Thursday 21 November 2013

Hello, Old Friend

It was back in March when I completed my last knitting project, the Humanity fingerless mitts for Eleanor. I can't believe it was so long ago, though I have to admit that I've got a bit hooked on crochet so I've been concentrating on that this year. I have picked up my knitting needles to knit a few dishcloths at various times, but I don't count those as a project, I could knit them in my sleep.

I thought it was about time that I cast on for the project I'd planned eight months ago, Owl fingerless mitts by Amanda Jones. I'd seen Gail post about this pattern on her Amongst The Wool blog and I really liked the owl pattern so I thought I'd give them a go myself.


It's like catching up with an old friend again. It's only now that I've picked up my needles that I realise how much I've missed my knitting. Sometimes I get so absorbed in something that other things fall by the wayside, I really need to make time for a bit of everything, afterall, variety is the spice of life.

28 comments:

  1. I'm impressed - have never been able to knit and doubt I ever will. What I'm salivating over, however, is the crotchet blanket you've used as a backdrop :}

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    1. I learnt to knit at a very young age but put my needles down in my late teens. I didn't pick them up again until a few years ago. The crochet blanket is my One A Day blanket which I finished recently, it will be well used now that winter's here.

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  2. Lovely pattern Jo, my youngest daughter loves anything to do with owls, I remember her knitting her a pair of owl fingerless mitts from Mollie Makes last year, and I agree with you......variety is the spice of life.......enjoy your knitting.

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    1. I love the owl pattern, I know there's lots of designs with owls on them which are popular at the moment but this is the first one I'm attempting.

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  3. Knitting can feel like therapy for me, and if I can't sit and do a bit of knitting of an evening I can get quite restless. Look forward to seeing your new mitts. x

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    1. Knitting can be really relaxing, but I actually feel more relaxed crocheting since I learnt, especially the ripple pattern which is what I'm working on at the moment.

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  4. These look great, Jo. I'm sure you'll have them finished in no time at all! :o)

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    1. It looks a nice easy pattern so they shouldn't take me long.

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  5. Hi Jo, glad you are making them, and thanks for mentioning me. You are right its good to have a bit of variety, I think that is why I have a few projects on the go at the same time. Looked through your last post love the colors of autumn, and there is a definite chill in the air! Heard Whitby had snow, I can wait for that at least until December!! x

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    1. You're welcome. I'm glad you mentioned them on your blog, I'm enjoying knitting them. I've just heard that a nearby village had snow last night, it's obviously come close though we haven't had any yet, thank goodness.

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  6. That's a lovely pattern for mittens and a new pair will certainly be appreciated now that the cold weather is here!

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    1. It was the owl pattern which tempted me. I think I'm knitting them at the perfect time, they'll be put to use as soon as they're finished.

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  7. I love knitting more than anything else but unless I have something specific in mind I dont bother much these days. I'm sure you'll make a great job of them.

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    1. I know what you mean, I can't knit for the sake of it, I have to have something I particularly want to make. The owls did it for me in this pattern.

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  8. Good for you. It does feel good to get back to a beloved old hobby. I feel that way when I have time to really sit and work at my sewing machine.

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    1. There just aren't enough hours in the day to do everything we want to. A 48 hour day would be good to fit everything in.

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  9. I don't know how to knit :(
    I shall live vicariously through you!
    Tammy xx

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    1. I learnt to knit when I was very young but put my needles down in my late teens and didn't pick them up again until a few years ago. I really regret it now, it would have been nice to knit things for my kids when they were young, though they didn't go without, there's plenty of knitters in the family.

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  10. Glad the needles are out again. I did a little bit yesterday on a jumper I've got on the go. Yes a little bit of everything is good, especially for the ones who like doing all sorts. Take care.

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    1. I don't suppose I'll ever get bored if I've got lots of things on the go. My crochet is taking a back seat at the moment but I'm sure it will be out again soon.

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  11. My mum always used to knit whilst she listened to the radio. Sadly she eventually had to give up when her arthritic fingers got too bad. Flighty xx

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    1. My mum has the same problem. She used to always be knitting when I was a child, but it's too painful for her now.

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  12. Hi Jo,

    I just don't know where this year has gone I cannot believe we are almost at the end of November already. But look at how many projects you have completed this year. I'm down to the last 50 pages of The Night Rainbow now I have more or less decided what the twist is going to be in my head so now I've just got to wait and see if I was right. Thanks for the recommendation it has been a very entertaining little book.

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    1. I think this has been the year of crochet for me rather than knitting. I'm glad you're enjoying The Night Rainbow. I didn't have a clue there even was a twist until I got to it, I really didn't see it coming. It will be interesting to know if you're right.

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  13. I've just picked up my crochet hook again. I think it must be the colder, darker evenings and I need something to wrap me up! x

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    1. The colder weather certainly has me reaching for my yarn. Blankets are great winter projects.

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  14. The owl mittens look beautiful, I am amazed that you can knit things like this! Hope that you are enjoying making them. Looking foward to seeing them when they are finished. xx

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    1. I'm enjoying knitting again. The pattern is really lovely and so easy, it won't be long until I'm showing you a finished item.

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