Oh, how I do like a good project when I have time to sit down and concentrate my efforts on one thing. That is a problem with all kinds of hobbies or crafts – having the time to set aside in the first place. I now try to discipline myself to get the other work finished and out of the way by 4 pm so that I can have a quiet and orderly early dinner. This encourages me to clear up the battleground from my cooking . . . and be able to retire to the sitting room – my palace of delights as far as knitting, reading, puzzles and jigsaws are concerned.

I also love seeking out new yarns and patterns. There are some fantastic new designers around and the yarns are so wonderful to handle. I have quite good tension but after a while, a large garment will start to take on a life of its own so I generally have to go down a size or two. A certain green jumper I made ended up at the back of the wardrobe because, like Topsy, it grew and grew!