Holiday round up - part 2

I'd covered woolfest in my last post but hadn't got on to the Lakes themselves. It really is an amazing part of the world. The light changes in minutes from bright sunshine to threatening gloom. We only had two downpours - one while driving which reduced visibility to about 5 metres - and one while having dinner. So, just before...

During...

Just after....

Aren't the low puffy clouds amazing? I recently invested in this book so spent a long time trying to work out which was which.

One can not go to Keswick without visiting the Cumberland Pencil Musuem. I was quite fascinated by how they are made - not how I had imagined - plus I have now seen the worlds largest pencil, as authenticated by the Guiness Book of Records.

There you go - now you've seen it too. It's yellow.

We (I - Pooch don't drive) drove from there to Colne to see the in-laws and took a scenic route. We passed someone called Farfield Mill which was described as an arts and crafts centre so naturally we had to go in. I'd recommend a visit if you have a chance. It's full of artists in residence plus exhibitions and old weaving equipment, some of it in use. This one...

...had the most exquisite wip on it.

I do love a good zigzag. Also this deserves special mention.

I think it is wet felted. Each panel was as tall as me. Very beautiful.

With the in-laws the action continued fast and furious. We went to Ilkley and to Betty's which is surely the ultimate tea room. Very traditional, with cakes on stands and the most delicious macaroons! Pooch in particular was very taken with them.

While food is always the highlight for Pooch, for me it was a trip to Duttons for Buttons, which I didn't even know was there. Behold, the button room.

(droooooooool) My MIL stood there in amazement as I went into fits of ooh and aah like a giddy kipper. 20 mins later I had about a dozen chosen. Man, I just love buttons.

We got back on wed night and since then have celebrated my birthday! (yesterday). Pooch got me a lovely dress that I am now really too old to wear (bit short) but what the hell. I wore it to dinner at Gauchos last night and felt like a million dollars.

I got some lovely presents and there are more coming today when I meet up with my sis for a picnic (weather allowing). Hoorah!

In amongst all this activity I have also found time to match up my secret pal group. I'm planning to send out the matches tomorrow so if you're in my group (and you'll know because I'll have sent you an email or two already) look out for them tomorrow.

SP 14 Questionnaire

We interrupt this blog for.....SECRET PAL!!!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I have been knitting a lot for babies recently (other people’s) so am doing everything in superwash/machine washable wool. I do prefer yarns to be machine washable but at the same time I appreciate the delicacy of silk or something special. I’m like everyone in that I don’t like scratchy acrylics, but have nothing against soft ones. What I am really into at the moment is cotton or wool with long colour changes.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I like sewing so have made a storage case for my straights as well as another for my circs. I’ve also got a denise storage case – I love my denises! Other than that they are to be found around the house in mugs, pen pots and jars. One thing though – I HATE dpn’s. Never use them.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I’ve known how to knit for about 25 years but only got seriously into it about 8 years ago. I’d say I’m an intermediate – advanced knitter. I can do most things but have yet to try steeking – I consider this to be the holy grail of knitting! I’m an intermediate crocheter too.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

http://byhand.me/u/oNPx.

5. What's your favorite scent?

I don’t wear perfume and am allergic to lavender, but I do like things like vanilla, cocoa and honey. Sweet smells!

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Does the pope poo in the woods? I am a chocolate addict. Milk or plain – too much cocoa and it starts tasting too healthy. Also strawberry and raspberry flavoured sweets. Australian Cherry Ripes are my all time favourite choc bar.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I can spin but I don’t. I prefer to focus on knitting. I also sew, both with a machine and by hand. I do a little freehand embroidery.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I have an ipod so am fine with mp3’s. I like hip hop but mainly listen to audio books. Always detectives and preferably classic ones. Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham etc.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Love red, orange, purple and yellow. “Smoky Aubergine” is the colour that best suits me. I also have a weakness for anything with polka dots on. Red with white dots is my favourite. I dislike neons and pastels.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I am married to a computer geek called Pooch – 2nd anniversary on 2nd August. Ironically he is allergic to dogs and cats. I loooooove cats but sadly a husband is for life, not just for Christmas, (maybe) so I can’t have one.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes, yes, yes and no.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I knit a tonne of socks. I always have a couple of pairs on the go. But I also like jumpers, fairisle, intarsia, felted bags…all sorts really.

13. What are you knitting right now?

On the needles… wedding present afghan, 2 pairs of socks, baby blanket, fairisle jumper for mum (in planning stage), buttercup top for me.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yep!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

They both have their time and place. Just no dpn’s.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes, both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Years and years. Don’t make me think about it.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?

I love Christmas! I’m not religious though.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Buttons. I am crazy about buttons. Big ones, small ones, old ones, new ones. Love ‘em.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I subscribe to Interweave and Knitters. Also ‘The Knitter’ in the UK. I like Norah Gauguin and have her ‘Knitting Nature’ book but none of the smaller ones. Don’t buy them new though! But if you found a second hand copy or something like that I’d love it. I love sixties and seventies patterns too and have quite a collection.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I’ve tried most things.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I certainly am. I take a UK 7 shoe (European 40) and have average ankles etc in that commercial sock patterns fit me.

23. When is your birthday?

4th July! Seriously!

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

I am littlelixie.

Back from the Lakes, and from Woolfest, and from the in-laws, and...(Picturetastic)

So I finally made it to Woolfest. I've been trying to go since it started and I finally made it on its fifth birthday. And it was great! But something rather strange happened. There I was, almost knee deep in the good stuff, and yet I only came away with this...

The closest I got to yarn is sock blockers - which are absolutely beautiful.

They've got painted tops - so pretty! I also managed to stock up on buttons. I am getting really into buttons nowadays.

My favourite part of the day was the sheep auction. The auctioneer was the one who usually does the animal auctions there and was brilliant.

I bid on a number of things but struck lucky with these.

Aren't they amazing? I forget now who made them but I absolutely love them. More than £1000 was raised for the nominated charity and most people looked as if they were having as much fun as me. There were also some actual sheep. I couldn't resist taking a photo of this one - with a centre parting.

There were also lots with amazing horns.

As well as the usual amazing knitting on display...

....there were also traditional crafts....

...and traditional music and dancing.

Plus the most awesome ewe milk ice cream. Phew - that stuff was divine.

I think that's enough for today - I'm going to finish off my post tomorrow. Just to say - those signed up on Secret Pal the partners haven't gone out yet. Will be a little while longer but stay tunes to the blog for updates.