Colour Inspiration

My new Blue Face Leicester, 4ply wool was customer dyed by Becky King. I love the gorgeous, jewel colours and can't wait to start knitting with them.

Becky is a joy to work with. Having only two photos to work with she's done an amazing job. I can't tell you the technical side of things but our inspiration for the colour combinations came from Design Seeds. The first is refreshing hues.

The second is tropical birds.

My photos don't do justice to the colours but it's murky and wet outside. Just the right weather to get out my pins and decide what to make with them.

Thanks Becky!

Better for bears?

Dot a dold. Not a good start of the year, especially as it's also pouring down with rain. As you can imagine I'm feeling bit sorry for myself.

Outside the gulls are whirling and gliding in the wind. I swear I saw one flying upside down. They look as if they're having real fun. Watching them reminded me of something I saw on Pinterest.

It's a good things jar. You start with an empty jar and fill it up with all the good or funny or positive things that have happened during the year. You can find out more details here. I shared the idea with some of the family and by the time they had heatedly discussed the idea I decided not to bother. On this wet, windy, cold ridden day I think it might be a good thing to do.

Some of the things I haven't shared are the pincushion samples I made for my book. Here's one to cheer the day. He's called Mr Bear and always brings a smile to my face when I stick pins in him.

Cable blanket

This started out as a cable crochet blanket but has changed identities along the way.

There are three different panels here; a right cross cable, a left cross cable and one that I've named a bobble ladder. I've made six so far and they need to be pieced together with a crochet join.

The pattern for the cables is Lion Brands classic cable throw. The bobble ladder is my own pattern. I wanted more texture with a panel that fitted the twists of the cables hence the odd pieces of lifeline yarn.

Bobble Ladder

I used Aran weight wool and 6mm knitted needles.

MB-make bobble. These are 5 stitch bobbles. For a tutorial Vogue knitting is the best.

Cast on 25

Knit 2 rows (edging)

Pattern 

Row 1:  k2, p2, k17, p2, k2 (right side)

Row 2 and every ws row: k4, p6, k5, p6, k4

Row 3-11: as row 1

Row 13: k2, p2, k8, MB, k8, P2, k2

Row 15-17  as row 1

Row 19: k2, p2, k3, MB, k9, MB, k3, p2, k2

Carry on in pattern until it's the required length. To fit the cable panel; 

Repeat the rows 2 to 6   

Knit 2 rows

Cast off in knit