Match, Set & Design

It's Wimbledon, so I'm trying to be topical - did it work???

Anyway, It's FINALLY finished, 18 months later and I'm officially done.

You would have heard me speak of the dreaded scarf knitted on small needles, that was never ending?? Yes that one... well I'm done and in case you didn't realise, (its been so long), it is part of a matching set:- beret, scarf and fingerless mittens.

I made the beret first and it sat languishing, waiting for the scarf to be finished. I couldn't wear the beret until the scarf was done - I know but that's just me!!

The beret was knitted from a pattern in an edition of the The Art Of Knitting magazine. I loved knitting this and it was so quick to complete but thought a scarf would complete the look perfectly.

So I just started knitting the scarf, no pattern just made it up as I went along...guess you could call it my first real knitted design piece. It wasn't until I was a quarter of the way through and realised that it was taking way too long, that I changed the design somewhat to a kind of "scarflette". I had to look up how to make buttonholes, so I guess you can say I learnt a new knitting skill in the process. I picked up the button at the Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace, last year, when I thought I had a couple of weeks left before it was finished......Oh the joys of hindsight!!!

The mittens were an afterthought. I had so much yarn left over when I finished and I had never knitted mittens, that I thought why not and casted on. In fact I've still got a lot of yarn left that I'm thinking I may make another beret, this time reversing the colours (i.e. main colour green).

Here's the final result, (hat & scarf modelled by Miss H):








Oh and by the way, to carry on the sporting theme, the Olympic Rings are now up on Tower Bridge....yeah!!"

- Cheerio

Jubilee Bank Holiday Progress

We've just celebrated a four day celebration for Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Fantastic stuff, loved all the pageantry and celebrations, although I didn't personally go to see anything. I really can't stand crowds plus I think, it would feel like I was going back to work, as the nearest bridges to me would be London Bridge or Tower Bridge (for the Flotilla) or trying to get to St Paul's, etc., as I work in the City. Too much for the Bank Holiday, besides I had a brilliant view on my TV set and I didn't even get wet!!!

However, I did manage to get a couple of photos of the boats beginning to congregate at London Bridge on Friday, (sorry not as spectacular as Sunday's Flotilla) but still quite exciting at this stage:

(Note: Tower Bridge is in the background):

Anyway, for this weekend I decided to finish off/work on some WIP's that have been lying around for quite a while - one for at least 18 months or so. A Beret and matching Scarf (my own design), which I did manage to complete yesterday and I am very happy with these I must say. I will probably publish more on this in a later blog.

I have also made much progress on my Lace Leaf Wrap, only 3 more pattern repeats to go, before I am finished and can I be honest?.... I can't wait for this to be done. It seems like its been on the needles forever, although actually its a lot less time than the Beret and Scarf. Here's where I am so far:




I don't think I've done so bad this weekend. I kept my resolve, although you don't know how sorely tempted I was to cast on something new- even winding some organic merino wool that I had lying around (as you do) into a ball - but no, I persevered with the older stuff, freed up some needles and now feel good for it.

Oh and I finished some socks.

For more WIP's (Bank Holiday ones or not), please check out Tami's Amis blog.


- Cheerio

Finally Socks

Finally, finally, finally, I have got around to knitting socks.

I have seen sock projects everywhere (and Ravelry doesn't help really).  I have read that there is nothing like a hand knit sock for comfort, for durability, for fit, for feel but have never felt the need to turn my hand to this item of clothing.

To be honest, the patterns looked too complicated and beyond my technical ability, (I still think they are!).  I also don't know whether I will like hand knit socks but like I tell my kids, "you will never know if you don't try!"

Anyway, I made a promise at the beginning of this year that I would learn some new techniques in 2012, and in one fell swoop I am managing to tick two of the list - i.e learning how to knit in the round on double pointed needles and learning how to knit socks - Result.

I found the perfect pattern on Ravelry, The Universal Toe Up Sock Formula, which led me to use The Sock Pattern Generator, which did all the Maths for me - all the better!!! I did of course have to do a swatch to get gauge (I think this was my first swatch - I'm feeling more like a professional knitter everyday 😊)!

