Yellow, Pink and Sparkly

My Patterns for Sale? - I Think Not

2012-01-31T14:18:00.000Z

I've recently been notified that one of my FREE patterns is available for sale on another website!!!!

I love designing and making things and part of the pleasure in this is sharing the patterns with everyone and seeing the results of their work, especially on Ravelry.

I make no financial profit from my patterns so I don't think anyone else should exploit my time and effort by offering for sale what I give FREELY.

If you ever come across one of my patterns for sale on another site, please let me know.

On a happier note, here is a picture of Parky the Polar Bear.

Parky the Polar Bear

He was made by Linda Kennedy from my Arthur the Polar Bear pattern. Great job Linda.

Paddington Bear Pattern

2012-01-27T14:37:00.001Z

“Please look after this Bear”
Mr and Mrs Brown first met Paddington on a railway platform. In fact, that was how he came to have such an unusual name for a bear, for Paddington was the name of the station.
From A Bear Called by Paddington by Michael Bond

For my Paddington I used:
100g balls of double knitting yarn (Sirdar Country Style) in brown, navy and red
3 mm and 3.50 mm crochet hooks (US sizes D and E)
Notions – toy stuffing, safety eyes, 3 toggles, black embroidery floss.

PATTERN
PDF version

English terms used
dc (British) = sc (American)

Finished size – approximately 29 cm (11 ½ inches) tall.

Body
With brown and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
3rd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
4th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
5th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
6th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)
7th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 5 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (42 dc)
8th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 6 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 6 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (48 dc)
9th – 17th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
18th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 6 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (42 dc)
19th - 22nd rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
23rd round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)
24th – 27th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
28th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
29th – 31st rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
32nd round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
33rd – 34th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
35th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
36th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Fasten off and stuff body. Do not close neck opening.

Head
With brown and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
3rd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1dc into next 3 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (15 dc)
4th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
5th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 5 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (21 dc)
6th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 6 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 6 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
7th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
8th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
9th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)
10th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 5 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (42 dc)
11th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 6 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 6 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (48 dc)
12th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
13th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 7 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 7 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (54 dc)
14th – 16th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
17th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 7 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (48 dc)
18th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
19th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 6 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (42 dc)
20th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
21st round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)
22nd round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
23rd round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
24th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
If using safety eyes, it would be advisable to fit these now, before the hole in the head gets too small.
25th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
26th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
27th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
Stuff head at this point.
28th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog,] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. Fasten off and close hole in back of head.
Attach to top of body.
Embroider a nose and mouth with black embroidery floss.

Ears
With brown and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
3rd round; 1ch, 2 ch into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, 2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc, 1 htr and 1 tr in next dc, 1 tr and 1 dtr in next dc, 1 dtr and 1 tr in next dc, 1 tr and 1 htr in next dc, [1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc] 2 times, sl st into 1st dc.
Fasten off.
Sew on to side of head.

Legs
With brown double knitting and 3mm hook, chain 10.
1st round: 1dc into 2nd chain from hook. 1 dc into next 7 ch, 2dc into last chain. Working other side of foundation chain, work 2 dc into same place as last dcs. 1 dc into next 7 dc, 3 dc into the same chain as 1st dc worked. Sl st into 1st dc. (22dc)
2nd round: 1ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1dc into next 8 dc, 2 dc into next 2 dc, 1 dc into next 9 dc, 2 dc into 2 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (26dc)
3rd and 4th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
5th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into next 7 dc, [dc2tog] 4 times, 1 dc into next 11 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (22dc)
6th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into next 7 dc, [dc2tog] 2 times, 1 dc into next 11 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (20dc)
7th – 13th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
14th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in next 7 dc, dc2tog, 1 dc in next 8 dc, dc2tog, sl st into first dc. (18sts)
15th – 16th rounds: ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Fasten off and stuff.
Sew to base of body.

Arms
With brown and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
3rd - 7th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
8th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (15 dc)
9th – 23rd rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
24th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 3 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
25th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 3 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (9 dc)
Fasten off and stuff.
Sew across the opening to close and attach arms to the sides of the body.

Hat
With red and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
3rd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
4th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
5th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
6th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)
7th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 5 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (42 dc)
8th round: 1 ch, working in back loops only, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
9th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
10th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 13 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 13 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (45 dc)
11th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 14 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 14 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (48 dc)
12th – 13th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
14th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 15 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 15 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (51 dc)
15th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 16 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 16 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (54 dc)
16th round: : 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 8 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 8 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (60 dc)
17th round: : 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 9 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 9 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (66 dc)
18th round: : 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 10 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 10 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (72 dc)
19th round: : 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 11 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 11 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (78 dc)
20th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 12 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 12 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (84 dc)
21st round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 13 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 13 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (90 dc)
22nd round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Fasten off.

Duffle Coat
With 3.50mm hook (NB larger hook used for coat) and navy, chain 81.
1st row: 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, (miss 1 ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch) to end, turn (54 dc)
2nd row: 1 ch, 1 dc in each dc to end, turn.
Repeat row 2 six more times.
9th row: 1 ch, (1 dc in next 9 dc, dc2tog) 2 times, 1 dc in next 10 dc, (dc2tog, 1 dc in next 9 dc) 2 times, turn. (50 dc)
10th – 16th rows: as row 2
17th row: 1 ch, (1 dc in next 8 dc, dc2tog) 2 times, 1 dc in next 10 dc, (dc2tog, 1 dc in next 8 dc) 2 times, turn. (46 dc)
18th – 22nd rows: as row 2
23rd row: 1 ch, (1 dc in next 7 dc, dc2tog) 2 times, 1 dc in next 10 dc, (dc2tog, 1 dc in next 7 dc) 2 times, turn. (42 dc)
24th row: as row 2
Divide for armholes
Next row: 1 ch, 1 dc in next 8 dc, turn. (8dc)
Working on these 8 sts only for right front, work 1 dc in each dc for 5 further rows.
Fasten off.
With right side facing, miss 6 dc for armhole, rejoin yarn to next dc, 1 ch, 1 dc in same place, 1 dc in next 13 dc, turn (14 dc)
Working on these 14 sts only for back, work 1 dc in each dc for 5 further rows.
Fasten off.
With right side facing, miss 6 dc for armhole, rejoin yarn to next dc, 1 ch, 1 dc in same place, 1 dc in next 7 dc, turn (8 dc)
Working on these 8 sts only for left front, work 1 dc in each dc for 5 further rows, turn.
DO NOT FASTEN OFF.
Next row: 1 ch, 1 dc in next 8 dc, 4 ch, 1 dc in each of the 14 dc across back, 4 ch, 1 dc in each of next 8 dc of right front, turn.
Next row: 1 ch, 1 dc in next 8 dc, 4 dc in chain loop, 1 dc in next 14 dc, 4 dc in chain loop, 1 dc in next 8 dc, turn. (38 dc)
Next row: 1 ch, 1 dc in each dc to end, turn.
Increase row to form hood: 1 ch, 1 dc in next 10 dc, (2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc) 6 times, 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 9 dc, turn. (45 dc)
Next row: 1 ch, 1 dc in each dc to end, turn.
Repeat the last row 24 times more.
Fasten off.
Fold hood in half and sew up seam to form the hood.
Sleeves
With 3.50mm hook and navy, chain 30.
1st row: 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, (miss 1 ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch) to end, turn (20 dc)
2nd row: 1 ch, 1 dc in each dc to end, turn.
Repeat row 2 fourteen more times.
Making up
Fold sleeves in half, sew up seams and sew into armholes.
Sew three toggles on front of coat.
Make three loops of 16 ch each and attach these to the other front to correspond with the toggles.

As a final touch, you can always add the luggage label saying “Please look after this Bear”.

Paddington Bear

2012-01-24T13:26:00.000Z

Ever since I was little I have loved Paddington Bear from the books by Michael Bond.

Here are all my treasured books (did they really only only 3 shillings? - that's 15 pence in new money).

And the adorable illustrations by Peggy Fortnam.

Here are some other pics of the wonderful, well-intentioned but accident-prone bear.

For Christmas, just for laughs the girls bought me a Paddington Bear jigsaw, and this got me thinking -

So I decided to make my very own Paddington.

I think he's wonderful - obviously I'm biased, but I do feel proud of him.

I'm just putting the finishing touches to writing up the pattern and then I'll share it with you.

Another Card and Audrey

2012-01-20T12:15:00.000Z

Here's a picture of a card I made for a friend's birthday.

Delicate shades of pink and beige - very dainty.

I've just finished watching an Audrey Hepburn DVD (whilst knitting, of course) - Paris When It Sizzles.

It was a Christmas present and I've only just remembered I had it!!

The film doesn't seem to have had very good reviews but I really enjoyed it - I think it has to be watched with tongue in cheek - it is very much a parody of the film business. I thought it was very funny and Audrey as always is delightful.

I always feel I should smarten myself up when watching an Audrey film - elegance is a definite requirement.

Good Luck Grace

2012-01-19T12:06:00.000Z

Grace has exams starting today - so lots of luck to her - looking forward to meeting up again when they are over.

Here is the card I made for her.

To anyone else out there faced with exams at the moment - I hope they go well.

Sneaky Peek

2012-01-16T15:01:00.000Z

It's 10 days since I last published a post - doesn't time fly when you are completely distracted! I've been fiddling around and researching more of my family tree - it is so addictive.

Obviously I'm still making - knitting and crocheting as usual. Just so that you don't think I've fallen a sleep I thought I would let you have a little sneaky peek at what I'm working on at the moment -

Such a cute bear - and he's not finished yet. The completed version and pattern will follow soon.

Putting Christmas Away

2012-01-06T14:19:00.000Z

I was all excited yesterday - because I thought it was the day all the Christmas decorations came down. I started taking them down but when I was told it I was a day early I had to stop - so I defrosted the freezer instead!

Don't get me wrong - as you know I love Christmas - but once New Year has passed, the decorations start to look tired and it's time to move on. More importantly - I want my table back! When the tree goes up, my table has to move out to make room for it. I miss my table - my "work station" - the place where I am organised.

But today it is back.

So it's goodbye tree (see you in 11 months time)...

And welcome back table...

With Eve's 18th birthday rapidly approaching - I need my table more than ever to make sure I have everything organised for the big event!

Some Knitted Christmas Surprises

2012-01-03T14:31:00.000Z

Getting up-to-date at last! Here are some photos of some of the surprises I knitted for my girls.

Firstly, I sat these mice on their pillows on Christmas Eve night with a label saying "Twas the night before Christmas..." and then I put a special message for each of them in the mouse's stocking.

The mice are based on a pattern by Alan Dart, you can see some of his amazing patterns here.

I gave each mouse a lovely long night cap and a colourful stocking.

Each mouse is about 4 inches high - so cute - I'm really happy with these.

This globe, I made for Grace.

It's knitted in the round and is quite challenging but great fun to make.

Details of the pattern can be seen at the Ravelry pattern page, here.

