SWEATERS AND SOCKS .............

Goodness, I had no idea it had been so long since my last post. How time flies! I've had knitty bits and pieces on the go, but been really busy with schoolwork and this and that. But at last I have a couple of finished projects to share. Both of these pairs of socks are gifts that were promised sometime before Christmas and true to my word, once Christmas and New Year were out of the way I cast on. I just haven't been terribly speedy.

These beauties are knit using Stylecraft 'Head Over Heels Boho' yarn in colourway Neva. I love them so much and found it hard to part with them this afternoon, as they were carefully wrapped in readiness for the Post Office tomorrow. I just love the bold striping and gorgeousness of the colour combo. It's the first time I've used a Stylecraft sock yarn and I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised. My eldest daughter has requested a pair in the same colourway, but she may have to wait for Christmas! ;-)

Then there are these little lovelies. How cute are they? Ive had this Regia 'My First Socks' yarn in my stash for some time now and at last it's been put to good use. These are for a two year old, but I chose to make them a little on the large side, so that they will get some wear. She may have to grow into them! The colours are super sweet and by some stroke of luck I had two balls, as one would not have been sufficient.

This weekend has been a lovely pottering weekend, and with the weather so blooming cold, I've made time to just relax and catch up on yarnyness and household bits and bobs, whilst keeping snug and warm in my Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal Tweed Guernsey sweater.

Recently, I was surprised to learn that Debbie Bliss yarns are no longer going to be produced. I have made countless baby and toddler garments from the beautiful 'baby cashmerino', and this weekend decided to seek out enough of the glorious gold merino and cashmere for a second sweater. It is so so warm and washes beautifully.

Cast on starts tonight! HOORAY!

SOCKS DONE.... SOCKS BEGUN.......

Oh my goodness, what's this you ask? A PAIR of sock toes peeping out! Well yes. you would be right. I love this pretty yarn so much and so, that it seems, does the sock knitting fairy who waved her magic wand and sprinkled sock mojo fairy dust all over my needles. Suffice it to say, I love them!

Just look at those gorgeous Arne and Carlos stripes of pattern and that beautiful deep blue. Regia Pairfect have come up trumps with this super duper yarn. 

No sooner were they off the needles than this little ball of gorgeousness leapt into position. I had spotted the Stylecraft pretty Head Over Heels Boho colourways over on Instagram and knew I didn't need but knew I had to have.

This colour way is Neva 3125 and a pair of Dave socks will shortly be winging their way to their new forever home. These beautiful patterned yarns just call out for 'just another row' or 'just another colour stripe' to be completed. I'm hoping these will be done in a week tor two!

Here are all four of my chosen colour ways. I love them all!

LIBERTY SOCKS....

Well, I just had to pop in, although very briefly, to show this loveliest little sock that is just hot off the needles. My knitting time still seems to much reduced at present, but I am ever hopeful that more knitting hours will begin to appear in my days! ;-)

This delightful little number is made using Regia Pairfect yarn colourway 09138. I spotted the yarn along with a display sock in Liberty's back before Christmas and just knew I had to have it. I just love how the yarn works so perfectly, producing the solid colour cuff, heel and toe. The second of the pair is already underway and I may even have a pair by this time next week, as long as the knitting gods are on my side. Wish me luck! :-)

MERRY CHRISTMAS....

Merry Christmas from Snoopydog headquarters! I've been so so busy this term with never-ending assessment marking and recording and excessive lesson planning demands, that my blog has been sadly neglected and is feeling very sorry for itself. However, today is the day when there seems to be a slight lull in festivities, as everyone takes a short break to recoup their energy before the annual Boxing Day quiz at the local pub this evening.

What little I have had in the evenings and weekends has mainly been taken up with getting this little beauty under way and red hoodie knitting for Evie. The blanket is Attic 24's Hydrangea Blanket and I have to say, the very simple pattern and gorgeous soft colours have made for perfect wind down crochet after busy days.

This is the simple red hoodie made for Evie's fourth birthday. It just doesn't seem possible that this little munchkin is four years old already. It only seems like yesterday, that we were making a rushed and unexpectedly early, long journey to Manchester to meet this little sweetheart.

The hoodie pattern is by Debbie Bliss and always turns out well. I used Rowan's pure wool DK in a suitably festive red, as her birthday is on the 22nd of December.

December 1st  heralded the start of another December's worth of Opal mini-skeins. I love the anticipation of seeing what wonders lie behind the little door each morning. I have yet to decide what to make, but I suspect i may well go for a pair of granny square cushions, like the one featured above that was made alongside six socks with last year's yarns.

I managed to make this beautifully festive bunting a couple of weekends ago, using a ready cut kit, given to me by Josiekitten last Christmas. The fabric designs and colour combo are perfect, ensuring that the little flags make a perfect addition to the festive decorations.

All the children and grandchildren are home for Christmas and we have enjoyed relaxing dog walks and just being together, sharing good food and wine and most importantly, each other's company. Here's hoping you've enjoyed the festive also!

PLANET EARTH BLANKET .......DONE!

Well hello! I'm so sorry that it's been so long. I hadn't quite realised how quickly the weeks had slipped by until popping in just now to let you see my finished blanket. I've been pretty busy one way or another and time has just flown. But here I am, with a finished project at long last.

I have to say, I'm very much in love with this gorgeous blanket and love that the new owner will be little Isaac. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to think of that beautiful little man snuggling up in the cosiness of his Planet Earth stripes. I'm so happy with my final colour choices, chosen to reflect as much of the natural world as possible, for my special little explorer.

I'm in love with the simplicity of the edging too! I'm not really a fan of elaborate crochet; it's the simple look for me!

 Within seconds of placing the blanket on the kitchen floor to attempt a 'whole blanket' shot, Oscar had made himself at home; quickly putting his head down and closing eyes, as if he had been there forever. Dear boy!

I just can't get enough of my colour combo!

Believe it or believe it not, I've also managed to begin another blank. This one will be for me, unless anyone claims desired ownership! It's Attic 24's Hydrangea Stripe Blanket. The colours are gorgeous and the pattern is simple, so it's perfect for mindless stitching after a long day!

Thank you so much for stopping by. I promise not to be gone too long this time! x

NEARLY THERE.....

Good afternoon! It's just a quick pop-in today, as I have a mountain of schoolwork to catch up on. To say `I've been procrastinating would be rather an understatement, so now I really do need to get down to it.

However, part of the problem is that I am really wanting this little beauty finished so that it can be winging its way to dear little Isaac, to keep him warm and snuggly. It's single bed size and I have ten more stripes to complete before embarking on the border. So near and yet so far!

I'm really liking my choice of colours, picked to represent the wonderful array of colours in the natural world. I have no doubt that Isaac, who is now sixteen months old, is going to be very much an outdoorsy kind of boy! :-)

Better get a move on and get this work done, then there may be time for another stripe or two this evening. Have a good week everyone!

MINI-RAINBOW SOCKS

Well here they are!!! Pretty aren't they?  The yarn is 'Stride' by 'The Knitting Swede' and I'm pretty much in love with it. I really should have used a different heel, so as not to disturb the flow and regularity of the pattern, but never mind, I still love them!

There have not been many finished projects over the last however many weeks, as I have been seriously trying to get a move on with Isaac's blanket. Blanket crocheting over the summer is not as much fun as it is once the nights start to draw in again. Well now they have, so I have no excuse. Next mission is to finish it! Watch this space!