When I met the Queen of the Tea Cosies

Loani Prior is such a lovely down-to-earth kind of person, considering her profile, in today's knitting world, particularly. I'm, no doubt, one of the many many fans and admirers of her tea cosies books. I feel fortunate and privilege to have met and had a good little chat to her for ideas and advice.... I'm not, by all definitions, a proficient knitter as I haven't progressed from the beginner level of knitting scarfs and squares since I started taking up the craft when I was SIX years old (and that was a few decades ago).!!! After meeting Loani, I have got a little inspired to become a bit more adventurous and spent a good chuck of my time 'in transit' (yes, I have been travelling) on knitting. See some of the finished pieces below. The patterns are from Loani's tea cosies books, of course.

And, as of today, I'm on to the last block of Domino Knitting for the back panel of a poncho I intended to make for myself that I started 3 years ago. Here, I'm hoping that I will have it ready to keep me warm by next winter. I shall see.!

 

Well, I was curious....

During my recent work trip, there was a chance to have a little break one afternoon. And, visiting a local craft shop seemed a natural thing to do. :-) There, I discovered the balls of what I call 'ribbon' in various variegated colours for making a 'fluffy' scarf. But how? I was curious....So, I bought a couple of them to try out. They were quick and easy to make and were definitely very 'effective' accessories for winter wears, judging by the many occasions that I was stopped and asked to explain how it's done (7 stitches of garter stitch and used up all ribbon of the ball). The range of colours available for the ribbons was so attractive, and I couldn't get passed those shades of blue/green colours. :-)

....Then, one thing led to another....I was inspired to make a few more scarfs (for children, this time) after seeing (and feeling) those beautiful wools that were hard to resist at this year Sydney Quilt Show.! Thanks to Katrina, my sewing friend and monthly school canteen buddy. She got me going with my knitting and crocheting, in between the English Paper Piecing and some hand quilting I'm working on at the moment. So, tatting is taking a back seat for now (but not for long, I don't think - I would like to finish the edging for my piano runner soon).

 

Knitting and Crochet Projects

...Work is always busy and home is always busy... and I also like to keep myself busy, but it's not always possible for me to spend time in my sewing room when I'm not working or running the household. Knitting and crochet fill the gap nicely and it's a good way for me to make use of the wool that I have got, among several other craft materials. I, sometimes, choose to knit or crochet on the train to and from work instead of tatting when I'm not reading or working while on the train.!! In the past few months, I have made a crochet baby blanket for Mia, my friend's, Annica, new born baby girl, and couple more Domino knitted pot stands, so far. I'm knitting a poncho for myself at the moment but I don't expect to finish it until next winter...

Coat Hanger

At Sydney Craft Expo in March this year, the lady who owns 'World of Lace' shop showed me how to knit the lace in with the wool to make pretty coat hangers. I have made a few of the 'simple' pattern as I'm not so skilful at knitting. The coat hangers are handy, practical and make good presents. I have kept the white one in the picture for one of my many coats as it's the first one I ever attempted. I made the purple one for my colleague, Marita. She likes it although she thinks it looks ‘daggy’.!!

Pot Stand - Domino Knitting

Last year, I learnt a new way (to me) of knitting a square from a book called 'Domino Knitting' by Vivian Hoxbro. It's a good way for me to use up bits and pieces of left over wools. My first project was a pot stand. It is now residing in my kitchen and regularly used.