frayed at the edge

A busy day!

First thing this morning I popped my knitting in to soak

 

it is knitted with the most wonderful soft alpaca yarn, which I bought here, when we were in Australia lst year

 

once I had rinsed it, I squeezed out the excess water ...... remember, NEVER wring your wet knitting!  Then I rolled it in a towel and squeezed it some more

 

I put an old pillowcase on the rug in the back lounge, and got out my blocking wires.  I had invested in them some time ago when I was knitting a lot of shawls (both baby and adults ones).  They make it much, much easier to block out knitting

 

so, finally, here it is!  I got the idea to knit a cowl from Meredithe, who knitted a very pretty one recently.  I started knitting it when we were driving up to Stuart and Alison's the other weekend ......

 

........ and that's when a slight problem arose!  Through not paying close attention, and also because I was using a circular needle that was slightly too long, so I was juggling the stitches ....... I somehow managed to twist the knitting, and have ended up with a somewhat different cowl to the one I intended to make.  However, once it is dry and I can take photos wearing it, you will see that it actually has turned out ok (just don't ask me to produce another one the same, as I don't know what I did!)

While the cowl was soaking, I cleaned this vase.  I don't know quite how old it is, but I remember it as already being old when I was a child

 

I think the vase probably belonged to my grandparents, and would have been given to my parents when Granny and Grandpa moved to Galway to live with my only aunt and uncle (I only had one set of grandparents, as my Mum was an orphan).  The top of the vase is silver, so I had to unearth the silver polish from the back of the cupboard

 

once it was clean, I grabbed the secateurs and had a quick snip to fill the vase

 

by then it was time for a cuppa.  I would love a teapot like the one on the box!

 

so, what was the other thing that Malcolm made at the weekend?  A miniature chair!

 

I saw a tiny chair in this post on Thimbleanna's blog, and asked Malcolm to make one for me.  The frame is made from bits that he recenty removed from the gate-leg table in the studio, and the seat is oak that he used when he made crackets (stools).  The plan is to paint the frame, then upholster the seat.  I think he is worried that I am going to steal the paint he used for his chair, which several of you enquired about (he needn't worry, I intend to use Annie Sloan chalk paint)

 

when Malcolm was out and about this morning, he popped into the garden centre to get some compost and plants for his new planter.  Considering that it only a few hours to make, and is made with scrap wood, it looks exceedingly good!

 

I spent the rest of the day quilting, and have just about finished the in the ditch quilting - this evening will be spent sewing in rather a lot of ends!

 

a bit of silliness to finish.  I heard that annoying "walks like Rihanna" song on the radio this morning, and I thought of another chorus

She can't serve

She can't volley

But who cares

She shrieks like Sharipova .........

 

From the sublime to the somewhat silly!

Yesterday, Kate posted about a wonderful book on Shetland Lace knitting - do pop over and read all about it.  I, on the other hand, have just bought a brilliant, but rather silly, book .......

 

who could resist these gorgeous little sheep

 

if I knit Andy, will I have to include the horrendous blister that he had during the Australian Open?

 

at least I won't get fat with this pie (they are even tastier when they are deep fried, and no, I have never had a deep fried Mars Bar!!)

 

and I could wash the pie down with a glass of whisky ....... except, and as a Scot I am embarrassed to admit this, I simply don't like the taste!

 

while we are on the subject of food, we went out for lunch today.  We had the most delicious Thai chicken soup - I shall have to try to make this!

 

I took these photos about ten days ago - then forgot about them!  When I made Lilly Pilly for Anne last year, I thought thhat I would make a version for myself using my favourite autumn colours.  Then Lucie started her version as part of her using up scraps project, with a pieced background.  Ah, I thought, I could use the six fat quarter top from the fmq pile.  Then, I was looking out of the window at the sparrows sitting in the hawthorn tree .......

 

....... and I had a lightbulb moment!  I'm going to do my Lilly Pilly with bare branches, with little fat sparrows perched on them (and perhaps a robin?)  I found a nice dark piece of fabric in my stash for the tree, to stand out against the background

 

when I was telling Malcolm about my plans, I said that I should give my version a different name.  My first idea was Anny Pilly, but that didn't sound right.  So this is what I decided on

What's that on the wall?

It's a little bit of sunlight!!

