hats off

Woolly hats ready to wrap up for posting to Crafty Volunteers - a group that supports various NZ charities including the Womens Refuge, night shelters and refugee services. Currently they are needing winter clothing and blankets. The ribbed hat is one of the "pull-on" hats from Erika Knight's 2010 book Simple knitting. It's a good basic pattern and one to get hold of if you can.

Yesterday and today we've had blue skies after days of heavy rain. It's been lovely to be able to open some windows, hang washing out on the line and go for walks in the sunshine.

Watching: Try something new for 30 days - a Ted talk by Matt Cutts. This isn't a new idea but Matt is pretty compelling. It's sparked a bit of conversation in our house. What to try - daily yoga, veganism, getting up early? Or, maybe, what to give up for 30 days?

omapere

Another weekend away. This time to Omapere. We had perfect weather and got in some long walks, the mandatory meal at the Boatshed Cafe in Rawene and a trip on the ferry to Kohukohu.

The puerperium cardigan is finished. This is the second one I've made. I love this pattern. It has no seams - comfortable for baby and no sewing up. Knitting the tiny sleeves in the round can be a bit tricky. Last time I used the recommended "magic loop" method but this time I used double pointed needles and found this easier and faster. I did struggle to find seven matching buttons in my button box. Luckily there were loads of op shops on the way up north with plenty of great buttons - that I've already sewn onto cards for my collection.

Reading: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. You may've seen the television series of this starring Frances McDormand but I'd still recommend the book. I am so loving it. It's really a series of short stories beautifully written.

omaha

I spent last weekend beside the sea up at Omaha staying with friends. Not the best weekend weather-wise but great in every other way. We managed a couple of walks along the beach in between the showers. That top photo looking over the dunes at that line of Norfolk pines is one of my favourite views of Omaha.

Nothing completed this week but I can report that the quilt is quilted and that the pattern for this striped sweater - one of my favourite baby knits - is now available here for free.

And you might like this short (2 minute) video starring the tiny and amazing insect, the springtail.

I hope your week is going well.