Wednesday 27 March 2013

Obsessions, New Avenues and Makes......



I have been thinking about obsessions lately.

I have a few obsessions......

China.....Glass Jars......and.....Scarves

I'd have to say, I can't walk past any of these ANYWHERE without stopping to have a look. I am drawn to each like a magnet.

China.....well, if you're a long term follower of my blog, you will know I do love china. All sorts of china really. Glass Jars.......i'm not sure why, they mesmerise me. Plain or pressed glass, it doesn't matter, I love them all. And Scarves? Well, again, I seem to have a scarf for almost every outfit I own. I don't seem to ever have enough. I buy them, I make them. The past Summer was so awful and the Winter so cold, that I have practically lived in scarves for 6 months now. Bright, pale, silk, wool, cotton, you name it, I wear it.



I learnt to crochet three and a half years ago and I think I have made about 10 scarves in total. I woke up last week and had a thought. I had bought this most wonderful yarn. It was the most peachiest of pinks. My favourite kind of pink. I had spent so much time thinking about what I could make with it. Then this thought popped in my head.

I wanted to make a scarf.....

.....Okay....no problem....I can crochet a scarf.....

....no, I didn't want to crochet a scarf.....

....hummm, well, what do you want to do?.....

....I want to knit a scarf.....

.....I think i'd like a cable scarf......yes.....a cable scarf would be pretty in this yarn.....

....Good idea, but you can't knit...

....no I can't can I. I know then, I'll teach myself and knit one...



It has been my aim to learn how to knit for the last few years, but time has always run away with me. Last January I spent a morning with my mum who showed me how to cast on and knit and purl. I was excited. I went home and practiced. I was rubbish. I couldn't get on with two needles, and after a week of trying to practice those two stitches, I put it down and it has stayed in a bag ever since. So, why on earth I should suddenly get a hankering to knit a scarf, and knit cables as well, I don't know.

Well, actually, I sort of do.

Going back to obsessions. I have a new one to add to the list. I realised, that with all the scarf wearing I have been doing over the last 6 months, wrist warmers have been a staple. I have bought several pairs, and I have made several pairs. I love them. Again, I don't seem to think that I ever have enough. I had been drooling over Cuckoo's lovely wrist warmer knitting talents. That lady can whip up some lovely knits. Well, she very kindly offered to knit me a pair, so a sort of crafty swap was born.



Gosh, how I have loved them. Aren't they gorgeous? Admittedly not the best picture to showcase them, but trust me, they are super duper. I am actually wondering how long something can last if it's constantly worn? I think these knitted wrist warmers were the turning point. I really wanted to learn to knit.

But, in my usual gun-ho fashion, I didn't put a lot of thought into it. That was it. I had this idea to make a knitted cable scarf, and come hell or high water, that was what I was going to achieve. No nonsense gradually learning the stitches again and practicing away until my confidence grew. Oh no, no, no. The thought popped into my head at 9.15 am and by 10.00 I had found my pattern, found all my needles, found a book which told me how to cast on and what a knit and a purl was.......and I was off! That's just how I do things. It's ridiculous really. I just thought I needed to jump straight in. How hard could it be? Turns out, not too bad if I kept concentration. That meant doing it in TOTAL quiet. That meant repeating really loudly to myself each stitch as I read it and then as I did it. That meant making really weird facial and body expressions trying to get to grips with the needles and cable needle. I did look pretty hilarious. 



By the last 14 rows, I think I got the hang of the pattern! I was totally loving it though. So excited that I could actually produce something knitted, and a touchy feely cable thingy at that!



I am glad that I stuck at it. After about 30 rows, I was thinking a mug cosy would be a better idea than a scarf. As I have said, my concentration levels are not so great. I did have to pause for a bit and knit up something else in between making the scarf. I had bought a Sirdar booklet several years ago. It was brilliant. It was a beginners pattern book using their chunky wool and beginners instructions to make 'easy peasy' things. You can start making a hat, a scarf, leg warmers, wrist warmers and then go on to making cardigans and jumpers. I am hoping to knit up a cardigan next. Well, that's the plan anyway! And yet another pair of wrist warmers were made.....but this time a knitted pair! woo hoo! 



Actually, the most basic of knitting. I had more trouble learning mattress stitch. Stupid stitch with lots of blue air. Never mind. I embellished with a bit of crocheted edging and some bows and I am pretty pleased with the result. They are warm and snug and I love the shade (I finally managed to make use of an odd ball of yarn I had a deep love for).



