Knitting Progress...

I have been busy knitting away.  Firstly, I can reveal my secret knitting... A drops shawl for my nan.  I used some lovely Vincent van Gogh inspired Opal sock yarn.

This pattern is a good TV knit, as once you get used to the pattern, you can easily knit away in front on the box.  I might have started something with this pattern, as now my mum has knitted a shawl for herself and even made the crochet edge!  Next, I am attempting to make a dent in my yarn stash.  Firstly some Rowan handknit cotton scraps become some Spa Day facecloths.

I really like the texture of the waffle stitch.  And now on the needles, Stjarna stars.  The first few rows are rather fiddly, what with 6 dpns and a circular needle on the go at the same time.

The first one is off the needles, and looks rather cute.  Photos of the finished item to follow!

Weaving the Century

Last Saturday we went to Edinburgh for some Fringe action.  The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, according to the wonders of Wikipedia, is the world's largest arts festival. For one month, anything and everything takes over Edinburgh.  After seeing a comedy show, we left the hustle bustle, and went to view Weaving the Century - Tapestry from Dovecot Studios 1912-2012.  The Dovecot studios are a couple of minutes walk from the Royal Mile, and yet during festival time, seem like a world away.  The calm gallery space is currently filled with tapestries woven by the studios during their one hundred year existence.  The works are so varied; traditional, abstract, large, small.  It also features some of the many collaborations with artists, such as David Hockney and Eduardo Paolozzi.  I really enjoyed seeing these tapestries close up, to marvel at 'just how is that done'?  I already have a sampler or two planned, to attempt to try some of the techniques seen.

At the exhibition, I brought The Art of Modern Tapestry, Dovecot Studios since 1912 edited Elizabeth Cumming.  This is quite a fascinating book, giving an insight into the history of the studios and background to a section of the tapestries.  The exhibition is on until 7th October, if you are in Edinburgh, it is well worth a visit.  And as for the fringe, I'm off to experience more this weekend!

Travels...

Argyll, Spreewald, Berlin & Manchester.  Home to craft, inspired and invigorated.

Put a Bird On It!

Have had a busy few weeks away, now to update this blog!  Just before my holidays I took part in another Craftster swap, this time 'Put a Bird On It'.  Not a Portlandia themed swap...

...but a swap celebrating our feathered friends.  My swap partner, Becky Button likes kakapos, so after finding this template, I set to work to make a journal.

 

 

I also made a embroidered felt budgie needle case and a crochet bird (using the great pattern from Attic24).

 

 

 

As an extra I also sent Go Wildlife comic, featuring a kakapo cover star.

In return, I received a bumper package.  Three adorable felt ornaments - a puffin, owl and robin.

These are going to look amazing with my felt guinea pigs! Two amazing tote bags, featuring a pied wagtail (my favourite bird ever!) and a cheeky seagull!

 

Plus buttons and all sorts of goodies!

 

This was a great swap to take part in, you can view all of the other swap packages on the Craftster thread.