tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28403971928102331622011-09-17T15:17:45.552+01:00Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.comBlogger821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-26269977701427479452011-07-11T10:05:00.000+01:002011-07-11T10:05:19.537+01:00

I'm moving, so come on over to www.auldfashioned.blogspot.com

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-31716422019981428332011-06-10T11:21:00.000+01:002011-06-10T11:21:38.140+01:00

Well now. The sun may be shining, but there are clouds overhead, and poor old Drew has gone back to the drawing (drew-ing?) board. So, having knit furiously up to the armholes and completed the back and started on one of the fronts, I took stock. Hmmm. Less than three balls of yarn used for a project that is supposed to take 9 balls. Hmm. And, only 21cm below the armhole for something meant to

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-18120690499995904102011-05-30T14:33:00.000+01:002011-05-30T14:33:21.207+01:00

The boys went out on Saturday to watch the rugby sevens at Murrayfield. While they were out I grabbed a little pile of Rowan Denim which has been marinading in the stash for a while. I swatched for Drew - something new to knit for the bean. I got gauge and cast on, and I'm smitten. I can't put it down, even though there are a million other things to do like finish Grace, plant out the runner

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-89056678279846187422011-05-24T21:39:00.000+01:002011-05-24T21:39:20.839+01:00

A few FOs to record and celebrate (it's been a long, long time coming). I foresee more in the next days...   upcycled baby wipes and an upcycled dribble bib (tutorial here) my first home sewn nappy oh, and this one isnt finished, but she's perfect in every way...

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-38677411966043471482011-05-17T12:25:00.000+01:002011-05-17T12:25:26.997+01:00

The WIPs are getting a bit out of hand. 1. Grace is still OTN, but progress has been made. I've redone the button bands - with the correct number of buttonholes this time - and I've knitted the collar again but have a little modification in mind to make it look even better. Then there's the small matter of sewing it up... 2. The Java socks are not done. I'm just about ready to do the toe

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-65220692247142059972011-04-19T14:58:00.000+01:002011-04-19T14:58:39.021+01:00

... clean washing on the washing line, blowing in the spring sunshine ... making easter decorations with my children ... collecting the mugs we painted for daddy's birthday surprise ... getting into a pilates class with my favourite teacher ... working at home on a sunny day, reading and marking dissertations in the garden ... a quiet house, waiting for the small ones to return from their

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-88945577292663856182011-04-14T20:06:00.000+01:002011-04-14T20:06:24.098+01:00

With only a few days to go until DH's birthday, the end of the purple socks (currently on my feet) gave me chance to cast on for some quick and secret birthday socks. Since Grace is having a short break in the not-quite-finished basket, I thought that 10 days or so would be plenty of time for some secret sock knitting. Well, I might have been right, except I made a rather basic error. It's not

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-34199972198971183052011-04-12T21:47:00.001+01:002011-04-12T21:49:55.872+01:00

... finally managed a FO! The purple socks are done, and very fine they are too. They took 56g of Jenny Cook's lovely yarn (leaving another 50g for another pair), and they took an absolute age (I cast on at Christmas!) because I have been doing. Other. Things. ... still not finished poor old Grace. I ripped the collar and button bands, and will have to do them again - perhaps things will work

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-38649982536292191622011-04-05T10:19:00.000+01:002011-04-05T10:19:42.416+01:00

Grace is almost there. And I still have yarn. Hallelujah. There was 44g left when I had cast off the back, and now I'm on the collar, so I'm (almost) confident that I'll be able to finish it now without having to buy or find a suitable substitute. The button bands and collar aren't quite working out as written - I had less than the suggested no. of stitches for the button bands, and way more

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-17677496576542470982011-03-29T15:30:00.000+01:002011-03-29T15:30:10.249+01:00

Just heard that a new mama I know, has lost her baby son after only 15 days. Rest in peace little one.

