Knitting group

This week I had my first knit and natter group. I had been promising to start this for ages, but we're on track now for the first Wednesday afternoon of each month. A small but dedicated band turned out. Margaret was knitting like mad trying to finish Christmas presents; Catherine was working on her self designed stripey tank top; Evelyne wanted help to finish of the collar on her Debbie Bliss Edwardian jacket; Joan screamed up at the last minute needing wool for a project for her new grandson and I did a row or two of the Cellini.

The target is to have Evelyne's jacket complete and to be finishing off Catherine's tank top for the next session. Maybe pics will follow....

Plain Cellini

Top of the list for me from Rowan 33 was the plain Cellini, as I just love Felted Tweed and I couldn't wait to start it. Although these tunic shaped long line sweaters are on trend this season, I think this will be sufficiently classic to endure for a seaon or two. Gary's Marion Foale is complete, and very nearly sewn up. It will be part of his Christmas, which will give me the push I need to finish it.

Vintage beret

Tracy fell in love with the pattern for this beret, when she visited in September. It was a lovely quick knit and I substituted the Apple Rialto for Wool Cotton, because it will be much warmer for the winter. The Rowan 33 magazine, their 30th Anniversary issue is the first for a long time, where I like lots of the patterns. It is far more classic and a return to Rowan's roots.

Project updates

I feel a burst of blogging coming on...

Lots of projects to report on - I can't believe my last post was in June.

Smokey celebrates the return of the sun!

A little early evening sunbathing does you good..........

Hanging basket update

Despite pretty wet and windy weather since my hanging basket was planted, it is looking well. Now the sun has been with us for quite a few days - the battle is to keep it moist.

Save the Children hat

My tiny crochet hat for the Save the Children appeal was posted off this morning. I wonder where it will find an owner? My pattern came from the Woman's Weekly, which my friend Margaret passes on to me. I have pasted the link below for the Save the Children if anyone wants to knit or crochet one or get more information on the appeal.

http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/knitting

Plume d'ange

Aren't they gorgeous?

Gary's Marion Foale....

I do love Marion Foale patterns. They have a timeless classic quality to them but are also a bit different. Gary has loved this Jaeger Extra Fine Merino ever since it arrived and thought it would work well with the Marion Foale pattern 'Lloyd' from her Classic Knitwear book. This is a BIG project! However, I am finding it very pleasant and it has grown quite fast as the pics show.

Despite the bizarre weather, the garden is looking pretty. We have been busy planting a new rose border, with a mix of French grande fleur roses and David Austin types. We also bought two new climbers which we couldn't resist - the Plume d'ange has the most beautiful perfume of all time; apart from looking so pretty.