While Miz Kittling Knits: Phil Spencer's Stately Homes

 

Another day, another lap blanket, I always say. If I can't dabble in wildlife photography or read a book, just give me yarn and knitting needles.

My latest project will be donated to the Arizona Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. I found a free pattern on the Yarnspirations website called Bernat Basketweave Knit Throw. (For some reason, I find all the variations of the basketweave stitch warm and soothing, and I love their texture.) Using US size 13 circular needles and one strand of Lion Brand 100% acrylic yarn in Navy, I made a classic-- and very soft and warm-- lap blanket that I hope will see a lot of use.

 

It may sound strange, but after making so many blankets using two and three strands of yarn, it took me some time to get used to knitting with only one. However, never fear! My next two projects are back to triple strands of yarn.

What was I watching while my needles were clicking? I may love mysteries and crime dramas, but I also love architecture, so when I found Phil Spencer's Stately Homes on the Roku Channel, I dove right in.

 

 

I was familiar with Phil Spencer from watching Location, Location, Location whenever Denis and I were in the UK. In Stately Homes, Spencer takes viewers on a tour of fourteen stately homes, from the more recognizable Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard to lesser known places like Harewood House and Holkham Hall. He's allowed in places where others are not allowed and talks to the owners as well as employees. One of the things he does is delve into each house's archives to find out how much it cost to build-- and then he translates the sum into today's money. After feasting my eyes on the beautifully photographed exteriors and interiors, it didn't surprise me to learn that, if built today, several of the houses would cost several billion pounds.

 

I learned quite a bit in watching this series, and I certainly enjoyed my virtual tours.