Hank, Skein and Two Odd Balls: Yarndale and a Finished Project!!

Hello!! Well I have so much to share with you this week. First of all... I have now completed my Hubbies jumper and he loves it!

He looks very handsome in it but was too shy to model it!

I am so pleased with the finished jumper

I am now, I believe a 'Finisher Completer' at last!!

I was inspired to get on and complete my outstanding projects when I attended Yarndale
http://yarndale.co.uk/ last month. I find it so inspiring to see all those wonderful creative people, so full of ideas selling fabulous products.

Helen and I discussed the blog and I was initially going to show you pictures from the show, however I have seen so many pictures on instagram and other blogs that I decided to show you my purchases! So, here goes!

As you can see I was quite restrained but let me take you through them.

I had told myself before attending the show that I did not need any yarn (this had to be my mantra for the show). I did very well and only purchased one ball which I have definite plans for (Watch this space in a few weeks). Like most of us knitters I have a huge stash and I decided to look through it all before heading off for Skipton, this was a novel idea for me as I am usually an impulsive purchaser.

My first purchase! Can't wait to cast on

Toft was my first stall to call at. I just love their displays every year and Edwards Menagerie was top of my purchase list. I am not by nature a toy knitter but I feel that these are so much more, and make lovely gifts for children and grown ups alike. I follow Toft on instagram @toftalpacashop https://instagram.com/toftalpacashop/ and have really fallen for all the knitted creatures. I always love the free postcard patterns too and cannot wait to get cracking on this years fabulous shawl pattern. You can find them at http://www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk/

How cute is this little fellow?

Well after a good walk around I came upon the Sue Stratford stall, as mentioned earlier I am not a toy knitter but anyone who attended the show must have gasped as they saw her Christmas displays. I of course had to purchase her Mini Knitted Christmas book (It will use up my stash) and I hope my tree will be adorned with the stunning items in there this year. Sue was also giving away a postcard knit, which is this adorable mouse who sits in the palm of your hand! Divine! He has been in lots of pictures this week and gets a guaranteed awww.. from all who meet him. Sue also has some lovely kits, take a look at her kits and books at http://www.theknittinghut.co.uk/

I have often looked at the pompom magazine so I made a purchase
and found lot's of lovely patterns and articles inside

I like a publication which is fresh and up to date and I felt that pompom ticked the boxes. You can subscribe at http://www.pompommag.com/ they have a podcast too.

I always visit the needle man and this time was no exception

The needle man (The name that my Friend Julie & I have for him) has the best display of knitpro needles and is always an important stop at the shows, and I even got my only ball of yarn from his lovely other half, I can't wait to cast the wool on my fab new needles! You can fin them at: http://www.knitproneedles.co.uk & http://www.knitting4fun.com/

You can never have too many buttons

The button lady is my next favourite stop, you can never have too many buttons but I was very restrained this year with this small selection. Find their fabulous collection at http://www.textilegarden.com/buttons-intro.htm

I cannot wait to block socks on these beauties!

My absolute must purchase this year was sock blocks and after much walking around I finally settled, you guessed it, on the first pair that I saw ( I liked the humour - with the bones). I bought these from a lovely gentleman and you can find them at http://www.fivemoonsyarns.co.uk/

The catering was great as usual and to add to the whole experience we had music to entertain us too. All in all a great weekend was had.