I Remembered the Camera

2012-01-02T10:51:00.000Z

On my early morning walks I occasionally wander down to the beach. It's not a very exciting beach - no cliffs or rock pools - just lots and lots of sand - and of course the Iron Men.

Inevitably I always think when I'm at the beach - I should have brought the camera with me!

Yesterday was just such a morning. The beach was almost deserted - just me, one dog-walker and the iron men. It was a beautiful misty morning - so peaceful.

So this morning I made sure I had my camera with me. The lovely peacefulness of yesterday was gone - it was freezing cold with a very strong wind off the sea - but I did take some photos.

This next one is looking south to the docks of Liverpool - you can see the Liver Building between the 2nd and 3rd wind turbines from the right.

I didn't stay long on the beach - even the gulls were struggling with the wind - but at least I remembered the camera.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T19:52:00.000Z

A very Happy New Year to everyone.

I hope this year brings you lots of pleasant surprises and plenty of contentment.

I enjoy this time of the year - the calm after the storm of activity associated with Christmas. Now is the time to get organised and plan ahead. I still haven't shared with you all the things I made for Christmas - I'll try and rectify this in the next few posts.

In the meantime, here's a special little knitting project I've been working on since Christmas Day.

Fifty years ago I was given a lovely doll for Christmas - I called her Wendy and I still treasure her - so to celebrate her 50th birthday I've made her a lovely new coat, hat and shoes.

My Mum gave me some knitting leaflets she no longer wanted and among them was this one.

"Best of Friends: 12 fun outfits for your favourite doll and Teddy" - perfect, just what I needed.

Wendy is very pleased with her new outfit.

There was another leaflet with some knitted outfits for Action Man - I may make some of these next!!

Holly Pattern

2011-12-31T15:34:00.001Z

A vintage-style, slim-fit cardigan with Fair Isle pattern and contrast coloured edgings.

PDF available here.

To fit 32” chest.
Finished measurements:
Chest 33”
Sleeve seam 18”
Length 21”

Requirements
2 x 100g balls of Sirdar Country Style DK (main colour) 318 metres / 348 yards per ball
I used shade 502 gemini
1 x 100g ball of Sirdar Country Style DK in four contrasting colours
I used shades 423 light pink, 411 cream, 609 pillarbox, 441 light navy and 595 highland burn
3.75mm and 3.25mm straight needles
8 buttons
Tension
22 sts and 29 rows to 10 cm measured over pattern.
Abbreviations
k = knit
p = purl
sts = stitches
k2tog = knit 2 together
k2togtbl = knit 2 together through back of loops
dec = decrease
m1= make 1
alt = alternate
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
yon = yarn over needle

BACK
With 3.75mm needles cast on 102 sts in red, knit one row.
Change to dark green,
Row 2 : (p2, k2) p2
Row 3 : (k2, p2) k2
Repeat last 2 rows 10 more times, then row 2 once more.
Row 25: k14(k2tog, k16) 3 times, k2togtbl, k16, K2togtbl, k14. 97 sts
Purl 1 row.
Commence Fair Isle from chart, and at the same time, decrease 1 st at each end of 5th and 3 following 4th rows. 89 sts

Pattern 9 rows.
Increase 1 st at each end of next and 3 following 8th rows. 97 sts
Pattern 17 rows (ending with pattern row 14).

Shape armholes
Cast off 5 sts at the beginning of the next two rows. 87 sts
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 3 rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 3 alternate rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of following 4th row. 73 sts
Continue straight until work measures 18 cm, ending with a WS row.

Shape shoulders
Cast off 9 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Cast off 8 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Leave remaining 39 sts on a holder.

LEFT FRONT
With 3.75mm needles cast on 51 stitches in red. Knit 1 row.
Break off red and join in dark green.
Row 2: (p2, k2) to last 3 sts, p3.
Row 3: k3, (p2, k2) to end.
Repeat last two rows until 24 rows have been completed.
Decrease row : k14, k2tog, k16, k2tog, k17. 49 sts
Purl 1 row.
Commence Fair Isle pattern from chart. Keeping pattern correct, decrease 1 st at beginning of 5th and 3 following 4th rows. 45 sts
Pattern 9 rows.
Increase 1 st at beginning of next and 3 following 8th rows. 49 sts
Pattern 17 rows without shaping ending with pattern row 14.

Armhole shaping
Cast off 5 sts at beginning of next row.
Work 1 row.
Decrease 1 st at beg of next 3 rows.
Decrease 1 st at beg of next 3 alternate rows.
Decrease 1 st at beg of following 4th row. 37 sts
Work 2 rows, ending with a WS row facing for next row.

Neck shaping
Cast off 8 sts at beg of next row.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 5 rows.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 5 alternate rows.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 2 following 4th rows. 17 sts
Continue straight until armhole measures the same as back to start of shoulder shaping, ending with a WS row.

Shape shoulders
Cast off 9 sts at beg of next row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off remaining 8 sts.

RIGHT FRONT
With 3.75mm needles cast on 51 stitches in red. Knit 1 row.
Break off red and join in dark green.
Row 2: p3(k2, p2) to end.
Row 3: (k2, p2) to last 3 sts, k3.
Repeat last two rows until 24 rows have been completed.
Decrease row : k17, k2tog, k16, k2tog, k14. 49 sts
Purl 1 row.
Commence Fair Isle pattern from chart. Keeping pattern correct, decrease 1 st at end of 5th and 3 following 4th rows. 45 sts
Pattern 9 rows.
Increase 1 st at end of next and 3 following 8th rows. 49 sts
Pattern 17 rows without shaping ending with pattern row 14.

Armhole shaping
Pattern 1 row.
Cast off 5 sts at beginning of next row.
Decrease 1 st at end of next 3 rows.
Decrease 1 st at end of next 3 alternate rows.
Decrease 1 st at end of following 4th row. 37 sts
Work 3 rows, ending with a RS row facing for next row.

Neck shaping
Cast off 8 sts at beg of next row.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 5 rows.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 5 alternate rows.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 2 following 4th rows. 17 sts
Continue straight until armhole measures the same as back to start of shoulder shaping, ending with a RS row.

Shape shoulders
Cast off 9 sts at beg of next row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off remaining 8 sts.

SLEEVES
With 3.25mm needles cast on 50 stitches in red. Knit 1 row.
Break off red and join in dark green.
Row 2: (p2, k2) to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 3: k2, (p2, k2) to end.
Repeat last two rows until 16 rows have been completed.
Change to 3.75mm needles and stocking stitch.
Increase row : k1, (k3, m1) to last 4 sts, k4. 65 sts
Purl 1 row.
Commence Fair Isle pattern from chart. At the same time, increase 1 st at each end of 7th row and 9 following 8th rows. 85 sts
Continue straight until sleeve measures 44 cm from cast on edge ending with a WS row (this should work out as pattern row 14).

Armhole shaping
Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 79 sts
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 7 rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of 5 following alt rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of following 4th row. 53 sts
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 4 alt rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 7 rows.
Cast off 6 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 19 sts
Cast off remaining 19 sts.

MAKING UP
Darn in all loose ends.
Join shoulder seams.
Set in sleeves and join side and sleeve seams.

NECKBAND
Using 3.25mm needles, dark green yarn and with RS facing pick up and knit 40 sts from right front, knit across 39 sts from back neck, pick up and knit 39 sts from left front. 118 sts
Work 7 rows in k2, p2 rib.
Break off dark green and join in red. Rib one more row. Cast off in rib.

BUTTON BAND
With 3.25mm needles, dark green yarn and with RS facing pick up and knit 94 sts up left front of cardigan.
Row 1: (p2, k2) to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 2: (k2, p2) to last 2 sts, k2.
Repeat last two rows 2 more times, then row 1 once more (7 rows completed in total).
Break off dark green and join in red. Rib one more row. Cast off in rib.

BUTTONHOLE BAND
With 3.25mm needles, dark green yarn and with RS facing pick up and knit 94 sts up right front of cardigan.
Row 1: (p2, k2) to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 2: (k2, p2) to last 2 sts, k2.
Repeat row 1.
Buttonhole row (row 4): k2, p2, yon, k2tog,[ (p2, k2) x 2, p2, yon, k2tog] 7 times, p2, k2.
Work 3 more rows in rib.
Break off dark green and join in red. Rib one more row. Cast off in rib.

Sew 8 buttons onto button band to correspond with buttonholes.

Mini Christmas Trees

2011-12-27T16:31:00.000Z

Here are some lovely little Christmas trees I made as a surprise for Christmas Day.

They are about 5 inches tall. They are knitted and decorated with star-shaped beads (from old bracelets the girls used to play with when they were very young). They would also look good with round sparkly beads or sequins.

The pattern is available as a free Ravelry download, here. OK so you may not want to make them right now - but you could add the pattern to your queue for next Christmas!

I used the trees to decorate the Christmas table and propped some name cards up against them to mark each place setting.

9 Days of Christmas?

2011-12-24T12:23:00.000Z

Only one day to go - and I've only completed 9 of the 12 knits of Christmas. Here's the dancing lady for the ninth day of Christmas.

No point worrying about the last three days of Christmas - they'll wait until next year. It's now time to relax and enjoy the festivities.

A big thank you to you all for visiting my blog throughout the year. I very much appreciate all the kind comments.

I hope everyone has a wonderful time over the holiday period and

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.

Sherlock Holmes

2011-12-22T15:14:00.000Z

Night out, last night, to the pictures. We saw the new Sherlock Holmes film.

Robert Downey jnr was wonderful again.

I thought I might have been disappointed because I was expecting so much. The first film was brilliant - and this one was just as good. Lots of over-the-top action, plenty of laughs and a really nasty villain.

Another film to add to my favourites list.

Christmas Cards

2011-12-21T14:33:00.000Z

Time's flying and I need to slow down and start relaxing into Christmas. But before I run out of time, I thought I'd share with you some pictures of the Christmas cards I have made this year.

I used various Christmas papers in three different sized squares and made simple origami modular shapes to form a layered Christmas tree.

I added a little wooden star - and Hey presto - nice and easy, but charming little cards.

Tonight we're off to the pictures to see the new Sherlock Holmes film - can't wait - I'm so excited - probably too excited, but I've been waiting for so long for this film to come out. I'll let you know what we thought of it.

Christmas Cardigan

2011-12-20T17:54:00.000Z

Some months ago I made a colourful Fair Isle cardigan - but I wasn't happy with it. I've now reknitted the sleeves and the button bands - and - I love it.

It's a lovely slim fit - plenty of colour and pattern - and a perfect cardi for Christmas.

I'm calling the pattern Holly - this seems appropriate as the colours are green and red.

Bear with me whilst I finish writing up the pattern - I'll publish it as soon as I can - but it will be after Christmas.

Hugo

2011-12-15T09:26:00.000Z

Eve and I went to the pictures last night and saw the film Hugo, directed by Martin Scorsese.

