Give pearls away and rubies...

Shetland

2012-02-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

::gazing out onto a snowy landscape::

::the fire crackling::

::spinning Shetland fibre and feeling a deep connection to the most basic comfort from warmth and wool we all draw::

::listening to gentle haunting celtic music::

::winter warmth::

::february fibre::

January Colours

2012-01-28T06:02:00.000-08:00

::starting off with a simple one row scarf by Stephanie Pearl -McPhee made with Juno Fiber Arts UK alpaca, BFL top in fawn::

::Peerie Flooers mittens by Kate Davis which are so pretty::

::cheering up January is an Art Box I'm Happy bag together with a project by Laura Linneman of The Knitgirllls called Mittens For Me Knit-a-long which is a mystery knit-a-long::

::I'm Happy::

January 2012 and some promises to myself

2012-01-28T05:45:00.000-08:00

::some promises to myself for the coming year::

::to read more of my knitting books, reference, novels etc::

::to expand my spinning horizons::

::to learn about weaving::

::new year intentions::

Not Necessarily Knitting

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

::England in November and the perfect opportunity to visit some beautiful Towns and Villages in North Norfolk and, of course, to don some of my knitted accessories::

::The photo above was taken in Walsingham where I was able to buy some Christmas food items::

:: We were staying in Holt and just so Friday could stretch his legs we went off to one of the magnificent Norfolk beaches which was basking in some very exotic weather for this time of year::

::At the beginning of December (photos below) we were off to the Medieval Villages and Towns in Suffolk for Christmas Fairs and dreaming of owning a romantic thatched cottage::

::Mid December and time for brunch (and some mulled cider) in the Pump Street Bakery in Orford, Suffolk::

::Followed by some Christmas Shopping at the Snape Christmas Market::

::Then home to our local The Peldon Rose for a Roast Beef dinner by an open fire::

::After a lovely Christmas Day with family it was off for a walk along the beach to watch everyone who dared dive into the cold waters to raise money for the Royal Lifeboat Institution::Thankfully for them we are still enjoying some very mild weather::

::I was always toasty and warm thanks to my lovely hats and scarves and mittens knitted throughout the year::

Holiday Glitter KAL

2011-11-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

::love watching this to inspire me whilst knitting along with Lisette (ilovescarves on Ravelry) who has set up a group to knit something from the Louisa Harding book Simonetta to honour such a talented designer::

::I am knitting a Madelena 2 in glorious deep, rich Christmasy jewel colours::

::time to enjoy all things icy and glittery::

Knitting Kinfolk

2011-11-14T06:29:00.001-08:00

::a beautiful package dropped through the letterbox this week::
::a reprint of the Kinfolk book with its wonderful photography and text::

::reminding me of how good it was to open my door to knitting friends::
::spending the day talking, knitting, and eating simple home-cooked food together::

2011-11-04T00:55:00.000-07:00

::Look here where Kate Davies and Felicity Ford are having fun helping us all appreciate what makes wool different::

::here is my entry to the competition::Suffolk knits with Leicester::they are made with Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds DK::

Halloween Yarns

2011-10-31T04:19:00.000-07:00

::An overload of all things Dracula this Halloween::

::A visit to Layer Marney Towers where The Keeper's Daughter delighted us with a spooky adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula::The Keeper's Daughter is a social enterprise theatre company bursting with energy and this tour of Dracula to rural areas juxtaposed le coq physical theatre, chorus work, clown, improvisation, dance with a classic story::

::Reading the Oxford World's Classic edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula::

::Whilst listenting to CraftLit's reading of Dracula::

::Keeping my little needle felted Dracula nearby to add to the fun::made by my talented sister-in-law over on Folksy where you will find her as Felt Face::

::Hallowe'en or Mischief Night (Scotland) when children go 'guising' earning goodies by performing a party piece and the household they visit must guess who they are disguised as and then the children are given apples, nuts and sweets::

Heigh ho for hallowe'en
When the fairies a' are seen,
Some black and some green
Heigh ho for hallowe'en
TRADITIONAL|

::Whatever you are up to this Hallowe'en be spooky, scary and safe::

Fall(ing)

2011-10-06T01:03:00.000-07:00

::September slipped past me without my noticing::

::Straight into Autumn and to celebrate a pumpkin Soay by Gudrun Johnston at The Shetland Trader::

::Listen:: Isabelle::at Kitty Couture podcast::textiles::literature::set in France::

Sparkling Ocean

2011-08-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

::Sparkling glints of sunshine on the ocean on my morning walks was the inspiration for this amazing shawl::
::designed by Stephen West::
::the yarn was from the Unicorn Club and was a secret yarn made from llama, cashmere and silk and the sparkles were Sterling Silver Sparkle Sock which is merino, silk and nylon and they were both from Fyberspates::
::a shawl I will definitely be knitting again::

