Some fun knitting

Due to the bank holidays, I wasn't able to get any more wool to continue with my aran cardigan, so I started  a hat, scarf and mitts set.

The hat was done in a day and was such fun to knit.  I don't normally do hats, but with the extreme cold we have been experiencing, I thought I'd better start being sensible.  Of course, now I have a hat, the temperature has risen!

The pattern calls for a pompom, but I think I prefer it without.  I may make one when I've finished the scarf just to see how it looks.

The mitts were very quick to knit too, so before the end of the day, the scarf was started.  As it has a cable pattern, it's going to take a little while to complete. However long it takes, I will be well prepared when the next snow arrives.

Slowly but surely

Slowly, but surely, we are all getting back on our feet and gradually getting back to normal.  The boys usually go away at this time of year, but due to the travel disruption caused by the weather, the boys are staying here all through the holidays.  It gives us a real chance to get back on our feet without having to rush doing it.

While I've been sat recuperating, I've been catching up on projects that have been filling my corner by the settee.  I've got the last three of the baby blankets finished.

 A lilac and white,

 and two using variegated wool.  One pastel shades of pink, yellow and purple.

 the other shades of cream, blue and brown.

The weather has also caused delays in the post getting through.  My crochet magazines were probably about two weeks late this month, but as soon as they arrived, I got this month's squares done.

I'm now concentrating on  my aran cardigan, though I may have to try and stock up on some more yarn.  I think I am half a sleeve and the collar short on finishing.  I'll have to check if there are some more stray balls hiding upstairs first.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and thank you to everyone for their get well wishes.  They have been much appreciated.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend

2011 UFO Challenge

Patchwork Penguin is hosting a UFO challenge for 2011.  You need to write a list of ten UFO's to finish next year.  Each month, she will pick a number, and that's the item to be finished for that month.  I've chosen ten, and if I only get a fraction finished, it will be an achievement.

Things are improving on the health front here, I've even begun the task of cleaning and throwing open the windows to chase out those germs.  At minus 10 degrees outside, it's a bracing experience.  While recuperating, I've even managed to do some crochet and have finished another baby blanket.  As I finished one just before succumbing to flu, I have one more to finish.  All being well, I should be feeling better enough to get to the sewing machine or even to concentrated on some embroidery.  Can't wait.

Friday Night Sew In

Apparently another week has passed, but I missed it!  I spent Monday to Wednesday in bed with flu.  DS1 was a gem, and cooked dinner Monday and Tuesday, and both boys kept a constant supply of drinks coming.  By Wednesday, DS1 was in bed too, so that left DS2 on sole drink duty.  Yesterday I migrated to the settee as DS2  escaped on a sleepover, but, by the sound of it, he's sickening.  It's now Friday, and the energy levels are at very short supply.

Tonight is the second Friday Night Sew In of this month, but if yesterday is anything to go by, there will be nothing left in the tank to do anything.  I shall be with everyone in spirit, and will look forward to seeing the results over the weekend.

I wish you all a very happy, and healthy weekend

Friday Night Sew In

It's been a rather stressful week here, which included a three hour visit to the dental hospital on Wednesday afternoon.  I have an extreme fear of dentists, but as I was in so much pain, I couldn't avoid a visit and after one tooth extraction, I am feeling much better.  It did mean that I've had about two or three days this week when I haven't felt up to doing anything creative.

Last night was Friday Night Sew In, and as I didn't fancy sewing,  I did some crochet instead.  I managed to finish one of four baby blankets I'm doing.

It just needs a wash and a block and it will be ready to go. 

Depending on how much time I get after taking DS2 to his exhibition, I may get another one finished later today

Splendid Isolation

Since Friday, we have had intermittent or non existent Internet access, which has been very frustrating.  It makes you feel very cut off, which I felt guilty about, as I can very well remember life without the Internet.  In fact, it was only after the boys had been born, that we had Internet at home.  DS2 would have been about 18 months old.  The upside to no Internet is that it gives you more time to get things done.

These are lavender bags. I've misplaced the pattern to link back to the website,  but they were fun to do.  DS2 thinks I should make "proper" little bags like this as  he thinks they would be perfect for lippy!

 

The other project I've been working on is a little larger.  These blocks were made from the remains of a layer cake.  There would have been a few more blocks, but I'd already used three of the pieces for something else, and it took about three pieces to perfect the cutting!

I want to add another border, but need to buy some fabric. 

The lump at the end is Shylock.  He thought I'd put this down especially to give him a blanket.  He was most disappointed when it was folded up and put away.

Once I can get myself organised and get myself going for the day, I am going to work on using up the scraps.

Hot Pad

I had some jelly roll strips left over from a previous project, so when I saw a woven pot holder, I thought it might be a good way to use some of the strips.

I've made this larger than a pot holder, about 10" square to make a hot pad.  As the jelly roll strips have been doubled over prior to weaving, this is very thick and should have no trouble absorbing the heat.  Although this was a simple project, it took quite a bit of time to do,  so I don't think I'll be making many of these.

I still have some of the jelly roll strips left, so I'll have to get the thinking cap on for another project to get them all used up.

Pot Holders

I bought some heat resistant batting a couple of weeks ago, so now I've made my first pot holders.

These were fun to do, so I might make some more in the future.  I'd love to make an oven mitt too, so watch this space.

We have had quite a bit of the white stuff now.  Buses weren't running yesterday so that meant a day home for us all, not that I had intended going out.  The shopping didn't get delivered, so we're hoping that the village shop will be able to stock up on essentials soon.  The boys won't be going swimming today but at least I have a good excuse to stay tucked up indoors.

Raggedy & Friends QAL-Block Five

The Raggedy block has been done for another month.  I managed to piece and stitch it all in one day, so now I have three weeks to do other projects.  I am finding this project  a pleasure to do, and stress free, as the instructions are so clear.  I'm looking forward to seeing next month's installment.