Sun Suits And Series News

Mornin' All!

You've caught me in a particularly good mood this morning, not only did I not need to get out of bed until 7.45, but the sun is shining (still bleeping cold though). Oh and the best bit... Yesterday I had a rather marvellous idea (well, I think so!) and so I'm putting in a bit of time for research then I'll be able to host a rather fun blog series - I truly cannot wait, but in the meantime, research and knitting!

Speaking of knitting, I popped into a charity shop yesterday and picked up two patterns, one of which is this one...

Isn't it just lovely? The owner taped it up to keep it together, but it's still complete. I just couldn't resist that little face! The pattern I really fancy making is the one in the middle (on the right hand side) - One day maybe!

Note those little plucked eye brows - They could of course be natural, in which case I'm rather envious.

Right, back to it! Thank you for your knitting pattern orders, it's really wonderful to think that other people will get some use out of these patterns too.

I'll be popping back soon with some knitting - I've finished half of it, now I'm about to start on the second. Which reminds me, I must order some wool so I can finish!

And then the new series which should be along next month or so!

Ta-Ra Chuck!

Jennie xx

P.S. Ma's camera packed up the other week and is beyond repair, so she's thinking of getting a GE X400 - Does anyone know if they're any good?

The Charming Pattern Shop Is Open

'Noon

So, how you diddling?

Big news day. You may well know about my knitting pattern collection and the amount of room it takes up, well Ma has nagged me for a long time to do something about it. We compromised on the idea of me selling copies... That was about 3 years ago, well, after a request for a few patterns the other day I finally decided that's now's the time.

However, Sally Scanner wouldn't talk to Larry Laptop, so I thought about doing some photocopies. It was a Saturday. Many of you may be aware that in many small towns out this way, shops are closed on Saturdays, at least in the afternoons. So the printing place was closed and I was feeling glum. So I decided to just go and get a new scanner, so off to one of those big retail places that I hate so much as they're ruining the high street.

I came home with a Scanner/Printer/Copier which was almost half price and after setting it up - Less than an hour! - I was good to go.

I've now been spending all my free time scanning patterns and PDF-ing them. I've bearly touched the mountain, but I'm having fun with my new toy.

So should you wish to purchase a PDF of one of my many patterns, I have a "shop" page at the top of this blog (under the banner). That just a few patterns in, but I'll be adding to the page and also setting up a proper shop, maybe Etsy?

But in the meantime, if there's anything you're looking for, do say and I'll get my mountaineering equipment on and go off and take a look for you.

Anyway, to new adventures!

Jennie xxx

How Many Inches Did You Get Over The Weekend?

A proper Good Morning, I'm now feeling bright and breezy thanks to Lucy... Thank you!

So now I'm getting to grips with Picasa Web Albums - Yet another thing I will struggle to use and will probably forget how to by next week! But never the less, let us enjoy this blog, it's been in the pipeline since Friday, and it's such a relief to be writing it and knowing that the chances of adding snaps is very high!

So... A bit of the white stuff (snow!) of Wednesday evening just to remind us what it looked like, then I awake not-very-bright and early (7am, I ask you!) on Friday to discover we were snowed it - Glorious stuff!

Charlie was not best pleased, but at least he was warm in front of the Rayburn!

It's just started snowing again, just as it looked like it was melting away - When do I call Ma to inform her to get back home? I'll leave it a bit, it's still light and not sticking. Anyway, Friday morning, there were a few inches, about five or six, and then it continued!

This was about 8am on Friday, just before the farmer down the lane called on us to make sure we were alright - Bless.

The weekend as a whole was wonderful though. Hunkered down in front of the woodburner watch Pride & Prejudice (with Colin Firth thank you very much, the only version worth watching!) and also North & South, with the delectable Richard Armitage, swoon! That accent gets me every time, by 'eck it does!

