What a glorious weekend! It really feels like spring has arrived, which is a pity because I only got to wear my Peace Fleece Everyday Cardigan once. It's just so typical of me, I've finished it in time for it to be put away for 6 months!
So, what's one to do with such wonderful weather? Well, go out and knit of course!
Don't you think the South Downs are just gorgeous?
Here's a picture from the West Dean Gardens. The old house attached to the gardens is made from flint. West Dean Gardens is surrounded by breath-taking scenery. The gardens also have lovely greenhouses and cold frames. If you're an avid gardener (flowers or vegetables), this is a must see place.
and behind me were the lambs.
And on Saturday, I trundled downed to Creations in Barnes and met up with Rowanette Jill and Rowanette Jacinta. Of course, I couldn't resist leaving the shop without a purchase or two or three. I mean, every little bit counts.
I love the Louisa Harding books, but I did find these 2 to be a bit disappointing. I personally thought the other books were much better, the designs didn't have the *snappiness* of the previous 4, but the photography was outstanding.
I also bought some Giotto in Miste and the Italian collection from Colinette. I really bought the Giotto to make this camisole, but the tension of the yarn is wrong.
Lovely pics!
Posted by: froggy at April 29, 2004 11:17 PMLovely pics!
Posted by: froggy at April 29, 2004 11:17 PMPolly! Those lambs are too cute. Such scenic locales!
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Posted by: Ann at April 28, 2004 03:38 PMGreat pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Annie at April 27, 2004 07:42 PMDepending on how densely you knit it, Giotto is actually a lot less shiny than you might think. When I knit it on 5.0 mm needles the shiny doesn't come through very much and you get a lovely dense fabric. I wish it would be more shiny, but the shiny bits tend to want to hide on the inside. It ends up looking quite textured and refined without looking shiny (at least in my opinion).
Posted by: Theresa at April 27, 2004 01:12 AMOh Polly, you are so lucky ! Knitting on days out - what luxury ! I can only knit on days out with knitting pals as Alan threatens to expire from terminal embarrasment if I try it out with him. Mind you, he also reckons it makes me anti-social as I stop talking to him as I'm concentrating on what I'm knitting instead so that's maybe behind his gripe!
I've never used Giotto but it does look lovely so I agree with those who suggest you keep it an try another pattern.
Posted by: Heather at April 26, 2004 11:39 PMBeautiful scenery Polly. I feel quite homesick looking at these photo's. I had forgotten how fresh and green everything is back home in the springtime.
I used to have a friend that lived in the village of West Dean (her husband worked on the estate). Many a happy sunday has been spent at one of the local pubs eating game/pidgeon pies from the West Dean estate. Aaah - happy memories.
Oh, pretty pictures...!!! Love the sheep, of course. There is a pretty summer tank in Giotto that is in the Giotto book, that takes 3 hanks, I am thinking of making it myself, and Liz has made it. It is lovely! I can send you a photo of Liz's if you like so you can see!
Posted by: Kristine at April 26, 2004 04:29 PMHi-
Your site is one I always look forward to reading. For a new knitter like myself it helps so much to see what other knitters are working on.
I was hoping you (or a Tangled Up reader) may be able to help me out. I'll be in London in a few weeks and I wanted to know where I can find yarn. It sounds like I can go to the Liberty near the Oxford St Shopping area. Will other stores like M & S or Debenhams also carry fiber?
Thanks.
What breathtaking scenery! You're a lucky lady! As far as the yarn - well, if it doesn't grab you, why hang onto it?
Posted by: June at April 26, 2004 01:23 PMLovely scenery Polly! And esp. to knit surrounded by such an inspiring environment is nice. The little sheeps are so cute as well.
The Giotto yarn is so nice, but if you're having second thoughts, have a go and change the yarn. Better have a second thought before knitting it, as it would be sad to have an unworn garment in your wardrobe... :-)
Polly--the photos of little you surrounded by gorgeous scenery, knitting away--they made my day (er, night). xox Kay
Posted by: Kay at April 26, 2004 05:51 AMOh Polly! Looks like you had a lovely Spring Day Out! Your pictures make this 'ex-pat' very homesick indeed!
Keep Keep Keep the Giotto! the shade is gorgeous - why don't you invent your own little Cami on circular needles nice and quick and easy with a little side shape decreases and icord straps you could use the little lace boarder from the "all season cotton book - design smooch"
I vote you return the yarn and get something you like better....and make that camisole! I've **adored** that twinset since I first saw it!!!
Lovely scenery and pics too, Polly, thanx for sharing!
Posted by: Debi at April 26, 2004 04:48 AMGreat photos, Polly! The setting just looks so *English* -- I'm quite envious. :)
Posted by: alison at April 26, 2004 03:57 AMWasn't it a lovely weekend? ! Just glorious weather.
Ah,the South Downs.Many a geography field trip spent there.Sigh.
I like Giotto,but if it's not you go back & swap for the Tagliateli,which I also love.Completely different animals,but both beautiful.
You look so lovely and peaceful,sitting & knitting in the country.
Why don't you do like Wendy and make the Giotto tank from the latest Vogue Knitting? I think she wrote that it's design #28, and it takes only two of the Giotto skeins.... Lovely knitting environment for you - the pictures are breathtaking.
Posted by: Laura at April 25, 2004 11:13 PMStunning English scenery Polly, so lush and green and, of course you sitting knitting greatly enhances the overall effect!!! The cover cardigan on Miss Bea's Band seems to greatly resemble the little heart cardi that you knitted from the Jaegar book (and which I am currently knitting) but without the hearts.
Posted by: Lesley at April 25, 2004 11:12 PMWhat a fantastic weekend you must have had, I envy you that truly wonderful scenery. How fitting that you should have little sheepies watching you while you knit too. You make me realise there are better things to do with weekends than work twelve hour days.
Posted by: Louise at April 25, 2004 10:12 PMGlad to see you are helping out the local economy! Great shots!
Any chance of you hopping over to Paris for a knit-in on Thurs May 27 ???
Hi Polly, I should find another pattern, that Giotto is lovely stuff.
And West Dean - I have spent week-ends there in the past, doing knitting workshops with Kaffe Fassett, Susan Duckworth and Annabel Fox - yes, it was that long ago! A great place to stay in. Then they stopped doing knitting courses - I wonder if they have started again, I have been off their mailing list for some years.
Posted by: Jill at April 25, 2004 08:56 PM