Since grabbing a break between dissertation work and revision for finals I've become quite fanatical about knitting... Aside from anything else knitted accessories are gorgeous, and beyond that cute knits are such a simple pressie idea.
So, particularly, the gorgeous sunshine has inspired a pile of daisies. (A few of which are pictured here!) They're quite dainty, the petals are 9 stitches at the widest point on 3mm needles, and therefore are super versatile. They can be attached to jewellery backs to make great hairgrips or pins for jackets & handbags.
The important thing to remember is to keep plenty of extra wool at the base of each petal, as they need to be sticked together quite extensively. Extra wool leaves some scope to play with the structure and make sure each flower sits as you'd like it too.
Variations on the theme...
Aww, I love this, it took about 2 minutes. (It's circle that's just been tied tightly from one end to the middle so it starts to look heart shaped.) And it jazzes up a monotone outfit. (I wear them with fun pumps, of-the-moment white jeans & a plain dark tee or vest.)
I've also been knitting kittens for the family. Patterns for these are all over the internet and superbly simple. Kittens are basically constructed from a rectangle, a thin strip for the tail, and a third piece for the head. Lots of scope to go organic with the colours...
So, I'm attempting to create a miniature knitted kitten family that replicates my Mother's real farm-kitten family. Two down, (Introducing Fuzzy and Womble.) Six to go.
And finally.... My contribution towards a 'knitted poem' that my town is attempting to complete before the Royal Wedding weekend Poetry Festival. I followed their pattern for this one, and it was actually quite refreshing to follow exact instructions!
So, next project.... who knows! Perhaps a scarf or hat created from an unravelled old Grandad jumper?
Over the past couple of weeks I've been cycling up to the Lowry in Salford bright and early each morning for work. I've never really been a big fan of the Quays, they're eerily quiet at all hours and full of modern tower blocks that look like they're inhabited by shiny carboard cut-out people. (And you can tell - they all have floor-ceiling windows so any passer by can peer in, creepy!) 