A Limited Edition of Rowan

2011-07-01T05:17:00.000-07:00

::A Limited Edition of Rowan Magazine Issue #50::

::A hardback version bound in dark brown mock leather with gold embossing::

::Split into the usual three themes with its stunning high art layout::

::Wildwood is an evocation of the rich autumnal colours of the British rural countryside::
::especially beautiful to me Maple in felted tweed by Marie Wallin, Chestnut in Kid Classic by Marie Willin and Alder Wrap in Kidsilk Haze by Kaffe Fassett::

::Finesse inspired by the retro influences of the late 1950's and early 1960's::
::my own childhood era but not particularly speaking to me of those times I still admire Martha in Pure Wool dk designed by Sara Dallas and am intrigued by Connie in Kidsilk Haze & Pure Wool 4ply by Jenie Atkinson which does remind me of the textures I loved way back then::

::Finally Winter Essentials a collection of key shapes and textures on trend::
::Passion in Cocoon designed by Amanda Crawford is cozy and edgy but I am totally intrigued by Warmth in Kid Classic by Erika Knight which I think would be amazing fun to wear::

::Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 50, Limited Edition::Something to celebrate::

Where your heart is

2011-06-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

::Alice Starmore Hebridean 2 Ply ::
::Incredible Angora 100% 4ply

by Orkney Angora ::

::Wazz's Winter Walking Outfit #1 by Kate Davis::

::the yarn is so evocative of Scottish landscape and this little head warmer is perfect for keeping your hair from your eyes and making you very cozy::

Crossing your needles with Silver

2011-06-25T06:06:00.000-07:00

::a treat::

::silver stitch markers to glide smoothly over lace knitting::bliss::

::worn around your neck they make beautiful and practical adornments::

::made by Tanya who runs my knit and natter group::have a look at her lovely jewellery here::

As Time Goes By

2011-02-14T08:38:00.000-08:00

::time to catch up::

::finishing Macaroon knitted purse from Cotton & Cloud::

::Snowflake coaster by Martin Storey from the book Nordic Knits::

::Devon socks by Cookie A::

::Baby Boomer yarn from Juno Fibre Arts::

::Knit along with Round The Twist on Ravelry::

::Hand dyed silk yarn from Louisa Harding::
::to be Sophie from the Fade to Grey book::

::another knit along with Round The Twist::
::Wanida from Cookie A's book Sock Innovation::
::Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the Somerset colourway::

T does TdoesWool

2010-11-03T07:54:00.001-07:00

::from time to time someone comes up with a beautiful gift::

::these fingerless mitts from TdoesWool were a delight to knit::

::Rowan Lima::

::just perfect::

Being lead by the yarn

2010-10-02T05:27:00.000-07:00

::sometimes you find yourself drawn to the yarn without any firm idea of what you will do with it::

::I am having an adventure with some grey Habu silk yarn and some mohair in a complementary lavender::

::my thinking is taking me along the route of a fabric with a woven look interspersed with some textural changes introduced through the use of the mohair::

::it will be all about the journey and the ending will be cherished for itself with no preset idea of use of purpose::

::exciting::

IKnit London Weekender

2010-09-13T07:25:00.001-07:00

::My Iknit London affair was a very low key one::

::I came::I chatted::I purchased::

::beautiful Habu silks and mohairs::

::some grey Fyberspates flecked with sterling silver::

::a cute Thatch Knit Cable Headband kit from the Toft Alpaca Shop::

::some adventurer stitchmarkers from The Bothered Owl::

::two patterns from Medicin Sans Frontieres::

::postcards from the Knitting Nora's::

::I walked to the Embankment for lunch by the river::

::a perfect brief encounter::

Hawthorne

2010-09-08T09:45:00.001-07:00

::an autumnal delight::Hawthorne a bag by Louisa Harding from her book Little Cake::

::spotted linen lining from Linnet::a favourite textile store::

::the perfect bag for autumn outings in my new purple coat::

Knitting and nattering under the willow

2010-08-13T01:56:00.000-07:00

::it was a Suffolk knitting from a Leicester at the Natural Dye Studio's Knitting under the Willow Tree Day::

::lots of knitting, crochet, spinning, eating and chatting under a dreamy willow tree bower::

::the naturally dyed yarn was dreamy too and I'm planning a little crochet magic with my unicorn sock yarn thanks to one or two of Amanda's stunning patterns I picked up at this special day::

Market Bag

2010-07-23T03:12:00.001-07:00

::a lovely free gift with Knitting magazine::

::Grace Melville's Market Bag exclusively for Knitting::click for interview::

::made with the Rowan purelife revive yarn which is recycled silk, cotton and viscose::

::shopping made very glamerous::

Knitting Along

2010-07-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

::sometimes it is good to have company::

::Eunice by Cookie A socks::

