I love these colours and am wondering whether or not to try and stick to one colour scheme for a season. I always think that displays -in shops etc. - are more appealing when there is a definite theme. The trouble with me is that when I start dyeing I never really know what colour will emerge , so maybe this is not such a good idea!
My latest knit which is waiting to be felted....I always take a deep breath when I throw things into the washing machine because you never know what might emerge. I have had several disasters - but the excitement of it all is addictive - so I shall never stop!! I now need to start spinning for my Major Project of 2013 - the knitted coat that I have promised myself I shall knit....we shall see.......
Today is my friend Jill's birthday so she is celebrating in style by having breakfast in bed ....... wearing her new bed socks, made by another dear friend, Val. Jill is particularly thrilled by the fact that she can sit and gaze at the felt hearts (felt made and dyed by me!!!). What a birthday!! Mind you last night Jill was invited to go to America for 2 weeks next month - so we'll look after her dog while she goes on her travels....she is a very happy lady today. 25 years ago I made an embroidered birthday card for Jill. Because our birthdays are 6 months apart - we send it to each other so each keeps it for 6 months. It is the archetypal re-cycled card. Each birthday we stick another white label on with our greetings....think of the money we've saved in 25 years!! Talking of which - I gave the birthday girl a small bunch of flowers - picked from her own garden. I believe in economy!!!
I'm wondering whether my fascination with shop windows is somehow connected to my love of patchwork? I can definitely see a connection here with this shop in Paris....even the bunting is reflected in my patchwork bag. I would like to say that this is all carefully thought through and designed - but it isn't at all. In fact I have great problems following any design brief. I start something and go with the flow....to see what emerges!! Having said that, I have had an Idea! I am going to knit myself a long coat - and think I'll make it along the same lines as I make my bags. One of the reasons I never embark on large projects is that I never seem to have enough yarn of the same colour way. So now I must start spinning and dyeing with a vague end product in mind. Time will tell......
We got to the 02 and had a great day. The building is fantastic and, needless to say, I was fascinated with the large installation of blue balls! The dancing was pretty good too. It made me realise once again what a fantastic city London is. When we changed trains at London Bridge Station I was enthralled to see the incredibly high glass, pointed building growing out of the station plaza ... I then turned around and found myself looking at the windows of the room in the Hospital where I spent many years working. It was a bit surreal - because so much felt new and different, and yet at the same time the underlying structure and history of London remains the same. I am always reminded of Samuel Johnson's words...."When you're tired of London, you're tired of life!" Well, I'm certainly not tired of it - so let's hope that's a good sign! By the way, when we got home, Jack's temperature was sky high - poor little boy. He's now in bed......
Last night I collected a large bag of my dyed wools from a friend's attic. It was like being reunited with old friends!! I now have more in my stash to work with as I am getting through quite a lot of knitting on the dark winter evenings. I can't wait to get my dyes back and to start splashing around again with fibre and fabrics...today we are supposed to be going to the O2 to see Strictly Come Dancing....I say suppose because last night Jack's temperature shot up - so we wait to see how he is this morning! At least if I stay behind and babysit I'll get on with more knitting!!!
