Now the days are getting longer (becoming lighter earlier/ getting dark later – daylight savings just begun) Iām more comfortable driving after hoursā¦Iām now back at my local evening craft group where the Spring Challenge is assisting another local charity to build up their stock.
Each of us were āgivenā sight unseen (eyes closed put your hand in a box, take your pick a bit like lucky dip) -a ball of yarn – ply plus gm weight unknown then ātoldā to make what we can of it – which means Iām āback in the bubās wear dept.ā again- making their recommended top down large premature size baby jacket from here.
Recommended yes, in fact itās the only one they will receive:- .
Do you accept donations other than the items listed on your website?
We have worked closely with hospitals to ensure our patterns meet hospital safety and infection control guidelines. For this reason, we can only accept items listed on our website. Source
Maybe not my favourite construction method, itās a fairly easy straight forward knit, one Iāve made many times before in larger sizes, not always in soft baby tones though, in fact the last time was in much darker colours.
( I veer away a little from the published instructions but the result is the same)
I scored some soft 8ply in a strong baby pink so toned it down by adding 100gms of cream from my stock and managed to do a little mix/max thing ending up with two sets š

Guess who didnāt weigh and divide her gifted yarn? On the premise that if I could get one set out of half I could get another.
So I had to knit both bodices and sleeves first, then cross fingers Iād have enough for contrast on the hats/bootees – sneaked in with the tiniest amount left. Now just have to add the cream skirt on to the stripy bodice.
My latest library book arrived. After reading (well, finishing) a big fat zero (yes, nothing at all) during September Iām hoping this will get me going again.
Three women and a Boat – Anne Youngson aka The Narrowboat Summer. (2020)
Iām late to the party I knowā¦Goodreads has over 3.5K * ratings..some good some bad mostly in the middle. Wonder what Iāll think of it ??
* * * *
And months after they were begun these little beauties are finally finished and now residing in my charity box where theyāll be joined by lots more various items over the coming months waiting for when the charities shelves are restocked early in the new year.
And a little laugh with the hope that this month is better than the last
Sharing with Denyseās weekly link upĀ Wednesdayās Words and Pics.Ā .
#WWandPics
Also joining in with Kat and others atĀ Unraveled WednesdayĀ




How I admire your knitting.
That seems like an incredibly restrictive policy, but I suppose they have their reasons and it works for them and the hospital…
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I have had contact with that charity previously EC and queried why no other design- seemingly nursing staff preferred it.
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Your so very clever with the knittingĀ
I might download the pattern and see what I can do with itĀ
Since summer is coming. Not that you would know today.Ā
Small items are much better than large blankets for working on during the heatĀ
Iāve worked out if I comment on my iPad it works. If I do it on my phone it doesnāt. Ā Iām not clever enough to work out whyĀ
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Oh definitely cold today Angela – those warm tasters were just that. Itās going to be like this for several more days as well.Ā
The pattern is easy, just a bit fiddly at times
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Wow. I am so jealous. I would like a pair of sox and am sorely tempted to buy a new set of dp’s and 8 oz of sock yarn.
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Go for it Joanne- itāll keep the fingers busy also the brain trying to remember how to make them. Just remember not to leave it lying around or āKatherineā will enjoy undoing everything you worked on
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Lovely knitting. I enjoyed The Narrowboat Summer – hope you enjoy!
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So far so good Veraā¦.
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As you head for longer days ours are getting shorter. Oh well! Love the fluffy yarn.
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lol Cathy – 6 months time and youāll be hearing me roarā¦.āI donāt like itā
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That hospital sounds very picky indeed. I am glad that you went ahead and followed their instructions anyway. Lovely garments all around.
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Thanks Elizabeth- I can see their point of view. Itās just restrictive for those who like to change things around a bit. I can do a lot you can do with the patternā¦.different colours, stitches,Ā
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Hi Cathy love your knitting challenge and what you have made. Knitting is so relaxing isn’t it? I haven’t knitted for years and keep telling myself ‘one day’. Your work is inspiring me. x
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Time to get those needles clicking Sue. As you said, itās a very relaxing pastime and like riding a bike, if your brain is healthy you never forget how. Might Ā be a bit rusty to begin but once the stitches are formed it all comes back.Ā
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You are right! I am going away for a holiday overseas soon but maybe it should be a January goal to make something for winter. xx
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P.S. I actually have knitted about 4 years ago. I was knitting squares for the aged care home where my MIL lived. They were making blankets.
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The little pink and white baby sweaters are so sweet. I really enjoyed The Narrowboat Summer. I hope you do too.
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The reading is flowing along nicely Jane (just like the canalš). Itās definitely an easy read with some points to ponder about.
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Your knitting is just beautiful! It’s wonderful that you knit so much for charity. My mom, now blind, still had her knitting on the side of her wheelchair. I picked it up this weekend and knit a few rows and it didn’t hurt my thumb so I think perhaps this winter I will find a simple pattern and give it a try. It’s only been about 3+ decades since I last knit anything!
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Thank you Bernie – I do enjoy my knitting and being able to make things that are needed adds to that enjoyment.
How great that you are able to continue with your motherās handiwork. Even if sheās unable to see it youll be able to describe how the garment is growing and what it looks like. Let her handle it as well to get the āfeelā of your achievement.
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Well it was a very holy “dishcloth” size item and I just starting knitting. Can’t seem to remember how to pearl! I think I will likely rip it out and make a neck warmer from it.
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Good to read of your updates and care for others Cathy! Thank you for linking up your blog post this week at Denyseās Words and Pics for #WWandPics. Warm wishes and appreciation from Denyse.
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It was good to be able to direct my thoughts to others Denyse rather than myself. Donāt know if you clicked the link towards the end of the post – it will tell you why I spent most of September being very self absorbed.
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My book group read the Narrowboat Summer and liked it a lot. I hope you do, too!
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