Thank You

When I wrote a thank you letter to my Godmother, for the Christmas present she had given me, I explained that the money had been spent on my knitting habit. I described my love of knitting, kowing that as someone who used to knit (she made me two beautiful dolls when I was a toddler) she would understand.

A week later a very large and heavy package arrived at the house. Inside were these:

I was so chuffed. They may be a bit dated but these books are great, and the thought behind them is even more wonderful. Thank you Auntie Ali.

Breaking down Prejudices

Last week I visited a site I'd read about called Missability.


The site is run by Felicity Ford and is about our attitudes to disability, especially disability aids. She is determine to change our minds about these and the way we view disability.

My description does not do the site justice. Please take a peek yourself. There are 3 podcasts that left me with so much to think about. They are hugely fun and informative.

The 'Knitted Walking Stick Cosy' competition is an inspired idea. Sadly, the second year of the competition didn't attract enough entries. Perhaps we can help to change that next time round.

I also adore the 'Wheels of Fury' hat on the home page. Have a look and see if you agree.

Progress

Currently I'm working on a blanket for the baby my friend has just been blessed with. I love the colours and the feel of the yarn when knitted. I'm using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino doubled up on 7mm needles. I even like the way the colours overlap on the 'wrong' side.

I cast on 100 stitches and when I'd knitted a few rows I realised that it was too big for the stripes to be width-wise. I decided not to frog the blanket but to have the stripes running length-wise instead. Time will tell it this this brave or foolhardy.

Saving the World

I've just finished reading a great book.

I love the fact that knitting can change things for the better, even if it just changes one person. Every stitch we knit is a stitch toward a better world. If you don't believe me, read the book and see what you think.

My Obsession

It's so hard to believe that in under two years I have gone from being a non-knitter to someone who is obsessed by two needles and a bit of yarn. I spend most of my day dreaming about knitting. I read knitting books. I look at knitting sites. More than that, I want to use my knitting to change the world. Is it possible? I'd like to think so.

Needles

Here are some of the needles I am able to offer for a small donation toward the church boiler.

Old size 12, 2.75mm

Not sure if it is clear, but there is a pair of gold coloured needles.

Old size 13, 2.25 mm

Lovely blue metal pair in the middle there.

I Stand Corrected

I've always been a bit of a snob when it comes to knitting. Last month, if you had suggested that I knit a dishcloth, I'd have had some pretty choice words to say, even if only in my head. However, I now stand head bowed in shame at my old opinion after reading this book.


Mason-Dixon Knitting is a revelation and I read it cover to cover over a few evenings on holiday. After very little time, all I could think about was knitting a dishcloth. I imagined the colours, wondered about the textures and dreamed about the scheme of my future kitchen. Thus, upon my return to Blighty, I grabbed my needles and my Sugar n Cream cotton and whipped up this baby.

Admit it, you're jealous, aren't you? I can tell. None of your bland dish cleaning accessories for me. No siree. I am big, bold and absorbent.

Actually, it hasn't been used yet. I just like to stare at it and touch it occasionally.