Roving to yarn!

This glorious Autumn-coloured roving was mine to spin recently whilst I was in America.

I began to spin and soon it filled the spool.

Here it is once plyed and hanging in skeins.

I brought it back to England with me and put it into balls, using my Swift and ball winder.

Now, what to make with it? Perhaps some mittens? or a pretty shawl.

Purple mittens waiting to be decorated.

I can’t decide yet but whatever I make, it will be more enjoyable for having spun it myself!

A Crochet Project and a Meeting with Old Friends.

I am currently working on a crochet project for the winter.  Can you guess what it is from the picture above? It’s a blanket and I’m making up the pattern as I go along. I’m using browns, yellows and fawns and it’s coming along quite nicely.

Then I saw a new book in my handicraft shop. The cover was most attractive and when I peeped inside, I could see lots of different granny squares. That gave me some ideas. I bought the book and carried it home.  I couldn’t wait to get started.

I made four granny squares and sewed them into the corners. Each one was slightly different.  Here’s one of them, just peeking out so you can see it.

Here’s the book.  There are some gorgeous designs in it. I’ll be showing you some later.

Today has been hot and sunny in my part of the world and I have been out to lunch with some old friends. It was great to see them again and share our news.  These are people I used to work with back in 1986 and until 1998 so we all go back a long way. Sometimes I like being old.  There is certainly never a lull in the conversation.

My Latest Knitting Project

This is my current project with the knitting needles.  The yarn I’m using is Emu Coolspun and it’s a cool, cotton yarn, ideal for the summer.  You have to be a little bit careful when washing cotton, otherwise it’s pretty perfect and very comfortable to wear.

All hand knitted garments made of natural fibres like wool, silk or cotton should be washed by hand ideally and dried flat.  If you don’t do that then you’re asking for a failure. It’s as simple as that. The man-made fibres are fine for the washing machine and respond well at 30 degrees temperature. Some say 40 degrees. I pick and choose which ones I’m careful with and which ones I can be a bit more confident with.

The pattern I’m using is specially designed for the yarn I’ve got so there should be no problems there and it is knitting up rather well.  I love the colour.