Winter Projects

It had been my intention to join in with the Winter Link Project hosted by Jennifer over at Thistlebear during the darker months of winter. I have been following Jennifer's blog for a while and really enjoy seeing all her projects and those of the other bloggers taking part. Today is the final day of the Winter Link Party and Jennifer has kindly invited anyone who would like to, to join in. Often late to a party I can usually be found in the kitchen so here I am sitting at the kitchen table and would like to share some photos of projects I have done this winter.

This is the third pair of long socks I have made since learning to knit socks last year and were started at Christmas. It has been a long, slow project as I kept putting them down to do other things. Shorter socks and children's socks are much quicker and more fun so it may be a while before there is another pair of long ones on my needles. There is quite a lot of yarn left over so I think some children's socks might be next.

The baby blanket above was also started around Christmas and has now been gifted to my niece for her baby due at the end of the month. This was a real pleasure to make and I enjoyed experimenting with different patterns for the five different squares. I wrote about it here.

This shawl was started while I was on holiday in January and completed on my return. It is the Close to You pattern on Ravelry by Justyna Lorkowska and has been worn almost constantly since it was finished. It is light enough for warmer days but great to wrap round twice when there is a stiff breeze blowing down your neck.  I have some more yarn from the same hand dyer in a rusty red colour that will probably be knitted to the same pattern. 

My lovely sister in law gave me the Edward's Menagerie book by Kerry Lord for my birthday and this is Emma the Bunny. She was supposed to be for my niece's new baby but the alpaca yarn she is made from is a little too fluffy for a new born. Her tummy is over stuffed too (she must have been at the carrots). I shall make her again in cotton left over from the blanket and remember to not over do the filling next time. Emma Bunny has found a home as my Mum claimed her and she is very happily ensconced in her living room.

The rainbow blanket is my current project along with a cardigan for the new baby that was cast on yesterday. It depends on my mood as to whether I want to crochet, knit or sew. There has been some stitching going on too but for some reason there are no photographs of that. Another job to go on the To Do List.

It has been fun looking back at my winter projects and I am very grateful to Jennifer for prompting me to do so. Thank you for enabling me to join in at the last minute. 

Five on Friday - WIP's and a Ta Dah moment

How did it get to be Friday again so quickly????

But it is lovely to be joining with Amy at Love Made My Home for the Five on Friday roundup.

There seem to be rather a large number of bags around my house that have WIP's in them and I am trying to reduce that number before starting, or dare I say, purchasing more yarn/fabric/pretty embellishments for new projects. There are lots of ideas buzzing around in my head - that's the problem/temptation with Instagram and Pintrest, with all the lovely, creative projects going on in the crafty community. Well so far, so good, the only purchases I have made recently have been sewing thread in colours I had run out of and they were half price so that doesn't count does it?

1. Pear Napkins

I made some table mats last year using left over fabric from another project and the plan had been to embroider a set of napkins to match. The napkins were purchased, threads sorted and that's as far as I got. Earlier this week I met with stitching friends from the Embroiderers' Guild and decided it was time to finally get started.

It is ages since I have done any hand sewing as knitting and crochet have been my preferred crafts during the winter evenings. I had forgotten how much I enjoy hand stitching and the rhythm of the needle is very soothing.

2. Preparation for JETS

Not so soothing is preparing materials for the JETS (Junior stitch group)! The volunteer helpers met last Saturday and we have planned the monthly activities up to the Summer holiday. As mentioned in a previous post the group now has a sewing machine so often two activities are going on, a hand stitched project and a machine stitched one. In February we will be making embroidered heart brooches and a soft toy puppy. As the purpose of the puppy project is to learn to machine stitch round shapes it was decided the pieces should be cut out for the students. I prefer them to cut their own patterns out but this can be tricky for the younger members of the group. A set of puppies are all cut and ready in a range of coloured fabrics so the bonus is not having to transport a whole box of fabric to the session. It limits decision time on what fabric to choose too!

