dottyspots

… having (for a change) found someone to look after the children for the day - well, Ned came with me, but almost all the children.

It was really nice pottering about with a friend, looking in various shops. I bought a nice present for my Mum in Kindom (and admired the glass that I’m hankering after to go in the living room if we get planning permission to extend) and looked in a great shop of retro/customised clothing (my friend is looking for an *interesting* wedding dress). We had a late lunch at El Piano, bought some books (as listed in the previous post) and a funky hairbrush for Nin (to try to encourage her not to insist of ‘wild thing’ hair ) I managed to find two nice v-neck light wool jumpers (I’m a bit low on the top front as my size keeps changing atm - post baby an’ all that). Nice to have a quiet day out with some good conversation and a bit of (mostly window) shopping

I’ve knitted two sweet rose corsages and have also finished the matching mittens for the balaclava I made for Ned, so will get some pics up of those when I remember to transfer the photos onto the PC.

… and a few more books.

I bought a few books (always a good thing). The first, The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges is fab! It lists basic jumper and cardi styles but in multiple guages - so rather than buy the yarn for the project, you can make from the yarn you have. Patterns are listed in multiple sizes (from child through to large adult). It’s great - I’d heartily recommend buying it!

Next on the list is a bit of eye-candy, Childhood Treasures: Handmade Gifts for Babies and Children. It’s beautiful to look at and some lovely ideas, but some of it caters more to my ‘fantasy home life’ rather than any sort of reality. Mind you, I did note some Haba wooden toy food that I sell in my toy shop pictured in the book I plan to sit down again with a cup of coffee and enjoy dreaming over it again some time this afternoon!

Although nothing particularly new if you have a few pattern books - I do like the colourways chosen for Great Knitted Gifts and have already earmarked a couple of ‘must-make’ patterns.

This one’s purely functional. I keep thinking about having a bash at dye-ing and it seemed a good basic book to start with: The Fabric and Yarn Dyer’s Handbook

I also bought a selection of Julia Donaldson (illus. Axel Shaeffler), some of which are showcased (along with the various books mentioned above) at my A store, all of which come very recommended!