It's not your usual Martin Scorsese film - this one was charming and whimsical. Set in 1930s Paris, it's about an orphaned boy living in a train station who is trying to repair a broken automaton. It's full of details about the history of the film industry, lovely little romantic scenarios and surreal moments.

A beautiful film that warms your heart.

The Twelve Knits of Christmas Part 2

2011-12-12T22:32:00.000Z

Making slow progress with the Twelve Knits of Christmas. During the day (when everyone is out) I'm busy with all my secret makes, so I only have time for these in the evening. Next year I am definitely going to start preparing for Christmas earlier!

Anyway, here is part two of the Twelve Knits of Christmas.

Five Gold Rings...

A Goose (not a-laying) ...

A Swimming Swan...

A rather scary Milk Maid...

The next four may take a bit more time to finish but I'll do my best.

Christmas Wreath

2011-12-07T11:56:00.000Z

Time's flying and I've still so much to do and make. In between projects I thought I would share with you a couple of pictures of the wreath I have decorated for Christmas.

The letters are crocheted. I used the wonderful patterns in Melody Griffiths' book 201 Crochet Motifs, Blocks, Projects and Ideas. Regular readers will know that I use these letters on a regualr basis for decorations - they are so versatile.

The red and yellow flowers also come from the book - based on a primrose pattern - and are quick and easy to make.

Nice and jolly - the wreath is now hanging up in the porch to welcome visitors to our home.

Harry Potter Puppet Pals

2011-12-06T14:50:00.000Z

As a little treat and a surprise for Eve, I knitted some Harry Potter puppet pals for her to have fun with with her friends.

The patterns are by Darlene Polishak and are avaliable for free, here, here and here.

They are quick to knit but it's the making up that takes time. Having said that it was worth all the fiddling around to see the look of delight on Eve's face when she opened the box with them in - she's worth it.

On My Walk Today...

2011-11-30T08:59:00.000Z

On my early morning walk today I saw an owl. I've only ever seen them in zoos and places like that. This one flew past me and perched briefly on a branch before flying off again.

It was 6.45am and the sky was only just lighting up, the sun hadn't risen so I only saw the owl in silhouette, but there was no mistaking it for anything else.

I couldn't tell what type of owl it was, but as tawny owls are the most common in Britain, I assume it was that.

What a magical start to the day - it made me smile so much.

Christmas Angel

2011-11-27T12:17:00.000Z

Wow, November seems to be going so fast and there's still so much to do. Only four weeks to Christmas.

I took a little time out from my twelve knits of Christmas and other secret projects to make this cute little angel.

She's very easy to make and will look great on the tree.

I love her face - she has a cheeky smile.

The pattern was created by my wonderfully talented and incredibly beautiful daughter, Grace (OK, I'm biased!). It's available on her blog for free, here.

New Kim Hargreaves Book

2011-11-22T10:16:00.000Z

I've just noticed that Kim Hargreaves has a new book out called Scarlet.

Looking at the patterns on her webpage, these are the ones that caught my eye...

This sweater is called Craft and has a lovely textured pattern.

This cardi is also beautifully textured and is called Love.

And finally this lovely shaped cardi is called Steed - probably my favourite pattern but very similar to the Darcy pattern in the book called Heartfelt.

However, I don't think I'll be buying the book - as with the previous two books (which I didn't buy), I think there is too much sameness to previous patterns. A little more originality would be nice. I have at least 11 of her books - so I'm not short of patterns, plus most of the Rowan magazines dating from when she was the chief designer.

So, sorry Kim, love you and your patterns but something new in future, please.

The Twelve Knits of Christmas Part 1

2011-11-17T10:09:00.000Z

So much to do to get ready for Christmas - I said last year (I say it every year) that I would be more organised this year but with one thing and another it hasn't happened. So I have my usual situation of over ambitious plans and a shortage of time!

Anyway - I am making progress on my Twelve Knits of Christmas - I have completed the first four items - admittedly they are the easiest and quickest to make but at least it's progress.

So we have a partridge (not in a pear tree!)...

A turtle dove....

A french hen...

And a calling bird...

They are fun to make and easy patterns to follow. The book is called the Twelve Knits of Christmas and it's by Fiona Goble.

Five gold rings will be very quick but the milk maid, piper and drummer are going to slow me down!

The Ladykillers

2011-11-15T13:25:00.000Z

Grace, Eve and I went to the Playhouse in Liverpool last night and saw the play The Ladykillers. The Playhouse celebrated its 100th birthday on Friday and this play was a fitting way to celebrate.

It is the stage adaptation of the classic Ealing comedy film that starred Peter Sellers and Alec Guinness.

This version starred Peter Capaldi, James Fleet, Ben Miller and Clive Rowe amongst others and it was excellent. So funny - lots of slapstick, amazing scenery and all the acting was top quality.

We were lucky to get tickets because it was so popular, it sold out quickly. The show moves to London, to the Gielgud Theatre on 26th November - if there are any tickets left, I'd definitely recommend it.

Formby Church

2011-11-13T15:39:00.000Z

Yesterday we had a little trip out to Formby - it's only a short distance up the coast from where we live, but our visit was to see St Peters Church and in particular look at the grave stones.

The church was built in 1736, the previous chapel having been overwhelmed by sand! Additions were made to it in the 1800s.

My grandfather's family originated from Formby - they were farmers, before they moved to Liverpool and the prospect of better jobs.

Numerous members of my family are buried in the grounds of the church and I was hoping to find the graves of my 4th great grandparents.

Unfortunately we didn't find them but there were many more graves bearing the family name - the family had been quite extensive in the area in the 1700s and 1800s.

I did manage to identify the grave of my 7th great grand uncle.

He was born in Formby in 1689 and died in 1759. His grave was near the entrance to the church and he would have been one of the early burials at the church.

It's wonderful to be able to piece together the past and imagine the lives our forefathers would have lived. Tracing the family history is such an absorbing and enlightening pastime.

Bond - finished

2011-11-12T14:55:00.000Z

I've finally got around to taking the photos of the latest sweater to come off the needles. It was actually finished last weekend but I haven't been organised this week.

It's wonderful - such a perfect fit. Lovely Autumn colours - purples, greens and reds.

The pattern is by the wonderful Kim Hargreaves - nobody knows how to shape a sweater better than her. The name of the pattern is Bond and it originally appeared in Rowan magazine #28. It is now available as a free download on the Rowan website, here.

I've made this pattern twice before and I'm sure I'll make it again in the future. The pattern features a slash-necked version, a striped version and a three-quarter sleeves version!

The pattern calls for Rowan felted tweed but I used the more economical Sirdar Escape DK, but any double knitting weight yarn could be substituted. It took 9 x 50g balls for the smallest size. It's an easy knit and ideal for knitting in front of the televsion. This is going to keep me warm all winter.

Furry Fairies

2011-11-05T13:29:00.000Z

What could be cuter than little fairy mice.

These knitted Furry Fairies are by Alan Dart - one of my favourite designers for interesting and cute characters. I have previously made the Snow Queen and the Pudding Pixie from his patterns.

This pattern is even better because it's FREE! You can access the pattern, here, on Alan's website.

The original pattern has the mice holding stars but I have changed mine to crocheted hearts. They each have little silver wings and a pretty skirt.

The knitting up time is about an hour for each mouse - it's the making up time that's longer - but they're worth it.

All we need now is a Christmas tree to hang them on. I took these pictures outside in the front garden and received some strange looks from a passing workman - isn't it normal to take pictures of woolly mice in trees?

Christmas is Coming

2011-11-03T09:54:00.000Z

Christmas is coming and I have a new book.

The Twelve Knits of Christmas is by Fiona Goble and is based on the song.

I think one of each will be sufficient - I don't think I'll have time for all twelve drummers and ten leaping lords etc!

Another Film

2011-11-02T11:26:00.000Z

Eve and I are visiting the cinema quite a lot at the moment - some goods films out. Last night we saw the new Woody Allen film, Midnight in Paris.

Having been to Paris this summer it was lovely to relive the sights and the atmosphere of the place - although the film was lacking the huge crowds of tourists and queues!!!

It was a charming film that left Eve yearning for Paris in the 1920s - cocktails with Scott and Zelda!

A lovely film, with a pleasing feel-good factor.

The next film we're looking forward to seeing is My Week with Marilyn which is released in the UK on 18th November.

Birthday Wishes

2011-10-30T13:31:00.000Z

Today is my Auntie's birthday - she's a splendid 80! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE HILDA.

Here is the card I made for her.

I crocheted some small simple flowers with crochet cotton, added some embroidered felt and beads for the centres.

For the corners I used some flower stampers in a colour to match the crocheted flowers and added little touches of crystal glitter glue.

I hope she has a wonderful day.

Loretta - Finished

2011-10-28T16:35:00.000+01:00

Now that I'm back in the swing of things I've made a effort to finish Loretta which is the textured tee I started back in August. I know the weather has gone cold now for wearing a tee but I'm just glad to get it finished.

The pattern is from Rowan's magazine #50 and it's by Marie Wallin. I used Sirdar countrystyle double knitting to make the smallest size and used only 200g (636 metres).

I made a number of modifications to the original pattern - the most significant one being that I changed the collar to a scoop neck. I also did short row shaping and a three needle bind off for the shoulders in order to get a less bulky seam.

The colour is cool mint but it's very difficult to pick up the colour in the photos and it ends up looking almost white.

I didn't really enjoy making it at the time - maybe because of other things on my mind - but now that it's finished I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I like it. Since taking the photos I've slipped a long sleeve top underneath and I'm wearing the knitted top as a tank over the top. This means I'll still be able to wear it and show it off despite the colder weather.

Celebrations

2011-10-27T10:55:00.000+01:00

Eve and I went to the cinema yesterday to see The Three Muskateers.

Despite the fact that the critics seem to dislike the film, we thought it was great fun. We really enjoyed it - escapist, funny and action-packed.

The reason for our trip was by way of a celebration.

After eight anxious weeks, yesterday I was given the all clear regarding lumps in my breast. The mammogram, ultrasound scan and biospies had all proved inconclusive, so two weeks ago I had to have an operation to remove the lumps for further testing. Thankfully, it's all over now and I can put it all behind me.

My heart goes out to anyone else going through this awful uncertainty. The feeling of not being in control of your life is so stressful and upsetting.

So today life gets back to normal - I'm in the driving seat again - and I need to get on with my knitting!

A Lovely Present

2011-10-21T11:57:00.000+01:00

I have recieved a wonderful present from Grace - just to cheer me up.

It's a 1939 edition of the Penguin Guide to the Lake District.

It was written at a time before too many tourists and cars filled the Lake District - very quaint. At the end of each chapter there's a little drawing of penguins on their travels.

Although the Lake District isn't that far from us (only 86 miles from Liverpool to Ambleside according to the book) we don't tend to visit very often. We had a wonderful holiday in Coniston a few years ago but haven't been there for a while now.

This little book has inspired me to go and visit more often. The place names are so delightful - Buttermere, Grisedale, Tilberthwaite and Eskdale.

