Posts by WI

Broughton Grange

Posted by on Nov 28, 2011 in Reflections

Broughton Grange

A most enjoyable evening was had by some of the gardening enthusiasts of the Adderbury and District WI in July. Tucked away from view along Wycombe Lane and just outside the village of Broughton are the beautiful gardens of Grange Farm. A group of around 20 were shown around the tiered gardens by the Head Gardener. Hundreds of trees have been planted here over the last few years, at the edge of the main gardens, and have been under planted with a wild flower meadow. The top tier of the garden consisted of beautiful circular espalier apple trees, which encased the soft fruits of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. The surrounding ground was full of growing seasonal vegetables. This tier led onto the pond and green house which were planted in mid summer colours of herbaceous plants, tomatoes and beautiful fuchsias. The following tier was planted in the form of the plant cell structure and was interplanted with seasonal annuals. From here the path led us down to the stumpery which lay at the bottom of the valley where the familiar Sor Brook runs its course. The land here is damp and is the perfect setting for Hosta’s and Ferns. The winding path led us back up through a wooded area past a beautiful, if a little spooky looking, tree house hide, which then led us back up to the main house where more formal box and rose gardens grew, dotted with lavender and the beautiful smelling matucana sweet pea. The evening was completed with most of us buying some beautiful plants to take home and...

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Christmas Crackers

Posted by on Nov 25, 2011 in Instructions

Christmas Crackers

Follow the diagram above to create home-made Christmas...

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Knitted Christmas Trees

Posted by on Nov 22, 2011 in Instructions

Knitted Christmas Trees

Oddments of wool with appropriately sized needles (eg DK with 3 – 4mm needles, 4ply with 2 ½ – 3 ½ mm) Optional – narrow ribbon for hanging loop, beads / sequins / beads for decoration on the trees Abbreviations; s2togkpo slip 2 sts together, k1, pass 2 slipped stitches over. Lower section Cast on 43 stitches and knit 2 rows. Next row (right side) K9, (k2tog) twice, k17, (k2tog) twice, k9. 39 sts K 1 row. Next row K8, (k2tog) twice, K15, (k2tog) twice, K8. 35 sts K 1 row. **Next row K7, (k2tog) twice, K13, (k2tog) twice, K7. 31 sts K 1 row. Next row K6, (k2tog) twice, K11, (k2tog) twice, K6. 27 sts K 1 row ***Next row K5, (k2tog) twice, K9, (k2tog) twice, K5. 23 sts K 1 row Next row K4, (k2tog) twice, K7, (k2tog) twice, K4. 19 sts K 1 row Next row K3, (k2tog) twice, K5, (k2tog) twice, K3. 15 sts K 1 row Next row K2, (k2tog) twice, K3, (k2tog) twice, K2. 11 sts K 1 row Next row K1, (k2tog) twice, K1, (k2tog) twice, K1. 7 sts K 1 row Next row K2tog, s2togkpo, k2tog. 3 sts K 1 row Next row S2togkpo. Fasten off. Centre Section Cast on 35 sts and knit 2 rows. Work as Lower Section from ** to end. Upper Section Cast on 27 sts and knit 2 rows. Work as Lower Section from *** to end. To make up Join back seam in each section, tread a length of ribbon or the remains of the stitching-up wool up through the tip of each section. Leave a loop at the top of the upper section, securing inside. Sew on beads or sequins as baubles...

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First Anniversary

Posted by on Nov 22, 2011 in Reflections

First Anniversary

The 3rd November saw a fun action packed evening with champagne and cake to celebrate our first anniversary. Barbara Grey from Oxfordshire Federation came along and cut the cake for us. We also enjoyed watching and having a go at making various Christmas crafts including Christmas crackers, napkin folding, cake baking, floral art to sewing and knitting Christmas decorations and making some jewelry. Templates and instructions can be found at the following links: Knitted Christmas Trees Christmas Crackers Craft supplies are available from The...

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Fashion Show

Posted by on Nov 22, 2011 in Reflections

In May, we enjoyed a fun evening viewing high street fashions over a glass of wine. The outfits modeled by members were carefully selected to suit a range of occasions. This session fitted well with other fashion events this year including choosing the right hat and how to make the most of yourself by wearing the right colours.

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