Friday 30 October 2009

Pretty Simple

Here is a birthday card I made for my Auntie's birthday today. I embroidered the flowers in cross-stitch, added buttons, then layered with fancy papers.


The result is quite effective but very simple to do. I hope she likes her card and has a lovely birthday.

Wednesday 28 October 2009

Good Bear Day

Yesterday was 'Good Bear Day' - Teddy Roosevelt's birthday. We gathered all the teddies together for a group photo!

George the puppy gets in the photo as an honorary teddy.

Eve made some sticky gingerbread muffins - they were delicious.

Monday 26 October 2009

Boris the Badger


PDF version
Boris is a European badger (Meles meles). European badgers are nocturnal and spend the day in their extensive networks of tunnels called setts. Badgers are territorial, but can be found in groups often called clans. Group size varies between 2 and 12. Each clan has a dominant male and female. Males are called boars and females sows; the young are cubs. Badgers live for up to 15 years (average 3 years) in the wild, and up to 19 years in captivity.

Now you can make your own badger.

Yarn – Double knitting oddments in white, black and brown. DK weight mohair yarn in grey – I used 2 strands of Patons Misty 4ply held together (about ¼ of a ball used).
Hook – 3 mm.
Notions – toy stuffing.

PATTERN (English terms used)
English dc = US sc

Finished size – approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in length

Face and body
With white and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc (remember this is the equivalent of US sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc. Turn.
In order to line up the stripes for the badgers face it is necessary to turn the work at the end of each row.

2nd round: 1 ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, join in black, 2 dc in black into next dc, 1 dc in white in next 4 dc, 2 dc in black in next dc, 1 dc in white in next 2 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (12 dc)

3rd round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next 2 dc, 1 dc in black into next 2 dc, 1 dc in white in next 4 dc, 1 dc in black in next 2 dc, 1 dc in white in next dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (12 dc)

4th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next dc, 2 dc in black into next 2 dc, 1 dc in white in next 4 dc, 2 dc in black in next 2 dc, 1 dc in white in next 2 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (16 dc)

5th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next 3 dc, 1 dc in black into next 2 dc, 2 dc in black in next dc, 1 dc in white in next 4 dc, 2 dc in black in next dc, 1 dc in black in next 2 dc, 1 dc in white in next 2 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (18 dc)

6th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next 2 dc, 1 dc in black into next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 4 dc, 1 dc in black in next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 3 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (18 dc)

7th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next 3 dc, 1 dc in black into next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 4 dc, 1 dc in black in next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 2 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (18 dc)

8th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next 4 dc, 2 dc in black into next 2 dc, 1 dc in white in next 4 dc, 2 dc in black into next 2 dc, 1 dc in white in next 5 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (22 dc)

9th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next 6 dc, 2 dc in white in next dc, 2 dc in black into next 2 dc, 1 dc in white in next dc, 2 dc in white in next 2 dc, 1 dc in white in next dc, 2 dc in black into next 2 dc, 2 dc in white in next dc, 1 dc in white in next 5 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (30 dc)

10th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next 7 dc, 1 dc in black into next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 6 dc, 1 dc in black in next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 8 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (30 dc)

11th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next 8 dc, 1 dc in black into next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 6 dc, 1 dc in black in next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 7 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (30 dc)

12th round: as 10th round.

13th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next 7 dc, 2 dc in white in next dc, 1 dc in black into next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 6 dc, 1 dc in black into next 4 dc, 2 dc in white in next dc, 1 dc in white in next 6 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (32 dc)

14th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next 4 dc, 2 dc in white in next dc, 1 dc in white into next 2 dc, 2 dc in white in next dc, 1 dc in black into next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 6 dc, 1 dc in black into next 4 dc, 2 dc in white in next dc, 1 dc in white in next 2 dc, 2 dc in white in next dc, 1 dc in white in next 5 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (36 dc)

15th round: 1 ch, 1 dc in white into same stitch as chain, 1 dc in white into next 11 dc, 1 dc in black into next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 6 dc, 1 dc in black in next 4 dc, 1 dc in white in next 10 dc, sl st into first dc.. (36 dc) DO NOT TURN.
From now on, the rest of the badger’s body is completed without turning the work at the end of each row.

