tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373672442024-03-07T04:15:25.048+00:00Knitting and moreA place to talk about knitting and other related textile happeningsfidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-70804712092022922792009-07-28T09:23:00.002+01:002009-07-28T09:27:47.882+01:00Managed to import last night's blogI don't know what was going on last night but whatever i did I couldn't access this blog so ended up starting a new blog. This morning I decided to have another go at access my existing blog and everything seems to be OK now, I even worked out how to import my blog from last night! I still don't understand what is going on but at least it is working now!fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-16285384015735408902009-07-27T20:00:00.001+01:002009-07-28T09:23:23.231+01:00The vagaries of Blogger and Dyeing YarnsHaving spent ages trying to access my old blog (I now have a google account so can't seem to access my old blog linked to my old email) I've decided to give in and start a new blog with the same name as the old one but with a different URL!!<br /><br />Sometimes I hate computers!!!!<br /><br />Anyway after all that I wanted to post about the yarns I dyed a few weeks ago. In the workshop I was showing how to rainbow dye with both acid and fibre reactive dyes and also how to paint dye with acid dyes and how to use the plastic bag method with fibre reactive dyes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjJieaU4eYU3UBIW26CxOc5o_2iQXvxqAe9-N0RQYj5Ng2UU40M7vk93vs0e03l6zwonbNFQMrHLdO75yFhFpW_fXAJVEhXXpXUMSKekBmInohYgAbBn3rutfBw1bpGJbAnhEQw/s1600-h/acid+rainbow+dye+resize.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363222071576111090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjJieaU4eYU3UBIW26CxOc5o_2iQXvxqAe9-N0RQYj5Ng2UU40M7vk93vs0e03l6zwonbNFQMrHLdO75yFhFpW_fXAJVEhXXpXUMSKekBmInohYgAbBn3rutfBw1bpGJbAnhEQw/s320/acid+rainbow+dye+resize.jpg" /></a><br />This first group of 3 yarns where all dyed with acid dyes using the rainbow dyeing method i.e. the wet skeins where put in a pan with a small amount of water and the dye powders sprinkled over them. Although alt the time the dye seemed quite strong the finished colours are quite muted. The large skein at the top was Norfork Horn wool, the middle skein was 100% soya yarn, Just Soya from Sirdar which was already a stone colour and the bottom skein was 100% smooth mohair.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i87naB85I3-btJ1GocjZi-mY9VAp0Rpbw5VP9OuMZPS6qJ59AlKknFVjgjG9n1H0eOOp-a4G9IIDeVu2y0-htOy7e6Jc4I07ZTJmBrnx4h3iaVQo2-JhyGRlVI57qM61H6uV6A/s1600-h/bamboo+FR+painted+on+resize.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363221694516199746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i87naB85I3-btJ1GocjZi-mY9VAp0Rpbw5VP9OuMZPS6qJ59AlKknFVjgjG9n1H0eOOp-a4G9IIDeVu2y0-htOy7e6Jc4I07ZTJmBrnx4h3iaVQo2-JhyGRlVI57qM61H6uV6A/s320/bamboo+FR+painted+on+resize.jpg" /></a><br />These next 2 yarns are both bamboo, one tape yarn and one plyed yarn, both have been dyed with Fibre Reactive dyes. The skeins where soaked in water first and then the dyes where painted on with a sponge brush.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3udQKppykEg691JpgThXRtIqxbSUFIQD-wNm_xJJdauD-0wdrwGKGTvtxOYuzWDSB8y54kZ1AEQMmOFir0chKi0VbOH-RyBG3kQtiY41RyLjEgIURXccNcQ8_RiuPKK5-tnAjJg/s1600-h/bamboo+soya+FR+dyes+2+resize.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363222991225755058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3udQKppykEg691JpgThXRtIqxbSUFIQD-wNm_xJJdauD-0wdrwGKGTvtxOYuzWDSB8y54kZ1AEQMmOFir0chKi0VbOH-RyBG3kQtiY41RyLjEgIURXccNcQ8_RiuPKK5-tnAjJg/s320/bamboo+soya+FR+dyes+2+resize.jpg" /></a>These 2 yarns are also dyed with Fibre reactive dyes. The top skein was bamboo and the bottom skein is Just Soya, from Sirdar in a stone colour. I didn't make sure the dye was pushed all the way through the fibres so there are areas of undyed yarn.<br /><br />It was interesting to compare the 2 skeins of soya yarn as one was dyed with acid dyes (for protein) and one was dyed with Fibre Reactive dyes (for cellulose fibres). Neither of the colours where particularly strong but that might also be due to the fact the yarn has already been dyed once.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT67Xv7xfXCZCL95Qo0nkG94MUzuyGM9Bc1g8fWROQitVoKB1bTvEUjYelUnzXrA5i58wu_JP7_fEZqCJth14JsMIT7y0H9UQ_n0bvAEr8l-JTL46P0qb7fIaUkfxj9W_JxLMpA/s1600-h/bamboo+soya+cotton+FR+plastic+bag+resize.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363224338652794146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT67Xv7xfXCZCL95Qo0nkG94MUzuyGM9Bc1g8fWROQitVoKB1bTvEUjYelUnzXrA5i58wu_JP7_fEZqCJth14JsMIT7y0H9UQ_n0bvAEr8l-JTL46P0qb7fIaUkfxj9W_JxLMpA/s320/bamboo+soya+cotton+FR+plastic+bag+resize.jpg" /></a>These 2 skeins of green yarn are bamboo and cotton soya mix dyed with Fibre Reactive dyes using the plastic bag method. The wet skeins where put in a plastic bag with the dye and chemicals already added. The skeins where 'mashed' for about 5 minutes or so until all the liquid was absorbed into the yarn and then left for about 30 minutes before being rinsed. Both skeins took the colour well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79bBle8gjod7t1MkZ3ulfHuKD3pfqwZ_qjwZoY2e047rW97c4VqjObo2AZmi6Q5QK4KJrfDA8jqP9d2xCg2pY0sywpQbCSIyLWbGu_W3TcwxQHe6UQNYcJaU-I32bVmkQ_xTQkg/s1600-h/cashgora+acid+painted+on+resized.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363225611036921266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79bBle8gjod7t1MkZ3ulfHuKD3pfqwZ_qjwZoY2e047rW97c4VqjObo2AZmi6Q5QK4KJrfDA8jqP9d2xCg2pY0sywpQbCSIyLWbGu_W3TcwxQHe6UQNYcJaU-I32bVmkQ_xTQkg/s320/cashgora+acid+painted+on+resized.jpg" /></a>This skein is cashgora yarn dyed with acid dyes which where painted on. Once the dye was applied the skein was wrapped in clingfilm and steamed for 30 minutes. Cashgora which is a variation of angora goat takes dye in a similar way to mohair i.e. good depth of colour and also has a sheen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsf1Nb6eKRv_Ihqg3ufs58oEGc8FMMay_UTPfKvGyNOzqUf0vU_FWPCq9s6TPtC5ZPb_fG2JT6B1PhBE6Ds6idvBl0HYNVl639e3mq6SmiQAojLVzb28-Qf5hEEsE5CIxrv4UiQ/s1600-h/milk+acid+painted+on+resize.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363226426563579122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsf1Nb6eKRv_Ihqg3ufs58oEGc8FMMay_UTPfKvGyNOzqUf0vU_FWPCq9s6TPtC5ZPb_fG2JT6B1PhBE6Ds6idvBl0HYNVl639e3mq6SmiQAojLVzb28-Qf5hEEsE5CIxrv4UiQ/s320/milk+acid+painted+on+resize.jpg" /></a>This last picture is of some milk fibre tops which has been painted with acid dyes and then steamed to fix the dye. I haven't tried to spin the top yet so I don't know if the dye process has had any effect on the spinning handling of the fibre. I'll post something about this if I ever get around to spinning it.<br /><br />It was a good day on the whole and I think the students enjoyed the dat as well.fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-58481759017167881532009-06-30T10:25:00.009+01:002009-06-30T10:54:19.264+01:00Felted Knitting and NeedlefeltingWhen I posted on Sunday I forgot I did have some images of both felted knitting and pieces of 3D needle felting. I have previously posted pictures of 2 knitted felted bags that I designed and sell patterns for.<br /><br /><div><div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353052978935220434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8As7QmW2ydmCGWdWRa_J1dH11dhSXXihMYU4RTrF2fP4GHtwxyjjeNRbJC5ruIdHcVjrW12d4vhqPfjAUU0ZTKHQgLNpZ4WHZk6TTPpPJrpeeDmM9Viove8IK6nje6XoagVU88A/s320/squares+bag+3+resize.jpg" /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353052715747956418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOvE6vtoLH5Fu9waGreBRqytWt9_izGzoWAEV9Ko99WJmGowkIS1Lo2SnGmDvFn7tnPrJ2pXHQe3SLK7jjZjmOydcDrAyqPc3PtXIknrb9b83zCgBQyLvRgq4CJCKOig8JcVOyw/s320/elle_bag+resized.jpg" /> These 2 bags where originally knitted in Elle Merino Brights (Aran weight) felting wool but as this yarn is no longer available I reworked the pattern for Noro Kureyon.</div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353054274225422146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bClz_QwJ5twTpgZx6zer1BkYUewWNVbW7dOStcYLk1m0ersfhtoE0hFavMAGbG6mttS2JZ0QrSAkUHW2aUJCYFpcOts92wg01sW8PhSd2pQtNqIRiXqnLFCD3Rp0yxfjrDQJGg/s320/bag+with+flower.jpg" /><br /><div>This chevron felted bag is knitted in Twilley's Freedom Spirit and then I decorated it with a needlefelted flower. The individual petals are needle felted from merino tops and then sewn onto the bag with a cluster of beads to form the centre of the flower. The pattern for this bag is now available although it does not include instructions for the needlefelting.