I hate being in towns when it is hot! Thankfully I had booked a day off of work today and Matt and I were able to escape for a drive through Kent ending up in Herne Bay for a fish & chip supper followed by ice cream.
I like going to Herne Bay, especially when it is quiet. The houses on the sea front make me think of the ruched tea cosies my Gran used to knit
We enjoyed a gentle stroll along the sea front watching the boats coming in and the jet skiers having fun
the journey meant that knitting was done
the pattern is Cayman from Yarn Forward and the yarn is Hempwol bought at IKL 2 years ago. I like the way this is knitting up.
My thanks to everyone who sent congratulations about the birth of my great niece, she looks a charmer in her photos!
I'm a Great- Aunt!!
Imogen was born on Thursday morning. It will be a while before I get to see her for a cuddle so a woolly hug is on it's way to her.
This has been the year of baby blankets, most of the others were finished so close to the deadline that I forgot to take pictures. I'd finished this in April so it made a guest appearance at Wonderwool.
I don't know the name of the pattern as it was from a vintage sheet of Gran's but loved the shapes it created.
The family link continued as I used 2ply from Gran's stash to knit it with and the clever girl managed to arrive on her Great, Great Uncles birthday - he has nominated this his best present ever!
I have spent a very enjoyable afternoon knitting in public for the Knit For Peace charity. plenty of people stopped by to see what we were doing - after all we were in one of the busiest places at the venue. It wasn't the public that held me enthralled but this character
There were two tables of knitters so I sat at the one with the best view of the gorillas. Introductions were made and within a matter of minutes it was clear that I was among friends of friends. I love this community of knitters.
The keepers kept commenting on how the gorillas were more active this afternoon; they spent a lot of time staring at the area we were knitting in and enjoyed playing with the knitting we gave to them (after full approval of the keepers).
people stopped by and donated some wonderful sweaters, hats and scarves. My afternoon's contribution was this
.
most people who know me know that I love Kipling bags - it was only when I glanced at the table that I realized I'd brought my own colony of Gorillas with me!
especially when you are up to your ears in work! Long hours interfere with home and social life but thanks to the traffic jams in London knitting progresses!
The Diagonal Square Tee is finished and worn to work one day last week, lots of compliments from other staff and I'm fairly pleased with it. The pattern was a a fairly easy knit; I loved doing the mitred bits and the simple lace bands meant I got double the pleasure. My only gripe is that I think it's a little too short - I was hoping that it would increase in length when blocked (lets face it - I normally knit so loosely that most sweaters drop at least an inch). It didn't - so it felt like I was somewhat exposed. Perhaps it will drop further with wear. I'll try to get a photo taken this week.
Next up on the needles was the start of my Rowan exchange gift, I've changed my mind at least 3 times but am now settled on a shawl pattern and the bus passengers are intrigued by the long edging strip of lace I'm knitting. I do enjoy the banter with other passengers and have the most amazing conversations with total strangers - this morning one of the regulars introduced me to his wife and he encouraged her to get her crochet out of her bag to show me - she's making a crochet lace table cloth in what looks like sewing thread - stunning but looks like it will take a lifetime to complete!
"Kate" is still in waiting, it's too big to carry around and by the time I get home at night I can't face knitting in navy blue. So the "home knitting" is a mindless blast of circular knitting using one of my favourite yarns, Rowan Summer Tweed, in a lilac shade (looks like I'm back on the purples!) I'm not working to a pattern as yet just basically aiming for a summer top for me but will make a final decision re style when I get to the armhole shaping.
Ishbel is off the needles, blocked and worn!
Knitted with Sundara fingering silky merino in Flaming Flamingo. I loved working with this yarn and the colour is so cheerful. I think there is enough left to make the hat.
I did wonder about making the shawl bigger but decided against it, for some reason I wasn't enjoying the lace part of this pattern and couldn't get into the flow.
Here's what else is on the needles:
Kate is beginning to look as if the end is in sight
and my mitred project is at the plain and boring stocking stitch section
I've received the details of my Rowan Exchange Victim for this year, have the yarn all set to go , now all I need to do is find a pattern I like.
Plenty of knitting time today as I'm off to Birmingham for a conference tomorrow.... is 3 projects enough for one night away from home?
Impromptu knit night will be in the Briar Rose from 6pm tonight