with our wonderful wee island as we are, including meeting the sheep (who did the honours of allowing her up close and personal on several occasions) The Big Fella, was extremely taken with Pretty Miranda, I think we could have spent hours preening and stroking the sheep. But, we had knitting to do. 
Pretty Miranda was also introduced to 'May's Sugary Wonders and Gavalus Gavalar's fine coffee - with a wee spot of lunch too. The Pantry is a wonderful place where everyone makes visitors to our island feel SO welcome.
It was a pleasure teaching Pretty Miranda - we mused over tales of 'Call the Midwife' amongst all things 5 needles and motifs. And we munched our way through a veritable profusion of goodies.
Her journey home, to Cumbria was better than expected, as she travelled through tunnels of snow to arrive home safe and well...  We look forward to seeing completed, her traditionally knitted Colonsay Gansey in the near future (no pressure there then!) 

Kapitein and I have been in regular contact with Danger Mouse the Lonely Shepherd, who is currently on a major mission in Kintyre, tending to sheep, cows and all things agricultural. With the recent snow storms, he reported that the drifts were in excess of 60ft! He was without power for 5 days and informed us he was heating his remaining tin of beans on the dying embers of his last log, washed down with the last dregs of his home brew.
As the snow fell, the following morning, Danger Mouse opened his back door to find a huge drift! Not a good sign, and with 420 sheep out on the hill this was a worrying time.
The last we heard, only 71 sheep had been found alive and with lambing due to start, this will have a major impact for the foreseeable future. 
Like everyone else in Kintyre, Arran and the surrounding area, the snow brought havoc to their daily lives. Local stores and even Tesco had run out of food! 
So we do hope that Danger Mouse will be ok. We will keep you posted...


The Pantry had a very, very special, high speed delivery this week.
Gavalus Gavalar has been inspired, and started the 'Fresh Fish Wednesday'. With delightful hand cut chips. But oh dear, there was a misshap!
The fresh fish was delivered to the courier, but someone, somewhere, forgot to put it on the boat! With 36 hungry mouths to feed, what was to do! Well, the courier decided to charter a rib from Coastal Connection and the fresh fish was duly delivered to the Pantry and Gavalus Gavalar was able to deliver his much sought after fresh fish on time. Now that's what I call service. 
Gavalus Gavalar has also 'refined' his menu.  Kapitein and I decided to have a take-away. I was offered battered local Langoustine rather than scampi. I couldn't stop salivating, before, during and after this wonderful meal - topped off with hand cut chips and wonderful home made coleslaw... Mmnn, delicious. Well done Gavalus, this is a 'must have' for all those discerning diners currently here on Colonsay.

R.I.P Ziggy

We have to report very sad news...
Ziggy - the horse has passed away. He was a good age, I believe around 35 years old - a very good innings for a horse, after a short illness he passed away. Our thoughts are with Mandy, and Archie the Magnificent at this time.
I know frequent visitors to our wee island will know Ziggy and will be equally sad at the demise of Ziggy. He was a delight to watch out of the kitchen window here at the Homestead, and although he was a bit shy - especially if you were a male, he loved the occasional carrot from the garden which he would eat quite happily.
He will be a big miss to all of us.

Ziggy watching a rabbit - rabbit watching Ziggy!

Kapitein is a happy little bunny…

The rain has stopped, the wind has dropped and the sun has started shining. You would think that spring had arrived, and so Kapitein’s thoughts naturally turned to all things……… boaty! L

Well, what else would you expect from an old salty dog?

Time to service his gear outside in the brilliant sunshine but straight away there was a problem.

After the long winter and despite keeping things well under cover, Kapitein informed me that he’d managed to get it up but couldn’t get it down again. I was intrigued to say the least and slightly disappointed (don’t tell him) when he took me outside to have a look see. It was in fact all about his prized Honda BF75 engine. He’s got an auxiliary of course and that’s in fine working order but, oh dear, the big boy refused to play. He tried this and that, but it refused to do as it was told (I’m not surprised of course – that tends to be the way with anything associated with ‘Le Kapitein’ – that is apart from his working cocker spaniel Samster who is the epitome of good behaviour (most of the time)).

It turned out that it was his tilt and trim that was causing the problem. I knew of course that his trim was a bit wonky but I never suspected there was an issue with his tilt. But in this case it all concerned the engine and not Kapitein himself. So it was out with the tools, disconnect the main ram, top up with transmission fluid and push the dampers up and down several times, reconnect and bingo!! It worked. Engine lowered, up it went again, and down, so now it was time to give it a run and a full service. The run went perfectly - with what looked like earmuffs and a water hose attached to them, and then – oh boy, it wouldn’t go up again. Disheartened, Kapitein asked for my help in pressing his up and down buttons as he pushed and pulled with all of his might. And so the process started again….

Today Kapitein managed to get it all sorted and he’s a happy little bunny once more. I have to admit though, I did enjoy helping, and pushing his up and down buttons – it all looked like a very easy thing to operate to me. It did however cross my mind ………….!!

Well, let’s not go there.

Kapitein’s next task, he has advised, is to scrape the barnacles off his bottom and give it a coat of antifouling to stop anything growing on it this year. He’s asked if I would like to help with that tricky task as well, but somehow it doesn’t seem quite as appealing !

Back to knitting methinks :)

Latest news...
The Fish Farm results are in 67 for and 43 against, see the lively debate on Friends of Colonsay Facebook page.