So, a new avenue. I have learnt a few skills. I hope that I can keep it up and keep on improving. I think I will grow to love knitting once it 'clicks'. Let's just hope it does start to 'click' soon!







Continuing with new avenues, and in other 'makes' news....

I have almost finished my Alicia Paulson stichery. Not the Alphabet that the pattern is actually for. I had the idea for the first couple of lines of Baby Bear's favourite song.


I showed the teeniest bit on a previous post. I had never stitched really before. I just knew I wanted to make this. So, like the cable scarf, it was a learn how to stitch as you go! Told you I don't plan! It's almost finished. I just have to decide what I want to finish with at the bottom and then frame it.



I really adore it. I loved every bit of stitching. I think I will actually do the Alphabet at some point as it was so much fun. Little things like having to stop as I needed to sleep were highly annoying!

Another little make was a felt brooch. Very apt because of the weather.


It brightens up my day


and my outfits....


Sorry about the 'sour' face. I was so cold and so miserable that day. I needed my little brooch to cheer me up!

And....as I mentioned before, Cuckoo and I did a crafty swap. She made me the most gorgeous pair of wrist warmers, and I crocheted her a doily and a pot holder.....





I definitely got the better deal, but I hope she liked them, Eeeeeek.

So, my quietness on here has not meant that I have been idle. I have been a busy crafty bee. Shove a bit of baking in too and I think I've covered a fair bit!



So......I think I am up to date. I hope you are all well. Thank you so much for stopping by my little space here and taking the time to read my waffle!



Cheerio for now

xxx


78 comments:

  1. Hi! I´m Paty from Mexico and think that your knitting is very good (the pink scarf)for being your first project. Can I suggest a wonderful link with lots of knitting videos? www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/video.php
    I learnt how to crochet watching their videos, I´m still practising and I´m not so skilled as you are.
    Anyway hope it works. Have a lovely day!

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    1. Thanks Paty, That's great, I can't wait to check out the link and hopefully be inspired! : )

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  2. The scarf it really really beautiful. When I read that you might stop and make it a mug cozy, I was delighted when scrolling down to see that you had finished the scarf. The wrist warmers are so pretty. Winter is coming up her and I need to get crocheting for the chills ahead.

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  3. That is so beautiful, your color choices are always so cheery and sweet! I am a crochet-her and I have to have quiet to concentrate too. Thanks for your inspirations!

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  4. Lovely post. Gorgeous pictures as usual. xx

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  5. Hmm your obsessions sound suspiciously like mine! I'm into knitting baby and infant jumpers and hats at the moment.Why? My children are grown up, I have no grandchildren yet but I just love the patterns and the wool and watching something grow that isn't going to take me too long! Yes, I know all about those concentration levels! Hopefully my little nieces and nephew are getting some pleasure from my efforts. Lovely blog to read and great photographs x

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    1. Laughing! I think I may be the same. I have been looking at baby clothes and wanting to make some. I do have a couple of nieces or nephews due later on in the year so I should start practising! : )

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  6. Oh, what lovely colours, oh, what glorious wool! I like your cabled scarf and the blue wrist warmers very much! It's funny, I tought myself on january to knit and a few days ago I did my very first (very tiny) cross-stitch-picture. My dream is to knit one day a cushion (or more) with cables! This year seems to be a "learn-new-things"year to be ;O) Raphaele xx (Sorry, my english is not very well, really, i didn't like the english-lessons at school...)

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    1. Hi Raphaele,

      I hope that this year will be a "learn - new - things" year also! I think we both have made a decent start! : )

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  7. Gorgeous , love all the colours in the blog post, just what we need on this grey day. Re embroidery, there was a project where you did a square a day for 30 days which looked lovely - you had little squares were you embroidered things you loved i them like flower, hearts, etc etc - it looked such fun!

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  8. wunderschöne farben hat die wolle, tolle kunstwerke sind daraus entstanden!!! alles liebe und frohe ostern wünscht angie aus deutschland

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  9. Haha just now I wrote a draft about me not being able to get past gartner stitch... Maybe I should just jump in like you... Love the cables btw!

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    1. Give it a go! You may surprise yourself!!!!! : )

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  10. Wow, I'm really impressed. Like you, I learnt to crochet first and I've attempted to teach myself to knit, thinking it would be relatively easy, but really struggled. Perhaps I need to find a pattern I really love too and that may inspire me to grit my teeth and carry on!
    Really loved the end product.

