a blanket, a book and a beagle

I have been working on this blanket for so long now...months and months and now it is finally finished. It is for Cissy (Frances' nickname which has been viewed with great skepticism from friends, but I love it in an old fashioned 1940's kind of way and not least because it reminds me of my good friend's grandmother who had the loveliest disposition...so it stays I'm afraid.)

Anyway enough ranting, back to the blanket, I used Rowan 4 ply from here, which knits up so softly and is a joy to work with. I love the colourways of this yarn, something I think Rowan does really well.

   
I painstakingly backed it by hand with some lovely Liberty jersey which I bought a long time ago. I love their fabrics so much. They are just the best. This shop on ebay has a good supply of them at a reasonable price.

I embroidered it with ideas from this book. ISBN4 529 04110 7
   

It's a very cute book.

In other news (i.e. shopping) I bought three of these adorable little gnomes from Aimee Ray's etsy  shop. (You can also check out her amazing embroideries at Mahar Dry Goods ). I think the noms might need a home now though. I have been a bit gnome-y since Andy got me these for our wedding anniversary. Does this man know how to treat a woman or what ?