A Sneak Peek of What's Next and 200th Entry!

I should be waiting really...till the release I suppose which isn't far away now. But my photographer friend Rachael sent me a couple of photos of one of the scarves I sent her for to take pics of and I think she's done an amazing job! And my blog is telling me I've written 199 blog posts and so it's just begging me to write a 200th one! So here it is

On the 1st of May (which is just tomorrow!) I'm going to be releasing my next collection of patterns called 'Poplar' - it includes blankets in various sizes, scarves in various weight yarns and a dishcloth pattern that I think is really quick and looks nice.

While I'm at it - my sister Sarah has released more patterns since I posted last about her Zipped Up.

Her newest pattern is called Tango Tank and is a free pattern that has been published in the latest Petite Purls. How cute is my neice Amelia!

And she's also released her Bella Mia pattern too a lovely sweater that is written in both 4ply/fingering weight and 10ply/worsted weight.

Both very cute and practical!

Right, I'll be back tomorrow!

xx

J

Yarn - it's not just for knitting...

Or crocheting, no yarn has many uses, including keeping kids occupied during the school holidays

My son Timothy was driving me a bit bonkers one day during the holidays. We were outside and I was doing one of my favourite things whilst in the back-yard (since having children anyway)...hanging out the washing. When Timothy gets in one of his funks he seems to get upset about everything and can't manage to walk properly, let alone bike without falling off it, climb the steps of the trampoline - well, you get the idea.

So, this one day, as I was hanging out the washing and Timothy was having a hard time I came across a ball of yarn in the bottom of my washing trolley. Doesn't everyone?

And I passed it to my 3 year old son, pointed to the swing frame and suggested he make a bear trap.

I can't recommend it enough! Oh the peace! The silence! The concentration on his face as he constructed his web like trap. And the trap itself - well he and his older sister had plenty of fun in it till I gave them both a pair of scissors a couple of days later and they created quite a pile of yarn for a bird to maybe use to make it's nest.

Stash Diving

It's taken on a whole new meaning now that David's really getting into everything!

This is my knitting bag, behind one of the chairs in our lounge. He's just discovered it and has decided he likes diving in...unfortunately he can't get himself out afterwards!

At 14 months, he's walking and communicating and just generally getting into mischief. He's also outgrowing everything, so I've recently commissioned some people to knit him some winter clothes - because I'm crazy busy with patterns and knitting samples and prototypes at the moment. But about that another day - just had to share this. You'll just have to imagine the sound effects that accompanied it.

Zipped Up

I've been meaning to post this for ages - but my clever little sister, otherwise known as Sarah Ronchetti, has delved into the world of pattern designing (and spectacularly at that for I know she has plenty more due to be released over the next couple of months).

Her first to hit Ravelry is Zipped Up, it's a lovely little vest with an optional cable detail. I've knitted it as well (though my yarn smacks of something David Bain would've worn) so I'll show you some of her FO pics. The models - my nephew James and my biggest fella - Timothy.

Sarah's pattern is well written and easy to follow. On top of that, for those a bit nervous about the zip, it has a link to a fabulous zip sewing in tutorial and I must admit it's a really nice way to finish a knitted garment - and not difficult at all! Nice to be able to add that to the list of skills I have now too. Go on, whip one up this weekend!

Sarah has a blog too - you should pop over HERE and see what she posts over there, she's got plenty more lovely patterns to share as they are released along with