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-31095759570245355592011-03-29T14:13:00.000+01:002011-03-29T14:13:20.119+01:00

Grace is still on the needles. The back is almost done, but so is the yarn and my optimism about having enough to fnish it now seems misplaced. Heaven only know what I'll do to complete the collar and button bands... oh well. On the plus side, it seems pretty big as age 3-4, so it should fit the intended recipient for a while yet! In other news, we helped a young friend of ours celebrate her

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-79044283444025097512011-03-09T20:37:00.000Z2011-03-09T20:37:04.326Z

Today I finally managed to finish Grace's two fronts. I weighed them. They weigh 167grammes. I weighed the yarn that remains: 208 grammes. Phew. Looks like I should be able to make it after all. I am pleased. I wouldn't have minded some yarn shopping you understand, but it's just so satisfying to use things up. I like finishing things: bottles of bubble bath,  bars of soap, the last few scraps of

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-49132453079100455852011-03-05T13:55:00.000Z2011-03-05T13:55:18.629Z

It's Saturday and the sun is shining weakly outside. My husband and children are elsewhere and I am all alone. I should be in the garden, trying to unwreak the havoc therein, and getting ready to plant seeds and bulbs and things to eat in the coming months. But inside, looking at a computer screen, trying to catch up with work or get ahead or somehow effect some change in my never-ending list of

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-74314331849291763522011-02-22T10:24:00.000Z2011-02-22T10:24:23.082Z

We were at another children's party this weekend (they always seem to come along in pairs dont they?) to celebrate the birthday of one of the bean's nursery friends, Macey. There were balloons and dancing and face painting, and we came home with one of these boy tigers. While we were there I met Kerry Kimber, who runs Kids Knit. She was telling us about the tights (yes, tights!) she'd been

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-37728346025923423362011-02-15T13:05:00.000Z2011-02-15T13:05:03.727Z

Although his birthday was at the end of January, last weekend we celebrated the bean's 4th birthday with a proper birthday party. There were grandparents, there were friends, there were balloons, there were candles and cake and presents. And, we all had a lovely time (phew). Much as I aspire to lead the sort of crafterly life that leads to serene parties in which calm children play party games,

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-71652438493960795882011-02-08T20:22:00.001Z2011-02-15T13:34:39.521Z

So, despite casting on and knitting the first couple of inches of Doris in a crazed funk (mmm, more more, my precious), I soon realised that something was not quite right. I'm a bit lazy when it comes to swatching - mostly because when I do bother I tend to find that my tension is exactly that required, and then I feel I've wasted valuable knitting time and should just have started all along.

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-38603968722636030112011-02-01T12:51:00.001Z2011-02-15T13:35:08.979Z

January has been a bit of a disaster knitting wise. The purple Christmas socks are still on the needles, stalled somewhere before the heel flap of the second sock, and the Ava that I cast on. Ha. It is no more. It has been cast aside. Frogged. Done away with and sent very firmly to Coventry. It's a lovely pattern (probably). But we didn't get on. I kept mixing up the wrong and right sides so

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-54754841084789346082011-01-25T14:07:00.000Z2011-01-25T14:07:24.975Z

Today is Burn's night, and we're having haggis for supper, as one should when one lives in Scotland. It's noteworthy because it'll be the first time I've had haggis on Burn's night, after only recently discovering that I like it! Who knew it was so tasty? We (probably) won't be doing the more elaborate bits of Burn's night ritual, e.g. piping it into the dining room or stabbing it with a skean

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-31428284993017010652011-01-18T16:18:00.000Z2011-01-18T16:18:32.922Z

Happy New Year! It's been a whirlwind start to the year. I'm teaching again so there is lots of thinking and reading and preparing and photocopying and tinkering with the university VLE going on. And, there has been plague in this house. I am the only one not to have succumbed and the only one not to have antibiotics. DH is still laid low and although ordered to rest by the GP, as a

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-90140097547989793272010-12-21T12:29:00.001Z2010-12-21T12:38:18.197Z

A few weeks ago I attended a conference. One of the plenary speakers was Danny Dorling, a geographer from Sheffield University. He was talking about his new book 'Injustice: why social inequality persists' and argued clearly and powerfully about the relationship between inequalities in income and inequalities in health. His main thrust is this - if there was less discrepancy between the rich and

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-59528243416503207242010-12-14T21:36:00.001Z2010-12-14T21:41:43.191Z

As the time left before Christmas is getting short (only 10 days left - how did that happen? eek!) I'm trying to concentrate on things/gifts which I really have a chance of finishing quickly. The recent snow kept us indoors rather more than is usual, so I grabbed small gobbets of time here and there to get a few things finished off. There have been some more socks. Two pairs of crazy socks,

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-14573019108349279732010-12-09T10:22:00.000Z2010-12-09T10:22:39.048Z