<br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353054768557435730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunMdCAxN9FWFyyyBe54KXjx341OMyP5vCvCSkkrzw6PKpoRn5OuDIe9NN0-YzujeJDvmZtcdE3FC75e_yTfoDGw6zkGVs8WG3gLDDuW8gLM-EKwSbqaIybgerXEjfDiZCrUX4fA/s320/flower+close+up.jpg" /></div><div></div><div>A couple of years ago I was asked to demonstrate needlefelting on the Elle Yarns stand at the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace and then to help teach a couple of workshops they ran in conjunction with a couple of wool shops, one in Bury and one in Wells. There where photos of the Wells workshop in Simply Knitting as one of the assistant editors attended the day. Partly in preparation for these workshops I made this little teddy with needlefelting. </div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353055604353260130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CdjrVIlE8AHz0KMWQXbxt3uDZkLJfnpvb3RZNr2-i3fn_mzFY_IHfiJs3ICXZNQitj1lxGFm4iu53q7fF7QHukkWHMpJOiQeVLYtaHqmqkkjH1-eDWcIy8vtBaQ2Hrm93v1wyA/s320/teddy+3.jpg" /><br /><div>He is made in several pieces and the arms and legs are sewn on so they move. He is about 3 inches tall when standing and is made from needle felted merino tops. He did take quite a few hours to make. I enjoyed making him but as yet have not made another.</div><div></div></div></div></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-15084740752559916012009-06-28T19:06:00.004+01:002009-06-28T19:18:56.236+01:00Talks and workshopsI've just got back from teaching knitting for felting and needle felting to the Kent Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. I did a talk to the Guild yesterday on the subject and then a workshop today.<br /><br />Despite the heat all the ladies that attended seemed to enjoy the day. They where all very friendly and welcoming (as I find most Guilds and groups are) and I was very well looked after both day.<br /><br />I'm booked to teach quite a few knitting and crochet workshops over the next few weeks including a couple of new crochet workshops; 'Crochet onto knitting' and 'Crochet circles, flowers hats and bags'. I've also been booked to do a number of talks to machine knitting clubs. People are still finding time to enjoy their craft interests.<br /><br />A few weeks ago I taught a workshop on dyeing. Once I have got the photos downloaded to the computer I will post them on my blog. I included some 'new fibres' i.e. bamboo and soya among others in the skeins I dyed to see how they would take the dye. If I get five minutes I might try and knit some of the samples to see what the dye is like in a fabric.fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-30556638147096453282009-05-23T14:24:00.013+01:002009-05-23T15:08:23.400+01:00Patchwork/domino knitting handspun waistcoatI've been meaning to post pictures of this waistcoat for some time but just not got around to it until now. I started making this waistcoat about 9 or 10 years ago using yarns that I spun when I first learnt to spin. The lady who taught me to spin kept Jacob and Manx Lockton sheep so I learnt to spin from the fleece initially and then from carded or combed fleece and some drum carded batts made up of a number of fibres.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Around this same time I learnt about Patchwork/Domino knitting and made a couple of large shawls using the squares unit. Having made a couple of shawls and a cushion I thought I should try to make a garment and decided to use my handspun as patchwork is a great technique for using up small amounts of different yarns.</div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339019606057355106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgpqamZX1WOgTr0q_HY3Yf3nQgZcdjGPNhyuKxIPZEXK_3tc3doY0bA4UKEFe2gFYo8x1ir-pG_JZWW9P4ziCqI-ghwDZw-CohOdXqmvLO8wsKg0oKUNSVLI-dGR8HalPJi94fQ/s320/sw_front.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I made the back in 2 panels with the squares facing towards each other and joined them with garter stitch. The original garter stitch section was marled on one side and white on the other making the centre panel look unbalanced but it stayed that way for quite a few years. I decided to turn the squares to look like diamonds for the front panels and again made both front up to just below the armhole point, and that is how the knitting stayed for quite a few years.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339019314116325042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCHFsMIyyWKAHZCXyFJj0BuxmYLMOiq0cHbiZZ2K2sArQF9SZL6KSY-LhzQcDX_w_QAMzVfwAiCxqyh2-Yt8wjZxvclTqi_3UIBjF2IHyAapfJBs0t1VpjquJpvYZNDaEPoP_Yw/s320/sw_+back.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I teach workshops on Patchwork knitting so it was a work in progress sample which was pinned onto a fabric waistcoat shape to show students how to put garments together. At the end of February I was teaching another squares workshop so before the class I decided I should really try to get this waistcoat finished. I reknitted the garter stitch panel at the centre back which looked much better and then went back to working the squares on the front panels.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339018919383659586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbt524Ts3NXiseQuVNOtLIt-EK0G2E-uR1_ZlFqWOqE1u3LRpP6vNyoU3X4sQC9zZTdomN4T-BiRYyvHHrVWIPqaXODtVwkbSjtwz9DID0sXu-y5bej_Y1ld0PZtoVeh5It62Ag/s320/sw_side2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>A square was knitted on one front panel and then the same square was knitted on the other front panel so they where mirror images. I worked on both fronts at the same time to make sure I had enough of the same yarn to work the square on each panel. I was originally going to change to smaller squares at the top of the fronts but when it came to actually knitting the top sections I kept the squares all the same size and changed the neckline to fit with the squares.<br /><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339018610390155474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXQJqHDwFJ2I0kDJV04ipeKEKGE9q5WAetvXHr3OEk-iu2sXnkEqvTwwwB4tdgTucTngi5NtOJwBfqQxUg8pS8wbIMW8UM6Y7vqDXITTRcG8RkZCu_O1kFRgNn4Chd1FWv-Nj0w/s320/sw_side3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I joined the front and back panels at the shoulders with garter stitch and included some short row knitting to give a shoulder slope. The back and fronts where also joined at the side seams with garter stitch panels and all the edges where finished with garter stitch bands. all the pieces where knitted together so there was no sewing up once the garemnt was finished.<br /><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339018300066726178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihum-G_hU3jLMG-S4e3YyDD8FXAEv77-mLsrVBSh_OeeiXhfrr89fkNuLSuSbXhj-hXLsGxRBHwUL8R6KCofzDIltRY775gT2gSTSMIwKLK3BhHXoG6wGdGaowZgdEeXA6Q2h9CQ/s320/sw_side1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Although the garment is a bit bigger on the shoulders than I would like on the whole I was pleased with the end result and all the colours seemed to work well together even though I didn't plan the colour scheme at the start although I did use the handspun Jacob throughout the garment and the other handspun yarns in different parts of the garment. </div></div></div></div></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-47686248788407674892009-04-26T18:36:00.010+01:002009-04-26T19:02:32.022+01:00Catching up and Top down jumperThis last month and a half seems to have flown by. March started off with a machine knitting exhibition in Bournemouth that went very well. There seemed to be more people attending the exhibition this year which is encouraging. <div><br /><div>It was also the Swanage Blues Festival that weekend which we also attended with some friends on Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. I managed to get some more sock knitting done while listening to various groups.</div><br /><div>I was booked to teach quite a few workshops in March as well as the usual City and Guilds class and then the first weekend in April was the Nottingham machine knitting show. After a slow start we had quite a reasonable day at the show although there weren't as many stall holders as in previous years. Before I left Alan Hunt asked me to see if we can encourage some hand knitting yarn suppliers to attend the show next year so I will be looking into this possibility in the next few months.</div><br /><div>In the last 2 weeks I have done talks to 2 Weavers, Spinners and Dyers Guilds. Last week I went to the East Sussex Guild to do a talk on knitting with handspun and this weekend I went to the Sommerset Guild to talk on knitting with beads. Both talks seemed to go down well.</div><br /><div>In between the talks and teaching I finished another design for 'Knitting' magazine which is schedules to be published in the July issue. The May issue of the magazine arrived last week and has my article on blocking and pressing knitwear. The June issue should have my article on sewing up knitwear using mattress stitch.