A Short Post

Contentment

Coloured string and needles clicking
Clock on the wall gently ticking
Cats and dog softly snoring
This life of mine far from boring
TV on with stories telling
Dinner in the oven sweetly smelling
Hubby smiles across at me
I smile back happily
Reach out my hand to gently caress
My life my love my happiness



Stay safe and happy crafting

Mary

A Handy Tool for Your Knitting Pleasure

Sometimes a pattern asks you to decrease (or increase) x amount of stitches evenly across a row. Now I don't know about you, but there are times when my brain just will not compute. I have however through the wonder of the Internet stumbled across just the page for these scenarios and here it is How to Reduce Stitches Evenly Across a Row. All the maths has been done for you and this handy calculator is just what the stitch fairy ordered in times of need. It is so simple to use and to me has been a godsend. There is also a link to the increase calculator on the page. Suffice to say I have this page pinned to my bookmark bar for quick reference and I would suggest you do it too. You just never know when you might be in need.

Stay safe and happy crafting

Mary

Missing the Ships

Recently I have found myself being drawn back in time with memories of cruises past. It is nearly 6 years 6 years since we last made the long journey to Southampton to sail from British shores off into the sunset to explore new and exciting destinations. We love cruising, it is such an elegant way to travel. Yes we had a 9 hour drive to join our ship but as soon as we pulled up outside the terminal we felt as if we were joining another world. None of your lugging suitcases around airports here. No you pull up in your car they check off your name, open the boot, gather your luggage and the next time you see it it is in your cabin. All you have to do is grab your handbag, hand over your car keys, yes they even park your car for you, and off you go to check in.
A short wait in the queue then check in and through security to the lounge to await your number being called. Once embarkation begins the excitement really hots up. You are greeted at the top of the gangplank by smiling staff and escorted to your cabin where your luggage is awaiting you. Then there is time to study the map and begin your adventure by finding the buffet for a little snack before exploring all the ship has to offer.
Around 4pm its anchors away and you feel the ship start to slowly move from the quayside. There is always someone there waving you off as you sail off into the sunset to start your holiday.
Ah, happy days!

Stay safe and happy crafting

Mary

Arran - Island 5

Modeled by my long suffering DH

A recently released pattern on Ravelry is the Yewll Crescent by my designer friend Cheri McEwan. I was privileged to be a test knitter of this glorious crescent shawl and my lovely MIL is now the proud owner. It was knitted using the Loopy Ewe solid series fingering weight yarn in Vintage Rose and a 4mm circular needle. The pattern is very well written with clear instructions and help is always available in Cheri's Ravelry group Dartfrog Designs. I was delighted with the resulting shawl and I am sure I will be knitting another one or two in the future.

Island link - Arran


Stay safe and happy crafting

Mary