Our 1st Birthday!

Yes, a rare photo of me. It was our groups 1st birthday and I was given these lovely flowers from everyone in the group. Big thank you to everyone. I really did appreciate it and they are sitting all pretty in a vase.
Upon arrival everyone was presented with a party hat and a party bag. The talented Magdalena baked our birthday cake. How lovely does this look? Very apt for our group. Plus it was baked with Janette in mind who is gluten intolerant. The cake didn't last long as everyone ate a piece and took some home too.




As it was a children's party we of course played games. The first game was pass the parcel. Here is Janette opening it first. Donna opening it 2nd.

Julia was the third person to open the parcel.

Roberta was the fourth and last person to open the parcel. She won a shawl/scarf kit.

The group then split into two to play two games. Once finished they swapped the games over. Here is Linda and Elaine playing the memory game.

Isobel, Ann (pretending she is deep in thought) and Isobel.

Roberta, Donna and Louise working on their lists.

The third game involved guessing the buttons in the jar. Helen, Margaret, Val, Janette and Laura all working on their guesses.

The groups then swapped games. Margaret, Val and Janette playing the memory game.

Laura concentrating hard on her list.

Adele, Roberta, Donna (waving hello) and Louise playing the button game.

Isobel, Jean and Julia guessing the buttons in the jar.

Laura won the button game. She got to keep the button jar and won a knitting kit.

Magdalena was the proud winner of the memory game and she also won a knitting kit.

It would seem that Ginnie and Gillian have somehow managed to keep out of range of my camera but they were there playing along too. I took some black and white photo's of everyone using a 35mm spool. As soon as it's finished and processed I will scan in their photo's.

Not much knitting went on and I couldn't even tell you who was working on what. However, Janette did manage to bring in a quilt she had finished as gift. Look how pretty it is. We all stood astounded as she told is it only took her about 12 hours to stitch up.

Next week we are back to normal for the most part. It's member of the month time again so Margaret will be interviewed next week. I will hopefully be more informative when it comes to everyone's projects.

For the homecoming challenge we now have exactly one month to finish our projects.

Last but not least, one of the members of the Sunday group asked if I would start up a blog for them. Initially my answer was no due to the work that goes into it. I have since reconsidered so watch this space for a link to the Sunday Stitch n Bitch.

Getting Comfy!

The above images are of Adele's recent finishes. In the first photo you can see Adele modelling her scarf. She started it not long after she joined a few weeks ago. As you can see from the funky bag she has also worked on other projects. The fluffy yarn is popular for scarfs but it really sets of this bag. Adele is now working on a little baby jumper.

Gillian also had a few finishes to show us. As you can see she is modelling a lovely scarf. Again it's using pom pom yarn. This is the third scarf within the group to be knitted up using this yarn. It's a firm favourite at the moment. If you were to get the chance to feel it you would understand why. It looks so unusual and feels so soft. Would definitely keep you cosy in the winter. Gillian also finished a pair of wrist warmers. She used hand painted yarn which gives it a lovely effect. The yarn is also very soft. Last but not least she also knitted a little cardigan and hat for the preemie charity. She spent the night sewing a lovely cardigan using self striping yarn in purples and pinks. All it needs now is buttons. Thanks to tennis elbow Gillian is limited to sewing.

This lovely preemie cardigan was knitted by Isobel. If you remember from last week she also knitted a matching hat. The detail in the pattern of something so tiny is amazing. Isobel was worried this would be too small but we have quite a few items now about this size. It's amazing that this will fit someone so tiny.

Both Ginnie and myself managed to finish the first sock of a set that night. Unfortunately they don't exactly match. The baby sock was knitted by Ginnie. It's part of an order she is knitting up for a friend who is due next week. She promised her friend seven pairs of baby socks (one for each day of the week) and this is part of pair number 6. She hasn't used self striping yarn for a change but two different colours of cotton. Fiddly on something so tiny but it looks lovely. You can see just how small it is thanks to Adele who was our hand model this week. Ginnie only has seven more orders to go and then she plans on challenging herself with some new sock patterns.



Our littlest member sometimes gets forgotten about here. While Adam might not be big enough to start knitting it doesn't mean he isn't interested. He is usually quite happy to sit and watch but occasionally he will want to be carried round everyone to see what they are working on. He took great delight in everyone's bags on Tuesday night but found Adele's knitted bag to be the most comfortable resting spot.




We also had a new member come along. Her name is Cathy and she was working on a scarf. She hasn't knitted in years and has used scarf knitting to get back into it again. Unfortunately she is recovering from a broken wrist and so has to be careful how much she does.



