raindrops

I've been thinking about updating my blog a bit and I've started by adding a couple of my knitting patterns for you to use in any way you like - the raindrops and the cartridge-belt rib scarf that I've found very useful. And even though it's officially Spring here both these patterns still seem seasonally appropriate, unfortunately. You'll find the patterns listed on the sidebar under my welcome message. I hope you can make use of them.

Watching Jiro dreams of sushi a delightful documentary about an 85-year-old sushi master and Surfwise documentary about legendary surfer Dorian Paskowitz who 'dropped out' to live in a camper van with his wife and nine children (all home-schooled) + Reading Remake it home by Henrietta Thompson + Listening to Graceland (still)

same but different

This week I finished two more monkeys for the Great Sock Monkey Challenge. I was in a bit of a rush to get them to Wellington to meet the deadline for delivery to the children's hospital. They turned out surprisingly well and, in fact, I think my haste (and lack of fussy perfectionism) gave them a bit more character. Having one ear bigger than the other is cute, right?

I also made some more lavender bags using the bark cloth I bought at Fabric-a-brac. I really love this fabric and these lavender bags that I made for myself. I've put them in my linen cupboard. I still have heaps of lavender left - at least enough for another twenty bags. Eek!

The ceramic bowl was made by Sarah Guppy. We bought it because it reminded us of our lovely Louie. The bowl is beautiful but it makes me sad because I miss Louie so much.

After Watching Under African skies, Listening to Graceland by Paul Simon + Reading Uppercase

lavender

I went to Fabric-a-brac on Saturday. Did you go? I got some great fabrics - some bark cloth off-cuts, fine linen for embroidery, muslin and embroidered Aida cloths. I could've bought so much more. I hope Fabric-a-brac becomes a regular thing. If you missed it, there's the Vintage Textile Fair coming up on Sunday, September 9.

I've already made some lavender bags using one of the Aida cloths and a mauve cotton for the backing. Lavender bags make a nice gift and are easy to make. See how here and here. I added a little loop to the top of mine so that you can either hang them in the wardrobe or tuck them into a drawer. I made these for my mother but think I'll do some for myself. They smell so good. I used locally-grown lavender from Cambridge.

Reading Rangatira by Paula Morris

spring, music and library books

This week I've been ...

• looking for Spring
• knitting - lots of long, repetitive rows of garter stitch which I've been enjoying very much - possibly in a therapeutic way. The wool is 'Zara' by Filatura di crosa that I bought from here. 
• listening to Harry Nilsson after hearing this
• trying to get my library books back on time.

How's your week been? What are you listening to?

Watching Forbrydelsen + Listening to Nilsson Schmilsson + Shooting with Instagram

Pop knitting

These amazing patterns, designed by Britt-Marie Christoffersson, are from her book Pop knitting : bold motifs using color and stitch. I especially like the textured patterns but it's almost impossible to pick out a favourite because they are all so good. If you're interested in innovative knitting and stitch manipulation, then this is the book for you. I borrowed it from my local library. Maybe your library has it too? More images here and here.

Also don't forget Fabric-a-brac is in Auckland on August 18th. You'll be supporting the Mercy Hospice and, I hope, finding yourself some lovely fabrics.

monkeys 1, 2, 3

Here are the monkeys I made and posted off today for The Great Sock Monkey Challenge. The goal of this worthwhile cause is for every New Zealand child with a critical or long-term illness to be given a homemade sock monkey. Read the full story here. Join up on Facebook here. 
I had planned to make just these three monkeys to use up the last of my sock supplies but - I couldn't help myself - I bought more socks today. They are fun to make and they all seem to develop their own personalities. If you've never made a sock monkey before, now is your chance. There are lots of tutorials and free patterns online but I always use this one.

Daffodils are in the shops. Spring is coming. Once the Film Festival is over it feels to me as if the worst of the Winter rain and cold is over too - so not much longer.  

Reading Killing floor by Lee Child (I too have 'discovered' Jack Reacher) + Watching The wire, season 2 and a bit of the Olympics and a few festival films

charity stores and wombles

I love going to charity craft stores. They are nearly always full of amazing knitting at good prices. But mostly I love that so many people busily knitted for hours and hours. The stores vibrate with industry. And I wonder about the makers. Right or wrong I imagine an army of grandmothers sitting by their fires fortified with tea and knitting, knitting, knitting. I'm so glad when I can support them.

I bought the owl tea cosy at Dunsandel. I've admired these for some time but didn't think my crochet skills were up to making one myself. It fits my little black teapot perfectly. The gloves are from Variety Handcrafts in Dunedin and, as you can see, (as well as being an amazing green colour) they are knitted sideways. I've never seen this before but I've found a similar pattern here should you want some too. They are knitted on two needles and for each glove you make a front and a back and then sew them together. Genius.

The pillow cases were a vintage find - still bright and fresh. I think The Wombles, as supporters of recycling, would be pleased that these pillow cases that have probably been around for 30 years are still being used.

Reading 365 thank yous by John Kralik