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More Cats, More Chickens and More KITTENS

Our menagerie of animals has grown over the last few years of our homesteading journey here in Portgual. We moved here with two cats that are no longer with us and we've added a flock of chickens but their numbers have also gone up and down over time. Today we'll give you the full story…

There’s lots more to say about OFF GRID solar

In our previous video we gave an overview of our off grid solar system and how it's been working for us over the last few years. We shared how we've expanded the system over time and how it's been running a heat pump and cooking on an induction range on solar power throughout the…

We Removed Some Old Trees and Planted New Ones

Down in our mini orchard area we're planning to plant a handful of new apple and pear trees as well a couple of tropical fruits such as guava and passionfruit. But we have some big, old and mostly dead trees along the boundary, right where we want to plant the new trees. So, we've…

How to Plant an Avocado Tree – Two Methods

Down at the bottom of the garden we're about to create a mini orchard of avocado, apple and pear trees. First up we're planting two different species of avocado tree with two different planting techniques. Two of the trees will be planted in a mulch basin and watered with grey water from our farmhouse. The…

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    Yarn Projects (crochet/knitting)

    Knitting Needles

    I've only just started knitting again and have had to upgrade from my original Symfonie needles (they tend to snap quite easily). I have a set of stainless steel needles from ChiaoGoo and also an ebony set from Lantern Moon.

    I like both! The stainless steel was a little hard to get used to but yarn really glides on them. I like the look and feel of the Lantern Moon set too, but unfortunately they don't come in all the sizes I tend to use so I now end up switching between the two sets.

    Crochet Hooks

    I've tried loads of different single hooks to find the 'perfect' hook. I finally found what I was looking for in the Clover soft touch range. The hook glides well and the thumb rest is really comfortable. Unfortunately they don't seem to be available in a set, so I have a jar full of all the sizes I like to use.

    Tunisian Crochet Hooks

    My favourites are these from Lantern Moon, they're super comfortable and glide really well, and the best bit is that they swivel. They are also compatible with the KnitPro Symfonie hooks (these seem less sturdy but also glide well).

    I also have a set from ChiaoGoo made from bamboo. These are very lightweight but I find that they can snag on some yarns (a nail file often helps to make the hook head better).

    Yarn

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