Footwear For All Seasons

Today my catalogue order arrived. When I don't order for a while they send me tempting offers like 20% of all items including the Sale. I had bought a pair of these boots in black before Christmas and have worn them such a lot so I decided that a red pair would lift my spirits especially since they are now half the price that I paid before. They are not as scarlet as they appear in the photo but still quite red. The sandals were also in the Sale so now I am ready for if we have any sun. A friend Julie suggested that I knitted some socks to go with both pairs. I have been very lazy on the sock knitting recently. I have some beautiful skeins and balls of sock wool ready and waiting for my sock knitting Mojo to strike.

Yes, I have been on the vintage web sites again. I couldn't resist this little dress even though at the moment I don't have any little girls to crochet for. I think that it is so sweet.

I made this dress in navy many years and and wore it such a lot. Admittedly I was half the size that I am now and I did make a liner dress in navy to go underneath it to preserve my modesty. I did have the pattern but it is another pattern that has floated off somewhere with someone. I would have to make it larger as the sizes on old patterns are so small but I did think that the short version could look nice over a pair of trousers to make a long top.

This dress was one of the first things that I ever crocheted for myself. I made it in pale blue Listers Bel Air which was a stretchy crimplene if I remember rightly. The dress is crocheted double yarn and so was really quick to make. As I was so slim in those days the extra bulk of the doubled yarn wasn't a problem. Once again I would have to make the pattern larger for me now but I still think that a short version of this dress could be worn either as a waistcoat or a top over trousers as the pattern stitch isn't see through. Another replacement pattern as my own is missing.

I didn't buy this pattern at the time as it is crocheted in strips which are stitched together and I wasn't that proficient a crocheter in those days. Now it is handy as I can add a few more strips to make it large enough to fit me as the pattern is only for a 34" bust.

I did have this pattern but never made it. Once again the largest size on the pattern is 38" but it is a simple pattern so I am sure I can add on a few more chain to make it fit me. Vintage patterns are lovely but always in very small sizes.

I have been browsing Amazon again today looking in the bargain books and patterns so I will be posting more things in a week or so. If there is a book I am not so sure I will like I have now found secondhand sites that sell the books for a little as 1p plus the postage. Yes the postage isn't cheap but but new patterns can be £2-£5 for a single sheet so even if there is only one pattern per book that I like I am still in profit.

I have been so lazy today. I got up early enough but have just lacked the energy to actually do anything. I have finished the knitting of the charcoal jacket and had every intention of stitching it up this afternoon. The PC is a time thief, Once I get browsing on Ravelry and pattern and book web sites I can waste the whole day. The PC is good though in the fact that I am never lonely. I can always find something to interest me online whether it be books or You Tube videos on crochet and machine knit or I even catch up on TV programmes that I have missed.

Tomorrow is an early start to a busy day so I had better get my bag sorted ready to grab when my niece calls in the morning to pick me up. I like to have everything to hand. Purse, keys, hospital letter and some knitting or crocheting to pass the time as I wait for my appointment. From there I am going to the Town Hall in Manchester for a knit out for International Women's day. I just hope that I get out of the hospital in time to get there for 1pm.

I must force myself to wash today's dishes and then do some crochet. I doubt if I will stitch the jacket up tonight but I will make an effort. Sewing up and charcoal grey in electric light - shudder.