After what seemed to be a very brief autumn, winter arrived with a vengeance. It is now almost 2 weeks since the first snows fell - and although the temperatures are now just above freezing again, there is still a thick layer of snow covering the city. Edinburgh is a dry city, close to the sea and snow of this magnitude is really unheard of. We have at least 18 inches of accumulated snow in our

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-90244821518170802942010-11-09T11:14:00.002Z2010-11-09T11:28:23.493Z

Autumn has arrived in fine style. Sunday was glorious, and like Kate we took ourselves up a hill to enjoy the glorious sunshine and clear views of Edinburgh and beyond. We didn't encounter any snow on our walk, but there were plenty of dogs and their grownups (as the bean likes to say) enjoying themselves all the same. We enjoyed ourselves too - what's not to like about climbing up a hill on a

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-28516838805585547582010-10-26T13:48:00.002+01:002010-10-26T14:52:00.272+01:00

While the chicken stock is bubbling on the hob, and a new sock has sprung onto my needles (the twisted sock wasnt working, so has been ripped in favour of a plain sock knitted with the rest of my crazy zauberball sock yarn...), I thought I would share this with you. It seems too grand to describe this as a pattern, but rather it's one of those unvented and unoriginal set of instructions for a

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-66961976575107823482010-10-20T20:10:00.002+01:002010-10-20T20:10:00.240+01:00

For all sorts of reasons and in all sorts of ways, I in the midst of a process of paring back. Firstly, I am trying to pare back the wheat and gluten in my diet. I have been gluten free a couple of times before and on both occasions I felt very well. This time the motivation is different and purely driven by me; the other times it was to do with the country I was in and breastfeeding a fussy

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-69461284465867089952010-10-18T10:19:00.000+01:002010-10-18T10:19:13.897+01:00

Little Elias has lost his battle for life. Please pray for his babylost family. Rest in Peace little man.

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-26253810289104437642010-10-12T10:05:00.000+01:002010-10-12T10:05:34.383+01:00

Freddie is done. All sewn up and ready to go off to little Elias. we can only hope that he gets well enough and big enough to wear it and grow out of it. Get well little man. Pattern: Freddie from Rowan Junior (Kim Hargreaves)Yarn: Patons Diploma Gold 4 plyMods: intarsia snowflake omitted; no other mods Next on my list are two v small jackets for the twin girls that arrived a week or so ago.

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-40300189637200201542010-10-06T11:11:00.004+01:002010-10-08T21:02:43.437+01:00

It seems that the height of bib fashion (who knew there was such a thing as bib fashion?!) is currently a triangular neckerchief with a popper fastening, and which snuggles beneath the chin to catch the dribble that flows from teething babies/toddlers. You can find oodles of these dribble catchers in the shops, including some very fancy ones with waterproof innards and velour layers, although

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-32766685648811423042010-10-04T12:48:00.004+01:002010-10-04T14:01:15.107+01:00

On Saturday I took myself and my knitting into town. My main purpose was to donate blood and I thought I would take my twisted sock with me to work on while I waited. The weather was dry and bright; a lovely autumn morning. I arrived just after the donating suite opened and only managed one or two rounds of sock knitting before filling out my questionnaire and going through to give up some

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-66663978124908761352010-10-01T09:57:00.007+01:002010-10-04T14:51:11.935+01:00

My old friend has had her baby - Elias arrived in fine style slightly earlier than planned, as he decided not to wait for the scheduled c-section, but started making his way into the world a day early.Yesterday I heard that little Elias - now two weeks old - is very sick, and now in Great Ormond St Hospital in London. His heart has been affected, and his chances of recovery are not known. We are

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-14275984661472340682010-09-28T10:49:00.007+01:002010-10-04T14:03:49.243+01:00

DH and I are making a big financial commitment in the next couple of weeks, so we will be doing our best to focus on thrift and the need to avoid spending wherever we can in the coming months. Our mantra is 'Y.O.T' which stands for 'year of thrift' - and which if uttered at the right moment, can help us to make the right decisions about what to do that day; what to cook; and what to eat.

