Oops, that was an especially ginormous gap.
I have been here, at the brewery. And sometimes I’ve been knitting, but also I’ve been painting the living room (photies soon) and doing all sorts of other bits and pieces that sadly didn’t involve yarn, such as doing final final edits on my MPhil in novel-writing degree coursework at three in the morning, and trying to remove rampant ivy (so dense that birds are nesting in it) from our tower, and digging the allotment, and seeing lots of patients at work, and watering the hanging baskets, and trying without success to persuade the toddler twinnage that they don’t really want to spend their entire lives in nappies.
And there’s been a bit of an irresistible distraction from the knitted mandala picture, which arrived courtesy of the Deramores Blog Awards. I am a very naughty knitter. I should have been finishing this, because it’s so nearly done and ready to steek, and embroider with gold thread:-
But instead, yet another bit of the prize arrived, in the form of a little pile of signed Arne and Carlos books. Looooooooooook! I love them as colourful style manuals, as much as anything. I love the garden one in particular. I love the fact that they knit and crochet. I love the fact that they’re fearless around strong colours, and quirky in their creativity. I love the fact that they’re Scandinavian, having spent much happy time in my youth mooching around Norway and Finland.
Look! They’re all signed!
Would you have got anything useful done the day something like this arrived in the post?? Well, would you? I thinketh not. So I had to cast on a blanket. It’s such a clever idea. You alternate two colours, two rows each, then as soon as one runs out you introduce another, and so on. So simple, no? Yet so perfect. Here’s the idea:-
And here’s my version so far:-
So that’s why I’ve been quiet. Sorry. But I’ll be noisy, now. You won’t be able to shut me up. Consider y’self warned.
Yeah, I’m not the only one who hasn’t had time for yarn…I began quilting a bookwrap I will get photos of soon…in the meantime, my socks have suffered from a lack of attention….now I need to find that balance thing;-)
Yup, photos definitely needed, please!
Just stalked your blog and seen your progress on lovely socks. Need quilted bookwrap photos, though!
Woo – I love that throw! You are such a neat worker – and I now have a wee crochet sample to prove it!! I haven’t heard of those books before – they sure do look interesting – I’m going to google them just to find out more. The mandala is looking just – sooooo nearly there….. I really like what you have done and am still amazed that you can nut that pattern out yourself let alone knit it up. Can’t wait to see it finished – but understand the life factors…. I have a puppy that = toddler twinnage ……. and we are still working on the potty training! But my word such fun gorgeousness is well worth having no time for anything else. These are some of the reasons why I am amazed at the amount you do get done!
Puppy is, I suspect, more demanding than toddler twinnage. I hope we both succeed with the potty training very soon! I think I might do a giveaway with a couple of the books, just to share my good fortune. I really do recommend the garden one.
I found the garden one [looks exciting!] and a doll one too and have put both onto my ‘wish list’ I’m not sure about the ‘Scandinavian knitting style’ though that the books blurb about – is it different to ours?
PS: I do love me a giveaway! 🙂
Well I’ve decided. The giveaway is definitely on. And I will post internationally.
Scandinavian = stranded, really.
Ooooh I just love Arne & Carlos. Who doesn’t love 100 balls to knit?! Oh yes. Well, welcome back. Fantabulous blanket! Sounds like congrats are in order or due to be in order on the educational front! And a knitted mandala. Yay all round. ?
Ha ha, thank you. Arne and Carlos are rather cool, as I’m now discovering. Am planning a giveaway.
Yes, I would have happily made a detour on the day those books arrived too. Follow that inspiration! I love the 2-row blanket… it looks great – now on my list! : ) I’m sure your woolly endeavours help the other yarn you’re spinning for the novel writing.
Oooh, excellent pun. I didn’t think of that one. 🙂 The blanket is such a simple idea, but so effective.
Oh man I would kill to get the stuff you got from that award!!!!!! Just the boxes of yarn would have made me swoon for a couple of years ——— since you’re a psychologist, let me ask you this – is there any cure for this obsession? Will I be able to function ever again without needles in my hands? Will I get all my WIPs done before I start looking for new yarn for my newest pattern lust ……… please, I need your help.
Nope, absolutely no cure whatsoever. That’s my professional opinion. Ah well, we may as well not fight it, then. 🙂
Well since I can’t fight it, I’ll love it …… I just want so much yarn ……….
I hear ya, sista!
Two sweaters on the needles, one pair of socks ………. 4 sweaters in stash and I want more yarn. 🙂
Yup, that sounds normal, or at least normally abnormal… or something.