 

I was in the studio at half past nine this morning, and spent the day working on several projects.  First on the design wall was the batch of strips that I stitched over the weekend

 

I cut 22 squares from the strips, with a big pile of offcuts left to make more squares from

 

I put them on the wall, along with the other squares that I had made previously (it was only later that I noticed some of the squares are the wrong way round!)

 

after joining up bits of the offcuts, I ended up with 64 squares (I think they are all the right way round this time!)

 

when Stuart and Alison moved into their new house last year, they asked if I could make roman blinds for their kitchen and hall windows.  For a variety of reasons (including being out of the country for a total of 8 weeks!) I hadn't made a start on them, but a couple of weeks ago one of the curtain fabric shops in Hawick had a closing down sale.  We popped in for a look and I found a length of fabric that I thought might do for the kitchen.  The earthy background colours go well with the cupboards and floor tiles, and the purple spots match their accessories

 

I sent them a photo to see if they liked the fabric - but it wouldn't have been a problem if they hadn't, as it cost the amazing sum of £1.75!!  It didn't take long to check the measurements and cut the fabric to size, but then I had to put it aside as I will have to get some curtain lining

 

I had a hunt through my stash to see if I had anything suitable for their hall window.  I knew they wanted something to go with their black and cream colour scheme, so I pulled out these two fabrics

 

I bought them some years ago from a wonderful little shop in Selkirk, which sadly has closed down

 

they are both beautiful pure wool fabrics, and I sent them photos to see if they would like one of them.  They decided on the black and grey one, but just to be sure I sent them swatches - and they changed their minds!  I decided to use the black and grey fabric as the lining fabric, which you might think is very extravagant - until I show you the price tags!

 

it's just as well I tidied the lower room, as I needed to lay the fabrics out on the floor to pin them

 

I stitched down one side, across the bottom and up the other side.  I then turned the blind through to the right side.  After pressing it, the next job will be to stitch channels across it to take thin pieces of dowel.  I have folded it to give you an idea of how it will look

 

on Saturday, I got one of the little quilt tops from the free motion quilting pile, and layered it up with some cotton wadding and backing fabric

 

I started in the centre and stitched a sort of flower with tendrils, and a filler stitch in the surrounding triangles

 

I then stitched flowers in the flying geese that make up the centre sections

 

on Sunday, and then again today, I stitched more flowers in the dark squares.  I am starting to get into a rhythm with the stitching, with just the odd squiggle where I have gone over lumpy seams

 

in the evenings I have been doing the embroidery for the Leanne's House quilt.  It is slow going, as the flowers are quite small, and I can only stitch for a couple of hours before I start to go a bit cross-eyed!!

 

Stuart recently received a somewhat cryptic email from his friend Fraser, which said "do you think your Mum could make this?" followed by this link.  Hmmm - a knitted badger cushion.  I could do it, but it would take a while, so instead I suggested an applique one.  The message came back from Fraser that an applique one would be fine, and offering payment in chocolate and wine!!  If he had wanted a knitted one, I would have had to buy some knitting graph paper - knitted stitches are rectangular, so you need graph paper with rectangles rather than squares to design on.  However the only specialist equipment needed  for an applique badger is a Malcolm ....... it's handy being married to someone who can draw!!

Starry, starry .......

...... morning!  Now that I am back into my routine, I got up at 6.30 (or as my friend Anne S. calls it, stupid o'clock).  As always, I looked out the window ..... and for the first time for weeks, saw lots of stars in a clear sky.  A very welcome change after all the grey and dreary mornings we have had recently.  I endured the torture of the cross trainer and rowing machine, knowing that I have to work off the extra calories from the chocolates and Christmas cake that we have been tucking into.  The morning stayed bright, so I was able to take a photo of the latest Linus quilt in the garden - as yoou can see, it was the version with the patterned centre which got most votes

 

before Christmas, I said that I couldn't show you my knitting as it was for a present.  I still can't show you, as it isn't finished ...... there is a mistake in the pattern, and I have yet to work out a correct version.  However, I can show you Malcolm's ripple rug ...... although you will probably notice that I have yet to darn in the ends!

 

yesterday I finally made a start to using up my scraps, which I am doing along with Lucie.  I am making the same kind of blocks that I made with my Australian fabric, joining lots of random strips......

