Hee, the teddy on the left looks most unimpressed :D

That's because, beneath the hat, he has a chunk missing from his bow tie, courtesy of Ronnie the bear kidnapper. I rescued both bear and dog from Ron's toy bag earlier today.

Ooh - these are great! I can't knit, but I get so excited seeing the winter bottles in Sainsbury's and treat myself to a lot more smoothie than usual... Yay that you're taking part!

I was unaware of them until I joined Ravelry. < heavy hint> Some people have learned to knit by doing the mini hats </ heavy hint > It's only 16 rows with 28 stitches per row.

*wonders why she has a sudden urge to track down some knitting needles*

Whereabouts in Herts are you again? We could have a mini meetup and I'd give you a quick lesson with some needles and wool.

Over by Bucks - Chorleywood? I think technically I'm supposed to be able to knit, even though I don't think of it as a skill I have. I can never remember how to cast on, but I'm having flashbacks of poking, winding and flicking (is it knit that goes in the front and perl in the back?). Could be fun, though! bogwitch and I were saying that we London/Home Counties people should do something at some point.

I've sent off for a pack for organising an event. I'll let you know more when/if it arrives in time to do something before I go away at the end of the month.

Cool! Of course, I'm horrendously inconvenient and going away myself pretty soon - but I'd love to know what the plan is if you make one. :)

You're going away? Good - you need a decent holiday. (I'll miss you though.)

Brightlingsea for a week Sept/Oct. I'm looking forward to sea and sand but not holding out much hope for any sun.

How was your first few days back in harness?

Weird. I've negotiated a reduced timetable for this term and now feel guilty about it. Once the pace speeds up, though, I think I'm going to need it.

and now feel guilty about it.
That's the nature of the Teacher-beast.

Do you have any totally free days? I'd love to bring Ron for a visit. < confession > I have this Afgan that needs backing and I'm afeared of it </ end confession >

Awwww - those are cute. I have no idea where my knitting needles are - or any wool for that matter. I shall have a hunt tomorrow.

I would have thought you are far too busy with the new term's chaos to join in. Or do you find knitting therapeutic?

You need 3.25mm needles and any spare yarn will do. Each hat takes so little DK.

I need a distraction from the beginning of term chaos, and I'm stuck in the office on Tuesday, so I could do some then ;)

They are ideal for mindless distraction, especially if you stick to the basic pattern. Pompoms are fun to make, too.

Yay! I've knitted four tonight, having finally remembered how to make pompoms! Going for stripes tomorrow!

Oh well done! I managed 2 stripey ones this evening. My pompoms could do with a little tuition.

I've sent for an 'event pack' to see what would be involved in organising a Big Knit minimeet somewhere near London.

Edited at 2008-09-07 00:37 (UTC)

Do let me know. I've also snagged your knitting icon and another one I found in your list with the cup and kettle. Do hope that's OK. Will credit both, obviously.

Will do. Are you going to post pics of your hats?

This icon is Ruuger's and the Teapot and cup is also not mine.

Are you on Ravelry? Why not join. There are lots of lovely people and free patterns there.

Cool hats. Nifty, even. My knitting skills are dire.

And there's more!

My knitting skills are dire.
Snap my sewing skills.

I made three last night, using yarn I stole from Bethan's unusued (and mostly tangled) supplies from when she decided she wanted to learn to knit and so Grandma sent her some needles and wool.

No pompoms or decorations yet though.

YaY! Pics soon? Are you on Ravelry?

I found some googly eyes on ebay but haven't bought them as they're adhesive and therefore not child-proof.

Just put a pic up.

Are you on Ravelry?

No, but as you're the second person today to have asked me this, I'm now on the waiting list for an invitation.

Brightlingsea!!! I've been there .. it's almost the next village to Farmer John. I'm sure you will enjoy your holiday .. it is a sweet little town. I had my hair cut there just before we left for St Malo .. a bargain at 10 pounds. The Farmers' Market is on a Thursday morning .. you should call in to see him for a chat!!!!

I've been there.
I know. I booked it because the holiday house is walking distance from the beach. I remember what you said about it being downmarket from Frinton.

Keep your fingers crossed for good weather so we can take Ronnie for lots of sandy walks.