Thursday 29 September 2011

Pink Elephant on Parade

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. 

Monday 19 September 2011

Trip to Lancaster

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.

Friday 16 September 2011

Zillah Zebra

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.

Monday 12 September 2011

Jane Eyre

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.

Friday 9 September 2011

Brown Bear

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

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.

Sunday 4 September 2011

Flying The Nest

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.

Thursday 1 September 2011

York University

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!