And as a thank you to dear Lucy, who saved this blog and my sanity, here's some knitty news:

I've been knitting a 1937 something, it's day 14 today and I'm loving the pattern, the instructions are easy to follow and the wool is lovely - But it feels so slow! I've completed the back, and I'm half way up the left front - Bet you don't know what it is! But I'll add one more thing, I had to knit in a pocket, which provides me with endless joy (yes, really!). But I'm not even half way done, there's loads to knit and a few more balls of wool to buy.

But here's a picture of the pattern. The colour is gorgeous on the photo, but it's not true! It's actually a claret (between a deep red and brown), not the purple it appears to be. But nice detail?

So that's me done for the day, I'll be finishing up my hot chocolate and hoping for enough snow to keep me indoors with Middlemarch, Emma or Wuthering Heights - Decisions!

Keep warm and take care

Jennie xxx

The Queen And The Daisy Clutch

Hello!

I'm taking a bit of a break from the knitting (ta very much), a 3 2 rib frazzles me brain somewhat, especially when I'm not concentrating...
I did finish the collar last night, and have made a good start on the front. Though I'll still need to order some more wool, but I will have a lovely new jumper for the Autumn, which will go with a multitude of skirts and slacks - Yipee!

Last week, Friday I think, I was wandering around town waiting for my lift home when I decided to pop into a usually overpriced charity shop and found this little number, which was promptly picked up and hurried over to the counter - Though I don't think there was too much of a riot to buy it!

Love at first sight... Yes, more tat! I won't repeat what Ma said when she saw it, no taste!

Then I popped over to a shop that sells a bit of vintage on occasion and it was heaving, but I  fought my way through and found a little basket filled with bags, mainly stuff which doesn't interest me (too modern) and found this beauty!

I know, I know, a Summer bag... It may be used one day!
Just look inside...

Oh, how in love am I?

That's about it for my finds, I have picked up a few DVDs cheap, but nothing exciting.

Anyway, break over, back to work!

Have yourself a lovely day

Jennie x

P.S. How do you like my temporary banner? I'll get round to making a proper one some day!

Two Balls More

A Sunday post? Why yes me dearies, I find myself with a weekend completely free following the confusion over the weather. Had we been expecting good weather, I would have been out today for sure, and possibly yesterday, but the fine weather rather caught me out!

So I've been sorting through my knitting, and rushing myself to finally get that middy jacket finished so I can wear it - But I ran out of wool (again), so I once again picked up a 1938 number which I last worked on last year.

I ran out of wool and so ordered two balls more, but they were a different shade. The shade I had been working with is no longer available. I'm on the second sleeve, I really don't want to un-run it all and start again with the new shade. So I started knitting with the new shade, just to see how noticeable it would be, I'll let the picture speak for itself!

Why's this come out on it's side? Bah, one of those days!

Do I go round with a "faded" sleeve or re-knit? There is also a collar to knit, my knitting advisers, this one's up to you!

On the subject of not enough wool, I also ran out of wool on a 1936 cardigan, again, on the second sleeve! So I'm just going to ask, does anybody happen to have two balls of Wendy Kintyre (aran) in green? The code on the wool sleeve is 161 6678

Although, if I'm going to ask for wool (which I would, of course, pay for), the original brown wool I was using was Patons Diploma Gold 4-ply, colour 04218 - Which is available, but in a lighter shade (as shown), the one I was using originally, has a reddish hue to it, and little flecks of chestnut running through it. It also goes much better with the orange I'm using for the motif.

In my defence, I did weight both lots of wool before I started knitting, but it still wasn't enough, sigh.
So, just to reassure me, do tell me you have also come across this "not enough wool" problem.

So that's my story for the day, I'm planning on a spot of baking later in the week, chocolate biscuits alright with you?

So I bid you a relaxing Sunday afternoon, and wish you well for the coming week. I do have some outings planned for next week, and their indoors, so no worries about the weather!

Pip-pip

Jennie x

Where The Magic Happens!

