Knitting & Stuff...

Well, Christmas is rolling towards us at a rate of knots and while I am busy with various commissions for presents, it has not been too manic this year.  The above is not a present but a scarf I took on to knit for a designer to be used in the photograph illustrating her pattern in an upcoming book.  The knitting was easy if a little tedious as it is a hell of a long scarf, but the blocking was incredibly hard.  The main body of the scarf is in garter stitch, which when wet stretches to twice it's normal length, and the leaf edging - 92 leaves in total - had to be carefully shaped.  Not easy when you are on your knees for best part of an hour!

However, it is done and once dry will go off to do it's job.  I calculated that I probably got paid about 50p an hour for this - not really worth the effort although it was enjoyable to make something someone else had designed for a change!

I have been painting, a portrait of two children, but I am loath to show it as it is a Christmas present for someone I know and there is the faintest chance they might see it and spoil the surprise.  Frustrating, as I am really pleased with this one but I guess it will have to wait a few weeks!

In the meantime, Daisy has a new anorak.  This was taken before she went for a muddy walk - the coat no longer looks like this and probably never will again!



On the needles: a pig's head....
On the easel: a bear with a hummingbird

Leaf Green Lacy Scarf

During the brief hiatus inbetween knitting tiny curiosities for an animated film, I have been working on this soft green lacy scarf.  It has been knitted using a delicate leafy-green slightly varigated yarn from Fiberspates - I don't know any more than that, as it was in one of their bargain mixed bags at a show last year.  I know it's a natural wool as it has that lovely warm slightly sheepy smell to it (am I the only person that could just sit and inhale that for hours?).

It has a deep slightly scalloped lace border at either end, with the centre panel being a simple repeating pattern.

It is going into my Etsy shop now, and I will be making some wristwarmers to match it....when I have the time as I  have to knit some small furniture first!

Little Green Lizard....

Yesterday morning I had a wonderful surprise just before I left for work...there was a hammering at the door (no niceties from our postman!) and a big parcel was handed to me. Inside was a cornucopia of delights! Laura (bead artist extraordinaire) is moving house and had sent me lots of craft bits and pieces that she no longer needed.....but that I certainly can use. I'm always amazed at the generosity of my blogging friends - thank you Laura!

So after a long day at work, I was finally able to come home and play with my new toys! I found some tiny green beads amongst the many and made a little green lizard and tested my new glasses to the max - no eyestrain, yay!



But he was so small, he needed a home....so I dug out my felt, made him a banana leaf to sit on (strengthened by the stiffener fabric in my new treasure trove) and sewed a brooch backing on - tadaaah!! It was great to make something not knitted and to take a break from painting just for one day. He'll be going onto my Etsy shop later...