What a night!

This week saw the conclusion of the Hats for Sea-farers charity knit. The final count was 67 garments, including some balaclavas. A big thank you to all who participated  in this event. I would also like to thank Margaret who organised the collection of hats and the raffle tickets.

Stephanie has created another ripple blanket. This pattern looks great in lots of different colourways.

I tried my hand at crocheting a mandala in cotton. As you know, Crochet is a skill that does not come easily to me, so you can imagine my relief when I finally completed this item. I think I need a little more practice.

Margaret completed this smart v-neck jersey for her husband. It is not very often that Don requests a knitted garment and I bet he will be delighted with this on the cooler evenings.

Jean knitted this marvellous aran jacket for her grand-daughter. There is no dought that she will be delighted with this. I particularly like the little label sewen at the bottom of the garment. "Handknitted by Gran with Love." Lovely touch!

This pretty Pompom blanket was also knitted by Jean. I love these!

Janice donated some more pompoms to the collection being assembled by Lyn for the Kirstie Allsop World Record attempt.

This is just a sample of the pompoms that Lyn has collected so far.

I think we should get Isabel a dressing up box for her impending retirement. This week she was eager to model Janice's uniform as a volunteer for the Commonwealth Games. Janice will be working at the Tollcross International Swimming Pool and will be available for photos and autographs during the games.

Phillis brought along an amazing variety of baby hats that she had knitted. I would like to welcome Phillis to the group and look forward to seeing her other finishes.

Elaine always has something on the go. This week she was proud to display this beautiful baby blanket and a final hat for the Sea-farers charity.

Tuesday was also our Annual Challenge night. The theme this year was Glasgow or the Commonwealth Games. The First Prize in the Adapted category was won by Stephanie with this handsome chap.

The First Prize in the Original Category was won by Elaine with that well known Glasgow icon, The Duke of Wellington complete with his cone!

The runner-up prize was won by Janice with Bonnie and Clyde dolls. Bonnie is resplendent in her volunteers uniform and Clyde is the Commonwealth Games mascot.

Monica and Laura were the judges this year and were amazed with the inventiveness of the participants and the skills required to complete each item.

Last but not least, I would like to show case a great idea by Jemma. How trendy is this pair of trainers! Customized to create a cool look for summer. Love it!

It was such a busy night that we ran out of seats and a couple of our athletic members were relegated to sitting on the floor. Next week will be Swati's baby shower, Lyn would like to remind everyone that this Saturday is the Last Saturday of the Month and you are all welcome to craft in Hobbycraft between 11am and 1pm.

Where Did You Get That Hat?

Those lucky Sea-farers will be delighted to tell admirers that their hats came from Glasgow Fort Knit and Natter! June had fun creating this colourful dozen for our group charity that ends next Tuesday night, 24th June. Margaret will draw this event to a close when she does the raffle.

Janice has been really creative by completing Pompoms for Lyn's collection that will join the World Record breaking attempt organised by Kirstie Allthrope. Janice had time to knit one of her famous fairies and Clyde, the mascot for the Commonwealth Games.

As you know Rainbow blankets are in vogue at the moment and this wee cracker was another finish by Janice. The blanket will be donated to the Creche that Janice volunteers at to raise funds.

We had a surprise visitor on Tuesday night, Swati's Mum, Sheila, came along to the group. Sheila arrived from India last week and has come over for the birth of Swati's first child. It is always amazing to see crafts from around the world and we were delight to see the traditional Indian jewellery that Sheila made for Swati to wear at her baby shower on 1st July. The baby shower is shaping up to be a very special occasion.

Izzy is our sewing queen! She is full of great ideas and her latest makes are for the Shoe Box Appeal. Each little bag contains a Teddy, a doll's blanket and two little pillows. They were greatly admired and almost did't make to the charity!

Roberta had another finish for her neice's new grandchild. This lovely crocheted blanket  will be put to good use.

This charming set was knitted by the lovely Esther. The detail is stunning and this will make a fabulous gift.

Just a wee reminder that the Challenge is next week and that the prizes are are terrific. The entry fee this year will be £1.

Not Last Week BUT The Week Before.........

Jillian is a big fan of pompom yarn and has worked two beautiful soft baby blankets. 

The solid colour blanket is just as cute as the multi-coloured yarn.

Elaine had created some pompoms for Lyn's challenge to participate in Kirstie Althorpe's World Record Breaking line of pompoms.

Lyn started her contribution to the record breaking attempt with these multi-coloured woolly pompoms.

Caroline had crocheted this wonderful rainbow blanket. The stitching is stunning! This is an amazing gift for someone.

Roberta was in a purple mood when she knitted these lovely socks. It is amazing the number of people who are now attempting socks. Ginnie Willis you must be so proud that your sock influence has spread throughout the group.

This bonnie pink baby dress was also knitted by Roberta.

Is there no end to this woman's talents? Roberta completed this marvellous red and white aran cardigan. Wow! I wonder what she will bring in next week!

Catriona joined the group recently and brought along this nifty romper suit she had completed. 

 I just love these pink bootees that Catriona had knitted. So cute!

 This stunning baby coat and hat would go beautifully with the bootees. I look forward to seeing Catriona's next finish.

The teacup candle was bought by Fiona on a facebook auction. Our own talented Norma had made this and donated it to the auction.

As you know, Ponchos are on trend at the moment. Fiona had fun working on this little outfit.

 How cute are these little teddy slippers? Fiona created a loud ahhhh! when she displayed this set. These would be a hit at any baby shower.

Anthea has been working on her crocheted flower blanket for about five months. I've admired it in various stages of development and was disappointed to have missed its completion. It looks amazing. What an achievement!

I was on holiday and missed these wonderful finishes and would like to say a huge thank you to Janice for taking the photos and and keeping the notes. I would also like to thank the seven people who assisted me in downloading the photos and juggling them around the computer towards blogger. I shall now retire to the safety of the couch and sip a large chilled glass of wine.

All Sorts!

Stephanie had been busy knitting this lovely hat and jacket set. As you know, she always includes interesting buttons that had been purchased on the internet. It is great to see these heritage patterns coming back into fashion again. Unfortunately, I did not keep my Mum's. Anyway, this beautiful baby dress is knitted in cotton and looks fabulous!

Lyn had asked for pompoms for Kirstie Allthorp's Homemade Fair. She wants to set a world record for a continuous line of Pompoms and Stephanie was happy to participate.

Noreen was delighted to show this bonnie poncho and headband set that she had crocheted for her cousin's grand-daughter, Bonni. I love baby things!

Lyn has asked me to remind everyone that the annual Knit in Public Day is this Saturday and everyone is cordially invited to come along to Hobbycraft for a spot of crafting..

I thought Stephanie had done well with her pompom making but Roberta created an outstanding 43 pompoms for the world record attempt!  This is a great way to use up your odds and ends.

Isabel enjoys doing colour work and has knitted this amazing pair of socks as a present for a friend's retirement. The socks are spectacular!

Magda knitted this pair of aran weight socks for herself with yarn she received as a gift. She loved the self striping yarn and even managed to make the patterns coincide but she did suffer from second sock syndrome! Magda didn't believe it existed until now. Second sock syndrome is when a knitter completes one sock and then is unable to conjure up the enthusiasm to do the second sock! Karen and I have experienced being in the doldrums too. The good news is, that it is not permanent!