Monday 29 September 2014

All the fun of the fair.


The beautiful weather continues so Mike and I went to the Malvern Autumn Show on Sunday to see all the produce, floral displays and country crafts. There were exhibitions of giant vegetables, Shire horses, dog training events, food tastings and cookery demonstrations. The show ground was so huge that frequent stops were required for refuelling with pasties and craft beers. Children enjoyed the funfair while parents looked at vintage cars.


I had the great pleasure of catching up with a fellow blogger who had a stall in the Vintage tent. Tracey has a super crafting/family blog, A Patchwork Life, which I have been following for some time. When I saw that she was going to be exhibiting and selling some of her super stuffed toys and Christmas ornaments I knew I would love to meet her in person. She is just as nice as she is in her blog. I bought the cutest knitted mouse in 60's inspired dress. I gave this later in the day to my 4 year old granddaughter Lexie and it was a great hit.


I have knitted frantically this last two weeks and I have not one, but two finishes to show. I had knitted the Playful Stripes cardigan before which helped but the Wee Wildflower cardigan was a new pattern for me. It won't be the last time I knit it though.


I love the bobble flower pattern on the pockets and the loopy edge. Next time though I will knit it in a softer wool yarn. I used Jenny Watson Babysoft, an acrylic/polyamide blend. The feel is not quite as nice as the yarn I used for Playful Stripes but it should be hardwearing and it is machine washable. It was also very reasonably priced at less than half the price of the Debbie Bliss Rialto DK I used for Playful Stripes.
Pattern: Wee Wildflower by Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting.
Size: 23.5" chest


This is my absolute favourite cardi to knit. It is a joy to knit with the Debbie Bliss yarn; it is so soft and luxurious and machine washable too! If only it was cheaper. I bought the spotty buttons online from Kirsty at Love Paper Fish.com
Pattern: Playful Stripes Cardigan
Size: age 2 years

I've really got the knitting bug back and have cast on another cardigan which I will show you at the end of the week. Not much progress on my Coastal Ripple crochet blanket though. Tomorrow I'm off to my
patchwork class. So much to do and so little time.

I've decided that since I am linking to Yarn along that I will start posting about the latest book I am reading. I have always loved books and still buy lots but increasingly I use my Kindle. It is so easy to travel with and download new stuff too. BUT you cannot beat the real thing, especially in hardback.
My latest read is The Miniaturist, by Jessie Burton. I'm only about 25% in and it is almost unputdownable. Set in 17th c. Amsterdam it tells of the strange marriage between a shy young woman and a merchant. The detail of the society they live in and their household makes for an extremely good read. I've linked to the review on goodreads.com as the précis is so good.

Have a wonderful week (and let me know what you are doing too)

Catherine

I'm linking up to Wool on Sundays, Anything goes Mondays and later in the week (Wednesday) to Yarn along.


I've also got more details of the knits on my Ravelry pages.



stitch by stitch

7 comments:

  1. Both your cardigans look gorgeous I love the pattern on the pockets and the stripes cardigan fabulous :)

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  2. Oh my, both your cardigans are lovely. Now that the knitting bug has struck you I look forward to seeing what new 'lovelies' you knit. I love to read as well, but I love to read the 'real' thing. There is nothing like turning the pages of a book....besides they make wonderful props sitting every so prettily in a bookcase with all their colourful bindings on show. Your new book of yours sounds like a great read.

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  3. So lovely meeting you! Thank you for popping by, and for buying a mouse! I'd planned to do a write up today, but the show has completely wiped me out. LOVE both cardys, you're very clever and very quick! Tempted to have a go at playful stripes, but need to finish off a few things first! x

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  4. Those cardigans are both so lovely I don't know which I like best! Your grandchildren are very lucky to have you! I will check out yarn along. Thank you for linking with Wool on Sundays :)

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  5. Love the grey cardigan! Well done on your projects!

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  6. I just love that striped cardigan, it's gorgeous. When I see things like this I wish I was better at knitting. The Autumn Fair sounds like a lot of fun, I have to say. x

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  7. those cardis are amazing! and i love all the pics from the fair. :)

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