Saturday 19 October 2013

Singing Snowmen and New Buys!

Hello to You All, hoping you are having a good weekend with some good weather.  I also hope everyone is well.

I have had a lovely few hours at a Wool and Textile Fair here in Inverness, I went along with my Choral Friend Fiona and just drooled at all the gorgeous Tweed material and beautiful yarn.  Amazed at knitting needles which were as thick as walking sticks and massive balls of Tweed which knitted up rugs.  Fiona, isn't a knitter but would love to be, so I'm going to look out a few simple patterns for her to have a go.

I stood in awe looking at the most exquisite shawls knitted by a lady from the Isle of Eigg, they were made by yarn as fine as embroidery thread, the patterns were stunning and also the colours, one of them cost £700, but what a work of art.  She is self taught, and upon asking her how she manages to concentrate to keep count, she replied that it is just her and her dog and he is no trouble.  I've been trying to do a simple shawl for ages, now I know where I'm going wrong, ditch the husband and move to Eigg. Only kidding.......!

Anyhow I had a bit of a spend, here is what I bought;
 The colours are like jewels, and the texture of the yarns are gorgeous. The blue yarn is from baby alpaca and is the softest ever and I'll use it for the shoulder shrug, all from a company called Alpaca Loft, who have their own herd of Alpacas, an if you buy their kits, there will be a photo of the animal whose fleece it is.
The green toned yarn is for Lewis's socks, Alistair's son. I had started them with a yarn that I didn't like much, but all I had for a guy, but it wasn't a patch on this one and the colour is called Winter Tartan.
All of this yarn is hand dyed from natural sources, like lichens and things, all the colours of nature.
 These are two patterns I liked, not all that difficult, I hope.  Hope I've not bored you too much with my other passion.  Here is my little card for today;
From the Debbie Moore CD Snow Buddeeze, again trying to use my CDs a bit more
Topper, paper , sentiment and bow ties all from the CD
Black Core'dinations Card
Gold Glitter Card
SB Music Embossing Folder
Marianne Treble Cleft Die
Stickles Sparkle
Gems
I hope you like my little effort.

Thank you all so much for the comments on my last card, I do appreciate that you visit me, I know it takes time.

Off now to settle down and watch Montalbano, it's a new series and I just love him.

Have a great weekend and I'll see you soon,
I would like to enter my card into;  http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/carol-singers.html


25 comments:

pam said...

beautiful wool you have purchased Kate, when I think of the wool I have here from my knitting days, I do not machine knit now, but still loath to part with it.
your card is beautiful.
pam

Sue said...

It sounds like you have had a good day Kate. The yarn you bought looks gorgeous, I look forward to seeing your knitted creations.
I love your card, fabulous image and beautiful detailing too.
hugs Sue xx

Sue said...

This is gorgeous wool Kate my mam was a wonderful knitter, I haven't made anything for ages and I really should because it's so relaxing, the card is so cute as well :) love it huggles hun Sue xxx

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Kate
Those yarns look fantastic. Its a while since I knitted anything and it was never anything complicated.
Please let us see what you create.
Lovely card too.
Ang x

Anne said...

Lovely to read about the yarn Kate, I was brought up to the sound of knitting needles clicking away as both my Mum and Grandma were avid knitters. I never got the hang of it and am more into fabric and sewing myself (or used to be when I had the time!) I think knitting and crochet is making a much overdue comeback at the moment and there are truly some works of art.
Have a lovely weekend.
Anne x

rachel said...

hi there Kate - love that wool it looks so gorgeous and love the idea of seeing the alpaca it comes from too. My sister in New Zealand had 3 alpacas and has recently started to learn to spin the wool - amazing to me!!! Love your card too - and please don''t move to Eigg lol!!!! Hugs rachel x

Hazel said...

