Green Pools Socks

I was so pleased to finally finish these lovely socks recently. 

Details: Prairie Socks by Kay F Jones
Yarn: Green Pools by Saltwater Yarns
Needle Size: 2.25mm
Size: Medium

Started way back in May 2017, I don't know how many times they got put to the bottom of my knitting bag whilst I knitted socks for family and friends!

See you soon x

Cottage Flair visit & old wips

As I mentioned yesterday, I visited Cottage Flair in Rotorua last week. This was the first time I'd been to shop where it is based now, in Fenton Street, the previous times the shop was in Ngongotaha. 

It's always been a favourite of mine, years ago this shop was pretty much the only one in NZ that sold any Shepherd's Bush stitching charts & kits :)

Now this lovely shop is filled with gorgeous fabrics and lots of knitting yarn and supplies. I can never resist Christmas fabrics and stitchery patterns!

I'm still working away on some secret Christmas stitching projects but nearing the end of these, I thought it was time to bring out some of my projects that need to be finished.

I last knitted on these socks back in May!

Yuletide Welcome has been an ongoing wip for several years now, every now and then it comes out for a few stitches to go into.

I last stitched on this back in January!  There's not actually that much more to stitch, just the bottom left hand corner and finish the banner part. I have several other little projects that need some attention too and of course, lots of new charts waiting in my stitching basket.

See you soon xx

All Sorts of Things

Some new sock yarn arrived from the Wool Warehouse in the UK recently, mostly Opal but I also purchased two balls of the Stylecraft sock yarn to try out sometime.

Just as well I've been having a major sort through my craft cupboards lately to make way for all this lovely yarn. I've donated quite a few bags of all sorts of crafty goodies to our local op shop - magazines, bits and pieces that I'll never use or not use because my tastes, and interests have changed. Sure feels good!

Yay, one sock down, one to go. I've put these aside for now to start on a pair of socks for my lovely mother in law. They definitely won't be finished in time for Mother's Day, which is this coming Sunday in New Zealand, but maybe in time for her June birthday.

This is Part 2 of the Moorland Blanket, which I finished last week. Part 3 is almost done now. I think I've mentioned this is going to be a gift for my cousin Donna's 40th birthday in a few weeks time. It might not be finished in time but it won't be far off, so I thought I'd print one of these off to give to her :)

A new variety of chocolate arrived at our local supermarket last week, Toffee Milk Bar. Whittakers chocolate, any sort, lol, is a particular favourite in our house so we tried it out - a big thumbs up from all of us.

In other news, two busy weekends coming up for us - Glenn and I are flying to Auckland this Friday with friends for a couple of days. Then next weekend we'll be helping my parents move house, and the cool thing, they are actually moving in to our street!

See you soon x

All the Projects Update

As always, I have have several projects on the go. You may have seen these photos if you follow me on Instagram.

I'm so enjoying this gorgeous design, the first in the latest Blackbird Designs series. Now I've seen a pic of the second design I can't wait to get that one on the mail!

My sock knitting is progressing well:

But it's been put to the side for now as I have been focusing on the Moorland Blanket, these waves are so addictive!

This is Part 1 all done, and I have even sewn in all the ends.

Until next time xx

All about the Socks

This gorgeous yarn recently arrived from Western Australia. 

Hand dyed by Bec from Saltwater Yarns, @handmadebec on Instagram, and even though it took a detour via the US to get here to New Zealand (how weird!!) it was so worth the wait. 

Bec also included a stitch marker, a tea sample and a little project bag.

I couldn't wait to cast on a new pair of socks, this time they are actually for me!

Yarn is Green Pools from Saltwater Yarns, pattern is Prairie Socks by Kay F Jones, and it can be purchased at Ravelry here.

Another of my lovely, dear friends recently celebrated a special birthday and I chose to knit Wendy a pair of socks too.

Details:

Pattern: My Favourite Vanilla Sock by the Unapologetic Knitter
Yarn: Drops Fabel 904 Lavender Mix
Needle Size: 2.25mm
Size: L


My friend Janet, whom I also work with, has been saying to me for ages "I should get you to show me how to get some socks started" and well, that sort of got the ball rolling as a couple of other ladies from my work expressed an interest too. Then Kath and Clare both decided to join us, and our little sock knitting group was formed. I'm certainly no expert but using some of the wonderful tutorials and patterns available, in particular Winwick Mum's fantastic Sockalong pattern and tips, I've been able to help the ladies all get socks underway.

One or two are nearly ready for the Kitchener stitch cast off, and the other ladies are making steady progress. Not only has it been lots of fun during our knitting sessions - we've all been able to have a few laughs when one of us has dropped a stitch or two, but we've been able to encourage each other along as well.

I did thoroughly disclose when we started that sock knitting is highly addictive!!