Tuesday 9 July 2019

Knit night with Julia

I was a bit confused when Gail told me she'd volunteered to help her friend Julia by being a "guinea pig". 

Turns out it's nothing to do with pet rodents. Julia, who you will remember designs knitting patterns (among her many talents), is preparing a workshop showing folk how to knit and sew a cute 'wee house' key ring, and Gail had volunteered to take part in dry run on Saturday evening.

Gosh it's an intense business this knitting lark. I kindly made my tummy available so the humans could take a break from 'knit one purl one' and give me a comforting tickle every now and then. I am thinking Julia might do well to find a pup who could offer this service when she runs her workshops for real. 

After an hour and a half, Gail had finally mastered something called 'duplicate stitch' (don't ask), the wee house had gained doors and windows, and I was developing a close relationship with Julia's furry slippers.

Another half hour and Gail's 'wee house' was complete (we won't worry ourselves here about the slightly wonky chimney), the knitters were celebrating with a glass of red wine, and as I dozed fitfully under the table my mind wandered back to earlier in the day when I had summited the modest Torridon peak Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire.

I expect some of you would like to know where you can buy the pattern for the 'wee house'.  You are probably encouraged by the fact that, under Julia's patient guidance, Gail did not make a complete hash of it and you are rightly thinking "how hard can it be?"

Well I'm pleased to report that you can find the 'wee house' key ring and many other lovely knitting patterns designed by Julia if you click here.

18 comments:

  1. that's so super cute and we love that your Gail gave it a try... BRAVO!

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  2. Hari OM
    Well, that looks to have been just about the pawfect Saturday for both yourself and Gail, eh Bertie lad?! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  3. Ooh. Classes? I'd love to make a wee hoose!

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  4. Very clever, and more power to Gail's knitting needles !
    I noticed that there is knitted cat, Bertie. Surely Julia has asked your esteemed self to model for a knitted dog? What could be better than our very own, hand knitted WFT?

    Love,
    Inca xx

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  5. What a fun way to spend the evening and what a talented peep Miss Julia is. Love the wee house!

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  6. We think the wee house turned out great. You sure had a great view at the summit of your hike.

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  7. You're right, a relaxation dog is an essential part of any crafternoon!

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  8. An evening of tummy rubs after a nice day of hiking sounds perfect!

    Mama says one of these days she may switch to to needles instead of her one crochet hook.
    xoxo,
    Rosy, Jakey & Arty

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  9. Those patterns are very cute. We see there is a cat and an owl, but where is the terrier pattern?? Good job on the wee house!

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  10. We thought you were going to get a new knitted jumper! We think a therapy dog would be a good idea--for when tensions rise while knitting.

    We think you need a repeat walk, for all your hard work.

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    1. Gail says it is important to maintain an even tension while knitting!

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  11. Mom can crochet very well, but she has never gotten the hang of knitting. She keeps saying she needs to get some lessons - maybe she needs to visit Julia. And maybe if we go too, we can get some tummy rubs:)

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  12. Bertie, I am sure that Gail couldn't have done that without your snoopervision and your tummy. I thinks it is FABulous! Ma would need like 87 weekend classes to do that! BOL!!!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  13. Well we think Gail did a great job with her wee house. Mom has never been able to knit but she did some crochet years ago
    hugs
    Mabel & Hilda

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  14. Bertie first of all don't BOL but I feel I must share the enormous # of trail walking we did yesterday. 3.6 miles; however, nothing compared to you and Gail!! I know you'll be proud of your two OLDer than dirt friends. I use the term, trail,loosely as it was up hill dirt and rocks no. After it was over we both declared ourselves 'idiots'!!

    How kind of you to offer your WFT tummy as a stress reliever. Those tiny houses for the key rings are amazing. Well done!! I'm not even sure I could have seen the stitches. I used to crochet doilies but NO MORE.
    Hugs Cecilia

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    1. Hi Cecilia,
      Gail and I are super impressed by your long trail walk and hope to see picture on your blog soon!
      Toodle pip!
      Bertie.

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  15. Gail's talent is superior to Lady's. Her nana tried to teach her but gave up saying she was unteachable!

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  16. You were so very nice to offer the knitters a respite from all that crafting! I bet your belly was softer than the yarn!

    Your friend Kiki

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