Nothing Says Summer Like a Cabled Aran

Finished! The only modelled photo is sans buttons.

But with buttons...

The buttons were from my giant stash. The pattern calls for four but I only had the three. I um'd and ah'd about whether to go with blue or dark brown but am glad I chose these.

The weather in the UK has done one of those sweet little u-turns. Jumped about 8 degrees in one day only to jump back down again the next day.

Sadly these things only seem to happen on weekdays when I have to stay in the office. Heat does not suit heavy yarns which is why I'm glad to be knitting with beauuuuuutiful silk laceweight. There is no point photographing it at the moment because it looks like a haemorrhoid - but the shawl for Nic's wedding is happily underway.

I had a monster migraine on Monday which has put the kibosh on further crafting this week. Plus my medium sister comes to stay tomorrow on the search for shoes for her wedding so that will be more shopping than crafting. However I am sure I'll manage to fit another repeat into the shawl and maybe even pin it out to take some photos at some point.

Craft Wave Keeps Coming In

I'm still crafting away like the zombies are coming to steal my supplies. This weekend I've made the pattern and the rough sample for the Groom's waistcoat for Nickerjac's wedding. No pics but I will share the process after the wedding has actually happened.

I've also made myself a coaster and a swap partner a fabric wrapped bowl.

I love these things and they are so easy to make. Any sewing machine will make one without complaint as long as you have a zig zag stitch (my swap partner likes 'shabby chic' so I'm hoping white and flowery patterns fit the bill).

There is a tutorial here but it's also very intuitive. I made one of these as part of my swap with QuiteContrary but I have also made others before.

I get my clothes lines from the pound shop and go for the ones that look quite raffia-ish as they are a good size and easy for the needle to go through. Then you use any scrap fabric (as long as the pieces are at least 1" thick and off you go.

I have thought a lot about why I've been on such a craft bender for the last few weeks/months. I think Pinterest has a lot to do with it. My 'Crafty Inspirations' Board in particular means I am frequently reminded of creative opportunities and I am still on the site most days seeing what is inspiring others. In fact I repinned this from someone else on Friday because it resonated.

Source: someecards.com via Alex on Pinterest

For instance seeing something like this...

Source: wendigratz.blogspot.com via Alex on Pinterest

...makes me think of this jumper I saw on Flowermouse Blog (which I follow)...

...and how I want to use my own cat motif with the paperdolls jumper on Ravelry. And also how I have a cat embroidery on the go that I haven't even blogged about and so I do a bit more on that.

For today I am hoping to finish the Livingstone Cardigan from the last Interweave Magazine. Half the collar and the i-cord toggle loops to go plus choosing some suitably toggly buttons from the stash. I also made some resin pendants yesterday (I was about to make a sandwich and decided to do the resin pouring instead - you know how it is) so I need to photograph those and list them on Etsy. Then...who knows. I might swatch for the shawl I'll wear to the wedding, or make some more bunting, or do some more cross stitch planning, or....