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-67767647394150683282010-09-21T11:48:00.004+01:002010-10-04T14:04:15.072+01:00

I'm trying to get back to blogging a lot more. I like it. I like reading blogs, and I like writing too.I've got an FO to blog, but the camera cable is missing (I suspect it's in DH's work bag) so I can't post any pictures for the moment.Anyway, what I really wanted to say is this. I'm very sad about the UK Knit Camp situation - I would have like to have gone. As we are in Edinburgh, a short trip

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-72258756968627711952010-09-21T11:10:00.008+01:002010-10-04T14:05:08.625+01:00

The husband socks are finished, finally. They have taken an absolute age. I cast them on in June, and finished them in September. Admittedly one or two other things got in the way (e.g. Sam's birthday socks), and there was the small matter of sock one being rather too small, so sock two was made to the correct dimensions and sock one duly ripped and reknitted to match. And then, there was just

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-52231022330812046642010-07-13T10:04:00.007+01:002010-10-04T14:05:35.879+01:00

There are quite a lot of socks in my drawer which have - to date - been unblogged. It's time to put this right.For Christmas my brother and his girlfriend (now sadly an ex girlfriend , sniff, sniff) gave me two balls of sock yarn. To start with I made these fabulously fraternal socks: Pattern: generic top downYarn: Schoppel Wolle Crazy ZauberballAnother pair followed, this time using a grumperina

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-75036188560148086572010-06-24T12:23:00.007+01:002010-10-04T14:04:44.420+01:00

It's only taken 10 months to write all this down, but here it is...After a lovely homebirth first time round, there was no question about opting for a homebirth with this pregnancy. The first weeks were a bit difficult – we had had 3 early miscarriages within 6 months and were naturally worried about another loss – but after an early scan and the booking in appointment things went pretty

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-27972661766268887682010-03-04T20:46:00.005Z2010-10-04T14:06:14.467+01:00

Time for a little catch-up. Here are a few of the FOs from late 2009 and early 2010.Scrap Hat (own design) Child's banner - one of several birthday present projects for small boys in our family. Made with upcycled shirts, an old dress and some felt....Green socks - generic top down pattern with grumperina stripeYarn - mainly Yarn Yard olive with some scraps of other green sock yarns to make up

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-2450691495626803932009-10-27T21:00:00.003Z2009-10-27T21:01:35.299Z

Time is flying past, our little jelly bean is 9 weeks old already and much has been knitted and crafted since she came into the world, but nothing has been blogged... still, we thank the stars and the firmament above for all of that, and resolve (as with everything) to Do. Better. In. The. Future.

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-66071951092617657782009-09-15T21:48:00.006+01:002010-10-04T14:06:57.111+01:00

She's here!A small girl arrived in our lives on 22 August at 0612, weighing 8lb 4.5oz. [Edited to add photo below.] She was born at home in water, as planned, and in the same room and the same pool as her big brother 2 1/2 years earlier. Similarities ended there, as the two labours were completely different - but equally empowering. A birth story will follow no doubt.... you can read the bean's

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-86251007697263900602009-07-22T14:04:00.005+01:002009-07-22T14:36:21.268+01:00

Finally. The finishing took a bit of time - it's such a nice little knit, but the finishing is a bit time consuming... every time I make one (I think this is the third one), I think there must be an easier way of doing this, but I havent yet bothered to work out what that is. Item: Dolly from JB29 by Martin StoreyYarn: Patons 4 ply (I think), 100% woolTime taken: a while! April-July 2009 Mods:

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-35479745996526652132009-07-13T13:44:00.003+01:002009-07-13T14:53:12.356+01:00

We're having quite a nice summer this year - one with warmth and sunshine and a bit of rain here and there. Despite various hiccoughs this weekend, I managed to get a few things done:. One baby hat. Tick. Dolly(cardigan) knitted and now blocking. 3 jars of pink grapefruit marmalade. Tick. A batch of lemon and raspberry muffins. Tick. Haircut. Tick.Maybe its the late pregnancy nesting kicking in,

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-69990334586569143582009-07-08T11:16:00.004+01:002009-07-08T11:31:56.518+01:00

Here are the danish blue socks in all their glory and in use. Finished at last! Pattern: generic top down pattern Yarn: Bumbo sock yarn with Aloe Vera (bought in Denmark)Now that these socks, and Wimbledon, are over, it's time for something else. The new series of Torchwood has me hooked, and while I watch I'm doing my best to crank through the small and very pink Dolly that I started earlier in

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-50770605879212521582009-07-04T11:34:00.004+01:002009-07-06T09:12:09.730+01:00

Late June and early July is a time for celebration in our house. It's my birthday at the end of June, and as always I enjoyed a family time with cards and treats from my nearest and dearest.Among these this year was Jane Brocket's lovely book 'The Gentle Art of Domesticity'. I've been dipping in and and out of this since it was unwrapped, and have ever since been fighting a strong desire to do

