Hot head!

Ever feel a little out of sync with the rest of the world? This could well be one of those moments for me... On the hottest weekend of the year so far, let me share my latest finished item - an angora tammy for MissBlethersTheElder!

Angora Tammy

The yarn was bought on our recent trip to Wonderwool Wales - from Easter Bunnies/ Crafty Angora. It's so soft to the touch, especially the grey yarn. Once the knitting and sewing up were done, the hat had to be dampened and then was popped in the tumble dryer, on low setting, for 10 minutes at a time until the desired size is achieved. I did confess it might have been me responsible for the blocked filter that MrB adeptly cleaned later, muttering "bloomin' dogs"!

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Great news too for knitters in Cardiff - a new local yarn store opened on Thursday, called Big Knitters (located at the top of Wellfield Road, by the junction with Albany Road). Although a compact shop, the owner has made best use of the available space. They carry a pretty range of yarns - Rowan, select Sirdar, and a french range of yarns. However, consumer opinions are being sought about other ranges to carry. It'll be exciting to see what develops.

A number of Welsh Raveler's met up there on Saturday and we'd a really lovely morning - browsing patterns, touching yarn, chatting ... accompanied by complementary coffee and yummy homemade cup cakes. Apparently, there are plans for a monthly cupcake session and also to hold a weekly group when they're a little more settled. I got the new Sirdar Juicy pattern book and cast on the Leaf top in soft green Calico last night. Normally, I detest knitting in cotton. The lack of 'give' in cotton niggles me and I struggle to get an even tension over the body of a garment. However, Calico has me converted and it's a joy to knit with.

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DD1 came over the other weekend and we took the dogs a walk along one of her favourite routes. It's a wetland nature park, located on the outskirts of Cardiff and makes wonderful use of the old canals sited there.

Don't let these 3 'innocents' fool you! They're deliberately trying to look like it wasn't them, barking and howling, when DD1 and I briefly popped into a hyde to watch the wildlife.
The one below in yet another Blethers classic photography moment! I was really excited to spy a heron in one of the wetland areas, and tried to save the moment for posterity. There is a heron in there....
If you've got 20/20 vision, you might spot it!

Hat's off to.....

Two posts in a couple of days? Well, at least my blogging inconsistency remains consistent;)

MissB is sulking that more of my blogging/knitting comrades want to adopt the dog, rather than her! Bless her, it should come as no real surprise ... look at Abbie, the mutt's cheeky wee expression, makes her so much more adoptable;) Anyway, here's slightly better pictures of the 2 hats (especially for dreamcatcher).

Sirdar Eco DK Lacy Beret

Sirdar Eco DK Lacy Pull-on hat

Knitted in one colour and minus knitted flower applique

Lacy pull-on hat crown

On the eureeka-moment knitting front, the end of the dirge that is the Blue Mile is nearing! I've just got the sleeves to sew in and then seam it up! Halleluiah!! It's a nice enough style but, OMG, what a drag to knit! However, pictures of my knitting nightmare should be posted by next weekend:) One wee disaster on the last leg... In need of legal stimulation (coffee!), I placed my knitting on the settee to pop off to put on the kettle. There it sat, resplendant on its Brittany Birch needles... Then the daft pup decided to take her favourite squeaking pig toy onto the sett ee for a good old maul and chew. Leaping like an Olympic athlete, she dived on to the sofa, landing straight on top of the Brittany needles, snapping one of them in two:( I'd to finish knitting it on lopsided, non-matching needles...

Angie ( http://jazzycrafts.blogspot.com) made my day, and got me blushing ... she's given me an award!

Thank you, Angie - I'm really chuffed and love watching what you're up to on the crafty front. Am off now to decide who to nominate others who inspire me and make my day too...