Mitt Swap

Here are the mitts which I received in the swap.

Aren't they lovely? These have come all the way from Ireland - notice Seamus the Sheep making an appearance!

The bamboo needles are from Flordia and I shall especially enjoy using these as I'm afraid I tend to use old metal needles or plastic ones. Shameful eh?

Finally, the chocolate. Please take my word for it - Irish Chocolate is absolutely scrumptious!

I'm Itt!

Sorry about the title! Couldn't come up with anything else...hope you all understand it!

The recipient of my mitts (on the Angel Yarns Forum) received them today so I can post pictures! I used Town & Country 4 ply sock wool and am so impressed with how easy it was to match the stripes. I had enough yarn over to make a sock keyring! The pattern was from Knitting in No Time by Melody Griffiths, is the first thing I have knitted from the book and the first time I have tried using dpns to make mitts or gloves. I really do prefer using this method rather straight needles and I think this will become a favourite pattern of mine!

The little sock pattern is from here and I love it, just scroll down!

http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/free_knitting_patterns/

It's just an Illusion!

My bargain buy, for scarves for Christmas pressies. Sirdar Illusion - I have two balls of each colour.

This is a really pretty yarn. Going to use garter stitch on large needles...not decided what size yet...probably 9mm or 10mm.

Shawl stopped at the moment as I need an 8mm circular needle! Can't get any more stitches on my straights! Doh...

I've also had Raverly invite. See you there!

Quick and Easy

Back to work today after a great week off with hubby and dear children...never mind, it's my favourite few weeks of the year now...the countdown 'til Christmas!

Cast on for this last night - its a quick triangular shawl for MIL for Christmas. She isn't one for "posh yarn" - she needs everything to be washing machine friendly! I'm using one 400g ball of Stylecraft yarn which, actually, she gave me to use up and am just going to keep going until it runs out! Decided to use 8mm needles and am quite happy so far.

Thanks Mum!

Patterns can be bought from here http://www.creativecrochet.co.uk/

I wanted to share some of my Mum's work with you. It is because of her that I have my passion for knitting - and crochet which I am still learning.

She has been attending crochet class for the last couple of years to brush up on her skills and to try out something new. It was also a life line when we lost my dear Dad, something to give her back an interest, to keep her busy and give her contact with "the outside world".

I have been to class with her when I've been on holiday and so has my daughter. She is eleven and has been learning to knit for a couple of years. However, crochet is her first love. She has completed a couple of scarves, a fabby crochet backpack and is currently awaiting me to buy some handles for her latest knitted bag!

I am glad I am able to pass these skills down to her...it has taught her patience and co-ordination and has encouraged her creative side. She wears her items with pride!

Getting Started!

Hi,

Decided at 2am this morning I would join the blogging world!

I was up finishing the first mitt of a pair for the fingerless mitt swap I'm taking part in on the Angel Yarns forum ( sorry I can't say much more than that yet!) and I was thinking how much inspiration I have had since joining the forum and from reading peoples' blogs.

I am now no longer content just to knit jumpers, cardigans and plain scarves! I have now tried sock, dishcloth and lace knitting all with the encouragment of people on the forum and now have an endless "to do" list!

It just shows...you are never too old to learn!