We have lift off!!

Well I didn't think that this day would come, it's been over two years since we decided to sell up and move onto a widebeam barge. Ophir, our new home was delivered last Wednesday, we all held our breath as the crane lifted it into the marina and then we sailed(possibly not the right word) down the canal to our new mooring where we are fitting it out inside.

Since then obviously, Britain has turned into Antartica, our daughter has flu, we have colds, no curtains, they say that moving house is one of the most stressful things.... they weren't kidding! We have until the 10th of December and then we have to leave our rented house. Gin and tonic anyone?

Anyway, here are a few pics of the launch, it is such a beautiful boat and our mooring is so peaceful, we fed swans from Jessamy's window, these are the things that are making it all worthwhile at the moment.




On the textile front, we have amended the error on the D'arcy Spice Beret and apologise once again, Jinny and I hope you enjoy knitting it, lets face it , we could all do with a knitted hat at the moment!

New Yarns!

It's been a really exciting week and I can't believe I haven't posted since Monday. You know how it is, but, we've been very busy spinning and dyeing away. First I've spun the orange/overdyed red yarn and I absolutely love it. I know I've said this a million times before but I never get used to the feeling of looking at the unpromising newly dyed yarn, the doubt as to whether it will be nice or maybe a little off the wall. And then I start spinning and whatever magic happens and I love the yarn that appears. This is what I'm talking about!!

This yarn is now available to sniff, squeeze, whatever you please in Purlesque at the Bluecoat Chambers in Liverpool. There are other ranges of yarns there too, but if you prefer to order on line, please send me an email at www.cathy.lazykate@gmail.com


The other VERY exciting thing this week is the launch of the book A Stitch in Time. I attended the launch party on Thursday night which was really lovely. The dress code was 1940's cocktail dress and everyone had made a fantastic effort. There was a fashion show with some of the knitted garments, there was a knitted dress which was just outstanding. The models were gorgeous and the less said about that the better.

The highlight for Jinny and I of course was seeing our handspun in the book in a pale teal knitted cardigan. We were both very proud and hope that many people will be reaching for their knitting needles immediatley. The beauty of the book is that the patterns have been updated so that the garments are easily wearable today. And who doesn't want the glamour of the forties! If you would like to order the book, take a look at www.knitonthenet.com to order.

One last little note. We've been so pleased (as we've mentioned) about the D'arcy Spice Beret so we were gutted! when we realised we'd made an error in the pattern. We have found the offending item and are in the process of changing the pattern. We're really sorry and hope it hasn't spoilt anyone's knitting pleasure. The pattern will be amended at the beginning of next week.

Speak soon x

This photo is unbelievably exciting for me. I never thought I would see the day that I would post it! This is the name of our boat, painted on the final coat of shiny navy blue paint.




The outside of the boat looks like this at the moment, it needs windows putting in, and a few other finishing touches but it's more or less there. We may, all things being well, be lauching on Friday. Here's hoping. We have the fireworks and champagne ready to go.














We've been really surprised and excited by the reaction to the D'arcy Spice Beret on Ravelry. At last look it had been favourited over 100 times and five projects had been started. It's lovely to be able to read the feedback so thanks to everyone who takes the time to post.

I've begun spinning the burnt orange and have plied one skein. I am undecided about it, although it's very warm and rich. When it has been stretched I will post a picture for all to see and make your own decision. Until then...

Well we had our visit with the boat company last night and the boat is forecast for launch the middle of next week. It's really coming on now, we had a visit with the sign writer who was one of those extremely annoying people who can just....do stuff really well. He stood there with his chalk and said 'What about this?', did a few strokes and squiggles and beautifully proportioned font was there on the side of the boat. I resisted the urge to stamp on his foot.

Yesterday I overdyed some tops that I had originally dyed a while ago. I love bold bright colours but whether this bright orange would appeal to people is debatable so I dyed it again with red and burgundy. I really like how it's turned out. The colour is deep and rich and I think much better. I'm still at the moment working my way through the blue, which is called Topsy and is delicate and subtle but I'm ready for a change to something more striking! You know how it is when you've been spinning the same colour for a while, you're desperate for a change.




I have to say that this picture is making the orange look slightly more appealing than it did, but I still love the deepness of that red. I can't wait to get spinning it.

Also, here are a few pics of close ups of the latest yarns. I love photographing like this, you can see the colour and shading so clearly - they're like jewels!

New Yarns

I've been updating my page on Ravelry, I've been amazed at the response to the D'arcy Spice Beret, it's fantastic and both me and Jinny (Jinny and I?) are very excited! It has spurred us on to get our other ideas going.

These photos here were taken by Mimi my daughter this morning in an attempt to drag her away from the Wii. I think she's done ok by all accounts. The top one, Topsy is a departure from the bold colours I usually use. I have to admit that when the tops were first dyed they looked pretty insipid to me. I almost overdyed them. Having spun it up though, I think it's come out in a pretty delicate shading and I'm really pleased. Just goes to show....

The bottom one is very bright indeed isn't it? I have ideas for it's use but I'll see if it sells. We could just use something bright, even if it is a substitute for the sun.

Knit on the net Issue 7 Out NOW

So the new issue is out - hot off the press and our D'arcy Spice pattern is there! D'arcy Spice is an autumnal English apple variety which we thought suited the shades in the wool. These green/olive shades are always very popular and the chunky yarn is great to knit and quick too.

You can order online through our site http://www.lazykate.net/ and let us know what you think - now that it's easy to leave comments it would be great to hear from you.

Also, and this is a cautious excitment, we think our barge may be ready by the end of the week, we went to visit the other day and there is painting!! There is wood pannelling and even room dividers. So we have the champagne on ice ready for Friday, Monday or Tuesday, whichever the launch day may be. Keep your fingers crossed!

People in glass houses shouldn't just let them rot in the soil

Having spent most of the week spinning, I thought I would give my poor arms a rest and get out in the fresh air.

The mooring for our boat is at the side of the field where the owners have very kindly said we can plant a vegetable garden. The family who originally lived there were market gardeners who had glass houses which are now long gone - apart from the glass which is hidden under years of nettles, reeds, all kinds of vegetation, none of which is any use to us. Well maybe the nettles eventually in the form of beer.

So we spent the whole day clearing, rotavating and deglassing a small portion of this three acre field. In a section of it I would like to start a dye garden. But that is away in the ether, in dreams I am yet to have.

Our boat which was due last Friday, no this Friday, no next Friday is still sitting in the boat yard and we are learning patience and how to squeeze past various kitchen appliances that are dotted around our rented house.

Spinning wise, I am working my way through basketsful of blue, interspersing with black and cream alpaca (I Hate Alpaca almost as much as silk but not as much as cotton). The blue is good though - will post pics soon

Welcome!

Hi all

Welcome to my new blog which hopefully will be the start of many posts! I'm looking forward to you all now being able to post messages so that I know you're out there - something which I realise was difficult before.

I'll be posting the latest goings on with lazykate and getting everything back up to speed plus some pics asap

Look forward to a long and fruitful friendship!