Winter woolly knitting season is here and some sad news.

Hello knitty & all crafty folks.

I don’t know about you but I am definitely an autumn winter soul. I always feel dressed when in woolly finery, perhaps it’s just because our British summers are so hit and miss it’s so hard to get the look right.

I did however finish the Camisole no 2 from My Favourite Things which I knitted in Knitting for Olives pure silk in Rhubarb. I absolutely love it and will likely do another at some point.

Last time I told you about the Shifty Sweater from Andrea Mowry I was working on using some stunning yarn from The Little Grey Sheep Co – they are the definition of flock to needles. The sweater is a joy, however I’m not totally loving the fit, it feels too big. I am therefore thinking I’m going to spend a rainy day ripping out all the colourwork and re-knitting it 😕

I’ve currently three and a bit projects on my needles that must be finished before my upcoming hand surgery ( we’ll pretend the other hundred or so skulking in the craft room are merely a wicked rumour)! The first is a sweater my husband’s aunt had not long cast on for her husband when she suddenly passed away a few months back. I’ve bought it home to complete, it’s slightly slow going as Sandra knitted on straight pins which my hands really don’t like and as I’m trying to match her tension it’s little and often.

The second is the Eastwind Jacket from Emily Foden’s stunning Knits about Winter book that I’ve been chuntering on about. I am in love with this project and about 60% complete. I’m using a combination of The Fibre Co’s Lore in Gentle overlaid with artyarns silk mohair in rose ombre. The edging is working beautifully in one of my all time favourite yarns from Erika Knight – British Blue 100, this is Cymbeline. You will also notice Monty Mouse poking out of the pocket, a little bit of whimsy from Loop London I fell for.

The ‘a bit’ project is one that wasn’t on my radar until I noticed Magpie Fibres & Andrea Mowry’s KAL, The Stonecrop cardigan. I loved the Bloomsbury set feel of it in rich winter shades and have used John Arbon’s Devonia yarn in Ocean Rain plus Urth Uneek for the contrast from Tribe in Richmond. Urth plant a tree for every skein sold which is a fab idea. This is almost done and was my first attempt at steeking. Let’s just say it wasn’t the tidiest attempt ever so I will be inserting a placket lining.

The fabric under the cardigan was for a bag, when I rediscovered it though it is now earmarked for a skirt.

The final project I have only just cast on so I’ll save pics for another time, it’s Ghost Horses from Boyland Knitworks and I’m using Dyed in the Wool in Ghost Ranch from Spincycle Yarns and Northiam from Kettle Yarns in Shale. Kettle Yarn is a relatively new find for me and I’m already considering it a new favourite.

Now for a few of my favourite things. I love to share new discoveries as that is often how I find new goodies to investigate. I don’t advertise or have any sponsors so anything I chat about will be something I have bought and genuinely love ( If on the odd occasion anything has been a gift I will say so).

A few months back I noticed a little olive wood dish from Under the Olive Tree knits. This had been made by her talented hubby David ( @dave_and_his_lathe ) on Instagram. I got in touch and the result from this lovely pair was a customised dish with my logo and some treats inside from Jem. This dish sits on my lamp table and is a work of art in it’s own right.

Another company I’m growing ever fonder of are Knit IQ. I first came across them after purchasing some of their fab, very thick blocking mats. I joined their VIP club ( would recommend doing so) and tried out their lovely wool wash, both of which I’ve talked about previously. They have recently bought out a deluxe set of their mats in a fab canvas case with a cute tin on T Pins, and for some lovely reason sent me a set as a gift so here they are. Along with the ones I’d bought earlier I’m using them for blocking, sample mood boarding and steeking safety to prevent slippage where you don’t want it 🙄 They would be a great addition to any knitters Christmas wish list imo. X

My final favourite for this time is my Lykke needles. I first came across them after buying a couple of fixed circulars. Their set of adjustable ones went on my Christmas list last year and hubby got the many hints. The reason I’m mentioning them (aside from the fact they are gorgeous) is for some reason I find working with them seems to put much less strain on my temperamental joints than other circulars of the same ilk I have tried. I’ve no idea why but if you have any hand / finger joint issues you may want to give them a try, I’d love to see what you think. They also do tiny fixed circulars which mean you can knit socks, gloves and sleeves in the round without magic loop or dpn’s- joy.

Now for my sad news. You’ll notice my beloved old mad cat on the title page this month. Sadly the time came for him to join his sister in catty afterlife. He was just over 19 so had a long and spoilt life but anyone who has lived with very chatty Burmese will know just how quiet the house is now.

Next time I’ll update you on my progress on the projects above, I think I’ve about seven weeks before my right hand and wrist are reconfigured so no pressure!

I’ll also tell you why I spent the day with Erika Knight and Anette Eriksson last week ( so exciting) even if I got totally sidetracked by Winnie the three legged chihuahua!

I hope you all remain well and suitably immersed in your chosen crafts.

Til next time

Love

Magpie 😘