COOPKNITS SOCKS live at Marmalade Yarns.

Rachel Coopey will be at Marmalade Yarns

Thursday 18th July

6.30pm - 8.30pm

As you know sock knitting is a bit obsessional.

There is nothing better than casting on an exciting new sock pattern, other than grafting the second toe and slipping on the finished pair....

Rachel has just published her first book which is a must have for any sock knitter:

'Coop Knits Socks is the first printed collection of Rachel's original sock designs. These well-written patterns are accompanied by exquisite photography by Jesse Wilde, as well as step-by-step tutorials for techniques such as Kitchener Stitch and Afterthought Heels.

Many of the clearly written patterns use a variety of skills, including cabling, grafting, lace and twisted stitches and provide a great opportunity to try out new stitch patterns.

Each design is beautifully balanced and well thought-out, giving both experienced and novice knitters the chance to create socks that are beautiful and wearable, while being enormously enjoyable to knit.'

The recent variety of exciting sock yarns available is a constant temptation (as my personal stash is proof) and only adds to the whole joy of being a sock addict.

So if you too are afflicted by the sock knitting bug then you will be very excited by the news  that Rachel Coopey will be at Marmalade Yarns on Thursday 18th July.

There will be drinks and nibbles and sock adoration.

Rachel will be able to answer an sock questions and sign some books.

Please come along and bring any socks you are knitting or are particularly proud of.

See you there.

The Colourful Flock

If you needed another reason to visit Catherine Hill then let me show you a fabulous new shop. 

Mary Kilvert has brought the most delightful flock of sheep to the top of the hill.

To celebrate her launch day Rollo, a handsome, people loving sheep came to visit.

 When you venture inside the colourful flock is there to greet you.

 I couldn't resist and now eat my morning toast from a sheep plate.

 Mary is the perfect addition to the hill.

The Hap

Well, it didn't take very long and I thoroughly enjoyed knitting it:

 Kate Davies' Northmavine Hap

I have changed the colour way a bit as I wanted cream but still wanted an overall blue effect. 

I have reluctantly left it in the shop on display but really want to take it home and wear it all the time.

For all the information it is on my ravelry page here

Rosie is also making this in another colour way so I look forward to sharing that with you too.

'Spring' Lambs

 At last, the lambs have gone outside, despite the biting east wind. We had to keep them in for a week but now they seem to enjoy being out. It even looks like spring in the photos with blue skies and daffodils. So if we close our eyes and wish really hard.....

We love to sit by the fire knitting and churning out crocheted blankets but sometimes we like to sit in the garden in the sun knitting and churning out crocheted blankets. It is almost time for the swallows to return, let's hope they bring the sun!

What have you done?

Right, that is it, I am not going to refer to Spring any more as it seems to have induced the coldest March weather I can remember. Instead, lets think about really chunky warm wool, like Erika Knight's delightful maxi wool and fur wool trimmed boot toppers and hat.

I had just unpacked the box of Erika Knight goodies and turned round and Maxine had this hat knitted, seriously it was that quick! So if you are wondering what that vice like gripping feeling on your head is, it is the icy wind and you need a hat- quick:

Looking Forward to Spring...

If you want to feel that spring is just around the corner then this is the blanket for you. Made from Amy Butler Belle organic aran, it lifts your spirits just to look at it.

 Tonja, who works in the shop and is a very talented crocheter and knitter made this for her caravan. The colours, weight and drape are perfect. It is on display in the shop just now, waiting for caravan season to arrive

This beautiful daffodil yellow cardigan in Handknit Cotton looks perfect with the vintage style scarf in Jen's Green from Fyberspates.

and sitting on the table below, the basket of Handknit Cotton to tempt you.

Kate Davies in Frome!

This week, we were thrilled to have a visit from my favourite knitwear designer: Kate Davies. To say I am a fan is a bit of an understatement as I find her truly inspirational and love all of her work. I have been following her blog for a few years and love the photography, scenery, history,  designs and colours and of course Bruce. If you look at all of the above links, you too will be a follower.

So now you are wondering 'Where is the photo?' Yes, good question, where is the photo??? I didn't even ask her to sign my book!!

I think I was so determined not to come across as a dribbling groupie I forgot to use my brain. Luckily Kate brought her camera and took some lovely pictures and was very complimentary about Frome, which is a lovely place to live or visit. So I don't have a picture of me smiling next to Kate Davies but you can look at her pictures here.