::knitting along with Carin from Round The Twist::

A Day at the Races

2010-06-17T23:12:00.001-07:00

::another empathetic monster to celebrate my wedding anniversary and Ladies Day at Ascot::

::a really fun way to use those precious left over yarns that you don't want to part with::

::life is fun::

Penelope - the empathetic monster

2010-05-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

::Penelope, the empathetic monster::

::loves cupcakes and tea parties and fun::

::a lovely gift to knit to cheer up someone whatever their age::

::from Rebecca Danger using left over yarn from other projects::

::ear ornaments - model's own::

Habu Belt

2010-05-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

::a new week::a new project::

::habu knitted belt kit from Stitchville::

::notebook from Susan Hill's Longbarn books::

::this should be a really quick project to pop in to alleviate the monogomous knitting syndrome that is in danger of setting in whilst I knit on the Tanit's Jacket project::

Welcome to the world, Sophie

2010-05-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

::you took the world by surprise and arrived so early::

::these tiny Erika Knight slippers will keep you warm::

::beautiful jaeger 4ply silk yarn::

::from Simple Knits for Cherished babies::

::a cherished babe indeed::

2010-04-22T02:52:00.000-07:00

::my current knitting is giving me a lot to think about::

::sometimes things are flawed through our own fault::

::do we need to attain perfection or allow what has flowed out of us to remain as being true to ourselves at that moment in time::

::the overall picture is one of unity but on closer inspection the imperfections can be seen::

::but not necessarily noticed::

::they will remain::known to me::perhaps to be noticed by others::who will not attach emotion to them in the way that I will::

::imperfect but still beautiful::

2010-03-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

::a thought on choosing yarn and how it relates to pattern::

::beautiful Louisa Harding yarn and pattern but the two are not working together::

::a lot of the detail is lost because the colour of the yarn is too light::

::the project will be completed over time and maybe the blocking process may enhance its beauty and bring out the detail::

::all part of the knitting journey::

Dreaming of Childhood

2010-02-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

::dreaming of simpler days of childhood when white lace socks made me feel happy and special::

::today grey fancy silk socks from Nancy Bush's book 'Knitting Vintage Socks' in Madeline Tosh Sock yarn also make me happy and special, why not?::

Chocolate and Toast

2010-02-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

::sometimes you need comfort::

::Toasty by A Friend to Knit With is just what is called for::

::for maximum comforting knit in Verra Yarns Shambala Yak in Chocolate::

Waving not Drowning

2010-02-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

::Unicorn yarn in pink elephant and silver colourways::

::Lake Huron Waves pattern::

::an easy five row pattern but a long and winding journey to mirror my own::

::sometimes drowning not waving::

Some New Year's Intentions

2010-01-09T08:34:00.001-08:00

::I like to think in terms of being intent on doing something rather than resolute which sounds so harsh::these are some of my intentions this year::

::to improve on a knitting skill such as finishing techniques::
::to learn a new skill and that will be crochet::
::to get to know my Knit & Natter group better::
::to encourage someone new to knitting and to continue to teach my nieces to knit::
::to explore knitting construction and design in order to ‘play’ more with my projects::

Family Intentions

2009-12-01T02:23:00.001-08:00

::for December::a Knit-along::

::Intentions yarn called Family::

::Personal aim::to do a little on this project each day of December during Advent::to dedicate each day's work to someone in my family::

A Welcome

2009-11-19T03:40:00.000-08:00

::welcome to the world Michael Oliver::

::simple garter stitched First Blanket by Erika Knight from her beautiful Natural Nursery Knits book::Using Rowan bamboo with its soft drape and texture::

::Baby carryboo in sublime Blue Faced Leicester from H W Hammand & Co::

Clean Lines

2009-10-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

::Washcloth from Debbie Bliss Magazine in Eco Cotton::

'In My Craft or Sullen Art'

2009-10-09T00:26:00.000-07:00

::It is finished::
::Amongst this amazing sullen art are my blank squares::
::The greatest knitted poem revealed at one of my favourite places::

A Celebration

2009-10-08T08:01:00.001-07:00

::Greetings from Knit Cafe socks made in 2007::
::time to put my feet up and raise a glass to my Ravelry anniversary of two years::

::Pattern - Comfy Socks by Ulli S. Shibuya::

::Yarn - Blue Sky Alpacas & Silk and GGH Soft Kid::

Debbie Bliss Magazine Issue 3

2009-09-20T04:30:00.001-07:00

::The new Fall/Winter 2009 Debbie Bliss Magazine::

::Red is the colour for this season in all its gloriousness::

::As is tartan::as is Britannia Rules::

::Argyll Dog Bean Bag in Rialto Aran is delightful and top of my list::

::And in 'The Need for Tweed' section the Boat-Collared Jacket in Cashmerino Chunky could be on my needles before long::