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-17569262820638438262009-07-03T11:12:00.006+01:002009-07-06T09:10:06.722+01:00

July is all about finishing things off. I'm trying to work my way through an endless list of work tasks before starting my maternity leave, AND to hoover up various knitting and stitching WIPs which are cluttering my mind as well as the house. It's part of the tidying we (I) need to do before the new baby arrives.Since we came back from holiday, I've made/finished:- a sundress for a first

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-36976109015987073982009-07-01T10:43:00.007+01:002009-07-08T11:15:46.155+01:00

Before I share anything else, I must say something about the fabulous holiday we had in the Scillies at the end of May/beginning of June.We were blessed with 7 days of stunning weather, and enjoyed cloudless camping for a week - which certainly made things a whole lot easier when it came to entertaining and occupying an energetic 2 year old. We still wonder what we would have done if it had been

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-82337904709387884342009-05-20T20:47:00.002+01:002009-05-20T21:08:09.726+01:00

Next week we're off on our holidays. Nowhere foreign, just plain old England, and the furthest away bit of England from Scotland that you can find.We are going to the Isles of Scilly. This will involve 2 days of driving, a trip on the infamous Scillonian from Penzance to St Marys, then a short boat hop from St Marys (the main island) on the Firethorn to Bryher, and then along the track to Bryher

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-9611706321208874122009-05-04T20:55:00.010+01:002009-05-04T22:04:23.578+01:00

Here's a quick snap of the bobble cardigan in action. We were at a friends house enjoying the spring sunshine and the first lolly of the season, and it seemed to do a good job of keeping the bean warm in the bracing Scottish wind.Since then I've also finished another of those totty tank tops for the bean. This time in blue with black stripes. I still love this pattern, although I'm coming to the

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-90267048190720961922009-04-01T16:46:00.006+01:002009-04-01T17:37:43.067+01:00

What happened to March? It's such a long month, but this year it's stolen away without me really noticing. Anyway, news to report: the bobble cardigan is finished (hurrah), has been worn (several times) and washed (once). Pattern: Bobble cardigan by Zoe MellorYarn: unknown 100% wool bought in a charity shop Buttons: vintage from the button boxMods: no bobbles (clearly)If I made this again, I

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-2247885245981320482009-03-04T14:05:00.011Z2009-03-04T14:21:28.381Z

At last there is something to show for 2009. Here is little Lottie, knit for a sweet 1 yr-olds birthday and now on its way to her in the post.... Knit as written except for the flash of pink at the cast on edge. I had an urge to make it a little bit girly (although I didnt knit the optional flower) and thought the pink would perk up the beige/coffee colour a little. I wasn't completely happy with

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-75777270890378056142009-02-25T16:30:00.005Z2009-02-25T16:56:14.223Z

Knitting is such a simple pleasure isnt it? I love the process AND the end result - especially when it is worn and loved and appreciated. There seems to be so much to catch up on, so I'll be short and to the point here.Much Christmas knitting has gone unblogged, and worse, unphotographed. I sent a pair of mittens and a lacey scarf to friends in Denmark. I also made socks for my dear father -

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-40149422175880448692009-02-12T09:23:00.003Z2009-02-12T09:49:14.719Z

Seriously good news is springing up everywhere at the moment. Not only has the mojo come back but there is a new WIP which is thrilling, exciting and scaring me a bit too. Any guesses?Yep, it's a new baby. Due to arrive sometime in August, so I'm trusting that Edinburgh will be as cool as usual and I wont melt in the heat of a fierce Scottish summer. After all the shenanigans of last year, we

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-54705042349481261722009-02-09T08:33:00.002Z2009-02-09T08:44:05.473Z

There is good news to report, my mojo has been seen (somewhat fleetingly) and I actually managed to finish something teeny and tiny over the weekend, as well as starting to sew up the bobble cardigan, which I blocked sometime before Christmas!More of that another time. I was struck today by Ysolda's recent post about designers rights (even if I'm not knitting, I do like to keep up with the blog

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-65842944519622349062009-01-21T15:04:00.003Z2009-01-21T15:16:25.043Z