Oh Kate that blue wool is stunning, the others are gorgeous too. Poor Alistair I thought you were going to tell him he would have to go because you were getting a dog instead. That card is so cute. Thank you for your comments on my photos, thick fog today while we were heading for the ferry and a very dull journey across. Hazel xxx

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Looks like you had fun, gorgeous colours. Fab card too

downrightcrafty said...

super image and detailing thank you so much for joining us at the Winter Wonderland with your singers
Hugs Kate xx

Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes) said...

Wow Kate the wool is beautiful I love the soft heather colours. Fab card today I love the image of the snowmen! Susan x

Rita said...

Good Afternoon Kate. Oh how I envy you getting to such a great event. Love your chosen colours. I have just received 2 balls of Alpaca and silk in a concern lace and it's so look beautiful. I love your little snowmen card. Between cards and wool we're a fine pair. Hugs Rita xxx

Lorraine said...

Gorgeous snowmen Kate - a lovely card and I love the colours of your wool too.
Lorraine x

Erika said...

Hi Kate
I think I would have liked that fair, in need of more wool here, just now too. Loving your purchases and can't wait to see what you make.
Great card too, the snowman image is very cute.
Sounds like you had a perfect weekend, hugs Erika.

Wendy Fraser said...

Super card, love the cute snowmen, enjoy your lovely new wool. xx

Sue said...

Kate, I don't knit, but I can sure appreciate the work that goes into a hand knitted item. Yarns are lovely, please show us what you do with them when finished. Your snowman card is wonderful, I have a passion for snowmen, and my favorite saying is I never met a snowMAN that I didn't love. Great card.

Hugs
Sue

May said...

Gorgeous yarn Kate... I love knitting when I get the time... Love the snowmen card too they are so cute... Hugs May x x x

Have A Scrap Happy Day said...

Hi Kate,
Looks like you had a fun time shopping for all those colorful yarn. Your snowman card is so adorable. Can't believe Christmas is just a couple of months away.
In response to your questions about the coaster calendars, I purchased the coasters from Paper Trey Ink. Here's there link: https://www.papertreyink.com
Click on the "Accents" tab, then on "Coasters." They are dirt cheap. A pkg. of 25 cost only $1.00. What a deal huh? If you have further questions, please feel free to email me at hoaloha1999@gmail.com. Happy crafting.

Unknown said...

Hi Kate, that blue yarn is gorgeous, the others are great too but can't wait to see what you make with it. Love your card too so pretty. Don't do anything drastic by getting a dog to replace Alistair ha ha.

Wilma x x x

Elizabeth said...

Hello Kate, the colours of your yarn haul are just gorgeous ... I don't knit but I do crochet so I would have enjoyed the Fair - and probably spent a fortune :) Elizabeth xx

Sam K said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sam K said...

What beautiful yarn, lovely gorgeous bright colours. The card is adorable too. Good luck with making your shawl :)

We would love for you to enter our challenge over at DDCC for the chance to win $20, why not take a peek? :)
Hugs x

www.dreamtimedesigns.blogspot.com.au - About the designer- ANYTHING GOES (Twist: Where you live)

Little Pear Tree

Diane said...

You are right the yarn does look like jewels, can't wait to she what you create. Love the snow Buddies card.

Hugs Diane

Craftyhugs said...

Wow what lovely colors of yarn you have. I used to knit but wasn't too good at it lol. Alot of goodies you have there. Hope you enjoy.
The card is just so cute! I love Debbie Moores CDs they are just gorgeous especially her shabby chic ones.
Love those bows too.
Hugs
Xx

Sally said...

Great card.
Glad you could join us at Winter Wonderland this week.
Hugs Sally xxx

Norma said...

Hi Kate:) it sounds like you had a wonderful time with your friend. Beautiful colors on the yarn, you should check out my friend at Patchouli Moon Studio she creates amazing things with yarn. Your card is adorable with those cute snowman:) Have a fantastic weekend and thank you for always stopping by and taking the time to leave such sweet comments.
Hugs,
Norma