The only problem can be the weather - a bit bleak in winter - so maybe when the Spring comes!

Cute Little Crab

2011-10-19T15:17:00.000+01:00

I love searching the novelty patterns on Ravelry. Here's something I saw and quickly made for Eve.

It's a cute little crab - it looks a bit lost on it's own, so could do with some friends.

The pattern is by Helen Fey and is available as a free Ravelry download.

The crab only took 15 minutes to make - so easy and quick - it seems a shame to leave him all lonely.

Jam Jars

2011-10-10T12:23:00.000+01:00

My favourite comfort food is apricot jam - love it.

The best apricot jam is Bonne Maman apricot conserve.

And the jars are really cute and useful when all the jam's gone!

The other day I spent a very relaxing hour colour sorting my buttons into the jars.

Very decorative.

Kitty Softie

2011-10-05T17:59:00.000+01:00

I've just finished making up a lovely big crocheted softie cat - and because I'm feeling organised at the moment I've taken photos immediately and now I'm posting them - I feel so in control!

Anyway, here are the photos.

The pattern was brought to my attention a few months ago by the hard-working Sara at Tangled Happy. It's always good to have someone spotting the interesting patterns for you!

The pattern itself is by Jules at Little Woollie. It is available in two instalments, here and here.

The Kitty Softie is about 18 inches (46 cm) tall, so is lovely and cuddly. I used double knitting weight yarn, just under 100g of my main colour and oddments of the other colours but colour schemes could be adapted to supply.

A very enjoyable make.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

2011-10-03T10:33:00.000+01:00

Eve and I went to the cinema last night and saw Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

Great cast - and Gary Oldman was superb - but the film was confusing and difficult to follow. We enjoyed it but it took us a while afterwards to work out what had been going on.

Crochet Jacket - Finished

2011-10-02T14:30:00.000+01:00

I finally finished the crochet jacket last weekend. It's been too hot to wear it and take some photos until today, so here they are.

The pattern is from DROPS design and is actually called 118-25 Jacket with fan pattern in ”Muskat”. It's available for free here.

The yarn I used was James C. Brett ripple, which is double knitting weight. This yarn is horrible to knit with - it tangles and knots very easily - but was lovely to crochet with. I used 16 x 50g balls - I had originally bought 20 balls for £10 - so the jacket was very economical.

The jacket looks grey in colour from a distance but it is actually a combination of greens, pinks and blues with a slight sheen to them. It looks lovely close up.

Having used 16 balls it is quite weighty - but this makes it feel quite cosy.

All in all, I'm pleased with the result - a very nice jacket for wearing this Autumn.

Pink Elephant on Parade

2011-09-29T14:14:00.000+01:00

Wow, the weather is amazing at the moment - wonderful sunshine and oh so hot - a perfect time to buy myself some wellies!

I figured that by the time I needed the wellies the shops will have sold out - so I got mine today - it's called thinking ahead.

I've just finished making a little something for Eve over lunch.

A cute pink elephant made from felt and decorated with some simple embroidery.

I got the idea from a book called Fun with Stitching by Fiona Goble.

It only took an hour to make and I'm sure it will make Eve smile when she comes in from school today.

Trip to Lancaster

2011-09-19T09:53:00.001+01:00

What a dreadful day - weatherwise - Saturday was. It poured with rain all day - very heavy at times. That was the day we visited Lancaster University!

Thankfully it's only a short car journey from where we live - the nearest of all the universities we have visited. It's a campus university quite a few miles out from the city of Lancaster. There are lots of facilities on the campus and a significant amount of building work and general improvement is going on. Here are some photos (not taken by me - these were taken when the sun was shining!)

A very impressive university - we all liked it there and the course looked interesting. We made a trip into Lancaster itself, which has character but lacks the quaintness of York (but then again it isn't full of tourists). We saw the castle - which is still used as a prison and visited the Priory Church where we were treated to a rehearsal by the Priory orchestra for a concert they were giving that evening.

On the way back home we made a detour and stopped off at Hoole a small township in Lancashire. Eve and I wanted to visit the parish church there. The church was built in the 1600s. My fourth and fifth times great grandparents were buried there. All of their children were baptised and married there.

We were unable to locate any relevant grave stones but it was lovely to stand there and image the family back in the late 1700s and early 1800s attending this church.

Thankfully the rain had stopped by the time we got to Hoole.

So that's our unversity visits all complete now - it's been very interesting seeing them all - makes me wish it was me having to choose what to do and where to go.

Zillah Zebra

2011-09-16T11:45:00.001+01:00

Here’s a new pattern for you – a jolly Zebra called Zillah. I hope you like her.

PDF version

To make your own Zillah you will need:

Black and white double knitting yarn
2 small buttons for eyes
A length of ribbon to tie around her neck
3mm crochet hook
toy stuffing

PATTERN
British crochet terms used
dc (British) = sc (American)

Finished size – approximately 20 cm (8 inches) tall in seated position.

Body

With black and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
Join in white DK yarn.
3rd round: With white, 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
4th round: With white, 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
5th round: With black, 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
6th round: With black, 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)
7th round: With white, 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 5 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (42 dc)
8th round: With white, 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 6 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 6 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (48 dc)
9th – 16th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Work rounds 9, 10, 13 and 14 in black and rounds 11, 12, 15 and 16 in white.
17th round: With black, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 6 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (42 dc)
18th and 19th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Work round 18 in black and round 19 in white.
20th round: With white, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)
21st and 22nd rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc. Both rounds worked in black.
23rd round: With white, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
24th round: With white, 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
25th round: With black, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
26th round: With black, 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
27th round: With white, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
28th round: With white, 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Fasten off and stuff body. Do not close neck opening.

Head
With black and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
Join in white DK yarn.
3rd round: With white, 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
4th round: With white, 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
5th round: With black, 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
6th round: With black, 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
7th round: With white, 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 5 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (21 dc)
8th round: With white, 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 6 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 6 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
9th round: With black, 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
10th round: With black, 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)
11th – 13th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Work rounds 11 and 12 in white and round 13 in black.
14th round: With black, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
15th and 16th rounds: With white, 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
17th round: With black, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
18th round: With black, 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
19th round: With white, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
20th round: With white, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
Stuff head at this point.
21st round: With black, 1 ch, [dc2tog,] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. Fasten off and close hole in back of head. Attach to top of body.

Ears

With white and 3 mm hook make 5 chain.
1st row: 1 dc into 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc into next 3 ch, turn. (4dc)
2nd row: 1 ch, 1 dc into same each dc, turn.
3rd row: 1 ch, [dc2tog] 2 times, turn. (2dc)
4th row: 1 ch, 1 dc into same each dc, turn.
5th row: 1 ch, dc2tog.
Fasten off.
Fold in half and sew on to top of head.

Back Legs

With black and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
3rd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
4th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
5th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into the back loop only of each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Join in white DK yarn.
6th round: With white, 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
7th round: With white, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
8th -14th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Work rounds 8, 9, 12 and 13 in black and rounds 11, 12 and 14 in white.
15th round: With white, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
Fasten off and stuff.
Attach legs to body so that the zebra is in a sitting position

Front legs

With black and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
3rd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
4th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into the back loop only of each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Join in white DK yarn.
5th round: With white, 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
6th round: With white, 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
7th – 17th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Work rounds 7, 8, 11, 12, 15 and 16 in black and rounds 9, 10, 13, 14 and 17 in white.
18th round: With white, 1 ch, [dc2tog,] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc.
Fasten off and stuff to about ¾ full so that they can hang loose by the zebra’s side. Sew across the opening at top of front leg and attach to side of body.

Sew buttons on for the eyes and tie the ribbon around her neck.

Jane Eyre

2011-09-12T09:59:00.000+01:00

The film Jane Eyre starring Mia Wasikowska has just been released in the UK so Grace, Eve and I went to see it last night.

It was lovely - a good adaptation. It was good to see Jane played by a young actress - some of the previous adaptations have her looking too old. Both Jane and Mr Rochester were believable characters and of course Judi Dench gave her usual wonderful performance.

Next week the film Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is released - it looks good, so we'll be off to see that one as well.

Brown Bear

2011-09-09T19:41:00.000+01:00

I love it when I see pictures of projects people have made using my patterns. Here is a picture from Mississippi of Anne's "Brown Bear" made for her new Grandson Colby.

Isn't he gorgeous.

Anne made him using my Buttercup Bear pattern.

I'm pleased to say that this pattern is the most popular of all my patterns and it really is heart-warming to see all the bears - I feel like a kind of Godmother to them all.

Autumn Delights

2011-09-09T09:48:00.000+01:00

It definitely feels like Autumn out there. Time for warm woolly sweaters. I think a lovely cabled sweater would be ideal for a long walk to appreciate the changing colours of the season. I treated myself to Alice Starmore's Aran Knitting earlier this year for my birthday and I've been waiting for the Autumn so that I can knit something special.

I have my eye on the pattern called St Brigid.

I will need to start it soon as there's a lot of work involved, otherwise it will be next summer before it's finished!

In the meantime I've been swapping all the decorations in the house around. Putting away the Summer decorations and bringing out the Autumn ones.

The house feels cosier and more snug ready for the darker nights.

We are lucky enough to have red squirrels living in our area, although their existence is constantly under threat. Eve and I managed to catch sight of one visiting our garden and burying a nut for his Winter store. We weren't quick enough to get a photo but here's a picture of a red squirrel- it could even be him - we'll never know!

So cute - I love him.

Flying The Nest

2011-09-04T11:27:00.000+01:00

A milestone in ours lives - Grace moved out yesterday. I knew the day was coming but it was still an emotional day. Actually today is more emotional, seeing her empty room - well not empty really - it's still full of junk that she's left behind, to collect at a later date. Eve has decided this will be her 'office'!

Grace's new flat is lovely and modern and I'm sure she'll be really happy there. However, it may take some time to get organised and sort out all her stuff.

When we left her there wasn't much floor space to see.

They grow up so fast.

So you have to enjoy the moment.

York University

2011-09-01T09:40:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, we had one of our occasional day's out to visit a university. So with my knitting packed for the car journey, we set off, this time it was to York. I love the city of York - one of my favourite places.

Eve's been there a few times in the past when she was younger but she couldn't really remember much about it.

Needless to say she loved it as soon as we arrived. In the city centre we were greeted by a lively performance of Andean music.

It didn't take much for her to be convinced this would be a great place to be at university.

From the city we walked out to the university - not as far as I thought it would be, but still a reasonable length - but plenty of buses available.

The university is relatively new - founded in the 1960s - so many of the original buildings are horrible concrete affairs.

It certainly doesn't have the character of Durham or Cambridge. It does have a lake, which helps and it's a campus uni, which is appealing. There was loads of buidling work going on whilst we were there - expanding and revamping the 60s eyesores. The living accommodation is all being upgraded.

York is easier to get to than some of the other universities Eve's looked at - and there's a direct train from Liverpool to York that runs every hour!

