I started Kiri a week ago and you can see the initial rows here. It’s quick and fun until you start to get to about 8 repeats and each row feels like forever! More anon. Computer has been broken, so I’ve missed some Things I Love Thursdays. Sorry folks, will carry on next week.

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These were a secret, so I couldn’t post about them until they arrived at their destination!

Fairisle Hat and socks
Pattern shaping was based on the Top Knot hat and fairisle I made up as I went along
Socks I would only recommend to make if you’ve made socks before. The instructions are not very straight-forward, you have to have some assumed knowledge and they’re quite fiddly. I think the hats were quicker to make!
I used the leftover Jo Sharp DK cotton from the Pumpkin jumper and some oddments of cream Rowan DK cotton.

Top Knot Hat
Debbie Bliss The Baby Knits Book
3/4 ball of Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK cotton in navy blue
4mm needles

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As I am working on a few top secret projects, I can’t post about them but here is something I’ve had on the back burner since January. It’s from a vintage Patons and Baldwins pattern from the 1930’s. My father did his art apprenticeship with a printmaker many moons ago and believes the process they used for the 3 colour cover was popular at that time and things then changed post WW2. I’m glad we came to that conclusion because none of our vintage patterns are dated! The pattern for Baby’s Vest G, is the one I’m working on. It’s more of a kimono-style wrap with ribbon tie closures. The pattern called for it to be knit up in K1,P1 rib but because I’m such a sucker for moss stitch, that’s what I decided on. It’s slow going with 4-ply wool on 2.75mm needles but am about half way up the body. The sleeves shouldn’t take much doing, which is encouraging.

I chose some Aussie Patons Dreamtime which is so lovely and soft and is 100% wool. Patons don’t do a red, so I got some Cleckheaton Merino Bambino in a wonderful rich red for another vintage project and whatever is leftover will get striped up into a sleeveless vest. I also fancy making Pattern E, which is a ballerina wrap……..all these projects, never enough time.

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I had a wonderful day at the Country Living Spring Fair today. It was tiring but good at the same time. Although, there seemed to be far too much jewellery this year along with all the usual suspects. I think I prefer the Christmas fair best but seem to make it to one or other of them every year.

The girls from Laughing Hens were there as well as Shilasdair Yarn Company from the Isle of Skye. I bought some Rooster Almerino Aran, which is 50/50 baby Alpaca and Merino. Just lovely. No shots folks, didn’t take the camera!

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The tradition of Pearly Kings and Queens of London goes back to the 1800’s. I shot this guy posing with families by the horse guards near Trafalgar Square last year. More here about them. I love this tradition as much as I love buttons!

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Mystical Stripe is taking shape after languishing in the work basket for too long. Two sleeves and half the back are done. Here it is finished. If you look at my categories on the right hand side of the blog you can see other entries on this project by clicking on the link.

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Summer Sampler
Butternut Road - design by Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum
18 count cream Zweigart linen
Caron watercolours

You can buy the kit from Sew and So in the UK. They deliver promptly and also will send to the Middle East.

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Well folks, my Secret Pal has done it again. What a super package and a real surprise this morning. Some cream alpaca yarn from Farrlacey Alpacas which is just so lovely and soft. She also included some black Rowan wool cotton, which you can never have too much of and the teeniest baby bone crochet hook. It has a darling turned handle and is about 2″ long. Thanks SP, you’re fab.

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There is a constant debate in our house re: Vegemite vs. Marmite. Any Aussie living with a Brit will probably have the same debate over and over and over again. Anyway, I do like Marmite and there is a place for it’s sticky, sweetness but I always go back to Vegemite as my spread of choice for breakfast. If you’re not sure what it is, it’s a yeast extract spread that is mostly used for spreading on toast or bread but I also use it like stock for chili or spaghetti bolognese. It’s also a good source of folic acid. 10 years ago it was harder to find but most of the UK leading supermarkets keep it now, yay for me!

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I am really pleased with how this turned out. Lots of hand sewing and some quilting for the back. Just burgundy loveliness! Good luck A & S! x

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