</div><br /><div>All this hasn't left much time for any other knitting but I have done some more work on my top down jumper. Although I was using 2 balls of yarn and knitting alternate rows with each ball the yarn has continued to pool. After knitting quite a bit down from the armhole I did try the jumper on and decided that the pooling looked OK once the jumper was on even though it doesn't look that great laid out flat.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329060180943894786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-c8JArBYTyBdq-tCb1VA5XP1WbRPgjsJkctjLVrYlrnCDPWSARw0yxS7LkIOqkTRY9HBSWIO_OljTZtjpy0BuhT3qES4JZt0_hBqr5lJvs_XSx0sJ5Fghc8MMWfqHXAa7rFcVA/s320/top+down+front+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329059920769004322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha257DMXR29Pm_8K5F_Ope-HNJfnALXj_8NA6NXEopxXL3dX4qKhCcsRrp5LfMQe4pFgsa1ZbetKHw7ZZcK-3GZiOU7NBkQv80v_9zEuYevfqNaShaehENbpOP9iT0G3vwzB6wOA/s320/top+down+back+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Since taking these 2 photos I have actually finished the body section. I've added a moss stitch border to the bottom of the jumper as I don't want it to pull in. I'm hoping to get back to finish this garment fairly soon, after I have finished another garment for the magazine, a bias knitting waistcoat in Mille Colori Lang yarn and a jacket in the Lang yarn that Kareen at the InterKnit Cafe has asked me to design!</div></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-62391601121272265522009-02-23T15:27:00.006+00:002009-08-28T08:28:10.503+01:00Unravel event in FarnhamI very much enjoyed the Unravel knitting and fibre event in Farnham last Saturday. Unfortunately I didn't get to have a very good look around the show myself as I was busy either sorting out knitting problems for people in the knitting surgery or helping my husband on my stand. However I did manage to catch up with lots of friends and knitters who have attended my knitting workshops.<br /><br />I also forgot to take my camera to take photos of the stand so I must try and remember at the next exhibition to do so. I understand from Kareen (who owns the InterKnit Cafe) who was quite involved with organising the show that the people at The Maltings where very pleased with the attendance at the show and have agreed to run it as a 2 day event at the end of February next year. Lets hope it continues to be a success.<br /><br />I'm booked to teach a number of hand knitting workshops over the next month and the 'Machine Knititng Live' Exhibition at Bournemouth is on 7th March so I better get back to doing some more work!fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-62382010410212290592009-02-06T16:27:00.011+00:002009-02-06T16:52:17.148+00:00A bit of crochet for a changeA few weeks ago I was showing some of my students a felted crochet bag I designed. It is a bucket shaped bag and one of the ladies put it on her head as a hat for a joke. It worked quite well apart from being rather deep; a good hat for Marge Simpson! but it did give me an idea.<br /><div><div><div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299722752737292162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsFrC8PtG0WByhE9kQWgvXnAbz9BMtpOaNl9fFavZYAiUbDJn5OryJVp3i8FN5yLixCSSWGC6StB9TEXC1yxMOBLB3HBqMuslF2kg7kq_HYmqI4fQ4oxhZUQ6-bVkBsqsl03SZw/s320/chullo+hat+front.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Last week I thought I would play around with this crochet idea and designed a chullo hat using crochet and Rowan Colourscape yarn. The hat design is very simple as i started at the crown with a ring of chains and then increased out until I thought the centre crown section was big enough. i then changed to a shell stitch pattern for the rest of the hat working in a circle initially and then back and forth for the ear flaps.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299723725969090770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjNrhMwlJEhOPs9Z1avoYpaXtyxur4PC-EoiEv2RISQnBxOn71PR5UdHCyUIDmCNdrBfjHiFVlfw7J1WihUSw_WaCycqVNEdrPuWS6ebxmXRAZhoWl5lYCJLLNRPfp60QTA5BKg/s320/chullo+hat+side.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><div>I tried the hat on as I went and had to undo some bits a couple of times before I got what I felt was a well fitted shape but I was quite pleased with the end result and it only took a few hours to work out.</div><br /><p>With the success of this first hat I then went on to crochet a cap which was in fairly basic stitches, double crochet, trebles and chain mesh stitch</p><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299724668665221362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMUS9ZX1UpvOUH3wuLEgkU-ey95qAH-8SkarzdPvSn64Bg-6bvN-wGh-ua3nYQd8MVzLm7H2YwbQs75Yu3dpKpyCGOspnzgRK6SdvzY3w-ytzp71Ih_f-pdzV35Bu6hfLzJ2OlQ/s320/crochet+cap+side.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299724980376516610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczTMptWtloOwd9lUyRVFTodIhhQmg7hpjBMdyb6j5Ep9jsGTQyCtUyEfpx1JUs-mypEBMZAw4wQz3vAgMrfOEY7ij7CGWWesrUeC6ldBr2vvV42BHaL3a70F3UxFZb4RUB3E8BQ/s320/crochet+cap+top.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><div>It is crocheted in Rowan Colourscape again which gives the gradual colour change and is worked from the centre of the crown outwards. Again I kept trying on the hat while I was making it to see how well it fitted. I did have to undo some chain rows but as crochet is very easy to undo it didn't cause any problems and again only took a few hours to make.<br /><p>Having got into the swing of things I had another go at making the cap with mesh stitch edging but using a DK yarn this time. i happen to have some Elle Escapade so decided to use that although generally I don't like using acrylic yarn but it did work up very easily so here are some more pictures.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299727070150024466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFUz3_p6KxiYHxnyb2ceLV16HlHSfSDDVC6Pnqnfis4y2QgsyfyZA8-XqeGs8DgNWV4J5_mXZfIehOU4gqMBVuCZwjJRpZ67acrM8NkWoCiZMynl5nm2GV7OoON1ByGYt-37v7g/s320/crochet+hat+side.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299727813242438034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0jm2VG-Isqu0_MZ-Z1qaR6uvMEzAihTzKiPaRsxoxJqzPMoaoKoo1BoChYhVFMcca3_pEMMyiS6Dn4eSc_bWspCV-PcpdyFoe0MClRhLMiBZhV7xthtcoN5oGk0dN64BSKif9g/s320/crochet+hat+back.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p></p></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-32697508316792423412009-01-30T17:16:00.007+00:002009-01-30T17:34:13.498+00:00Top down raglan<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFW5ZTMtdqNQ-pyKYKn4HOo0hvpk6yTRCZLobmXWEmVHQgOKroUMo8Rm2vjKnb52XYKoZqU4bwvDY8eCikmyc2wldTgoQkzzPgf2sKsHjwyYn7KGLCaHrImJVJjqhYf8aj6vHK_w/s1600-h/top_down_front.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297137170610062994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFW5ZTMtdqNQ-pyKYKn4HOo0hvpk6yTRCZLobmXWEmVHQgOKroUMo8Rm2vjKnb52XYKoZqU4bwvDY8eCikmyc2wldTgoQkzzPgf2sKsHjwyYn7KGLCaHrImJVJjqhYf8aj6vHK_w/s320/top_down_front.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I recently started making a top down raglan V-neck jumper for myself! I am knitting it in Rosarios 4 Capuccino which is a 60% milk fibre, 40% Australian wool mix and is about an Aran weight. It feels like a smooth good quality wool to knit with and as you can see from the picture this particular colourway is variegated.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297138402277389714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduYrJ5a1iT1ov5sMSgWQkPxj0nu1MqBEAe0Ow22xEAV6KsRw3nqqFSfBLdL6T8SLyGofPbvJik1-jqK34KzgtLeAOv7OXvGkVRkovHpIRtU2mM1jth9UBEuCut3lcNEyBLU3Nxg/s320/top_down_back.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>I decided to start with a crochet provisional cast on as I prefer to have 'live' stitches when picking up around the neckline. The top section with sleeves is knitted in rows until the neck shaping is completed. I decided to use a left and right 'make 1' increase for the raglan seams working the increase just before the stitch in front of the stitch marker and after the stitch after the marker to give me the raglan seam. I also worked the neck increases 1 stitch in from the edge to give a clean line of stitches when picking up the neckline to knit the band.</div><div> </div><div>Once I completed the raglan increases I divided the stitches up into sleeves and body and continued knitting in the round. One problem I realised with using the variegated yarn is when I started to knit the body section the yarn colours have started to 'pool'. I did unpick the body back to the beginning of this section and started knitting rounds with alternate balls of yarn so the 'pooling' isn't quite as bad although it is still happening in areas. I think this is a problem I will just have to live with in this particular garment.</div><div> </div><div>I'll post another picture when I am near the bottom of the body section.