I'm not quite sure where this past week has gone, busy busy!

Last Sunday was a turning point in my life, I finally became a grown up... well, maybe not, but I'm closer to being a grown up than every before!

My new (to me) bedroom suite was delivered, the delivery cost more than the suite, but it was cuch good value. Would you care for me to stop babbling and show you? More babbling did you say?

Please excuse that duvet... I've been in a bit of a flap and a duvet just makes life that little bit easier - When I'm feel better, back to sheets we go - Ooh, sheets and blankets and an eiderdown up top! Just a note here, the vintage eiderdown was a bargain, £3 as the seller was allergic to feathers and wanted rid of it!
You can just see my sewing table to the right and Lloyd Loom (style) chair on the left.

I'm thinking of a similar green for me walls... If we're staying here. It's all up in the air and I don't know where I am right now.

The reason for such a good sleep is down to my modern matress on top of the original bed springs. The delivery man had the cheek to suggest I'd better be careful on the bed as old beds have a tendency to squeek!
Having my matress on top also makes the bed rather high, I can sit on the edge and me feet are quite a way off the ground - I have to start the morning with base jumping!

The original paper tag is also attached to on of the springs. The bed has "Vono" on the side too, who apparently made a bed for Queen Victoria!

That was just the bed! Here's the rest:

Such an awful photo, and it doesn't even show the dressing table as a whole. Also, for those of you interested, have a close look at the mirror, those weren't visible when I took the snap!
I used to have a dressing table, but had to sell it when we moved, and the original owner still visited, in a spiritual form - Blythe Spirit has just come to mind!

And inside on of those drawers:

They won't stay this tidy!

And finally, the inside of the wardrobe:

I haven't put everything back in my room yet, so this "show room" is only temporary. I love having the oppertunity to sort through my stuff as it's coming back. My utility shoes are pride of place up front and so is my double breasted suit, made from a man's! Something I always fancied trying, then found this suit... in my size! Bingo!

This was only going to be a short pop in and say "hello" post...

I can smell dinner, pizza! Then back to me knitting sticks, a claret coloured frock on the go - Very quick (so far), another 2 weeks and I should be showing you all the wonders of knitted dresses

Catch you later alligator!

Jennie xx

Creme de la Creme Egg

Oooh, if only you knew the effort that went into this title of today's post! I had to eat many eggs for research purposes, it was hell! Thankfully, when the title was decided upon, I could rest. The remaining eggs are now on display as a reminder of the things we do for our blogs!

I trust you're all well?

Things have moved on a bit here since we last spoke; My dearest Bess (number 1 bicycle) has been fixed, I'd done the bearings (my poor poor nails were ever so black!), then my tyres wouldn't stay up... Long story short, it's all fixed (thank you Daddy!).
Another bike has been sent my way, it's on a time share between me and Ma as she doesn't have a rideable bike. This one is electric, or would be if the battery pack worked!
I've added yet more to the stash/collection/pile of tat - A handful of magazines, the picture of King George V... Gawd bless 'im!. Sunglasses and some Double Knit wool in a fancy shade called Claret (oooh, get me!) which is for a 1935 Coatee which will be knitted closer to Autumn (so, now?).

I've not much planned for the weekend; Tonight is a lovely night in with home-made pizza and the 100th episode of The Big Bang Theory. Then the rest of the weekend will consist of a chocolate egg, hair cut, some films and maybe a bootsale if the snow stays away - More warm weather please!

Speaking of films - Listening to the wireless the other day, an advert came on for Blockbuster, they suggested renting Happy Feet - I mentioned to Ma that I thought Kung Fu Panda was on the box. She turned to me and said that she had not desire to watch the panda as it wasn't believable... Dancing penguins however.... I think you're crazy Ma, but I love you x

Anyway, I think I've come to the end of this post, I didn't really have anything to say, but do want to wish you all a lovely weekend.