Mid winter goblins have been at work in Edinburgh this year. One of them moved my mojo, and I havent yet recovered the poor wee thing. I've been trying to coax it out of hiding with a couple of quick projects, but alas, alack without my mojo both of those small things were sent off to the frog pond.Something will rescue me soon I hope. There's unblogged Christmas knitting to report and lovely

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-32256845026580157502008-12-03T15:02:00.003Z2008-12-03T15:33:59.036Z

Anyone who hangs out in the knitblogoverse will have seen numerous posts over the last week giving thanks for various aspects of life. As a britblogger there's no thanksgiving to prompt these sentiments, but I wanted to join in for other reasons.I'm Lucky. Lucky because I have a job, a home, a loving husband, an adorable son and all the material things which make life more than comfortable. I'm

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-6721282246506095982008-10-29T13:38:00.004Z2008-10-29T14:52:17.887Z

Winter is here - I'm chilly inside the house and yesterday DH had to work in the snow! I'm not sure what happened to autumn - I think it blew away in the gales. The crazy weather is no doubt a sign of the terrible things we are doing to our planet. Regardless of the weather outside, my needles have been clacking away and I've managed to finish two stripey tank tops (age 3-4) from the Rowan

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-76144515112879044442008-10-15T09:54:00.006+01:002008-10-15T14:31:27.575+01:00

Well, the autumnal air has done something to me, and I just had to pick up some odds and ends of copper coloured yarn and knit myself an autumn. I decided to go with the gift pouches in last minute knitted gifts, and turned out two in no time at all. These are knit with an unknown yarn that I inherited from my grandmother. It's soft and light and has a slight sheen. I knit the first one as

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-45116359951609190442008-10-10T11:10:00.000+01:002008-10-10T11:10:00.449+01:00

Despite the disappointment of the yarn shopping in Denmark, a couple of weeks ago I went to see my parents. Because of building works at home, the bean and I spent a week in the Marches where I grew up. While we were there, we nipped over to Hay-on-Wye - a small market town, nestling high on the banks of the river, and just across the border in Wales. Hay is most famous for its numerous second

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-83977729238319457122008-10-09T15:10:00.000+01:002008-10-09T15:10:00.981+01:00

We were on holiday at the end of August, staying with some very hospitable friends in Denmark. They live in a farmhouse at Selso, close to Skibby and less than an hour from Copenhagen. While we were there I planned to revisit a Copenhagen yarn shop I spied last time we were in Denmark, but events conspired against me and I didnt make it. I settled instead for the offerings of the local

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-67692298663540126462008-10-08T14:37:00.005+01:002008-10-08T15:34:54.660+01:00

There's so much to catch up on that I'll have to pace myself.... Well. The ravelympics were a disaster. I didnt really get off the start line, and neither of the WIPs I was meant to be wrestling were. They are still WIPS. My excuse? The Olympics distracted me. A Lot. I was too excited/busy shouting to knit. It was fantastic - we were an Olympic house morning, noon and night. We cant wait till

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-70524094768830745802008-08-01T14:07:00.002+01:002008-08-01T14:11:26.620+01:00

Today I received a stark email from the new economics foundation entitle '100 months'. The message is this: we have 100 months to stop climate change.Eeek.

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-2314014535916377812008-07-25T12:10:00.006+01:002008-10-08T20:19:42.398+01:00

I just saw this and wanted to share it. Save the Children are asking people to knit hats for newborns.

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-21623026405677935992008-07-23T14:02:00.008+01:002008-12-09T14:01:08.502Z

Maybe it was the eco-buzz that started it, but over the weekend I had the urge to cast on for another scrap hat. This one was requested by my brother sometime last winter, but other things (you know: socks... baby things...er, things) have been getting in the way. I've been in a bit of a knitting funk with it, and have found it hard to put down, despite having to do mildly inconvenient things

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-53578188159106027042008-07-18T12:27:00.003+01:002008-07-25T12:13:46.704+01:00

For some reason reading the ecologist and greenfutures always invokes a feeling of urgency and a need to do something that minute. It's an energising thing and I love the eco-buzz.Recently I've found a few corners of the blogiverse that share in this need to take action. Wardrobe Refashion and Sew Green are just two that keep cropping up. Perhaps I should take the wardrobe refashion pledge?