I counted 9 stitches to an inch, plugged it into the Sock Pattern Generator, got the require cast on stitches and away I went. It was going good, I got to halfway up my foot, when I decided to try it on - DISASTER, way too big - oh my days!! Actually it would have been alright if I had been Big Foot but, Big Foot, I certainly ain't!!

So I had to re-swatch and recount - stupid me, counted wrong - 8 stitches to an inch (counted about 3 times just to make sure - definitely 8 stitches. I casted on again the required number of stitches, as per the Sock Pattern Generator and also this time I used Judy's Magic Cast On, couldn't be bothered with the crocheted provisional cast on, (plus the scrap yarn got tangled up in the original sock stitches and took forever to take out - that's another story!!!)

Anyway, second time around I am very happy and quite enjoying the process. This is where I got to so far:




Now I do hope that I don't get second sock syndrome and that I do actually wear these socks when they are done but if not, at least I can say that I have knitted socks and tick that off my To Do List.

For more work in progresses, check out Tami's Amis blog.

Until later......

- Cheerio

Frogged

Ok so I frogged it, it was driving me crazy!!! "Frogged what?" I hear you ask....I frogged this: (also see previous post).


Honestly dear readers, the next time I tell you I'm going to knit a separate lace edging and then sew it onto the "whatever" project, you have my express permission to whack me over the head with a pair of 15mm knitting needles!!

I mean honestly, what was I thinking??? I know from the Baby Blanket, that I absolutely hate knitting separate lace edgings, loathe it.....BORING! So what on earth possessed me to try it again...I must have been out of my mind!

Anyway, I frogged it and decided to knit a new facecloth, with a lace edging (only this time as part of the overall project), so when it's finished.....IT'S FINISHED)!

Here is progress so far:



And can I say, that I am loving this, it's a delight to knit up and a perfect travelling companion. I've even got my little initial at the edge (not sure if you can see it but it's there).

I must also say, that I have definitely got value for money from the yarn, Patons UK 100% Cotton. I think I paid something like £4 for a single ball and I have already knit one facecloth, (albeit without lace edging) and the above one is halfway through with plenty more yarn left. I think I may also get another facecloth in, though smaller, so that's three. So when you think I could pay £2 for a shop bought facecloth and then, have to buy some lace (if I wanted edging), to sew on.....it really is quite economic to get 3 facecloths out of one £4 ball, isn't it?? Result all around I think!

Thanks for popping by!

- Cheerio

Starting But Not Finishing

Hi all, I think I have now caught the dreaded "Uncompletion-itis" disease.

First symptom appeared about two weeks ago.

I finished the body of a facecloth I was knitting and decided that I wanted to do some lace edging for it.  So I dutifully researched the lace edging patterns on Ravelry and chose the Diamond Lace Edged one - so far so good.  I casted on and did 10 pattern repeats and now, I am b-o-r-e-d.... I really don't know why I do this (see previous blog), I'm really not good on lace edgings, I find them a bit of a chore. Here is the progress so far:




Then because I was flying to New York last week, I thought that besides the lace edging, I would need another plane project..so the Jewelled Cowl was chosen. The night before my flight, I took out my beautiful swift and wound the Malabrigo Lace yarn from my stash and threaded approximately 750 beads onto the yarn. (The pattern calls for 728 beads but I decided to do more, as a "just in case" measure).

Oh My Days!!!! Can I just advise you to learn from my experience - never, I repeat NEVER, thread the beads on for this project - do as the pattern tells you and put each bead in place with a crochet hook. I spent most of the flight (there and back) detangling the yarn and beads and have been doing so ever since - Nightmare!!!!



Here is the progress so far, suffice it to say I'm not really enamoured with this project, so not feeling the need to finish anytime soon:




Anyway, whilst in New York, I happened upon a local yarn shop and bought the most delightful Cascade Ultra Pima cotton in luscious green.

