Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that work…

I’m sorry, but I don’t know where this originated. A friend had it posted on FB without attribution.

Helen

After faffing around with blue and orange points, coloured centres and various other ideas – none of which I liked – I’ve now gone for purple….

…and I’m completely unable to take a photo that shows the true colour – it’s way lighter than it looks here! Maybe tomorrow I’ll be a bit luckier.

I’ve also realized that with crisp solids and the level of contrast with the white/purple, my star centres are going to have to be nailed absolutely perfectly otherwise they will really stand out and look rubbish!

So here I go – lots of perfect pinning and precise angles for me!

It’s worth it though, I think I’m finally happy with what I’m doing!

Helen

I’ve just finished up the Sommerwind bag kit that has been sitting half-made looking at me for weeks and weeks – anything rather than tackling my Hopscotch quilt problems!! The kit is by Christa Schwaninger from Nähzentrum Heidelberg in Germany.

I’m not really a kit type of person, but I was tempted by this one at the quilt show at Ste. Marie aux Mines last summer – and it’s turned out quite nice even if it is a bit twee – and it’s perfect for keeping my knitting in!

And now it’s back to pondering about Hopscotch….

Helen

And here is the proof!

I’m doing a little dance in the garden to celebrate the long-awaited arrival of SPRING!

Swoon!

Helen

Yesterday Dianne (aka Quiltova) wrote me a comment ….

Dianne Neale Says:
March 24th, 2012 at 8:31 pm   edit

I’m sorry but this question has been bubbling up inside me for ages now.

I think I need you to explain to me why you (and a million other people) knit socks. I knit too, but have never been struck by the desire to knit socks. They’re all very nice, but I just don’t get it! So please, tell me why?

Which got me thinking.

Here’s why …

• 1.Handknitted socks are like chicken noodle soup. They are comfort food for your feet. I never pull on a pair of delicious bright, smooshy, soft, cosy socks and don’t think aaaaaah. They instantly improve my day, calm me down and make me feel homely and content (which may or may not be a delusion, but for the twinkling of an eye it’s a very nice feeling!)
• 2. Socks have tricky bits (well, the heels mainly) although really they only look tricky. Once you get going you can do them in your sleep – but every time I look at a newly and nicely turned heel I have a sense of achievement – a ‘wow aren’t you clever’ pat on the back. The fact that nobody else notices is neither here nor there, as I knit them for my own pleasure and sense of achievement.
• 3. Socks are small and can be whipped up in next to no time. Unlike a sweater. They are also way more interesting to knit than scarves.
• 4. Socks are the one knitted garment that you can make with gay abandonment, irrespective of the colour. When you’re in a wool shop and looking with unfulfilled longing at luminous pinks, jazzy oranges or variegated yarns that make your eyes pop – things you’d love to buy and work with, but know you’d never have the nerve because they are too out there and in your face and wouldn’t co-ordinate with your wardrobe in a month of Sundays, then think again. Socks can be as outrageous as you like and it’s okay!  This is hugely liberating!
• 5. Because they are small, socks are easy on the wallet and before long sock knitters accumulate a multicoloured yarn stash, which brightens your living space no end – a little like fabric, but it fits better into baskets!
• 5. Socks are immensely portable and can be popped into your handbag – although I did manage to snap several bamboo sock needles last time I took my knitting with me as I shoved some shopping in on top of them.
• 6. Handknitted socks make the perfect gift for half the population. The other half see them as the gift from hell, so it’s important you know who you are dealing with. I never give socks unless I’m sure they will be appreciated – there’s too much work in them for that.
• 7. Amazing as it may seem, there are endless variations of socks out there – you need never get bored knitting socks.
• 8. Of course handknit socks are a bit of a lifestyle item – they work for me because I work from home, live in the country, own an AGA and would raise chickens if I could. They are probably not your thing if you wear stilettos to a smart office every day and lots of skirts. Other than on your day off, if you spend those days in old sweats or your PJs.
• 9. Once you have worn a fabulous pair of hand-knit socks I defy you to ever go back to your old ways!

Can anyone add to my list? What did I forget? Are you tempted yet Dianne?

Helen

(PS. Yes, these are your socks Lindsay! I only modelled them for a minute though, and I did have clean feet!)