Tuesday 11 May 2010

Cedar Leaf Shawlette Started


This lovely pattern can be purchased from Alana at the Never Not Knitting website. The Cedar Leaf Shawlette is a crescent shaped little shawl which can be used as a wrap around scarf. I'm using DK Scrumptious from Fyberspates in colour VR 1280 - Green. The recommended needle size for this yarn is 4.5 mm ( US 7). The fibre content is 45 % silk, 55 % merino wool and is very, very soft. I'll have no problem with this around my neck. I have 2 skeins of yarn. I've almost finished the first skein and I'm at the leaf border / picking up stitches stage. 

Monday 10 May 2010

Shalom Cardigan Finished


Have enjoyed knitting this pattern and would like to make more of these in different colours. I'll be putting this away until the cooler weather returns and wear with a long sleeve tee or polo neck jumper. I only just started on the third skein of yarn so I have a reasonable amount left over for a small project. (For more details about the yarn and pattern I used click here).

Saturday 8 May 2010

English Red Wine and the Industrial Revolution

English Red Wine and the Industrial Revolution
A trip to Shropshire and a day of historic contrasts . Some friends gave us a gift voucher some time ago to visit a vineyard tour on the site of the ancient Roman City at Wroxeter ( soon to be the subject of a Channel Four TV documentary). Yes, you are seeing a label for "English red wine" grown and produced in the quiet countryside near the border of England and Wales.

While in the area we decided to fast forward in history and spend the afternoon down the road exploring the nearby town of Ironbrige "Birthplace of Industry" and famous for, well, that iron bridge. The Jackfield Tile Museum is also located in the town celebrating British decorative tile manufacture from 1840 to 1960. There are lots more museums but time was short for our visit. Here's a selection of images...