Break off black and white yarn and join in grey mohair.

16th – 28th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

29th round: 1 ch, [2 dctog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)

30th – 32nd rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

33rd round: 1 ch, [2 dctog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)

34th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Start stuffing the face and body.

35th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

36th round: 1 ch, [2 dctog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)

37th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

38th round: 1 ch, [2 dctog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
Insert remaining stuffing at this point.

39th round: 1 ch, [2 dctog,] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (6 dc)

40th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch for 2 rounds without joining (to form tail).
Fasten off.

Legs
With black and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch,, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (9 dc)

3rd – 4th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

5th round: 1 ch, [2 dctog,] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (6 dc)
Fasten off and stuff lightly.



Ears
With black and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 2 dc into next dc, break off black and join in white, 2 dc in white into next 4 dc, sl st into first dc. Turn. (12 dc)

Making up
Attach legs and ears as per pictures.
Using brown DK, embroider eyes.

Isn’t he cute! A friend for Heidi Hedgehog.

Sunday 25 October 2009

While I was away...

Back in the land of the living - we have a new router - Internet connection is back. There's plenty of knitting and crocheting progress to catch up on.

Firstly I have made a rather funky head band that is great for keeping your ears warm without squashing your hair (not that I've got a lot!).
The pattern is Calorimetry by Kathryn Schoendorf and I used half a ball of the Twilley's Freedom Spirit leftover from Ravenscar. It is a great pattern to knit - easy without being boring - and only takes an evening to make.

I've also crocheted a slouchy beret for myself.

It's the same pattern I made for Grace for her birthday. I frogged an old aran sweater and used the yarn doubled. I'm not really a hat person but this looks better on me than most, it will be nice and warm for my early morning walks in the winter.

I'm making good progress on Rona. I'm making squares in between other projects and I'm about a third of the way through them. I've made all the fiddly squares first - so that only the quicker granny squares are left.

With the new chunky yarn I bought last weekend I've started making Paisley, the chunky jacket by Kim Hargreaves.
I've now finished the back and I'm working on one of the fronts today. It knits up really quickly and it's a nice pattern to follow - interesting but not too complicated. However, I'm remembering why I prefer to knit with DK or 4ply - the needles seem so big and heavy with the chunky yarn - I can't seem to get up speed.

Finally, I've made the badger.


It took a while to get the face right - but it was a fun challenge. I loved making this. The badger is now on its way to Bristol - postal strikes permitting. I'll publish the pattern very shortly.

Sunday 18 October 2009

A Great Day Out

Yesterday was wonderful. I had a brilliant day out in Liverpool. My Mum and I met up with my Auntie from Leicestershire and my two cousins. We visited St George's Hall. Despite having lived in Liverpool for 48 years this was the first time I had been inside the building. It was breath-takingly magnificent.

Stopped for lunch there, than went for a wander through Liverpool One, down to the Albert Dock.


It was fun to be with the family and catch up on what every one's doing.
I mentioned my crocheted hedgehog to my cousin Irene, and she asked me if I could do a badger! She is a teacher and her class (5-6 year olds) is the badger class. Well, I'll have a go in the near future and see what turns out - I like a challenge.

After I had left the others I made my way to Abakhans to stock up on wool.

Plenty there to keep me going - can't wait to get started.

All in all, an excellent day.

Saturday 17 October 2009

Ravenscar - finished

I love, love, love this cardi. I finished it last night - ahead of schedule - because I disciplined myself not to start anything new.

The pattern is Ravenscar from Rowan magazine number 45. The original pattern called for Rowan All Seasons cotton, but I wanted a woolly version. I used Twilley's Freedom Spirit. It is 100% wool and the colours are gorgeous. The yarn was lovely to knit with and I only used 7 balls.

The end result is a wonderfully warm and cosy cardi that will get plenty of wear this autumn and winter.
Now I can start something new!!!

Thursday 15 October 2009

Indulgence

I spent all summer waiting for everyone to go back to school and university, so that I could have the house to myself, and no sooner are they out of the way than they're back. Chris has reading week next week, so no teaching and Eve has half-term the following week! They could a least have co-ordinated the week.

