Do your knits ever pill? Would you like a quick tip for getting rid of those annoying, tiny balls of yuck? Yes I know you can buy de-pilling gadgets, but you really don’t need to. Just fetch a razor and give ’em a shave. Seriously. And be a little brutal about it, too. I wish I’d thought to take a ‘before’ picture to show you how pilly my camera strap had become, but here’s some of the fluff that I shaved from its surface:-
I also gave it a wash in Eucalan, and it’s now once again a much happier camera strap. Look! Pattern here, should you so desire.
Anyway, just as I thought summer had disappeared off to the southern hemisphere, we had a day of beautiful warmth and sunshine here today. T’was a day for sitting on the lawn knitting, as the twinnage pretended to be a herd of cows beside me.
We went into Oxford, too, mostly to meet a dear friend and have lunch in a café-cum-children’s-bookshop. No photos from that I’m afraid because I was too busy chatting to my friend and the twinnage, but afterwards we headed into the centre of Oxford to visit the Natural History Museum, because the twinnage wanted to revisit the dinosaurs. It’s a beautiful Victorian Gothic building. Look!
I used to hang around in there as a student when I felt in need of some serenity and, well, because I love geology. Even the twinnage was impressed by this ammonite:-
But mostly, they loved the tyrannosaurus. The museum building is stunning, and full of light:-
Afterwards we wandered around a little. The university has thrown up so many new structures amongst the ancient buildings in recent years. Sometimes, you can see the old reflected in the new:-
If I weren’t a country girl at heart, I’d be yearning to be back living in Oxford again.
Anyway, I digress. On with the knitting.
thecontentedcrafter says
It didn’t escape my notice that summer had done a bunk yesterday – and today! Thanks for the razor tip – must try it out – first on an old garment that I won’t miss should I shave a little too much off 🙂
The Twisted Yarn says
Trust me, you can be pretty brutal with the razor. It does work.
soknitsome says
Love the photos. Are you never worried you’ll shave a hole in your knitting? I’m a little nervous at trying a razor but have a couple of jumpers that need de-pilling!
The Twisted Yarn says
I was worried at first, but honestly, you can be fairly brutal and get away with it. (Please don’t sue me if you prove me wrong on this. I’m only speaking from experience…)
soknitsome says
Don’t worry, I’ll be careful and then I won’t need to sue you!
arlingwoman says
The razor tip is welcome and I will be trying it on my numerous pilly wool sweaters. I love the ammonite and the reflected building.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. And I do recommend the razor tip.
Verónica says
Great tip! Loving those granny squares – beautiful color work.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you on both counts. 🙂
nanacathy2 says
Me too, I love Oxford. I watch Lewis just to see it. I love the Pitt Rivers museum more though. I used to work at St Michael at the North Gate on Cornmarket, running the visitors centre. Loved it. Thanks for the lovely pictures.
The Twisted Yarn says
Oh yes the Pitt Rivers is fabulous. I wonder if I ever met you at St Michael? A fascinating place…
narf77 says
When shaving be most careful not to shave with exuberance or one’s knitted accouterments may end up looking like they did 10 rounds with the moth version of Mike Tyson. Just sayin’ (and speaking from exuberant experience 😉 )
The Twisted Yarn says
Oh dear. 🙁
narf77 says
I only did it once 😉
Gillian says
My 2 boys loved the dinosaur exhibition they held years ago at the Ulster Museum.
The Twisted Yarn says
I’m not surprised. Dinosaurs are rather cool.
Postcard from Gibraltar says
I have nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award 🙂
http://postcardfromgibraltar.com/2015/10/08/wow-an-award-nomination/