Knitting in Papamoa

Had the most lovely time at my Auntie's in Papamoa. It was GREAT to be out enjoying New Zealand, and this is something that must happen much more often! The five us were greeted on my Auntie's and Jeff's door step with a warm welcome and the smell of home-baked goodness - rock cakes and victoria sponge. YUM! I so miss all my family (who live in the UK) and seeing my Auntie was just the best. We definitely do not see her enough!

We made the most of the gorgeous weather and walked around Mt Manganui. An activity that would take roughly 1hour, however we had 3 reluctant walkers. Es forgot her trainers and walked in her flip flops, she made a great start but about half way around she developed a blister and then had to be carried by A. S is not a great walker anyway and often whinges when he has to walk 4 mins around the corner to school. And I gave Little E a piggy back most of the way around. Anyhoo......a beautiful and enjoyable walk all the same.

And a fun time spent at the beach...

I had high hopes for some knitting action and I did manage to get some done on the car journey down. Aunty G has knitted a lovely waistcoat in natural cream wool, she however hasn't mustered up the motivation to knit the buttonhole band.....it's often the finishing that gets me too.

So here is my current knitting project, it has been on the needles since October!!! It's a Cornish Style jumper which I found in a library book. It has cables, moss stitch, ribbing, garter and stockinette - a truly lovely pattern that reminds me of my lovely Gran who was from Cornwall herself. She patiently spent hours teaching me to knit when I was a child and when I rediscovered the craft as a young adult. I know she would be particularly impressed with this little number. It is for Little E who is 2 1/2. The pattern calls for 4ply yarn and 3.25mm needles, however I was keen to use 8ply cotton and managed to acquire the correct tension of 22st :: 10cm by changing to 3.75mm needles. This did take some swatching, so fingers crossed it will work out. I chose a petrol blue similar to the colour choice in the book.

So that was our Easter weekend, a big thank you to our hosts Auntie G and Jeff! We had a fab time! And as for this weekend, it's a-bunting I will go. Not long until Es' birthday party, so time is of the essence. Hope you and yours are all well and happy!