Shop Updates

Well, I have finally rebuilt the Rowan, and added all the new things, do have a look. Here is a photo of some of Patricia's new buttons. These are probably our favourites!

I haven't got much to show you on the knitting front. I am still working on the Alice Starmore cardigan for my dad. Started a new aran cardigan for mum from the latest issue of Vogue Knitting (will show photos later). I did frog Emily's Alice Starmore and made something else, but this needs pressing and blocking and I will show you then. I have also made two scarves and one and a half mittens. So, not as much progress as I would like. Let's hope November is more productive... (Really, let's hope November is more productive or I'll have to go out and do more 'real' shopping).

An annoying week....

I noticed today that I haven't put a post up on the blog for ages. That's because we have been very busy. We have been receiving loads of lovely, lovely stock for the shop including discounted Rowan (that I'm reluctant to part with), fabulous new yarns and colours from Jon at Easyknits (that I am extremely reluctant to part with) and gorgeous new cashmeres from Eirwen at Knitwitches (ditto). I have also received mitten kits and buttons from Patricia Baggot which are absolutely lovely and ideal for Christmas presents. We even have some super value 4 ply from King Cole.

So, where are they? Well, we have been particularly busy at home with collecting Joe from Uni (half term again - it soon comes around doesn't it?), visiting my parents, having friends to stay, tending to the every need of our injured Jack Russell (don't ask) and freezing with the broken down central heating boiler. Just to top it all, I managed to get the sale Rowan on site, thought I would make the existing Rowan section look prettier only to find the computer wasn't having any of it. Literally. So, I am slowly rebuilding the Rowan section and will get the new things on as soon as possible. In the meantime, here is a picture of one of the most gorgeous Cashmere/silks from Knitwitches. This is seriously gorgeous (as the label says). It will be on sale very, very soon.

Bowmont Braf Yarn

I am really pleased to say that we have some lovely new Bowmont Braf yarn in the shop. Handdyed by Jenny Cook, this yarn is just gorgeous. It is incredibly light and with 400 metres per 100gm, it goes a very long way. I have been knitting a scarf in a skein that I bought at Wonderwool. It just needs blocking and then it will be ready to photo and put here. The pattern will be a free one which you will be able to download from the shop in time. In the meantime, enjoy looking at the yarn below or here.

Creative Stitches - Exeter

Last week we spent four days at the Creative Stitches Show at Exeter. We had a really great time and met some lovely people. Many of the visitors said how pleased they were to see 'real wool' at a show and they certainly enjoyed squishing the alapaca/silk mixes and the pure silk laceweights! Ian enjoyed the show immensely. I think he liked the female attention, even though most of it was teasing him (customers), or being rude about him (me). Our concept of promoting British producers and yarns was also very well received. So, we hope to do more shows and meet more of you in the future.

Here is a photo of some of the yarn in boxes. Our stand wasn't very sophisticated - we only decided to do the show a few days beforehand. We hope to be more organised next time.

Don't have much to report on the knitting front. Still working away on the Aran cardigan for my Dad. Not working on the Aran jumper for niece Emily. I may well frog the jumper for Emily and knit something simplier as Christmas suddenly seems to be looming. Perhaps one of the reasons I haven't made much progress is this:

Yet, another Christmas stocking! Again, from Jolly Red who sell fabulous needlepoint kits. This one was given to me last Christmas and as I had already made one for each of the family, I decided this should belong to the dogs. Terribly extravagent, I know. But, my justification is that the kit didn't cost me anything as a gift and the dogs shouldn't be left out! (Weak, pathetic justification, I realise). I will be posting it to be made up today and will show you the finished article when it is returned. If you would like to see the others, here is the link.