A knitty Christmas.........

Yes I have finally got around to taking some pictures of my lovely knitty christmas gifts. I was very lucky indeed. Lots of lucious goodies and not a ball of yarn in site.
So what did I get?





Well you can see I finally got my lovely Harmony wood Knitpicks - they are just divine. They are so smooth and I am now going to ask for the DPNs for my birthday (which I am hoping to purchase on my jolly out to Getknitted next Saturday).
I also received the lovely Lantern Moon crochet needle case from my Mother in law (you can grab a bargain if you are quick as Robynn has these on sale on her website at the moment - click here). I was also given a larger size Know knits pouch for those bigger than socks projects from Gabrielle who had it couriered over from Canada. (A very willing courier I might add.) I also finally got my hands back on the Jane Brockett book - The Gentle Art of Domesticity which was whisked off me as I came home through the door after my venture out to Crafternoon Tea back in October. I had a chance to sit down and have a read today and I was inspired so took the following photo after putting my recent John Lewis Sale yarn purchases (they were allowed they are for presents for others so don't count as stash as they are allocated gifts not yet fully formed) into a basket and all my odds and ends into a glass vase. I also added a couple of sets of needles for effect.



And I am sure that it also inspired this:



I was also very pleased to receive Not Just Socks - Sandi Rosner. I already have Not Just More Socks which I have already knitted a number of items from. I am looking forward to knitting the mittens on the front cover. Stitch and Bitch Nation also appeared from my sister in law and there are a number patterns I have bookmarked aswell.

Crafternoon Tea with Jane Brocket......... or whipping up a Yarnstorm

On Saturday I decided to venture up to Vauxhall and find Iknit and go along to Crafternoon tea with Jane Brocket - the author of the controversal (although I didn't know that until I arrived) The Gentle Art of Domesticity and blogger of Yarnstorm.

I still don't understand what has caused such a stir and concern amongst so many. I can only put it down to jealousy. Jane has done some interesting things in her life and is willing to have a go and learn new skills - so what if some of these are termed domestic. She knits, she sews, she bakes, she is creative - I really don't get what is so wrong with that. As she pointed out these are only a very small area of her life there are many more things that she does. I do all those things too and a good number of others not related to anything anywhere near domestic. I don't think I am a bad person and I don't feel guilty that I can do these things.

Anyway Jane was a fantastic speaker and it was so interesting to see the inspiration that she has drawn upon for some of her creations, especially the chocolate box quilt.

I had a fantastic afternoon and indulged in some of the cakes as did this young lady!

I believe like a true knitter she learnt the art of stashing that afternoon I am only sad to say that it wasn't yet with yarn!

I also couldn't resist making a few purchases in Iknit while I was there including the latest edition of Yarn Forward, and some Rowan Damask that was in the Sale. My copy of the book has already been whisked away ready for sending to Santa for Christmas.