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  11. well done you love the scarf and glad you carried on with it,it looks Fab,and the wrist warmers too. i've been knitting and crocheting and some cross stich on and off for years,i'm getting more adventurous with both knitting and crochet,as you say just jumping in and doing i've started using charts for both although knitting is harder as i have trouble working out which way they go/how to read them!the crochet is a lot easier to follow in chart but i do get mixed up when trying to read my new book and the instructions are American and i don't notice and the pattern ends up rather wrong!!lol your sunshine stitching is lovely maybe add a sun at the bottom.

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  12. It is all so pretty. I have been knitting for many years now but have not learned to do cables. I must learn. I mostly knit for my little ones but I should make more for me. I want to after seeing all your projects.

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  13. Your scarf is so beautiful! I can only knit basic stitches and love the look of the cable stitch but have always been put off as it looks like it could be very complicated!
    Claire

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    1. This pattern stated it was for a beginner, that's why I tried it and it was ok to understand! I was just slow at it!!!! : )

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  14. That was an epic post, but very enjoyable. Glad you persevered as your scarf looks beautiful. I do knit but have too many other things calling me all the time to finish anything very quickly. I usually get there in the end though. Hope your enthusiasm continues. Ps love the embroidery.

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  15. What a beautiful scarf and how talented you are to just decide you are going to make something a certain way even if you do not know how to do it just then!!

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  16. Oh Vanessa, your scarf is DIVINE!! Really beautiful. I have been able to knit for years, and I STILL shy away from cables. Your scarf might just give me the inspiration to give it a go..... As always, beautiful makes and scrummy baking to die for! Warmest regards x

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  17. Such beautiful makes and inspiration!! xo Heather

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  18. What a pleasure to read all that!!!! lovely!!! you'll see me back soon,
    have a great day, xxxx Ale

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  19. I am not so good at knitting as I am at crochet. I find I am alittle uncoordinated holding 2 needles compared to one hook. I love the look of the cable though! You did a wonderful job! Your little pin is darling! ~Hugs, Patti

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  20. oh wow, your scarf is gorgeous and I'm in deep deep love with your blue wrist warmers! so impressed you taught yourself to knit - I'm determined to learn too but so far haven't managed it!

    Nikki x

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  21. So busy, busy, busy! That was a great read, your knitting is fabulous, it always feels like an accomplishment to learn something new.

    http://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk

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  22. Goodness Vanessa I am absolutely green with envy at your peachy skills! Your knitting is lovely of course and that stitching...jst gorgeous. I'm dabbling in knitting after seeing Suzie's amazing designs around my house each day and I get an awful lot of satisfaction from it. I love that Alicia Paulson sampler, I think embroidery is next on my list (once I've learnt to knit cables and with colour!). Have a happy crafty weekend xxx

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  23. Scarf ... goood!
    Doily ... goooood!
    Gloves ... gooooooooood!

    Oh my goodness, those gloves are to die for Vanessa. Just my cup of tea. That minty yarn is heaven-sent. Swoon. You are a clever sausage - is there no end to your talent?

    Last time I tried to knit, I got into such a terrible pickle. The needles are so long and gangly. You may have just tipped me over the edge - I'm going to give it another go. (Think I may have to clear a radius of several metres first!)

    Beautiful.

    Have a super Easter.

    Hxxx

    PS. Tell me you're not so porcelain-skinned and ethereal in real life, please?!!

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  24. Il love your blog ! It is Super and i ever follow you!
    A big kiss from Italy.
    Dany

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  25. Just gorgeous...all of it!!! xx Janelle@awhitefarm

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  26. Beautiful!!! You have inspired me!! I love the colors you used on both an especially the border and ribbon

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  27. Well done for continuing. Your scarf and wrist warmers look lovely and snug. I taught myself crochet about 18 months ago and I know how frustrating it is wanting to run before you can walk. Even now I am very jealous of those who can crochet things other than granny squares which I'm still working on.
    Mum sits and knits, she amazes me, she sits eyes firmly fixed on the T.V. not even watching her stitches, God knows how she does it.
    Keep up the good work and happy knitting.
    Best wishes
    Nicky x

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  28. Everything you've made is so pretty, I love it! Particularly the raining cloud :)

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  29. So many wonderful things to look at!
    My favorite, if I was forced to choose, is the "sunshine" stitchery.

    Your color palette is such an inspiration. THANK YOU for inspiring me!!!

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  30. You my dear, are just so super duper talented.I love the scarf,the colour reminds me of cameo jewellery x.

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  31. Beautiful post, and while I love the pink knitted scarf, I am a crocheter and am very interested in the blue scarf that you are wearing in the pic showcasing your adorable brooch. Can you share stitch/pattern information for this scarf - would love to try it! Thanks!

