Merry Christmas to all

Have been rubbish at Blogging this year. But on the flip side have been too busy to blog!!

I will be posting a list of special offers on Boxing Day so keep your eye out for a bargain. I think we could all do with saving a bit after the expense of Christmas, the looming VAT increase and also to have someting to knit during this terrible weather.

I admit that the snow looks very festive but it makes working and Christmas preps take longer than anticipated, not to mention the delays in deliveries.

The dog is loving the snow and continues to roll in it every day. I then have a house that smells like wet dog until she thaws out. The funniest thing she did this week was after an invigorating walk in the snow - her paws must have been extremely chilly - she came in - lay infront of the radiator and placed all 4 paws on the red hot radiator. I thought she might burn herself but she just lay there smiling. Yes my dog smiles.........

Got to get more deliveries ready..... Dont forget check out the list on Boxing Day - I will e-mail all online subscribers too.

Merry Christmas from Knits in the City

September Update

Wow since my last update I have been really busy. It was Burghley Horse Trials a couple of weeks ago so I went to visit a friend who has moved into the local vacinity and stayed at her new (Enormous) house. It was great, partly because she has 4 kids who are all active and noisey. I live in quite a quiet calm house so to be part of a hectic life for a couple of days was invigorating. Both the dog and I came back shattered.

Stock keeps arriving daily so I am busy trying to keep the website updated and also the orders are flooding in - there are some fabulous projects to knit this year though. It is so tough what to decide on.

The new Designer Knitting arrived yesterday - it is right up my street. I love love love this publication it is definitely one of my faves. The new Debbie Blis is also available from stock. This always sells well.

I have been taking pics of my sister in some of the stuff I have made to sell on line or at Tatton Hall Christmas Fayre (See Gallery above). I am going to add these items to the website for sale as Christmas presents. This blog has been in draft form for a week. I forgot to post - will update again over the weekend. More finished items to add.

Studio 21 available to pre order

Available to order - Studio 21 - this looks like a great edition. I am loving the poncho.

The new Noro Yarn Sekku is flying out the door as we speak. Sekku is the new laceweight yarn from Noro - I am not really a laceweight knitter so cant comment on its handling all I know is people cant get enough of it. 8 stunning shades as ever from Noro.

Kochoran and Kogarashi are due into stock any day now - Kochoran has been re-instated into the range. I dont know why they stopped making it as it has always been a massive seller - back by popular demand me thinks!!

I have also started to stock Patons Colouworks and have just made a quick jacket in it - I will get someone to take a pic at Knitting group tonight and add to the blog for you all to see. The yarn handled really well and the garment is a superb everyday cardi.

Patons Silenzio has also arrived. Have not had chance to make anything with this yet but the colours are very on trend for this season.

Will update more later - need to get the new stuff on the website.

Eventing and Knitting

I cant believe it but it is almost a month since I last blogged. Where does the time go?

I have been busy with all the new stock being delivered and trying to keep the website up to date. So many beautiful designs to knit - however I am being extremely strong. Must finish Cricket Jumper by Debbie Bliss in Amalfi Snow Queen Chunky Jacket in Como
and the Cow Pat Cardi from last winters Designer Knitting before I can start anything new for me.

We have had a few new additions to the knitting group. Yes two new babies have arrived. Darcy Rose - Louise's new baby daughter and Ruby - Kerry's new family edition. Both are absolutely beautiful. Will get some pics for next blog.

Hence, I have been baby knitting - made a nice jacket from Louisa Harding Bizu Bizoo I must say that Louisa has fast become my designer of choice when looking for inspiration.

I am also making lots of new accessories for the Tatton Hall Christmas Fayre. See July Blog.

So back to the title of the blog - Eventing and Knitting. Have spent a lot of time this week writing for dressage judges. Either pure Dressage or part of the local One Day Event. I am now inspired. My poor horse will be put through her paces tomorrow. Burghley Horse Trials soon!!!***... Love it. It is a bit like my mini hols. If the weather is good it is one of the best days of my year. Somerford Park event next week - August is a good month.....