</div><div> </div><div><br /><div></div></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-8897629244268616072009-01-25T17:03:00.003+00:002009-01-25T17:20:25.022+00:00Sock knitting workshopYesterday I was teaching at The Knitting Habit in Alton, Hants. It was a sock knitting workshop. I teach several different sock workshops and yesterday was knitting short row heel and toe socks. Although this is not the most commonly used sock technique it is the method I have used to make my own socks since I learn how to make them this way from an article in Interweave Knits written by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts in 2000.<br /><br />Both the heel and toe are shaped with short rows and the socks are knitted on 5pd (stitches divided over 4 needles and 1 to knit with) so there is no need to rearrange stitches when you come to shaping the heel. The socks also finish with an unusual 3-needle cast off which gives a seam on the top of the foot at the base of the toes, very much like commercial socks, but you don't feel the seam when wearing the socks. Casting off this way means there is no grafting of toe stitches so another big advantage over other methods.<br /><br />Some of the students found knitting on 5pd took a bit of getting used to and the short row shaping proved a bit of a challenge to some but by the end of the day most students had nearly completed their mini sample sock. Hopefully they will give this method of sock making another try as it is very easy once you have learn the short row shaping.<br /><br />If you are in the Alton area do go and visit The Knitting Habit. It is in Alton town centre in the street that goes up a hill near Boots. The owner Marion is very friendly and helpful and I will be teaching more one day workshops there througout the year. For details of when and where I'm teaching look at the Events page on my website.fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-64921787143394652912009-01-23T18:04:00.009+00:002009-01-23T18:21:04.259+00:00I have been knitting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyb2K3Ab3nfvX3O7eruuF1bSzTnXMEb3rntu2G90kXiQKH0cK5VksOl7FU2acSDaaYc1trxt32KpNxAjwM1JQJS-oAhamBgvjO9emORJjigdu6y4dO9ML18WJty4tsXxhhEUXMg/s1600-h/scarf_alpaca+_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294552196544505970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyb2K3Ab3nfvX3O7eruuF1bSzTnXMEb3rntu2G90kXiQKH0cK5VksOl7FU2acSDaaYc1trxt32KpNxAjwM1JQJS-oAhamBgvjO9emORJjigdu6y4dO9ML18WJty4tsXxhhEUXMg/s320/scarf_alpaca+_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a>I was pretty busy before Christmas with work for Knitting magazine but I did manage to do some other knitting as well. I designed this cream lace scarf to be knitted in Knitting4fun Alpaca Aran yarn. It takes 1 skein of 100gms to make the scarf. I used a diamond lace and an extended diamond (pillar lace) lace pattern which work well together. In the last repeat of the pillar lace pattern I made a slit in the scarf so the other end of the scarf could be threaded through it. I just need to write the pattern for it now.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aLv4farrIfEGpR-qINftj_LY1vmztzIKBl7kzf0X-1jwL2pAAuyZSNQgVymVdxAmHJKPFCcHqk9lOO1ipz2OMSB1si7YWCxfO0Ezc9f8kZ9aEbGPAkhHs3CC-FABbRhSwlfeUA/s1600-h/scarf_silk4milk_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294552054879874274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aLv4farrIfEGpR-qINftj_LY1vmztzIKBl7kzf0X-1jwL2pAAuyZSNQgVymVdxAmHJKPFCcHqk9lOO1ipz2OMSB1si7YWCxfO0Ezc9f8kZ9aEbGPAkhHs3CC-FABbRhSwlfeUA/s320/scarf_silk4milk_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a> The next 2 scarves I knitted as Christmas presents (so I couldn't post this before Christmas - at least that's my excuse for not writting anything for agaes again). The taupe coloured scarf (described as burgandy by the yarn company) is knitted in Rosarios4 Silk4milk which has been naturally dyed. Silk4milk is 60% milk fibre, 30% silk and 10% cashmere and it is a lovely yarn to knit with. I used the fern lace pattern and in order to make sure the scalloped edges matched I knitted the scarf in 2 halves. I knitted the section arounf the neck in k2, p2 rib to make it thicker and warmer.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz1WRQ888k1zFuYi6P03WnJE868SUOCHdzgjNDGO0C1Da2r_5OV6en3zC1CuG1JIjYwh60RjCJOeFS9s8bhqBBqswYtJVptr-_uq1PXymahkEIk_VXjeXnjCkOtvHR8yfwg9phA/s1600-h/scarf_carezza_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294551925401727298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz1WRQ888k1zFuYi6P03WnJE868SUOCHdzgjNDGO0C1Da2r_5OV6en3zC1CuG1JIjYwh60RjCJOeFS9s8bhqBBqswYtJVptr-_uq1PXymahkEIk_VXjeXnjCkOtvHR8yfwg9phA/s320/scarf_carezza_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a> This 3rd scarf is knitted in Adriafil Carezza which is a 70%angora yarn and again feels lovely to knit. It didn't seem to shed to much either. I used the horseshoe print lace pattern for this scarf but knitted it from the same principles as the Silk4milk scarf.</div><div> </div><div>When I have a few spare minutes I will get down to writting the patterns for these 3 scarves.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-83233023699596213242008-11-27T07:50:00.009+00:002008-11-27T08:10:54.584+00:00Finding design inspirationAs well as teaching a range of knitting techniques workshops I also teach City and Guilds Design and Craft courses in both hand and machine knit textiles. On this course design is as important as the craft skill so I encourage student to always keep looking for design sources - anything that interested them visually.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div>My current mobile phone does have a good camera in it but I keep forgetting that I can use it. When going into Fareham town centre I frequently walk past the multistory car park. Several years ago when the council was spending money to smarten up the town centre they installed these blue railings around the lower level of the car park. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273245442659814066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNwJ5Azmz1XMCy1JCyO2bMHPK-cUdDmbjckzmzafzmu8eJwRuEk1-iwTzykBQEhQvIVLdnUiPkG338bQiOsdJuUOmCjITCX2fUge1Jke_dI1wWiLW2zNo9F4ifCUR4uFcUiArtA/s320/car_park.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I've always found them interesting. As I was walking past them this week I was thinking about the C&G course and thought they would make an interesting starting point under the design theme of line so I decided to take some photographs.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273245667672150514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFIgD-jEYw2f7Mx0204sqF0OS1c-ZTjoa6mgt18whOIiQaz51qq0KF1wZaJbstggQIVEcqkm827SU3ORtUOxdnRPzPjUgpsCEvPz2pUNQl1lr20FrEMsE-VGVJ8zdZ5jnG2ia0w/s320/car_park1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273245937410410866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJ4kae9cNVgpJ6HbtltbYmXvFo_G0FvRPHUAK2qspVGq-42A9YazYdxidNRBZiAiZxVp8dEc3pAez7pjGiF1tXVCYdMIhziE_hsSnBVPYHIG8Lzcun3sXhQHyW0M5IRQ4yo6AKw/s320/car_park2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273246228517044082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmdDXEo8DP-YY-C9HZwhhWXC6OIsowJR7PF_WovLffzLoZ40F5uH60jHrTw-AgnWbDCvrzbb7XgbzHMBBn0NhUGfHhbpFJxOkTsc-96p6xgE1qhKbczsnJJ2Ss2PWLyn26LAk7A/s320/car_park3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Whether I get around to doing something with the images is another matter but I thought it might be helpful to my students to remind them you can find inspiration anywhere if you just look.</div></div></div></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-18636719499007454552008-11-21T10:02:00.004+00:002008-11-21T10:17:41.016+00:00Knitting group and Beret patternI went along to the local Borders knitting group last night. They are a very friendly bunch of ladies who meet every Thursday from 6ish till the shop closes. I usually get there about once a month or so. <div><br /><div>One of my friends mentioned she read my blog about teaching at Made but couldn't find the beret pattern I mentioned. I should have said it was in issue 1 of The Inside Loop so you have to look in the archives. The pattern is called Frances (after my daughter who is also the model). Here are a couple of picture of the beret. It is also linked on my Ravelry designer page.</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271052779029895714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhor2advRXC2prEa8otop7y_aLqJkHZxkfzN_zdeVdl-FLJ02tIOw99PVSTPwjl_RLUZTDa4eICBLbMXhEOYlUnNnGWl-pcn8SJQEGmrY1fxPQ495VwDJgoNj64eWKT7_OfKWQs1A/s320/beret+front+view.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271052579631521874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 274px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BSF9FTv6MShEWRyYfMFbwel6MCD5SSaCSLvfiCAvltM3_htEl9o7cigssl3VyT6fAy6-CAMtz_Oe64HCbWxtsSrGKX56Fp0XKMU3vwKeUs7jg7BiBT3AXQANw4Pox5ZUn3tnNw/s320/Beret+crown.