Things are getting pink and stripy

. In both my crochet and knitting classes we will be using variegated yarns to jazz up our projects. There are so many yarns to choose from and they really do make working in colour easy. No changing yarns and no weaving in ends!

I'm wearing a cardigan in variegated yarns but it is so old I can't remember what I used. I do know that this is a Rowan pattern.

I bought some of the new self striping yarn from West Yorkshire Spinners. They have just bought out a range inspired Zandra Rhodes. They are very pink and this is the least pink I could find.

Don't forget my next steps in Crochet and next steps in knitting start in early November so if you want to sign up please let me know.

Memories of a fab holiday

Welcome to my weekly ramblings on my knitting and crochet projects.

Happy St Patrick's Day. We're celebrating with some beef and Guinness stew and a wee dram of Irish Whiskey- on a school night, yes I know:) I'm wearing a jumper made from Donegal tweed (Aran weight) I bought in the Dingle, South West Ireland. I also bought some green tweed and made a lovely Aran cable sweater for Mr W. It's lovely and warm and he's had a great deal of use out of it this winter.

I've almost finished the Lily of the Valley cardigan, only the buttons to put on. Two lots arrived today and I'll have to choose the ones that best match. I've really enjoyed making this even though there was a lot of finishing. I've made good progress on my Trillium top. I've made the back plain and will only do the lace pattern on the front ( I don't see why I should spend lots of time doing a pattern I wont see!)

Mr W and I have decided to refresh our soft furnishings in the lounge and conservatory. I've been looking at patterns and came across an interesting pattern using granny squares done in a spiral. So watch this space.

Looking to the future I'm afraid I won't be able to hold my classes as I had hoped as the Church will not be open from 14 April. I'll resume my courses in the Autumn but hope to run a few workshops in May and June.

Look out for details on Facebook and Instagram. If you want to receive a newsletter email me your address and I'll pop you on the list.

Cardigan pattern, Lilly of the Valley pattern, Marie Wallin, Rowan Magazine 45 using summerlite 4ply aubergine and kidsilk haze. Summer top pattern, Trillium pattern, Erika Knight, Rowan Magazine 45 using summerlite 4ply touch of gold.

What's your favourite crochet stitch?

This week I've been trying out some crochet spike stitches for the Next Steps in Crochet course, for when we are ready to start classes again. It's a simple stitch to do but very effective.

I've been making a market bag with some yarn I found in my stash. It's a cotton yarn and a bit rough for handwarmers. I'm using a 3.5 mm hook to get a tight stitch - I think it's DK! I bought the yarn at a wool show but sadly the label has come off so I'm not sure of the yarn content or origin. A lesson to learn I think, try and keep hold of your labels.

I've made good progress on the Lily of the Valley cardigan I'm knitting for my friend. If you want to follow my progress in more detail hop over to the Woolly Hat Client group on Facebook.

Cardigan pattern by Marie Wallin, published Rowan Magazine 63 using Summerlite 4 ply 100% cotton and Kidsilk Haze for the trim.