Check out the new website for the new stocks.......www.knitsinthecity.co.uk. Too many yummy yarns and patterns to list here.

Will blog again soon.

New Books and Yarns

Yes it is that time of year again...... We all get so excited for the Autumn/Winter Launches of yarn and patterns. I have got typers cramp. I have been a busy bee adding the New Louisa Harding, Rowan and Debbie Bliss books to the website http://www.knitsinthecity.co.uk/

So far it is only the book title page and the contents. As soon as the books arrive here I will add the yarn requirements. Lots of lovely pics to oohhh and aahhh over though.

Rowan 48 has the yarn requirements added.

Have had a busy week and have decided to take a stand at the Tatton Hall Christmas Fete - 1st - 5th December 2010 at Tatton Hall. Will post more details nearer the time.

I am going to be selling finished goods - hats, scarves, gloves, bags, Stirling silver shawl pins etc. This is the first time I am going to attempt a fete so keep your fingers crossed for me and if you want a pretty pair of gloves to keep said fingers warm drop in and buy some.

I am going down now to do some more designing. I am going to use my own designs for all of the items on sale. Before I go I have just waisted 5 minutes watching a "Fat Pidg" - A very fat pigeon who likes to sit on the Virgin Mary on the church next to my house to wind Tallulah (my Jack Russel) up. Anyway Fat Pidg was trying to work out the best way to keep dry. It is pouring with rain. He stuck his bum up to the sky, fluffed up his wings - all to no avail. Then - the crafty little bird pushed one of the slates on the church roof which was a bit loose along to the edge of the gutter then placed himself under it thus blocking the guttering. He must have decided that wet feet and shelter was better than nothing. Quite ingenious Fat Pidg!!

June Special Offers - New Lines Added

Knits in the City
June 2010 Sale/Special Offers
New Lines Added

Hi everybody,

Please check out the new lines added to the Special Offers - www.knitsinthecity.co.uk

Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky 14 Beige
Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky 15 Chocolate

http://www.knitsinthecity.co.uk/prod2.asp?id=325&sub_cat=959&title==

- 50g ball, 65m, 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfibre, 12% Cashmere –
WAS £4.95 – NOW £3.00

Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK 03 Buff
Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK 06 Maroon
Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK 30 Camel

http://www.knitsinthecity.co.uk/prod2.asp?id=325&sub_cat=962&title==

50g ball, 110m, 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfibre, 12% Cashmere –
WAS £4.95 – NOW £3.00

Limari Undyed – This is a very special offer which will appeal to those who like yarn that is not yet dyed or those who want yarn to dye themselves. This chunky yarn is 70% Wool, 20% Alpaca, 10% Silk. 100g hanks, 56m, Knits on 10mm needles http://www.knitsinthecity.co.uk/prod2.asp?id=325&sub_cat=960
ONLY £3.00 PER HANK - BARGAIN!!

Noro Kureyon 217 - Noro Kureyon - 100% wool, 50g, 100m http://www.knitsinthecity.co.uk/prod2.asp?id=325&sub_cat=961&title==
needles: 4.5mm-5.0mm – NOW £5.00

Noro Silk Garden Chunky 10
Noro Silk Garden Chunky 11
Noro Silk Garden Chunky 01
Noro Silk Garden Chunky 03
Noro Silk Garden Chunky 07

45% Silk, 45% Kid Mohair, 10% Lambswool, 50g, 60m, 6/7mm needles
GREAT OFFER – NOW £6.50 per ball

June Update

OK so I missed a blog in May - My resolution to Blog more has failed!!

As I sit in the garden enjoying the sunshine I am trying to prioritise what to write about.

