The Knit Studio Website goes Live

With a little bit of help - read A LOT of help from Suzanne !! The Knit Studio Website is up and running! Hooray!!

Find it in this place - I am very excited about this new development and cannot say a big enough Thank You to Suzanne for spending some time with me today to make this happen.

Go check it out - I still have photos to add, but I think it looks great.

New Blocking Device

I present - Pebbles - a new blocking device for knitters! Pebbles has many advantages - he is warm and heavy - does not move easily - stays in place all night and best of all - he Purrs!!!!

Photograph courtesy of knitting pal Suzanne

Not My Tea Cosy!

This Tea Cosy was knitted by Alix, one of the Blackfriars Knit Studio Knitting Group. The pattern is from The Wild Tea Cosies Book by Laoni Prior, and the yarn Mille Fiame by Lang. Isn't it fabulous?

There is another Tea Cosy, beautifully knitted by Meriel, another member of the group. It is a work in progress as it going to be adorned with embellishments by the other members. I will post a photograph when work is complete.

Proud Mum

Today, I watched Sarah go on court at half time during Newcastle Eagles first match of the Basketball Season. Sarah has been selected to play for the Eagles School of Excellence Under 16's Ladies Team, and we are all very proud of her. The Eagles match went into not one, but two extra times - very exciting and a very special game for us to remember! Well done Sarah!!

ETA Will try post a better picture tomorrow.

Favourite Old Jumpers

Yesterday, I decided, in a moment of madness to attempt to sort out the hundreds of Photographs stored in Files and Folders on my poor, nearly full laptop. This led to an interesting discovery, there were photographs of jumpers that I had not seen for ages. Which has now set me on another quest - to do in my spare time, of course - find the boxes that store the missing items. Anyway, here is one of my favourite, old jumpers, knitted by my mum who knows how many years ago! At least 15 I think. It was knitted in Littlewoods Aran yarn - yes, Littlewoods used to have their own yarn.  And here is me, wearing it last year!

Excuse the nerdy stance - but look at all that work!
Still love it, mum - just have to find it!!!

A little bit of Knit Studio news here - I am holding a McMillan Coffee morning tomorrow as part of the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to raise money for this very worthwhile charity. 11.00 to 2.00 ish - there will be coffee, tea, cake, biscuits, a raffle and possibly some knitting.

Knitting Can Save Your Life

Have just watched this on the Blog of my friend Suzanne .
It amused me, and as it's late and I am tired I thought it may amuse you too. Watch to the end of the credits -

Knitting Can Save Your Life

Hidden Treasure

Look what I found whilst looking for something else! An almost, ready made blanket. I had gone into the loft to search for a lost file of paperwork and discovered these blanket squares. Perfect, all I have to do now is sew the squares together - in my spare time of course. A couple of years ago I sorted all my stash yarn by wieght and began this blanket using only oddments of Rowan Cashsoft Aran which had been left over from previous projects. Then, I obviously forgot about it completely. This has now been added to the growing pile of things that need sewing up - don't you just love doing that? Not.

Also, when I was at my parents last week, mum handed me a bag of these -

Yes, a huge bag of Granny Squares, crocheted in Rowan Cotton Glace (one of my favourite yarns) and all for me. Thank you mum!

But, dear reader, look closely at the second picture and what can you see? Ends, all needing to be woven in....not my favourite job. Indeed, is it anyone's favourite job? and if it is, can you please call me?

Watch this space for updates of blankets in progress!

Phew!

What a very busy week! I think I have travelled over 1000 miles this week and it is GOOD to be home.
I have visited Create in Ilkley, Liss Wools in Liss and Kangaroo in Lewes (see side bar for links) and as always, had a great time, met some lovely ladies, chatted, tutored, crocheted and knitted.
On Friday, I took mum and dad to Eastbourne Marina where we enjoyed the last of the summer shunshine whilst enjoying the view.
My drive home today, was, for once, without incident and it took only six and a half hours. I did feel sorry for the people stuck in the huge traffic jam leaving Newcastle on the A1, that I passed in the way. Especially as I guess most of them had been taking part in The Great North Run - congratulations and well done to all participants. I always have a huge admiration for everyone who takes part in this, or any other races. Running is not, and never has been my 'thing'! Although if there was a 'yarn bargain' involved I might be persuaded. Seriously though, I have watched with interest the increasing number of runners I have seen, gradually building their stamina and fitness for this race, when driving in or around Newcastle and I salute their commitment and dedication.
Whilst staying at mum and dad's I noticed once again, how, when I stay there I seem to morph into a teenage daughter who has lost the use of her legs! Er dad, I'll have a cup of tea if you are in the kitchen, would you get me a biscuit while you're there??? Are you getting the picture? The long journey home gives me a lot of thinking time - and I shall be trying harder not to be THAT daughter next time I am there.
After reading this Blog, I realised I had forgotten to post a photograph of the only item I was lucky enough to obtain in the recent Auction. It is a beautiful patchwork quilt, in blues and creams, all hand stitched with care. It is in pride of place in The Knit Studio and looks fab - what do you think?

