Oops - Catch Up

I have been so busy lately it is going to take a couple of posts to catch up. Last week I had a 24hr trip to the Lakes with KG and sis to meet the Ozzies. As you can see from the pics it was really grey, but still beautiful.

We drove down via the Alpaca centre and I ummed and ahhed about getting some wool like last time, but I am sure they have had a price hike. We enjoyed a coffee then moved on..

We stopped off in Keswick and had lunch at my fav - the Lakeland Pedlar (highly recommended!). While in Keswick also noticed a closing down sale... a tiny little shop but totally packed with stuff. Lots of bargains to be had, although I did restrict myself... After resisting at the Alpaca farm got some in Keswick (actually it seems better spun than the Alpaca select). Also picked up some Regia that Dylan seems to be particularly keen on.

Took my Trekking socks with me and finished the 1st one. Almost down to the heel on the 2nd so will try and press on with them.

Before I left my copy of Charmed Knits arrived (no thanks to Amazon! Pre order - I don't think so!). I am itching to get started, but have decided I must finish a couple of things first....

Retro Shopping

KG and I did a little retro charity shop browsing today in East Lothian. I got these cool stitch holders

Also a small booklet of patterns

I really want to make the 2nd but two problems:
1) How on earth to get it to fit, look at that tiny waist
2) It is made in 2 ply, I would be there forever

I will save it for when I am feeling more ambitious!!

Jen's Bag

Last weekend I decided I would make a bag for Jen for her Birthday... so that gave me a week. Luckily I had a lot of time on Thursday in between people voting to get on with it. KG helped me line it yesterday (well with cutting and sewing on the machine, the bad hand sewing you see is all down to me!). Jen loves purple, so I hope she likes this.

Pattern is from Knitting magazine, yarn is Lana Grossa Mille, colour 002. I used nearly 3 balls, (150g, 165m).

The pattern is in double moss stitch, I think the texture is really nice.

Stripey lining from the Cloth Shop. Nice colours, but I need to improve on my sewing skills! Still I am sure it will stay together.

Main alteration was in the length of the strap, I have no idea how 66cm would be long enough for a shoulder bag... I think it is just ok now, but could have even been a bit longer.

D had to make a trip up to HK for me to pick up the extra ball of wool on Tuesday. He is so sweet, but was not impressed when they tried to persuade him to sign up for the men's knitting class!