Today my two youngest were on a school trip to the pantomine, and I didn't have to collect them until 5.30pm, instead of 3.15. So I had a chance to go shopping a lot further away then my normal haunts. I decided to go to St Albans.
I checked the adverts in the backs of all my crafty magazines, so I wouldn't miss any LYS or similar - no LYS's were advertised, but a quilting magazine had a fabric shop, so I noted the address, and set off to look for it.
It was actually incredibly easy to get to - I could even park outside (UK posters will know how unusual that is over here).
In the windows were discounted packs of yarn - things like Sirdar Country Style - and it had a good range of Patons and Wendy as well.
But I ignored all the wool, and looked at the quilting fabrics instead. I have plans to make a quilt, and had a fairly clear idea of what I wanted it to look like. I think I looked at the side of evey bolt in the shop, and there was one that caught my eye - it is a print of dry stone walls, like the ones we have in the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, regions renowned for their sheep. So I got a small quantity of it, as well as my other fabric.
The shop had a few ready cut pieces, and one of them had sheep on a green background. I got that too, without any plans for it.
Then, as I drove away, I realised I have the germ of a perfect use.
Sheep, dry stone walls, knitting - I can use these as a basis for a knitting bag. More green for the fields, perhaps a stream, and my bag can have a picture of sheep country.
I'll look for other material slowly, and see what pictures I can make with it all.