New to Knits in the City - Knit Pro Symfonie Needles See website for range of products available. www.knitsinthecity.co.uk A truly great product. The finish is just luxury and knitting with them is lovely.

Business has been good - not great - but good - I love making summer garments but maybe some people prefer to knit during the winter months............. I am working on a cricket sweater from the Debbie Bliss Magazine at the moment. Perfect for our summer months where it can still get a bit chilly in the evenings.It is coming along beautifully. I havent used the Amalfi yarn before so decided to give it a try. I would describe it as a loose cotton as in the yarn is loosly spun. You do have to be careful when knitting with it but the result is fabulous. Would definitely use it again.

I have recently finished the Hawthorne bag from Louisa Harding Little Cake. Cardoon from the Rowan Purelife Collection and the Olivia Tank Top from Noro Catwalk. Havent got pics of the finished garments as there is nobody to take any pics of me at the moment.The bag turned out really well and I enjoyed making it. The Cardoon Looks great in real life but was a bit boring to knit. The Tank top was quick and easy and as with all Noro projects you never really know what you are going to end up with. I love it. A couple of the girls from the Knitting group said I looked Preppy in it and thats fine with me.

Enjoyed the Sex in the City Film last Friday. I organised a night out with the girls where we met has Cosmos a dinner and then went on to see the movie. I thought it was really funny - just perfect for a girls night out. I will have to arrange another soon.

I am waiting for a couple of pics of finished items to be e-mailed to me - these garments have been completed by members of our knitting group and are truly inspiring.

Did I mention that I had joined Weight Watchers - well its working I have lost 12lbs in 6 weeks. I know it doesnt sound amazing but it has made a real difference to me and how my clothes fit.

Only another 16lbs to go!!!! Wish me luck.

Chris.

Good Weather at last!!

Easter has now come and gone and the weather has taken a turn for the better. My plants are sprouting and the garden looks quite colourful.

It was Ladies Day at Aintree last Friday. No pics available yet. We had a great day. Louise who is 7 months pregnant was a bit dubious about being on her feet all day but in truth she was in better shape than me by the end of the day. I am 6 foot - why do I feel the need to wear high heels?? Not next year - I have already decided what I am going to wear. Actually I am going to knit something..............

We went for a meal after the races and were on the next table to Coleen Rooney - Oh yes rubbing shoulders (well almost) with the WAGS. Sherry Murphy was also there. Honestly I was more impressed that we had a seat!

The good weather has now got me thinking about what I have got on my needles. The Fresian Cow (a Designer Knitting Magazine Pattern - real name - Floral Cardigan) made in Felted Tweed, Louisa Harding Kota Scarf in Merletto, and Cardoon in Rowan Revive. Cardoon should really be finished by now but I have only knitted this at my Knitting group each week. The scarf is something to pick up when I have only got a limited amount of time to knit in the evening and the Floral Cardigan is not really a summer garment.

Soooooo - I need to get something new on the go. The choice this season is overwhelming so I am going to pick my favourites and then get my Knitting friends to give me some advice. My problem - which is probably the same as everybody reading this is that I want to make everything. The weather has definitely been a factor in my choice of favourites. If you fancy making a comment about this blog let me know which project you think I should start.

Lucy from Kim Hargreaves Misty in Rowan DenimPatons 3767 - Patons Linen TouchDebbie Bliss Amalfi Debbie Bliss Spring Summer Magazine - in Eco Baby Louisa Harding Bijoux - Opal Dress in Merletto Gedifra Highlights 101 in Gedifra JaliaGedifra Moments 218 in Gedifra Mayra.

I am also in love with the two New Mirasol Yarns - Lachiwa and Wachi. Check them out on the website. The colour are so sharp and fresh.

I think that is enough choice for now. I also need to squeeze in some baby items as I have 3 friends who are expecting.

I am looking forward to seeing more finished garments so dont forget - send me any pics and I will post them on the blog. Probably better than me using this as a sounding ground for my indecision.