More frosty images

Another frosty walk this morning. Having just watched a preview of the David Hockney exhibition I am feeling inspired to pick up my pastels again. I am planning another Open House at La Verderie over Easter, hopefully in the barn if we have it cleared by then........!

Be Bop at full pelt

Winter is here at last

We have had the first real frosts of the winter the last few nights, with some great results for images. I want to make a series of cushion covers using textures from the surrounding countryside. I should be working on the book, but there always seems to be something better to do!

Amy Butler Belle organic aran and DK wool cotton

We have just received a huge delivery of the two latest new yarns 'Rowan by Amy Butler Belle Organic DK and Aran'. They are both a blend of 50% wool/50% cotton and are just gorgeous to knit with. The rich colour range has been selected by Amy Butler and the supporting patterns in 'Midwest Modern Knits' include a unique mix of fashion, accessories and homeware.

Kangaloonies member Sally

When did you start knitting? I used to knit years ago, but then it became so much cheaper to buy knitted things rather than knit them yourself, especially for the kids, so I stopped.

What made you join the Kangaloonies? I'd started knitting again and was doing the Rainbow cardigan in Rowan's Kasbah Collection, but I had got in a mess with it. In fact, the dog had decided it served a much better purpose as a nest! So I came to Kangaroo to see if anyone could help me sort it out. We decided to change to the Sunshine jumper in the same book and I am delighted with the result. I even had enough Rowan Summer Tweed to make a matching scarf out of all the left-overs!

Was this your favourite project this year? Well, I also made some Noro gloves, the frilly ones from Mini Knits Two and the child's hat with ear flaps for my grand-daughter, they were great fun.

Favourite yarn? Noro - I love the colours and textures and it's great to knit with.

What other projects have you tackled? I've done a few of the KnitKits bags from Kangaroo which I've enjoyed doing - the Rosebud one in moss stitch and also the mitred purse in denim yarn.

And now? Well, I have an on-going project knitting squares (mainly when I'm travelling) for the Picnic blanket in Debbie Abraham's 'More Blankets and Throws' book, but have also just started a project using Rowan Siena which is lovely.

Favourite needles? Skinny Prym's - they'r my favourite needles as I love fine, plain knitting.

Aspirations for 2010? That's easy - learn to knit faster!

Amy Butler knitting patterns - Midwest Modern Knits

Very excited about the new range 'Rowan by Amy Butler'. I have just got the shade card and the colours are fab. There are two yarns in the range, Belle Organic Aran and Belle Organic DK and both are a 50/50 wool cotton blend. The DK comes in a range of 16 shades and the aran in 12, the lovely vivid shades compliment the colours used in the Amy Butler fabrics. There is pattern support in Amy Butler's Midwest Modern Knits and the designs include lovely flowing garments, accessories and homeware. All due in stock early April.