I shall be back next week without fail, I will (I swear) have finished something, either a 1933 Coatee with a nautical theme, or a 1939 Jumper with yachts on (no, it's still not finished!), or a 1940s Middy Jacket... Something will be finished!

So I wish you well

Jennie & family xx

Let's Make A Date In Our Notebook

First thing first - The weight of the 1949 Really Charming jumper is 6 oz, making Brittany's guess of 5.5 oz the closest. I can't believe how much wool it took, I'm feeling a bit cheated by the promise of it only taking 4 oz... never mind

But moving on from that is this cardi. Beautifully named the Date Maker, from 1946. I made this one up in red wool, which cost me just £1... I found a jumper on a £1 rail in a charity shop, the cable work was fantastic, but it was one of the most shapeless jumpers I've ever seen - So I bought it knowing something could be done, in the end, unrunning it was the best option.

I'm afraid I'm only doing "on the hanger" snaps right now, I'm in no mood for posing. It does look better on... I promise!

Any fans of "The Notebook" may recognise this one too, Ally wears a red Date Maker on her first date with Noah...


Awful snap, but just look at her cardi!

The buckle I was going to use was half the size required, but then I found this creamy one along with a black one in a chairty shop for 20p... 20p for two! I'm not sure whether to replace it at some point, we'll see how it goes.

If you too would like to knit a Date Maker, the pattern is available here, for free!

I'd better say my good-bye for now, work to do, tea to drink!

Good-Bye

Jennie xx

Really Charming In 1949

I find myself getting fustrated quite often when it comes to finding my next knitting project - I have a huge shelf (or 5!) filled with patterns, yet I always find myself back online looking for something else. But towards the end of January, I found a booklet lurking underneath everything else - The claim was that the jumpers contained within would only use 4 ounces of wool. Then I found "The Jumper", aptly named "Really Charming". When you name your blog "It's a Charmed Life", you really want a jumper to match, right?

So there you have it, I liked the name of the jumper, and the small amount of wool required, so I knitted it... I daudled quite a bit as I have so many other things on the go, but none the less, it's finished:

Apologies for a less than beautiful snap, it's a bit dull here, and I was so excited just to finally take a photo I didn't bother setting it up, or weighing it!

Place your bets, does the jumper weigh 4 ounces? I will be weighing it and letting you know next time, there will be no prizes but you will be entitled to feel smug if you get it right :)

I'm so taken with this booklet I'm already planning on the next project. Pink, I think.

Oh, and just in case you're interested, the booklet wasn't dated, but I found an advert in there for a Summer school starting in July 1949 - Good enough for me!

That's about all I have to say for myself today, just to let you know I'm alive and have finished something (at last!). I have finished the cardi, but have yet to take snaps. Now I only have six knitting pieces to finish!

So I'll say good-bye now, wishing you all a lovely day

Jennie xx

Irresistibly Sweet

As I mentioned in my last post, I couldn't think of 7 random facts about myself, so instead asked you to ask the questions... Well two of you did!

The blog was given to me by Sew Something Vintage - Thank you

And the questions...

Lucey asked: I'd like to know if you have any tattoos and if so where??

No I wussed out of going in due to my hatred of needles, but considering the tattoos I'd be sporting now, it was probably for the best - Not that I criticise those of you who have ever-lasting doodles, they're great, just not for me (now)

Kate asked:  How do you knit so quickly??

Well, I've been trying to stick to one project at a time (ignoring the several half finished jumpers and bag hidden in the prject bag!). It's also practice, and spending up to 13 hours a day knitting (only on grotty days when I'm at home). So to sum up, stick to one piece, knit until your fingers are about to drop off and also knit something you're desperate to wear.

Well, there you have it. Lucey and Kate, the award belongs to you two now, go forth and blog!