 

 ........ then cutting out squares on the diagonal

 

it might look wasteful, but you can join up the leftover bits to cut more squares

 

I am using up lots of bits of batik fabrics, and have a pile of strips sitting beside the sewing machine, so that each time I finish working on something else, I can stitch another batch together.  Here are the first six blocks

 

this morning, we headed over to Jedburgh.  Malcolm remarked that we would come back by the back road, so that I could get some good photos of the scenery with the sun shining.  As we walked to the coffee shop where we were going to have lunch, the sky was bright blue, the sun was shining and the Abbey looked magnificent.  We had an excellent lunch.  Malcolm had carrot and lentil soup

 

and I had coronation chicken sandwiches

 

then we came out, ready to take photos ....... and a whole lot of cloud had appeared, and the sun had vanished.  So I didn't bother to take photos of the Abbey, but I did still take some photos from the car as we drove home

 

this afternoon I was busy embroidering some of the blocks for my latest project for Anne.  I'll show you photos tomorrow.

A very busy weekend!

Despite talking more than sewing, I did get quite a lot done on Friday, sewing quite a few more clamshells (sorry, forgot to take a photo!) and making a start to the embroidery on the Needle Nookie

 

Katy brought in her chicken wallhanging - it is just so cute!  The chickens are called Clara, Doris and Ethel

 

the wallhanging has an amazing edging

 

and the chickens look appealing with their ricrac topknots

 

as always there was the Friday cake - Annette's delicious cupcakes

 

this Saturday we are having a "Linus Day" at Borderland Fabrics, where we will work together to make as many quilts as possible.  Katy made a start to one, using this Jelly Roll of Christmas fabrics ......

 

sub-cutting some of the strips and deciding on a layout for them

 

later, we ordered Chinese food

 

I had my favourite chicken chow mein

 

yesterday morning we went for a walk in Kelso.  The sun was shining and the sky was blue - a perfect background for these old chimneys

 

I want a window like this one!

 

Malcolm took this photo (the boy has talent!)

 

as well as tractors and rusty things, I also like boats!

 

and you know I love herons

 

this is Floors Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe

 

I finished the baby quilt.  These aren't the best of photos, as it was another dull, grey day

 

I also finished my ripple rug!

 

I also made a start to quilting the little teddy bear quilt for Linus

 

on Friday, I got these fabrics from Sandra, our wonderful Linus Lady - I'll show you tomorrow wwhat I have done with them!

This and that

Yesterday morning saw me heading off down the road to Southdean Village Hall in Chesters, for one of Lindsay's regular Woolgatherings.  I got there a little bit later than intended ...... it was such a beautiful morning I had to stop on the way to take some photos

 

I took along some bits and pieces to get on with ....... hooray, I finally finished the teacosies (although I still have to soak and block them)

 

I made a start to stitching in the many ends on my ripple rug, then I got on with my clamshells

 

I had just placed the first two rows at random, but I thought I should perhaps have a bit of planning, or I would get to the last row and find all the remaining clamshells were the same!  So, this afternoon I laid them all out

 

I clipped the rows together and labelled them

 

on Saturday, I finished the top of the bug quilt, and popped it on the design wall

 

this is my new, improved design wall ........ it was a grand name for a brushed cotton sheet pinned to the wall, but Malcolm used two redundant curtain poles to make a much better version

 

it was frosty again this morning, so I put on my snazzy new boots ...... and what else would you wear with green boots but purple socks.  I love the aready distressed look of the boots, and they are very warm and comfortable.  But I have to say it is difficult to take a photo of your own foot, and every shot made my ankle look fat!

 

you know that I have a strange fetish affection liking for large bits of machinery, so I got quite excited this afternoon when a large lorry appeared outside the studio

 

it was delivering big bags of sand to our new neighbours (the ones who own the shoe shop, not the newest neighbours with the donkeys).  Malcolm was already leaning on the garden gate watching the proceedings when I went out with the camera.  You can see that the arm of the crane had a bit of an argument with the beech tree on the way in

 

it was fascinating watching how the arm was lowered over the bag, gripped it, then lifted it off the lorry and lowered it to the ground

 

ah well, simple things please simple minds!!

Day 31 ....... and it's Halloween!

Here are some things you might not know about Halloween (taken from today's "i" newspaper).  The most suprising thing is that dressing up probably started in Scotland! (click on the photo to enlarge it)

 

when we left Stuart and Alison's this morning, we popped in to Torwood Garden Centre, which is just along the road from them.  We were faced with a dilemma - would we have the very reasonably priced, but somewhat naughty, cooked breakfast, or would we just have a cuppa and save ourselves for meatballs for lunch when we called in to Ikea ........

