Float'n'purl

Another day another hat!

I'm actually a big cheat because I haven't actually finished Tammy (still to sew her up) but I couldn't resist trying it on! Yes, I know its a Christmas present but someones got to model it and I don't have any teddies to act as a model!

I don't know what happened to the colour in this photo but it was knitted in Foxglove and Thunder. I think it needs a rosette/ flower to finish it off which I'll do later but that's one present done with too many more to do!!! By the way, can anyone give me advice on how to block a hat?

I still haven't cast on my sister's Clapotis yet because I was supposed to be practicing spinning before another lesson on Monday (oops), and the pattern looks a bit scary too!

Just a Quickie!

Today was my first day teaching at Uni! It was a bit chaotic but I survived.......next week will be the real test when I actually start doing tutorials!!

On the knitting front I made it to Stash which is a new yarn store in Chester run by Helen from Celticove. Its only been open a month (and shame on me for not getting there sooner!!) but I only had a few minutes there as I was showing my cousin (male) who came to visit this weekend, around town and he wasn't up for hanging around a "knitting shop". The really great thing about Stash, apart from being only 15 minutes down the M56 is that opposite the shop is a great restaurant/ coffee shop - what an excellent combination!!

In the few minutes I had in Stash I managed to buy Louisa Harding's new pattern book - "A Gathering of Roses: Accessories" which is a must if like me you love hats!! I also bought yarn to knit a Tammy Beret from RYC Classic Weekend which is already 50% done! I've suddenly realised that hats are really quick to knit so guess what most people will be getting for Xmas.............well don't they say that 20% of your body heat is lost through your head??

Tomato Harvest

First of all I have to say a BIG THANKS to my lovely secret pal 5 Beverly who really showered me with gifts over the last few months. In fact so much so I will be knitting with some of her yarn for sometime to come. I've really enjoyed my first SP, not only for the wonderful parcels I've received but the fun and delight that I've had in putting together presents for my SP who was Maureen. The only reason that I haven't joined in with SP6 is my dreaded thesis which has now taken over most of my life (that is with the exception of some knitting/ spinning of course).

Talking of spinning, I had my first lesson with Averil on Monday where I learned to card and a bit of spinning on a wheel. We only had 1.5 hours so it was a quick lesson but I'm going back in two weeks (and hopefully I'll remember my camera this time!!). Luckily, Shirley had lent me her wheel while she's on holiday so I can have a practice (and I certainly need to) before going to my second lesson. Here it is in all it's glory, specially made by Shirley's Dad!

Next up is a F.O! Yes, something to add to my collection.Its a hat from Simply Noro by Jane Ellison knitted in Silk Garden Shade 232. DH thinks I look like a boy in this but its actually destined to be a Chrimbo pressie although I'm not sure now that the recipient will like it - still, its lovely and warm and was knitted in four evenings (a record for me).

Talking of Christmas, this lovely package arrived from Hipknits today. I only ordered 400g but the lovely Kerrie gave me the last 100g free - now that's what I call customer service. Its destined to become a Clapotis for my sister who is going to Australia for a month over Christmas and New Year so I thought that the lovely orange and golden yellows will look great with a tan! Not that I'm jealous of course (who am I kidding). I've seen so much of this pattern in blogland that I thought I just had to give it a go - any tips?

Any finally to my tomato harvest. It doesn't look like much but these little beauties are a miracle given that I didn't water the plants until the leaves had almost turned brown. Needless to say that they're very small but sweeter than any tomato I've ever tasted!

Back into the Stream

A friend of ours has a lovely saying for what its like getting back from holiday. He says its like getting back into the stream to swim with the other fish. When I'm away from things it does feel like your out on the bank, with time to think and reflect on things rather than speeding along with everyone else..........

Well I've been back a week already and where has the time gone? We had such a wonderful time in Scotland - made even more special by knowing that we have a base (albeit a field of long grass) that means we can go there again, and again.

The holiday cottage we rented cottage had a little rowing boat so our friend John went out and caught these lovely mackerel which we cooked on the barbie. They were so delicious and fresh. We also met some scallop divers at the pier and bought a huge bag of scallops which they had just caught for a seafood feast. As you can probably guess I really love seafood and where we were staying just so happened to have a seafood cabin - a little portacabin with seats outside by the beach. Needless to say we had a few treats there too!

Here's a picture of DH looking smug in the garden of the cottage (can of lager in hand of course) with Arran in the distance. The weather was wonderful and we spent most of our time outdoors (until the midges got too much that is). The sea was only a 5 minute walk so lots of time was spent walking along the beach.

We also took the ferry to the Isle of Gigha which was simply stunning. Here is DH and our friends Gina and John enjoying the view and a break from cycling (we hired bikes as the island is so small and relatively flat).

The highlight of the holiday for me was definitely my swim in the sea from this beach called Bàgh na Dòirlinne - yes that's right, I was swimming in the sea off the coast of Scotland in September!!!

We also spent some time on the plot doing a survey (thanks for your help Gina) and meeting some more locals. It's starting to feel real now and I'm itching to get started on the design but I've promised myself that I will finish my thesis first before launching into things..................

On the knitting front here's a picture of me wearing Charlotte on the bow of "Sissy" before we left. I did get the chance to wear it on holiday but I think now its too cold and is more of a spring thing, still I might just wear it by the fire over the winter.

I've also started on my second sock and I'm about half way through Ripple but my exciting piece of news is that my friend Shriley and I are having a spinning lesson on Monday with Averil who not only teaching spinning but weaving too (which is great news as Shirley has just bought herself a weaving loom on ebay!), and she only lives about 5 miles away, so being back isn't all that bad after all.

Gone Fishing!

Have finished Charlotte just in time for our holiday in Scotland (going to visit our plot in Kintyre). As usual had lots of photos to download but just ran out of time. Just about finished packing. See you all when we get back in a week................