It’s that time of year again – Where I shamefully confess (But inwardly giggle with glee) to utter indulgence at the Alexandra Palace Knitting and Stitching Show 😀
I went Thursday, set an overly generous budget and managed to spend most of it! I was bad…
I know some of my readers will have gone too – what did you think? I enjoyed the show but it seemed quieter this year, not so many independent crafters and boy, was there a lot of quilting and sewing! The Great British Sewing Bee has had an impact. I do really enjoy looking at all the quilting and sewing stands – if I didn’t work full time I would be quilting and sewing too but I have to ration my hobbies to the time available 🙁
So what did I invest my budget in?
Well…..
Last week, after falling in love with this pattern on Ravelry – Lonely Socks Club: Entrelac Socks
I bought the book containing the pattern., only to find at least a dozen patterns I want to make.
This book..
So I was on a sock yarn quest!
I bought these – nothing fancy, all super-wash (because I won’t hand-wash socks!!) and all bargainous 🙂
Next, I bought buttons – These…
And the Bree Scarf from SilkIndian…
Then I visited Purl Alpaca – One of my great weaknesses 😀
Did I mention I was wearing my newly completed Cyrene Jacket? ( I know I haven’t shown you – next post!!) I tried to finish Cyrene the night before the show but messed up the collar because I was too tired. So I got up extra early and redid the collar before I left for Ally Pally so I could show off to Tracey and Kari-Helene 😳 I had a great time trying on nearly everything on the stand, inspecting the new designs and chatting to Karen, Tracey and Kari-Helene. And of course – I bought some more of their fabulous kits…
This is the Lorelle jumper..
Going to be made in “Champagne”…
And Also, Duchess, to be made in “Dew”…
My last squidgy purchase was from a new company to me – Yarn Stories. They had so beautifully designed garments on the stand and wonderful colours of soft yarn.
I couldn’t resist this pattern…Alabaster
I didn’t want cream so I went for Leaf – a scrumptious green colour.
Was that it? One last treat – the latest Kim Hargreaves book Hush – just in case I run out of ideas for things to knit…
Now. the real question is…What do I cast on first?!
The shopping doesn’t look too bad. Can’t wait to see the end results though. The socks look fab. You have to treat yourself every now and then…… You deserve it. xx
I went on Saturday and it was madness!! I haven’t taken photos of my splurge yet, but I did ‘pretty well’!!
I went on Thursday too, and I saw you! I would have said hello, but you seemed to be a rush, (and I forgot your name in the moment, so couldn’t even call out – whoops!) I agree there were a few exhibitors missing who I thought would be there (eg. textile garden, I love their buttons), and you are right there were more fabric and sewing related stalls than previous years. I dabble in knitting and sewing though, so I quite liked that. There is nowhere better than Ally Pally for stitchy inspiration. Also, I thought your cardigan looked nice, although it was a brief encounter – was it a caramelly brown colour?
What a wonderful haul! It really doesn’t look too bad. You obviously liked green that day! I missed it this year so it’s lovely to see that you’ve linked to one or two. The patterns look gorgeous – I’m sure you’ll love making them. Oh, & the new Kim Hargreaves book will definitely be on my list to Santa x
You naughty girl! But I thoroughly approve. x
Love those sock yarns!! They’re a bit of a guilty pleasure for me – most of myvstadh is sock yarn!!
Beware the heart and sole from Sirdar – if you like matching socks – mine had odd splodges of colour where it didn’t belong, and 2 knots. I am sticking firmly to Regia and Opal from now on, though to be fair the heart and sole has washed /worn ok.