Christmas eve

Preserves, mini ginger breads and work! Happy Christmas.

Cardie progress

I took a break for a week or so to make some preserves but it seems to be knitting up pretty quickly. I've started the sleeve, the icord cast on wasn't as difficult as I lead myself to believe!

I'll be taking another break this week as we have family coming to visit and there are more preserves to be made.
I'm fingers crossed hoping to have it finished by October, that is being very optimistic!

Cardie cast on

I've started my cardie  project and nearly failed on the first instruction! I had to learn how to do a provisional cast on, turns out there are many many way of doing a prov cast on. I went for the cast on with a knitting needle and a crochet hook as I just couldn't figure out the other methods it worked and now I know for future reference how to do it.

It is knitting up beautifully, the wool is incredibly soft. It may take a while as I'm using 3.75mm needles but it'll be worth it.

Manu by Kate Davies

I found this pattern on Ravelry and decided there and then I was going to try my hand at making it. I have never attempted icord buttonholes or stitch pleats, and I would usually run a mile at the mere mention of charts as my patterns have been pretty simple up to this point, but what is the worst that can happen, right?! also I really like the cardie, I wear cardies ALL the time so I'm going for it.

Wool choice, as recommended on the pattern but in a beautiful golden tansy colour. natural dyed  Shilasdair, it is a beautiful blend of 20% cashmere 40% angora and 40% lambswool British Merino.

Wish me luck!

Army green cowl finished

I decided to finish Dave's army green cowl before I start my next project. It is a smaller version of the charcoal grey which I'm pleased I did as I just had enough wool!

He loves it, we are ready for the Autumn.

I'm super excited about my next project. I've bought a pattern from ravelry for an amazing cardie. It involves charts and shaping which I think and hope I'm ready for. I'll post soon with more details.

Cowl Central

I've been obsessively making cowls over the last few week, first was my lovely teal coloured cowl, immediately followed by my golden yellow cowl, again for me! lastly Dave asked me to knit him one for when he is out cycling so we bought a beautiful charcoal grey organic German chunky wool, which turned out fab.
More pics to follow of my yellow and teal cowl finished.

Glowing Ember Infinity cowl

I found this pattern on the ever inspiring Ravelry website,if you are not a member join, there are thousands of patterns from knitters around the world. This cowl is made with Cascade 100% Peruvian Highland wool.
I'm excited about this pattern as it is knitted on circular needles so no need for sewing which gives a seemless finish. I went for a bright blue colour  7813. I also purchased a great yellow which I'll probably start on next week. Wool is not exactly suitable for the Summer months I'll just have to wait till October to wear them!

Shoulderette finished

I finished my shoulderette (cardie shrug) on Monday night. It's lovely although its too hot to wear it for more than 10 minutes. I'm sure we'll have a cold day soon it is England!

vintage fabric found in Tetbury

I found the most amazing vintage fabric in Tetbury yesterday! I've already asked Dave's mum to help me make a dress with it. I want a simple empire line Summer dress, better go searching for some patterns:)

Vintage craft books

Found this great craft book today. It's an A to Z of all things crafty circa 1940's. It'll look good with my 1940's knitting book.

Baby blanket complete

It's nearly finished! all I need to do is add a label to the bottom I'm thinking of embroidering her name and handmade with love on to a small piece of aida cloth. I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.

Baby blanket progress

Baby blanket changes

I have completely changed my baby blanket project the main reason being the ultra fine wool and circular needles are proving to be incredibly difficult and anger making to work with!
I found lots of spare chunky wool in a fab teal blue in my craft press so I've adjusted the pattern to work with chunky wool and straight needles. I've also decided to do one row of hearts followed by a basketweave stitch which seems to be working out really well.











It's knitting up much quicker which is a bonus. I'm not designed to work with fine wool on any project bigger than a hat:)

Charity shop lunch break finds

I've been really lucky in two particular shop over the last few months. I got this fab tray and cups from granny's attic they do house clearances and the other store is a Dorothy house charity shop where I got the best red apple placemats.

Baby Blanket

My friend had a baby girl this week so I've decided to make this pretty baby blanket for her as a gift.
I have till April before I'll see her so fingers crossed I get it finished before then.
I choose a lilac coloured acrylic for this project, I was going to go for a wool blend but it is not the best for washing, a baby blanket needs to washed frequently so I need to be practical:)
Baby blanket pattern

My first Pyrex

I love Pyrex but I never ever see it in our local charity shops, that was until Friday lunch-time when I found this beautiful dish.



I'd like a few more in different colours for my shelf:)

Cardie progress

1940's knitting

I bought this book from a friend during the week, it's full of great patterns from the 40's from jumpers to underwear! don't think I'll be making the latter but there are definitely some great vintage projects I'll be attempting this year.

Cardie progress

1930's shoulderette

I picked up a beautiful teal blue wool for this project. Its unusual for me to work with double knit I'm a lazy knitter preferring quick projects made with chunky and super chunky.

I've just finished the rib and about to start the increase. The lace pattern looks pretty simple to do my main issue with lace patterns is trying to remember where you stopped and where to begin! Note to self write it down to limit confusion.

Hat Complete

Cloche so far......

First hat of the year

Before starting my cardie project I decided to use up the wool I have in my stash and make a hat I've been talking about making for myself for ages.
I made one of these for my friend Jill nearly two years ago in teal blue.

Its the side slip cloche by Laura irwin her book boutique knits is full of fab accessories. Its on discount  here if you want to treat yourself.

I'm half way through the band.

Skinny scarf

This is the skinny scarf I made last Sunday

Granny Square

I've been attempting granny squares on and off for about 6 months! I find it really difficult to follow the video tutorials as they are so fast. I follow Strumpet Crumpets crochet blog and I love the granny square blankets she makes, they are fab. This week Becky Farley kindly posted a video on how to make a square so I thought I'd try it one more time. You do need to know the basics like a double crochet but I have to say once you have that mastered this video really helps with the pattern. If I can do it you can too:)


Granny square tutorial

1st knit project of 2011

I'm Ill again. So I need to distract myself whilst I recover and what better way to do this than to knit a very long skinny scarf!
I already have one in lime green and  another in royal blue this latest creation is in a deep magenta colour.