Provencal Knitting Journal

2009-09-20T04:23:00.001-07:00

::Time for a new knitting journal::
::This one from Chopped Tomatoes Design Kitchen is a work of art::
::Beautiful pages to fill with notes and drawings::

Glazed

2009-09-20T04:18:00.000-07:00

::Darielles Clay Art Yarn Pot::

::So beautiful you can find yourself gazing at the pot instead of knitting::

Knitting the City

2009-09-17T04:20:00.000-07:00

::Just love this having been born in the area and was once a bridesmaid at one of the churches::

I Knit Weekender

2009-09-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

::On Friday I went to the I Knit Weekender at the Royal Horticultural Halls in St Vincent Square, london::

::The first thing I fell for was this beautiful ball of sock loveliness called Zauberball in beautiful autumnal colours::

::then there was this smooshy Malabrigo worsted for the Jared Flood hat Quincy::

::and some very interesting 2 ply hemp from The House of Hemp for Thursday which is by Assemblage and is a sculptural handknitted layering garment::

::then some Louisa Harding Willow Tweed for Pikenaze a scarf from her new book 'Little Cake'::

::I wasn't going to leave without purchasing the Naked Knitting 2010 calendar from the Knitting Noras whose 'extreme' knitting has led them to making this artily shot work in aid of cancer treatment and research at 'The Christie' hospital in north west Britain::

::it was a treat to be able to meet Lisa at their stand who was sporting a beautifully knit pair of hand dyed socks made for her by my Raveller friend 'Crobbles' who also features in the calendar::

::I got the chance to say hello to everyone at The Natural Dye Studio stand::and it was a nice surprise to meet Anne from Ipswich Knitterati::as well as to meet another Raveller, Bachan with her lovely MIL::

::irresistible yarn::beautiful products::good causes::delightful knitty people::

Twist and Shout

2009-09-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

::Online loveliness can be found at Twist Collective::

::a beautifully presented online knitting magazine with gorgeous patterns to purchase::

::the Twist Collective are a group of talented designers and writers who have come together to give knitters a sophisticated and fascinating magazine::

::have a browse and see for yourself and be tempted by the knitterly goodness::

Take Note

2009-08-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

::And every new knitting bag needs a new knitting notebook::

::This one is from Brownberry Yarns and celebrates "herdy the cute and lovable character born out of the cute and lovable Herdwick sheep. A breed that thrives against all odds on the high fells of England's Lake District and helps sculpt a stunning landscape appreciated the world over. herdy produces a contemporary range of products beautifully designed to the highest quality and with integrity - products which help support, through their sale, brilliant environmental and sustainability causes in this very special place. To find out more and even become a friend of herdy visit their web site at www.herdy.co.uk"::

Namaste

2009-08-21T04:37:00.001-07:00

::knitterly goodness arriving by post::

::in the big red cardboard post office box::

::a beautiful, practical, pleather knitting bag by Jordana Paige::

::an equally beautiful, practical, pleather storage case by Namaste::

::and to delight the lovely store owners at Yarnover put in a ball of Noro yarn (just like you put a coin in a purse to bring luck) and a yummy lollipop::

Blank Verse

2009-08-17T03:54:00.000-07:00

::The Poetry Society is celebrating 100 years::

::my contribution will be to knit a blank square using 100% pure new wool in double knit::

::cast on 68 stitches and knit in stocking stitch until there is a 12'' square::

::label with name, where you live and your favourite poem whilst knitting::

::today's poem is::two poems::

::Ted Hughes' Big Poppy::

Bleeding inwardly

Her maternal nectars into her own

Coffin - (cradle of her offspring)

::Sylvia Plath's Poppies in July::

If I could bleed or sleep! ---

If my mouth could marry a hurt like that!

::both poems can be found in the beautiful Flora Poetica, The Chatto Book of Botanical Verse selected and edited by Sarah Maquire::

::knitting and poetry::

Aestlight Shawl

2009-07-30T05:12:00.000-07:00

::Aestlight Shawl from The Shetland Trader - Gudrun Johnston::

::Intentions Yarn from Lime & Violet Club::Hand dyed merino mix::

::Think of the recipient and mindfully knit them an article with Bliss in your heart::

A Long Term Project

2009-07-30T05:01:00.001-07:00

::something beautiful from a simple pattern::

::mindful whilst knitting without thinking::

::perfection is in the absolute uniformity of the knitting repetitiveness::

::First Blanket::from the stunningly beautiful Natural Nursery Knits by Erika Knight::

Peruvian delights

2009-07-02T06:18:00.000-07:00

::trekking in Peru::

::what knitterly goodness delights the eye::

::colour::

::softness::

::textures::

::imagine this::

Far and Away

2009-06-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

::Someone will be enjoying a birthday in June::
::What will I do when you are far away and I am blue, what will I do::