Today was my last day on my own for two weeks, so I decided to make the most of it and have an indulgent day - knitting and relaxing - strictly no housework. So far I have watched two films - There's Something About Mary, with Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller - absolutely hilarious,


and The Golden Compass, with Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman.


I might round off the day with Legally Blond or one of the Pirates of the Caribbean films - I never tire of watching them.

It's certainly been a productive day, knitting-wise. I have finished Chris's balaclava. He probably won't let us photograph him wearing it, so here's one of me modelling it instead.



The pattern is Easy Balaclava by Nanette Blanchard and I've knitted it in some aran frogged from an old jumper. The opening for the face could do with being a bit looser but otherwise it is very warm and cozy and maybe someone might wear it when it's very, very cold - and dark!

I've also been trying something new today. Yesterday I was reading a blog by Melody Yarns and she was talking about knitting top down for the first time. Since starting this blog and joining Ravelry I have become acutely aware of all these new techniques that are out there. I don't know whether I'm ready for a top down garment yet but I did want to try three needle bind off. A few weeks ago I came across instructions for short-row shoulder shaping and three needle bind off for neater shoulders by Jessica Fenlon, so I knitted up some swatches and had a go. The instructions were lovely and clear, very easy to follow and the end result was so neat. I'm definitely going to use this on the next project I start - I wish I'd known about it earlier.

Wednesday 14 October 2009

Heidi Hedgehog



PDF version
Meet Heidi Hedgehog. A very stylish and friendly hedgehog, and unbelievably cute.

Several months ago I had been given some James C Brett Vixen yarn - I had no idea when I would ever use it. Then it came to me, this is destined to become a hedgehog or two.

Apparently the yarn is discontinued but it is an eyelash yarn - whatever that means. Originally I had planned on a small, fit-in-the-palm-of-your-hand, made-in-no-time hedgehog. However, the yarn was rather overwhelming for the little chap, so she got bigger. She's now about 5 1/2 inches in length - life size!

I was so pleased with the end result that I have copied the pattern here, so anyone can make a cute friend for themselves.

The pattern now has also been translated into Danish by Charlotte.  You can find her translation on her blog, here.


HEDGEHOG PATTERN

Yarn – Double knitting oddments in beige and black. Eyelash (or novelty fur) yarn – I used James C Brett Vixen (about ¾ of a 60 metre ball used).
Hook – 3 mm and 4 mm.
Notions – toy stuffing.

PATTERN (English terms used)
English dc = US sc

Finished size – approximately 14 cm (5½ inches) in length.

Body
With beige and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.

1st round: 6 dc (remember this is the equivalent of US sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.

2nd round: 1 ch,, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (9 dc)

3rd round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

4th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

5th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc] 6 times, 1 dc into next 3 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)

6th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 6 times, 1 dc into next 3 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc).

7th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

8th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc).

9th- 14th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

Break off beige DK yarn and join in eyelash yarn. Change to 4 mm hook.

15th round: turn (the rest of the body is worked inside-out so that the hedgehog ‘spines’ stick out), 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

16th – 20th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

21st round: 1 ch, [2 dctog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
22nd – 24th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

25th round: 1 ch, [2 dctog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc).

26th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.

27th round: 1 ch, [2 dctog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)

Insert stuffing at this point.

28th round: 1 ch, [2 dctog,] around, until opening is closed. Fasten off.

Using black DK, embroider face.

A nice and easy pattern, and who can resist?



Monday 12 October 2009

Taking Stock

Now that Veronica is finished and the pattern published I need to sit back and take stock. It's lovely when your pattern is appreciated - I have had many really complimentary comments on Ravelry already. It certainly makes me eager to work on new designs. I own some old needlewoman magazines that belonged to my Gran, dating back to the forties and fifties. These are full of inspirational ideas - so I need to get knitting up some swatches.

In the meantime, my hands will not stay idle. I am about 60% of the way through Ravenscar and should get this finished by early next week at the latest. I think this will prove to be a very wearable, throw-on-anytime cardi.

I am also knitting a balaclava for Chris for his birthday. He won't wear it but his mum is always saying about how he wore a balaclava when he was little - we all had a laugh at the thought of him. So we decided it would be fun to give him a surprise for his birthday. The pattern is a very basic 2x2 rib so it's a bit boring. Should have it finished by the end of the week.