I should apologise. Last week I confused Elaine with Linda. It was actually Elaine who handed in the preemie items. Also the purple scarf she was working on was actually squares. She is knitting squares in purple and pink to make a through for her daughter. Linda meanwhile is working on a white preemie cardigan. Jean has also been working on a baby cardigan, Donna was crocheting granny squares and Joyce was working on a baby top.


Just a reminder that we will be celebrating our 1st birthday next week. I am hoping that it will be good fun and we'll have lots of photo's.


Lastly best wishes to Ann. Her shoulder is playing up and at the moment she isn't allowed to knit.

Helen - April Member of the Month!

1. Tell us about yourself.

I'm over 21 but less than 60. I'm a teacher and have been for many years. I have always been interested in crafts. My mum introduced me to crafts. I saw my mum knit and embroider. She even had knitting B's on Mondays in the house. I've tried all sorts of crafts such as knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, cardmaking and water colour painting.


2. Where did you learn to knit?

I learned at home with mum. I was surrounded by lots of adults knitting. I also knitted at school. At college I had to knit a teddy bear which was dire.

3. What's your biggest success?

Laura's (daughter and group member) chunky cardigan. It turned out well.

4. What was your biggest disaster?

The leaf scarf (see Helen modelling this a few posts back). It knitted up easily but had a problem with embroidering the leaf pattern. I then gave it to Laura which was worse. I had to pick it out and build up the courage to do it myself. My husband asked, "Is it meant to have as many holes?"

5. Your list of favourites;

Favourite yarn - Noro Garden - I'm fascinated by all the colours
Favourite product - Wooden knitting needles. They make such a difference. So much easier to use.
Favourite pattern - The triangular scarf pattern. I like the way it builds up (this pattern has also been used by Margaret and Isobel who admired Helen's completed scarf).
Favourite shop - Stitching time in Hamilton
Favourite website - I shop from a few every now and then but don't really have a favourite. Have shopped from getknitted and kangeroo.com
Favourite colours - Colour is so important to me which is why I love Noro and sock wool. I love the mixture. I'm partial to blues and pinks.
Favourite knitting book - Knitting murder mysteries by Maggie Sefton and Debbie Macomber.

6. What's your dream project?

I look at the magazines and I love the lace projects. I especially like the lace jackets and lace shawls.

7. What do you like to watch/listen to whilst knitting?

I like to have the television on or the radio. Sometimes I download items from radio 4 and listen to that.

8. Do you have a knitting hint/ tip?

Use wooden pins. It's a revelation! Everyone should try to knit socks. It's a revelation!

9. Favourite non-knitting book?

Whatever I'm reading at the time. I like to read in bed at night to unwind.

Big thank you to Helen for being April's member of the month. Look out for May when Margaret will be member of the month followed by Laura in June.

A Small Announcement

I apologise for my absence last week. As Ginnie said I haven't been well. A huge thank you to Ginnie for posting what everyone was up to. Probably just as well since I still wasn't up to speed on everyone's projects of Tuesday there. I can tell you that the above two items were knitted by Pat. As I think I have mentioned before, Pat is in the process of trying to use up all the spare yarn she has. These two projects are a result of that. The first lovely pink suit is for an Annabel doll. The second is a child's cardigan. The edging around the cardigan was done to use up yarn but it really sets it off. Especially with the matching buttons.

We also have yet more knitting for the preemie charity. Joyce knitted this and it managed to make it's way to me last week. The yarn is lovely and soft plus those buttons are gorgeous. I was gutted to hear that Joyce had brought along her shawl and the blanket she had been working on all completed when I was sick. Was dying to show them off. Joyce seems to have different project every week she knits so fast. It's difficult to get photo's of her finished projects to show how lovely they are.

Isobel finished this gorgeous hat. If you remember she mentioned she loved complex patterns during her member of the month interview. This hat gives a hint of that. There is also a matching cardigan which just needs some buttons. So watch this space for a photo. She is currently working on a scarf to replace one she lost. The lovely Noro scarf she knitted went missing a while back.

These gorgeous preemie hat and bootie sets were knitted by Linda. The photo really doesn't do them justice and they are so tiny! Linda also knits for a shoebox charity that I have mentioned before. She is currently knitting a scarf with a lovely, funky, purple yarn. She has recommended buying from a website called The Black Sheep. They are going to be holding a 9 day warehouse sale from 1st May until 9th May. I've actually bought yarn from this website myself and found delivery to be quick and prices to be reasonable.

Ok, now for my announcement. Most people will know this but for those who didn't make it on Tuesday I have given out invitations. I am inviting all members to come along and celebrate the groups 1st birthday on 28th April. It's during our usual time of 7.00pm and in our usual space. Expect games and prizes.