 

yes, the breakfast won!  Sausage, black pudding and mushrooms ...... and I got scrambled eggs and Malcolm got a hash brown, which we then shared.  And as if that wasn't enough, we also had a slice of toast!  (and as always, tea for me and coffee for Malcolm)

 

we used to visit this garden centre regularly, as it was near where we used to live before we moved here (S&A now live about halfway between our old house and the garden centre).  However since we moved, they have done away with the old coffee shop, and added a much larger one - possibly because a new hospital has recently opened just a short distance away ....... I am sure a lot of the staff will lunch there

 

 

one wall is covered with paintings done by local artists.  A portion of the money made is given to The Macmillan fund and a lot of money has already been raised

 

suitably fortified, we went on to Ikea, where we managed NOT to buy a packet of tealights!  I bought some storage boxes for the studio, but couldn't persuade Malcolm that he wanted to replace the kitchen that he fitted a few years ago with shiny red one!  Going to Ikea meant that we came home through Peebles, where we would noramlly have stopped for a cuppa and a walk round the town ....... but it was pouring with rain the whole way home, so no photos of Peebles and no photos of the stunning autumn colours (sorry!)

So all I have left  show you is some knitting!  First, my ripple rug, which is finished except for darning in the ends.  I just kept knitting until I ran out of yarn, but it has turned out to be quite a bit wider than longer, so I will use it this way round

 

I have now started one for Malcolm, in softer colours than mine.  As it is a very simple pattern, I was able to do some in the car.  I've just started to repeat of the colours

 

well ....... that's the last post for Blogtoberfest!  But of course I will be back as usual tomorrow, when hopefully the rain will have stopped - and maybe the sun will come out!

This morning we went for a walk through the old cemetery in Hawick, as we had noticed when we drove past yesterday that the trees were in their full autumn glory

 

 

The wording has worn off this headstone, but the carving looks as if it has just been done

 

this brother and sister moved away from their roots - the grave contains their parents

 

I rarely take photos of recent graves ...... perhaps if it's the grave of someone who lived to be over a hundred.  But when we saw this one, in the furthest corner of the cemetery, I found it so moving, that I wanted to share it with you (click on the photo to enlarge it). It's the word at the very bottom ....... reunited ..... it is a lovely thought that they are back together! 

 

it is intriguing that she is described as a detective and a poet.  The poppy wreath is from his regiment, the Grenadier Guards.  And we get to see what they were like, in this wonderful photo ..... she is tiny!

 

as we left the cemetery, it seemed fitting, in an Edgar Allan Poe kind of way, that a big black crow was watching us from his perch at the top of the tree

 

we walked along what was the route of the long-since defunct railway (although it might be restored sometime soon).  The trees were showing their glorious autumn colours

 

when we turned off the path, we had to go down some steep steps through a small tunnel

 

it looked quite different looking back from the other end

 

of course a Sunday walk means a cuppa and a scone - well, today we had two scones!  The scones were just out of the oven (we had to wait a few minutes for them) and as always we had half each.  I don't suppose it is healthy to have scones for lunch ........

first course, a cheese scone

 

followed by dessert, a cherry scone!

 

after "lunch", we walked over the footbridge across the River Teviot, pausing to admire the views

 

normally at  this point we would have gone home, but instead we headed to one of the local garden centres, which had a "20% of everything" weekend.  The garden centre is on the bank of the River Teviot, and has a very picturesque riverside walk

something found these mushrooms, growing on a tree stump, very tasty!

 

a glimpse of the river through a willow tree

 

a wonderful red bridge and a metal heron, surrounded by water lilies

 

a stunning acer

 

another view over the river

 

on the way home, I tried to take some photos of the scenery - but cars kept intruding!

 

in the distance, the Waterloo Monument stood out against the blue sky

 

back home, I finally remembered to take a photo of my ripple rug, which I have been diligently adding a few rows to every night

 

then it was into the studio for more sewing.  I had another session of fmq on the baby quilt, which is now more than a third done

 

then I got out these two fabrics, which I bought on Friday at Borderland Fabrics.  As well as making the baby quilt for Amie, I thought I would make a little quilt for the her big brother, Lucas. 