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>One of the other ladies also asked if I was the person writing in Knitting Magazine as my name is mentioned on the front cover. I've written a third article on 'changing or adjusting' a pattern to suit you as an individual in the December issue. The previous articles where changing the style of a garment e.g. from a short sleeve jumper to a long sleeve cardigan with collar which was published in the September issue and an article on adjusting a pattern for size in the October issue.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>I also have 2 patterns in the December issue, the 'Creme de Cassis bolero' and 'Magical Miser's purse'.</div></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-13011711819236592962008-11-19T13:04:00.014+00:002008-11-19T13:36:24.747+00:00Teaching at Alston HallAfter teaching at Made I went on to Alston Hall as I was booked to teach a one day workshop on 'Introduction to Crochet' and then a residential weekend on 'New fibres, eco friendly yarns and traditional stitches'.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOkhdBQG6As9f4226JHvU48Fdk8Bl9Be1LW90-wMlU_FNDxKcboL_rZtRTmCU6XS_5SZwhx5hr1IPJsLNsMr5fZbwLVlpk60P0ZRNJg2bTF3aCrv5KhpgjGF0boipu4R9AZadKQ/s1600-h/hall+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOkhdBQG6As9f4226JHvU48Fdk8Bl9Be1LW90-wMlU_FNDxKcboL_rZtRTmCU6XS_5SZwhx5hr1IPJsLNsMr5fZbwLVlpk60P0ZRNJg2bTF3aCrv5KhpgjGF0boipu4R9AZadKQ/s320/hall+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270358671328616626" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKQBmlW20gS6UanfrityvDOR_LqWnsl1GkpCFx2ynb72GkljRCHzPTswi_po9y-w0iGpRKwPzTtlX9phEMQKG8Mqh46Yx7g3BfyFrt08ObcgOZ9OhkQtJVou7LmIZKqwrJ6WppQ/s1600-h/hall+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKQBmlW20gS6UanfrityvDOR_LqWnsl1GkpCFx2ynb72GkljRCHzPTswi_po9y-w0iGpRKwPzTtlX9phEMQKG8Mqh46Yx7g3BfyFrt08ObcgOZ9OhkQtJVou7LmIZKqwrJ6WppQ/s320/hall+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270358995810371298" border="0" /></a><br />Alston Hall is a lovely old manor house that is owned by Lancashire Adult Learing. They run a huge range of courses throughout the year both during the week and over weekends. I have taught a one day and residential weekend course there for the last 3 years of so.<br /><br />Both the crochet and the weekend course where fully booked so it was a busy weekend. The atmosphere at the hall is very relaxed and fully catered so all the students have to do is enjoy their course.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM_CpLYodJvZAV66qjKmuJ-py01yPjo1G9YOOvHrXbTCYjFZhfbvK-yieuCMIFNX5TtliwPgwZSFQ4Q0PXEu-BVdaFkrTXtmD06imZMRV6O2i352fzfZIVSyItxvDHkurp6ktbQ/s1600-h/coffee+break.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM_CpLYodJvZAV66qjKmuJ-py01yPjo1G9YOOvHrXbTCYjFZhfbvK-yieuCMIFNX5TtliwPgwZSFQ4Q0PXEu-BVdaFkrTXtmD06imZMRV6O2i352fzfZIVSyItxvDHkurp6ktbQ/s320/coffee+break.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270359482426688354" border="0" /></a><br />The 'Introduction to crochet' went very well and all the students could crochet by the end of the day. The centre will be offering this course again but not until next November 2009. Next November we will also be offering a follow on crochet day workshop to develop basic skills, read patterns and understand how to shape garments.<br /><br />Some of the students on the crochet workshop stayed on for the weekend course on new fibres etc. Having given the students an overview of where many of these new fibres come from and how they are made on the Friday night we moved on to trying out these different yarns in a range of fibres.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cIUuEaKOtzBZWWyln7dYWzksRwB-Xt_Sz1WcdWN_hZ8wmcY2CayexmBCFYzjmPTAt2yW9Gc24hYcc_I4PvMaZwfHvcez5nx_7XG-OM2XkbI99ZjEK2m9DftEb-oO-RyKV9_vHw/s1600-h/students+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cIUuEaKOtzBZWWyln7dYWzksRwB-Xt_Sz1WcdWN_hZ8wmcY2CayexmBCFYzjmPTAt2yW9Gc24hYcc_I4PvMaZwfHvcez5nx_7XG-OM2XkbI99ZjEK2m9DftEb-oO-RyKV9_vHw/s320/students+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270360452333071762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_yOT1ZAQ-7Jmi893YvDx4hBN0xXldzXJB8gzu5x8WO6a42DBf9YfTv2EefiKuQLzsCRReu-stFJM0Bdr2DaPjTJD4IhPe3O9RAz4nwAcAACojPDWc3azW0nEhhhWppMsLaD8Zg/s1600-h/students+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_yOT1ZAQ-7Jmi893YvDx4hBN0xXldzXJB8gzu5x8WO6a42DBf9YfTv2EefiKuQLzsCRReu-stFJM0Bdr2DaPjTJD4IhPe3O9RAz4nwAcAACojPDWc3azW0nEhhhWppMsLaD8Zg/s320/students+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270361202893457010" border="0" /></a><br />I provided yarn packs for each student which included samples of bamboo, hemp, linen, cotton/soya mix, ramie, milk fibre, milk fibre/wool mix, corn fibre and wool/seaweed mix. We started looking at knit and purl patterns and I explained how a traditional Gansey is knitted including demonstrating the knotted (Channel Island) cast on. Later in the day we moved on to cables, travelling and twisted stitches and on the Sunday we looked at lace.<br /><br />I also arranged for a friend, Bev from Knitting4fun, to bring some of her yarns, kits and other bits and pieces to the hall. I should apologies to the students for tempting them to spend money or more nice yarns!<br /><br />Although it was tiring I enjoyed teaching the course and hope the students enjoyed it as well.fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-67746370068607067552008-11-19T12:44:00.002+00:002008-11-19T12:55:52.746+00:00Teaching in The WirrelLast week I was invited to teach a one day workshop at 'Made' in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wallasey</span>. I arrived on Tuesday evening to teach Wednesday. Val, the owner of the shop was booked to demonstrate the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Knifty</span> Knitter' to a ladies club so arranged for the knit and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">knatter</span> group to look after me at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Weatherspoons</span>. we had a very enjoyable evening and I would like to thank the ladies for looking after me.<br /><br />The workshop was Fair Isle knitting. After introducing the subject and showing everyone samples of how different ways of combining colour can completely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">change</span> the look of a pattern they all got stuck in to knitting a beret (the pattern I designed for The Inside Loop). I demonstrated knitting Fair Isle in the round with a yarn in each hand and most of the ladies had a go and found it wasn't as difficult s they first thought it would be.<br /><br />I have asked Val to send me some pictures of the completed berets so hope to be able to post them at a later date.<br /><br />I enjoyed my day teaching very much and hope the ladies who attended also enjoyed the day.fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-2503381249401897012008-08-02T16:59:00.007+01:002008-08-02T17:24:33.639+01:00John Allen Design Group and IKnitA couple of weeks ago I went to London for the day. I run the Farnham based John Allen Design Group and this year we went to the South Bank for our study day to collect inspiration for next year's class.<br /><div><div><br /><div>This year John set us a slightly different project using the area in and around the Festival Hall as out source of inspiration. Looking out of the Festival Hall at various views or starting from outside the Festival Hall and looking around the views and into the Hall.<br /><br />Although I have run the Farnham Group for the past 13 years and used to take part in the course, in recent years I haven't had the time to participate but this year I am being strongly 'encouraged' (told) I should join the class again.<br /><br />There are lots of interesting areas to work from so I will have to see how I get on. I may even be brave enough to post some of my work at a later date!<br /><br />While in London I also took the opportunity to visit IKnit as it is very near Waterloo station.</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229956098346801122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiAZiq1f9jGhstOQmwt4fuQIM6ptdJtd2Kvw8gbuFzCGopww2dzX8MVR9y1k4lk5EhbSSNb21qMORJk9dSMnuGEXVniy9mDPKUj5w89-jN97ioHfYaspZZJ5_PGw1l3JbUIwXkg/s320/iknit3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>The shop has lots of different yarns including a long wall of sock yarns. I decided I could resist buying yarn this time as I do have a not insignificant stash at home (even if it is my day job as well as my hobby). However they did have some interesting DVD's from America including some of the Lucy Neatby DVD's and the new Lace DVD from Meg Swanson. They also had Addi Lace needles in sizes I don't already have so I did have to spend some money there.</div></div><p>While I was browsing I also got chatting to a very nice lady who had only just discovered the shop which is very near where her father lives so I think she will be visiting again. Unfortunately when I visited neither Gerard or Craig where there but I was served by a very helpful lady (sorry I didn't ask her name). Although there where nice settees to sit on and knit I couldn't wait around as I had to catch the train home.