Now because I don't want to work on my lace edging anymore, am not liking my Jewelled Cowl (which by the way, I was looking do forward to making) and let's not start on my Lace Leaf Wrap (which is surely in deep hibernation and snoring away by now) - I casted on the pattern for the Grey Loop cowl, except mine is going to be called Green Loopy Loop. Haven't got very far but here it is:



I'm on holiday at the moment and whilst I'm now enjoying the start of my Green Loopy Loop, I'm eyeing up some cashmere lace yarn in my stash and thinking....mmmm maybe I should cast on for a shawlette.

Oh please send for the knitting doctor...please, I really need to finish something!!!

There are more people who suffer with this disease, I'm not sure how bad they've got it though. So you may want to check out Tami's Amis blog, if you want to research further!!

- Cheerio

Happy

On Thursday I was feeling kind of "overworked and underpaid", you know what I mean - so I decided during lunch to take a trip to John Lewis in Oxford Street, to cheer myself up by looking at and touching some yarn.

Yes, I did have my project bag with me...yes I could have done some knitting during lunch but I didn't want to...I wanted a different sort of "cheer me upper" that only new yarn could bring.

To be honest, I was also looking for some new yarn for a project scarf, for my daughter in her favourite colours, lightweight enough for spring/summer and that didn't cost too much, (its still a week and a bit from payday and this girl is on a budget)!!!

Anyway, I browsed for a bit, feeling happier and happier - I just love John Lewis - and then I came across this perfect number:

Loved it straight away and knew it would be just perfect for what I wanted. It made me smile, made me want to hold it and never let it go. Even when I got back to work, I had to show all my colleagues, even if they thought I was off "me rocker"!!! I felt great, had to cast on as soon as I got home, abandoning all other WIP's in the process.

How can one ball of yarn make me feel so good???? I can tell you why because it's name is Happy (seriously - Happy by Wendy) and I didn't even pick up on the name until I got home, I just loved it!!!



So far its meeting knitting expectations and I will post photos of the finished project, as soon as I can.

In the meantime here is a photo of my finished Darkside Cowl (I've named it Purpleside Cowl - Darkside sounds well "dark") by Sarah Fama, made with another yarn that I have fallen in love with, Silk Twist by Rowan.:

(modelled by Jade)

I hope you have a happy day too.

- Cheerio

Productivity

It seems that I have been on a month and a bit break but I can safely say, not an unproductive one. I've been busy, I've had a birthday in between, tinkering on my brand new swift and I've been finishing off some projects as follows:

Firstly, I made a Mizzle for myself, with Rowan RYC Cashsoft 4ply Aran yarn. I'm not going to show a photo of it, purely because I'm not sure that I like it.  For some reason it doesn't look right on me, so I may frog...I've left it for a while though in my little knitting box of FO's, just in case I change my mind - but it's not looking good (unless someone rescue's it!).

Secondly, I finished the following Noble Cowl, made for my friend who like me, loves throwing things around her neck:





I made this from some spare bamboo yarn in my stash and I must admit I love it and she does too. I wasn't too sure at first, messed up the pattern early on because I wasn't concentrating (as you do), so frogged and re-started.

Thirdly, I finished my Birthday Scarf (aptly named because I started it on my birthday...dah, dah).  It's correct name is the Chinook Scarf, by Ali Green. 

It is modelled by the lovely Jade (who I have bought out of retirement...well therapy, (she was suffering from the symptoms of neglect, although my daughter doesn't see it that way at all!).  Jade also had her hair cut and braided for the occasion, the ultimate professional, despite her ongoing troubles  :)



 

Love this scarf, love this yarn, its called Katia Tupa, in Navy Blue - 50% Merino Wool & 50% Silk - beautiful.  Not very warm (I think) but hey it makes a great accessory.  I think this is going to be a staple in my wardrobe.

I am still beavering away on my Lace Leaf Wrap, Lord knows when I will finish this one, it surely is a Work In Progress (in every sense)!!!

I've also started two new projects during my hiatus, which I will let you know about on WIP Wednesday.

So all in all, I have been an extremely productive lady...how about you??  What you been up to??

To see more productivity, check out these knitting professionals on Tami's Amis blog.