 

the pattern is one that I  ...... well, I was going to say designed, but that's too grand a word for such a simple pattern!  There are three variations - this is the one that uses two half metres of fabric.  From the main fabric, cut eight four and a half inch strips, and from the other fabric cut sixteen two and a half inch strips

 

next, sew a narrow strip to either side of a wide strip

 

from each strip, cut two eight and a hlaf inch squares, and arrange them thus

 

that's as far as I got this afternoon, but of course the next stage is to stitch the blocks together.  The finished quilt is thirty two inches square, but you could make it bigger by adding an outer border.  But that size is just right to put over a child in a car seat or buggy, and backed with fleece makes a lovely "cuddle quilt".

 

I still have lots of photos left from our morning out - here is a random selection

 

 

 

 

It's only the 10th of October, but the shops are rapidly filling up with cards, decorations and presents.  We could hardly get in the door of a shop this morning, as a member of staff was stringing up lights!  When I rule the world (!!) I will ban anything to do with Christmas until December (except for those organised people who make their cakes and puddings weeks/months in advance).  However at Abbey Quilters last night, I had to bend my rules, as we were making felt decorations.  We had a choice of a stocking or a pudding, both adorned with little teddies.  I chose to start with the stocking

the decorations are made with felt

 

all the pieces cut out

 

the white pieces stitched in place and a cute little Santa added

 

the back and front stitched together

 

that's as far as I got!

 

the pattern for the pudding decoration

 

at the end of the evening, Caroline came over and put a little parcel into my sewing bag.  I asked her if I could have a peek ...... she said no, to wait until I was home before I opened the parcel.  I was squealing with delight when I saw what she had given me.  Thank you very much, Caroline, for the wonderful present!!

a beautiful handmade card

 

the cutest sheepie fabric

 

I shall have to make something special to show off the sheep

 

pull the lamb's tail .....

 

...... and you can measure your knitting!!

 

I took the photos of the present out in the garden this morning, making the most of the sunshine, as the forecast is for rain tommorrow.  It's no surprise to me that it is going to rain ....... I am going to the hairdresser tomorrow afternoon, and it always sees to rain when I get my hair done!!

I am feeling decidedly discombubulated!!  We had a 13-hour flight from Singapore to London, leaving Singapore about 11pm ....... but because of the time difference, we got to London at 5am.  We then had an onward flight to Newcastle, and finally a drive home.  The bags are all unpacked, the utility room has a great pile of laundry on the floor, and there are piles of this and that throughout the house, waiting to be sorted out/put away.

It will take some time to go through all my photos (the joys of digital photography, I took several thousand!) and over the next few weeks I will do an occasional post to share the highlights of our wonderful holiday with you. 

I have already shared with you the fabrics and patterns that I bought, but I realised that I had yet to show you the yarns .....

delicious merino

 

gorgeous kid mohair and merino

 

fabulous alpaca and merino

 

and finally ....... cheap and cheerful acrylic!  I bought this as a kit when we were on our way to Melbourne - I wouldn't normally buy such bright colours, but it just seemed the right thing for holiday knitting.  The pattern is simple, and I will just keep knitting until I run out of yarn.  Although it's acrylic, it is actually soft and cuddly - lovely to snuggle under on a cold winter's night!

Day 21 ...... and it had been a very busy day!

This morning we went for a walk through the old cemetery in Hawick, as we had noticed when we drove past yesterday that the trees were in their full autumn glory

 

 

The wording has worn off this headstone, but the carving looks as if it has just been done

 

this brother and sister moved away from their roots - the grave contains their parents

 

I rarely take photos of recent graves ...... perhaps if it's the grave of someone who lived to be over a hundred.  But when we saw this one, in the furthest corner of the cemetery, I found it so moving, that I wanted to share it with you (click on the photo to enlarge it). It's the word at the very bottom ....... reunited ..... it is a lovely thought that they are back together! 

 

it is intriguing that she is described as a detective and a poet.  The poppy wreath is from his regiment, the Grenadier Guards.  And we get to see what they were like, in this wonderful photo ..... she is tiny!

 

as we left the cemetery, it seemed fitting, in an Edgar Allan Poe kind of way, that a big black crow was watching us from his perch at the top of the tree

 

we walked along what was the route of the long-since defunct railway (although it might be restored sometime soon).  The trees were showing their glorious autumn colours

 

when we turned off the path, we had to go down some steep steps through a small tunnel

 

it looked quite different looking back from the other end

 

of course a Sunday walk means a cuppa and a scone - well, today we had two scones!  The scones were just out of the oven (we had to wait a few minutes for them) and as always we had half each.  I don't suppose it is healthy to have scones for lunch ........

first course, a cheese scone

 

followed by dessert, a cherry scone!