::a cupcake glove puppy made with love will be what I do::

A Little Light Reading

2009-05-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

::sometimes all you want to do is curl up with something knitting related to read::
::Gil McNeil divas don't knit and it's follow up needles and purls::
::soft, girly, happy ever afters::

::and the new edition of The Knitter::

Cotton & Cloud

2009-05-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

::pushing the boundaries::
::sewing a purse::knitting a purse::
::from a very talented designer::

2009-05-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

::madeline tosh sock yarn::
::hushed grey tones::
::calling for a pattern::

bluefaced

2009-05-16T06:41:00.001-07:00

::the thrill of a new project::

::carryboo from Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino 3::

::wonderful 100% merino wool from H. W. Hammand & Co::

::112.5 meters per 50 grams::machine washable at 30 deg::

::pure::

::creamy white::

::soft::

::beautiful stitch definition::

K1 Glasgow

2009-05-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

::in my beautiful re-cycled newspaper bag from K1 in Glasgow::

::hand dyed in Orkney Selkie cashmere and merino in Brownie and Skara Brae colourways::

::Designer Knitting magazine Spring/Summer 2009::

::baby cashmerino 3 book by Debbie Bliss with H W Hammand & Co bluefaced superwash merino dk in cream for a polar bear boho blanket::

Something old, something new

2009-04-18T06:28:00.001-07:00

::two beautiful books::

::memories of skills retained in both from even earlier generations::

::lace work and cables and layers of colour::

::the appeal of casting on a project from each::

::the yarn::the needles::the rhythm of the work::

::something old, something new, something treasured::

Reminded of Glass

2009-03-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

::I was reminded of wire held in glass::

::And being a knitter, of course, I had tried knitted wire::

::glass bowl with knitted wire made when experimenting on my degree course::

Figure

2009-03-27T04:09:00.000-07:00

::A wish::
::Lucy's stunningly beautiful mannequins::
::Ysolda is hunting for one::
::perhaps she would like to look here::

Pastel

2009-03-26T07:27:00.001-07:00

::Nora's cami is completed::
::Rowan Purelife Cotton::
::Pattern is free here ::
::Thank you for this beautiful project, Nora::

Spring Clean

2009-03-26T02:46:00.001-07:00

::My inspiration is May Blossom::

::My theme is Spring Cleaning::

::My tools will be::

::Debbie Bliss Eco Fairtrade Cotton::

::Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino::

::For a dishcloth::

::For a Lace Shelf Decoration::

For my Faerie Friend

2009-03-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

::scientific wire::

::ethereal results::

::silver and glass beads::

block

2009-03-18T04:52:00.000-07:00

::blocking::to obtain a smooth, even texture::

::Nora's cami coming to life::

::washed with Pure Collection Cashmere Wash::excess moisture removed::laid out on smooth surface to dry::

A Longing

2009-03-12T05:29:00.001-07:00

::getting gauge::

::a longing for Nora's beaded cami::

::here is beautiful inspiration::

::Rowan purelife organic cotton naturally dyed::madder::

A Beginning

2009-03-12T05:23:00.001-07:00

::the sheer delight of conquering a new skill::

::a beautiful little crochet purse courtesy of Kyoko::

::skills learnt with the help of others for which thanks are due::

Battery Chicken Jacket

2009-03-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

::Laughing Hens Pattern::

::Battery Chicken Jacket::cluck here for details::

A Letter

2009-03-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

I asked and was given a letter.

I shall give you ten for this m:

::first::

::Mersea Island::my home::grey::beautiful::a place for reflection::

::second::

::Moon::Lantern moon::miracle movers::

::the third::

::Musings::material moments::

::the fourth::

::Memories::Miss York::you never forget your first teacher::

::the fifth::

::markers::macabre and metal::

::a sixth::

::Magazines::for mooching and meandering and inspiration::

::the seventh::

::Masks::mysterious and momentous::Venice::the city of dreams::

::an eighth::

::Making::a need to create in so many mediums::

::the ninth::

::Medieval::manuscripts::materials::mystics::music::their gardens::their herbs::their healing::their wisdom::poetry::prose and plays::

::last not least my ten::

::Macro::my photography::my method of communication::in minute detail::

I have a letter and it is your's for the asking.

Thank you to Vicky at Crobbles.