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  32. You are supertalented. I love your two presented scarves. The pink is so beautiful!
    Love the Stitchery. Very nice!!

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  33. Wow, i love your scarf and your gloves. Such pretty, pretty colours. Just what we need on such a grey day. Would you mind sharing the patterns for both?

    SmallP
    x

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    1. Hi there,

      The scarf is from the Lion Brand Company website. It's a free pattern called learn to cable scarf but you have to log into the site to find it. The pattern for the wrist warmers is from a Sirdar Booklet called big softie knits for beginners. They are called quick mitts. I hope this helps! : )

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  34. Beautiful cable scarf and a wonderful way to use that delicious wool. Perfect match. Who could possibly dare accuse you of being idle? Philippa xx

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  35. Beautiful creations!! Love your pictures, very inspiring! Happy Easter!! xo Holly

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  36. Oh wow! I find crochet so much easier than knitting, with knitting I have to concentrate hard too! You have done an amazing job I love that you just jump in and go for it and good job you did look how good you are!
    I'm trying to be a better knitter this year I'm itching to make clothing but procrastinating at the minute with a suzie shawl. I'm sticking with it as I'm determined to have a knitted garment this year. You're an inspiration and you look fab in your creations too xx

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  37. Oh I hope you know that I get a big smile when I google your blog and see a new post! I pull up a cup of tea or glass of wine before having a look around blog land, very relaxing. I haven't figured out how to get notifications yet, not sure if I want to cos googling is more exciting, like checking the post box! Then I see that you, in the same time as I've been crocheting, have managed to be so brilliant at developing your skills, and now adding knitting. I have three bears too, boys, but only a new one so I aspire to your levels of talent by the end of this year as life settles down a bit. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you again. Sarah (Ireland)

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  38. You knits are so beautiful. Hard to believe that you have just learnt and started making stuff. You are definitely an inspiration to the rest of us wanting to learn to knit.

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  39. Hi,
    your pics ar wonderful and the things you made make me smile. Unbelieveable that you´ve learned a short time ago.
    You inspire me!
    Happy Easter from Germany
    xo
    Miho

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  40. Hi, your scarf is so beautiful and you are very talented to do that for your first knitting project. Please can you share where to get the pattern as I would love to knit it too. All your projects are so beautiful, thank you for sharing with us xx

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    1. Hi Shirley,

      The pattern is called learn to cable scarf from the lion brand yarn company site. It's a free pattern but you have to log into the site to be able to view it. I hope this helps! : )

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  41. So glad the mug cosy did eventually become a scarf!!! It's beautiful. Well done you! x

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  42. What an amazing array of beautiful things - the cable scarf is adorable x

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  43. Wow you are such a fast learner... You did an amazing job with knitting and stitching. I'm thinking about trying stitching ...mi have never been very good at it and I think I want to challenge myself.
    Great job and great projects...
    Can I ask you how many stitches you cast on for the wrist warmers..? And what size of needles? Thx and I hope you love knitting as much as you do crochet... I do :)

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  44. OM Goodness! what a perfect delight it is to see all your crafty goodness! such happiness and joy in your posts as well as inspiration! Happy Happy Easter weekend!
    xoxo
    Dagmar

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  45. Oh I just love everything. I have been knitting and crocheting my whole life but just basic knitter. I recently learned a few new skills from Verypinkknits and castingcouchUK...Great sites with awesome videos to teach. I can crochet in my sleep but knitting does not come as easy still after all these years. I adore the doily in the picture! The Japanese crochet book could you point me in the direction to purchase it? Thanks I would love to make that doily. Happy Easter.

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    1. Oh thanks for the heads up on the sites, I'd love to go and take a look! : )

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  46. My goodness you have been busy! I can't believe how quickly you knitted up that scarf AND just a beginner, you have given me a little hope that maybe I could also teach myself to knit.

    Absolutely love your Alicia Paulson stitching, it's so beautiful in the pastels you've used. I have the chart...and the threads just waiting...

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  47. I am so glad I popped by your blog! I have just learnt to knit and made a small knitted, felted heart a while back - have been wanting to make a lace frilly scarf and kept dithering - you have done so well and have some really lovely knitting - well done you!

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  48. just look at you go!!!!!!!!!! you are most definitely a knitter!!! (and embroider-er!!!) beautiful job! lovely post!

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  49. Oh my, such lovely makes! Hmmm... I would have been so happy if my early knit attempts turned out as dreamy as those chunky blue wristwarmers. I can now control two sticks, it's the one crochet hook that I'm trying oh so hard with...

