Sunday 11 February 2024

Stash Busting

 Whilst not absolutely essential I feel that it would be good to use up some of my stash. Like most knitters I have been known to have an impulse shop, often attracted to a yarn for the colour or maybe perceived bargain qualities. Variegated yarns have always caught my eye, especially hand dyed yarns. Often purchased as a souvenir of a trip, however, it is usually only a small purchase and one or two skeins is not enough for a garment. Enough for a scarf or mittens but I never get around to knitting them.


 In recent times I have been more disciplined and only buy yarn in amounts sufficient for a sweater or cardigan. These two yarns are examples of this. The variegated yarn was purchased last year on a holiday in Western Australia, a totally unexpected find in a bookshop that had a sideline in yarn and the grey mohair from a shop that was closing down. Enough of both to make a cardigan.


So the swatching was done and I didn’t like the lace type pattern and make the decision to just knit the cardigan in stocking stitch.


I tried the garment on at the point of picking up the stitches for the sleeves and was pleased with the fit. I knit one sleeve and tried it on again but didn’t like the dropped shoulder sleeve. I unpicked the sleeve and opted to make the cardigan into a vest.


Very pleased with this and anticipate lots of wear when the weather cools, Australian summers are too hot to get into warm knitwear.

Tuesday 2 January 2024

Is a Goal a Resolution?

 New Year has arrived and I always get the same question… Made a resolution? I am not one for resolutions as such but last year I set myself a goal for 2023 - that I would knit six jumpers/sweaters or cardigans. I only knit for myself and usually a garment. I have no need for mitts, gloves, beanies, socks or  scarves, so much as I might like to make them I know that they will sit in the cupboard unworn. I knit all year round and just about every day even if just a row or two and try to make the most of spare moments, tv time or when a passenger in the car. This is my year of knits.

Knit number 7. My most recent knit was  challenge. I used a worsted weight yarn instead of the suggested double knit and did some scaling down of the pattern, this was mostly successful except for the sleeves which were looser than I like so I unpicked and scaled the sleeves down to the style and shape that I prefer. I like this pattern a lot so am considering knitting it again in the weight of yarn specified in the pattern. The pattern is by Tomomi Yoshimoto and knit in Nua worsted from Stolen Stitches. These photos were taken on a road trip before it was fully finished and blocked. Now blocked but put away for Winter.

There are times when the garment does not suit me or doesn’t fit as it should, when this happens I usually gift it to someone rather than undo it and reknit. The exception to this would be if the yarn was extra special. This was the case with my first knit for the year. I really loved the pattern and was a little disappointed when it was finished, the style and drape was just not suitable for my busty/curvaceous body. Fortunately my friend and neighbour Patsy thought it would be perfect for her early morning walks with the dogs.

Pattern is the Twisted Loop Sweater by Otherloops and knit in double knit from Bendigo Woolen Mills.


Knit number two.  Another that I didn’t like on me. My friend Tina likes it and is happy to wear it. Adapted from the Waterlands pattern by Lotta Lothgren and knit in double knit from Bendigo Woollen Mills.


Knit number Three. A variation of one of my favourite patterns , Doocot by Kate Davies and knit in double knit from Bendigo Woollen Mills. I wanted a sweater that I could wear over a dress so opted for a cropped version and a split in the front. I finished the bands with an Icord edge.


Knit number 4. Another version of Doocot and using up odds and ends from my stash.




Knit number 5. Oscail cardigan from Stolen Stitches. I love all the different cables. Both the pattern and yarn were part of the Celtic Knits Club purchased from Stolen Stitches. I will be participating again this year.

Knit number 6  Another from Stolen Stitches. Galanta Sweater. Pattern and yarn from Stolen Stitches as a Knit Along.


I also knit the yoke for this sweater. This was my original knit number 2 but I knew it would be too open in the neck for me. I was happy to gift the yolk rather than pull it out.


And started but will not be finished for awhile. All the crafting, cooking and celebrating for December has slowed my progress. I managed seven finished knits for 2023 so well and truly achieved my goal. My goal for 2024 is to knit with no specific number of garments planned but to use up some of my (extensive) yarn stash including this fabulous collection of yarns.


