Leftovers

 

I dyed four skeins of pink wool for the baby onesie, but only used three, so I knitted the leftovers into a pair of fingerless gloves. The pattern is Augusta by Lena Marie Gjerald. I've used the pattern before, but forgotten that it needs more than one skein of wool. I'll write myself a note on the pattern. It looks like cables, but it's actually a mock cable that is very easy to knit. 

Cherry Guava Jelly

 

I'd never heard of cherry guavas, but there's a cherry guava tree in our new garden. I was told that it makes very good jam. The tree was a bit damaged when the roof tiles were replaced in November, but it nevertheless has produced a good crop of fruit. The fruit can just be eaten as they are, but I had a go at making jam with them. Actually, I made jelly, sieving out the peel and pips, because the pips are rather hard. It turned out well, with a nice colour, good set and a pleasantly tart taste. 

I also made loaves for rusks yesterday.

This morning I cut them into fingers and they are currently drying out in the oven

While I was in the kitchen, I made ice cream too, using double thick cream I bought at the market on Saturday

I went to the market as a visitor, rather than a stall holder. After a couple of markets where I sold very little, I decided it was time to throw in the towel. I suspect that all those who want puppets have bought them! My stall holder partner is still there, selling soap, so if I change my mind, I can always return. I may well do the winter markets, as socks and fingerless gloves are popular. In the meantime, it was a relief not to have to worry about preparing goods for market and not having an early start to the day to set up the stall. 

Second Time Around

 

After finishing the baby clothes, I went back to the cardigan I've been knitting for myself and finished it off. The pattern is called Rows of Lavender, by Drops Designs. I enjoyed knitting it. I like this type of lace knitting that requires just the right amount of concentration. I do think it looks better than the cardigan I unravelled. 

Bootees To Match

 

I've finished knitting the bootees to go with the onsie. The pattern I used is called Hop, Skip & Jump, by Kirstie McLeod.  It's a clever pattern, using increases and short rows to shape the bootees. It didn't have a ribbon, I added eyelets and ribbons. 

Done

 I didn't get much knitting done over the weekend, but I've worked on the baby onsie today and got it finished, complete with baby's name. I was worried about the embroidery affecting the stretch of the ribbing, so I worked each letter separately on a knit portion of rib. Lucky for me that it's a short name! I must knit matching booties now, but checked with the new mum first. She says she's happy and yes, wants the booties. Phew. I always worry at this stage that the person who ordered something won't be happy.  

Aha

 

Aha, I think the baby onsie is going to work. Now that I've made some progress, I can see where I'm going. I think I'll have enough wool too. Now I just need to get on with it. 

Confusing

 I should really have tested the gauge before I printed out 6 pages of pattern. When I came to make a gauge swatch, the instructions on Simply Sweet by Drops Designs were confusing. It says 34 sts X 32 rows in rib = 10 x 10 cm. Then in brackets, it says 24 sts X 32 rows in stockinette st = 10 x 10 cm. My swatch in rib is way too big, but my swatch in stocking stitch is fine. I've carried on with the onsie, but am making the smallest size rather than the second size and keeping fingers crossed that it won't be too huge.

The pattern is a little confusing too. This is my third attempt to get going and I've made a mistake that I'm going to fudge, after not noticing one of those 'at the same time' instructions. It's a challenge!