Modern Aran

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When you think of Aran knitting, it probably brings to mind images of the 1970s, folk singers and heavy, cream coloured sweaters with lots of cables and bobbles. It’s fair to say that there is still a lot of these sorts of garments around today, and they’re not exactly straight off the catwalk. Following an Aran pattern is challenging for all levels of knitters, but there’s no point in making something that nobody wants to be seen dead in. Thankfully, there is a more modern approach to this traditional technique. Continue reading →

What Equipment Do You Need to Play Cricket?

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There are few sports and activities you can engage in seriously without investing in the right equipment and cricket is no exception. There are many items which you should not be without but If you don’t play regularly or are on a restricted budget you may need to choose lower priced items which are aimed at the casual player. There is no point buying professional level equipment if you just have the occasional knock. High end gear comes at a price and there are many perfectly serviceable options at more friendly prices. Continue reading →

A Birthday Present Dilemma

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Choosing birthday presents can be difficult whoever they are for but we all have friends and relatives who turn the task into a veritable nightmare. This week I am faced with a huge problem in the shape of a friend whose birthday meal I am attending but who has left me totally clueless as to what I should buy him as a gift. My issue is not that I don’t know him nor that I lack the funds to buy something worth having, it is simply that this man only has one hobby or interest and I and his other friends have long since exhausted all possibilities in that direction. Continue reading →

Does Learning to Dance Have to Be Expensive?

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As the mother of a dance-mad 7 year old, I am well aware that some dance schools and the associated equipment can be horrendously expensive. Some dance schools, especially those teaching formal ballet, can demand their students have leotard, tutu, tights and shoes bought from their approved retailer, and that’s on top of the hefty tuition fees and exam entrance costs. And don’t even get me started on what some places charge parents to watch the end of term show and buy the obligatory DVD. It doesn’t have to be this way, but things will only change if parents and children want change. Continue reading →

Why Tension is So Important

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Most knitters pick up their needles to relieve their tension rather than create it, but if you don’t understand the basic concept of tension, then your knitting project could end up being too big or too small. On every knitting pattern or ball of yarn there is a diagram showing you what the tension should be, but if you’re anything like most knitters, you’ll completely ignore it and skip straight to casting on your stitches. This is however, sometimes a recipe for disaster. Continue reading →

The Sporting Paradise of the Soča Valley

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Slovenia is a small nation bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. What it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in breath-taking scenery and a huge variety of landscapes and cultural influences. In the north west of the country the Soča Valley is the jewel in the crown of this proud country and is a well-established centre for many sporting activities. If you are a fan of the great outdoors and fancy an active holiday in a beautiful setting then you should certainly consider this region as a destination for your next trip. Continue reading →

Summer Sport Essentials

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We have to make the most of the little warm weather we have, and summer is the time when most of us get out into the open air and take part in our favourite sport. If you haven’t cleared out the kit bag for a while and it is still full of waterproofs and warm fleeces, then it is time to get organised because the sorts of items you need for summer sport can be quite different from winter sports equipment. Continue reading →

Hobbies – World Record Breaking Knitting

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Knitters are a sociable bunch, and they love nothing better than getting together with fellow knitters to have a chat and knit at the same time. The world record for the number of knitters all clicking away simultaneously is 3,010 and is held by a group in America. However, there is a British attempt to break this record and everyone is welcome to get involved.

Big Knit

The record attempt is part of the Big Knit, which is a successful campaign which has been running for several years with Age Concern and Innocent Smoothies. Before the Big Knit period, knitters all over the UK are asked to make little bobble hats to fit on top of a smoothie bottle. The bottles with the bobble hats are then sold in store, and for every bottle sold a donation is made to Age Concern. The Big Knit has been running for over 10 years and has raised over £1 million for charity. Continue reading →

Grab your Fishing Tackle!

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There are some absolutely amazing creatures on our Planet, which goes to show that diversity isn’t a bad thing!  Read here all about some of the strangest creatures to swim in our rivers and Oceans… finding out some bizarre facts along the way!  This infographic shows that certain species have been around for millions of years without any major changes, showing that if a design is good there’s no need to change! Continue reading →