Reading (I have done some)

I had On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan for Christmas and finished it on Sunday. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and thought it was very well written. The author showed great understanding of how both sexes think and he also brilliantly illustrated social attitudes of the early 1960's. The story was poignant yet funny at times and the ending was not at all as I expected. It was quite a shock and not how I thought many people would have behaved then.

Well, that's my attempt at a review anyway! Reading has unfortunately taken a back seat due to my knitting addiction. I must learn to combine the two one day.

Present pics

Just realised I haven't posted the pics of my Christmas presents.

Am very pleased to be the owner of luxury knitting needles rather than old crooked metal ones! As you can see one pair were already in use when I took the photo. They were beautiful to use - really light. The book is fantastic too. Some great patterns and one or two I may use for my knit a bag a month project.

Happy 2008

Happy New Year! A little late I know but there we go.

Anyway, my knitting project for 2008? Well, I've decided to knit a bag a month. Basically it's an excuse to have something to knit each month and another excuse to make more bags. There are going to be a few rules (just a few, I promise otherwise it'll never get completed).

1. At least one bag must be completed in each calendar month.
2. At least one bag must be felted.
3. At least one bag must incorporate beads (my newly acquired skill).
4. At least one bag must be of your own design.
5. At least one bag must be cabled.

That's it.

If anyone would like to join the project, contact me or just knit a bag a month for fun! I will be posting on Ravelry about this and might even set up a separate blog dedicated to the project. I'm off to get knitting before January is over!

Christmas goodies!

A fantastic Christmas was had by all at our house and I was lucky enough to receive some knitting related presents! 3 gorgeous pairs of knitting needles, some stitch markers, a book and a pattern with wool. Will post pictures soon. Also picked up some yarn at the sales today.

My knitted gifts for others were all completed and well received! I'm thinking about next year's already!

Been thinking lots about resolutions for the New Year (knitting ones of course!) and also my project for 2008 - more about those next time!

Christmas cupcakes

Just an excuse to post a picture of Nigella's Christmas cupcakes I made last week. I thought they looked very appealing. They tasted okay but I have had a cold and can't taste that much!

Lovely goodies!

I received my swap parcel today! Hooray! It was an exchange of 100g of yarn. Vikki (VikingKnits) sent me a gorgeous ball of Rowan spray, some yummy chocolate and some beautiful hand made stitch markers! Just hoping she receives her parcel soon.

If you want to take part in a swap, there will be a 'main' swap in the new year over at the UK Swap blog.

I am still here!

I know, I know! This blogging lark has been proving very difficult for a number of reasons. One being time, another being not having anything interesting to say. I also find it quite difficult knowing that no-one in particular is reading this!

Anyway, I have a project I am thinking of working on in the new year so that should (hopefully) give me something to blog about - well at least once a month anyway! More about the project another time but it does involve knitting and bags!

On another note I have just sent off some yarn for a swap I am taking part in - my very first one. I heard about it through Ravelry but you can find details on the UK swap blog. It was meant as a warm up to the main swap which is taking part sometime in Jan - March 08. I haven't received my swap yet but I am quite excited about. I felt strangely nervous sending mine off! I think because you never know what someone else (especially someone you don't know) will think. Anyway, it's gone now so I hope it is well received.

Off now to sew a lining for a bag which I really need to get in the post tomorrow!