Lenora - finished

At last it is finished. Lenora by Marie Wallin from Rowan's Milk Cotton Collection. I used 4 ply wool rather than the cotton yarn. The pattern is quite tight fitting. I would normally have made the 32" size but ended up making the 34" size which is still a 'snug' fit. The body is rather short and if I was doing this pattern again I would make it longer. The lacey pattern section isn't very well defined, even allowing for the fact that I used wool rather than cotton. Having said all that I love the different pattern sections and my choice of colours. It's a bright cheerful jumper and I'm pleased with it.

Ravelry and other things

My invitation to join ravelry arrived the other day. I was quite curious to find out all about the site. I've been playing around with it ever since. It really is amazing - so much info, so many people to contact - so much wool. Heavenly. It's really useful to compare other people's projects. I have discovered that 6 other people are knitting Lenora at the moment and its interesting to read their comments - the boring sleeves are definitely an issue.

I can't wait to browse the site again. I'm going to search for a pattern for fingerless gloves. The weather is still cold and damp, I need them to stop myself shivering.

I have finally finished a woollen tapestry that I started 5/6? years ago. It was a kit with a pre-printed canvas, I've long lost the information sheet that came with it, so I can't remember the make of tapestry wool. I have made the piece into a cushion cover and I'm very pleased with the result - also very glad it is finally finished - I hate having outstanding projects - I can now cross this one off my list of things to do - it's finally DONE!

Another flower scarf made, this time yellow. It looks good with the pink one I've already made. Maybe next I'll make a sparkly one!

Making progress

This week Chris and I went to watch a cricket match at the local cricket ground, Lancashire Reserves v Yorkshire Reserves. What a pleasant day; a bit breezy but the sun was shining. A packed lunch, a pint of beer and lots of crocheting - perfect. I made good progress with my crocheted bag and managed to complete it a few days later.

It is all worked in the round in double crochet. The handle is attached separately. The flap to close the bag curled up at the edges so I ended up tucking the surplus back and stitching it up. I used a 3mm hook and Rowan Cashsoft 4ply which I had as leftovers in my stash. It took less than 2 balls to complete. I'm pleased with the result.

I took the bag out for a test drive today, shopping in Liverpool (to buy more wool) and it performed very well.

I have promised Eve I will make her something - I can't justify knitting myself anything new at the moment - no spare storage capacity for finished articles. I'm going to make her Caitlyn from the Rowan Milk Cotton Collection, designed by Marie Wallin. I'm using Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply as it is lovely and soft together with bits and bobs from my leftovers collection.

Here is the colour scheme I've chosen - bright and funky to get a girl noticed!

Whilst shopping I also bought Kim Hargreaves book entitled Amber. There are loads of gorgeous patterns in it, so I might just have to make room for a few new jumpers and jackets for myself.

Blossom Party

On Sunday we had a blossom party, to celebrate Spring and all the lovely colourful blossom trees.


I made lemon fairy cakes and we watched the DVD of The Secret Life of Bees again – yet more tears. I really must reread the novel.

I also made a blossom scarf for the occasion. I found the pattern at Pretty Pretty Flower Scarf « gnat on the windshield. It was quick and simple to make and looks good draped over a picture frame. I might make a yellow one next.

The next day, 4th May, would have been Audrey Hepburn’s 80th birthday, so the lemon fairy cakes doubled up as a birthday celebration. We mimed “Happy Birthday” (none of us are singers) and blew out the candles.

We thought about watching an Audrey DVD but in the end the girls decided to watch a Bette Davis DVD they’ve been waiting to see – Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte. It’s a horror film and they were terrified!