Ali Pali, bits bought and made

On Sunday I went with my Monday group of ladies to Alexandra Palace for the 'Knitting and Stitching show'.  I had never been to Ali Pali before, but what a wonderful venue it is.  Unfortunately for us the coach couldn't drop us at the entrance,  so we had a quick (but long) dash to the door and as it was pouring with rain there was no time to take in the views, but by the time we left the rain had stopped and I was able to take in the stunning vista of the London sky line - and what wonderful views you would have on a clear day.  I never realised before just how high the palace stood  and what a great position it holds over London.  Next time I visit, my camera will certainly go with me.  The show was quite nice with a good mix of stands.  I didn't buy very much, but it was fun wandering around with friends and climbing back into the coach to be chauffeured  home.

The weather has been getting a bit chilly on some days, so I thought I would make myself some more fingerless mitts as I did find them very useful last year.   Originally I  thought they would be a waste of time because it's my fingers that get really cold, but I made them last year and wore them about the house. They are really great.... you can carry on doing everything you want because your fingers are free (and warm)......washing the dishes ends up a bit messy but for the rest they are great!
This year I bought some variegated wool (from Alexandra Palace) rather than keep changing colours with each row, and must admit that works well ....... what do you think!

Now its time to play at a new craft.  I am not sure if I have told you, but I fancied trying needle felting, and when we were at 'Yarndale' there were a number of people selling all the materials - so how could I resist! Especially as the demonstrators made the 'art' of needle felting look so easy.  Let me tell you its not easy, for a start those needles are really sharp, and can so easily get poked into your fingers instead of the wool! Secondly it takes ages to get any shape at all, but do I give up.........NO!

So here is my first attempt at a gnome.. I have to tell  you its a gnome just in case you don't recognise him.

He is cute, but not sure I am going into production.

And last but not least I have been making some new patchwork blocks, this one was found here.  I can't tell you what it is for as I am on a secret mission preparing for Christmas but I can show you the block.

The photos were taken indoors as our weather has been very grey lately, so you have to excuse them.

Quilted in white thread

This one is quilted in a variegated thread 

We are visiting friends this weekend and they live near to Hampton Court Palace so we often walk along the river taking in the sites, but this weekend is raining again, so not sure we will be out and about much - still, good company and good food is not a bad consolation is it?

See you next time