How to knit an i-cord YouTube stylee

This is what I'll attempt to do this weekend in a bid to make the side straps for baby Willson's bonnet. I'll let you know how I get on! YouTube clip courtesy of knittingtipsbyjudy.

The house that funk built

I've always loved retro style so am considering going against the grain by buying a well proportioned '60s or '70s property in a nice area, retrofitting it to make it energy efficient and styling it up inside. Just like this home in Living etc. Properties of this era aren't as popular as victorian semis for example, but I think with confidence and a little creative flair, a stylish home that's sympathetic to its roots can be achieved.

The Sample Life

French purveyors of costume jewellery and welcome addition to Covent Garden, Les Nereides has a sample sale of up to 80 per cent off from 2-6 November. I overheard the shopping assistant advising another shopper to turn up early on the first day to get the best deals, to which the shopper replied that she was definitely going to go and intended to excuse herself from work, telling her boss that she "Had to go to the chemist". Love it! Les Nereides's quirky little adornments will look perfect juxaposed with your chunky knits this season.

Moratorium

That's it, no more yarn buying until I've used up some of my extensive stash! Coming soon: winter warmers for baby Willson, plus some amigurumi to use up my Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino.

Get ahead with a hat

My finished beanies for Ruby and Katy! Free pattern courtesy of Lynn of Non Such Knits who can be found on Ravelry

Guerilla Knitting

I spotted the news on guerilla knitters striking in Cornwall earlier in the month and decided it was definitely worth a mention! To the uninitiated, guerilla knitting, AKA graffiti knitting or yarn-bombing, is a new underground craze from Texas. Working by night, knitters sneakily decorate the streets with knitted items to cheer up their surroundings

Hotel Pelirocco

This Guardian article made me smile. The new Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton is a knitter's dream destination. Soo Brighton!

Moroccan Soffa

Blogtoberfest Day 20: My better half will soon be heading to Morocco and has promised to bring me back some soffa (wool). Looking forward to seeing what he brings back.

Hat for Ruby Zhan

A return train journey to Whitechapel this evening provided a golden opportunity to click through a few rows of the beanie I'm making for my sister-in-law, Ruby. Loving the unexpected black and multi-coloured fleck in the yarn.

Down but not out

Blogtoberfest Day 15: Its been a long week this week, with sadly no opportunity to knit on my daily commute. Finally I have a chance to start some new projects tomorrow: I will be whipping up another ribbed beanie and any leftover yarn will be incorporated into a flower shaped crochet cloth. Where crocheting is concerned I still have a lot to learn, so this will be a slow burner.

Frogged

Continuing the spirit of Blogtoberfest! Temporarily admitted defeat today and frogged my egg cosy project. I will revisit it soon after I've mastered crocheting clusters with a thicker yarn.

Knitting and Stitching Show 2011

My first post for Blogtoberfest! I enjoyed a fabulous day with mum at the Knitting and Stitching Show today. I bought some pretty butterfly stitch counters from the good people at Nest, as well as some Chanel style multi fibre yarn and appliqué shapes. Textile exhibits in the gallery area proved to be both unexpected and inspired.