3. Baby Blanket

Work has begun on the crib/car seat blanket for my niece's baby, due soon. Ooh, it is getting exciting now. The yarn is a mix of cotton and merino and is soooo soft and lovely to work with.

So far there are four heart squares and three and a bit cross treble squares. I was originally planning to make the blanket 3 x 4 squares in these two patterns with a deep border on it. I am now leaning towards 4 x 5 squares in five different patterns - four squares in each pattern. I have enough yarn to do the larger size but will probably have to get more yarn to complete a border. 

Who knows? I'll let you know the final decision later.

4. Long Socks

These socks were started at Christmas but had not been out of their bag since New Year.

I was delighted to discover the heel had been turned on the first one when I pulled it out of the bag to photograph this morning! A good incentive to knit to the toe and finish it. Another good incentive was finding all my hand knitted socks in the wash this morning so I had to put on a shop bought pair.

5. Ta Dah Moment!

Completed shawl

The Close to You shawl that was taken on holiday and very little done is finished - hurrah!

I really enjoyed making this and love the colour blend of the hand dyed wool from Abstract Cat Yarn on Folksy. The pattern by Justyna Lorkowska is simple and straight forward but really effective.

The picot edge complements the pattern beautifully.

Blocking was completed on Tuesday and I have been wearing it ever since. There is something very satisfying about wearing something you have made - especially if you are happy with it. (A few disaster have been recycle or found themselves in the bin!)

Well, now I have shared my WIP's I am going to have to get on with them so there can be a few more Ta Dah moments. There is a deadline attached to the blanket so that will take precedence but the socks may have to take a back seat - it will depend on how chilly my feet are........

Five on Friday - A Random Five

November has arrived, the clocks have gone back and after a gloriously mild Autumn a chill has crept into the air. I am not sure if the change of hour or change of temperature has created a change in mood but personally there has been more pain and less energy this week. Getting through all the normal domestic routines has been a bit like pushing through virtual porridge leaving little time for other diversions. I felt like I had nothing to share with Five on Friday but having looked through the few pictures taken this week, here are a random five. 

The first frost sparkling on the leaves

The completed cowl, which converts to a lace collar

Cyclamen pot brightening the front door step

Treats from Little French Meadow. 

Work in progress

Looking back there are plenty of positives. My bones may not like the cold but the frost does look magical in the early morning sunshine. Knitting projects are progressing and there are new ones to look forward to. Christmas stitch markers and pretty cyclamen always bring a smile.

At least the darker, colder evenings provide a good excuse for cosying up under crocheted blankets and more knitting/crochet/crafting time. 

Joining with Amy at Love Made My Home for Five on Friday

Willen Crafty Tea Time and Sock Update

Thank you for all the good wishes for our Crafty Tea Time Event in aid of Willen Hospice yesterday. It was a wonderful day full friends, family, tea, coffee, cake and memories of our lovely friend Doti. There was lots of laughter and a great celebration of her many talents. 

The total raised at the end of the day was an amazing £1620.50. 

A great tribute to a very special lady.

This mixed media picture came home with me because, I believe it encapsulates Doti's quirky style and sense of fun. I will always think of her every time I look at it and remember the fun and joy of the time we spent together. 

On a completely different note and with a huge sigh of relief, the sad sock has become a happy pair.

 

My toes (and legs) will be kept warm this winter.

The Kingfisher yarn is on the needles and the first cuff is complete. 

I just hope they do not take quite as long to complete!

Five on Friday - 4 Projects + 1 Mishap

Life has been busy recently, nothing exciting, just appointments and all the little things that need doing that take up energy. I did not get round to joining in last week's Five on Friday but did enjoy reading and catching up with everyone else. Sorry for not commenting on many, but it was a pleasure to read them. So it is good to be joining in this week with Amy at Love Made My Home and Five on Friday.

This week I have been working on several projects and trying to get some WIP's completed.

1. Sad Sock

This poor sad sock was started many months ago and may look familiar as I have chuntered about it before in previous posts. For some reason it was not enjoyable to knit and became victim of a severe case of second sock syndrome. It has stayed lonely in the bottom of the knitting bag since April without it's mate. I knitted a couple of pairs of socks for the Yarndale Sockline and enjoyed making them but could not get any enthusiasm to start this second sock. 