</p><p>I'm sure I will visit again particularly as it is so close to Waterloo station. Here are a couple more pictures of the shop.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229956703991430242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJ2WmzbgFFe8GHv8QtPIZXDIhVEpEEBN6T-p9nVeC5jFxHN19h8MkH7Cr5sPydEG57z0huOtnOpBwMqJrd7ZFVSEtGiHQr3Wwgi7BJMhjSULuRF9IrsQki5WJUfDTWTbEbUe36g/s320/iknit2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229953490860602018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLGC2L46hrkZCDI9PR8Dx4_V8MxAsWRXuQE9MIsYbLhl5rKV8mBFxX4bkIV_q9d_ywUbKa2BbjyWW0yeojLXC_lvXft3YuogOgJ0LWUMLT8dTe_0UlLS5tewDZD69KZDazh9h7A/s320/iknit1.jpg" border="0" /></p></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-44114021292974422152008-06-03T10:57:00.016+01:002008-06-03T16:11:41.238+01:00Back to KnittingI recently wrote an article on substituting yarns for Knitting magazine but due to limited space I didn't give any information about the yarns used in the swatches. Here is some information about the swatches and some more that wheren't included in the article. <div><br /><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207592983548761074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7z2sjEj50WcsvU1o7-XAzZPl6Sy9OsrFxgrMhnKe_XIY1BgwcDwmhtbmFfxUSuuS6zK-3yMl0CavCZBxzWquVnI13XZuIDIqOKEDoodSztWSyMjgyv-_w3LEkEKtgrawPr4MOvw/s320/subing_1_resize.jpg" border="0" /><br />The yarns in this first image are as follows (reading from left to right, top row then bottom row). The red swatch is Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK; 55% merino wool, 33% microfibre and 12% cashmere with 110m per ball. The green swatch is Sirdar Country Style DK; 45% Acrylic, 40% Nylon and 15% wool with 318m per ball (100gm balls). The multi-coloured swatch is Knit Cole Candy DK; 80% Premium Acrylic and 20% Nylon with 290m per ball (100gm balls). The cream/brown swatch is King Cole Big Value DK; 100% Acrylic with 290m per ball (1oogm balls). The raspberry swatch is Elle Elite DK; 50% wool and 50% cotton with 114m per ball. The cream swatch is Sirdar Snuggly Babybamboo DK; 80% Bamboo and 20% wool with 95m per ball.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207595183176979634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIgKpWK5HoNxKwAhufPgOuhQxrDMSlAOnhlzBddi_UG3OEkXge6N8HouQMPd6M2FN5y9Ye25G30aEr90-5Fm9Tbxr2-Hd_gFigVkrh792iZxn5KXfvPJw6a3Clhvapxo33l9krA/s320/subing_2_resize.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p>The second photo includes 2 extra swatches that where not included in the article. (Again from top left). The green swatch is Wendy Mode DK; 50% pure Merino wool and 50% Acrylic with 142m per ball. The red swatch with moss stitch border is King Cole Landscape DK; 70% Acrylic and 30% wool with 254m per ball (100gm balls). The other red swatch is Patons Diploma Gold DK; 55% wool, 25% Acrylic and 20% Nylon with 120m per ball. The pale blue swatch is Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK; 75% extra fine Merino, 20% silk and 5% cashmere with 116m per ball.</p><p>All these swatches where knitted on 4mm needles (the size recommended on the ball band) and washed before measuring. They all gave a tension gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm, again the recommended gauge on the ball band.</p><p>The last group of swatches where also knitted on 4mm needles and washed before measuring. They all give a stitch gauge of 22 stitches to 10cm but the row gauge is different; they all need more row to knit 10cm.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207598747422234994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDCQDikDGBpf5lX2rH317uvsYs-29tsaqTa0gvO1PI6Nz3dBfPGLCrpEhkBuMIVoicNaAOrbc1W2uQWzCY3s1GgIfmEzoUhB5ep-WEpD7KO_7VvR0C8IdCh6rThITpjq99IXOAA/s320/subing_3_resize.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p></p><p>The swatches in this final group are (left to right); the raspberry swatch is Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK; 100% extra fine Merino wool with 116m per ball. The cream swatch is Rowan Cashsoft Baby DK; 57% extra fine Merino, 33% microfibre and 10% cashmere with 130m per ball. The dark blue swatch is Sirdar Denim Tweed DK; 60% Acrylic, 25% Cotton and 15% wool with 170m per ball. The lilac sample is Patons Washed Haze DK; 50% Cotton and 50% Acrylic, and the last swatch is Rowan Wool Cotton; 50% merino wool and 50% cotton with 113m per ball.</p><p>As you can see I have sampled quite a wide variety of yarns both in fibre content and yarn supplier. The main point you have to remeber if you are going to substitute yarns successfully is that you match <strong>your</strong> tension gauge to that given in the pattern. The results for all these yarns are with me knitting but that doesn't necessarily mean you will automatically acheive the same gauge. </p><p>I hope this information helps some of you to experiment with the yarns you use to knit patterns. You don't have to be tied to the yarn (and colour) the pattern is originally knitted in. A little time spent doing a gauge swatch can save time and money later.<br /><br /></p>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-63703331812061641912008-05-24T12:29:00.010+01:002008-05-24T13:19:23.871+01:00Singapore!<div>So, this is the last blog of our holiday, then normal knitting service will be resumed.<br /><br />How can you summarise what we saw in Singapore in just a few pictures? First impressions - expansive airport, which could have been anywhere in the world. The midnight journey to Dave's cousin's place did not shout out "Singapore" - all the signs were in English. And they still use the UK plugs!!!<br /><br />After a sound sleep we started on a two day personal tour - Jenny was fantastic and very keen we saw everything.<br /><br />So, we took a trip to Sentosa Island (via Cable car), saw the huge Merlion (a big symbol in Singapore), visited the butterfly garden (which also featured parrots - see below!)<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk1aRrOYqVMBCSyfAEuO5qSOQd2mso-MJkRSn8VDkqAme6KLrWjkP0iI2sJL8_ZdOSrpy11PWlnCEsgFZoHWKF2OT_3qsdQ1NRhyLCC4Q0taA4dlB2pm30ku_DD28VfZyMtgL1w/s1600-h/34+Fi+and+Parrots+low.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203908697569470482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk1aRrOYqVMBCSyfAEuO5qSOQd2mso-MJkRSn8VDkqAme6KLrWjkP0iI2sJL8_ZdOSrpy11PWlnCEsgFZoHWKF2OT_3qsdQ1NRhyLCC4Q0taA4dlB2pm30ku_DD28VfZyMtgL1w/s320/34+Fi+and+Parrots+low.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203915303229171778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP-yuL0PQVUXfC_WUXwNCzWYJUmAjlvQk6byKMmlxhVV4_iS0VUBF1lh-WE0VoijslZ_8Zoa81PQCPzimvsWWn04qhjoai3qZLlGhLn8YJ-oVK2tWVFEmRmENtcMUVhub9Rw0Yg/s320/90+Merlion+l.JPG" border="0" /> We were taken to the "beach" for lunch - actually a gravelly shore, covered with tons of imported sand and kitted out with palm trees, but with the odd background of oil tankers. Still, very warm (we were 50 miles north of the Equator) and although humid, not intolerably so.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203915457847994450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhWQz0bXQ-PwDYHhqDcL4V4cgulsPeVNkwEOu_li1Z1D-dsu2ebuRB9oA6rTP5xLmyMGPDRanao17S8vFSChQI6bhDvzOmEsP92gUoY0LwAUAt5Cw1BH0_Rc7hYegxc48Vm5ktA/s320/Sentosa+l.JPG" border="0" /><br />In the evening, Jenny took us to the midnight safari, a must-see attraction. Basically, all the creatures of the night were out and feeding and we saw a Fisher Cat tiptoe across a small dam, grab a fish and disappear off into the night… lions…tigers….elephants…all far too dark to take pictures of.<br /><br /><br />The next day we were taken to the Singapore Botanical Gardens. A wondrous place, with the Orchid Gardens taking pride of place, a “cool house” (for alpine plants) and a mist house. Our first clap of thunder happened here and all those in the know started frantically looking for shelter. Apparently when it rains here, it really rains. But we were having none of that!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa_yLVP_JnWtHuRlTR7Jvv76JTtxOwBoIvG3HLfe3j0adCxh62lhkkZCirBOSaRZz1hxwghbfai4GHGsNOieAHhh0JiG8_gJn96H3lCjMD6ZCDiIeaSOtMgQ52q3cYKPlwR7DpA/s1600-h/10+Singapore+Botanical+Gardens+l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203908624555026434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa_yLVP_JnWtHuRlTR7Jvv76JTtxOwBoIvG3HLfe3j0adCxh62lhkkZCirBOSaRZz1hxwghbfai4GHGsNOieAHhh0JiG8_gJn96H3lCjMD6ZCDiIeaSOtMgQ52q3cYKPlwR7DpA/s320/10+Singapore+Botanical+Gardens+l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We were then taken for a bum boat ride on the Singapore river – very beautiful with the gaily coloured Merchant’s Houses, bridges, another Merlion and the magnificent design of the Esplanade Theatre…<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepcTnlhmCx2jexhyphenhyphenkEHIrF6xqpv7UtxNPyiScblAkfObZJVg-CBRGlrvqucyk3_aHa6K6tKJKIyBVMyAM05mszcxTty7Pz9e3cqKyv4J9iHnDyUFJQCwv574ZIgfQdfuJDL_xKQ/s1600-h/83+Singapore+River+l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203908560130516978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepcTnlhmCx2jexhyphenhyphenkEHIrF6xqpv7UtxNPyiScblAkfObZJVg-CBRGlrvqucyk3_aHa6K6tKJKIyBVMyAM05mszcxTty7Pz9e3cqKyv4J9iHnDyUFJQCwv574ZIgfQdfuJDL_xKQ/s320/83+Singapore+River+l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Then off to China town and the incredible Buddhist temple…. Where everything was for sale (to assist in your redemption).