chunky cardigan

This is my second cardigan for Scarlett, I'm so happy with it. I have had a bit of help from Claire Mackaness at Beautiful things, with a quick flower tutorial from Attic24, and some lovely buttons from Claire's scrummy jars. I used Rowan Aran yarn, which is super and soft and really lovely to hook.

The pattern is one I found on Ravelry here. Its a doddle to follow, I did use a bit of artistic licence, and used a solid colour across the shoulders, where the pattern is a 'fair isle' effect. I also ran out of neutral yarn, so it has odd 'quirky' cuffs. hey ho. its cute and warm, so who cares...?

A vintage memory

I was bowled over today when I found this old toy Pram in a charity shop. It is exactly the one I had when I was a little girl. I just had to buy it. I sent mum a picture, expressing my delight and amazement that it had lasted these 35 or so years. Mum laughed and said - "well it was second hand when you got it so it must be older than that." Wow.
It is a bit seized up, but essentially in very good order. I'm so excited, it is way too big for Scarlett, who can't even walk yet, but I think it will make a super nursery prop, until she is big enough.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Yarns

I have started knitting as well as crochet. I can see a wealth of opportunity for finished projects here....

So far it's tension squares in a lovely yellow DK wool, with some 3mm needles I pinched from my mums knitting bag at new year.

Stocking stitch- yay done that one
Garter stitch- yes, easy peaty done that one as well.
Moss stitch- err, I'm just guessing it here a bit. It's going ok, but I am getting the occasional rib. It would probably help to concentrate rather than watch a dramatisation of Queen Victorias life at the same time.

I'm also finding it quite t e d i o u s and dull. I might have to stick to crochet, which I do find a bit more exciting.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Post celebration blues

I think the best thing about a New Year directly after Christmas, is the opportunity it gives to avoid the 'blues'. Today it's time to take down the decorations, Hoover up all the stray glitter, and start thinking about how best to make 2013 a good year.

My New Years resolutions:
1. De clutter my life and give as much away to charity as I can bear.
2. Be organised and stop double booking my life.
3. Look for a new job.
4. Start my small business idea. Make something happen.

As usual, I have no doubt given myself too much to do. I'm also signing up for 2 baby groups a week, plus swimming lessons, and throwing in a gym routine as well.

Now I see it all in black and white, It's quite clear I will come unstuck.

The biggest thing to look forward to this coming year, is a happy healthy family, at home in our new house. Finally we are here, and with the ravages of 2012 behind us, I keep my fingers crossed that we remain cancer free and have a roof over our heads for the time being.

Chin chin.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Quilt update

This is really the best thing I have ever made, well, its the best thing I have ever sewn at least. I love it, and I have loved making it, working out the design was quite a brain fizz, then cutting all the bits was slightly tedious, with some frustration and mistakes thrown in. But seeing it take shape whilst dreaming about the baby was wonderful, the best bit by far. After making I sent it away to The Running Chicken to have it quilted, and they did a fantastic job... it was like Christmas when I received the parcel with my finished quilt. In fact it was Christmas, by co-incidence, so perhaps that was a contributing factor. I did manage a few snaps, and even send pictures to Ray Stitch where I bought the fabric, because I was sooo pleased with myself!