Overall Eve love it - there'll be some difficult decisions to make soon about narrowing down her choices!

What's On The Needles?

2011-08-28T18:50:00.000+01:00

What am I working on at the moment? Well, I've started quite a few new items, here they are.

Firstly, I needed some plain knitting for the journeys on Eurostar recently, so I have revisited an old favourite pattern. It's called Bond and it's by Kim Hargreaves and it was featured in Rowan 28 magazine way back in 2001.

I've made this pattern twice before (2001 and 2002) - it's a very comfortable, easy to wear sweater and it's so simple to make - just plain stocking stitch and very little concentration needed.

My previous versions of this sweater (in Rowan Felted Tweed) shrank in the wash - this new one is in a more washable yarn.

The yarn is Sirdar Escape and is a lovely mix of reds, plums and greens - not that you can tell from the work-in-progress photo.

I've recently bought the latest Rowan magazine (number 50) - I only buy it these days if there are at least 5 patterns I would definitely knit. Some of Rowans patterns can be a bit shapeless.

One of the patterns I liked is called Loretta.

I'm not sure about the collar though - it has a look of Harry Hill about it.

Any way, I've started knitted it but I'll probably do a plain round neck and skip the collar.

Lastly, I've been trying to find a pattern for some yarn I bought cheaply - 20 balls of it. The yarn is James C Brett's ripple.

The colouring is lovely, delicate greens and pastels but when I tried knitting it up, it just tangled and twisted. When I had a go at crocheting with it, there wasn't a probelm, in fact it's wonderful to crochet with. So I found this free pattern from Garn Studio.

I've nearly finished the main body - it grows very quickly.

There was a Formula 1 race this weekend, so plenty of crocheting time.

I've seen some more patterns I'd like to make - so I may yet start some of these. Beginnings are always fun - it's making sure you finish that's the difficult part!

Lizzie Pattern

2011-08-25T19:08:00.003+01:00

PDF version

Lizzie is a bright and jolly scoop-necked, stripy, Fair Isle vest, knitted in double knitting weight yarn.

It can be knitted as a regular repeated colour change, or with random colour changes. It requires a minimum of 4 colours and the pattern is repeated every 10 rows. It’s up to you how you want to work it

I used a random colour change, using a total of 10 different colours. A great way to use up all those odds and ends. Have fun with your colour combinations.

Just make sure that you have enough yarn to ensure that the sequence of colours on the front matches the back.

To fit size small
Knitted size
Bust 84 cm / 33 inches
Length to shoulder 53 cm / 21 inches

Materials
Double knitting weight yarn – a total of approximately 750 metres / 770 yards
A minimum of 4 colours required.
I used 10 different colours, the main shade used for the hem and bands and also incorporated in the pattern used about 75g, all the other colours required less than 50g.
3.25 mm (US 3) needles
3.75 mm (US 5) needles

Tension
21 sts and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over pattern using 3.75 mm needles.

Abbreviations
k = knit
p = purl
sts = stitches
ms = main shade
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
beg = beginning
rem = remaining
alt = alternate

BACK

Using 3.75mm needles and ms of your choice, cast on 92 sts.
Work in k1, p1, rib for 2.5 cm (1 inch).
Work 2 rows in stocking stitch.
Breaking off and joining in colours as required, start 10 row colour changing pattern as per chart and complete 10 rows without shaping.

Making sure pattern stays correct (the little squares should all line up), decrease 1 st at each end of next and 4 following 8th rows. (82 sts)
Work 9 rows without shaping.
Increase 1 st at each end of next and 4 following 10th rows. (92 sts)
Continue without shaping until work measures 35 cm (14 inches) ending with a WS row.

Shape armholes
Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows. (86 sts) **
Continue without shaping until armhole measures 20 cm (8 inches).

Shape shoulders
Cast off 8 sts at beg of next row, pattern until there are 12 sts on right hand needle, turn leaving rem 66 sts on a spare needle.
On the 12 sts only, cast off 4 sts at beg of next row.
Cast off rem 8 sts.
Place centre 46 sts on a holder. With RS facing, rejoin yarn to rem 20 sts, pattern to end.
Cast off 8 sts at the beg of next row.
Cast off 4 sts at the beg of next row.
Cast of rem 8 sts.

FRONT

Work as given for back to **
Work 2.5cm ( 1 inch) ending with a WS row.

Shape neckline
Pattern 37 sts, turn, leaving rem 51 sts on a spare needle.
Working on 37 sts only, cast off 2 sts at neck edge on next and 4 alt rows. (27 sts)
Work 1 row.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next and 10 following alt rows. (16 sts)
Work straight until work measures same as back to start of shoulder shaping, ending with a WS row.
Cast off 8 sts at beg of next row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off rem 8 sts.
Place centre 12 sts on a holder. Woth Rs facing, rejoin yarn to rem 37 sts, pattern to end.
Work 1 row.
Cast off 2 sts at neck edge on next and 4 following alt rows. (27 sts)
Work 1 row.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next and 10 following alt rows. (16 sts)
Work straight until work measures same as back to start of shoulder shaping, ending with a RS row.
Cast off 8 sts at beg of next row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off rem 8 sts.

MAKING UP

Join right shoulder seam.

Neckband
With RS facing, 3.25mm needles and ms, pick up and knit 46 sts down left side of neck, knit across 12 sts on holder at front, pick up and knit 46 sts up right side of neck, pick up and knit 4 sts at start of back, knit across 46 sts on holder at back, pick up and knit 4 sts from end opf back . 158 sts
Work in k1 p1 rib for 6 rows. Cast off in rib.

Armholes
Join remaining shoulder seam.
For each armhole, with RS facing, 3.25mm needles and ms, pick up and knit 102 sts evenly along armhole edge.
Work in k1, p1 rib for 6 rows.
Cast off in rib.
Join side seams and tidy up all loose ends.

Grace's Birthday Makes

2011-08-25T10:55:00.000+01:00

For Grace for her birthday, I made three presents for her.

Firstly, I made some fingerless gloves - she loves fingerless gloves.

The hand model is Eve - you can tell by the wild nail polish!

If you look closely at the gloves you can see the cable details look like owls - Grace loves owls!

I used sequins and tiny beads to form the eyes for one owl on each glove.

The pattern is called Owlings and is by Kerrie James. It's knitted in the round on DPNs with minimal shaping. The pattern is available for free, here.

I also made Grace some teeny tiny owlets. These are crocheted and are very quick and easy to make. I used 4 ply yarn to keep them small and embroidered the eyes.

I've made these owls before for Grace - 2 years ago - using Dk yarn and buttons for eyes.

The pattern is by Brigette Read and is available for free, here.

Lastly, I knitted a vest for Grace. Very colourful.

No owls in this design but if you look closely you can see she is wearing an owl brooch!

This is a pattern I have designed myself - a great way to use up odds and ends.

The colour scheme is random and the vest is worked in DK yarn.

I'll type up the pattern as quickly as I can and share it with you.

Grace had a wonderful birthday and loved all her presents - I still can't believe she's 20.

Grace's Birthday

2011-08-23T10:45:00.000+01:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Grace - no longer a teenager! All very emotional.

As she leaves for work at 7am we all got up extra early to give her presents.

I'll let you see the knitted things I made for her shortly.

Here's the card I made.

Lots of lovely layering.

I've just popped a cake in the oven for her - I'll decorate it this afternoon before she gets home from work. This evening we're off out for a meal and then we'll watch some of the DVDs she's received. It should be a wonderful day.

Another Doily

2011-08-21T12:08:00.000+01:00

I love doilies - quick and fun to make.

Here's another I've made recently.

The pattern is called Tea Time by Denise Augostine. It is available for free, here. The pattern calls for two colours but I used all white.

Very pretty and so easy to make. Doilies are also very portable - this one came with me to Paris - great to work on whilst travelling.

Bernard Scholl

2011-08-19T09:44:00.000+01:00

Whilst in Paris, visiting Montmartre, we popped into a lovely little gallery. One of the artists featured was Bernard Scholl. I loved his trompe d'oeil paintings. Here are some pics for you to enjoy as well.

You can see more of his works on his website, here.

Holiday to Paris

2011-08-18T13:48:00.000+01:00

Our Paris holiday was similar to the one to Bruges, a few weeks ago – 4 days/3 nights, travel by Eurostar. My DH and I had visited Paris 22 years ago but this was a first visit for Grace and Eve.

This holiday was just as packed with sightseeing and touring around as the one to Bruges– all very well organised and our tour guide, Andy, was excellent.

We arrived Friday, late afternoon, and set off immediately to explore the area around the Arc de Triomphe.

Our first full day, we had a coach tour around the city to see the main sights; then we went to Versailles for the afternoon followed in the evening by a Paris by night coach tour.

At Versailles we had a little shower of rain, but otherwise the holiday was dry and mostly sunny. We saw some of the gardens at Versailles but the queues to get into the palace were horrendous, so we visited a beautiful church (lots of wonderful stained glass windows) and the cathedral instead – both of which were lovely and quiet.

Sunday morning was spent in Montmartre, followed by a boat trip on the Seine.

We finished off the day with a visit to the Petit Palace, a lovely art gallery that is so much less busy than the Louvre or the Musee d’Orsay – no queues and it’s free!

On our final day we visited Notre Dame, we got there early to beat the queues. As it was such a lovely day we relaxed for a while in the Tuileries Gardens.

We left Paris at 3.30pm, had our evening meal in London and arrived home at 11.00pm. Another wonderful and memorable holiday.

Just Got Back

2011-08-16T13:12:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, just a quick note to let you know I've just got home after another wonderful holiday. This time we went to Paris for a few days. I'll share the photos with you as soon as I've got them sorted.

Finished - But Not Quite Finished

2011-08-11T12:53:00.000+01:00

I have now finished my Fair Isle cardigan - but I'm not completely happy with it.

I love the colour combination, the Fair Isle pattern I have used and the overall style, but ... I'm the world's worst at not taking time out to check tension, measurements etc - and so the sleeves feel too tight. I should have picked this up earlier - but I tend to keep knitting away in a rush, assuming everything will be wonderful.

Also, I'm not too happy with the button bands - they are too stretchy which means they tend to gape.

So - a lesson learned - I will take more time to check the fit and styling, and do more swatches etc etc.

I'm going to reknit the sleeves, work on the button bands - and then hopefully it will be how I wanted it. When I'm happy with it, I'll share the pattern with you.

Tic-Tac-Toe

2011-08-10T14:36:00.000+01:00

Isn't it great when something you see on someone else's blog inspires you. I love Tangled Happy's blog because Sara features and references lots of lovely ideas from other people's blogs. Not long ago she featured a lovely crocheted version of the game tic-tac-toe. The board doubles as a pouch to store the counters in.

Last night I felt inspired to make one for myself. Here it is.

Very easy to make. I modified the edging to give a scalloped effect and made the button hole in the backing piece rather than the front piece. I used two smaller buttons for the closing rather than one bigger one.