 

after "lunch", we walked over the footbridge across the River Teviot, pausing to admire the views

 

normally at  this point we would have gone home, but instead we headed to one of the local garden centres, which had a "20% of everything" weekend.  The garden centre is on the bank of the River Teviot, and has a very picturesque riverside walk

something found these mushrooms, growing on a tree stump, very tasty!

 

a glimpse of the river through a willow tree

 

a wonderful red bridge and a metal heron, surrounded by water lilies

 

a stunning acer

 

another view over the river

 

on the way home, I tried to take some photos of the scenery - but cars kept intruding!

 

in the distance, the Waterloo Monument stood out against the blue sky

 

back home, I finally remembered to take a photo of my ripple rug, which I have been diligently adding a few rows to every night

 

then it was into the studio for more sewing.  I had another session of fmq on the baby quilt, which is now more than a third done

 

then I got out these two fabrics, which I bought on Friday at Borderland Fabrics.  As well as making the baby quilt for Amie, I thought I would make a little quilt for the her big brother, Lucas. 

 

the pattern is one that I  ...... well, I was going to say designed, but that's too grand a word for such a simple pattern!  There are three variations - this is the one that uses two half metres of fabric.  From the main fabric, cut eight four and a half inch strips, and from the other fabric cut sixteen two and a half inch strips

 

next, sew a narrow strip to either side of a wide strip

 

from each strip, cut two eight and a hlaf inch squares, and arrange them thus

 

that's as far as I got this afternoon, but of course the next stage is to stitch the blocks together.  The finished quilt is thirty two inches square, but you could make it bigger by adding an outer border.  But that size is just right to put over a child in a car seat or buggy, and backed with fleece makes a lovely "cuddle quilt".

 

I still have lots of photos left from our morning out - here is a random selection

 

 

 

 

Day 10 ..... and trying to avoid C*****mas!

It's only the 10th of October, but the shops are rapidly filling up with cards, decorations and presents.  We could hardly get in the door of a shop this morning, as a member of staff was stringing up lights!  When I rule the world (!!) I will ban anything to do with Christmas until December (except for those organised people who make their cakes and puddings weeks/months in advance).  However at Abbey Quilters last night, I had to bend my rules, as we were making felt decorations.  We had a choice of a stocking or a pudding, both adorned with little teddies.  I chose to start with the stocking

the decorations are made with felt

 

all the pieces cut out

 

the white pieces stitched in place and a cute little Santa added

 

the back and front stitched together

 

that's as far as I got!

 

the pattern for the pudding decoration

 

at the end of the evening, Caroline came over and put a little parcel into my sewing bag.  I asked her if I could have a peek ...... she said no, to wait until I was home before I opened the parcel.  I was squealing with delight when I saw what she had given me.  Thank you very much, Caroline, for the wonderful present!!

a beautiful handmade card

 

the cutest sheepie fabric

 

I shall have to make something special to show off the sheep

 

pull the lamb's tail .....

 

...... and you can measure your knitting!!

 

I took the photos of the present out in the garden this morning, making the most of the sunshine, as the forecast is for rain tommorrow.  It's no surprise to me that it is going to rain ....... I am going to the hairdresser tomorrow afternoon, and it always sees to rain when I get my hair done!!

Day 3 of Blogtoberfest

I am feeling decidedly discombubulated!!  We had a 13-hour flight from Singapore to London, leaving Singapore about 11pm ....... but because of the time difference, we got to London at 5am.  We then had an onward flight to Newcastle, and finally a drive home.  The bags are all unpacked, the utility room has a great pile of laundry on the floor, and there are piles of this and that throughout the house, waiting to be sorted out/put away.

It will take some time to go through all my photos (the joys of digital photography, I took several thousand!) and over the next few weeks I will do an occasional post to share the highlights of our wonderful holiday with you. 

I have already shared with you the fabrics and patterns that I bought, but I realised that I had yet to show you the yarns .....

delicious merino

 

gorgeous kid mohair and merino

 

fabulous alpaca and merino

 

and finally ....... cheap and cheerful acrylic!  I bought this as a kit when we were on our way to Melbourne - I wouldn't normally buy such bright colours, but it just seemed the right thing for holiday knitting.  The pattern is simple, and I will just keep knitting until I run out of yarn.  Although it's acrylic, it is actually soft and cuddly - lovely to snuggle under on a cold winter's night!