Well, we certainly can't complain about the weather today. It was warm and sunny enough to get the washing dry outside. And pleasant enough for me to sit outside on the patio, under our Arch-gola. It's hard to believe it's almost the end of May, and it makes me wonder just what Winter will have in store for us all. Just have to wait and see, I guess.
So, this afternoon, I took my New Zealand panel outside for a couple of hours to do some more big stitch quilting. Today, I was working on a heron, slowly stitching away with a cuppa and biscuit to help me along. This is such a soothing a meditative pastime. and I thought about this and that. Gemma was curled up inside on a dining chair, with the sunshine coming in the window. You know what cats are like, sleeping is their number one hobby!
Hello heron
I need some more colours of Perle no. 5, in particular a couple of shades of teal/turquiose and some blues. Although my favourite quilt shop has a good range of colours available, I couldn't get everything I needed last time. Guess another trip is in order to see if they have restocked again.
This is the state of the bag I keep my threads in. I tend to rummage around, looking for something in particular, and I suppose that is why it is so messy. Oh dear, I think it could do with a good tidy up. I'm sure most of you wouldn't put up with this! I cut and plait my threads, that was always a job Robin helped with. He would happily hold them for me while I got busy plaiting.
It's a bit of a mess
After been put into time-out for a while, I retrieved my cotton summer top which I'm knitting. I'm up to the front neck and had to figure out what to do, as the actual pattern is a cardigan, not a jumper. With the help of a notebook and a pen, I made a few notes and luckily my calculations worked out fine. I'm pleased about that, as it had been worrying me for a while. So that is the back and the front now finished.
The front is finished at last
So now I'm ready to cast on the short sleeves, I'll knit both of them at the same time.
Sleeves are next
I've just finished reading another book. This one was about the secretive Bletchley Park and the important work taking place there. It tells the story of three young women from quite different backgrounds who were recruited because of their knowledge of the German language, decoding intercepted Luftwaffe messages. This novel was quite a different read for me, and I really enjoyed it.
20 comments:
Stitching outside in the sunshine with tea and a biscuit at hand sounds like a perfect way to spend your time! Is Gemma partial to sunbeams? Finn is always up for Sunbeaming! Your summer top will soon be finished, ready for the warmer weather, when it returns !
Your pretty panel is really coming along so well--[I use a little
set of three drawers, tabletop style, to store my threads in...]
Your jumper is coming along really well--i like a bit of a lowered
neckline myself for those. Enjoy your spate of warmer weather.
It's pouring rain here and quite chilly...our State saying: "If you
don't like the weather, wait a minute" is so true...;000
Hugs, Julierose
Big yes to the stitching outside! That is one of my favourite things!
There was an excellent mini series on The Bletchley Women a few years back. Such an intriguing story. Your day sitting outside in the sun sounds lovely, Jenny. Cats certainly know how to be comfortable and look after number one. Good on you for working out your knitting and, I must say your NZ panel is looking great. Perhaps winter will bypass you. It's arrived here. =)
Love your big stitching quilting project. I haven't read that book and will certainly look for it. The Bletchley project is a fascinating one.
I love the Bletchley Women - there is a mini series on them also I think it was 4 shows but I'm not sure what network had it. I loved it and have read numerous books from that subject. I love your panel you are working on that is so pretty
I love that heron - your stitching looks wonderful around it! They are a favorite bird for us to see around the ponds here. I think all of us have probably had a floss bag that looks like that, and needed tidying! I like your idea of plaiting them like that.
Sounds like a lovely day indeed. I shall have to check if that book is available in my local library app, it sounds very interesting!
It sounds like the perfect day to sit outside and enjoy some slow stitching time. The heron looks great and such a cute whale. I always admire your knitting skills. It is so interesting to see how a garment is made. Enjoy your evening.
Stitching in the sunshine sounds ideal. Make the most of it before the cold really hits.
I am pleased you worked out the neck for the knitted top. Only sleeves to go! Yay!
Wonderful stitching happening at your place. I watched a series on the Bletchley women. I am going to try and find that book.
God bless.
What pretty embroidery! I totally understand about missing Robin's help with things he was good at helping with. ♥️ Your cotton top is really coming along.
Bletchley is one of our favourite places to visit when we are in the UK, I think we have visited there 4 or 5 times now! Fabulous place.
I have had a good catch up read of your bogs. Good to see you have enjoyed some trips, outings, sewing, knitting and family. Your RSC projects are great. And the items you donate are wonderful. Your big stitching on your panel is a great idea. I too love knitted socks and am about to try making my own. I’m not sure which is the best way to go but I’ll try different ways. I have 3 different yarns so hopefully I will manage and enjoy. Keep the good work and keep busy…
That's how my grandma kept her threads unless she was working on a certain project. Then they were all in a separate tin. That's the way I keep my threads too. I'm totally fine with it.
Your panel is coming along well - it will look great with the birds outlined. Great projects on the go at your place.
My thread bin is equally as interesting and messy LOL I often think about organizing it, and never do!
I love seeing what you're knitting, and how you're so talented as to adapt the pattern to suit you. Wow! I am just now starting my first knitted garment, also a sleeveless top (called "Summer Soul Top," a freebie) that's knitted from the top down. I dutifully made a swatch to test gauge and hope to actually start knitting yet today. I appreciate your book recommendation, though I was unable to find it in my digital library. If you're interested in Bletchley stories, I highly recommend "The Rose Code" by Kate Quinn. It's one of the first books I read by Kate Quinn, and I quickly learned she's a wonderful author.
Your big stitching Heron is lovely. Glad you could get the clothes out on the line - gives them such a fresh scent!
You are being productive. We’ve had lovely May weather too. I saw a TV series about women from Bletchley once. Very interesting.
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