It was a beautiful late summer day today, and Steve and I spent the afternoon lazing around by the river Thames, next to Hampton Court Palace. That’s Hampton Court bridge in the picture above, and through the railings on the other side of the river path is the palace:
We were trying out our new bikes; I love mine so much, it’s incredibly old-fashioned, with a wicker basket and even a skirt guard to protect my flowing garments!
We took afternoon tea, and muffins, and strawberries, and both our boys stopped by for ice creams on their way home.
I took my Lacy Cable Stockings to knit while we were there. Apologies for the substandard picture quality – I forgot to take my camera, so these are from my phone.
And here’s the beautiful calf detail:
I’m so looking forward to wearing these for real!

The socks are gorgeous – and I just *love* the yarn!
And I’m incredibly jealous of your Pashley – it’s literally one of my life’s ambitions to own one! Skirt guards are so wonderful – I have a step-through frame Dutch bike at the moment (very similar looking to a Pashley, really) and I love my skirt guard very, very much. Not only can you wear skirts, but you don’t have to roll up the legs on your trousers! It’s quite marvellous.
It sounds like you had a very English Sunday – glad you made the most of the perfect weather we were treated to
What a lovely day. I love your bicycle; it looks very refined. And the calf detail on your stocking *is* very refined! Thanks for sharing pictures. We were in London last year but didn’t make it to Hampton Court Palace. I would love to see it.
i’ve been there! how lucky to be able to just ride your bike to hampton court. i love that place, having read so many stories about henry, it feels like history is alive there.
Gorgeous. I’ve been there and can just feel the air and remember the scene so clearly. How lovely.
Socks are looking amazing. I’m making these in a while.
Nice bike! I have an old fashioned one myself but the wicker basket is perfect, I`ll have to find one for mine.
Your knitting by the lake sounds like a great way to spend the day!
I’m soooooo jealous! Of the weather, the socks! and the bike – such lovely photos!
I love your bike(almost more than the stockings!) a friend of mine has had one like it for the best part of 20 years, they are built to last.
Could you be any more English!! So wonderful – I love Hampton Court Palace – what a delight to be able to take afternoon tea after riding there on your fabulous bicycle!
And the lace socks just complete the perfect picture – they are so fabulous – that calf shaping is superb! V. envious of this whole post!
I love your pashley so much. I would like one but had to get a more hybrid one to keep up with the mountain bikers in the family!! Holland is the best place for inspiring bike riding, when we went there I just had to get a nice ladies bike.
Yesterday was a fantastic day for a picnic, looks like you had a great time – and those socks are lovely.
Pretty sock! I love your photos as usual…
What a lovely day – looks perfect.
Seriously envious of your Pashley! You’re going to catch some eyes riding round in your lacy stockings! 😀
Gorgeous day and gorgeous socks!
What a romantic afternoon!
Very nice stockings indeed!
Afternoontea muffins and strawberries? lol- so very english.sound like lots of fun! and your new bike is a dream.
Jealous (1000) Sounds like a perfectly wonderful day. Love how your stockings are coming along.
oh! your bike is so lovely! with a great basket. perfect for yarn. bread. and wine.
love the socks…wearing them WILL be wonderful!
Oooooh! Lovely socks!