<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Yr8fVC03lT3wixpX09dCwRJWavQfzpZIM02JhOZs_b4s1v5eZ809Y2UqMhjYmRrsQbjJeRMu_YErEGlGEgb52KrQT6YrW-ou-MUARQ1_kZAkFkqV4ubr8_tVrvHT3BDHKmoIZw/s1600-h/171+China+Town+-l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203908474231171042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Yr8fVC03lT3wixpX09dCwRJWavQfzpZIM02JhOZs_b4s1v5eZ809Y2UqMhjYmRrsQbjJeRMu_YErEGlGEgb52KrQT6YrW-ou-MUARQ1_kZAkFkqV4ubr8_tVrvHT3BDHKmoIZw/s320/171+China+Town+-l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203914882322376738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJaiJT8MG3hMy58jJE6FLFBdHizHfPCEGu7nbTMnp3PHHY4ZS5ewLMLXD0icBUENYbanBYIeSjUgwWKlqq-uWwjTgWAL6RlZSzHg9hNmGh082aglzrEQoyAFslX73cqgKllXpwQ/s320/144+Bhuddist+Temple+l.JPG" border="0" /><br />A visit to a Singaporean food hall (everyone eats there – it is so cheap) and then finally the piece de resistance – RAFFLES! One Singapore Sling later we were on our way home after an incredible few weeks and the horrific prospect by all our friends of endless reminiscences of a truly great holiday!<br /><br />Now, back to knitting…<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-24257969878733237992008-05-03T02:14:00.001+01:002008-05-03T02:14:33.675+01:00fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-39963957717010929252008-05-03T01:51:00.003+01:002008-05-24T13:32:57.484+01:00Last days in Sydney<div><div><div><div><div>Fi is now very involved in her workshops and has given two talks already to clubs near Canberra and Newcastle. Today it is Sydney itself and then she has a half day break before we head off to Singapore for two days. The talks have been very well received and are deemed a success. Fi will tell more when she has a moment or two!<br /><br />In the meantime Dave has been given a free reign to tour Sydney harbour at length and make full use of his travel card. He has been to Parramatta - the first outpost to successfully start a farm and therefore ensure the survival of the pioneers in Sydney. The first Government House was established there and therefore the oldest "modern" buildings in Australia. A very interesting place. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203920568859076722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Iw9c02DBomcSxyVJ6p7Lr2nRHSZ0SetLkZV1G450B66_0zCx1t7UWSm5MDNC4JXOx-JSinrRWLN7pUm1Zu16_c6rdaixq1T30JaBLTCQaIvRfbQtmBf0pDvJU7qkPSiqLxOi0A/s320/7+Parramatta+old+government+house+l.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>The Parramatta river flows from there into Sydney harbour and is a 1 hour trip. So that had to be done. The Cat Ferry fills the river at that point and is an "interesting" journey until the river widens. A great trip! </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203920723477899410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdYf4HdNbDWR0Zd24sZdoQ0TNJs0vWRBoH2oN8bI_Ml1-1fktYbBiIYmIZJNfLn1yqhgtopFUcnREtTyXU-Enakm8jO2z3P_zsopSWjXboxenP-v4DPIrIyMp7kUw_R5JeH5WPw/s320/29+Ferry+arriving+l.JPG" border="0" /><br />Dave has also been to Bondi (well you have to, don't you) and a beautiful bay it is too - amazingly to my mind not too commercialised and full of what I call 2 second amateur surfers - i.e. they never last more than two seconds standing up on their surfboard before they spectacularly crash back into the surf to wait for another try. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203920482959730786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtbp3Bx6UIgTy-nn6ElnVd8Dcv6xEDYWCL6AWF5565Cd_sjaBKvh9s8hGudhYE2kp3zg1d4Egmnfqza0-tqirMugzYpA2PA7YxKtJzKCHe4QPoWIA1u12GCnl4FRJPMmhAJ9T1A/s320/2+Bondi+Beach+l.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203920633283586178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8pWeG8gMn_gG9DTzNDaP7Grx4cVnfbbmu5qyUj7ZUZMEuZEWMJ6E3Dieom2z33iop6TyaPiKwwT-kmsomCLGdJGeMPJJO66RNxtDFnTgRJpNu4G-NZb_xPkZ3OW-sg1jnOPsIQ/s320/9+Bondi+Beach+surfers+l.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>I then took a bus to Watson's point, which is the last outpost of the Harbour before you enter the Pacific (or to be exact, the Tasmian Sea). A beautiful place and with spectacular views of both the ocean and the harbour. I think this Harbour trip beckons again today as my last view of this amazing place before we reluctantly leave and start the final part of our holiday.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203920800787310754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKCHVMYsLLxpAfLgul8sH4UsqvzS64ZJHc9bsEgiv2igi1fwj7E3o3Qx9RbUwl0MkwiX53q0xGr2HbOXMCHAjd4mUvNS_ODCQW5db_QjuHTEub9IsgdJZEWB5tV8Pbbk9ZnvVVQ/s320/38+Watson%27s+Bay+l.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-48092786402772871422008-04-30T07:20:00.005+01:002008-05-03T02:21:39.935+01:00Opera House. Bridge. Harbour. It must be Sydney!<div><div><div><div><div><div>We can't believe we are here. We have spent most of our time taking in the Harbour, the bridge and the opera house. We have photographed each site in extreme detail, down to each tile on the opera house and each rivet on the bridge, from all directions and time of day. The place is awe enspiring and we love it, although our feet are worn down to our kneecaps. </div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195955001315952290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3TJ2P9M7IO8bpCY7cAgsXJOhlqVjQCro460Mh3ERFyPqzuexeEMg6MKhPs6xJ0xa5qyEXGcuh5_z-uAq9hMsuruFKnFANHAs5rHJbPMUqMwz4MAFQc0MPmb5wdgkhSwaWmtuwg/s320/14+Smart+Cars11.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195954889646802578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvqMdVdgI65ojpxPizFW0TUT2e5CqN3CbrNaExx-KW6E97p7CzN8br1YeTcz7DbT3GNXtK_Id46wGsQoTRc28qzDYUFO6jG2sEdqtqa8JOHZzHoU0m48teUoaewBERTlUM0Pw8A/s320/15+Cityscape12.jpg" border="0" /><br />We got a travel card so have used all modes of transport - especially the ferries! We are about two miles from the harbour so the busses have taken a bashing. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195954812337391234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsWC9BHtSpptwr4tJEodpRS3U7ndGPoZcoBNrRetwYX5-ODspKPl-9KqmRn6mhqDMuE47UPN81xWqd61qaX4e0GXGHVLGYI5IRJZ9mjtLr6yxTXwb_dPo-vfALhgo-rZTFIX2yg/s320/16+Fi+Dave+opera+house21.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195954747912881778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwuaCG4MnKqOYrcKnI_d9l4VDTnG3YiCJybV2PlUTN56ryCs_KEPKgGUL8BshX7Stp2ENHreY2rmxP3ul9E0ZatDv1wzFuR767ml2Xnf0gEDlSOPWkSVj-KQQVrn-viHG1yWCyw/s320/18+bridge+from+Ferry33.jpg" border="0" /><br />Fi found a wool shop on the first day (Needle Craft and knit bar) which took up some time...<br /><br />Yesterday we took a tourist trip into the Blue Mountains, where we saw massive forested gorges, waterfalls and sites to please the eye. </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195955465172420290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_JmdDt2SBTVlyAjdwyliGN0IhGpAGWbVuM6bL2ivmORrYsokhFiLC2eqAPz00f8jJApbmfX5tAbwAGKJAK8PkoOfsOl3yx0MEFArffYErxTEOipVnwTfaf_sjUBoYloyEWXebw/s320/24+Kings+Tableland+Jennison+Valley+US23.jpg" border="0" /><br />We took a ferry to Taronga Zoo and saw (and photographed) many exotic creatures with an amazing backdrop of the harbour. This was especially obvious during the bird display and all photos incsude the bridge and opera house (we'll add photos when we can get reasonable internet access).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195955336323401394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDAihGdax5aNEmE0yMPC8ZehRDv8o8jOgsWvoKH3Drpn_ZUjxsECGkL5l3BPe_CWb3OhuIfIiKQFjAL1qgj9sgrAlPDEG0K6aSWrC37r5b-rsRGoJg7gcxYbJeiw-w8Dj-0Katg/s320/20+View+and+bird+demo24.jpg" border="0" /><br />Today we walked through the Botanical Gardens and sat on Mrs Macquaries' seat! (she didn't complain).<br /><br />Fi now starts 3 days of intensive workshops, so for her the sightseeing has sort of come to an end (until we reach Singapore next week).</div></div></div></div></div></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-1189405322802270022008-04-27T10:20:00.003+01:002008-05-03T02:17:22.768+01:00Manjurah and Leaving Perth<div><div>Our final experience in WA was visiting friends Fi had made before I arrived. They had made us very extemely welcome and were very generous to their guests.