Although back to the knitting, the 1937 Trellis Yoke jumper which has a finished back, and knitted right up to the armholes has forced me to put it to bed for now - The pattern is well and truly twisted, plus it looks a mess compared with their close-up picture, so I'm going to re-write the yoke part of the pattern, and it should be finished in, oooh, 10 years?
Fear not my children, I picked up the needles straight away and started knitting a jumper to make you weep with delight (well, maybe), it's half rib, but on number 10s and 9s! Knitting an Autumnal jumper seems a bit silly when I'm roasting like a chicken today, but here's a pic of it as of 1.30pm today (it's grown since then!)

Chocolate brown, although we don't mention the C word anymore, not until the weekend, when that Orange Aero will be safely hidden in my tum tum!

Anyhoo hoo, must dash, work to do and all that jazz

Jennie xx

Question Time With Jennie Dimbleby

Well well well, you've caught me at the moment in which I'm trying to look busy and in truth, I am well and truly stumped. Here's the deal: I have been awarded The Irresistibly Sweet Award by Sew Something Vintage (thank you), but part of the deal is that I have to give 7 random facts about myself... I cannot think of a single one, you know everything there is to know!

So, I propose that you ask me a question or several, and my favourites will be answered and if you have a blog, you will receive this award... Deal?

Oh, and about that 16 day jumper - I made a stupid mistake, it wasn't 16 days, I took a day off to do a spot of sewing for someone... It was 15 days

Enough showing off, the basket weave jumper I mentioned, well, after a lot of minor swearing (fiddlesticks and the like) and throwing the giant ball of wool across the room, I gave up! Well, I say that, it's been put in a bag for a later date. I was knitting the sleeve and discovered I had trouble counting to 6, so kept changing after 5 - I don't know why, but also the jumper is in 2-ply and felt very light and thin, so it's a Spring jumper - It will be finished for next Spring (ho ho ho).

In the meantime, I've picked up my sticks and some surplus wool and started a really simple, and a bit plain jumper from 1937. It's a mustard-y colour and has a lacey detail on the yoke. Almost finished the back, but it seems to be taking an age - It might just be a 30 day jumper at this rate!

I'll be back with some answers (if you ask my anything!), and hopefully a bit more of a jumper

All my best wishes to you on this changeable Thursday afternoon

Jennie xx

16 Days of Woolly Bliss

I was sure we were in June, now I'm looking at September on the calender - The time has just slipped away and I'm not quite sure what I've been doing.

Sure enough I've been knitting, but due to getting muddled up with my tension square, I started to knit a cardigan which, if I had finished, would have been several sizes too big as I was knitting in Aran and I need DK... Oh, how I hate spending two days on a project only to then discover that I've wasted my time, but at least I found out before I got any further. I will be revisiting this pattern when I've found some suitable DK - Do keep your eyes peeled for a 1936 cardigan!

So then I started a 1941 lacey cable jumper, only to realise it was the end of August and I was knitting in 2-ply with number 14 needles - It surely won't be ready by the end of Summer, so I'll keep it in the project bag for those spare moments. Please send me some luck regarding the 3 1/2 inches of rib!

So, to get to the point, I finally had a dig around and pulled out a pattern I'd loved for quite a while but never seemed to have the right wool - Well, a while back I bought a bag of discontinued Coral wool and they seemed a perfect match - 16 days later and I had myself a new jumper... Yes, 16 days, I should really have gone full time with it, but R.S.I. in left hand kept the pace slow. Listen to me, waffling on, and all you want to see is the jumper!

The lacey pattern is also on the back and down the sleeves.

The coral is a more pink, less orange in the flesh, but isn't that always the way with  photos?