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  50. I just found your blog and I am smitten! I just added a new post a few hours about about knitting a pair of mittens for the first time and I come over here and you are talking about learning the new skill as well!

    Love your colors, could you tell me the brand and color of that beautiful pink yarn? I now have to learn that cable stitch too and I want to make a scarft, wrist warmers and who knows what's next.

    New follower too! Have a great day and Hugs, Lynnie

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  51. Wow! You certainly did just jump in at the deep end but reckon you bobbed up with a big smile on your face. Two absolutely gorgeous makes and surely there'll be no looking back after that fabulous success? Well done you! :)

    S x

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  52. Hello
    I just love how you work with colours in your projects and photo's!
    Greetings Antje
    http://antjeshome.blogspot.nl/

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  53. Loved all the new makes in this post! I'm also a yarn bi-craftual: I crochet and knit, though I learned crochet first. I found that knitting continental-style was much easier for me, as I could carry my yarn in my left hand, as I do when I crochet, and hook the yarn through. I used the videos on knittinghelp.com to learn how to knit this way. It's opened up a whole new world of yarny fun for me.

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    1. Oh wow, i've never heard of continental style knitting. I'm going to have to check it out, sounds exciting! : )

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  54. I just loved this post!
    So nice and girl!
    thank you for that.

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  55. Congrats for your crafting! You've really done good, making a cable scarf! I'm still rubbish at cable knitting!!

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  56. I'm so proud of you! I did a cabled scarf for my first project and it didn't look nearly that nice. and the wrist warmers are adorable.

    I have officially wishlisted that sampler, too. :)

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  57. Hi! I have just discovered your blog and it's amazing! i can't stop reading your old posts!! ;) I have tried to knit several times, but I don't know what happens... Impossible. So I crochet and crochet and crochet. But you have inspired me and I think this weekend I'm going to try again! Your pictures are so motivating!!! Regards from Barcelona.

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  58. Love your most beautiful blog! And I love your scarf, you are much better at cables than I am and I have been knitting for awhile. Right now I'm trying to recall my crochet skills and make Alicia Paulson's Tirmisu baby blanket. So easy...so easy for me to mess up one row and end up with a triangle! Oh, and would you mind sharing what the wonderful peachy pink yarn is. I have one heck of a time finding anything peachy and it's one of my favorite colors.

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  59. Just found your fabulous blog. I have just started crocheting again after many many years, you are an inspiration

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  60. Sooooo beautiful! Your first two knitting projects, and one has a cable! I am so impressed. The turquoise wrist warmers are luscious, with that little shell edging, oh I love them. And well done, too, on the stitching. What a wonderful idea. :)

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  61. I'm in love with that cardigan , could you pls help me about the pattern? Thank you

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  62. Your work is beautiful!! Where do you get your Japanese crochet books? That one looked fun ;)
    Thanks
    Kara

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  63. What wool is the gorgeous peachy/pink? I have some almost identical by Wendy mode but can't seem to source any more sady :(

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  64. Hi Sherrie,

    I'm sorry I cannot tell you what it is, as I've long since used the yarn and have no outer wrappings left. I did not make a note of it. All I can tell you is that it was a scandinavian yarn, and when I looked it up at the time to see if I could get more, it was really darn hard trying to locate it in the UK. You could get it in America but no where else. I gave up! I bought it because it was so similar the the Barely pink by Wendy Mode (which to date is my most favourite shade and yarn!) and that had been discontinued so was getting hard to come by. It's annoying when you find a shade you love and they stop selling it. I asked at my local yarn store if they had any more, but they told me they were just selling what I bought in bulk, cheap to get rid of it. Sorry I cannot be of more help x

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    1. Thank you for getting back to me. It's such a shame isn't it? And yet I can't for the life of me think WHY they would discontinue such a gorgeous shade?? I have 3 balls left of the Wendy Mode in Barely Pink and keep holding off using it. I have a lovely hot water bottle pattern which I'm toying with... x

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  65. Let me start with WOW, a cabled scarf for a first project! You rock! It's so beautiful. I'm the same, a newbie at the whole knitting game, I've made hand warmers and some scarfs, but just the basic stitches, and I am terrified of dropping a stitch. lol I hope to master socks this year. As a lifetime crocheter, it was natural to start off with the continental way, since I held the yarn that way to crochet, do give it a try, I find it so much easier. Just had to say, I LOVE you stitched piece, I think I have it faved on Flickr. It was my girls favorite song that I'd sing them to sleep by when they were little (the baby is a teenager now).I love your sense of style and color (not to mention chinaware). :)

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