When you ail, knit.

Last weekend I came down with a yucky cold. I haven't felt that awful for a long time.

I figured some quiet knitting time would heal me.

Turns out it was a good decision as I got worse and spent two days in bed.

Bendigo Woollen Mills 'Luxury' in Ruby

Look! I've made a very cropped sleeveless cardy which will eventually (hopefully not too far away) become a long, long-sleeved cardy.

I'm making Harvest by Tin Can Knits and I'm loving it.

There was a fair bit of frustration until I got the hang on the raglan increases but considering a week and a half ago I didn't really know what a raglan increase was....I'm stoked.

My arms were getting a little tired as the Harvest cardy is getting a little heavy so I decided to give up on my 'one project at a time' (foolish) dream.

Yarn: Bendigo Woollen Mills 'Stellar' Wool/Bamboo

This is a non mystery knit along (KAL), designed by Georgie Hallam of tikki knits.

I awaiting the next 'clue' so I thought I'd cast on another in the meantime. There's a few babies to be born at the end of winter and I feel like small knits allow me to get a feel of what I like to do/knit while getting a handmade gift at the same time. 

Bendigo Woollen Mills 'Cameo' - Discontinued Wool/Angora

BWM - Luxury...seeing a theme here?

I haven't done too much more crochet, I guess my hands have been busy.

I think he likes his blanket already.

BWM 100% Cotton

Harvey's hasn't got much bigger yet either. Definitely a slow burn project.

One should always have a helper when you are trying to take blog pics.

Foxy Baby Mills - in Lachy

Because it's so helpful when they pull the computer cord out, tug the crochet off the table, try and unzip the craft bag....Lucky he's cute!

Wishing you all a Happy Easter and that no matter what you celebrate, you have some chocolate!!

Abbe

Knit wit

With some help from Narioka's lovely mum Helen, and some advice along the way from my Aunty Pam, I managed to knit my first jumper.

It's Bendigo Woollen Mills 4Ply 100% cotton. I only did the striped on the front as I didn't want the stress of trying to match up stripes. It seemed to get the tick of approval.

I'm trying (really trying) not to start too many knitty or crochet things. It appears that such Startitis is as common for knitters and crocheters as it is patchworkers but I thought I could aim to be better behaved in one area of my crafting.

Since I finished my first crochet blanket and Lachy's jumper, I figured I could start a new one.  

Since I'm making Harvey a Granny Stripe blanket, I thought I would make Lachy a Giant Granny Square. This is made from Bendigo Woollen Mills 'Luxury' 100% Wool.

Can you see that I'm a fan of Bendigo Woollen Mills?

I sometimes have to go to Bendigo and since the knitting passion has flared, it's a necessary stop.

Time to do a few more rows....

Abbe

I have become learned

I've completed the four week crochet class.

I'm loving my new skills.

I've started a granny stripe blanket for Harvey. 

This is Bendigo Woollen Mills 8Ply Cotton.

He keeps asking if I've finished yet...not quite.

This one is a little something that began in error but has turned into a very pretty design.

I'll show you when it's been gifted later in the year as it's for a baby-to-be. 

Of course Harvey had to have a turn.

Can't fault his enthusiasm.... 

Abbe

Learning

As I've said before, I have a hankering to learn to sew clothes, to knit and crochet.
It's so exciting to dive into something new. I'm reading a lot more sewing and knitting blogs in conjunction with the quilty blogs and I'm INSPIRED.

I decided that I need some practical, formal instruction so I recently signed up to do a short course for knitting and crochet. It's so exciting to do a little something for me before I go back to work after my maternity leave. I've been to one class and is what I've 'mastered' so far.

Terrible pic - I'm having camera issues :(

I must have enjoyed myself because I kept practicing as soon as I came home.

I definitely prefer the hands on, practical style of learning. We were also given a page of diagrams and written instructions to help jog our memories. I have some homework to do, mostly memorise the crochet terminology and be able to do some of the basics. Very fortunately there are several newbies and everyone seemed quite happy to laugh at themselves and each other as we fumbled along. I think it's going to be a good class.

I also saved my pocket money and bought these beauties. I've been hanging to use circular needles but every time I found a pattern I liked, I never had the correct needle size or cable length. Hopefully that won't be a problem. I've already cast on a little jumper for H....even though I haven't finished sewing up L's. Fortunately after reading several knitting blogs, I have established that UFO's apply to ALL crafts. No wonder I feel so at home.

On the sewing side of things, I have just joined a local quilting group. They are a group of lovely ladies who have stayed at The Retreat several times. They always request that I come and visit (and bring babies for cuddling) when they stay. I feel like I've magically inherited a group of aunts.