Miss Marple............

Few month ago I was asked (through a recommendation of a lovely friend) to knit few props for new episode of Miss Marple, and as you can imagine I jumped at the chance!

the lists of things have slightly changed from the original, due to plot being altered, The final props requested were three sleeves at different stages of knitting, so Miss Marple could be shown knitting them as the episode went on. the yarn chosen was Rowan Pure Wool DK in lovely ox blood colour, I even used old steel number 9 knitting needles.

The sleeves as I was knitting them

I had to do some research, a part I have thoroughly enjoyed, a bit too much as I spend far too long on  it, even after I new exactly what size the sleeves will have to be I continued with my research.  The best part of it was a visit the the British Library to look at old knitting pattern books, which were just stunning!! So feminine and delicate.
Anyway; what my research has uncovered is that we have grown! which is not a big surprise as our food isn't rationed, we eat better. well in my case too much, exercise more (knitting is exercise, right?), have better understanding of nutrients, vitamins and get vaccinated all of these factors make us live longer or it could be just statical deception.
Our sizes have changed quite a bit as well, the smallest sizing for an average woman in 1950 standard sweater knitting pattern was 28 inches and now it's 32 inches, so we have expanded a lot but we also have a lot better and mostly happier lives.

So anyway, my sleeves have finally had the moment in the spotlight in ''Greenshawl's Folly'' episode and I can't really explain how amazing it felt to see my work on TV! I loved the fact that there was a story attached to them as Miss Marple was going to her knitting club 'which I never miss' - her words, then through the episode the longer pieces of knitting would make an appearance. I loved every minute of it! And really enjoyed the actual story in the episode.

The shortest sleeve being knitted by Miss Marple at her knitting Club

My favourite screen shot!

 

 

I'm still on cloud 9! But I do promise I will not mention Miss Marple for a while now.......well a short while:)

Pet bed.....

I have become a bit cat mad, not surprising as Ollie is my first pet in 20 odd years. I never owned a cat and love his independence and his unashamed affection only when feeding is required.

The cat bed was an idea to give him his own little space, to do what cats do best...... sleep.

I crocheted it in Rowan Creative Focus Worsted in very vibrant red colour, a lovely yarn to crochet with. The inside cushion is made from furnishing fabric as it's lot stronger, very useful for sharp claws. The bed is quite easy and all levels of crocheters can do it. If you fancy making one yourself the patter is available in my Ravely store

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pet-bed-3

The photos took ages to take as cats do not do what they are told! It took huge amount of treats and lots of persuasion to make Ollie perform, but perform he did.....eventually, and the photos look great! 

 Treats??

Meow.....