A great ideas for small children to take on holiday with them - also a great idea for bigger children to take on holiday with them!!

The pattern comes from Turtle Weenies blog and is available free here.

Family Treasure

2011-08-09T15:42:00.001+01:00

I am currently working on tracing my family tree - great fun and very addictive. My Mum has just lent me a shoebox full of old family photos.

Eve and I spent a wonderful evening studying them.

This one is our favourite.

It is of my great grandparents, William Edward and Eliza Ann and their first-born son, Charlie, taken in about 1895.

We also loved this one of my Nan (on the right) and her cousin Dorothy, taken in 1929 - a couple of thoroughly modern gals.

Dorothy's Louise Brooks hairstyle is lovely.

The photos really bring the family tree to life - real family treasure.

For the Birthday Girl

2011-08-05T09:37:00.000+01:00

Today is my MIL's birthday, still going strong at 87. Heres' the card I made for her.

Lots of lovely layering and a few little jewels for sparkle.

The cake's in the oven, just about to pop around and see her. We're taking her out for a meal tonight - so no cooking for me!

Have a nice day everyone.

Holiday in Bruges

2011-08-01T12:58:00.000+01:00

We've just had 4 wonderful days in the town of Bruges in Belgium. We travelled by train down to London, caught the Eurostar to Lille and then were taken by coach to Bruges.

The holiday was part of an organised tour and so there were a lot of planned activities, but we were still left with plenty of free time to explore on our own. The town of Bruges is small and easy to walk around. It is a medieval town and extremely picturesque. There are a number of canals in the town which add to the beauty of the place. Here are some of our photos.

We went on a canal boat trip...

...and watched the swans charging!!!

One of the days was spent visiting the First World War sites and Tyne Cot Cemetery - the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world. It was very moving and also very informative.

It is amazing to think that the town of Ieper (Ypres) was completely reduced to rubble and has now been restored.

And of course we enjoyed the Belgium beer, chocolate and waffles.

The last night of our stay we went to a music festival in one of the town squares.

The featured band were The Selecter, a group I remembered from the late 1970s - yes, I even bought their single 'On My Radio' back in 1979!

We also managed to fit in a harp recital whilst we were there!

We saw so much it felt like we had been away for a week rather than just 4 days. It was a wonderful holiday, the Belgian people were so friendly and Bruges is a place I would definitely recommend for a visit.

Just Back From Holiday

2011-07-31T11:27:00.000+01:00

Hi, we've just got back from a wonderful holiday in Belgium. We stayed in Bruges, which is a lovely, picturesque town with numerous canals.

I'll post some pictures just as soon as I've got myself organised.

My New Skirt

2011-07-23T11:10:00.000+01:00

I haven't been able to find a skirt that I like in the shops - so I decided I would have a go at making one.

I didn't have a pattern so I used the skirts I already had as a basis for drawing up a pattern.

I bought some cheap cotton furnishing fabric - £1 per metre!! Something bold and jolly (nice curtains!)

And this is what I got.

It consists of 6 tapered panels and a side zip - very basic but a good fit and the right length.

The fabric isn't too light, so it will be wearable through to the autumn, but it's colourful enough for a summer skirt.

I already had a zip, the fabric cost a total of £2 - so how's that for cheap and cheerful! It only took a couple of days to make up and hem. I'm very pleased with the end result. I shall have to find some other interesting fabrics and make some more.

As I was coming downstairs to show the finished article off to the rest of the family - I suddenly had an image in my head from my favourite film of the von Trapp children in their 'playsuits' made from curtain fabric.

Obviously their curtains weren't as colourful as mine. The outfits from the film worn by Marta and Gretel (in the picture above) recently sold at auction for $35,000 - if I look after my skirt, in a few years time it could be worth something - vintage and all that!!

Farewell Harry

2011-07-19T09:33:00.000+01:00

We went to see the last Harry Potter film last night.

We really enjoyed it, Eve was quite tearful that it was all over. Both Grace and Eve have grown up with Harry - he's been a major part of their lives - queuing up for the books as soon as they are published, seeing all the films as soon as they come out, then buying the DVD on the day of release.

Neville Longbottom was the star of the show, such bravery and all whilst wearing a rather nice Fair Isle cardi.

I was a bit nervous about the final scene - 19 years later - could they pull it off? Actually it worked quite well. Harry and Ron were believable, Jinny didn't look any different - only Draco Malfoy raised a snigger in the cinema.

So that's it now - Harry's all grown up - all finished. Just the final DVD to wait for now.

Fully PDF-ed

2011-07-18T15:47:00.000+01:00

I've worked hard today and now all my patterns are available as free Ravelry downloads. I have also linked all the pattern pages on this blog to the download (Grace showed me how to do it!) I feel very organised.

Please let me know if there is a probelm with any of the links.

Rain and Golf

2011-07-16T10:56:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago I made this cute little raindrop.

I forgot to blog him - probably because the sun was shining so he looked out of place. But today the rain has arrived, so my little raindrop is happy, staring out of the window at his fellow raindrops.

The pattern is by Sherry M and is called Rain Droplet in Red Galoshes. The pattern is available for free, here. I got a bit lost on the instructions for the galoshes, so in the end I made it up.

My little raindrop is sitting beside me as I work away. Whether it is sunny or raining, this weekend I will be in front of the television watching the Open Golf Championship. At the moment, there are so many people in contention - it could be a close run thing. My weekend knitting will be the Fair Isle cardi I'm designing.

I'm making good progress - back finished, half of left front done. Golf and knitting - should be a good weekend. Enjoy yours - whatever you are doing.

Errol

2011-07-13T11:26:00.000+01:00

I started knitting a new bear in February - it was supposed to be ready for my birthday in March - but too many projects, too little time - he was never finished.

It was one of those projects where you keep saying, "I must get around to finishing that" - but you never do.

Well yesterday I decided I would do some work on my bear, make some progress. When I opened the knitting bag I was surprised how much I had already done - in fact the bear was finished apart from sewing on the arms and legs. So here he is, thankfully freed from the knitting bag and all complete.

His name is Errol and he is boisterous little boy, full of fun and mischief.
It was difficult to get him to sit still for the photos!

The pattern comes from Claire Garland's wonderful book called 'Knitted Bears'.

The bears in this book all have so much personality and are not difficult to make - they also shouldn't take several months to make - I'm not usually that bad at finishing a project off. He's made with double knitting weight yarn and the actual bear took less than 1 x 50g ball. The clothes are really cute - a shirt and dungerees.

Here is a picture of Errol with his little sister Rosie, who I made at the beginning of 2010.

Maybe next year I'll add another bear to the family.

Eagle

2011-07-12T09:51:00.000+01:00

Yesterday afternoon I had a little making session and made this cute little eagle.

It only took a few hours to make and was easy to do.

I made it to surprise Grace when she came home from work. It's actually her own pattern, so she was really thrilled when she saw I had made it. You can find the pattern on her blog, The Smiling Robot, here for free.

She hasn't made any of my patterns yet - something I pointed out to her - no harm in giving her a guilty conscience!!

I haven't given the eagle a name yet - lacking inspiration - so at the moment he is just 'Eagle'.

Marcus Pattern

2011-07-10T11:57:00.001+01:00

PDF version
A fitted men’s sweater with Fair Isle pattern.

It is knitted in the flat with double knitting weight yarn.

To fit sizes small/medium, (medium/ large)

Knitted sizes

Chest 102 (112) cm / 40(44) inches

Length to shoulder 66(68)cm / 26(27)inches

Sleeve seam 51(53) cm / 20(21) inches

(Please note that I have only knitted up the small/medium size. The medium/large size pattern hasn't been tested by me.)

Materials
I used Sirdar Balmoral wool, silk,alpaca mix double knitting yarn (125m/135yds per ball).
9 (9) x 50g balls in main shade in black (ms).
1 x 50g ball in grey (cs1)
1 x 50g ball in navy (cs2)
1 x 50g ball in dark red (cs3)
1 x 50g ball in cream (cs4)

3.75mm (US 5) straight needles
4mm (US 6) straight needles
3.25mm (US 3) straight needles

Tension
22 sts and 31 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over plain stocking stitch using 3.75 mm needles.

Abbreviations
k = knit
p = purl
sts = stitches
tog = together
tbl = through back of loops
ms = main shade
cs = contrast shade
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
RH = right hand

BACK
Using 3.25mm needles and ms, cast on 116 (128) sts.
Row 1 (RS): (k2, p2) to end.
This row forms the rib. Repeat this row until work measures 6 cm, ending with a WS row and increasing 1 st at the end of the last row. 117 (129) sts
Change to 3.75mm needles and work in stocking stitch until work measures 31 cm.
Change to 4mm needles and work from chart to row 38, joining in and breaking off colours as required.

Shape armholes
Cast off 6 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows (rows 39 and 40 of chart). 105 (117) sts
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 9 rows (up to and including row 49 of chart). 87 (99) sts
Complete last two rows of chart. *
Change back to 3.75mm needles and working in ms and stocking stitch continue straight until armhole measures 23 (25) cm.

Shape shoulders
Cast off 7 (8) sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Cast off 7(8) sts at beginning of next row and then knit until 12 sts are on RH needle, turn.
Working on 12 sts only, cast off 4 sts at beg of next row, purl to end.
Cast off remaining 8 sts.

With RS facing, place centre 35 (43) sts on a holder. Rejoin yarn to remaining 19 (20) sts, knit to end.
Cast off 7 (8) sts at beg of next row.
Cast off 4 sts at beginning of next row.
Cast off remaining 8 sts.

FRONT
Work as given for back to * (end of chart). Change back to 3.75mm needles and working in ms and stocking stitch continue straight until you have worked 20 rows less than on back to start of shoulder shaping.
With RS facing for next row, knit until there are 35 (37) sts on RH needle, turn, leaving remaining sts on a spare needle. Working on 35 (37) sts only, cast off 3 sts at beg of next row. 32 (34) sts
Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 5 rows. 27 (29) sts
Dec 1 st at neck edge on 4 following alternate rows. 23 (25) sts
Dec 1 sts at neck edge on following 4th row. 22 (24) sts
Work a row, ending with a WS row.

Shape shoulders
Cast off 7 (8) sts at beg of next row and following alternate row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off remaining 8 sts.
With RS facing, place centre 17 (25) sts on a holder. Rejoin yarn to remaining 35 (37) sts and knit to end.
Complete to match first side, reversing shaping.

SLEEVES
With 3.25 needles and ms, cast on 60 (64) sts.
Row 1 (RS): (k2, p2) to end.
This row forms the rib. Repeat this row until work measures 6 cm, ending with a WS row and increasing 1 st at the end of the last row. 61 (65) sts
Change to 3.75mm needles and commence stocking stitch, work 2 rows.
Increase 1 st at each end of next row and 10 following 6th rows, and then on 5 (6) following 5th rows. 93 (99) sts
Continue straight until work measures 35 (37) cm.
Change to 4mm needles and work from chart to row 38, joining in and breaking off colours as required.
NOTE - the pattern for the medium/large sleeve has to accommodate the extra stitches into the pattern and so has a different starting and finishing point within the chart.

