Month: November 2021

Cool Cowls: A lovely little something for everyone this week

November 29, 2021

I’ve spoken a few times about how I once had my doubts about Cowls, but have since been through something of a conversion. Like so many converts, I now wonder who on earth my sceptical past self was, and want to convert every one of you to the virtues of cowls. As I sit here typing, swathed in wool socks, sweater and cowl, steaming cup of tea to my right and purring ageing black cat … More Cool Cowls: A lovely little something for everyone this week

Candied Peel: A simple seasonal tradition we can all get behind

November 26, 2021

When the first new citrus of the season comes in, winter doesn’t feel so bad. In fact it feels pretty amazing. One of the things that always provides a lift is home made candied peel. Not only does it taste fabulous but it’s the perfect no-waste treat, practically making something out of nothing. All it takes are the peels you’d normally compost, sugar and a drop of water. I’ve shared the recipe in the past … More Candied Peel: A simple seasonal tradition we can all get behind

A new, fun, seasonal pattern release: Elf Stockings

November 17, 2021

Today I want to share with you a wonderfully versatile new pattern release for Elf stockings. I don’t actually know any real life Elves but in my imagination they have pointy toes and a penchant for cabled long socks, which makes these stockings just perfect. I hope they’re perfect for you too! The stockings are knit from the top down starting with the fold over ribbed cuffed can be knit flat or seamed or knit … More A new, fun, seasonal pattern release: Elf Stockings

Free Pattern Re-release of an old favourite: The Pencil Bookmark

November 12, 2021

I there, just a quick post today to let you know that one of my most popular free patterns, the Pencil Bookmark is available once more. When I first designed and released this pattern 10 years ago as part of Blackpool’s Festival of Words ‘Wordpool’, I didn’t expect it to be so popular. Indeed the fact that it has been re-released now is because I was prompted by a knitter who got in touch to … More Free Pattern Re-release of an old favourite: The Pencil Bookmark

Boot weather is the perfect reminder of the joy of hand knit socks

November 5, 2021

It’s that time of year when we, northern hemisphere sock knitters, can smugly and joyously rejoice and luxuriate in our hand knit socks, if we have prepared that is. Hopefully, by the end of this post if you haven’t knit socks before you may be convinced to give them a try. Previously, when living in the north of England, I spent most of the year with my feet booted. There would be a few days (and … More Boot weather is the perfect reminder of the joy of hand knit socks