Sunday 24 April 2011

EASTER GREETINGS!


 Gosh! Doesn't a week fly by when you are enjoying yourself. We had an absolutely perfect time, thanks to some very thoughtful weather. It was HOT all week! We spent most of it in and around Dalby Forest, where this photo of mum and lamb was taken. I think the sheep breed may be a Wensleydale, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

Knitting took a back seat, as we were out and about most of the time. However, I have managed to complete the little 'Daisy Cardi' for Sophie. It won't fit her just yet, but will be a warm layer in late summer, when the evenings are turning a little cooler.


It's a Debbie Bliss pattern and knite up really easily. I really like the simple shaping of the collar, which means it lies flat nicely and looks good. I'm not usually a fan of collared knitted items. The little daisies were blanket stitched on around the little eyelet holes, at the end.


I've managed to get started on Clue 2 of 'Spriteling', but only when in the cottage, as we left last Friday before it was published. I've had to follow the chart nd instructions from the computer screen! Needless to say, I've unpicked and ripped back several times, but have now reached Row 80. There are fourteen more rows to complete before the next clue is released.


The pattern has just begun to change and is less dense, but I guess I need to complete the last few rows for you to be able to see the pattern change clearly.


I love the pretty edging!


I have to say that 'lifelines' are a real lifesaver! This is not too difficult a pattern, but when you make an error, it is very tricky to correct with so many yarnovers, especially as I am not an experienced lace knitter. I could become one though! I've really enjoyed seeing the pattern develop and the interest created by having to concentrate on every stitch. Mind you, I'm saying that towards the end of a very relaxing holiday fortnight! I think lace knitting can only ever be for the  holidays.

I had three balls of yarn left over from the little 'Daisy Cardi', so rather than stash it, I made a very hasty visit to John Lewis, where I exchanged it for some Debbie Bliss 'eco baby'.


Not sure what it's going to be yet, but probably this summer cardi for Sophie. The yarn is actually a little lighter than the shade in the photo.

The Easter holidays are very nearly at an end now, so we have made the most of the Easter weekend, relaxing in the garden. We came home on Friday to lots more Spring blooms, that had blossomed whilst we were away.


I just love wisteria! It always seems miraculous how the pale, delicate, twisting tendrils can  sprout from the twisted, gnarled woody branches and the burst forth into such an amazingly beautiful display of colour and shape.


Bluebells have been a long time favourite of mine, since I was very young, in fact.  We now seem to have mutations in various shades of pink as well as these pretty 'whitebells'.

Oscar was pleased to be reacquainted with the garden. He has spent much of the weekend rooting out his best branches and logs!


Three days back at school next week and then another four day break! Hooray! See you next week!

16 comments:

Lynne said...

Sophie's cardigan is lovely, I take my hat off to you for all that moss stitch!

The Spritling is looking fab! Well done for sticking with it, the edging is lovely.

two bones and a bagle said...

Glad you had a good break the lace knitting is lovely I find it really tricky to do I never seem to know where I am with it.

Lyn said...

What a lovely spring post, You are very patient with the lace knitting, well done!
I love the wisteria too, ours is not out yet but think we are a little behind everyone else!
love
Lyn
xxx

josiekitten said...

The little cardigan for Sophie is very pretty with those daisies embroidered on. Well done on your Spriteling - I'm still finishing off clue 1! Enjoy your 3 day week! xx

Kathy said...

I think holiday weeks always go faster than school weeks .... it's a proven scientific law! Looks like you've certainly filled your weeks with good things!
Oscar looks pleased to rediscover his treasures .... I think Inca always likes to be on her home turf after we've been away too.
We've got three days this week, and three days the following week too, because we are used as a polling station. Bless the Royal Family and local government!!!
Love Kathy xxx

Molly the Airedale said...

Our mom loves wisteria too! She can't wait for ours to bloom!
Happy Easter!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Tracy said...

Hi, Ros...Happy Easter! Very glad you're having a great break and enjoying the days. And amazing how much knitting you have been doing! LOVE Sophie's cardi! Moss stitch always looks so good. I'd like one in my size. ;o) Your lace knitting is lovely--very impressive too. Love the blue for Sophie's next cardi. Wonderful to all in bloom there. Our first daffodil bloomed here now Easter weekend. And I actually did some knitting. ;o) Hoping to share about it tomorrow... Enjoy the rest of your break ((HUGS))

AnnaPrasad said...

Gorgeous little cardigan. Happy Easter to you too!

Hannonle said...

Your flowers look lovely.
We don't have Wisteria (which I love in the pic) but we do seem to have the blue/white bells in our garden too.

We didn't live here this time last year so it's been nice seeing all the spring flowers come up.


That daisy cardigan is really pretty. All that moss stitch deserves an award! What size was it? Something tiny I hope, for your sake!

Stadtwaldvogel said...

That little cardigan for Sophie is so cute! She will be very pretty in it. You are making good progress with your Spriteling. Lace knitting is much fun, isn't it? Well, for me knitting shawls is the best part of knitting.
Your garden is just beautiful!
Have a nice week!
Yours, Julia

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

I do love the wisteria, so fragrant and delicate.
Oscar looks content with his big stick.
Have a great week.
Susan x

Jennyff said...

That little cardigan is beautiful, you are such a good Gran (and I am a terrible great aunt). Nice short week for you, hope you'll be settling down in front of the telly with your knitting on Friday.

Unknown said...

Here's the thing. I so want to come across the pond just to yarn shop. You all are soooooo lucky. This Debbie Bliss is so $$$$$ here. And you my friend, make it look all the better. Can't wait for the big wedding Friday. Which by the way, will mean the G.B. will be up at 3am to watch.

melissa said...

happy easter ros!
(two days late, but better late than never, right?)

love the latest sophie cardi to come off your needles. she is certainly the best dressed little lady in all of england! how lucky she is to have such a talented and generous grandma!

Serenata said...

Lovely to 'meet' you. I too love wisteria and have an amazing one that has grown up a conifer tree - hubby keeps threatening to cut it back, but I always tell him to wait until it has flowered...and then he forgets!

Love the knitting, especially the sweet little cardigan.

Heldasland said...

What a delightful cardigan. Hope I dont sound silly but once you put in a lifeline, how does it come off?. I love knitted lace but it terrifies me so I crochet them instead.That will look superb once it is completed.