But still not content, I finished this jumper on Monday night and started another jumper on Tuesday evening, I'm not all too sure of it as the wool matches a length of fabric I have and I was thinking of knitting this jumper to match a skirt made from the fabric... But then, I realised I may have enough fabric to make a collared dress, in which case, I won't want a collared jumper, I'd want a cardigan! But the jumper is going ahead on the matter of fact basis that the wool is a thin 3-ply and the pattern is for a 2-ply jumper, and it's knitting up a treat... There may be enough for a cardigan too, so I shan't sob. So here it is, I've started on a sleeve, just to make my mind up whether or not I like the design:

The original, from 1935:

I'm really looking forward to the monogram eeek, but what colour?

How are you all doing with your knitting, I haven't had much time for blogs and the reading of for a while, but I do keep an eye out for knitting posts. I just like that little kick to say "they can knit, so can you", so please do blog your knitteds, even if they are just a pile of pieces in the workbag.

Anyway, I really have waffled on for long enough, but I'm sure it's down to the changing season - I'm really feeling Autumnal now, the woodburner's being lit in the evening, the coal has just been delivered, I'm looking at Reindeer jumper patterns and I'm really feeling the love for warming colours; rust, green, mustard, scarlet and a dash of navy.

So I really must be off now, I have a sleeve to get back to. It won't be finished in the outstanding time of 16 days, but watch this space!

TTFN

Jennie xx 

1934 Chevron Jumper

Well doubters, here she is - My chevron jumper knitted from a 1934 pattern, and you thought it would never happen!

It has to be said that knitting a jumper goes a lot quicker if you don't mess up the pattern on the shoulders - I completely missed the chevrons on the front shoulders, so I stayed up half the night to amend this.

In the original picture, the tie is in a bow, but I really like ties to be tied like ties, so mine is tied like a tie.

After all this work to finish a Summer jumper, it's still raining and I'm even planning my Autumn/Winter wardrobe... Please bring me a proper Summer!

In other news, today would've been George's Birthday, I just wished the sun could've shined for him today, he was a sun worshipper.

Anyway, I'm exhausted after all that knitting, I have another jumper which needs the pattern working out (how did so many patterns get printed without being checked first?!). So I'll wish you a pleasant Summer Solstice and we'll chat soon

Jennie and Charlie xx

The Weekend

Oh Boy, oh boy! What a weekend I've had, I get to that in a moment. Back to the dentist I mentioned in the last post - He has the whitest smile I've ever seen, he really is wasted in the dental profession, his dazzling smile should be gracing bus stops, advertising toothpaste. Whatever brand he uses, I'd certainly buy it!

Also, I'm having issues with commenting on blogs. I'm asked to sign in each time I try, even after I've signed in (again), it keeps sending me to sign in. Any solutions? I'm aware that if you'r having the same issue, you won't be able to comment to tell me, but if you've solved the problem, could you let me know how?

Anyway, I'll work backwards: Last evening, Charlie was in clear discomfort, eventually it was realised that although he was digging holes and constantly trying to "water the garden", it just wasn't happening. A quick call to the on call vet and he was in his basket and being rushed to the practice.
After the vet gave him a good examination, he brought in the ultra sound machine. He was diagnosed with an inflamation, and given two injections and sent into the reception to pay. Then the vet came out with a bottle of tablets (I think he said they were essential vitamins, or osme such thing), this was clearly designed to make sure the bill topped the £100 mark!
£101.01 lighter, we left for home. About half an hour later, Charlie picked up. By this morning, he's happy as Larry.
That was my stressful Sunday evening, which is also my excuse for not listing half as much on eBay as I shoud've.

Sunday morning was a much nicer affair, not only was there a bootsale on, but also Gwili Steam Railway were hosting a Transport Weekend on the showground.
I am feeling rather duped by them however. The lady on the tannoy said the cost of entry was £3, no, it was £4. Then there was a £1 charge for the programme, which is full of adverts and not much else. But by far the worst thing, we'd had rain in the middle of the night, though the ground was dry by morning, a good number of the cars advertised were no where to be seen!
There was a rather fine 1942 Fordson - Doesn't it just scream "Land Girl"?