(Disclaimer (or something along those lines): I hope you all are Ravelers or you may have difficulty viewing some of the links!!)

- Cheerio

Excitement Friday

Something went wrong with my blogger and I lost my original blog on Friday.  I can't remember all that I said, so I'm kind of re-telling a shortened version:

I was excited because I received the following swift (first one ever) in the post for my birthday, bought by Mr H - the star that he is.  It's a Sunflower Swift and I had great service from them, a lady called Claire actually packed my swift ready for posting before I had even paid:

(n.b. this is not an actual picture of my swift, it is taken from Sunflower Swifts website, as mine is still boxed!!)  Not my birthday for a couple of weeks and I'm not allowed to use it yet...mmmmm)

Secondly, I'm excited because I finished my first ever Poncho, in all its lovely chocolatey brownness.  Love it!!

Sorry it's so quick but the technological imp took over and lost my blog.  Hopefully, though you'll see what I've been up to.

Until later....cheerio.



Winter White

Well another two projects are off the needles and into the hands of someone I am finding out to be quite knit-worthy. They were actually her Christmas presents but as she doesn't live in London, I had to wait for her to come down (which was good as I hadn't quite finished by Dec 25th....), so they have been re-classed as New Year presents and here they are:



The Canaletto Cowl and the Twistygoo hat. I used up my Sirdar Denim Sport Aran stash on these.

I absolutely love the Cowl, lovely and warm, this is how big it is:



The hat mmmm...ok. I had to frog it a couple of times and I messed up a bit on the decreases, (I really am Not An Expert Knitter) but its passable I guess and Jen loves it. She's already twittered about it and sent a picture. To be honest I tried it on and it really doesn't suit me (big head), so I guess that's why I wasn't enamoured as well.

I love the colour - I call it Winter White. Not the technical name of course, I think that is "Ivory" but the colour does remind me of snow in winter.

So what have you just finished and like/dislike or, not sure about?

For more finished projects, check out Tami's Amis blog.

Cheerio

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

Happy New Year to all my followers and those that pass by my little knitting blog. I pray that 2012 is all you hope and wish for.

2011 was a strange year for me, and to be honest I'm not unhappy to see the back of it, although all experiences go to making me the person that I am and I have learnt a lot about myself this past year. However, knitting wise I think I have progressed somewhat, I've learnt magic loop, how to read a knitting chart, my lacing has come on leaps and bounds and I am most definitely a faster knitting, (why by the end of the year I've been positively churning out stuff) - latest editions:

Mohair Capelet:



My Azzu shawlette:



and there's more, I've just not taken the photos yet.

I don't make New Year resolutions, I firmly believe that my destiny and all I do is in Gods hands but I do want to learn some more techniques in 2012, like entrelac and finally getting around to knitting socks (no I haven't even attempted that yet, should be interesting!!! I'm either going to love or hate it, but at least I would have tried).

Thanks for reading and again Happy New Year!!

Cheerio

Of Dodgy Ankle, Work Ethics & Knitting Progress

So a couple of weeks ago, I tore a ligament in my ankle....oh the pain, the pain!!!!

Long story short I was walking to work in a daydream and my foot slipped on the kerb and over I went....nearly got run over by a cyclist (bicycle one, not motorcyclist,otherwise I probably wouldn't have been here). Anyway ended up in A&E being pushed around in a wheelchair. Can you imagine.....I'm in a suit, got handbag, one shoe and coat on my lap, the other foot stuck out in front of me and I was almost delirious with the pain. 

Anyway after much prodding and poking, x-rays and painkillers (painkillers were the "bomb", sent me slightly ga-ga but reduced the pain...yeah!!), I got sent home, with instructions to rest, elevate leg above heart, as much as possible...ice and more painkillers, for a week.

So I thought...RESULT I can knit, without interruption......

Nah, how wrong was I?????...ENORMOUSLY.

You see I made the mistake of letting work know that I can log on/work from home...take it from me whatever you do, don't let your workplace know this!!  To be fair, they are well aware of this fact, I do it on a constant basis...but I shouldn't have brought it up on this occasion.

So the result for that week....