My Advent Calendar from Kate Davies Designs, 24 mini skeins of Millarochy Tweed, all different colours and an e book of patterns. Good fun and something I will do again if it is offered.

Sunday 31 December 2023

2023 Comes to An End


Where has December gone?  The flurry of Christmas preparations always begins with my mass production of a handmade decoration, most often a Santa. This is the Santa 2023. With so much emphasis on decluttering  I very nearly decided not to make them this year but when a couple of friends sent me photos of  their collections I set to.

This is my friend Helena’s mantle, there are more of my Santas tucked away in other spots in the room.


Decorations went up nice and early, every surface had a Christmas makeover. Nothing like a daily visit from my grandson, Oscar, to spur me on.

We had lots of fun making decorations. There is nothing like the enthusiasm of a young person who would ask ‘What are we making today, Nanna?’


Something new for me this year. I treated myself to this fabulous Advent Calendar from Kate Davies Designs. 

Each day a new skein of yarn. So pleased to say I did not give in to the temptation of opening before they should have been. So excited , there is an online knit along starting in the new year that I may join but more on that another time.

There has been baking, lots of baking. All the usual Christmas treats which are all on this blog and some new ones like these Christmas Spice Cookies and Sugar Cookies




Plus this small celebration cake to celebrate my friends Kaylene and Flavio’s fiftieth wedding anniversary. I have made this cake before, it is a beautiful cake and gluten free, perfect for Kaye. The Kransekage / Celebration cake from the Fika and Hygge cookbook by Bronte Aurell. I was so pleased to make this for them.

I hade enormous fun with ‘the elf ‘ helping him to find a new hiding place each day. Oscar loved the experience of  finding him and was quite taken by the elf getting into the chocolates in the cupboard.


All the leftovers have been consumed and of course I love the fun and joy of the silly season but really glad ‘it comes but once a year’. Now for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. 


Friday 24 November 2023

Flinders Ranges



This is an edited version of the original post. There has been a problem with the photos. Where possible I have replaced photos and removed sections where I no longer had photos to use.  

A lovely couple of days touring around the Flinders Ranges. We have been very lucky with the weather, there has been rain and not too hot.


A couple of views of the ranges. What a difference a day makes, the first on a sunny day. The second on a grey and gloomy day.


This emu family just casually strolled past the verandah of our accomodation.


Wild goats galore



The Prairie Hotel at Paranchila, an unexpected and delightful hotel/restaurant and gallery.


 One of the artworks that caught my eye


Some of the ‘feral food’ options available, all clearly labelled to identify the meat source. Kangaroo, goat,  camel and emu were featured in a variety of guises from pate and mettwurst to camel sausages and braised kangaroo.


Lovely places to picnic and wander


Rawnsley Park Station had very comfortable accomodation and a restaurant.


The lamb tasting platter (for two). An excellent introduction to the dining to be had at the station.


I love old trees with their gnarled trunks and exposed root structures. This one obviously surviving in the water course/creek bed.



Wilpena Pound ( Ikara )

This is an edited version of the original post. There has been a problem with the photos. Where possible I have replaced photos and removed the sections where I no longer had photos to use.

A little walk through the Ikara National park. There were lots of walks to be had and many far too challenging. We took note … steep climb, very fit, walking poles recommended, nine hours, a heap of warnings and decided that we should just take the gentle stroll option along a clear path. There was plenty to see as we ambled along. The big gums





And amazing root balls on the fallen trees



And the rock walls that lined the walking track










Thursday 23 November 2023

Winery Tours

This is an edited version of the original post. There has been a problem with the photographs. Where possible I have replaced the photos and removed sections where I no longer have the photos to use or support the text.




A couple of days in the Clare Valley, wining and dining before we head to the Flinders Ranges. 


Always happy to pose with a sign. Fairly sure that none of the above apply


Whilst I do not partake in the tasting I will happily amuse myself with some knitting 


The lads were also keen to pose


More scrumptious dining, this grazing platter at O’Leary.



And something a little more casual, a pie and a coffee from a bakery en route.
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