Wednesday 7 October 2009

Of yarn and beads and other lovely things

It has been weeks since I last updated this blog. The time has just flown by as I have been so busy at home and at work.

On 12th September I went up to London to attend the 'IKnit London Weekender' with M otherwise known as 'A Girl in Winter'. We had a lovely day and I came home with a selection of yummy yarn. When we were having lunch Ysolda Teague wandered past so M. asked her to sign her copy of 'Whimsical Little Knits'. We were both a little bit starstruck as M. has knitted several of Ysolda's designs and I am just about to start her Damson shawl. The afternoon was spent listening to Alice Starmore talk about her design influences. The talk was illustrated with stunning pictures of her Hebridean home, she is very lucky to live in such a beautiful place. Then there was just time for tea and a little bit more yarn shopping before heading home.

On 24th September I started my new NCFE Level 3 beading course. It looks as though it is going to really challenging and fun. Our tutor is going to arrange a visit to the new V&A jewelery gallery to give us some inspiration. However it was with great sadness that we discovered that one of our group has been diagnosed with lung cancer. I knew that she had been ill over the Summer, but did not realise how serious it was. It is a sad time for all of us as we are very fond of her and she was greatly missed at our first meeting. Our thoughts are with her and her family.

Last Sunday M. came around to my flat for a sewing day. She wanted to learn how to make herself some skirts but had done very little sewing. I am quite an experienced needlewoman and used to make a lot of my own clothes so I was only too happy to help her. She did really well and after a few hours work she went home with a lovely skirt. Thanks to my OH we were kept supplied with tea and coffee and he made some delicious pumpkin soup for lunch. If you want to see M.'s finished skirt check out her blog 'Knitting Keeps me Sane'.

I have got a little bit sidetracked with knitting Christmas presents at the moment but I must knuckle down and do some beading. I am off to the Knitting & Stitching show this weekend at Alexandra Palace. I have seen a list of traders and unfortunately there will be lots of opportunities to purchase more yarn and beads.