Emails, Conference Calls, Telephone Calls, Spreadsheets, Reports, more calls....3,699,001 (and maybe more, I lost count)

Knitting WIP's...... 0

So not much to show you here knitting wise BUT I do have a WIP, that I am so excited about, that I had to share.

I've been trying for a while to get my daughter involved in knitting, to no avail....not interested.  I even went out and bought her a special set of needles, just for her....not interested. 

Anyway, last week after feeling sorry for me and my dodgy ankle and possibly (more importantly) consternation at my lack of knitting (she hates watching TV with me and I'm not knitting), she decided to get these special needles out and ask me for some of my wool.

I thought she was taking the "Michael", so told her no....but after much nagging and "getting on my nerves"....I gave her some of my cheap acrylic, cast off wool, taught her the basics of garter stitch....and bingo......she took to it like water and after a couple of hours.....here folks is my daughters....WIP:

Not quite sure what she's making, I think it's a scarf for one of her toys and if you ignore what's going on in the bottom left hand corner, it's not too bad really!!!

I guess you can say this is a WIP for me too.....I finally got my daughter to knit.  Now let's see if she can purl too......!!!!!

What about you, what have you achieved lately???

For more WIP, check out Tami's Amis blog.

Cheerio

Four.....

No not Golf - Finished Objects!

One, Two and Three were completed last week and this week makes Four...get it...four in two weeks wow!  I think that will be it for a while though....

Now if you remember from Teenage Fashion, I urgently needed to finish a hat before my son lost his swagger, and dear readers I have, here he is wearing it:

Pattern:  (Cabled Watch-cap by Kristen Orme)

I quite like this hat, was thinking about giving it to him!!  However, I'm chuffed to bits because he has worn it every day since it was made, (he didn't even want me to block it as it just had to be worn the next day, to school - crazy kid, (actually the mornings are quite cold now).  I have to admit though, there has been a few mornings of , "...mum have I got it on right??...". (sigh)   (You'll have to read Teenage Fashion to understand what I'm saying here, if you don't know what I mean).

Oh and guess what, after months of thinking I couldn't do it, I finally figured out Magic Loop and used it on this project - it was super easy.  I'm feeling more proficient everyday...So proud of myself!!

For more FO's please check out this link:

Cheerio

One, Two, Three....

Yes folks not one, not two ....but a mighty three Finished Objects this week...how cool is that, eh???!!!  

Not that I have finished them all this week, no that would be madness. To be truthful, it was done over the past couple of weeks but it's all exciting stuff and I feel like a proficient knitter.

So here goes, first FO is Mr H's Cowl:

Knitted in black chunky yarn, pattern is Mistakes - I've made a few!, by Susan Ashcroft, it was the fastest knit I think I've ever done but then it was done on beautiful shiny chunky needles.

Second FO is Miss H's cowl, in beautiful purple:

 I have to admit that's have worn this twice myself since knitting it, love it. The pattern is Sunset In Seattle, by Seattle Yarn.
 
And last but definitely not least, yes folks it's the Baby Blankie....finished at long last and with a week to go to the birth...ta da:

I know I said previously that I was bored of knitting the lace (see previous blog) but once completed, washed and steam blocked, I kinda fell back in love with this. Handing it over this weekend!!

Well fellow readers that's it (although at the rate I am going I may have another FO for next week - does that mean I really need to get a life???!!!)

For more FO's check out these.

Cheerio

Teenager Fashion.

Teenage fashion is a phenomenon all by itself and my son's is no exception to this rule.

For him it's all about his "swagger", whatever that means. I can't begin to tell you the amount of times our conversation can go along the lines of... "Mum, should I wear my Nikes or my Vans?", I'll reply the Vans, then it's "what colour"?.....so I'll say the black ones.....then he'll say... "no because it doesn't match anything that I'm wearing", (are you kidding me. .. black goes with everything he wears!!!!). 

Anyway after much to-ing and fro-ing over Nikes and Vans, I'll say something along the lines of why don't you wear a nice pair of shoes, to which the reply is very often "Muuuuuuummmmmm" ( meaning Mum I'm not an old man)....and then he'll change clothes and we have to go through the whole dialogue again....I give up!!

