The Lazy Weekend Sweater

Readers, the third in my series of weekend sweaters, all knitted from my (seemingly never decreasing!) stash.  This one is Nikhol Lohr's design, knitted from the remains of a value ball of Windermere Aran in tweedy, flecked cream.  It's a free pattern on Ravelry.

I love it, although it is more fitted than I anticipated, and I lengthened the sleeves and bottom by a few rows each, as I am tall.  I decided not to do the hood as I thought it wouldn't suit the fit, and it got it's first outing last weekend, with a dark denim skirt, black slip ons and subtle red lipstick, for a slightly vintage vibe.

So - the hoodie that I thought this would be remains yet to be done, although I am very happy with this result!

Yarn and Wool in the Blue Mountains, NSW

Readers, it was a celebratory weekend for me, so Mr Bromley Knits and I set out early on Saturday morning - destination Blue Mountains 

The Three Sisters

As well as the beautiful scenery, we had two knitting shops in the agenda.  The first was in the lovely town of Katoomba, a delightful mix of Art Deco, new age hippy and mountaineering.

The Granny Square, 55-57 Waratah St, Katoomba, is an offshoot of the Morris and Sons mini-chain of Australian yarn and wool stores.  Located in an olde-world shop, with whitewashed interior, it is filled with the Morris and Sons own yarn lines, as well as a good range of others - Noro, Patons, Debbie Bliss, for example.  

There are all the notions you could possibly need, as well as pattern leaflets, mags and books, including a pile of vintage leaflets for reference - something I loved.  I had been looking for some tweed for a current project, so purchased 3 skeins of their Morris Woollahra in the Mustard colourway.

The very knowledgable and helpful shop assistant helped me work out how much more I needed to purchase with Morris and Sons to get an AUD 50 voucher - it's definitely worth joining their mailing list/purchasing club.

Our next stop was a totally different experience 10 minutes up the road from Katoomba (or a stop or two further o the train if you are on public transport), in the quaint town of Blackheath.  The House of Wool is on Govett's Leap Rd, and is run by an indie dyer, with hand dyed yarn and fleece to die for - here are my purchases:

Located as one of the shops in an old house converted to retail, it's a lovely place to spend time.

There is also an excellent range of Australian merino available, and some unique accessories, like buttons, brooches, as well as a great pattern book range (one of only two places I've seen a copy of Alice Starmore's new edition of Tudor Roses, worldwide).  I will definitely be back!

Til next time - happy knitting!