A little Spring inspiring

2009-03-08T01:36:00.000-08:00

::who could not be inspired by Sofia Coppola's beautifully filmed advert::

::spring inspiration for knitting::

::pale pastels::brightness::lightness::

::life affirming::joyousness::fun::

::i want to knit spring::

Finishing

2009-03-07T10:39:00.001-08:00

::Sirdar Chunky Tweedie Cardi::

::Guage achieved using 5.5mm needles::

::Warm, wearable cable cardi for the last of winter::

Red Nose Corsage

2009-03-06T10:04:00.001-08:00

::Juliet Bernard's Red Nose Corsage::

::made with oddments::

::to be worn with pride::

Completion

2009-03-04T01:04:00.001-08:00

::Leonie's hat::

::to welcome her when she returns from the heat of Kenya to the cold of Britain::

::and to keep her warm when she is skiing later this month in the snowy French Alps::

::but most of all to let her know she is loved and cherished::

Ribbed Wrap Top

2009-03-01T06:09:00.000-08:00

As everything is becoming lighter and warmer there is a need to reflect that in my knitting. The beauty of pure silk. A wonderful sheen and delicateness.

The yarn is on its way from Consider The Lily and in the meantime a square for guage has been knitted, washed and blocked. Absolutely essential for this Debbie Bliss pattern.

Lessons must be learned from other knitters about sizing and ease and drape. This will be a challenging piece of textile to execute.

Jo Sharp - A Wish List II

2009-02-27T02:23:00.000-08:00

::Jo Sharp Book Seven::

::i would::

::wouldn't you::

In a different place

2009-02-27T00:53:00.000-08:00

::Ipswich Knitterati::

We had somewhere new to meet.

Isaacs a beautiful beamed medieval building on the waterfront in Ipswich.

The sounds of joyful voices embedding themselves into the being of the building as row upon row of knitting and crocheting grew from our needles.

A celebration on my return home.

The delight of choosing some habu and a fizzy lush bath bomb.

Jo Sharp - A Wish List

2009-02-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

::Jo Sharp book seven::

::the start of a new wish list::

Mili Bag

2009-02-26T07:08:00.000-08:00

::A subscription::The Knitter::A gift::The Mili bag::

::beautiful blue and striped silk::

::Guardian article here::

Candy Stripe Crochet Purse

2009-02-26T07:02:00.001-08:00

::Kyoko Nakayoshi's Candy Stripe Crochet Purse from Cotton & Cloud ::

::a new departure::

::crochet::

Knit Graffiti Chicks

2009-02-19T23:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wVfUwVQhS8

Interesting comments on this Youtube about graffiti knitting. Perhaps it is possible to knit scarves for the homeless as well as getting out there and having fun too. As a knitter and a keen fan of Banksy I find it a great art form.

You can join Knitta Please in London on 20th February at 10 am at the Royal Festival Hall Cafe for some guerrilla knitting action.

Reading All About It

2009-02-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

Spoilt for choice but mine would be:

Rowan Magazine for:

Stylishness

Designs

Home projects

Yarn Forward for:

Style

Patterns

Reviews

Tales from a Yarn Shop

Debbie Bliss for:

Beautiful Style

Blissful Life

Home Projects (loving The White House)

The Knitter for:

Glossiness

The Knitter Loves

Book Reviews

Patterns

Masterclass

The Knitter Giveaway (surely I must win)

My choices are influenced by modernity, glossiness, beautiful patterns both for clothes and the home. I also want my magazine to look at some non-knitting related things.

Leonie's Hat

2009-02-11T05:36:00.001-08:00

::a new project::a hat for Leonie::

::pattern from the purl bee::

::yarn 2 ply merino Plato in smoke colourway from Violet Green::and yet to get kid silk haze::

::new project bag from Cotton and Cloud::

Red Flannel Elephant

2009-02-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

::sometimes you have to give in to your inner child::

::Gretel's 'Little Clown' series::

::exquisite::

A Wish List

2009-02-07T03:22:00.001-08:00

A wish list inspired by Yarncollector.

This week I wish...

for moments of quiet to sift and sort
my knitting mind....

for inspiration to finish the embroidery on the two sets of cupcake mittens made for Karen's beautiful daughters....

for steady growth on the tweedie knitted cardigan....for
assurance that the guage is as it should be....

for time to ponder the wisdom of those
who podcast.... who make me laugh and feel inspired....

for everyone to enjoy the last meeting
at Purl & Co for Ipswich Knitterati on Thursday....

for time to create a meaningful space
in my workroom for intentions knitting....

for the fog to clear so that I
can find the answers to the February Unicorn Quest....

A wish list, a knitting wish list.

Twittering

2009-02-05T01:52:00.001-08:00

Thinking it would be interesting to follow Amanda from The Natural Dye Studio over on her Twitter account, I have now found myself signed up.

It is a very tentative step I take towards this extreme sport of words but we shall see.....

French Girl Knits

2009-01-27T04:50:00.000-08:00

A new year, a new knitting book.

This short film whets an appetite for lace; for floaty sheer knitting. Outside the sun is shining making me dream of summer lightness and a path away from cables and aran.

Mac Gregor

2009-01-21T03:09:00.000-08:00

An acknowledgement of Scottish ancestors.

Mac Gregor from Wildspur by Louisa Harding.