Until now.

I bought some lovely West Yorkshire Spinners sock wool in Kingfisher a few weeks back, which I am really looking forward to using. BUT I made a deal with myself that they could not go on the needles until the sad sock had it's mate.

It is almost there! The heel has been turned as you can see. 

Last night I got to the toe shaping, so hopefully tonight the socks will finally be a pair.

Big sigh of relief and I can get the Kingfisher wool on my needles this weekend.

2. Autumn Project Box

Recently I started to subscribe to Pocket and Pin's Habdash Box. I have had individual Habdash Boxes before as gifts and love the selection of treasures that come in them. There is no pattern or suggestion how to use the contents, that is left to your inspiration and imagination. 

(I have no connection with Pocket & Pin, I just love the concept).

October's box has a Woodland/Autumn theme and I thought it would make a great Autumn Wreath. It may have to be for next autumn as I have only just started.

I am making it up as I go along but there is a pumpkin and acorn so far and I have ideas for mice, hedgehog, more acorns and lots of leaves.

3. Taggy Blanket

We have had lovely news that there will be a new addition to the family in 2017 as my niece is expecting a baby. I love making baby clothes and was desperate to start on little jackets straight away but felt it was a bit early just yet. Instead I found a delightful pattern for a rabbit taggy blanket designed by Kate at Just Pootling. Despite the socks that need finishing and the autumn wreath, I had to make a start, just to see how the pattern worked. That is my excuse and I am sticking to it.

It is the first time I have crocheted with a small hook and 4 ply cotton and although enjoyable enough I am finding the yarn splits and separates a lot. I am using the DMC Natura above because it had a soft silky feel but not sure I would choose it again. Is it usual for cotton to separate or are there other brands that are easier to handle? I would appreciate any advice.

4. Doti's Cards

As I mentioned in my last post, we are holding a Tea Time and Craft event in memory of our crafting friend Doti. The proceeds will be going to Willen Hospice who cared for her so well. A mutual friend and I have been getting together to use  Doti's Lino cuts to make some cards to sell at the event. Last week we printed lots of her designs onto strong paper and on Wednesday we met to mount them and make them into cards. 

We were happy with our efforts as there are 43 cards in the box ready and wrapped for the sale, which is taking place today. I will report back later about how we get on.

5. Mishap

As Doti's event is Tea Time as well as craft I have been making some cakes. 

Well, trying to...... 

I am not a fancy baker and would never come up to W.I. or Great British Bake Off standards, but although never particularly exciting, my cakes are generally tasty.

Yesterday I decided to make a chocolate sponge cake and an apple cake with the last of the apples from my miniature tree. All was going well with the chocolate sponges in the oven and the apple cake prepared. I washed up and tidied round (I do not have a dishwasher) and left the water in the bowl ready for the sponge pans when they came out of the oven. The timer rang it's little tune and the chocolate sponges came out looking fine. I left them to cool a little before turning them out onto the wire rack. The first one came out fine but the second one was a little stuck around the edge. So I reached across to the draining board for a knife to run round to loosen it.  Before I could pick the knife up, the sponge detached itself and slid with a plop into the washing up water.  Sponge cakes are supposed to be light and airy, which this one was, but they also act like sponges when immersed in water. There it was floating in the soapy water sucking up water like an aqua vac. 

There were a few rude words floating around too.

Here it is, rescued and dripping water. It is not the sort of thing you can wring out so I had to leave it on the side to drip.

The apple cake went in the oven despite me being nervous about what else might happen. Fortunately, there were no more incidents and the second chocolate cake survived. 

Goodness knows what the refuse collectors thought this morning when they opened my compost bin and found the drowned cake sitting on top of the kitchen and garden waste.

Have a good weekend everyone. 

I am looking forward to casting on my Kingfisher socks and making a few more acorns.

