Where does the time go?

A couple of months ago DH and I celebrated our Silver Wedding - yes 25 years! and I've no idea where it went. It's been a wonderful 25 years, naturally there have been some good and bad, happy and sad, there is bound to be during that length of time. I've been so lucky, we met when we were 18 and have grown up together, and I want to be with him as much today as I did then (ahhh, sorry slushy stuff out of the way now!)

But what does one give to the man who has everything - well, as his life revolves around aircraft (model ones) both work and play, as soon as I saw this lace pattern I had the answer



It took months of secret bobbin twiddling and luckily 4 friends and I meet once a week at the house of our friend and lace teacher, to put the world to rights, drink tea, oh and do a bit of lace :) so I had the opportunity. Though there was one scary moment when DH insisted I show BIL my lacemaking as he was showing a keen interest! Fortunately, I suddenly remembered I had a small UFO on another pillow (see UFOs do have their uses) and all was well.
I'm pleased to say that DH was very happy with his pressie and it now has pride of place on the wall.

He makes me smile

I saw him through the crowd and it was love at first sight. There was something in his expression that made me feel all warm inside.

I tried to resist but it was useless, he kept catching my eye. It was then that I realised we were meant for each other. I made my way to where he was sitting and gathered him up in my arms. I took him ................

to the till and paid!



Now he sits on my kitchen window sill and grins at me every time I pass, and I just can't help smiling back!

Doing my bit

I always try to do my bit for the environment, you know, recycle what I can, turn off lights, walk not drive etc etc, but the one thing that has always got to me is those washing up sponges, you know the things, they are great at what they do, but they fall apart so quickly and all you can do is throw them out to be added to the landfill. I don't like using a cloth to wash up (though my hand made ones are always around for wiping the worktop etc) and I just hadn't found a suitable alternative until I came across Gherkin's Bucket and her Crochet Dish Sponge
I can whip them up quite quickly, and just used whatever I had in stash, doubling up the thinner yarns as necessary. I throw them in the washing machine, or dishwasher to clean them and when they finally die they can be recycled/composted. So now I can wash up with a clear conscience.

My first ever design

THE MOCK CABLE HAT


Well 'design' is a bit too grand a term but My first working out with a stitch dictionary, maths, experience and trial and error just doesn't have the same ring to it!

It's quick and easy - (I made it during the course of a film - a longish film admittedly but for me that's still quick) and has some interest with the mock cables to stop it from being boring, but it's simple enough that I could still follow the plot.

Feel free to use the pattern as much as you like (for non-profit purposes) but if you enjoy it, then please consider making one for charity, or popping a few pennies in a collecting box next time you pass one. Thank you.


Mock Cable Hat
To fit from large child to small adult
(this hat is quite stretchy)

Using 2 strands DK held together
5mm circular needle 16”
DPNS or long circ to magic loop

Gauge
Approx 18sts to 4” over pattern (but as it is a very forgiving pattern a slight variation in gauge will not affect the finished hat too much)


Pattern notes
Mock Cable (worked in the round over multiple of 4 sts)
Rounds 1-3: [K2,P2] to end
Round 4: [K2tog but do not drop sts from left needle, k into first of these sts again,
drop both sts from left needle, P2] to end.

Directions
Cast on 64 sts, place marker and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist.

Work rounds 1-4 of mock cable 8 times

Decrease for top, changing to DPNS/ magic loop when necessary
R 1: [K2, P2] to end
R 2: [K2, P2tog] to end (48sts)
R 3: [K2, P1] to end
R 4: [K2tog, P1] to end (32sts)
R 5: [K1, P1] to end
R 6: [K2tog] to end (16sts)
R 7: [K2tog] to end (8sts)
R 8: [K2tog] to end (4sts)

Draw yarn through remaining sts, pull up tight and fasten off.
Either leave as it is or add a pompon or tassle and give to your favourite charity




Mine will be heading off to Knit-a-Square where, despite the name, they welcome hats and sweaters as well as 8" squares to be made into blankets for the Aids orphans and abandoned children of South Africa.

(With thanks to my lovely DD who willingly volunteered to model her mum's latest creation)