Cosy Knitted Jumper

This cuddly jumper is proving to be quite a challenge. It’s not the neatest looking thing in the world, but I’m more pleased that I’ve got the pattern right! Had to restart it once…and re-do numerous rows. My ability to watch tv and not lose count is getting better however. 

This is the back so far, and despite a slightly wobbly bottom line it’s not looking too bad. It is getting heavy though! I can’t wait to get it finished and cuddle up in it, I think I’ll definitely stay warm through winter with this on. 

 

Knitted Shrug – In Progress

A while ago I posted here about a new knitting project I had started. It was a small shrug, perfect for those English summer evenings. Despite the fact that we are now working our way out of summer, I am still working on it, perhaps it’ll be ready for next year! I thought I would post a halfway update photo, as I still haven’t gone through those lovely Cornish photos yet…

As you can see, it’s taking a while to get through! I’ve done one sleeve and a bit of the back so far. Despite a few dodgy bits it’s looking ok, I’ll have to wait and see if it’s wearable when finished. 

I’ve got my eye on a gorgeous jumper I want to make next, I bought some needles off Amazon and can’t wait for them to arrive so I can get started. I always feel guilty about not supporting my local shops when buying from Amazon, there’s a lovely knitting shop just down the road called Sharp Works. Whilst I am a poor graduate with no job however, the local shops will just have to wait. 

So next knitting post hopefully there will be photos of a finished shrug or the beginnings of a jumper!

Socks & Bags

A while ago in this post I showed a bag I had started to hold my knitting in. It has taken me forever just to finish the knitting part, I still need to add some fabric to add shape to the bag and add a bit of height to it. Not being as keen on sewing as I am on knitting, that has been put to the side for a bit! I will get it done soon though, it’s looking a bit sad and floppy at the moment. 

For my next project I really wanted to try a pair of socks, and luckily I found a fairly easy pattern to follow that didn’t involve circular needles. I think I’ve already messed the heel up, there might be a few holes too! Oh well, we’ll see if it actually looks like a sock when it’s finished. 

Easter

I don’t have the time at the moment, but here are some great quick Easter knits to make just in time for the long weekend. The patterns are all free, so get knitting! Maybe I’ll get time next year.

Janine Holmes’ Little Chirpy Chick

Mariù AlpiKnit’s Easter Egg Surprise

Ellie Skene’s Dalek Egg Cosy

Angie Cruise’s Easter Peep’s

Showtime

Today I took a day off (so I’m going to have to work extra hard tomorrow) to go to The Spring Knitting and Stitching Show in London. I had a bit of a faff getting there as I forgot to make lunch, lost my ticket and then missed my stop…a proper facepalm of a morning. However, on the upside I had to take a bus through central London which I love, there’s always something to see and I miss being amongst it all – though I’m not that far away in Kingston!

Finally, after spotting a trail of grey-haired ladies, I did make it to the show, and it was great!

There was just so much stuff, it was like an amazing treasure trove full of lots of bits and pieces for crafty types to get their hands into. One of the things that struck me was all the gorgeous fabrics and their colourful patterns tempting whoever walked past.

There was one particular fabric that of course caught my eye, unfortunately too expensive though!

There was more wool than you could possibly want, with some of the bargain stalls providing avalanches of wool and desperate grabs for the best choice. 

I loved all the original, quirky ideas the exhibitors were showing off, there are some very fun designs out there which were very inspiring.

That last photo was from a stall selling ‘Extreme Knitting’. Now, I do love knitting, but I wouldn’t exactly say there was an extreme aspect to it. These needles however, are HUGE, so I guess that could be called extreme.

I wish I could have bought so much from the show today, but I resisted! I just got this gorgeous fabric to finish the bag I’m knitting, some wool to attempt socks (next project) and some more basic needles. Overall, a fab day!