Knitting and Me

My mum had been a great knitter, the cries of my pony mad childhood come back to me, "Mum Please can you make me a yellow jumper with a horseshoe on to wear on Saturday to the Pony Club Rally, Pleease".. to which the answer came back, No, that she couldn't possible knit it in 2 or 3 days, (the unreasonable time scale that I had pleaded for). But on Friday Evening there it would be resplendant in all its glory,pressed a new jumper for me to wear, Bless her... In her later years she had to refuse to knit up dark colours, saying that she couldnt see the darker wools in the evening light. All of which in my youth and ignorance I probably thought totally unreasonable, all of which comes back to haunt me now... Mum was such good knitter, so neat and quick, that it was never an option for me to learn how to, with any great intention. I tried the basics, and called it quits, but I did crochet hippy bags and hats, made macrame bracelets and the dreaded plant holders, and the popular things of that era. Now 'we girls' decided that we would give knitting a try, as it so nicely coincided with the launch of a new knitting magazine that supplied you with patterns, 2 balls of wool and a pair of needles,..thus kitted out, we all sallied forth. Jane our Ace knitter was amazing, and very patient, I must add, as I was a total numbskull, when trying to teach me anything new knitting wise, I just flatlined. Karen got on well and stormed ahead, and thankfully still has a 'knitting' Mum around to ask for help, which must be great all round. Sarah did really well too, but is a perfectionist, so was racked with self doubt, and never pleased with her work, she and I, between the pair of us managed to do a lot of unpicking! Probably not all of which was strictly necessary either.

I knitted toy mouse to start with, as I found a pattern that had been donated to the 'Battersea Cats and Dogs Home', rescue and rehoming centre in London, which asked you to donate a toy if you used the pattern, so I have made a pink mouse which has a bell in it. (See Link Below) Then I got ambitious and thought I would try a pair of hand warmers, as they are basically a rib to start, then a Knit 1,Purl 1row for the main section, then Rib again to finish, then sew up. I made a pale Green pair for my friend Helen, which was supposed to be a thoughtful gift, but I'm not so sure, it being my first attempt! Helen then gave me some really lovely wool to try, it has alpacca in it, it is so soft and much easier to knit with, and I am getting on much better with this wool. Anyway I don't think I will ever knit anything large, but small toys, handwarmers and tiny things will probably be my limit.

Pattern for these Mice on Ravelry site.. Captain Cat-Battler was designed specially for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and their Cat Knit project. If you use this pattern, please donate to the Home, send a mouse to befriend lonely cats waiting for new owners, or even better, adopt a cat to go with your mouse. and see post below, where the above pic was borrowed from..
Blog post and pattern
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jun/30/how-to-make-catnip-mouse

There is also a  material sewing pattern for a kitten cushion, for the influx of homeless kittens.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/may/28/make-a-kitty-cushion-for-a-battersea-cat

Knit a blanket for a rescue dog
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/mar/13/knit-blanket-rescue-dog

They're asking you to give them a handmade hug while they wait for new owners. Knit them a cosy comfort blanket to snuggle up to in their Battersea kennel and they can take it with them when they find a new home.

Snow Falling...

The Snow arrived silently during the night of Thursday and into Friday morning. We all awoke to find the garden blanketed with that pristine white covering, making my garden seem as neat as the surrounding neighbours picture postcard offerings. Don't misunderstand me, I love the beauty of the snow, how it transforms ordinary objects and scenery into the most fairytale of backdrops, but it does have its drawbacks. I cannot use my motorbike, which means I have to walk everywhere, which equates to everything takes longer to accomplish, and I get colder. Its hard on the animals and wildlife too, and my accident rate seems to rocket, That all said, lots of children are out having fun, and I am back home now,chores all done, animals fed, and starting to thaw out nicely,and I was lucky enough to have Mark at home today to help . Off to make another cup of tea I think... Linda :)x

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Another Birthday

I think myself lucky to be celebrating another Birthday, some would say 'just another year older', I say a big 'Thank you', despite aLL the ongoing problems. As promised another post, which is a little tardy is due to BT's wonderful connections on the Island, costs are the same, but we get just a quarter of the service. Here are some pics of the felt ornaments I made on our girls crafting days, I hadn't attempted blanket stitch since junior school, but it came back to me after a while, and I found it really relaxing.

The two felted animals are shown too, as is one of today's birthday presents another charm for my little bracelet. The charms all pertain to my beloved pets past and present. The Flower for Poppy, my Labrador girl when I had her, the Horseshoe for Woozle my bay mare, passed on, and the newest charm the little frog on a lily pad with a crown for Prince my Labrador of present.
Linda ;)x