  

Five on Friday - August

It is difficult to believe it is September already and time for Five on Friday with Amy at Love Made My Home. Looking back over August it has been a quiet, gentle month with no drama's (thank goodness!). There has been time to relax with a few days out here and there but mostly peaceful days at home enjoying the garden, spending time with my mother and lots of knitting and stitching. 

The month began with
1. Amazing skies

2.  A Visit to Stowe Gardens

The vistas across the landscape never fail to delight. 

Stowe House looking majestic across the lake.

The deep rich green of the trees at this time of year are a wonderful sight.

The Temples create focal points.

Capability Brown must have had remarkable vision when he planned the landscapes of the gardens in the many historic country houses he worked on. To be able to see how the trees would work when they were fully mature is extraordinary. It must have looked very different when they were first planted and I often wonder what people thought of it then. 

It is the 300th Anniversary of the birth of Capability Brown this year and several National Trust properties including Stowe have collaborated with the Embroiderers' Guild to create exhibitions inspired by his landscapes. The exhibition at Stowe, 'Capability Found' is in the Temple of Concord and Victory. This is a lovely Temple with a view across the Grecian Valley but sadly the exhibition does not have disabled access. Although some of my work is in the exhibition we did not go to that area of the garden as it is a bit frustrating when you cannot get in!

3.Garden Flowers

The garden was in full bloom during August

Lots of daisies with Day Lilies popping up

The pots and hanging baskets were full of colour too. They needed regular watering as it has been quite dry here in Buckinghamshire. My mother likes to have lots of pots in her garden too, so there were two gardens to water. It was easily solved with a routine of watering my pots and baskets in the early morning and my mother's in the evening. We would then sit in the fading light enjoying the garden and spending time together. 

The Fuchsias have done really well this year

Apparently, this is a Comma Butterfly and is an endangered British species. I was surprised when I looked it up and felt privileged it came to visit my garden.

4.Ascott Gardens

Friends and I went to Ascott Gardens one day, which I had never heard of before, although it is only a short distance from home. Ascott House is a half timbered Jacobean farmhouse, transformed by the the de Rothschilds towards the end of the 19th Century. The house and gardens are now cared for by the National Trust although I understand the family still use the house at certain times of the year. It is a wonderful place with great views across Aylesbury Vale. 

Aylesbury Vale

The gardens are divided up into 'rooms' with different styles of planting.

The Venus Fountain

The Eros Fountain in the Formal Gardens

The planting in the Formal Garden was very beautiful.

Fairy Grotto

The Grotto had been roped off because a wasp colony had taken up residence and built their nest in there. I can imagine fairies living in the grotto, flitting about the flowers when no one is watching.

5. Knitting and Stitching

There was plenty of time for stitching and knitting during the lazy days of August.

As mentioned in a previous post I was determined to make a pair of socks for the Yarndale Sockline. The lovely Christine (Winwick Mum) organises this at the Yarndale Festival in Skipton each September. The socks are used as decorative bunting and then donated to a number of charities for people who need some warm footwear. You can read all about it here. 

Even though I am very slow at knitting socks I was delighted to post a parcel yesterday containing three pairs, yes, three pairs of socks. Okay, so one pair was baby sized but I am still very chuffed.

The baby pair was an experiment as they needed to be made on the dreaded DPN's. There are probably lots of people who find DPN's a breeze but I seem to tie myself in knots with them. Apparently I pull very strange faces when knitting with them.

I am very pleased with the result and might, just might consider making more with leftover oddments of yarn. If they keep a little person's toes warm it will be worth the stress.

Some stitching has been going on too, creating a new range of notebook covers

This one was shared in my last post.

There appears to have been an invasion of sheep. I so enjoyed making Shirley the Sheep and her friends back in July it has started to influence my stitching. 

This one was a special request from a friend - Sew Happy and a sheep - 

 which resulted in a stitching sheep - what else?!

This Herdwick and her friend were made as gifts.

Looking back, August was a happy month. I hope you had a good August too and like me are looking forward to what September will bring. If it was not so great for you hopefully September bring better things.