So, the bootsale:
3 compliments really made my day. They were: "I thought you looked like a fabric person when I saw your skirt" from the woman I bought the dress and nightie from. "Two stylish ladies" from a man with a 1930s table I didn't buy (when I went back to ask, he'd already gone!) and "I really like the way you've done your hair. No, I love the way you've done your hair, your whole look" from the lady who sold me a table...

These two, the long one I'm sure is a nightie, it's long, with one waist tie (one has been torn out) and the detailing on the shoulder. The other is shorter but seems to be better made. Both need a bit of work.

Then I found myself buying a table... Do I need a table, no? Could I walk away form such a fantastic find? No!

So that was my excitement for the day. Oh, I haven't even shown you an outfit! You can't see the wrap dress I'm wearing, and I look truly awful, but look at my hair! It's safe to say that this was a very relaxed "Casual Sunday Outifit"...

Jumper: Hand knitted by Ma, indeed it was the first "vintage" jumper she knitted for me

Bandana: Modern, from a bootsale, and I only paid 10 pence for it!

Dress (not seen): Modern, from the Ethel Austin Closing Down Sale of 2010, reduced from £12 to £3!

Shoes (not seen): White tennis shoes, also from Ethel Austin when they were in the stages of being under a different name and having somewhat of an identity crisis

Bag (not seen): 1940s straw clutch, from eBay

I must dash, I have a pile of sewing to finish and deliver this week and we're not going to talk about the jumper!

Hugs to the cats

Jennie & Charlie xx

Spring

Hello my lovely followers, there are now 80 of you, but how many of you are reading this? Not to worry, I take mini breaks from blogs also, and then catch up a few posts down the line. I don't know why I'm waffling on, it seems to be a speciality of mine! Anyway, to the post...

I was gobsmacked (I love this word!) by the "little" present me Ma found for me over the weekend:

Yes, my very own display cabinet! Unfortunatly, one of the glass doors was smashed getting it into the car, so I've left it door-less and I'm pretty sure it doesn't look odd. Though I do intend on buying a replacement sheet at some point... 4 years down the line?
The glass doors originally had a similar decoration to the mirrored back, but the previous owner had managed to clean it all off! Ooops, I don't think it was intentional. She had also broken the original glass shelves when she'd bought it, so there are replacement shelves in now, one of which has a chip out of it! The poor cabinet!

I'm only keep my 50's/60's pieces in this one, and hoping to get one of those rounded Art Deco cabinets for my 1930's pieces... Anyone seen one cheap?

Oooh, I've finished the back for the 1934 Chevron Jumper, and now I'm on the front. I had to take a break after almost 5 inches of single rib, I was bored to tears! But no worry, I started again last night and almost completed the first row of chevrons - Yay!

I mentioned in my last post that I was getting my hair cut... I did it! I wanted to let it settle and regain it's natural curl before smothering it in chemicals, so I don't have a photo yet - I'm convinced I look like the fourth member of Hanson! mmmbop...

I was sure of other news before starting to write this, I just can't remember now. I'm sure my brain is having a Spring Clean, which will explain why it can't find anything!
I'm also having a huge Spring Clean, finally sorting out my many boxes to eBay, Boot Sale and Donate to charity. Do I really need 14 similar kitsch jam pots? (please say no!)

I'm currently waiting in for a courier to arrive... If he can hurry up a bit I might be able to get out and enjoy the clear blue skies and sunshine this afternoon... I want to get down the beach before the tourists find it.

I'd better be off, knitting to knit and people to wait for, plus, I will ramble even more if we don't say goodbye now!
Hopefully, I'll have a photo for you tomorrow of my nifty new hair

Ta ta

Jennie xx

St David's Day Knitting Parade

St David's Day is probably the best day of the year for me, I'm pretty sure it never rains and there is a good spread of daffodils on the roadside. I was going to try and get some daffodil photos, but it's rather nippy out, and I'm feeling lovely and lazy after lunch, so I'll show you some other things I've been up to...