Shape sleeve top
Cast off 6 sts at beginning of next two rows. (rows 39 and 40 of chart)
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 5 rows. (up to and including chart row 45)
Dec 1 st at each end of next 3 (4) alternate rows. (up to and including chart row 51). 65 (69) sts
Change back to 3.75mm needles and working in ms and stocking stitch, dec 1 st at each end of following 4th row.
Dec 1 st at each end of next 12 (13) alternate rows.
Dec 1 sts at each end of next 5 (6) rows.
Cast off remaining 29 sts.

NECKBAND
Join right shoulder seam.
With 3.25mm needles and RS facing, pick up and knit 22 sts down right front neck, knit across 17 (25) sts on holder, pick up and knit 22 sts up left front, pick up 4 sts from back left neck edge, knit across 35 (43) sts on holder, pick up and knit 4 sts from back right neck edge. 104 (120) sts
Work in K2 P2 rib for 10 rows. Cast off.

MAKING UP
Fasten off and neaten all loose ends. Join left hand shoulder seam. Set in sleeves and sew up sleeve and side seams.

Visit to Cambridge

2011-07-09T11:44:00.000+01:00

Just got back from our visit to Cambridge University Open Day. Well, it was actually two days - we stayed overnight because of the distant. Even so we had to get up at 4 in the morning on Thursday to make sure we were there by 10!

Eve stayed in one of the colleges, whilst we stayed in a B&B. Here's the view from the window of her room.

All very quaint and atmospheric - just what she wanted.

We spent the two days wandering around as many colleges as we could - but after a while they all start to merge into each other and it becomes hard to remember which was which.

Cambridge is a lovely city - a good size - not too big and not too small. Lots of beautiful buildings and plenty of open green spaces. We all loved it there. The weather was erratic - one minute it was umbrellas and jackets but then the sun would come out and the layers came off - just as the next shower arrived.

Here's some photos I took - yes I remembered to take the camera out of my bag this time!

Eve was impressed with the sound of the history course and was fell in love with a number of colleges. However, only 1 in 5 people who apply get a place, it's very competitive - so we'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, we will probably go and look round a few more universities in the school holidays and maybe attend some more open days in September or October. Now all I've got to do is to find somewhere to stash all the brochure, pamphlets and leaflets we've accumulated in the last few weeks!!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T10:18:00.000+01:00

I can't believe it's a whole year since we were in Philadelphia. What a great time we had.

To celebrate the day I decided in join in Megan's CAL (from Crochet Every Day) and make some star coasters.

They were really quick to make and look really cheerful. I made the four coasters in under an hour in between cooking the evening meal! The pattern is available for free and can be found here.

Eve has treated herself to a new sweater to wear when she gets home from school this afternoon.

Have a great day everyone.

Trip to Durham

2011-07-03T10:48:00.000+01:00

The second of our university open days was to Durham University. I think it was the hottest, most humid day of the week - not ideal conditions for a car journey, 3 hours each way.

The city of Durham is lovely - so picturesque. I took the camera but forgot to use it! So here are some pictures taken by better photographers than me.

The city centre is made up of narrow streets and old buildings.

The cathedral dominates the centre - it is awe inspiring in its size and simplicity of design - it's my favourite cathedral - it moves me everytime I visit it.

We had lunch sitting on the grass outside the cathedral in the shade of the trees - perfect.

We visited Van Mildert college - a typical modern-style residential college - it didn't have a great deal of character - but the duck pond helped.

Eve loved the sound of the history course, but wasn't wowed by English.

Here's the history department building in the centre of Durham.

We liked how green everywhere was and it definitely has possibilities. We're now accumulating a collection of university bags which seem to have been left in the living room together with the pile of prospectuses!

Next week we're off to Cambridge - so an even longer car joureny to look forward to!

At least the knitting is making progress - although on the Durham trip the heat made it impossible to get a lot done.

As a treat I made sticky gingerbread muffins when we got home.

Delicious!

Marcus Finished

2011-06-29T13:26:00.000+01:00

At last, it's done.

The sweater for my husband is finally finished - and has received his approval!

I really pleased with the fit - just as I had planned it - but you never know until they try it on.

The Sirdar Balmoral was a real treat to knit with - such a lovely quality to it. You can see full details of the project on my Ravelry page, here.

The timing of finishing the sweater was not good. I finished stitching it up just as the heatwave arrived - but he'll get plenty of wear from it in the winter.

I'll post the pattern for the sweater once I've typed it up and made all the calculations for sizing.

Now, back to knitting for me!!!

On Our Travels

2011-06-26T10:04:00.000+01:00

Open days for the universities are upon us and we're off travelling around the country to see which university Eve would like to go to. On Friday we went to Nottingham.

It's a beautiful campus - we loved it there. Lots of green spaces, a lake and lovely buildings.

This one is the history building which apparently used to be a coach house.

Everyone was very helpful and friendly, the accommodation looked good. Eve could definitely see herself here. The only probelm was that she wasn't impressed with the course for the subject she is most interested in.

So this coming week, it's Durham University and then the following week it's Cambridge.

I couldn't take the sweater I'm knitting for my husband in the car with me as the Fair Isle is too messy for car journeys. Instead I started a new cardi for myself. I have had the balls of wool sitting in front of me for the past week, in order to motivate myself to finish my DH's sweater. Nottingham and back enabled me to easily complete the ribbing for the back on this new one.

The main colour is actually more green than in the picture and the red is a lot brighter. For the journey to Durham I plan to do the ribbing for the fronts and as much of the sleeve cuffs as I can. The main body of the cardi will be Fair Isle.
Never fear, the sweater for my DH is now knitted, it just needs making up.

There's a Formula 1 race today, from Valencia, so a few hours in front of the television should see this finished. The irony is that following the weeks of cold and miserable weather, there's a heat wave predicted for today and tomorrow - so wearing a warm sweater will be the last thing on his mind.

Canal Walk

2011-06-22T18:54:00.000+01:00

Today is our wedding anniversary. I must say, this past year has gone very quickly. Was it really twelve months since our 25th anniversary?

Today we decided to go for a peaceful stroll along the Leeds to Liverpool canal.

On previous outings, we've walked the stretch of the canal around Lydiate, Maghull, Melling and Aintree, so today we decided to walk towards Liverpool itself.

We started our walk at Waterloo, went through Seaforth, Litherland and ended up in Bootle.

Despite going through some very built-up areas, the canal was lovely and peaceful.

There were plenty of coots and moorhens with their babies.

The canal itself was mostly clean and looked after, but it was spoilt in a few places by swathes of plastic bottles and cans. It always makes me sad when I see such ugliness.

All in all it was a lovely morning. I need to rest my feet for a while now, but we're off out later for a romantic evening together!

Our Newest Driver

2011-06-19T13:45:00.000+01:00

Grace has passed her driving test. After many months of lessons she finally plucked up courage to put in for her test. I thought she would be nervous but she said the test was more relaxing than the lessons.

I didn't make her a good luck card, instead I made her this.

It's based on the pattern Tiny Wheels Crazee Carz by Christal friend and is available for free here.

I modified the bottom part of the car to make it more chubby, left off all the crochet trimmings and added buttons for the wheel trims. Grace liked the car and took it with her on the test. Obviously having the good luck car with her made all the difference.

Eve made a pie to celebrate her success.

Summer fruits - delicious.

Colour Co-ordination

2011-06-15T10:11:00.000+01:00

I have a wonderful selection of knitting needles - mostly bamboos.

The problem is the size that is printed on them wears off after a few uses and then you can't easily tell which size it is.

Fortunately I have a handy little gadget that belonged to my grandmother that is great for determining the sizes.

It isn't in metric but the old imperial sizes so it's a case of remembering the conversions.

Today I decided to make life easier by colour co-ordinating the needles. My lovely girls have many interesting shades of nail polish -

-so I used these to paint the tops of the needles.

My favourite needles sizes, 3.75mm and 3.25mm are pink and yellow - so I should remember them. I'll just have to make sure I don't forget what the other colours stand for.

Now it's all very colourful and jolly.

Slow Progress

2011-06-13T09:26:00.000+01:00

Every morning, as soon as I get up, I go for a long walk around the park or along the beach. This is my thinking time. I can plan what I'm going to do that day, think about ideas for knitting and crochet projects, daydream and enjoy the solitude and scenery.

This morning the weather was still miserable, no sunshine, not very warm and quite windy. It made me think of warm sweaters and that reminded me of the sweater I'm knitting my DH. So now it's back to work - only the sleeves to finish - c'mon girl! One last push!

No Motivation!

2011-06-08T15:49:00.000+01:00

It may seem as though all is quiet on the knitting front but I do have a project on the go at the moment. Unfortunately it isn't for me. I'm knitting a sweater for my DH - I rashly suggested I knit him something but as always I am now regretting the offer.

Firstly I find it difficult to motivate myself if the finished article isn't for me - basically I'm a selfish knitter.

Secondly, my DH usually finds something wrong with anything I knit him - too big, too short, too long etc etc. This time I decided to customise a sweater for him rather than using a purchased pattern. So I'm having to write a pattern for this sweater as I go along.

Thirdly, obviously men's sweaters are bigger than women's - so take longer to do.

Here's a peak at the work in progress.

I have today forced myself to sit and finish the front. I'm trying to whip up some enthusiasm by planning an interesting cardi I can start when this sweater is finished. What a martyr I am!!

Grace - some beginnings

2011-06-06T12:32:00.000+01:00

An exciting day for Grace today - she starts her first ever job!! She's working for an electronics company for four months over the summer - a great experience for her. I'm sure she'll enjoy it. Unfortunately she has a long train journey each way but we've bought her lots of interesting books to read and she'll be able to do loads of knitting and crocheting.

She promised herself that when her exams were out of the way she would start her own blog - and in the last few days she has got it up and running. It's called The Smiling Robot.

Give it a visit - she'll appreciate it.

Ada

2011-06-02T16:26:00.000+01:00

How exciting - I've just bought a mannequin, to help me with my designing.

This is how she looks in the flesh, so to speak.

And here she is wearing a pretty dress.

We've named her Ada. She's currently looming over us in the living room but I'll have to find a more suitable place for her to stand because she's quite intimidating.

Pirates 4

2011-05-28T11:33:00.000+01:00

We went to see Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides last night.

We had heard that it wasn't the best of the pirates films but Johnny's in it - what more do you want.

We enjoyed it - but - it wasn't as good as the other pirates films. So few of the cast from the earlier films were in it that it didn't have the same feel to it. The best bits were when Captain Jack and Barbossa were together - good banter and thankfully Mr Gibbs was still in it - where would Jack be without him. But we missed Pintel and Ragetti and Cotton and his parrot.