So it was with MUCH trepidation I decided to knit a hat for him, for the colder winter months.  I didn't tell him I was doing this of course, in case he poo-pooed the idea and I would be much hurt.  To be honest, I had some yarn left over from making his cowl (which he does actually wear so I must have some fashion expertise!!) and thought I might as well make a hat plus, I also wanted to make something with cables (which I haven't done since making my Quilted Throw).

So there I was on my sofa, blissfully cabling away, when my daughter let it slip what I was doing (last time I tell her anything...uh!!).  He looked at me and said.."you do know mum that I may never wear it, what does it look like?"

What????!!!!!

Well I showed him the pattern (Cabled Watch-cap by Kristen Orme), although I wanted to punch his lights out...cheeky... and then he said..."actually yeah that's the kind of hat all my friends are wearing, it's ok..yeah".  Now to translate that means..."Mum, you've hit the jackpot this time, you are a fashionista in every sense of the word, you "get" me and you "get" my style, that's my "swagger"".....Yes, folks I nailed it!!!

So just to let you all know, I am now knitting with enthusiastic frenzy, I need to get this finished soonest before he changes his "swagger" again..!!!   Here's my progress so far:

For more WIP's check out Tamis Amis blog, but for now, I have much knitting to do!!

Cheerio

Picture WIP

OK I was trying to be all deep and artistic 'cos I don't have time to write - (so much work to do).  It's my latest WIP (my daughter's cowl).

Loving the colour (purple), knitting with Wendy Mode DK, pattern Sunset In Seattle by Seattle Yarn

Promise next time I will chat more but for now, for more WIP's (with hopefully a little more information) check out Tami Amis.

Cheerio

Finished Object Friday (No. 5 - I think)

Good Friday all and as promised here are my Finished Objets D'Art (ok I'm feeling Frenchy & pretentious - well it is Friday...)

Firstly my son's cowl and actually my first attempt at knitting a cowl:

The design is Neckwarmer #1979, by Bernat and I used Wendy Mode DK. it was a nice simple knit in the round (I made it slightly longer and wider so that he could use it as a snood if he wanted to). My son is loving it at the moment. I think he particularly likes the fact that he can tighten it around his neck (I actual worked out the toggle, so proud of myself), when the weather gets nippy (which it did yesterday, boy was it cold!!).

Second is my Stockholm Scarf. Lurve......this. Oh my Lord, it is the warmest thing ever.......:










Knitted this with Rowan's Cashsoft DK, so soft, so squidgy, so warm!!!  Wore it for the first time yesterday and I have fought people who wanted to take it of my body, who stole it from the back of my chair and who put it their bags (can you believe it...???!!!).  The only thing is that it didn't like my coat and kind of "shed" on it, as you can see from the photo but that's OK, I'm getting a new coat anyway!!! (an excuse for Mr H methinks..)

Anyway, I'm off now got another cowl to finish and that lace to do...

For more FO Objets D'Art...click here:

Cheerio.

Progress Check

Yes, there is definitely a nip in the air, an easterly wind blowing and I my friends, have been busy.

Since my last post, I have knitted and finished two cowls (one for me and one for my son - think I may have told you about this one already but didn't post any pics), anyway I will tell you about these on Friday.

I'm definitely in the "Cowl" mood, so I have now casted on another one for Mr H.  It's the first time that I am knitting on 9mm needles (nearest I have come to these are 6.5mm, so this is a bit of an achievement!).  Think this one is going to go very fast, which is good because Mr H will need it as he works outdoors.

See my shiny new Knitpro needles....bought these at the Knitting & Stitching Show...love them...they are soooooo shiny.!!!

