THE TIME HAS COME....

It's heavenly to be able to cast on and knit without a head full of things that I feel I really should be doing instead. To just sit, knit and complete a soft, squishy bundle of yarn goodness. It's been a long time coming, but now the time has come I'm determined to make the most of it!

We have come up to North Yorkshire for a week and after a very, very cold day at the coast before we came away, I decided the time had come to make a warm, woolly hat for my very own head. I have to say, that this was quite a momentous moment, as I have never, ever worn a hat; not a wedding hat, a sun hat, or any other kind of hat come to that. There is just one exception...... a dark green school beret! Needless to say, the offending item didn't appear on my head as often as it should, which led to 'penalty points' and detentions during my grammar school years. Since then, I've managed to escape the need of any form of head attire, very nicely.

The pattern and scrummy yarn that have helped to bring about this turnaround have produced this little beauty! It's Anne Hanson's 'Squish Me Cap' (a very addictive little number!) and the yarn is John Arbon's 'Knit by Numbers' KBN04. I've not used this lovely 100%merino yarn before and I have to say I have been unexpectedly surprised by it's amazing softness. It feels as though there must be a whole cuddly alpaca hidden inside, but no it's purely 100% merino. A delightful find. It does specify hand wash, so I hope the washing of it will not disappoint. The finished hat is fab. I love it!

I can't seem to be without a pair or two of socks on the go at the moment, so this pair of Rachel Coopey's 'Dave Socks' had to make their appearance on the evening before we made our long journey northwards. I always like to cast on and get the ribbing done, before they become my travelling companion.

As you can see, it was quite a long journey ( and I drove for almost half the way)! After this afternoon's coastal trip I've now almost reached the toe. Smiles! The yarn is from my stash (even bigger smile!) and is a Regia Color yarn in colour way 03726. I'm just loving these bright and happy stripes. 

I've also begun the first of some baby knits for Evie's little brother or sister due to be born in May. He or she will be our fourth grandchild. I don't have pics yet, but a a little 'Anderson' cardi by Lisa Richardson is under way. I'll post a few pics next time, although I have to confess that the happy sock stripes keep calling out for my attention!!!! 

Needless to say, Oscar has been loving his Yorkshire break and making the most of any beach time.

The time had also come for some family catch-up time. It's always tricky to co-ordinate when they live a distance away and we are all so busy with careers etc. School holidays are the only suitable windows of time. Our eldest daughter and her gorgeous family visited for the weekend and our son and his lovely family are taking a day trip to see us on Tuesday. Easter weekend was happily spent with our younger daughter and her partner, so we will have managed a catch-up with them all. Hooray!