Summer holiday

We have just returned from our summer holiday at Papamoa beach and it was one of the best holidays ever.  The weather was perfect, the water was warm and I had a swim every day (that hasn't happened for years!)  We spent time walking, snorkeling, catching up with friends and playing games; "Rage" is our favourite.  I also had time to start stitching a new cross stitch and got lots of knitting done.  Knitting is so transportable and perfect for all the time spent travelling in the car.
The first finish is the Reminisce hat (ravelry link here).  This hat is designed by Libby at Truly Myrtle and I was able to test knit it which was pretty special for me.  I used a beautiful merino and possum yarn, made in New Zealand, which has a very soft feel. The hat was blocked on a dinnerplate which gives it the slightly slouchy beret look.  The pattern is released now and is a gorgeous design.
The sock pattern is Dancetty (ravelry link here) and is an Abbey Morris design.  I used yarn left over from the shawl I made last year.  I love these socks and especially love the stitch used on the heel which makes it feel reinforced.
I knitted the Checkerboard mitts (ravelry page here) for Josh (15 year old) as I wasn't very happy with the ones I knitted for him last year.  These feel comfy and warm and have plenty of room for my growing boy.
I love all three of these knits. It's almost enough to get me looking forward to winter (Yeah Right!) Wendy xx

Chateau hexagon

I love the week between Christmas and New Year.  Suddenly the city becomes hushed and empty and all my responsibilities and work quiet for a little while.  I have taken advantage of the quiet and worked away on my Chateau Hexagon quilt.  First I stitched on the last row of hexagons, pieced the border and sewed them on the quilt.  Then came the quilting which is not the easiest for me.  I know I need to learn and practice machine quilting but do not seem to have the time at this stage.  I tell myself that wonky quilting adds to the naive appeal of the quilt :)  Holly gave the quilt her seal of approval and interrupted my sewing more than once.  On Sunday I was ready to make a scrappy binding, attach it and sew it down.  The final step was to sew the beautiful wooden buttons to each block.  And hang it ... and step back ... and enjoy!  I get to enjoy it each time I leave my bedroom :)
While I have been sewing away we have also been enjoying time with family and friends, welcoming the New Year in with a barbeque and fireworks.  I love the New Year just like I love Mondays; the start of a new year or a new week is a chance to start fresh, putting any mistakes behind and trying again.  Wishing you all a Happy New Year, dear friends!  Wendy xx