BREATHTAKING LACE

  One of the best things about being in our shop is seeing the beautiful projects that our talented customers produce. Every so often we see one which takes our breath away.

This was most definitely one of those occasions. When Claire pulled this stunning shawl out of her bag I was blown away. I could hardly speak but my first question was, what is this yarn?

The picture doesn't do justice to the soft mohair effect with gentle sparkles in the red and the perfect striping.

Of course, the striping is from 2 balls of Noro Sekku, only Noro can give effortless beautiful colour stripes.

The extra special, breathtaking quality came from blending with kidsilk haze! Not just a colour wash throughout but lovingly changing colours of kidsilk to compliment and match the changing colours of the Noro laceweight. The soft sparkle? From an old ball of kidsilk night.

This illustrates the importance of your wool stash. Never underestimate how much you need to hang onto those special bits and pieces of yarn. One day you will have a brilliant idea and bingo!

GRANNY WINNER

If you look just behind the second picture of the white cushion there is a tantalising glimpse of this divine Granny Square Blanket. It was made by Sue who helps with our crochet classes and makes beautiful things. If you look closely you can see there is a texture to the stitching, it is not just a plain granny square. The wool is King Cole anti tickle merino dk. We began to stock this a while ago as we liked the colour palette and it has turned out to be a crochet winner.

It is very exciting in the shop just now, lots of new stock and customers all twitching to start knitting again.

More pictures soon...

CROCHET FEAST

 I know I have mentioned the talents of our crochet group before. We didn't meet in August so when we got together last night the delights that everyone had to show were breathtaking.
I don't need to say much more, look and feel inspired.......

 

There was one knitted object, this cute rabbit, waiting for a blanket to be finished then sent to Aberdeen to her new baby owner.
You have no idea how hard it is to get these photos with no hands in the way stroking and fondling the work but that's what crochet is for.
Looking forward to next month already.

Iceland

Yes, we are still here and working hard. The web shop is taking a lot longer than I thought and the summer holidays haven't helped the situation.

Did I say 'summer' ? I was using the word loosely as we haven't had much evidence of summer this year.

I couldn't believe it when 2 large boxes were delivered this week, MORE wool? We can hardly move for the stuff and now we have MORE?

However, I soon forgot about space issues when I saw what was in the boxes: Icelandic Lopi Wool and some delightful patterns.

I have mentioned the fact that I am mainly working on UFO's this year but still allow myself to start a couple (or several) new projects. Just now I am working on the delightful 'Owls' by Kate Davies. This is the 2nd jumper I have knitted in the round and I think this is the best way to make a jumper. Very satisfying. For this reason I can't wait to start one of these toasty icelandic projects.
Now I don't care if the weather is less than summery, bring on winter, I've got jumpers to make.

Working hard...

Just a quick note to apologise for the lack of postings. I have had so many things that I wanted to show you but we are in the process of setting up an on line shop which is consuming all of my computer time.

I thought you might like to see the exciting new adriafil wools which have just arrived, yes we hope to have them available on line soon.

I really want to be sitting in the sun with my crochet, not inside on the computer. That is my incentive to get on with the job before the weather turns.

Hope you are all sitting in the sun with hooks or needles.

KNITTING DOGS

As all of you know, every knitter has a long list of 'projects for the future' stacking up either mentally, on ravelry or as a physical pile of books and patterns. Or as in my case in all 3 areas. High in my list of 'must knit' are several of the adorable dogs in this book:

I love the Westie on the front cover and the red setter, afghan hound and bulldog are delightful. However, this weekend we were visited by a very special wee dog who attends a knitting group and patiently keeps her owner company. An adorable miniature dachshund called Bronte. She is booked onto a course with Alison Crowther-Smith, who is a dachshund lover herself.
She was well admired while visiting a we hope to welcome her on one of our courses soon.

I have recently finished Sandra Polley's Milly, for my son. He loves it, maybe she needs a few friends!

SPRING

We always love to see the amazing projects our customers have completed. Look at this unique, stashbusting shawl, all different textures, including some ruffles! Fantastic. I loved the random yet harmonious colours.

Spring always brings tea in the garden, while you knit in the sun and listen to the birds...

or look at the flowers.
We hope you are all choosing a lovely project to keep you busy in your deck chair.

For inspiration, you know where to come.