Review: Notes from a Small Island

Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. Yes it may be a bit dated but hey, it mentions Prestonpans, what's not to love?
The author and in this case narrator takes us on an hilarious journey through England, Wales and finally Scotland visiting places of interest and none and regaling us with his take on what he finds. I found myself laughing out loud at his descriptions of some of the establishments he stayed in and some of the people he met. At times I could clearly see his bedraggled self lugging his rucksack around and just wishing the rain would stop for even half an hour to give respite.
This type of journey is one I would gladly undertake myself if I had the means but I will make do with listening and following along with the aid of Google Maps.

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WIP Wednesday

Wednesday is nearly always a WIP (work in progress) day.
Today I am working on the beautiful Wild Flowers shawl by Kitman Figueroa. I knitted this shawl last year for my best friend for her wedding and decided I also wanted on for my cruise next year. The pattern is a stunning mix of lace, nupps and beads.

The Wedding Shawl

It is a pleasure to knit if you have the time to concentrate and results in a stunning addition to a wardrobe. Just right for adding a bit of bling.
My shawl is a beautiful shade of Violet and is growing very slowly.

Beads and Yarn

The yarn is one I bought to knit something else but it lends itself so much better to this pattern.

A Finish and Two Starts

Why is it that when I finish something I get an acute case of startitis? This happens all the time and it just adds to the amount of projects I have on the go at any one time.
It has happened again this week.
I finished the jumper I was knitting for my Mum,

then immediately started Flax. I have now gone even further and added French Cancan into my projects.
But back to Mum's jumper. The pattern I used was Firenze by Drops. I have knitted this pattern three times now and it makes for a lovely cosy, comfy jumper. Although it is essentially a male pattern it looks just as good on a female and I wear mine all the time. The jumper is knitted totally in the round from the bottom up with just 8 underarm stitches to sew up on each side, a total bonus to someone like me who detests seaming. Drops patterns are free but some folk are put off as they seem very hard to follow. I can assure you though that they are not so don't be daunted. Just having a good read through of them first and breaking them down into bite size pieces makes them much easier to understand.
I used the yarn stated in the pattern which is Drops Alpaca, I used red, and Drops Fabel, I used Sunset. The two yarns are held together throughout and with the alpaca they feel gorgeous while slipping through the fingers. Using them together makes for a very quick knit as they form somewhat of an Aran or Worsted weight.
Now all I have to do is take the jumper off Brenda and get it parcelled up to post to Mum.

Digging out Some Deep Stash

Whilst waiting for Sunday to arrive to start the second sock I picked up the beaded shawl that I have been working on for a year. This was going well until a little someone decided that mum's lap was where she was choosing to sleep.

Comfy Abby

A change of strategy was needed as tiny beads, intricate lace and a snoozing kitty are not a good mix.
A browse through Ravelry and I saw something that would make perfect TV and kitty knitting and would keep me occupied. The pattern I saw that took my fancy was Flax by Tin Can Knits. This jumper is a perfect foil to tiny needles for socks and all the mental concentration of the shawl. It is a simple top down, knitted in the round jumper with a little detail on the sleeves. A great pattern for garment beginners or for experienced knitters looking for a relaxing knit. I knew immediately which yarn I would use.

This yarn has been marinading in my stash for about 8 years. I have absolutely no idea what I was going to knit with it when I bought it, yet here it was waiting just as the perfect project came along.
I cast on last night and completed the neck band.

The knitting is continuing smoothly today and I hope to have another photo to share soon.

Life Gets in the Way

Gosh, real life really slows down the knitting.
This week I had so much real life stuff to do that it is only this morning I have finished this week's sock which I will admit to starting on Saturday rather than Sunday.

A sneaky wee look

I will not show you the finished socks until both are done.
I have also this morning, (well I have been up since 2am) sewn in all the ends and bathed the jumper I am knitting for my Mum. It is now laid out and drying between two towels, (cats) on the bed. And I have knitted a few rows of my beaded shawl. I have been so industrious that I am sure a nap will have to be taken this afternoon which will be no hardship as if the forecasters are to be believed is not to be too nice at all.
My plan is to work on the shawl until Sunday when I can start sock two and hopefully by the middle of next week I will have a new pair of socks to show off.

Review: The Wedding Shawl

The Wedding Shawl by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audio book narrated by Julie McKay.
Once again the Seaside Knitters took me on a journey through knitting and food to solve a murder which had been committed on their doorstep.
These four women feel like friends and no matter what happens in Sea Harbour I would love to be transported there to live and knit with the Thursday night knitting group.


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I Forgot

To show my latest pair of finished socks.

These were a joy to knit. The ice-cream colours truly brightened up some dull winter days.
The yarn is Knit Picks Felici in the Tea Party colour.
I found the yarn wonderfully soft and not at all splitty, which made for very smooth knitting. Sadly this yarn is not always available for purchase as Knit Picks only bring it out a couple of times a year but I for one will certainly be keeping my eyes open for it becoming available again.
The pattern I used is one I made up myself from various bits of other patterns I have used and it gives me a wonderfully comfortable sock to wear and some interesting texture whilst knitting which for some reason always seems to make my knitting go faster.