Changing Tastes

When I first learned to knit as a youngster I remember thinking that 4mm (US size 6) needles were oh so thin and therefore slow to knit with. Similarly DK yarn was a pain and I much preferred the speed of larger needles and chunky yarns.
How times have changed!
Now I prefer to knit with 4ply (fingering weight) yarn and I feel that 4mm needles are large and cumbersome.
Who would have thought it?

Stay safe and happy crafting

Mary

When it all goes Fumph!!

Anyone who has ever wound yarn skeins will probably have encountered what happened to me this afternoon.
I began with a lovely skein of yarn to wind

all was going along swimmingly with yarn, swift and winder

when suddenly all hell broke loose and I was faced with THIS!!!!

I almost cried!!
At least one hour later I ended up with a fully caked skein

which with the one above it I hope to turn into a Catkin shawl as a present for myself for my birthday next month.

Off to start the knitting now

Stay safe and happy crafting

Mary

Who's a Lucky Girl Then?

Me, that's who!
Last year I was delighted to attend the first ever Edinburgh Yarn Festival. It was a lot of fun and proved to be such a success that the organisers have started preparations for an even bigger and better event to be held in March 2015. As part of these preparations they ran a prize draw on Ravelry, Facebook and Twitter to win a shawl pattern, yarn and project bag. I was the lucky winner of the Ravelry contest and early this morning the postie brought my prize.

The yarn is so soft, a 50-50 silk and merino mix, and the shawl pattern looks like it will be such fun to knit. The pattern is Gilver by designer Jo Kelly.
So as I say I am a very lucky girl.

Stay safe and happy crafting

Mary

Baleshare - Island 6

My latest finished project, socks for me. I whipped these up in less than a week whilst juggling work, housework and life in general. The yarn is from Ripplescrafts, one of the Assynt Storms colours from last year called Monkey's Wedding and the pattern is Hermione's Everyday Socks which is a very popular free pattern on Ravelry. I loved the simplicity of this pattern. After just a couple of repeats it is very intuitive and it made great TV knitting.
I wore these to work yesterday and my feet felt wonderful all day long. Cosy and cosseted, just how feet should feel. I have a suspicious feeling I will be using this pattern many more times.

Island link - Baleshare

Stay safe and happy crafting

Mary

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