Thursday, February 25

Work in Progress

Doesn't this just make you want to smile? A stunning papier mache confection from Dianne Fox who has a studio at Kirkharle in Northumberland that you can visit. She produces a fantastic range of bright coloured jewellery and wall art that is all highly covetable - go see her!

From the sublime to the rather tamer.... these images are from my latest project which is collaged display boxes and shelves. They really are just work in progress at the moment as there is so much else to be done this month.
Hugh is launching his new business right now and we are off to Kelso on Tuesday to the Borders Tourism Partnership's conference and leaflet exchange to spread the word about Far x 4. If you follow the link you'll find that it cunningly takes you straight to the relevant pages in our newly re-launched Workhouse website. The site now shouts about the cottage and our arty stuff as well. Let me know what you think!

In between website work and estate office work and a million other little chores, I am trying to get some spinning done. I'm hoping to have a few outlets to sell it at this summer but I need more stock...

Thursday, February 4

Knitting (very, very simple knitting)

First, here are the crocheted wristwarmers I made using Twilley's yarn from my small but select stash... I used Attic24's own wee bobble trim pattern too and finished them off with tassels at the wrists, for no particular reason except I was enjoying myself. They are fine and thick but non-clingy.
and here are my just-finished ribbed ones made from stripes of five different leftover lengths of my handspun yarns. Much closer fit, obviously, and a little bit longer. The stripes even match. Genius, eh?
Now, just in case you are interested, I am selling my hardback copy of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop. There are some 'new' copies on ebay for £29, if you like. Or you could have mine, with a name label stuck on the inside cover but otherwise in very good condition, for a mere £18, including postage.
Her book has lots of clever stuff in it - shapings, colour pattern knitting, shawls, rorshach sweater, surprise jacket, tomten jacket, i-cord...ach, there's masses in it. Shout if you'd like it.
We're having a Valentine's Day Woolgathering - all pink hearts and chocolate - no, well, maybe not, but lots of yarn and pattern talk, idea swapping and a little selling maybe, good chatter and always lots of laughs. Everyone's welcome - the more there are, the warmer we'll be!