Hulda yarn 50gram balls, 110 yards (100m). 50% wool, 30% acrylic, 20% linen. So soft yet hardy.

Moss stitch, lace and stocking stitch combine in a beautiful slate grey to invoke the Scottish hills and rivers.

There will be haggis to celebrate Burns Night later this week and some browsing at Knit1 to enhance the Scottish knitting mood.

Unicorns

2009-01-14T05:02:00.001-08:00

A new year, a new challenge.

An invitation arrived to join the Unicorn Club being run by Fyberspates and The Natural Dye Studio over at Ravelry.

There will be lots of riddles to solve from April to December. You have to purchase the yarn and attached to the label there will be a clue. After you have solved all nine you can be entered into a draw to win a large amount of yarn which will be hand dyed in colours of your choice. How could anyone resist.

To get out appetite whetted we had to solve a puzzle and then enter the word onto our order and if you were correct there would be a discount taken from the purchase (you didn't actually have to buy). As you can see I managed this task. My reward two 100 gram hanks of 100% Bluefaced Leicester aran from Fyberspates which I hope to make into a neckwarmer with matching handwarmers.

There will be a riddle each Friday and one per month as well as the main challenge. So now I'm working on the monthly quest which is proving great fun.

The Knitter

2009-01-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

A new magazine: The Knitter

A wonderful excuse to sit and dream of even more tempting knitting projects.

I particularly liked the fact that it embraces more than just knitting, seeing us as whole people interested in other things too.

This magazine feels modern and has elements from other national magazines such as 'The Knitter Giveaway' which is a competition to raise funds for charity giving the reader a chance to win a bag full of all sorts of things.

The theme is cables and lace and there are some very good new patterns as well as some extracted from books. There are several well known designers contributing both patterns and technique masterclasses.

Perhaps Ipswich Knitterati will be interested to see that there is a Knitter's Reader's Club for groups to send in photos and details of the projects their members are making.

Something good for the start of this New Year.

Riding to Avalon

2009-01-08T06:37:00.001-08:00

Riding to Avalon

Worn at last on a frosty morning keeping me warm and happy

The colour seems so right for this muddy island flecked with reflected blue tones from the winter sky

A simple neck warmer

2009-01-08T06:33:00.001-08:00

One single skein of cobweb yarn called to you

You answered with a simple stocking stitched neck warmer held together with the hair pin you wore to a wedding which had been waiting for an opportunity such as this

Friday's Christmas Collar

2009-01-08T06:29:00.000-08:00

Rowan felted Christmas Collar

Beautiful dark green felt with jewel bright textile hearts and mother of pearl buttons to keep Friday happy

A Christmas Blanket for Harvey

2009-01-08T06:25:00.001-08:00

Warmth by Jo Sharp for Harvey

Soft and warm with a beautiful drape to sit and snuggle together on such misty, cold days.

Christmas Ipswich Knitterati

2009-01-08T06:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas has been a time for reflection, for catching up, for sitting in front of a roaring log fire and making time for knitting.
We met at Purl & Co for a Christmas evening of punch and mince pies, chatter and sharing project ideas. My 'show and tell' was the Rowan Christmas Felted Wreath. There were lots of beautiful projects amongst them hats, jewellery, bags, socks, jumpers and shawls. There were stunningly beautiful wedding photographs showing knitted accessories. It was such a fitting celebration with knitting friends.

Ipswich knitterati - November

2008-11-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

A very busy meeting. We all huddle upstairs around the table. Lots of talk, lots of laughter. Lizzie brings Edu to teach him to knit - two days before their wedding. Gasps and good wishes fill the air. A new, very expectant knitter reveals accidentally that Anne and I were born in the same hospital in the East End of London. There is a beautiful baby blanket knitted in mitred squares to be admired along with a new project in Rowan Cocoon::note to self, find pattern that will need that yarn::Clive, gently, corrects my earlier post to say he knits wombs not wounds. I visit Ravelry and admire his handiwork.

I arrive home, having knit a few rows on the Debbie Bliss placemats, full of inspiration and ideas for my future knitting projects and so happy to have spent time in such good company.

October Ipswich Knitterati/Felted Yoga Mat Bag

2008-10-15T04:39:00.000-07:00

Another meeting of minds, swapping of news, ideas and a sharing of knowledge. Various yarns, various needle sizes, various skill levels. Warmth and happiness shared around a common table.

::Felted Yoga Mat Bag::

::Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson::

::crystal palace daisy 6.4mm circular needles::

::manos del uruguay 100% handspun kettle-dyed wool in three colours::

Easy and quick project to last me over the winter months - especially for evenings like this when you want to absorb the atmosphere and each stitch becomes a memory of Lizzie's sister's newborn, her pending marriage, Anne's search for yarn for a teddybear, another's success with a baby tee, someone's beautiful sock, an adorable white hat with pompoms worn by it's owner, a broken needle, yarn for stitchmarking, laughter, the cheery goodbyes and the promise of just such a meeting again soon.

