Rylands Hat - Finished!

Here it is, it all came together quite quickly at the end as I decreased for the crown.  I've been wearing it already and wouldn't be without it in the weather we're having at the moment.  Perfect for early starts and walking to railway stations!  Will try and get a photo of me wearing it at the weekend.

Haworth in the Snow

When I lived in the north-west, many years ago, a trip to Haworth was something I always enjoyed.  So, I am delighted to find this website, http://kleurrijkbrontesisters.blogspot.co.uk/ dedicated to the Brontes and the village of Haworth in general.  I love these snowy scenes ...  The photos are from the blog which is well worth a look at.

Looks just like Charlotte and Anne or Emily  on their way to the Parsonage ... 

Rylands Hat - nearly there!

It's coming along nicely, only gone wrong once so far and not too painful to correct...

ArtAnon Sale

The Embroidery Department at Manchester Metropolitan University have just had an anonymous auction of designer postcards to raise funds for their end of year degree shows.  There were donations from many top designers, including Zandra Rhodes.  I didn't catch the sale in time to bid for some of my favourites in the line up, but I did get a couple of the remaining ones - hopefully by up and coming designers! 

I have funny taste sometimes ... I just loved the drawing quality of these wheelie bins!  And then the 'seaside' one reminded me of sunny days ...

Drawn by Emily Hayes

Made by Nina India Citrine

On my needles ...

I am making a beret, the Rylands Hat.  The pattern was a free giveaway with a magazine but I'm not sure which one now.  The design is based on the architecture of the John Rylands Library in Manchester.  It's knitted in the round and I'm using 100% alpaca, which is beautifully soft.  This will be for ME for a change!  I love the idea that I'll be wearing something Manchester inspired.  I've progressed a bit more now and will post another photo soon ...

Students tie the apron strings ...

If you're in Manchester, anywhere near the Platt Hall Gallery of Costume, then there's a great exhibition on at the moment of aprons designed by Manchester Metropolitan University students using Horrockses fabric in 1950's inspired designs.  You can read the whole story behind it here.  The exhibition runs until after Christmas and admission is free.

It's yours Anna!

You have won the London Bus kit - I'm sending you an email today to confirm and to get your postal details!  Hope you enjoy it - it does look cute ... Congratulations!