January Makes

Hello are you all warm and cosy.? We are.  I was supposed to be helping Louise at the studio today but it was snowed off so I have a snow day. I thought I would catch up with my making in January.  As usual I forgot to take photo's of a few things but hey ho I can tell you about them. 

During January I have made:-

Two coin purses for my nephew H.  His mummy asked me if I would as she had looked for a coin purse for him and said there was nothing for boys.  I duly supplied him with a little purse made out of sail boat fabric.  I made it inbetween helping out at Louise's.  It was a tadge on the small side but H was delighted with it bless him.  I also gave him a cosy made from an old tie for his ipod again he was really pleased. The idea for the cosy was from the Chic on a Shoestring book by Mary Jane Baxter, Milliner and Author.   H's is such a lovely chap and makes me laugh a lot, I make him laugh too although I am not sure if it's because he thinks I'm a little dotty. 

A few old tie pouches I made - although not in January.  I free machined 'old tie' on one just so I didn't forget what I had made it from (joke - in case you thought I really had lost it).  Just right the right size for your mobile phone etc.

A spotty one - I love spots - not on my face though or anywhere else actually. 

Just to remind me.

H's second coin purse made from the sleeve of a old worsted jacket, recycled zip and lining.

It looks wonky in the photo but it's not too bad.  Its better than the first one but I still need to tweek the making a little.  I'm sure he will be happy with it though.  If Miss Kidston reads this - I'm sure she does - please could you make some coin purses for boy's please maybe in the London print or your new soldier print I'm sure they would be very popular.

Here is another 'make'.  It is loosely based on the Shalom cardigan.  I made it in wool bought from Atkinsons Sheffield which was in the sale.  10 balls for £4.99.  It didn't say what yarn it was or weight.  But it looked nice so I bought two packets.  When I searched the net to find out what it was it is Sublime Merino Chunky retailing at £5.20 A BALL.  Wow what a bargain.  I gave a pack to my Mum who actually insisted on paying for it.  We have both since knitted a garmet from the packs with some left over to possiby knit a stripy cardi or jumper.  Mum has popped round several times and we have sat and knitted and chatted.  We have both enjoyed it enormously and Mum really loves the cardi/waistcoat she knitted.  Mum used to knit lots when we were little and growing up and then she knit for her grandchildren but the garmet is the first she has knitted for herself in years and she has found it really enjoyable.  Well done Mum.  We are getting together again tonight for more knitting and nattering as she has bought more wool to make another one.  Yeah. 

I too am really pleased with the end result of my top.  I have already worn it lots and received several compliments.  If anyone wants to know the mods just leave me a comment and I will e-mail them to you as I actually made notes as I went along.

Well I'm going now rugby is on and my post is rather lengthy - don't want to bore you.  Going to pop back more often - I hope.  TTFN

I have just about finished another cardigan so I will post pictures when I have finished it.  Hopefully tomorrow.  I have no supply work booked in, it's snowy so think I will be staying put and knitting with just a little tidy up.  Happy days.





London Two

Here is the next batch of photographs to document our two day trip to London.

A tradition market barrow - the owner said I could jump on board for a photo - I declined - I did ask if we could borrow it so K could drag me around London on it in a very stylish manner - he laughed and declined.

Outside Oxo Tower

New very swish apartments just outside Tate Modern

Across the river

A boat in a wall - around the back of Oxo Towers

More views

Oxo Tower

Then on to the South Bank - the day after the Vintage Fair.  The Beach Huts were fab. I didn't get a photo of the outside and these photos were taken through perspex so are not the best - hope you like them.

A spotty cossie  - lovely.

A rouched number

A close up of the spotty one 

A pair of ladies enjoying their holiday - wonder what bathing attire they wore?

Inside the traditional Beach Hut - I could have moved in straight away.  I was surprised how big it seamed inside - the photos were taken through chicken wire so they are a little blurred.

Look at the essential item - the Needlecraft Magazines - I have always taken a sewing/knitting/crochet project on holiday so this really appealed to me.

Well that's all folks.  

We had a super , super time just the two of us, very busy but relaxed, doing as we pleased, pottering and pondering.  

Thanks K it was faberoony.

Looking forward to Cornwall in two weeks time - we have only just booked it and we have persuaded The Nannie (Chipper Nellie - yes I stole that phrase from you I love it when you refer to your mum as 'The Granny - so I have unashamedly stolen it) to come along for the ride.  She initially said 'no thank you' she said it was our holiday for our family 'I think when I got a little tearful and said 'but you are my family too' that she had a rethink and has said 'yes'.  I am so pleased, Mum hasn't been to Cornwall since I was about 14/15 (yes that's a long time ago) so we can't wait to show her all our favourite places.  When she asked what she should pack my reply was 'your cheque book' followed by hoots of laughter and me saying about 500 times 'mum I am kidding, you do know i'm kidding don't you'.  My mum;s reply 'I am good now you know I know how to use my card and that's what I will do'.  

Have I told you how proud I am of my mum.  Since Dad died she has been fabulous.  Her moto is 'I can sit in and be miserable and tell people I am fed up or I can go out put a smile on my face and make the best of what I have got' - I don't think she knows just how much that means to us.  

Going now as I am getting a bit tearful - time for a smile.

TTFN.