I am living up to my membership of the Guilty Knitters as I am officially “guilty” of buying too much (again) at Ally Pally.
I really needed a good day out and that’s what I had 🙂
So what did I buy??
You know how I need more Rowan Kidsilk Haze like a hole in the head? How I have a ridiculous amount in my stash? Well, yes. I did buy some more 😳
I’ve stopped even pretending I’m on the wagon and my Cracksilk Haze addiction is back in full swing.
It was the Black Sheep stand that did it.
They had 10 balls of KSH in shade 650, Killer Red, for £29.99. That’s £2.90 a ball. In John Lewis that would have been £88.00 for the pack!
Here it is but it looks more orange than the tomatoish red it really is,
Next I snaffled up some beads – not for any project in particular but to put in my stash as I was actually getting quite low!
These are from Totally Beads …
Then it got serious…The Purl Alpaca stand….That’s where I bought the kit for my Icon dress last year. This year, Kari-Helene has come up with some new and beautiful designs. All my knitterly friends knew exactly which project I would snap up – it’s Esme – The jumper that’s based on the Icon dress with a peplum and a cute roll back collar.
I will make it in cream 🙂
I was tempted by nearly everything else on the stand and kept on returning for “one last look”…
I had to keep reminding myself, I still haven’t knit up the kit for the Honesty cardigan I bought at Olympia in March (I don’t think I showed you that??).
This is to be made in grey and cream…
I was sorely tempted by this year’s new dress, Maddie, which Kari Helene was wearing (looks good without the petticoat too!)….
But, after trying it on, I did weaken for this cute cowl/shrug/scarf/circular shawl, called Eloise (the pics don’t do it justice)…
All of us Guilty Knitters at the show (Jeni, Judie and I) were completely “WOWed” by a crochet blanket we saw hanging up…
This one, the Bohemian Oasis from Drops…
The soft changes of colour is achieved by using the Drops delight variegated sock yarn.
I could crochet before I could knit but haven’t crocheted for a long time because of tendonitis in my elbow (caused by going mad on Granny squares!) I’ve had a long break from crochet so I treated myself to a Tulip crochet hook (the design is supposed to help ergonomically) and two balls of the yarn to attempt a cushion cover like this (9 squares a side).
I couldn’t resist starting a few squares – my elbow is holding up so far!
My last purchase (yes there’s more!) was from “Knit like a Latvian”…A beautifully packaged kit to make Latvian, mitten. I enjoyed my Kitten Mittens so much, I’m sure I’ll love these…
So that was my entire haul…but I still had one surprise left…
Guilty Knitter, Diane, had renewed her Rowan membership at the show and got a free gift she couldn’t use so very kindly gave it to me!
Two balls of Kidsilk Amore and a hat pattern 🙂 Thanks Diane!
Now is probably not a good time to remind myself of my New Year’s resolution, “Don’t buy any yarn unless you’re going to knit it immediately” 😳 Fail!
Oh, I love it when others fall off the wagon! Only because I like the company 🙂
Well, that’s hardly anything really is it?
Really giddy as I am going to Harrogate in November – you have wetted my appetite so much, many thanks for your very entertaining and interesting blog ( even if I don’t need too much encouragement!!
Love your blog. Not only have you shown me one gorgeous knitted dress but now you have shown me two!! Will have to scour the internet as the shops over here in little New Zealand just don’t have the fabulous range of over there. Can’t wait to see your next project!
Wow Susan, love all your purchases. Did you need another mortgage? I am so jealous. Can’t wait to see the end results. Can I come to Ally Pally with you the next time you go? Lynne
I’d have snapped up that Kidsilk Haze too. What a bargain!
Of course you had to buy – it would be rude not too!
Wow, you’ve certainly bought a lot to be going on with!
I’ve just finished that crochet blanket, but didn’t end up finishing it off like that. It does look so nice with the black bordering but I still really like mine too!
You were lucky with the Kidsilk Haze. I bought the same, but the price was £10 higher for some reason. Still a bargain, I’m happy!
Well I think you were positively restrained! And it would have been a crime to pass by that bargainous red KSH!!
I’m loving it! And jealous at the same time as I didn’t make it there…Any chance of a quick help with a pattern sending me round the twist?
Hi there,
I am writing to you on behalf of Southbank Centre. I have really enjoyed reading your blog and I would love to speak with you about an upcoming knitting project organised by the centre.
If you would like to hear details about the project drop me an email at [email protected]
Best wishes,
Emily
I so wanted to go to the Ally pally show but was unable to do so. Therefore, I have to live it vicariously – what a lovely hoard you managed to amass. Well…roll on March…NOTHING. is going to stop me…may even see you there. 🙂