106 rows of rib, now that's dedication

The weather has warmed up, the frogs are being very industrious in the garden pond and I've changed my thick jumper to my lovely Icelandic cardigan. I bought this chunky weight lopi yarn when Mr W and I visited about 19 years ago. It uses stranded or fair isle knitting technique to create the pattern.

Well Boris has spoken on the road map to reducing restrictions. I hope to put on some classes from April 12 but am waiting for the Vicars Cross United Reformed church to decide when they are opening up. The guidance is by no means clear. What ever happens I will let you know my plans as soon as I have some.

As you can see I'm busy knitting the sleeve of the cardigan for my friend. It includes 106 rows of k1 p1 rib. Now I'm onto the shaping so have to pay attention. I'm using stitch markers to help me through this bit.

I decided to change the colour of the collar so ordered some more yarn. While I was on Black Sheep Wools page I also ordered some more Summerlite 4 ply yarn so I can knit my self another Rowan top designed by Erica Knight.

Finally the seaside blanket I crocheted in January is now winging it's way to the newest member of our family, Charlie Woodcock. I did enjoy making this blanket especially using the Bo Peep WYS yarn.

A butchers hat, seaside blanket and a lot of rain

On this very soggy day I'm making excellent progress on my wips and already looking forward to what I'll be doing next.

This week I finished my basket weave blanket using up a good chunk of stash, so feeling extra virtuous. I'm sewing up the seaside blanket, which always takes longer than you think. I'm really pleased with how it is coming up.

I had a request from my butcher to knit him a hat, as he has a bald head and is feeling the cold. I don't normally do commissions but a hat wont take up too much time. I'm also making marmalade which is making the house smell gorgeous.

Seafood crochet and and a TV project for a wet dull day

It's a dull old day, just right for doing a bit of knitting or crochet. My projects this week are a baby blanket using West Yorkshire Spinners Bo Peep yarn - scrummy. It's so soft as it contains falkland wool but is washable as well. My TV crochet is a basket weave pattern using up some of my chunky stash. Part of my drive to use up my stash before buying new yarn. I'm also working on my mohair/wenslydale socks using yarn from Whistlebare in Northumberland. The yarn is so warm and they will certainly keep my feet warm. I've postponed my classes, http://www.woollyhattie.co.uk/workshops, but if you are interested in putting you name down for them let me know woolly.hattie@gmail.com so I can let you know dates as soon as I have them.

New year, new projects and a bit of stash busting

The beginning of a new knitting and crochet year but what a way to start. Lock down again.

Ever the optimist I am making some crafty new years resolutions about using up my stash and knitting for others.

Havin said that I've just had an exciting delivery of yarn through the post and will be starting a new baby blanket in WYS Bo Beep yarn. I'm also knitting a lovely pair of socks for me in Whistlebare Cuthert sock yarn, yum

What day of the week is this, what ever it is here is my Wednesday wip.

I got a bit confused this week with the days but only one day late is my Wednesday wips. I'm super pleased with my new crochet jacket, Harriet Jacket, designed by Lucy George published in Inside Crochet. The yarn is West Yorkshire Spinners Aran Croft. I'm now making a corner to corner crochet blanket for Mr W before I start some exciting projects for the New Year

* I mention that we are in Tier 3 when in actual fact we are in Tier 4 which is why I may not be able to start my courses in January.

Indulging in some fab yarns and travelling back to the 1980s

This week I'm wearing a jumper I knitted in the 1980's from the very first Rowan Magazine. I made it from two projects unraveled and is now one of my favourite makes. I've finished the little sheep cardigan using WYS bo peep yarn and Mr Ws Meandering Monk socks. I still have plenty of other projects to work on while I wait for more wool supplies to arrive in the post.

Indulging in some fab baby yarn, preparing for Christmas, and supporting local Yarn Shops

Last week I finished a couple of projects so I get to start some new ones! I’m kitting a lovely cardigan for a special little girl using West Yorkshire Spinners Bo Beep baby wool, it is so lovely. I’m also trying out some designs for crocheted masks as possible Christmas presents.

Don’t for get that Saturday is Yarn Shop Day (14 November) so contact your local shop and buy some yarn from them. Use them or loose them.