A Mile of Mice...

There is currently a project aiming to create a mile of knitted mice to raise money for the Alzheimer's society.

You can find out more about the project on ravelry and facebook.  I've made ten for the cause.

As you can see, Mark the guinea pig was pretty unimpressed.  We are currently having a spell of glorious sunshine here in the UK.  Which is perfect for using my new sunglasses case, made by the very talented blupaisan as part of a Craftster swap.

Plus it is great weather for a cycle, and a chance to show off my new bike basket!

PS) These cute seagull chicks are on the roof opposite, they are getting bigger and stronger (and nosier) every day, and are sure to fledge soon!

Doon the watter

On a very sunny Saturday we went, where millions have went before, doon the watter to the Isle of Bute.

I finished my mont-royal/Mint Royale hat the night before, and took it on the trip.  However it must be said that on the first warmish day of Spring, a 100% wool hat is probably unnecessary!

The hat is very cosy and the pattern very well written.  The yarn was some Sirdar Majestic that I had been given, as is probably older than I am.  There were a number of breaks in the yarn, which was rather annoying, but hey, it was free so nevermind.

Bute was fantastic.

We went on a tour of the extremely fancy Mount Stuart.

A wander round Rothesay castle, where we saw some herring gulls who were happy to pose for photographs.

And also a very pretty swan nest by the castle moat.

One other reason to love Bute, is that it has the best name for a local newspaper ever.

Knitting progress

Birch is finished, though needs to be blocked.  My hands were then itching to get started on something else, so I made myself some more Wise Hilda socks.

 This time I used some yarn that I brought some time ago in Lidl.  I really like this pattern, it is a k3p1 rib, which is so easy to do whilst watching TV (or watching the seagull chicks outside).

Last year we had one seagull chick on the roof opposite, well this year we have three.  They are rather comical to watch as they get bigger and start to practice using their wings.  Although my heart is in my mouth every time they start flapping close to the edge!

Zines and new arrivals...

This week I have been reading zines. The lovely Heart & Lungs, a joyful collection of illustration, information, advice, bears and beards.And the delightful Green Bean, a super pretty insight into Katie Green Bean's new house, cake recipe, book reviews and super cute piglets.
I have also been knitting baby washcloths, from this great pattern from Kris Knits. As I currently have six pregnant friends, and there are only so many blankets and booties I can knit!
Speaking on new arrivals, on the roof of the tenements opposite, I have been watching a little seagull chick getting a little bit stronger and braver each day.
Surely it is time to fledge soon?