Boo

2008-10-15T04:31:00.000-07:00

Boo

::Mochimochi Land Patterns::

::oddments of wool::gauge doesn't matter::needles dpns roughly size 3 or 4 mm::

Anna Hrachovec in New York brings us this delightful Halloween character which appeals to both children and adults and is drawn from the Japanese Kawaii culture.

Little Pumpkins Socks

2008-10-11T01:27:00.001-07:00

Getting in the spirit of Hallowe'en. A time for mischief and magic and little pumpkins socks.

::Regia Silk Sock Yarn::
::50 g::
::200m::
::55% new wool::20% silk::25% polyamide::
::2.25mm Knitpicks dpns::
::Knitpicks small ridged cable needle::

Pattern free on Ravelry by Sheepaints (Sabine Rupert). The link to her site will give you the option to print the pattern as a pdf file in American English.

I heard about this pattern whilst listening to the Stash and Burn podcast and when I saw this lovely pale pumpkin coloured yarn at my local yarn shop I knew I was going to cast on.

From ghoulies and ghosties and long-legged beasties

And things that go bump in the night,

Good Lord, deliver us!

CORNISH PRAYER

Boucle Neck Warmer - finished project

2008-10-08T04:44:00.000-07:00

This was a wonderfully quick project to knit. The yarn is soft and warm and the design is fun and different. I think I may have enough yarn left to make a second to give away this Christmas.

Pattern instructions were easy to follow and the only changes I made were to use a smaller needle for the frilled edge on one edge and to pick up on the wrong side for the second edge so that when folded the picking up would not show.

Boucle Neck Warmer

2008-10-01T05:54:00.001-07:00

Another project for the needles::bright orange size 8mm::rosewood Lantern Moon size 7mm::handturned Brittany 5mm::

Juju Vail's Boucle Neck Warmer from Pretty Knits 30 Designs from Loop in London

To celebrate the arrival of October I need a quick and stunning project and this simple neck warmer will see me through to the colder months ahead.

September Natural Dye Studio Sock Club

2008-10-01T05:47:00.001-07:00

Inspire::berries::wheatfields::plums::rosehips::

Tipsy Knitters Socks from Socks Socks Socks by Elaine Rowley

Yarn::Blue faced Leicester 4 ply sock from The Natural Dye Studio

Needles::2.75dpns

Ravelry::Thistledown

Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine Fall/Winter 2008 Review

2008-09-12T05:13:00.000-07:00

This is the 'premiere' issue of a new knitting magazine by Vogue Knitting called 'debbie bliss'

There are 36 designs in the magazine some of which have appeared in other Debbie Bliss books. The magazine is split up into 'Features' including 'The Blisful Life' which are products, recipes, stores etc. A review of books, an interview (this issue it is designer/author Melody Griffiths), a question and answer section, review of yarns and pattern instructions. The second part is called 'Fashion' and deals with the current and predicted trends and the featured designs.

It is very beautifully photographed and there is a lot of inspiration for knitters of all abilities. Even if you already have a lot of the patterns in other books you will not be disappointed to have new patterns all for the very reasonable price of £3.75 (recommended price in the UK).

The format is that of a regular magazine and the themes are soft and subdued, elegant with good photography. There are lots of articles and features to recommend this and as it is due to be published twice yearly you will find it a lot cheaper than, say, a subscription to Rowan Magazine.

Ipswich Knitterati

2008-09-12T03:35:00.000-07:00

Ipswich Knitterati meet at Purl & Co every two weeks. Knitting, chatting, sharing ideas and knowledge. To be surrounded by like-minded friendly knitters was a tonic. Yarn, books, magazines all inspirational.

Ravellers Anne and Nadia are very special knitters who made me so welcome and gave me a lift to the meeting. I cannot thank them enough for their kindness.

Highlights of the evening were Clive who knits wounds and body parts and his wife who knits with the most amazing yarns.

Book Review: Jo Sharp Home

2008-09-11T05:21:00.000-07:00

::Jo Sharp::

::Home::Hand knitting collection Book number four::

The book is divided into three sections by yarn: Rare Comfort Kid Mohair, Silkroad Aran Tweed and Classic DK Wool.

These sections are then broken down into photographs of projects and photos of the colourways in each yarn. At the end section of the book are the patterns. These are also grouped according to the yarn with information about how much experience the knitter will need. The instructions are clear and there are charts for pattern work.

This book is lovely to snuggle down to on a lazy day and dream of all the homely projects you might wish to make. Let the descriptions and the images wash over you and soon you will be inspired to begin your knitting using her soft enveloping yarns like warmth for Harvey.