A Little Ray of Sunshine

2011-05-24T15:25:00.002+01:00

PDF version
Where has all the nice weather gone? I think I blinked and missed it. We're all feeling under a cloud at the moment with all the exams and misersable weather so I made a little something to cheer us up.

This is our Little Ray of Sunshine (Ray for short). He's very quick and easy to make and brings an instant summery smile to your face.

If you feel you need cheering up why not make your own or give one to someone you know who needs a smile. Here's the pattern.

Little Ray of Sunshine

To make your own sunshine you will need:

Yellow double knitting yarn – the sunnier the better

3mm crochet hook or whatever feels right

Notions – row marker, toy stuffing, oddments of black yarn

PATTERN

(English terms used)
dc (English) = sc (American)
tr (English ) = dc (American)

Finished size – approximately 14 cm (5 ½ inches) in diameter.

Back

With yellow and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Do not join at end of round, instead continue to work in a spiral – a row marker will be useful to keep track of the beginning of the round.

2nd round: [2 dc into next dc] 6 times. (12 dc)

3rd round: [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 6 times. (18 dc)

4th round: [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. (24 dc)

5th round: [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6 times. (30 dc)

6th round: [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 6 times. (36 dc)

7th round: [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 5 dc] 6 times. (42 dc)

8th round: [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 6 dc] 6 times. (48 dc)

9th round: [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 7 dc] 6 times. (54 dc)

Slip stitch into next dc and fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing up later.

Front

Work as given for back but do not fasten off after ninth round.

10th round: [1 dc in next 3 dc, 1 ch, miss 1 dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc] 9 times.

11th round: [ 1 dc in next dc, miss 2 dc, (3 tr, 5 ch, sl st into 4th ch from hook, 1 ch, 3 tr) all in 1 ch space, miss next 2 dc] 9 times, sl st into 1st dc and fasten off.

Making up

Using black yarn, embroider a very smiley face on the front piece. Sew the back to the front leaving a small gap for stuffing. Stuff and then close the gap. Attach a hanging loop made by either a twisted cord or a crocheted chain.

Hang up your sunshine and see how it brightens your room.

Spider Web Doily

2011-05-21T15:27:00.000+01:00

Isn't this doily just wonderful? Just my idea of what a doily should look like!

This is the one I started in Madrid but didn't quite finish. When I resumed work on it I wasn't happy with it - no matter what I did it wouldn't lie flat - no amount of stretching and pinning out was going to make a difference. But I loved the pattern so much so I ripped it out and started again. The pattern called for 16 repeats in the round but I altered it to 12 and hey presto! it worked.

All I need now is a nice vintage plate to put it on - Oh and some delicoius cakes to display on it.

It only took two evenings to make and was an easy pattern to follow. The pattern dates from 1951 and you can find the pattern for free, here.

Good Luck Cards

2011-05-17T16:07:00.000+01:00

Yes, it's that time of the year again - exam time. It always seems to come round really quickly. The girls have been studying and revising very hard over the past few weeks (months infact) and now the dreaded exams are upon us.

Here are the cards I made for them.

I used organza fabric for the background. Then used decorative paper to add edgings and to make the bunting. Finally I used stampers to add the flower borders to match the colours in the paper.

Good luck girls - you've worked hard so I'm sure you'll be fine.

Teatime Treats

2011-05-16T13:39:00.000+01:00

Shortbread buttons and mince pies. Someone has been busy.

Russian Dolls

2011-05-15T11:05:00.000+01:00

I've just had great fun making these lovely crocheted Russian Dolls.

They took a few days to make because of all the embroidery detail but they were a great way to use up oddments of yarn.

The pattern is by Nicki Trench and is in the magazine Woman's Weekly Knitting and Crochet Special April/May 2011. The pattern also features in Nicki Trench's book Cute and Easy Crochet.

We've named the dolls Ada, Lily, Sally and Nancy. A very colourful and jolly addition to our household.

Happy Birthday Mum

2011-05-11T09:40:00.000+01:00

A big special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Mum today. "I hope you have a wonderful day - be good to yourself - you deserve it".

Here is the card I made for her.

It's a very pretty and dainty design. Unfortunately the photo is a bit pale. The central motif is slightly raised and I've added a ribbon bow. I'm really pleased with the stamped flowers in the corners - I think I matched the colours of the central design very well.

And most importantly, my Mum liked it.

Temptation

2011-05-06T10:21:00.000+01:00

I am being led astray!! My friend Angela from Coventry sent me a message yesterday morning to say that Deramores has a sale of Sirdar Countrystyle yarn. This is one of my favourite yarns - great value -usually around £4 for a 100g ball - now on sale for £1.79 per ball. WOW!! How could I resist - and with free delivery in the UK on orders over £15.

I deliberated - could I justify buying more yarn - no contest - of course I could. So I sent off my order and less than 24 hours later the yarn has arrived - how's that for service.

I see some lovely Fair Isle cardigans appearing in the near future - so exciting.

New Pages

2011-05-04T21:04:00.000+01:00

Hey! I've finally worked out how to add new pages to the blog - a bit slow on the uptake, I know.

So I have been busy and organised all my free patterns with pictures so that they are easy to view.

Check out the tabs at the top to see the selection.

Snow Doily

2011-05-03T13:16:00.000+01:00

Despite being away on holiday and having a wonderful time, I did not neglect the crafts. Crocheting is the easiest activity to take away - very portable. So I packed my thread weight crochet cotton and three doily patterns.

I only managed to complete one doily whilst away. A second one is half-way done and I'll hopefully get around to finishing that shortly.

Here is the finished one.

It's called Snow Doily. The pattern is by Priscilla Hewitt and is available for free, here.

Quite a quick pattern to make but it's a bit too 'round' for me - I like a nice 'pointy' edging!!

Catching Up

2011-05-02T13:55:00.000+01:00

This year seems to be going so quickly. I blame my birthday, which took up so much time and energy - not that I'm complaining - it was the best birthday ever.

But then Easter happened and I wasn't ready for it. The holiday to Madrid, although anticipated for months, suddenly arrived and caused a major diversion.

Now I'm back I realise that the house is missing all the usual Spring / Summer decorations. We still have many of the Autumn / Winter decorations up - and this will not do, especially now that the sun is shining and the garden is starting to look so colourful.

So out have come the sunny decorations.

Pretty yellow and blue bunting, sunshine hanging decorations, knitted strawberries, bees and lots and lots of shells from the beach.

So now I'm off to spread the summer sunshine throughout the house.

Holiday in Madrid

2011-05-01T15:54:00.000+01:00

Happy May Day. The suitcases are unpacked, the washing machine is on and I've just taken a delicious Victoria sponge cake out of the oven ready for afternoon tea. Now I can settle down and tell you all about my wonderful holiday in Spain.

The holiday was a special treat as part of my 50th birthday celebrations. I've been looking forward to it ever since we booked it last year.

My DH and I flew from Liverpool airport (very convenient) last Sunday and arrived in Madrid and we were immediately driven to Salamanca where we stayed two nights.

What a lovely city - we had a guided tour and then just wandered through the streets seeing the beautiful buildings and visiting the Plaza Mayor. We had a great view of the cathedral from our hotel window. Here are some of the photos we took in Salamanca.

After Salamanca we visited Avila and Segovia on the way back to Madrid. Again we were impressed at how picturesque they were. The only downside was the weather - it was freezing and I hadn't packed enough winter woollies for the trip - I got plenty of wear out of the two (only two!!) cardigans that I did take.

Here are the pics.

We then spent four nights in Madrid. We explored Madrid and its wonderful art galleries. The Prado is so impressive - it would have been possible to spend more time there but we wanted to see as much of Madrid as possible. We loved the many plazas - each had its own character and atmosphere. From Madrid we also visited Aranjuaz, Chinchon and Toledo. Fortunately, when we got to Madrid the temperature improved and I was able to shed the scarf and jacket. However, by Friday and Toledo the rain set in and it went cold again!

Here are the pics.

It was an amazing experience - a great birthday treat - one I'll always remember. Now after all that excitement I need a rest!!

Hello Everyone

2011-04-30T21:08:00.000+01:00

I've just got back from a wonderful holiday in Spain. I'll write more about this shortly and share photos.

I'll also respond to the many comments I have received over the past week as quickly as I can - until then, I had better start unpacking the suitcases!

Easter Cards and Cakes

2011-04-23T13:45:00.000+01:00

I had fun making these colourful cards for my girls for Easter.

They are a patchwork of fancy papers with two strips of punched lace and a few little bits and pieces.

I've also made them some quick cakes -topped with mini eggs.

Very sweet and tasty.
Have a nice Easter everyone.

Freshly Baked Bread

2011-04-22T11:39:00.000+01:00

I've just baked some bread and the smell is so delicious.

It must be lunchtime by now!!!

Stash Basket

2011-04-22T11:33:00.000+01:00

This crochet pattern for a basket for your stash is a great idea.

It's generously sized and very easy to make.

The pattern is available free from Purl Bee and uses worsted weight yarn. I used aran weight yarn from my stash. I wasn't sure if I would have enough of one colour to finish the basket so I used Rowan aran in Blood for the base and Stylecraft aran in cranberry for the sides and handles. I used approximately 300 metres of yarn for the whole basket.

Very useful and a great way to use up bits and pieces - it would also look good striped.

The Arrival of the Easter Bunnies

2011-04-19T20:21:00.000+01:00

Easter weekend is fast approaching and it's time for the Easter bunnies, chicks and eggs to come back out of storage. Here are some of them.

Now to arrange them around the house for a nice jolly Easter. No doubt the collection will be added to again.

Cropped Cardi Finished

2011-04-17T18:59:00.000+01:00

Well it only took just over a week but I've finished my mohair cropped cardi.

The pattern is from Designer Knitting magazine S/S10. The pattern is for three-quarter length sleeves but I didn't have enough yarn for this so settled for short sleeves instead. I must say I'm very happy with the short sleeves I think they work well on the cardi.

The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn but I used 4 ply mohair used double throughout. I used Patons UK Misty which comes in 25g balls - using a total of 7 balls.

Nice and quick to knit with an interesting pattern - it will make a lovely cover up for the summer evenings.

Cute Little Bluebird

2011-04-13T15:09:00.000+01:00

Grace is constantly searching Ravelry for interesting patterns - I'm sure she's supposed to be revising for her exams! The other day she spotted this pattern for a cute little bluebird. I thought I would knit it up for her as a surprise.

The pattern is by Berroco and is available free here. The bird is only about 3 inches tall. I used aran weight yarn but the pattern calls for worsted weight yarn so should result in a smaller bird.

I made the beak of my bird shorter and fatter than the pattern because when I originally knitted it up, it didn't look right. The new beak fits just perfectly. The body is knitted in the round - so no seams. The wings and tail follow the same pattern. Quite quick to knit and very cute.

Delicious

2011-04-10T18:02:00.000+01:00

We're just about to sit down with a cup of tea and some of these lovely biscuits I have made.

They're chocolate sandwiches, filled with chocolate butter cream. Mmmm delicious.