Just a reminder that you have about 6 weeks to complete your challenge. One member has already finished theirs.

Last but not least, the member of the month interview will be posted in the next few days. Poor Helen has been questioned and photographed so watch this space.

So many members!

In Karen's absence (get well soon, we miss you!) here's a quick update on what everyone was up to at last Tuesday's meeting (sorry there are no pictures, you'll just have to keep coming back to look at the finishes!).

• Gillian was working on a new baby jacket in a lovely bright turquoise having finished a pram blanket during the week.
• Ann (how lovely to see you back!) has restarted a pair of socks that she ripped out having used the wrong needles.
• Adele has finished her interesting scarf and was busy making a bag with funky chunky yarns.
• Carol was making another jacket for preemy babies which will add to the growing collection Karen has to deliver to the hospital (closing date end of June for any one still wishing to contribute).
• Isobel was making a fair isle hat in blue and white also for the preemy collection.
• Val was busy with Janpenese folded patchwork, having caught the bug from Carol.
• Janette is still sewing up her fabulous sea green jacket, but has finished some baby hats and has also started a pram blanket in rainbow colours.
• Elaine was on her second scarf for the shoe box appeal.
• Laura is still stitching her elegant lady with scotties -- and it's now beginning to look like this!
• Louise was making a preemy cardigan in coral.
• Annie is making a cardigan for herself which is growing fast.
• Magdalene (with a happy Adam who is also growing fast) continues to work on her hoopy jumper.
• Linda is working on a scarf.
• Donna is busy with her double sided blue and white baby blanket.
• Joyce, probably our fastest knitter brought in the beautiful Tree of Life shawl and the 'hearts' baby blanket that she finished during the week, and is now working on a lovel pink sweater.
• Roberta is making a sweater in bright turquoise.
• Julia is making a baby blanket in a lovely shade of lemon.
• Margaret is making great progress with her dusky pink jacket (having already finished her Homecoming Challenge -- can't wait to see what it is!).
• Monika is crocheting a bag for life and
• Helen is working on her Afghan made with Crofters Chunky.

Needless to say I was making socks! Apologies to any one I left out, and for any mistakes that might have crept in (it's strange how illegible my writing becomes after a triple shot latte....). For those of you missing the 'Review of the Week' I'm currently waiting for some yarn to arrive that will feature in a posting on 'Interesting things to knit with'. Keep watching! That's all for now. Ginnie.

So Many Finishes!

I have lots of finishes from the group to show. First of all here is Gillian's lace Christening Shawl. This was done using cobweb yarn. I've added a few photo's so that you can see the detail. She started this almost a year ago but has done many other projects in between. You can imagine why you would need a break from working on this. She is thinking of doing another one. This time using yarn she intends to spin herself.

Donna also got her scarf finished. We hoped that the white wall would show up the pattern. I think the flash on my camera might be too strong though. It does look good and was worth all the time Donna put into it. Hopefully her fiance will appreciate it. She is now back to working on the crochet blanket for a friend who is expecting.

I managed to finish two more pairs of socks. I am truly addicted. You might recognise the yarn. It's Happy yarn by Wendy which Ginnie has used in the past. I am now onto another pair. This time a pair of knee highs for my sister.

These lovely little baby hats were knitted by Janette. They were done at the request of a friend in work who is going to be a new grandmother. She requested four in two different sizes. These are the first two. Isabel knitted the little flowers that are attached to the hats. Janette is also finishing off her jacket so hopefully we will have another photo from her soon. In other Janette news, her zip slide was postponed to the end of this month due to high winds.

Lots of finishes for the preemie charity too. Val knitted this beautiful cardigan. She is now working on some quilting. It's Japanese quilting which Carol had taught her a few weeks before.

Isabel also finished this beautiful set. You wouldn't believe how tiny the hat is. Ginnie placed a measuring tape against it to give a rough idea of size. She is working on more preemie sets but is looking to do some boy sets.

We also have our first preemie outfits done in crochet thanks to Carol. She crocheted the above three lovely cardigans for the charity. She is now working on a children's quilt for another charity. Herself and a group make quilts for seriously ill children in hospital.

Joyce was working on yet another children's blanket. She has almost finished the Shawl she was working on the week before and will hopefully bring it in for a photo soon. The blanket she is currently working in is in cream and has a lovely heart motif. Ginnie was working on her Guinness socks although she has done a few pairs in between.

We also had yet another new member. Her name is Karen and she was working on a vest using a lovely self striping yarn. She has not long had a baby, so you never know, Adam may have a friend to play with.

Member of the month will be this week instead. Helen forgot to lift her knitting to be photographed.