NEED MORE HOURS

I could do with having a few more hours in the day so that I can knit, crochet and cross stitch to my hearts content. My mum thinks I could do less crafting and more tidying and dusting :-/
Anyhoo I have been busy, I finallly succumbed to the lure of Tess Dawsons' crochet book, and I have to say I found the instructions really easy to follow and the projects are lovely. I managed to crochet a scarf in just a few hours using 1 ball Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Marmalade.


I have aslo started another lacy scarf from VLT, this time I'm using Kidsilk Haze in Jelly, what can I say, I like the stuff. This one is on page 98 and has French Trellis borders with bramble leaf centre. I've just started the centre section.


I'm also knitting a pair of 'plain' socks for my son Wills' girlfriend, she goes off to uni in less than two weeks. I'm using Opal sock yarn which has been hand dyed using Koolaid.


Must go and do some work or should I say, pick out a laceweight yarn for a KAL I've just joined. More details later when I finally decide what yarn/colour I decide to use.

Finished two cardies

I've finally finished the Opal Magic cardigan, it seemed to take ages to knit. It looks a bit big but hey, it means Lewis, my brothers' grandson will get to wear it for longer. I hope they like it.

I also asked my brothers' wife whether their neice would like socks, mittens or maybe a cardigan for her dolly, as I didn't want her to feel left out, so my SIL said a cardie for Annabelle.
I used a pattern from Sirdar Early Arrivals 1 and knitted the second premature size in Jaeger Matchmaker Merino 4ply.


INTARSIA KNITTING CLASS
Went to http://www.hkhandknitonline.co.uk/ on Wednesday night for the Intarsia knitting class held by Carol. It was great fun and I now feel confident enough to try knitting a project with more than one colour. This is what we did...


And guess what was sitting on the table in the front shop? a copy of 25 Favourite Socks which I have been after for months, so I am now the proud owner of this book and I can't wait to get knitting, the only problem being, which one to try first.

BEEN BUYING, AGAIN
Yes I've been adding to my large yarn stash, and yes it is more sock yarn. Went to visit Cazza aka http://www.middlearthknitter.blogspot.com/ as she only lives down the road and I was after some of her hand dyed yarn. It was a hard choice as she has some lovely stuff but in the end I got these 3 lovely sock yarns.

From left to right 100% Merino in Bubblegum, 75% BFL 25% nylon in Shrimp and finally BFL/nylon in Arwen's Cloak. And I can only say it is lovely yarn in really nice colours. I'm thinking of crocheting a shawl with the Shrimp, and possibly the Bubblegum too. Just need postie to bring me my Tess Dawson Crochet book and of course I had to order some of Tess' Merino DK in Teal and Cherry, and some Merino 4ply in Cream, Camel and Chocolate.

S.E.X.

I met up with Natalie from the Yarnyard yesterday so that I could get my hands on some of her yarn and pencil rovings. We don't live that far apart so met at the Gyle in Edinburgh. It made sense as 1) I grudge paying postage when I could be spending on more yarn and 2) the post is a bit erratic just now. So here are my purchases :-)

The photo doesn't do them justice they are much nicer IRL. Especially the Cherry Pie one, it is just scrummy. The other two are TdeF55 (browny) and TdeF57 and are destined for socks for my DH and my dad. I'm thinking that the Cherry Pie is just too tasty to be hidden on a pair of feet so I think I'll knit a scarf with it.

I also bought some pencil rovings in Bedazzle and Leaf, I think it is obvious which is which, I hope. Natalie even gave me a quick demonstration as to how to untwist and gently pull the rovings apart ready for spinning. Will have a go later.

Natalie also gave me a peek preview at the new sock yarn, Merino Tencel, all I can say is it is absolutely gorgeous and soooo soft, and the colours are just lovely. But I think my darling hubby would shoot me if I buy any more yarn :-/ I also got to see the finished rectangular shawl knitted in Wicked, it is lovely, I can't wait for the pattern, I think mine may be knitted up in Cherry Pie. And then of course Natalie also had her neck warmer which was knitted using handspun wool. Very busy woman is Natalie so I would just like to say a BIG THANK YOU to her for making the time to meet me.

And of course seeing as I was in Edinburgh I just had to go to John Lewis and Jenners. Bought cross stitch kits of Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger as DD is doing the nursery up with a Winnie theme.

Got a row off DD as I also bought a Pooh bear the other day, well you know how it is, he was sitting on the shelf all by himself and he just kinda jumped into my arms and said 'take me home, Granny' lol.

Almost finished knitting the Opal cardigan in Opal Magic. This is for my brothers' new grandson, Lewis. Just need to do the garter stitch at the end of the sleeve and pick up the stitches and knit the collar, I think it might need blocking before I try and sew it up.