Well, dang. Those books look like they contain a lot of fun. Now I need to buy more books…better start making some space somewhere…
And I need to have a giveaway of a couple of these books. 🙂 Share the luck around, a little.
I consider myself suitably warned. I am looking forward to more yarns.
🙂 (is all I have to say).
And here is my yarn. I went past this place yesterday but missed seeing this delightful act of kindness. Can’t imagine how? http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/10369107/Act-of-kindness-from-sheepish-Ninja-knitters
Oh that’s gorgeous! Everyone: look at this link! I bet that’s made a lot of people smile.
Oh wowsa, that knitted mandala is awesome! I can’t wait to see what it looks like when the embroidery is done 🙂
And no, totally can’t blame you for starting something new, especially after seeing those wonderful books!
Thank you. 🙂 I am naughty, though.
Congratulations on your prize! I love the garden book, the design I want to make is pictured in that book but no design is written out, it’s the little blanket with blocks arranged in stripes for the garden dolls….!
Oh! *Scurries off to look.* Are you sure it’s not written out (because I could have copied the pattern for you if you haven’t got the book). It is a gorgeous book, though.
Yes I had the book from the library! Its no problem, I will figure it out!! But thankyou! X
Oh! I see the one you mean. It’s lovely.
The blanket seems like a really good way to combin using leftovers AND mindless knitting – my two favourite things!
Yup, totally agreed on both counts. Nice to have demanding patterns sometimes, but also nice to mindlessly knit whilst thinking about other things sometimes too.
What a lovely new project!
Thank you. I hope so. And my Heidi Bears hippo waves to your Heidi Bears hippo.
I looove Arne and Carlos books too! I only have the garden one. It was my first introduction to them. And I made the Magnus mouse, well, mine were boy and girl, Mortimer and Millicent. But I could make just about anything in that book! If I only had the time! Glad you are back to blogging…I did miss your posts ! And I love that blanket you have begun! Sounds like you have been super busy! Easy knitting, like the blanket is just what you need to unwind from busy days.
Thank you for such a kind post. The garden one is the best one, in my humble opinion. It’s such a rich resource, isn’t it? Do we get to see your lovely mice?
Love the blanket. Is that a Candace Bahouth’s needlepoint cushion underneath it?
I’m not sure. My mum embroidered it, but then decided she didn’t like it. I love it. I can ask her….
Great books! I haven’t heard of Arne & Carlos but I’m steadily broadening my knowledge. Love the Scandinavian style. I’ve seen some simple but lovely knits in their style for funky scarves etc. I shall definitely check them out. Happy knitting!!
Oh I definitely recommend them. They take traditional Scandinavian designs and impose their own quirky approach. I’m going to organise a giveaway of a couple of the books…
Wow, congratulations. I love your Mandala, and you are making excellent progress. The books are super. Lucky you!
Stunning blanket, I will eagerly follow your progress. 🙂
Thank you, as always. I’m going to do a giveaway with a couple of the books soon, just to share the fun around a little. They really are good books.
I think you’re going to need to quit your day job so you can spend more time on all the fun you’re having at home! It’s all looking wonderful–I’m really anxious to see that mandala finished!
Oh I know. And hire a team of staff to sort my life out, so I can just knit. By the way, are you aware of the New York Vintage Linens page on Facebook? https://www.facebook.com/newyorkvintagelinens
I couldn’t help thinking of you….
No, I wasn’t familiar with that! Thank you!
What a practical yet stylish idea for left over yarn – gorgeous blanket idea
Yes, it’s so simple, yet brilliant. Just wish I’d thought of it first!
That stripy blanket is gorgeous. I love how it’s worked. Must add it to my very long to do list, only in crochet, of course 🙂
I know. So many gorgeous projects out there, so little time. Sigh.
But at least this is a mindless project you can work on in bed when you’re exhausted.
Mm like the blanket idea. It would work in crochet too. 🙂 But I have promised myself no more blankets for a while when I’ve finished my current one. But then a scarf or something…………………………
I love Arne and Carlos too! Your mandala is going to be beautiful. I am going back up through the post now to see if I can find the pattern! 🙂
Thank you. 🙂 I’ve posted vague pictures of the pattern that I designed, but if you want it, I can make it a proper ‘thing’, and publish it (for free, of course).
Okay that blanket is an awesome idea. And welcome back. 🙂
How many stitches did you cast on ,,, I have the book and it’s loads
I love Arne and Carlos! Great post.