'Hold on to your hats boys'!

Kapitein and I were down at Colonsay 'International' Airport this morning to collect our freight, (we have guests arriving at our B & B). When much to our surprise, a rather unusual sight greeted us.
Of late we have had some amazing winds here, westerly and north westerly, directly from the Atlantic, storm force of course, but we didn't expect to see this latest piece of flotsam and jetsam that must have been blown in - its usually fishing floats from the Canadian and American east coast fleets! Because our airstrip is on the west side of our wee island, Colonsay, overlooking the Atlantic and the next stop to the west is Canada, then we thought that 'Mikey' and Buffalo Joe - Buffalo Airways, may be missing someone? Had they sent one of their 'Rampy's' to see how Hebridean Air Services operate here in the Hebrides?

A Rampy arrives in Colonsay

As avid viewers of 'Ice Pilots' we recognised the 'Buffalo' reflective jacket (safety is paramount when out on the Apron), but this 6 foot tall, blonde Rampy was even wearing a Buffalo Airways hat! But, more importantly, can she fly the Islander plane! I'm not so sure...

How on earth did this Rampy end up on Colonsay? Was it the wind, or was it Petit paquet par avion?

We will have to see how this newest recruit works out, else we may have to send them back to Yellowknife! Buffalo Joe and Mikey - you had better 'Hold on to your hats boys' if this Rampy is returned to you, they could be a bit of a handful by all accounts!

Other news...
We have received our latest delivery of wool (via the plane of course) and we are delighted with the quality.
The Blackface wool is a wonderful shade of 'Oatmeal' and is available in DK or Aran weight.
We also have a new line in wool, it is Blackface X Blue Face Leicester, in a fabulous ecru, also available in DK and Aran weight.
And finally, we have some extra special Hebridean wool, available also in DK and Aran weight,
which is very, very soft indeed so is suitable for babies or those who like a 'softer feeling' wool next to their skin! Woolly knickers may be the next design project!
I hope to list the new wool on our website later today, but in the meantime, if you can't wait, contact us.
I was talking to a knitter the other day, who reminded me of the value of woollen clothing in the winter. When wool gets wet, it still keeps you warm, in contrast, man made fabrics and yarn which, when soaked, makes you feel cold. So it is logical to knit with wool!

Snow hunt...
Little Miss No No (now Little Mrs No No) and Gem came to visit. They arrived on the ferry after a snowy journey on the mainland.

Isle of Mull arriving at Colonsay

It was delightful to see Mrs and Gem. We had a super few days together, Kapitein was equally thrilled to see them. With the promise of long hikes to places they had not yet visited here, that was quickly moved to the back burner as Kapitein had happened a catastrophe with his vehicle.
The keys were jammed in the ignition the week before our visitors were due. However, that Friday ferry was cancelled - so the AA & Landrover recovery man couldn't make it. But, he duly arrived the Friday following the arrival of Mrs & Gem. What a lovely guy, (not Kapitein - just in case there's any misapprehension - 'cos Kapitein is by far the loveliest of old salty dogs) 

The likeness to Kapitein is uncanny!

The AA man changed the ignition barrel and hey presto, Kapitein was mobile again. 

When Mrs & Gem arrived,  I did spot snow on Jura, so that was it, no snow (as forecast) on Colonsay, I had to go off to find some!

We flew off on the Saturday flight with Hebridean Air to seek out the snow. 

Little Mrs No No & Gem aboard the Islander plane

We had a wonderful flight, cruising at around 5,000 feet, even flying over the Saturday morning ferry.
Our train journey was fantastic, and yes, I saw some snow!

But, Little Mrs No No & Gem had other plans. A 'shop till you drop' visit to Glasgow!!
I think we visited every shopping centre in the vicinity of our hotel (which by the way was fantastic) I think Little Mrs No No should be a 'personal shopper'! Gem and I were exhausted.

We said our goodbye's but, getting home for me was a problem to say the least. Storm force winds (which may have blown in the Rampy from Yellowknife) were engulfing Colonsay. Cancelled and turned back ferries were causing havoc with travel plans (not just here on Colonsay but all over the Western Isles). I thankfully arrived home on the following Friday.

We had extra special visitors last year to the Homestead, who sought me out to do a knitting course. Cate and Benj were visiting Colonsay as part of a 'round the UK' sailing trip. A delightful couple (I hope Cate has finished her project).
Here is a link to their blog, happy reading...

So far this year, we already have bookings for residential knitting courses here on Colonsay from as far afield as Canada, New Zealand, America and Australia. We are very excited to meet our International visitors. Will keep you posted...


Our company Hebridean Isles Trading Company is going from strength to strength!
We had a four page write up in Coast Magazine last year in the October edition, all about our knitting courses.
Then issue 56 of Yarnwise Magazine a great read for all you fellow knitters out there.
Then we got a mention in the Touchdown Newsletter issue 3.Touchdown issue 3

For all of you interested in all things aeronautical (and more) from Oban Airport, here is the latest edition of Touchdown issue 4

Missing dogs!!

A regular visitor to Colonsay has been in touch with me regarding some missing dogs! this seems to be a worrying trend just now.
So if anyone has seen any of these wonderful animals, who went missing in Hampshire please get in touch with your local Police or: Sue Harefield on: susan192@btinternet.com 

Fingers crossed they are returned safely...