Remember my Baby Blankie, well I am progressing (albeit slowly) on this.  The body of the blanket is now finished and I am working on the lace to go around it but its boring.   I have to do approx. 468cms and I am BORED!!.  I think I have about 5 repeats of the pattern to do, which in the scheme of things is not long, but I can't work up any enthusiasm to finish it....arrgghhh!!!  I will have to though as baby is due in approx 5 weeks time and I will need to give something..(wonder if they would like baby booties instead (*sigh*).  Here's a bit of the knitted lace anyway:

The Greenleaf Wrap is still in the same condition it was in, in August.  Nothing to see there, so move on....  Same for the scarf from hell (and that's going back to April)....moving on...

Oh and I frogged the Mohair Wrap, wasn't working for me!  Will have to re-do but not until next year now!!

So all in all that's it.  I have to cast on one more cowl, this time for my daughter and then I need to finish all WIP's before the New Year (or so I tell myself, unless I see another Cowl pattern I like (which I have and then....well.....I've been eyeing up this book - putting on my Christmas list):



For more WIP's check out Tami's Amis blog:

Until Friday then...Cheerio!

Soooooo..... Excited!!!!!

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it.....yes folks, my tickets have come for the Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace on Saturday, 9th October. I'm going with my daughter, who's into sewing, she's excited too.

Oh what to do with myself before then I do not know well actually I do...I have a plan of action, as follows:

1. Printed out list of exhibitors from Ravelry, I'm in the process of "Googling" them and then highlighting the ones that I really want to see/buy from - I'm on a budget. (See I can be focused!).
    
2. Make a list of what I am in need of, want to buy and may buy if I have any money left at the end of the day.
   
   Then on the actual day, my plan of action is to:
    
3. Leave early and drive (it's going to take at least an hour and a half but apparently there's loads of free parking - result).
    
4. Wear trainers (loads of walking - I'm wearing my sketchers fitness trainers, so I can keep fit at the same time - I can multi-task!!)
    
5. Wear layers (just in case it gets too hot/cold).
    
6. Bring cash only, no cards, (I'm on a budget, see point 1 above).
    
7. Bring packed lunch, water, etc. ( no time to sit and take in a leisurely lunch. Too much to see. Also I am on a budget - see points 1 & 6 above).
    
8. Bring a big enough backpack to store purchased items in, so I am not carrying huge amounts of bags around and looking like a "bag lady". (Pity daughter is not at the baby stage so I could have a pram, to cart said purchases around in...mmmm - wonder if I could nip out and put things in the car and nip back in again, may have to ask the question).

So you see I'm organised for this one (not like the last show, where I wasn't, ended up overspending (including buying some awful yarn (see previous blog) and couldn't look Mr H in the eyes)!!! If you're going to Ally Pally on Saturday....see ya there!!

Anyway, for those of you looking for a quick WIP update, I've finished my son's cowl (you'll see an update on Friday) and I've just casted on my Stockholm Scarf, which I've named "Greenness Cowlness" (don't ask me why, 'cos I dunno!!). Loving the yarn - Rowans Cashsoft DK:




For more WIP's, check out Tami's Amis blog.

Cheerio

Quick Knitting Update

Hey, they say the weather is going to turn here in the UK and are forecasting snow for October. To be honest with you, I've given up on the weather, (what with the non-existent summer and all).

However, just in case they are right, here's the latest WIP I'm working on for my son, for those bitterly cold morning and evenings that he will be trudging home from school. It's a cowl/snood (someone tell me the difference please, as I'm not sure I know).  I'm using Wendy Mode DK in black (he's a conservative boy!!):

For more WIP check out Tami's Amis blog:

Cheerio.

First Crescent Shaped Shawl

 Guys, I'm on a roll...oh yes I am!

This is the second week that I can post a FO Friday project, how cool is that, (my son says I'm not allowed to say " cool" anymore, it shows my age - I'm supposed to say "sick" ??? I prefer "cool", please don't tell him.......).

Anyway, I've been on holiday for just over two weeks and in that time I managed to cast on, knit, bind off and block my first crescent shaped shawl, as follows:

It's knit with sock wool and I absolutely love it. Yes guys, as we a had a non existent summer, I am now gearing up for Winter. (Note: I'm back to work on Monday, in every sense of the word, so can safely say that I will be slowing back down on my knitting - aahhhh it was nice while it lasted!) For more FO's, click here: