Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

The weather has turned decidedly wintry and while it is to turn milder and less snowy later in the week, the sub-zero temperature and regular snowfalls this weekend has encouraged curling up with hooks, DPNs and sewing needles.

I have finished and blocked the 'learn to crochet' cowl, made a scarf using the same stitches from some Noro double knitting that I bought in the sale. Not really my colours, and the slubby wool was a challenge but I quite like the result. I've also finished a pair of men's boot socks in some inexpensive acrylic as I wanted something to judge a men's sock size-gauge (now just need a man to lend me his feet).

I've also started on the Christmas decorations for this year! I found some lovely felt '12 days of Christmas' ornaments and bought the patterns from Mmmcrafts, the partridge and a pear now completed, and two turtle doves underway. They are a bit fiddly and I can only work on them when the light is good, but I rather like the result.  Finally I've started a new sock commission - four pairs for an old Prudetial colleague, fortunately with small feet (for a man) and fond of bright colours.

 

It won't be long before the days lengthen and hopefully brighten and I can get back in the sewing room and some quilting. But for now (as the snow starts again, back to socks and a good audio,book.

New Year, new skills

Nearly two weeks into the new year and I've just finished the last year's sock orders. Before I start building up the stock for next year's supply to No8 Johnston, I've decided to lean to crochet using the traditional method - using the hook in the right hand and managing the wool with the left. Yesterday involved lots of less than satisfactory practice. Today I started the 'Learn to Crochet' CAL in earnest  and after nearly a full day think I am now getting the hang of the chain, double crochet, half -treble and treble. It still fills cack-handed to be holding the wool with the left hand rather than the right (as when I knit) but it's getting a little easier. Apparently the rectangle I'm making is due to become a cowl. Assuming,  that is, I don't get bored with it and rip it all out and make some more socks with the yarn.

Six months in.........

It's been rather a matter of pride that I have been so busy since I retired in July last year that I've barely had time to post on Facebook let alone up-date my blog, but I must do better this year. I've never been one for a hard-copy diary, but it is nice to keep a record of activities and of course craft finishes, to look back on. Audible the audio-book company sent me a note to say that I'd listened for over 41,000 minutes to audio books in 2017 - and added 39 books to my audio library. What this doesn't tell you is that while listening I've made three quilts, about 70 pairs of socks, a couple of advent calendars, pin cushions, notebook covers, tee-shirt yarn rugs, cooked dinners, ironed my way through the wardrobe and written emails, letters and Christmas cards. The joy of not having a television!

Since before Christmas I've been listening to the Stephen Fry narration of JK Rowling's Harry Potter series and very enjoyable it has been too. Since the start of the New Year I've been doing a little crochet - a cowl (mystic waves by "Stitchin' Mommy" ) and a hat, for a friend who kindly produced some lovely ceramic advent numbers for me. The yarn is Lion Brand's Unique in 'Jewel' colourway. Unfortunately one of the four balls was faulty and had no 'tweed' effect - which is why it became a hat and not part of the infinity scarf/cowl. Back to socks now though and book five - The Order of the Phoenix. 29 listening hours!