... and one for the pot

Following a request from said friend in the wilds of Wales I found this on an old RNIB website and also found a pattern in the charity shop downstairs. I also happened to find a pattern book for Robertson 'golly' Sweaters for all the family, comme ca:












Bargain! Also found a Rupert book on ebay this morning and a Raymond Briggs the Snowman one yesterday.

But enough dithering; here is the pattern from the RNIB website, courtesy of 'My Weekly':

Two for the Pot
Size and materials
A delightful, easy to knit tea-cosy which can be made in two sizes.
Materials required:
Patons Beehive Tumble Dry Double Knit, 1 x 50 gram ball in each of two contrasting colours; for 1-pint size, one pair each of 3 3/4 mm and 4 mm (Nos 9 and 8) knitting needles; for 2-pint size, one pair each of 4 mm and 4½ mm (Nos 8 and 7) knitting needles. Quantities of yarn are based on average requirements and therefore approximate.
Measurements:
Small tea-cosy to fit 1-pint tea-pot; large tea-cosy to fit 2-pint tea-pot.
Tension:
1-pint size, 26 stitches and 38 rows to 10 centimetres (4 inches) measured over garter-stitch using 4 mm needles; 2-pint size, 24 stitches and 36 rows to 10 centimetres (4 inches) measured over garter-stitch using 4½ mm needles.
Abbreviations:
k = knit; st(s) = stitch(es); tog = together; ml = make a stitch by picking up horizontal loop lying before next stitch and knitting into the back of it; M = main colour; C = contrast colour.
NB
The difference in size between the two tea-cosies is created by using different tensions, therefore take extra care to ensure that your tension is correct before starting. Pleats are formed by each colour being drawn across back of colour just used and keeping all strands at wrong side throughout.
Figures in brackets ( ) refer to the larger size; where only one figure is given, this refers to both sizes. Figures in square brackets [ ] refer to both sizes and are worked the number of times stated.
Method
With 3 3/4 (4) mm needles and M, cast on 56 sts and knit 4 rows.
Change to 4 (4 ½ ) mm needles, join in C and work in pattern as follows:
** 1st row: K1M, *6C, 6M; repeat from * to last 7 sts, 6C, 1M.
Repeat this row 5 times more.
7th row: K1C, *6M, 6C; repeat from * to last 7 sts; 6M, 1C.
Repeat this row 5 times more.
13th row: As first row.
Repeat last row 25 (29) times more.
Shape top
Next row: K1M, *K2togC, 2C, K2togC, K2togM, 2M, K2togM, repeat from * to last 7 sts, K2togC, 2C, K2togC, 1M.
2nd row: K1M, *4C, 4M; repeat from * to last 5 sts, 4C, 1M.
3rd row: K1M, *[K2togC] twice, [K2togM] twice; repeat from * to last 5 sts, [K2togC] twice, 1M.
4th row: K1M, *2C, 2M; repeat from * to last 3 sts, 2C, 1M.
5th row: K1M, *K2togC, K2togM; repeat from * to last 3 sts, K2togC, 1M.
6th row: *K1M, 1C; repeat from * to last st, 1M.**
Break off C.
7th row: with M, K1, *m1, knit twice into next st; repeat from * to last st, ml, K1 - 30 sts.
Leave these sts on a spare needle.
Make second half in the same way, but reversing colours from ** to **.
Top
With M, and wrong side facing, knit across both halves - 60 sts.
Knit 10 more rows.
Cast off.
To make up
Join sides, leaving openings for spout and handle.
Cut 4 x 30 cm (12 inch) lengths of yarn (two of each colour if you would like a two-tone cord). Make a twisted cord, knot ends and fray them to form tassels. Thread through top and tie in a bow.
(Reproduced with the kind permission of ‘My Weekly’).

A nice cup of tea ...

.. goes to my neglected [blog] friend in the wilds of Wales. In fairness, she's not the only one I've neglected and I had resolved not to do the whole mea culpa thing again I've just been so busy and my juggling skills were never up to much in the first place.

So, sheepish waves to everyone. I'm out of the loop because when I don't write I feel guilty about lurking; I'll just draw a line and get on with it.

My small job has escalated and now seems to be breeding. The initial small job may well be in terminal condition though following a particularly nasty encounter at the weekend. However other associated small jobs seem lovely and cuddly at the mo.

Despite making several sales the artist has suffered what you might call a crisis of confidence - not helped by the uncertainty of the Urine Towers situation.

As for the allotment, apparently someone blithering idiot has cut down all our fruit bushes - I don't know, the artist went. It's just another of the things I haven't had time to cope with. On a brighter note I have 50 seed potatoes to chit: 20 Red Duke of York and 30 Desiree.