New Arrival at The Knit Studio

Look what has arrived - Manos del Uruguay Lace Weight Yarn - beautiful! Come and see it! (Soon, before it runs out)!

Blackfriars Bunnies

When the ladies from the Craft Cruises USA came to visit, we made up some goody bags as little souvenir gifts for everyone. Included in the bag was a Mini Skein of British Breeds Yarn and I had a little bit left over. So, not liking to waste anything, my next question was what could I knit with it? A friend from Knitting Group recommended Bunny Nuggets - a free pattern on Ravelry. Find it Here.
After knitting the first one, he did what Rabbits do - multiplied!
Here is the first batch -

The brightly coloured one was knitted by Sarah, the red and turquoise ones knitted by Donna and embellished by her clever husband Andy! I have a feeling there will be more!

Knitting Content!

I had a conversation with a friend today and we were discussing our number of WIP's (that is Works in Progress for the non knitter reader). I normally have lots of projects dotted around the house in various knitting bags but, today, when I started to make a list I surprised even myself! You see, for the first time in months - no years - I have less than 5 items 'on the needles'. Who knew? Certainly not me, and although I did make a concerted effort to get to grips with all unfinished projects earlier this year - I have surprised myself!
So here are a few things I have been knitting and finishing over the last few months.

Damson Shawl by Ysolda Teague, knitted in Natural Dye Studio Dazzle HT

Bunting Flags knitted in Rowan Handknit DK Cotton

Bunny Nugget (pattern details to add later) knitted in Rowan British Breeds DK Jacob and now renamed Blackfriars Bunny!

Hap Blanket by Ysolda Teague knitted in Artesano Aran (red) and Manos del Uraguay Wool  Classica (blue).

Curly Crochet Scarf knitted in Rowan Kidsilk Haze - only 3 rows and a very large crochet hook - very frothy!

Chateaux Shawl knitted on the way home from Kangaroo Workshop in France - yarn details to add - I think it was Sea Cell?

All these projects are finished! Hooray!

Still WIP are a cardigan in Rowan Revive, Ishbel in Zauberball Lace, Moss Stitch Jacket in Rowan Scottish Tweed Chunky (just neeeds sewing up), Cabled short sleeved pullover in Rowan Milk Cotton (just needs sewing up).

So, a random conversation today = listing and sorting WIP's at home. Just need to upload all the details onto Ravelry now. (Oh, and put proper links to the above pictures).

And, in case you were wondering......my friend had FAR more WIP's than me!

Road Trip Tuesday

On Tuesday, Sarah and I and two of Sarah's friends, Lydia and Robyn headed out for the day to Barnard Castle - another Road Trip!
This was actually prompted by my need to view some items due for Auction at Addisons. Addisons is one of the few Auction Houses that actually photograph every item in their sales - but, like yarn you need to see it and touch it before buying (or bidding) really. Hence, the day out. From a list of over twelve items, I left bids for only four. I have to wait until tomorrow to see if I was lucky or not!
Barnard Castle was at it's best - sunny, busy, bustling and market day. We had a spot of lunch at Penny's, on the main High Street, and then sat in the sunshine with our ice creams - just like real holiday makers! The best part of the trip, however, was finding this hidden treasure - a lovely little shop, full of quirky hand crafted items, vintage cups and saucers, felted slippers, jewelry and cushions..... the list is endless. If you ever visit Barnard Castle make a stop here -
My Generation (the only link I can find is a facebook page, but it does have address and opening details).

Still on the subject of Road Trips - when we were at St.Abbs on Monday I took a little creature with us for the day. He was made for a friend as a Thank You gift, but we felt he needed a day out before his 'adoption'. I am pleased to say, he is very happy in his new home, and has even got a companion!!

Ollie at St.Abbs, enjoying the view.

I couldn't post a photo before because he hadn't been 'gifted' and I did not want to spoil the surprise.