Craft actually

Last day of my big holiday

With the deadline of going back to work tomorrow after a year I finally got momentum to cut out the Ottobre pattern.

It starts of being a little intimidating and confusing....whoa!

But once you sit down with some tracing paper, a pen and ruler its a bit like doing a jigsaw puzzle. Slowly I worked out the matching colours and shapes and the pieces are revealed.

I am still a bit confused by where to add the 1cm seam allowance and where its already included. Do I need to add it to the bottom for the hem or not? Instructions seem to indicate not but have added it anyway as it can always come off later if its too long.

I also snuck away to a cafe and sat and knitted for awhile. Knitting on 5mm needles is satisfyingly fast and the fabric is nice and squishy. 

Before I went on maternity leave I used to joke about "my big holiday", thinking I was being ironic and secretly afraid I would feel trapped and bored, staring endlessly at the living room walls. Well thankfully its been nothing like that and although there's been *one or two* challenges it really has been such a blast and a joy getting to know my little pudding and looking after her. I'm going to miss you tomorrow Miss S.

Cool flickr search tool

I was reading some neglected blogs in bloglines today and came across a post about this great Flickr search tool, Flickr Storm. I don't really know what it does or how it works but check it out - its fun.

I typed in "knitting" and then found this great scarf. The perfect combination of yarn and pattern. I had instant yarn lust.

I think I'm going to try this pattern with the crazy bright yarn Mum sent me from the market as I happen to have the "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" book.

Heartfelt

I am heartfelt (heartfeltly? hearfeltedly?) in LOVE with Kim Hargreaves' new book "Heartfelt: The Darkhouse Collection". I mean what a name to start with.

And that is without even seeing the book, but I've just ordered it after seeing Jane's post mentioning the Haven scarf from the collection. I want to make almost everything in the book especially Aislin and Dusk. Dare I say it, even the Nighshade Poncho looks very appealing.

I hope it doesn't take long to arrive. I could do with some "elegant simplicity, combined with a subtle edginess" in my life right now.

Ravelry

Love it!! Just recieved my invitation to join the beta of new knitting site Ravelry. If you haven't already, sign up to recieve an invite NOW! There is a longish waiting list but its well worth the wait. Between this and Facebook my blogging rate is going to get even worse!

I do have some crafty updates for you one of these days but just wanted to let youse all know about this as its a fabulous resource when you're planning a project - you can get ideas for patterns, see who has made it and what yarn they've used as well as any notes + lots of photos and much much more...all in one wee website.

Liberty sale

Had a fab birthday last week as went straight from work to Liberty sale and met P. Suprised not to run into T or G but think just missed them. Not much there but wasn't intending to get anything as have a LOT of projects to work on. And am now obsessing about making a tank top in Ruby BSA&S. But then saw the cotton that had decided to make the little Japanese dress for £1 a ball so snapped it up. Ten for a tenner. How often is yarn for something actually planning to make is actually on sale?!

So much Cute!

Miss P arrived back from her world travels and we had a cuteness session at knitting on Wednesday. She gave me this perfect book - I LOVE it! Hmmm babies and knitting ... she knows me too well!

The patterns are all in Japanse but they have intricate diagrams of measurements and stitches which should help to work it out.

They are breathtakingly simple but in typical Japanses style, use texture and neutral colours to make something really special. Then again maybe its just the adorable models.

I definitely want to make this dress....knitted with a cute crochet border:

ISBN4-277-14158-7

Golden Hands

A few months ago at Wednesday knitting, Ting brought along a book "Wild Knitting". Its quite amazing and P said it was a bit of a cult thing. I found some pictures here which may explain why. Anyway it got me thinking about equally 70's books from my childhood, the Golden Hands series. After a bit of lurking on e-bay I found a set which arrived recently from Aus.

Just seeing the bright yellow covers took me back to Aunty Thelma teaching me how to crotchet granny squares.

 

There's something for everyone here. Sewing, knitting, crotchet and I'm sure macrame is going to make a comback any day now!

The dresses:

"Dressmaking is personally creative and very satisfying just so long as the finished garment turns out the way you want it!...Get that right and everything you make will have the individual, figure flattering couture look."

Just as long as you don't have a "problem figure" that is....

I dug these out today as I thought I might some tips for the upcoming crotchet workshop. Sure enough...

And if you're thinking about knitting yourself up a floor length evening dress and the cut-out, Liz Hurley number from Wild Knitting isn't your thing you could give this one a go. "Racy, lacy party looks"

New York Trip

On the spur of the moment I have booked a trip to New York with my good friend Jo next weekend. She is coming from San Francisco and we are meeting in the middle. I am v. excited as i haven't had a girls only trip for awhile and Jo is a travelling buddy from way back and New York is just hugely exciting in itself.

There will be a trip to Purl Soho of course. Last time I was there, the patchwork side was not open yet so I will need to check that out. And I can definitely see some Manos del Uruguay yarn making it into the suitcase too.

Since being an avid reader of Design*Sponge for about a year now I am interested in checking out Williamsberg and stores mentioned in the BKLYN Design Guide.

Jo has suggested the Sex in the City tour which looks like great fun. Apart from that we have a pretty clean slate for our itinerary.

We only have a couple of days but if anyone has any suggestions for fun things to do that might not be on the tourist top ten please let me know.

Community

An auction has been organised by Stephane, Lisa and Gerrie, a family of talented artists, for the Kim Family benefit. Reading about the tragedy before Christmas was horrifying but it is also inspiring to see the generousity of the people who have donated such incredible pieces of art to the auction and also the generousity of the people bidding.  It makes you realise what a powerful thing the blogging community can be.

I especially love Stephanie's Owl and Pussycat - so sweet!

Only one day to go...

Stashing

Coming to the end of my luxurious week hanging around at home while 'between jobs', I decided to take a trip out west. I had heard from a couple of sources of a knitting haven in Putney and wanted to check out Stash for myself.

The shop is only six months old but the owners Michelle and Nathalie both obviously have a major passion for yarn and knitting. Everything is beautifully presented and there is a dangerously enticing array of exotic yarns.

I didn't visit with any particular purpose, but once there I had a revelation that I was meant to knit socks. This desire has been nagging away for awhile but it has only been the success of knitting the Wee Willie Winkie hat with those tricky double pointers that has given me the confidence to try again. Flipping through the selection of books for a sock pattern I found this mouth watering book: Greetings from Knit Cafe by Suzan Mischer.

The pictures are bright and luscious with lovely stories about the contributors of each pattern and other little tidbits of information about the Knit Cafe.

Here are two patterns I especially liked, the Lush Hoodie and Lacy Skirt with Bows:

And here are two patterns I bought the yarn for, the Beret and Comfy Socks:

I seem to be stocking up in preparation to hibernate for the winter like the squirrels darting urgently across our garden.