GALLOPING AWAY......

Good evening, once again! I can't believe how quickly the weeks seem to be 'galloping away'. In no time at all, it will be Christmas and the nights will begin drawing out again. I guess, the upside is that I must be gainfully occupied. Busy, is the word!!!!! Knitting is having to squished into little pockets of time whenever and wherever. I really don't mind being busy. In fact, I like it, but I would much, much rather be busy knitting, than doing all the other 'necessary' jobs.

Anyway, now that Oscar seems to be recovering, or at least not limping anywhere as much as he was, Mr Snoops and I decided to resume our Sunday morning al fesco coffee drinking trips. What a lovely surprise greeted us as we arrived in the city centre. I adore these old fashioned 'galloping horses' carousels and this one is a really beautiful example. We watched as the covers were removed and the coke was shovelled into the steam engine, ready for some excited little customers to arrive later in the morning.

I know I'll have to go back and pay the 'gallopers' a visit when the lights are on and the carousel is spinning and the organ is playing. I can't wait!

Knitting progress has had another rather slow week. Certainly no 'galloping' there! I completed a little hat for Sophie, using the remainder of the Rico 'creative poems' aran from the colourful bolero. There was not really quite enough, so the I'm not sure the hat will fit. The pattern is Woolly Wormhead's 'Baby Tri-Peak Hat' . It's very simple, very quick and the pattern is beautifully written. It was quite difficult to photograph without a sweet little Sohie head handy, but here it is.....

I received a new book this week, bought very cheaply from one of Amazon's 'book sellers' . It's 'Hats On!' by Charlene Schurch. I had liked several hat patterns that had come from this book, on Ravelry. I guess the book may now be out of print, as it's an American 1999 publication. It's in black and white, but the for the princely sum of £4.37 I consider it a bargain.

I've chosen to knit the Aran Watch Cap for Mr Snoops as a Christmas gift. It will keep his head nice and toasty, when he's out with Oscar. I'm using Rowan's 'pure wool aran' this time. The last two 'man' hats were made using Rowan 'felted tweed', which is not stretchy and springy enough for hats. Hopefully, this will give a more successful result.

The aran coat is slowly growing. I have almost finished the second front and will then just have the sleeves and collar to complete, before the dreaded assembling and sewing-up begins. Perhaps I'll be able to show you a little more substantial progress next week.

That's all there is to tell this weeek. Not very exciting, but a normal, 'run of the mill' week for old Snoops. Oh, just  a couple more snippets of everyday life......

..... a week's worth of woolly socks and a woolly jumper, waiting to be put in the airing cupboard this morning. So bright and colourful and snuggly-looking. I just had to bury my face in them!

....... a saucepan full of delicious leek, onion and potato soup, just waiting to be galloped through the Magimix. That's lunches sorted for the week! Hmmm! Think the camera lens got a little steamy ;-).

Right must dash!  Off to the pub now, for the monthly Quiz. We meet up with friends and enjoy a couple of beers. So, no knitting tonight!

Have good week everyone.