It’s time to introduce a new category. Still creating useful contributions to life, some contributions being just for decoration or amusement. Whichever, it keeps me amused. My new cutting board is in place on my desk, the rotary cutter is ready to go. What to sew first? That is the question, and one I’ll be answering soon. Watch this space.
In case you didn’t know, every new homeowner should be gifted a set of coordinating napkins and napkin holders. The only question – do the napkins match and the napkins holders differ, so everyone recognises their napkin by the holder, or vice versa? Each to their own, but when I saw this pack of fat quarters my mind was made up. It was an easy decision to use navy blue for the the napkin ring to enhance the contrast of…
I joined a health club last year and have managed very well with my expensive but necessary Brooks Ghost trainers (wide fit), two pairs of leggings and two sports tops. They served me well until mid-summer when I bought and enjoyed the benefit of a pink/black two-vest combo (in a sale) throughout the heatwaves. I felt very up-to-the minute and although I’ve seen only one other person regularly in the same combo (is that good, or bad?) I have observed throughout…
The usual Christmas knitting frenzy looked like it would be toned down before it started this year. With one recipient not being visited until January, two recipients struck off the list as they never acknowledge what they receive and another having their knitted offering postponed until their birthday due to a perfect bought present, this meant that I could relax and just ‘quickly’ knit 4 simple knitted bags to fit hand warmers, the perfect personalised Christmas stocking present. As is…
It started as an idea for a birthday present, way back at the start of 2022. The birthday in question was in August. Plenty of time. But the summer was sweltering and knitting was a long way from my mind. No casting on with sweaty fingers for me. September or October would provide plenty of opportunity to knit during the autumn evenings in France. The idea of posting the pizza abroad from France was a definite attraction since Brexit, but…
One of the toddlers on my list for knitted presents loves vehicles but I found a pattern for a double decker bus too late during this Christmas Knitting Frenzy of 2022 – I’d already plumped for two boats and a light house. The pattern is from 100 Little Knitted Projects by Sarah Keen and I have seen at least another 20 projects I’d like to make, from a lollipop and an ice lolly (I love knitted food) to Noughts and Crosses…
One lovely young lady was the exception to my ‘knitted gifts only’ rule during the Christmas Knitting Frenzy of 2022. What to make for a (nearly) 4 year old? Did I mention I’d left this year’s knitted present planning to the last minute? Of course, I couldn’t let her miss out. I’d already bought and wrapped a Build-a-Ladybird game so…I had three days…I made her a ladybird… I’d found this pattern on line some time ago and it looked like…
This has been one frenetic spell of knitting, knitting, knitting. The standard I set myself when babies began being born in my extended family and friends’ circle – to knit individual, unique gifts rather than buy something off the shelf – has presented some deadlines requiring proportionate levels of discipline and effort. This year has been off the scale with 2 babies and 3 toddlers to knit for, an outstanding promise for another toddler plus a baby and toddler in…
Plarn. Qué? Plarn. PL astic y ARN. See what I did there? I’m a little late to the party, I know. Apparently, plarn has been a thing for a long time. I know because I found Eco-Friendly Knits Using Recycled Plastic Bags by Emily Blades, published in way back in 2010. I’d dabbled with twine and string over the years, and I’d made some shoulder bags out of discarded tee-shirts. But plarn? Never ‘ad it, Mr Fawlty. I was very…
Not a proverb you’d have heard of but it’s one that suits this jotting. If you’ve read any of my musings before now, you’ll know that most of the pieces I produce are knitted flat. I’ve eschewed the Magic Loop and the dreaded sets of four or five dpns for years now after one disastrous attempt with four needles when my fingers jerked uncontrollably, needles slipped to the floor and stitches twisted upon themselves. I couldn’t see the attraction or…