I haven't knitted any more of Glint since I cast on a few weeks ago. I'm probably going to frog what I've done so far and reknit the wool as the gorgeous double breasted jacket from Debbie Bliss's latest magazine.
I may start this later in the week depending on how Ravenscar is going. It's nice to get things finished but even better to start new projects. I always like the option of several projects at once so I can knit or crochet depending on how I'm feeling.

My newest project is definitely a pick-me-up and put-me-down project. It's Rona from the latest Rowan magazine. A colourful crocheted jacket made from square motifs.
I've made 8 squares so far but should get quite a few more done tonight.

This means that if I get Ravenscar and the balaclava finished in the next week or so, I'll only have two projects on the go. So I've been looking at Kim Hargreaves's patterns and I think I'll have a go at Paisley - a chunky jacket - lots of texture and nice and snug for the winter.
I usually prefer to knit in DK or 4ply so this will be something different. Maybe I'll pop into the wool shop on Saturday when I'm in Liverpool.

And of course there are always amigurumi animals to be crocheted - I saw some cute hedgehogs the other day on Ravelry - I'm sure I could fit some of them in around the housework!

Sunday 11 October 2009

Veronica Pattern


PDF version
Veronica is a vintage-style tee incorporating beads, basic fairisle and texture. It is knitted in 4ply and is very versatile and feminine.


To fit sizes small (medium, large)
Knitted sizes
Bust 88(96, 110)cm / 35(38, 43)inches
Length to shoulder 52(53, 56)cm / 20(21, 22)inches
Sleeve seam 11cm / 4 inches

Materials
6(7, 8) balls of Rowan pure wool 4 ply (ms)
1 ball of Rowan pure wool 4 ply in contrasting colour (cs)
I used clay and raspberry (160m / 174yds per ball)
400(500, 600) beads
3mm (US 2½) straight needles

Tension
29 sts and 38 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 3mm needles.

Abbreviations
k = knit
p = purl
sts = stitches
tog = together
tbl = through back of loops
psso = pass the slipped stitch over
yon =yarn over needle
ms = main shade
cs = contrast shade
pb = place bead
RS = right side

Bells pattern
Row 1. P3 (K5, P3) to end
Row 2. K3 (P5, K3) to end
Row 3. as row 1
Row 4. as row 2
Row 5. P3 (K2tog tbl, K1, K2tog) to end
Row 6. K3 (P3, K3) to end
Row 7. P3 (K3, P3) to end
Row 8. as row 6
Row 9. P3 (sl1, K2tog, psso, P3) to end
Row 10. purl
Row 11. purl

Eyelet section
Row 1. purl
Row 2. knit
Row 3. purl
Row 4. eyelet row. (K2, K2tog, yon) to last 3 sts, K3
Row 5. purl
Row 6. knit
Row 7. purl
Row 8. purl

Fairisle section
Row 1. purl
Row 2. knit
Row 3. purl
Row 4. fairisle row. K3 in ms (K1 in cs, K3 in ms) to end
Row 5. purl
Row 6. knit
Row 7. purl
Row 8. purl

Beaded section
Row 1. purl
Row 2. knit
Row 3. purl
Row 4. beaded row. K3 (pb, K3) to end
Row 5. purl
Row 6. knit
Row 7. purl
Row 8. purl
BACK
Using 3mm needles and cs, cast on 243(264, 307) sts. Break off cs and join in ms. Complete 11 rows of bells pattern. 123(135, 155) sts.

Work 8 rows of eyelet section,
8 rows of fairisle section,
8 rows of beaded section
8 rows of fairisle section.

These 32 rows form pattern. The eyelets, fairisle dots and beads should all line up vertically.
Keeping pattern correct make the following decreases.
Decrease at each end of 2nd (6th, 10th) row and 3 following 4th rows. 115(127, 147) sts.

Work 9 rows without shaping.

Increase at each end of next row and 5 following 10th  rows. 127(139, 159) sts.

Continue straight until the following have been completed from the bells pattern:
1st size – 4 complete pattern repeats,
2nd size – 4 complete pattern repeats + eyelet section,
3rd size – 4 complete pattern repeats + eyelet and first fairisle section.

Work 1 row.

