I Love Knitting!

I love knitting, I'm not very good, but I try and am getting better!

Knitting always makes me smile as it reminds me of my Nanny Pam (my Mum's Mum) who was a fantastic knitter! (I always hope she is watching over me, to give me a hand when I get stuck!)

In the summer Victoria and I went for a knitting lesson at Prick Your Finger in Bethnal Green.

We spend a lovely couple of hours learning the basics. The shop is a treasure trove and worth a visit just to look at all the knitted objects they have on display (everything from fruit and veggies to a knitted toilet!)

Recently, I have been more determined to practice and try my hand at actually producing something decent!

I got involved with 'The Big Knit' hosed by the lovely Joe at Josie Mary, where we made hats for smoothie bottles and felt good that I had actually finished something!

I really wanted make something more substantial but get a bit nervous when I look at knitting patterns, blah blah! it all merges into one and overwhelms me!

I don't want to bite off more than I can chew and put myself off!

Baby steps Kelly, Baby steps!

Then I found this book!

More Blanket's and Throws by Debbie Abrahams.

I love the fact that all the blankets are made up from knitted squares and every square uses different techniques!

I'm hoping this will be the answer to my knitting dilemma, I will be working on something useful and pretty, but also not too overwhelming as I'm only going to be knitting squares.

I will also get to try lots of different stitches and techniques on a smaller sale, perfect for me to practice!

Wish me luck!!!

Lots of Love

xxxxxx

Knittin' and Stichin'

Today Victoria, Rose and I went to the Knitting and Stitching show at Alexandra Palace.

Here's a picture of the girls that I managed to snap as they made a bolt for the entrance!
The Knitting and Stitching Show is a feast for the eyes to anyone interested in textiles! If you are passionate about stitching, knitting, quilting, crafts or any other form of textiles this is the place for you!

There were hundreds of stalls offering fabrics, yarns, cross stitch, buttons, beading, just about everything you can think of that's knitty or stitchy and some stuff I've never even heard of!

Of course it would have been rude to come away empty handed so here is what I treated myself to!
The fabric was just lovely and at only £2 for a fat quarter I got a few :). The lady running the stall was lovely and has an ebay shop called Fiddlesticks Fabrics. I would certainly look there for future purchases.

The ribbons were only £1 a reel because Victoria and I bought 20 in one go and shared. This offer is available online too, just click here to get yours!

I also bought a selection of brightly coloured, pick'n'mix buttons, a huge ball of chunky, grey yarn and some super cool 'bobbly' yarn(I have no idea what the actual name for this is!) Victoria bought some of this too so we are planning to bond over creating ourselves scarves with it!

Victoria 'eagle eyes' Eales also spotted me this lovely book while we were waiting for Rose (who kept going missing!)

I thought it was fab! I remember my Nanny Pam (my Mum's Mum , and the knitting Queen of the family!) making me knitted clothes for my Sindys and Barbies. And came over all nostalgic.

While I was trying to decide whether I should see if it was cheaper on Amazon, the writer, Nicky Epstein came over and offered to sign the book for me. SOLD!

Now how did she know I was a sucker for a signed book?

I had a lovely day at the show and have come back with good intentions and renewed enthusiasm to actually make something rather than just view and stroke my crafting stash!

I have a rest week from work next week so I will (I will, I will, I will) get to grips with my sewing machine!

Right ladies I'm off to blog hop and then stroke (sorry make something fabulous out of!) my new fabric :)

Lots of Love

xxx

The Perfect Gift

Today is my friend Kaleigh's birthday!
She was very impressed when I took up knitting again and wanted some lessons straight away!
I was very impressed at what a diligent student she was, concentrating very hard, tongue poking out, she made a pretty flower! Well done Kaleigh!!!
Imagine how pleased I was to see this fantastic knitting set in Cath Kidston, of course I had to buy it for her birthday! The set includes 3 balls of double knit yarn, needles and instructions in a funky, retro, flower case. Its perfect for a beginner and little girls of all ages ha ha! Unfortunately this doesn't appear on the website so if you wanted one you would have to try in store (I got this one at Convent Garden)
I hope she likes it!

Maybe she will make something for 'The Big Knit'! Joe at Josie Mary has organised an virtual knitting group to take part in this event. It is for a really good cause (read all about it here) and there are patterns that will suit every knitting ability level so no excuses ladies!! If you would like to join in click here to link to Joe's post where you can get all the relevant information.
I'll certainly be joining in!

That's all from me tonight, I'm off to blog hop!

Lots of Love


xxxxxx