Thursday 1 December 2011

Books and Beer

My sock knitting has slowed down lately - for no good reason really - but I have finished one each of my autumn leaves and embossed leaves and I'm looking forward to buying some red sock wool to knit some Christmassy footwear.

I've picked up my Hitchhiker scarf again and I've nearly finished the ball of wool - but the rows are so, so long!

But the good thing about knitting with 4ply sock yarn is that it makes knitting something with chunky really, really quick

 like this hat for Dot for her weekend away with Explorer Scouts to train for her bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition.  She is VERY excited to be going - I do hope she has a good time and doesn't get too cold and wet.

I've rediscovered one of my craft books recently

and I've been really enjoying reading it - far more than I remember when I first got it.  I think I was disappointed at the time that it wasn't a how-to book - but now I am absolutely loving it as a this-is-why book.  And Fred and I made the most delicious rock buns the other day based on her recipe


Do any of you have her knitting book?  I'm thinking of getting it for Christmas and wondered what you thought of it?  I'm not too bothered about the actual patterns and am more interested in "talk" about knitting and why it is such a good thing to do!

Finally, in this rather disjointed post, I have been inspired by Ali to get my act together and make Mr Locket a beer advent calendar which I thought about doing last year but never actually achieved.  We always have far too many advent calendars - I think there are 6 this year - but Mr Locket has never had one of his own so I think he will be pleasantly surprised when he comes home tonight to find this box of delights waiting for him!

19 comments:

dragonfly said...

I made the rock buns on Tuesday for my craft ladies - they are so delicious and nutmeggy. I will always love that book. I do have the knitting book but have to confess to a quick flick through on delivery and not looked at again. Not sure why, really so will go and dig it out!

Julie said...

The beer advent calendar is such a good idea - I think I'll get the supplies to give John one tomorrow. Just had tears from Islay when I collected her and the others from school. We'd all forgotten it is the 1st this morning so she came running out of school asking about her advent calendar - and was not impressed that it doesn't have cholcolate. Oh well, telling her the chocolate in them is yucky didn't help either!

Quinn said...

I'm sure I won't be the only person who thinks that two socks with "leaves" in the pattern name = a pair of leafy socks :)

Love Dot's hat! Hooray for earflaps! In the barn this morning I suddenly realized a knitter has no excuse for cold ears, so I'd better get busy with the sticks!

That Advent calendar is brilliant - lucky Mr Locket :)

Good luck and have fun, Dot!!!

Annie said...

What a FABULOUS idea! I wouldn't mind one of those myself

periwinkle said...

We've got 4 advent calendars this year so we're nearly catching up to you. Think I might have to copy your beer advent too :-)

wonderwoman said...

yes i have the knitting book and there are some lovely things in it - i have knitted the slouchy hat twice and just love it. definitely worth having in your christmas stocking!!! hugs xxxx

Gina said...

I had intended to make that beer calender but S has ended up with chocolate like the boys. I have the Jane Brocket knitting book but confess to only having dipped in and out - it looks pretty though.

Lina said...

I think I could earn lots of brownie points with a beer advent calendar...

Thimbleanna said...

Lucky Mr. Locket -- I love that beer calendar idea. TheManoftheHouse doesn't really drink beer though, so I don't have anyone to make it for. (Oooh, maybe I should make if for CrazyBIL to replace the beer that went all over the ceiling LOL!)

I can't believe the amount of knitting you and Lesley get done -- you two are amazing!!!

dottycookie said...

The beer calendar is so very tempting but I think I need to mix it with other things too - my hub is more of a wine man and he can't be having a bottle of that every day!

I make those rock buns too, and they are yummy. No idea about the knitting book - the quilting book is gorgeous so I should imagine the knitting one is too.

Unknown said...

love the idea of the beer advent calendar - might have to store that away for next year

French Knots said...

I have thought about doing the beer advent calendar but with those mini bottles of wine! Need something to get through this busy time of year :)
I have the Jane Brocket knitting book and enjoyed reading it, just haven't got round to making anything from it yet.xx

Twiggy said...

A beer advent calendar is inspired, must make one for Mr Twigs erm next year :)
Twiggy x

Anonymous said...

What a cool advent calendar! Is Mr Locket enjoying it? Silly question lol. Ohhhh rock buns, I want to make some now! They look so golden and scrummy. Love Dottie's hat too - I hope she has a fab weekend - Duke of Edinburgh! Goodness, that brings back memories, cold, wet, aching muscles and borrowed hiking boots kind of memories lol.

Cybèle said...

What a great idea, the beer advent calendar! Might have to pinch that off you. I have Jane Brocket's knitting book and really enjoyed it. It's a reading book as much as a knitting pattern book. Several things in there that I want to make. Well worth its money - go and put it on your Amazon wish list now, in time for Christmas :-)

ladydi said...

So good to see what you've been doing - love the hat and socks! If you like to read about knitting, you'll enjoy www.yarnharlot.com. She's amazing.

Suzie Sews At DOTTY RED said...

so lovely to catch up with you and your goings on...

silverpebble said...

Hello! I haven't been blogging much and have missed it. That advent calendar sounds wonderful - must do it next year for A. I've never owned a copy of a Jane Brocket book. Must remedy that, although I heard her first one was out of print. Hope you're well x

julie said...

just wanted to pop by to wish you and all the lockets a very merry Christmas and a happy new year, hope you have a lovely day tomorrow Lucy xxx