Shape armholes
Cast off 5(6, 7) sts at the beginning of next 2 rows. 117(127, 145)sts **
Dec 1 st at each end of next 7(9, 11) rows
Dec 1 st at each end of following 5(5, 6) alternate rows. 93(99,111)sts
Continue straight until armhole measures 18(19, 20)cm

Shape shoulders and back neck
Cast off 6(7, 9) sts pattern until there are 16(18, 20) sts on right-hand needle, turn.
Working on these sts only, dec 1 st at neck edge of next three rows and at the same time cast off 6(7, 9) sts at beg of 2nd row.
Cast off remaining 7(8, 8) sts.
Leaving centre 49(49, 53) sts on a stitch holder, rejoin yarn to remaining 22(25, 29) stitches.
Complete to match first side, reversing shaping.

FRONT

Work as given for back to **
Dec 1 st at each end of next 7(8, 8) rows. 103(111, 129) sts
Work 1(0, 0) row ending with RS facing for next row.

Shape neck
Work 2 tog, patt 39(43, 50) sts and turn leaving remaining sts on a holder.
Keeping pattern correct, dec 1 st at neck edge of next 8 rows, then on foll 6 alt rows, then on 3 foll 4th rows and at the same time dec 1 st at armhole edge of 2nd (2nd, next) row and following 0(0, 1) row, then on foll 3(4, 6) alt rows. 19(22, 26) sts
Continue straight until front matches back to beg of shoulder shaping, ending with RS facing for next row.

Shape shoulders
Cast off 6(7, 9) sts at beg of next and foll alt row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off rem 7(8, 8) sts.
With RS facing, leaving centre 21(21, 25) sts on a stitch holder, rejoin yarn to remaining 41(45, 52)sts, pattern to last 2 sts, k2tog.
Complete to match first side, reversing shaping.

SLEEVES

Cast on 75(79, 83) sts with cs.
Change to ms and work in k2 p2 rib for 6 rows.
Purl 1 row.
Starting with 1st (9th, 17th) row of 32 pattern repeat and keeping pattern correct, increase 1 st at each end of 2nd and every following alt row until there are 105(109, 113) sts. Work 3 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.

Shape top
Cast off 5(6, 7) sts at beg of next 2 rows. 95(97, 99) sts
Dec 1 st at each end of next 9 rows, then on every alt row until 63 sts remain, then on 9 following rows, ending with RS facing for next row. 45 sts
Cast off 5 sts at beg of next 4 rows.
Cast off rem 25 sts.

MAKING UP

Join right shoulder seam.

Neckband
With RS facing and ms, pick up and knit 49(53, 55) sts down left side of neck, knit across 21(21, 25) sts on holder at front, pick up and knit 49(53, 55) sts up right side of neck, 3 sts from back neck, knit across 49(49, 53) sts on holder at back, pick up and knit 3 sts from back neck. 174(182, 194) sts
Work in k2 p2 rib for 6 rows.
Change to cs, cast off in rib.

Join remaining shoulder seam. Set sleeve into armhole. Join side and sleeve seams.

Saturday 10 October 2009

Veronica finished


A day to celebrate I have finished Veronica.

This is the vintage-style tee I have designed from scratch. I'm so pleased with the finished article. It is an excellent fit and so feminine. The design incorporates beads, very basic fairisle and texture - all of my favourites things - but it is still a very simple pattern to do.

The details make it special.


The tee can be worn casually or dressed up for a special occasion. It can even be layered, so that us colder mortals can still wear it in the winter.

I'm just putting the finishing touches to the pattern and hope to publish it in the next few days.


I've definitely got the bug now - I can't wait to start on my next design - I've got so many ideas.

Tuesday 6 October 2009

Warm Hands

Finished my fingerless gloves last night while watching the first night of the darts Grand Prix and the final of the World Cricket Championship (Chris likes flicking from channel to channel - which means we usually miss a wicket in the cricket!).

The gloves are lovely and warm and will be ideal for me when the weather gets colder as I always have cold hands. The pattern is Endpaper Mitts by Eunny Jang. I used Rowan cashsoft 4ply which really is soft and cosy. I started off making the medium size but changed to the larger size as I found I was knitting very tightly - I think I tense up when knitting with DP needles! The end result is a nice snug fit and I'm very pleased with them. They were surprisingly quick to knit.