We knit, spin, talk (of course), eat cake, drink tea although I believe those staying overnight within the confines of the Convent (not Nuns) may have tried something more warming (see Sloe Gin and Raspberry Vodka).

On the Saturday of this weekend we have a swap of unwanted yarns, fibre, books and tools in aid of p/hop. This is the table, well there were about 4 this year just for yarn. More arrived after this shot. It is rather amusing to watch people positioning themselves and their prey before time.

 There is also a Secret swap with a £10ish limit but you are also allowed to make an item or donate stash. I always worry that I have done too much/too little and this year was even worse because I knit socks for my partner, would they fit. I can honestly say that despite it being secret the lady in question gave the best reaction I have ever had to anything I have knit so regardless of anything else I had a happy glow. My gift, much eaten by now also included this lovely Brooch, made by Susan hopefully you can see the detail.

 Finally, who could go to York and not visit. This is Bettys Stonegate, which is known by one of its former guises “Taylors” by me and many other York residents I suspect. Its doesn’t have the huge glass windows for posing but does have lots of real fires for you to hug on a cold day. Perfect.

 One BIG problem of this sort of weekend, being inspired by all the clever people you socialise with. I have printed off 9 patterns this morning. WIP’s will be growing in number. Wouldnt miss it for the world, see you in 2013.

Amazing what a soaking and a piece of wood can do to my knitting.

Pattern: Summer Sliding by Jeannie Cartmel

Yarn: Yarn Yard Clan

Shade: Gin Sling (if my memory serves me right Gin was involved) 

If I’m being honest the reason I have got my finger out is because having donated all my sock yarn scraps to deserving sock blanket makers at last years Yarn Yard Gathering I found this was the only yarn suitable for Baby socks of the Boy variety. These are needed for this years gathering which is next weekend!

Close but I should make it.

Will be back with a blocked picture later this week.

So, my potted reviews and opinions. I appreciate one of these has received much criticism in more ways than one.

First up is the Hollywood version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

I have read all 3 books, if you haven’t please be patient with the first one, it takes 70-80 pages to suck you in but after that the rest is compulsive reading.

This film is closer to the book than the Swedish version and is well done. All that said I personally prefer the Swedish one, perhaps because I saw it first but I even found the subtitles added something and Daniel Craig is very slick for a journalist.

All this said we wil have to see the next 2 aswell.

Next Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows.

Brilliant, Robert Downey Junior and Jude Law compliment each other perfectly and Stephen Fry is well cast as Mycroft. Also Noomi Rapace, the original Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

This to me was better than the first one and I had to be persuaded to see that. .

Haven’t the BBC done a good version too, Martin Freeman takes such a good part and how Benedict Cumberbatch keeps control of his script I do not know.

Finally The Iron Lady.

Without getting drawn in to any of the controversy surrounding this I went because it was Meryl Streep. As a child of the 60′s I had generally had very little interest in polotics when Margaret Thatcher was PM so I found the history side of things very interesting and as deep as I would probably ever need. The acting by NS and Jim Broadbent, as Denis was as youd expect brilliant. The Cabinet had some surprise appearances very well made up, Anthony Head as quite a convincing Geoffrey Howe.

Next on the list

J Edgar (anything with Judi Dench).

WE – Possibly, one person is putting me off and they arent even acting.

The Woman in Black – Brilliant when we saw it on stage. Just have to give Danial Radcliffe a chance to prove himself.

I will however show you something I am quite pleased with, despite it missing a couple of rows. I tried to squeeze too much from the skein I had. Not that it will notice when wrapped round my neck. 

Pattern: Venomous Tentacula

Yarn: Dream in Colour Smooshy

Colour: Blue! (It has taken me so long to block that I’ve forgotten)

I only put beads on the tips.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

I’m going to try and blog, when I find my way around here again.

Do say hello if you notice my resurrection.

P.S. I’ve got  alot more kntting done without switching this computer on all the time.

So we have a lovely Liberty/Comic Relief purchased from the shop that makes me shiver, TK Maxx.

Cake of Yarn Yard Bonny from a club parcel this is going to be knit up in The Yarn Harlot Earl Grey socks pattern.

Some very rich Malabrigo Sock Yarn in Ravelry Red.

I’ll try to get one pair knit for Friday 18th but I keep getting distracted.

The Magic Carpet pair, knit two at a time, appear to match perfectly. Once you get over the fact that you are knitting with this its fairly plain sailing.

Wish I had made it to the Tealish colour at the end of the carpet. This is what was leftover.

Pattern: Primavera

Yarn: Yarn Yard Merino Magic Carpet (Brocolli)

Pattern: Molly Weasleys Gift Socks (Test)

Yarn: Yarn Yard Toddy (2T)

Pattern: Herbivore

Yarn: Currently in dispute! Either Fyberspates Merino Tencel(Bright) or Hazel Knits Merino (Dark).

Pattern: Holden Shawlette

Yarn: Yarn Yard Cairn

Pattern: Milkweed

Yarn: Wibbos Works Sock Yarn(Northern Lights). I have been saving this for something seen more than socks. 

Pattern: Simmer Dim

Yarn: Madeleinetosh Tosh Sock (Saffron)

Pattern: Ulmus

Yarn: Yarn Yard Toddy (Club)