Cottage Garden Hot Water Bottle Pattern (and Kit)

I have been busy designing a hot water bottle pattern, using the lovely soft Samite Silk Blend wool from Blacker Yarns, where I work. You can buy the pattern later today in my shops on Etsy, Ravelry and LoveKnitting when I have uploaded them. 

The pattern is designed for DK wool, and there are instructions for two sizes, and information on how to fairly easily adapt it for other sizes of hot water bottle. It also has charts for two flower designs - tulips or poppies.

If you want to buy the pattern and wool as a project kit this is available on the Blacker Yarns website. I think it would make a lovely gift for any knitter who wants to dip their toe into fair isle knitting. It is a fairly easy introduction, as you are only ever working with two yarns at once.

My husband has just told me it is not the time for hot water bottles, but I have pointed out to him that we are only one little bit of the world. I am sure there are places where it is cold. In an effort to save on the heating bill I have frequently sat hugging a hot water bottle this winter.

You can see in the background of the photos below The Lost Flock by Jane Cooper. This is a really interesting read about the history of Boreray sheep, as well as her own personal story of a move from the northeast of England to the Orkney Islands, where she became a sheep farmer with her own flock of this rare breed.

Tamara Way - Stage 3 Part 2 Calstock to Gunnislake New Bridge

The next part of my walk with my son on the Tamara Way started at Calstock. It was a lovely day, although in places a bit muddy underfoot, but at least it felt like spring has finally come. Lots of primroses, wood anenome, dafodils and wild garlic in places - none of which I photographed.

The first part of the walk out of Calstock next to the flood plain was also lovely, with lots of water birds, which I also didn't photograph, so you will just have to believe me. We stopped at these lime kilns, at Okel Tor Quay, and then climbed the hill past Okel Tor Mine.

As we headed up the hill we saw a train going up to Gunnislake, and then a bit later, after crossing the line at the level crossing, we heard what we assumed was the same train coming down, although by then we were above the line and couldn't see it. Up the top of the hill we passed Calstock Church, and the site of a Roman fort. 

We then had a lovely walk through countryside, until we returned to the river. It was interesting to pass the Tamar Manure Canal, and then the weir, which we had not seen before as we are usually up on the main road. Finally made it to New Bridge, where my husband turned up with perfect timing to pick us up.

 

BFF Cowl

I have been busy knitting the first part of the BFF Cowl. This is a two part pattern, and I have started with the first half of the pattern, designed by Tiny Owl Knits. I have to admit that I have been a little bit obsessed by Stephanie Dosen's designs for quite a few years: a wonderful mixture of wizardary and nature. 

I also really enjoyed knitting this cocoon stitch, which after the first few repeats was fairly easy. The only tricky part was the P5tog, but this end result was so satisfying to do that it was worth perservering with this.

This cowl was knitted some Merino DK from Blacker Yarns, where I work. This wool is super soft and lovely to work with. It came on a cone, although it can also be bought by skein, and in 4ply, Aran or lace weights. I have enough left to have a go at the second part of the pattern the Seedpod Cowl designed by Ysolda Teague, which also looks like it will be fun.

Tartan Dressing Gown

Busy sewing a dressing gown again. It does seem that this is the only thing that I sew, but it does mean I have had very good value from this pattern.

 

But this time the pressure was on, as my daughter asked me to make a dressing gown for her friend, as a birthday gift. Both girls are studying fashion at Brighton, so I felt that I should do my best job. 

Actually having said that, with sewing I always try to do my best with each part, however long that takes, as in the end you have a better finished garment. It is one of the two things that worry me with "The Sewing Bee". Firstly have they neatened their seams? And secondly the thought of sewing with a time pressure would be horrendous. It will take as long as it takes. But anyway for this version I did most of the seams as French seams, handmade the binding, as well as a handsewing the hem. Oh dear, I do sound grumpy.

Here is me doing a part way try on, and below is the birthday girl in the finished garment. She looks happy!

Forgot to say that I bought the brushed cotton online from Dalston Mill, as I couldn't find the right thing locally, and was very pleased with it.