When in Seattle....

The stash has increased again....

A visit to Chuckanut alpaca ranch, Spin a Yarn and So Much Yarn always results in me enhancing the US economy by purchasing yet more yarn. I'm still convinced that it's still cheaper than smoking and drinking and considerably healthier; give or take an achy shoulder from knitting for six hours on the 'plane.

The alpaca ranch was totally and utterly wonderful with the owners Lois and Walter (and Julian the dog) giving us a wonderful welcome and a look around to meet the herd. How soft and gorgeous and gentle were they? If ever you are in the state of Washington, or within a 500 mile radius, you must pay them a visit!!!

Little sailor boots - the finished results....

Finished at last! I think they are cute and gorgeous and could do very well at a little craft shop in Seahouses Northumberland, where I am hoping to sell some stock over the next few weeks. I've decided to go for a nautical theme with my designs of late; anchors, little fishes and gentle seaside colours of blues, pale yellows and greens. The gorgeous one bought me some fabulous silk and merino yarn today from Spin a Yarn in Edmonds - wonderful shop; adorable lady who runs it.... looking forward to making some seaside theme bootees!

Little sailor boots

Well, I have been in Seattle for 4 days now and while the gorgeous one is out teaching, I can get on with a (little bit) of knitting. For this pattern, I have taken the idea of a little anchor as the embellishment on some very pale denim effect cotton yarn with white yarn stripes to emphasise the texture. They are knitting up really well and I love the feel of the cotton.

The bootee is started from the bottom, working up to the cast off row using the white yarn.... let's see what they're like in an hour when they are finished!

I really need to spend more time on my blog...

So much has been happening over the past few weeks - I now have stock at a wonderful craft shop in Crawcrook, Tyne and Wear. It's called Chardaleighs and it's really very wonderful. Hayley has brought together crafters from all over the North East of England - painters, potters, knitting addicts, sewy types and the most fabulous jewellery makers; it's great to be part of something so lovely and thoughtful. It's my first port of call for gifts for friends and family and it would be marvellous if it's success could continue.

I'm back over to Seattle in one week to see the gorgeous one. And of course, to also buy up vast quantities of American and Canadian yarn to add to my stash... one day I might stop!

I've also been trying my hand at some sewing and made a gorgeous messenger bag using a pattern from mmmcrafts (totally fabulous she is too!). Friends have also asked me to make them a bag as has a small blond seven year old boy... but he wants it in camouflage fabric (we chose it last week.) Is this what happens when a boy is just brought up by his mother!!!! Almost matching bags....!