I went to a boot-sale on Sunday, the first for me this year. It rained, it was gusty, it was dismal! Despite some lovely 1930's pieces at good prices, I only made one purchase, a pair of new (but not new) faux fur gloves made by Bryans Gloves, in my size, for £2.00 - Perfect, but why couldn't I have found these back in September?



Bryans Gloves, now mine!

 I'm on the move again, though I'm just going downstairs this time! Perfect excuse to sort through my wardrobe, well, I say wardrobe, that's full and everything else is in suitcases/boxes/on the back of chairs! This is all I managed to get into my teeny weeny wardrobe!



Large wardrobe required by young Lady with much attire

I've also been knitting, but at the expense of reading my new Vintage Life magazine and sewing! This is the jumper mentioned in my last post, I just mis-counted the stitches and lost my place in the pattern..Doh!
This is a 1934 Chevron patterned Jumper in daffodil (or lemon, if you prefer) and will have a chocolate brown neck tie. I'm sure I'll be mistaken for a Brownie!

I also have every intention of having me hair cut this week, it's now below my shoulders and I'm bored. I fancy a bob for the Summer, thoughts?

So I'll now leave you to enjoy the rest of your day, I hope the sun's shining for you

Jennie xx (I'm reverting to the previous spelling of me name!)

Not A Stitch To Wear

I've been going through my usual Spring routine this past week. Early, I know, but the sun has been out (although it is bloomin freezing!) and this causes me to search through my Summer wardrobe and complain that I "don't have a stitch to wear"! This has come at the perfect time, as it's still only January, I can do something to change my wardrobe dilemma before we have a real heatwave...

In a bid to try and mix it up a little and avoid my usual habits of wearing 1930's styles in the Spring, 1950's in the Summer and 1940's in Autumn/Winter, I have tried my very best to put together a good selection of patterns which will compliment the garments already in my wardrobe. Here are the first few items on my "To Do" list:

Yes, it's a 1950's dress, but it's a wrap dress, I already have the fabric and it'll be ideal for those lazy days in the shade, sheltering from the heatwave... I can't keep a straight face saying that either!
This dress will be in pink with a red trim, just like the picture!

This pattern is from 1939, but isn't very dated, is it? So it will be worn from Spring through Summer. I have actually already started this one (last year!), but the pattern is wrong and needs some rewriting... argh!
This is in white, again, like the picture!

Just a simple slip, but why can I not find any? I'm sure I had some packed away. So I'm going to make many in the hope of always being able to find one!
Probably in whites, pinks, blossom prints etc - I'll see what I can find

Oh, how I do love this 1940's jumper! I don't think this really needs explaining.
Red and white, blue and white... I don't know where to start, it's all so exciting!

And finally, something I've already made:

Does he look like a sausage dog to you? I can't make up my mind, but I made him a few days ago with sausages and dogs in mind. He already has a new home, boo. Made in felt, hand sewn.
As long as I keep up with my hand sewing (brooches), I can justify being sat in front of the sewing machine or with knitting needles in hand.

Oh, before I forget, I'm going to have a quick complain about the VAT rise (up to 20%!!!). Here goes: booooooooo, no fair!

There, it's out of my system now, but unfortunately, my brooches are up in price by 50p! The felt has gone up, the thread will no doubt go up in price, as will pins, kapok and postage.

I'm also thinking that now is the time I finally get a little online shop set up for the brooches, which will hopefully have a wholesale section to make it easier that emailing me with orders. Just need a name...

It's all coming back to me, I want to ask, what you you like as a giveaway prize? There are now 54 followers, you all get a say, because if I give away something rubbish, you're sure to complain :)

I also have some exciting developments in the cycling front, I haven't bought the plane tickets, but get training!

See you in a few days when I've calmed down a bit!

Toodles

Jenny (& George, resting by the fire) xx