Tuesday 26 April 2016

No Ends, But Plenty of Beginnings

Hello Everyone, I hope you all had a good weekend.  We had a lovely spontaneous trip to Sheffield to see Grace.  Although it was still very cold and windy at the weekend we did get out and about in Sheffield.

On Saturday we visited the cathedral.  Grace has lived in Sheffield now for two and a half years, but this was our first visit to the Cathedral and we were very impressed with the interior.  From the outside it doesn't look very exciting, but inside there is a lovely mix of ancient and modern architecture, plenty of interesting side chapels and, my favourite, lots of lovely angels to spot.






On Sunday, we walked to the Botanical Gardens.





It's always good to meet up with Grace, because we have plenty of knitting chat to catch up on - comparing works in progress, yarns and discussing future projects.  For the trip, I took my Leftie Shawl.  This had been languishing at the bottom of the works in progress pile, mainly because it's a good travelling project so I was saving it for the next long car trip.  I managed to get lots done on this, more than I thought I would. I could quite possibly finish it this week - I'll have to find a new travelling project for future trips.


The other shawl I have been working on and  had intended to finish this week has been put to one side because I've cast on another Fair Isle Hat.


I want to get the pattern written up and the best way to check what I've typed up is to knit it up again.  I'm using leftovers from the cardigan I knitted Eve, so it all helps towards stash reduction.

I've also been doing some dress making - little and often, so it's coming together nicely, without any stress.


Neckline and armholes to finish off, zip to insert and then only the hem.

I've also joined in with a new crochet CAL.  This one is called Mandala Madness and it's by Helen Shrimpton.  The pattern is being released over 18 weeks.  So far the first 6 weeks are available.  Here's the pattern picture of what's been released so far.  Isn't it gorgeous.


The finished object will be a very large circular blanket.  I've only just joined in but I'm part way through the second part.


I would have made more progress but my eye strain problem flared up again - you would think by now I would have learnt that trying to read complicated crochet patterns on my Kindle late at night is not good for my eyes.  Anyway, I've had to put it down for now, but as soon as my eye recovers, I'll be back with it - but only in good light!

I've just remembered that I do have something finished after all.  I've been continuing to make my mini sock yarn sweaters to add to my bunting decoration.  Here's another 7 that have been completed recently.


So that's what I'm up to at the moment.  I'm off down to London on Friday to have a girlie weekend with Eve.  Can't wait for that.  I'll have to sort out a new travelling project for the train journey.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

8 comments:

  1. Glad you had a good time in Sheffield. Been meaning to take a trip there myself.Its only 40mins on the train from Derby. We usually just change trains there on our way to visit relations in Hull. The Botanical gardens look lovely. You have definitely got me interested. So thank you for the photo's.

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    1. Thank you Caz. It's often the places that are nearest to us that we never visit properly.

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  2. It is so nice to see your daughter, chat about knitting and see beautiful places. I bet you had a wonderful time. Love all that you are making Janet, you are so talented!
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. Thank you Meredith. It is wonderful to spend time with my daughters, I miss them so much now they are no longer living at home.

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  3. I have been to Sheffield several times and often go to the Shopping centre there but not once have we ever been to the Cathedral. Its now on my list to do next time we go. Have a great weekend in London.

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    1. Thank you Lorraine. I would definitely recommend Sheffield Cathedral, it's a building full of interesting surprises.

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  4. Glad you enjoyed your visit, looks as though it was good fun. Your crochet looks great!

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    1. Thank you Amy. I can't wait to get back to the crochet.

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