Latest update

The past week or so has been really busy and I've hardly had a minute to even think about a new post.  We had a trip to London last weekend; we had tickets to see Jonathan Richman play at the Unitarian Chapel in Islington.  Jonathan was as good as ever and the building was wonderful, as you can see from the few pics I managed to get

This is a shot of the pulpit, which was huge.  The arch behind had a lovely intricate design, slightly Moorish.  I wish I could have got a close up of it.

A quick shot of Jonathan in action:

We also had time to catch up with family and had a really fun day on Saturday.  I was able to hand over some knitted goodies for baby F.  These have been Top Secret but now all can be revealed!  The one on the left is one of my own designs.  It's knitted in James Brett 4-ply and I was very impressed with the yarn.  It was nice to knit with and seems to be a good quality acrylic.  Hopefully it will wash well (Mummy is under strict instructions to report back on that!).  A lot of people don't like acrylic yarn but I think they have their place, especially for toys and baby clothes that really need to be able to stand up to repeated washing. 

Not my own design this time but a King Cole pattern, Jolene.  I've made this a few times and it always turns out well.  The yarn is Debbie Bliss pure cotton, not one of my favourites but I had a spare 100g or so in my stash.  I have some pictures of this being modelled and will post when I finally get them off my camera!

I have made quite a few pairs of these little Mary-Jane style bootees.  They are so quick and easy to knit and great for using up odd bits of yarn.  Pretty buttons liven them up.  They were the perfect size for F, thank goodness, and she didn't object at all to trying on all these knitted goodies.  She is the perfect model and I have lots of ideas for summer things for her. 

The past week has also involved a lot of decorating, just the boring but essential bits at the moment like stripping wallpaper and painting.  Hopefully the fun part will happen next week with sorting out curtains and pictures and such like.

There has still been time for knitting and craft, though.  I have finally managed to get photos of my third Forest Canopy Shawl.  I am delighted with this one and love the Juno yarn it is knitted from.  Pics to follow in my next post.  Somehow, I seem to have got myself into (yet another!) Ravelry challenge, 12 lace items in 2012.  Well, I have completed three so only nine to go!  Not sure what to do next - do I go for another FCS or another Swallowtail? Need to decide soon ...