<br /><br />When we arrived, after a cuppa we were whisked away to their friends' house on one of Manjurah's many canals (Murray Lakes). They had a view from their house to die for, topped off by the presence of a boat bobbing up and down, about to take us, with some wine and nibbles, along an eye popping journey of the residences along the canal. This was followed by a real Aussie BBQ - our first (and last) this trip. Everyone there was so friendly and generous, we had a wonderful evening. The only way we would be able to reciprocate would be to offer a trip along the english canals by the gas works. Well, Dave would enjoy it anyway. </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195954211041969762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6nhTnowLgSSZBue83gakqA154hRjwSquOx1V6QQNBV_-r2zn6dwu_NTsG7EUCtkxciLWuuUkaJNQY3WuUHMjVn40BJD8yqLCORYLz1PRymbRIq1c7aRh58Fsn6I3K0pH3-JAsA/s320/10+Jon+and+Gillian+canal+view118.jpg" border="0" /><br />The following day saw us at the Manjurah inlet quays on another boat this time to spot Dolphins. It went along more astonishing canals with even more astonishing and apparently often empty properties of A$2m plus value. We saw no Dolphins on that trip, but were rewarded with some sightings while we were eating at a cafe later. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195954065013081682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPai7xX_gRJZ0H5fPcycNy3PQwCZBwkgHG48pjNsTkjQpjwvodXZ5g3P7UQ_9jPA1Cj2kMmwHUyrPqrhkKLONP8yn5opZ9dLMWIFbMlcviBjq_WohWFintNxANjOjthZGmc0xeJA/s320/12+Mandurah+Old+Bridge08.jpg" border="0" /> The Estuary at Mandurah.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195953974818768450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wn4-2tZaiMhHhF36pK_AeH3SJcIB6YZ1wUSdIbZPgLj1CQTbfAkq6TNycIfy9Yh1-2_P7YEjRa8qBp4HPEvJ0K2xWSFLzbdUg8dy4Ktw6vgZpgdLGjjeV5HuryH3L1o5tIxOjg/s320/13+Pelican19.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />A resident of Mandurah.<br /><br />After sad goodbyes it was a long drive back to Perth, retuning the car and the trip to Sydney.<br /><br />More later!fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-87707118194201259822008-04-27T10:06:00.006+01:002008-05-03T02:14:13.818+01:00The Treetop Walk and ManjimupWe left the hotel at Walpole and went East to the treetop walk. There was a LOT of rain around, but we managed to avoid all that. The TreeTop walk was situated in a Tingle Tree forest and consisted of platforms which you walked along which took you to 40m above the jungle floor - along the treetops. What was quite disconcerting was that the whole structure swayed (it was designed to!), but it meant that Dave hung on for grim death inbetween frantic grabs for the camera and amazing pictures. What was strange was that there were NO birds to be seen or heard... <div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195953528142169650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR1ddtrCRHUBDc4YL2uFMjxBY15aIrCkBJmGX75N0NuOFTA4LJp8HbTe3UkcXkROAbUeNun1WXwcMaQkmyUoXndUj-hy4iEOtptGceJBaQKGDpzUjR_9eCEMrN5xfPSMCnkS5JA/s320/8+Treetop+Walk04.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195953429357921826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZefq7xSYaAbitgbOGltEGBuqILtgkMn9B2kzVthLHoQr_7qZbj-vOfllHhGifVPV2bWiP3X0GYtxci3nC6dpbEYFObUixXsDXOLYiQahEjjxanASzVuXFyY8DOgTIW_znUwd9g/s320/9+Fi+Dave+hollow+tingle15.jpg" border="0" /><br />Quite an experience!<br /><br />We then had a 120km drive to Manjimup our next stop. We went thought some delightfully colonial towns such as Bridgetown and Balingup. A chance viewing of the signpost to a "Craft Shop" led us on a 2km detour to the Old Cheese Factory. This was a Tardis of a place with room after room of souvenirs and antiques. Each room led to another room which could not possibly exist stuffed with, well, stuff.<br /><br />Finally we found Dingup House - an old colonial residence built in 1870 and lovingly restored by its current owners, who housed resident in the old building while they occupied a newer part. Not what other landlords would have done...<br /><br />It was truly beautiful with period furniture and a very welcome log fire. They were not expecting us despite confirming by phone, but it didn't matter -we were the only ones there and they made us very welcome. It was amazingly quiet expect for some really spooky bird noises all night and the following morning. A great stay and highly recommended.<br /><br />We spent a little time in Manjimup, but it was suffering from a lack of cash investment and has a run down feel. Fine for residents but not a must stop experience for tourists (apart from a good set of shops).<br /><br />Next stop was Manjurah.</div></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-61760872607004778352008-04-27T10:04:00.002+01:002008-05-03T02:12:11.172+01:00WalpoleIt was sunny when we woke up so we decide to do the WOW ECO-cruise through the Walpole and Nolunup inlets in the morning. It was a lovely cruise with a very entertaining and informative host. Most of the way down it was sunny. We then had rain for about 10 minutes and then it was lovely and sunny again. We stopped at a jetty on the south peninsular and walked over the hill to the beach on the ocean side. The beaches are amazing, sandy and empty but the sea can be quite dangerous as there big waves and quite a strong undertow.<br />We walked back to the boat and had coffee. While we were sitting there a number of pelicans few over. It was amazing to see they gliding on the wind currents. We then travelled back to Walpole through another rain squall and arrived in sunshine again! <div><div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195952905371911698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskAFVDjDCkEvU740hcXB4lraA8zLXDX_gZUYkVqapdM2HEPSEwkFvU8il7XO1qqiPkbw7wUfsOczzUnFuLIBsJVcrTMq2cjg9ogmkilLP1kiDw0xA9677dNMOXRmcndep9-ov7g/s320/3+Swarbrick+saw+mill125.jpg" border="0" />This is the Swarbrick Saw Mill (this is for our Swarbrick friends - the Swarbs were BIG in Walpole...).<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195952785112827394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpxNOI6eNg005GDo_NkJT6SFBPaokYSZ7-b1rOJ2qDjXicYcTcQ9VQtDr-bxUbikTMSnoWDbK1MLna5ZBMoZmp7yl7zQ2QCIm12vgcXAKxiSr0XZCBX63YtvcgoEHzmwkcEEedg/s320/4+Walpole+Inlet17.jpg" border="0" /><br />After the boat trip we went for a car drive to Conspicuous Bay. We had to go down a gravel road to get there and were the only people there. Another amazing beach with lots of surf waves and we even paddled in the Ocean. This is the Southern Ocean but it was pretty warm. We will have to go for a paddle in the Indian Ocean before we leave WA and when we get to Sydney we can paddle in the Pacific Ocean!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195952402860738018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHinU9U1RLJRfE8eejlCJXwg9IhplYjXLj_IhwKtWiYc-zCIaLKMNPtix15rvkECO_S6g11uvoSJdBlQhFD79ichx-s6ynr76zUNlqw_Y2jThbEH2dyetdMRMuAhO6kVlelTlZQ/s320/6+Conspicuous+Bay1232.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195952540299691506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagVsZzMX-ZRnt43sYZ0E5ZTYM4czU3Md-1sVzz30mxzLfqBaFaeFa7sf4mQuYTR4oT3NApgc3KQm-_r18Q-uqYiLKhZa-v_cTfreOTzN-AUaNAq7DOmPjJr-6GBOOA6R2XGezXg/s320/5+Conspicuous+Bay+waves429.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p></p></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37367244.post-82504577356593515802008-04-27T09:59:00.002+01:002008-05-03T02:08:08.584+01:00More around the Pemberton Area<div><div>The main attraction in Pemberton is the Gloucester Tree (named after the Duke of Gloucester who was a Governor General in the 9130s). In the '30s they developed a system of putting lookout posts on the top of very tall Karri trees to use to spot forest fires. The Gloucester Tree is one of 3 lookouts still in use and if you are OK with heights you can even climb up the tree using the pegs as you can see in the photo. Dave was about 8 meters off the ground. The lookout is about 70 meters off the ground! </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195952054968387026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQesPtweUk0CV1akAHPwMjr7UetFNsrIV_Z8j6TXEqiGfzQVlXbs1FgWRzP0vnMUavVP0uENTWuBq7G89GkO863iIEKykwLhWe0Q69RuVg6_6W6nmsIyIgqD-YLTyTad4csv0tg/s320/1+Gloucester+Tree2409.jpg" border="0" /><br />As we left Pemberton we visited the Cascades, a small rapids type waterfall. We were able to walk on some of the rocks as the water level was fairly low.<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195951887464662466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFX5YCBLYu78thgCOF3YsyBTffNf3Tz-pFzHdB5HexkUCHSXW4Oh9uYuQ8c5L_Fn0wwXz7Vn7s4IfuSvUxISV4PcirUWDaOJn59Tx6HcdGHcuoe0Auob-enm3yGUWnC9RuKQrvg/s320/2+Cascades1013.jpg" border="0" /><br />After Pemberton we continued south to Walpole.<br /><br /></div>fidesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00409881631369166809noreply@blogger.com0