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-10003590716302766032008-07-02T10:16:00.007+01:002008-12-09T14:01:09.856Z

She's finished (finally). The polka dot cardigan (Rowan Babies) with no polka dots. Knitted for little Harper Hope born on June 9th. Welcome little one, and congratulations to mum and dad Pam & Dan!I think it looks fairly gorgeous even without the polka dots. The trim is knitted in a stash busting oddment of Jaeger 4ply, and the rest is knitted in Rowan's organic cotton (DK weight). The buttons

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-60056235236967823992008-06-11T09:55:00.005+01:002008-12-09T14:01:10.445Z

I've been wearing these socks for a couple of weeks now (not All the time... you know what I mean), and thought it was time to share with you. The pattern is the slip-up sock from Posh Yarn, and the yarn is from the Yarnyard ('olive' for the toe & cuff; 'grow' for the rest). As usual I knitted a short leg - cos I like my socks that way - and reckon I have enough left over (from 2 50g skeins) to

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-10349477066108681082008-06-04T09:40:00.005+01:002008-12-09T14:01:10.658Z

I think I mentioned last time that I've been on a bit of a sewing bee lately. I made some bags - like this: I made three, but sent one off to help celebrate a friend's birthday before it got a chance to do any modelling. Another bag has since been sent (and arrived) in the States to assist with the carrying of small items belonging to the recently arrived baby Chloe (congratulations to mum and

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-49394696081989494842008-05-19T14:14:00.004+01:002008-12-09T14:01:10.975Z

While we were in Ireland I finished my second pair of rainbow socks.For all their plainness I managed to make the whole process rather complicated. Knowing that I had a finite amount of yarn I used a provisional cast on and then knit 10 rounds before making the heel flap. On the first sock I knittted the toe using a solid red yarn from my stash. It looked awful and after knitting the second sock

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-23455691810899990252008-05-14T10:08:00.007+01:002008-12-09T14:01:11.586Z

We've been on our holidays. To Ireland and the fair county of Kerry. We stayed in a lovely cottage, had lovely weather and got to spend time with my brother and sister in law, who live in Atlanta with their small boy (18 months). Our small boy (15 months) seemed to have fun following/chasing his big cousin around and we had lots of fun encouraging them to hug each other and do other cute things

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-71072869383695070952008-04-14T20:49:00.008+01:002008-12-09T14:01:12.146Z

Finally, here are my lovely rainbow socks, knit with yarn from Natalie at the Yarnyard. They are just ordinary, plain jane top-down socks. I knit them quite short in the leg because I like them that way (and in the hope I might make my skein stretch to two pairs). Given the loveliness of the yarn I didnt think I needed to choose a fancy pattern. I love the mini rainbows that appeared magically

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-8605767518919282122008-04-01T21:11:00.002+01:002008-04-01T21:42:15.475+01:00

There are more FOs to blog, but today is about something rather more serious. Before Easter, I was at a conference in Belfast. One of the keynote speakers was Jonathan Porritt. He was an engaging speaker, and someone I have set a lot of store by over the years. The main thrust of his message was this - the implication of the recent IPCC (inter governmental panel on climate change) report is this:

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-23268399514544523952008-03-12T11:35:00.006Z2008-12-09T14:01:12.635Z

Here she is in all her glory. Dolly (3-6 months) from Jaeger book JB29 by Martin Storey.It's a lovely pattern, although the finishing is a bit of a faff, because the neck trim is knitted separately and has to be sewn onto the neckline... (and you have to cast on 300 stitches to start it).No mods worth mentioning. I used 2 balls of RYC cashsoft 4ply and not much to spare. It's a lovely yarn for

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-62615548743375736442008-03-05T09:59:00.003Z2008-12-09T14:01:13.140Z

Little Kirsty should have received her tunic top by now, although I expect it'll be a little while before she wears it, as 1. She's a tiny weeny thing, only 5lb 7oz at birth and 2. it's still summer time where she lives. I hope she likes it.The front is flowery.The back is stripey.It's designed to be easy to put on (wide sleeves, stretchy neck, soft rolled cuffs and collar). Previous versions

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-28242780300008043672008-02-13T15:07:00.007Z2008-12-09T14:01:13.587Z

Yesterday I took the bean to Handknit to see what was left of this fine shop before it closes down. It's still got lovely yarn and lovely pattern books & magazines. Just not very many.I bought this: oh, and some yarn. Yes, I know I know I was supposed to be on a yarn diet... well rules is made to be broken, and it's not every week that your localest yarn shop closes down!the stash was enhanced by

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-50412453008955021472008-02-03T20:20:00.000Z2008-12-09T14:01:13.715Z

