Linoprint Christmas Cards

It has become my habit to linoprint my Christmas cards for my friends and family. This year some of them were of the "Nearly Home Trees" which are a distinctive clump of beech trees, that can be seen on the A30 just before the border with Cornwall. For anyone who lives where I live they really are a sign that you are nearly home, and we still play the game of who can spot them first.

At first I did not like my prints, as it does look like a steady rain is falling behind the trees, but perhaps for Cornwall that is fairly realistic. Below is a photo of the actual trees that I took a few years ago. I need to try and do more linoprinting, as it is really fun, and I will try and work on my accuracy of the cutting, and not snudging the prints, both of which I find difficult.

More Willow and Tissue Lanterns

I promisied a second post with more willow and tissue lanterns. The one above in my son's anomalocaris. It really is a thing of beauty, and so much work. And although the Dickensian Evening Parade in Tavistock was cancelled because of the bad weather, it is now hung from my ceiling as part of our Christmas decorations. The second photo is rather out of focus, but shows its rather interesting mouth.

 

In fact the best place to hang it without blocking our route through the house is right behind my computer chair, which is making me feel a little bit threatened. 

 

And below are some of the other wonderful lanterns which were on display in the Guildhall in Tavistock, and the angel which we came across in the church. As I said there was a right old mixture. It was a shame that the Guildhall display was without the lights switched on, which is how they look best.

 

Malstrøm Fisherman's Sweater

Some of you may wonder if I am still knitting, and indeed am I still writing knitting patterns? I have been a little distracted by walking, gardening and other crafts, and this latest project has taken me such a long time. I have been working on it most of this year, but thinking about it for even longer. But I am really pleased to have finally completed my first adult garment knitting pattern. It will be for sale shortly in all the ususal places: ravelry, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

A few years ago I knitted my husband an Icelandic sweater. Not from my own pattern, but a fairly vintage one from ravelry, and genuine Icelandic wool. Since then he has been asking me to make a Norweigan style fisherman's sweater. I tried to tempt his with other Norweigan sweaters, but he was very specific in what he would like. Fairly simple pattern over the whole garment, stripes on the rib sections, and reserved colours. I can see this style of sweater for sale, but could not find quite the right pattern.

So I decided to go for it, and write my own pattern. Having written it up for his size, I have graded it for other sizes. The pattern has eight sizes from 32-46 inch chest, so could be for men or women. It is knitted in DK, and I think would also look nice with navy, if you were going for a different traditional look. This has taken quite a long time, and a lot of maths. I am not bad at maths, but knitting maths is something quite specific, which needs not just maths but also knowledge of knitting.

He is very happy with the finished garment, and I persuaded him that we should go all out for the photos. He really is the best, as I am sure a lot of husbands would have refused to do this. It was quite a blustery day, so hopefully he looks like a swarthy Cornish (or even Norweigan) fisherman. Thankyou to whoever owns the fishing equipment that was on the beach at Bude!

Willow and Tissue Lanterns

I've been posting with hints of willow and tissue lanterns for quite a while, and last Friday was meant to be the reveal, as part of procession at the Tavistock Dickensian Evening. Mixed feelings when the procession, and in fact most of the outdoor parts of the evening, was cancelled. Very disappointing, as that was what we had been working towards, but it would equally have been very upsetting to have seen the lanterns ruined in the rain, and possibly not to have much of an audience.

So at last I can show you my Barn Owl. Yes, I know, I am quite keen on owls.

The lanterns are going to be on display in Tavistock Guildhall this week, and will no doubt be part of our Christmas decorations at home. And as this is an annual event, perhaps if we look after them, they will be part of next year's parade. 

Planning to take some photos of the other lanterns later in the week. I would say that my barn owl was one of the least ambitious. Can't wait to see them all displayed. I will also post a photo of my son's lantern, which he was up finishing so late into the night, that it was actually the morning.

It was one of the best courses I have done with West Devon Arts. I really did not envisage that making the lanterns would more than fill up the 8 sessions, so much so that I think everyone had to do some at home. I think it was so good because we were all working towards an event, and somehow sitting around one table seemed to lead to more chat.