Whimsical Little Knits

My shawl came from this little knitting book which I bought at The Knitting and Stitching Show in London.   There is website on the back, www.ysolda.com  for anyone who is interested.  As I only had one ball of wool I only did three rows of pattern on the edge.

My Colorful Knitted Shawl

I knitted this "Ishbel" shawl this week from a single ball of Noro silk garden sock wool.  It is modeled by Mabel the Newbury Embroiderers Guild dummy who is living with me.  

Blocking my shawl

I blocked my shawl on a towel on the carpet, by pinning it out and spraying it with water.  Once the shawl was dry the lace pattern on the edge was more defined.  The top of the shawl was meant to be straight but was tight and so I had to curl it up as you can see.  I slipped the first stitch each time and maybe that was the problem.  Perhaps someone can tell me what I did wrong!

Missenden Abbey Garden

Chain Stitch Circles

I liked these little chain stitch circles, stitched over painted cotton and layered chiffon pieces.

Circles of Design and Stitch

Missenden Abbey

Spent the weekend at Missenden Abbey, Bucks on Janet Edmond's quarterly "Taking Textile Further" course. I had a great time exploring shades and tints of black and white in design, and then trying out some of my small pieces in stitch.