Yesterday I finished my second pair of socks. Knitted with yarn from Hipknits I adapted the Opal pattern I used for the Christmas socks with lots of k2 p2 rib. They fit better than the Christmas socks and they look soooo much nicer.I like them a lot. I can see sock knitting becoming a theme this year. On Friday I took the socks to work and knitted through my lunch break (whilst reading The

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-54207660051217655242008-01-13T20:45:00.000Z2008-12-09T14:01:14.068Z

Here are the christmas socks in all their glory.They are a bit slouchy, but I guess that's one of the wonderful things about sock knitting - you can custom fit. I'm already planning some modifications with the next pair. However, given the rules for knitting in 2008, this could be some way off. After finishing the peg bag the other day, I did allow myself to cast on a small project for the bean (

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-10623305068785620472008-01-07T21:06:00.000Z2008-12-09T14:01:14.156Z

Today is Monday. The first day of term, and for many the first day back at work since Christmas (hey - I live in Scotland and they are serious about hogmanay here...). It was snowy - quite snowy by Edinburgh standards and enough to make the drive to work somewhat trying.Perhaps this is an appropriate moment to show you 2008 first FO: the christmas socks.It's fair to say that I would never ever

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-70237717172130514932008-01-04T09:23:00.000Z2008-12-09T14:01:14.694Z

A new year has begun and I have decided: 2008 will be the Year of Thrift.I've suddenly realised that I'm tired of accumulating stuff and I want some time off from consumption and shopping. That means no new clothes, new shoes or new yarn (really). My stash is full - in fact it's overflowing, and it will do my head (and my marriage) good to use some of it! I like the feeling I get when things are

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-65344990917001751722007-12-06T21:21:00.000Z2007-12-06T21:41:35.768Z

My husband is out. And I'm alone (not counting a sleeping baby bean) with lots of knitting, my stash and my knitting books. I've been having a lovely time. on top of all that tonight we had our newly recovered sofa delivered. it's covered in a lovely pale green linen. probably not the best choice with a nearly walking and sticky of finger small boy in the house, but hey: why cant you be stylish

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-77569023405330047372007-12-03T12:49:00.000Z2007-12-03T13:02:53.331Z

Oh dear. For months and months I've been a good girl and have been dutifully using up my stash.But last week I fell off the wagon and gave into yarn temptation. Twice.The first time was in a charity shop that I pass by each week. I couldnt resist a few balls of some unknown (man-made) yarn in pale blue and pale green. Just right for knitting something small for a (small) boy I know who is nearly

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-56884547790748970922007-11-28T15:34:00.001Z2008-12-09T14:01:15.199Z

we went out at the weekend. it was cold. it was windy. my husband wore his new scrap hat, which I finished last week.the other evening he complained. he said his new hat wasnt very wind proof .and your point is?so. I'm knitting a lining. something snug and cosy (and rather an alarming blue colour, so just right for a lining). As the hat is knit in the round, I just picked up stitches about 5cm

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-40280518742122177792007-11-23T20:15:00.000Z2007-11-23T20:30:59.377Z

First things first. I must not blog at work. I must only blog at home (I am currently at home. Which is Good). That goes for knitting too.Oops.Today I took knitting to work, to knit over lunch. Well, when you've got to knit a first birthday gift in less than a week, then needs must. Of course, things on the first birthday side of things would have gone a whole lot quicker had I not diverted

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-88026290977876283732007-11-15T15:06:00.000Z2007-11-15T15:17:34.457Z

Gosh. it's a lifetime since I was last here. literally. a baby bean came along at the end of january and i've barely had time to blink let alone blog since then. he's worth it naturally, and i have managed to squeeze some knitting in here and there (mostly when he's asleep and I'm not at work). But hey, good thing come to those who wait, and I can now get into my blog from work. Shhhhhh.

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2840397192810233162.post-47543097069982486212007-01-10T21:32:00.000Z2007-01-10T21:47:44.787Z

A new year, a new blog.... I'm writing this as I contemplate two things: first, impending motherhood (i'm currently 36 weeks pregnant with my first child) and two: the need to rationalise my stash.The problem is this: as fast as I knit my stash down, it grows again. When DH isnt looking, forlorn bundles of yarn seek me out, they call to me. I can - with considerable effort - walk out of my local

Knitlasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10694849211711608460noreply@blogger.com0