My current knitting project

So here's what I'm knitting at the moment - squares for a baby blanket which will later be sewn together. There will be 56 squares in total. The pattern is again from Debbie Bliss's Baby Knits for Beginners, but I didn't like the colours of her pattern which were a bit too muted and pastelish for my tastes so I changed them for brighter colours, which also meant having to search for a different kind of yarn in the right weight to get a similar tension. Colours vary quite a bit between yarn types and brands, I am learning, so it takes a bit of careful planning to get the right ones. Anyway, this blanket is being knit in Rowan Pure Wool yarn in DK weight. Originally I was going to use just 5 colours, but then Paul suggested that green would look nice in the mix and he was right, so now there will be 6 colours!

It's taking me about an hour to knit one square, so it's a good thing I'm getting started on this blanket now!!

Knitting adventures

So here's proof that I have actually been knitting, photos of my first finished piece - a cute little baby scarf. The pattern I followed came from Debbie Bliss's Baby Knits for Beginners, which is a fantastic book. I am rather proud of how evenly and nicely it turned out, even if I do say so myself, especially for my first piece! Here it is being modelled by my oldest ted. (I love that he looks so happy wearing it!). It's about 55cm long and was knitted all in garter stitch using Debbie Bliss's exquisitely soft and warm cashmerino wool and 5mm bamboo needles. I finished it in 4 or 5 sittings over one week. How did I ever used to watch telly without doing something with my hands???

Knitting is addictive, and easy once you know what you're doing!! I found videos on you tube very helpful, especially cyberseams videos. Following instructions from a book alone is quite tricky. I've also joined a knitting group. I love it!!

I'd like to knit another baby scarf in a brigher colour, and maybe even a stripey one when I learn how to add a new ball of yarn.

I had thought I'd try crocheting first, having heard it's easier than knitting as it only requires the use of one hook rather than two needles. Personally, I find knitting a lot easier. But I'm not giving up on crochet - I'd love to make an afghan one day, and crocheting is the best way to do that.

Anyway, in the meantime, I'm off to John Lewis to buy yarn to start on a baby blanket. Hurrah!! Have a good week whatever you're up to.

Pet Meme

Hello, I've been tagged by shadows and clouds to do the pet meme.

Here are Lottie & Jakey's (or Latey & Jockey as I called them the other day) responses:

1. Favourite songs/music:

Lottie - I don't do human music. My favourite sounds are: silence, Mummy or Daddy typing on the computer, the key turning in the front door, the shaking of the biscuit box, the pulling away of the rubbish trucks on Wednesdays.

Jakey - the theme tune to the x-files, shaking of the biscuit box, tins being opened, kitchen cupboard door being opened, fridge being opened, name being called for laptime.

2. Favourite toys:

Lottie - anything that moves suddenly which I can chase - flies, bugs, etc, and feet, especially bare ones.

Jakey - pens, Mummy's knitting needles while she's knitting.

3. Favourite food:

Lottie - ham.

Jakey - everything.

4. Favourite activities:

Lottie - staring into space, staring out the kitchen window, staring, keeping watch for potential danger, sniffing things - especially feet, resting between people's legs and feet while they are standing, purring on laps, meowing outside closed doors, napping.

Jakey - eating, having conversations with Mummy & Daddy, licking Mummy & Daddy's hands and arms, running about the house as if being chased by an invisible fiend, sitting on laps, cushions, blankets - anything warm, and sleeping.

5. Bad habits:

Lottie - meowing (whining) outside the bedroom door when Mummy & Daddy are inside and even when they aren't, trying to jump on the dining table when Mummy & Daddy are eating, suddenly scrabbling off laps without warning and causing injury while doing so, chewing on Mummy's hair, whining when I don't get my way.

Jakey - overeating, eating Lottie's food, having a go at Lottie for no reason (see ninja paw move in picture above) though perhaps I just don't like her whining.