Sneak Preview of Leaf Lace Scarf

Here's what I've done so far on my Lace Leaf Scarf. The pattern is less complicated than it looks I just have problems remembering it, especially since it keeps being put aside for more urgent projects.


I've used the most wonderful Habu silk which is a delight to knit with - it's the same (but a different colour) as I've used in the Dragon Lace scarf and wrist warmers.

Sod's law means that I am running out of the yarn as this pattern uses more yarn as the other pattern... so I'll have to wait till I can get some more. :-( One day this scarf may be finished....The project for my sister is finished but I won't show it here until my sister has seen it. It looks so pretty........

Spring Is Here - Magnolias, Cherry Blossoms and Hydrangea

I love Spring with all the signs of new life and Summer not far away. Some of my favourite flowers (or rather blossoms) in Spring are magnolias. Unfortunately, there are no magnolias in my garden - no space - however, a neighbour kindly let me take some pictures of the magnolia tree in her garden.

Magnolias

The waxy quality of the petals set against the hairy fluffy stems is just so pretty.





Cherry Blossoms

I also really like cherry blossoms. They are just so wonderful with the fragility of their soft pink petals set against the stark grey/brown colour of the branches and the first few dark red leaves showing.




Hydrangea

I like hydrangeas in Spring. You get the dried up petals from last year's Summer set against the beautiful green of the new leaves, which just looks amazing. The leaves themselves are as pretty as the flowers - a deep intense green with spiky edges that are rimmed in a deep red.



I am planning to take some more pictures, hopefully this weekend of the plum tree in my front garden and more of my neighbour's magnolia tree. The magnolia blossoms will have opened more and the pink blush on the petals should have intensified.

On the knitting front... still working on the present for my baby sister but it is nearing completion. The leaf lace scarf is still waiting for my attention.

On the jewellery front... I've just ordered some interesting African fabrics which I shall put to good use soon. I've also found more fabric covered beads (like the ones used in the Spring in Paris necklace) and have plans for those.

Lastly, on 16th April my friend Caroline will be holding a jewellery party to raise funds for the MS Trust (see Sponsor Caroline and the direct link to her fund raising page at the top of the page). If you're in Cambridge or close to Cambridge and would like to come and aid a good cause, drop me a line and I'll let you have the details.

Keep watching this space.

Movie Magic

I've been busy with presents and a commission.

I was asked to make a pair of earrings like the ones the lamia witch wears in Stardust. There are some pictures of the whole costume here. I love the film, it's one of my favourites, so I agreed and here's my take on them:


It was quite difficult to find all the different materials for them as everything was slightly unusual and certainly not 'off the peg'.

I ended up with a lot of improvising and I think - although the feel of the earrings is similar - they look lovely and different in their own right. I hope to get some images of the finished costume as the earrings are to go with a whole outfit for a big party.

Alongside this commission I've also finished the purple polka dot wrist warmers and the silk flower (see previous post) and I've been working on a silk scarf with an intricate leaf lace pattern. However, this scarf keeps being put aside as other projects come up.

Currently I am working on a special secret project for my baby sister. She's going to come next week and stay with us for Easter. I CAN'T wait. It'll be lovely to have her here.