First finishes for September

My first (and probably last) finishes for September are both items of clothing. I like to knit when I'm a passenger in the car. I can't sew as it required too much close focus and I get queasy, but simple knitting I can do with one eye on the horizon. I fancied a big, warm sweater for the winter, that I can wear over blouses and lighter turtle neck jumpers. Quite what I liked about the colour at the time I'm not too sure now, as it certainly doesn't go with anything else that I possess! But it will be warm and that's the main thing.

When we were last down at Brighton I found this fabric and thought it would be ideal for a shirt, and I loved the idea of the spotty fabric for the neck band. It's quite a while since I made myself any clothes, although I used to do a lot of dressmaking. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out, though it's a little roomy, so I'll need to adapt the pattern if I use it again.

We're heading off in the motorvan on Saturday for a two week holiday in the Lake District, so I'm busy stocking it up with food, and lots of clothes. The weather forecast doesn't look too promising, so I think the warm sweater will come in useful. Never mind, it will just be lovely to get away somewhere new. Christopher is planning lots of sleeping and reading. I've packed about fifteen books so far, as well as a new sweater to knit, backgammon and a pack of cards, puzzle and crossword books, DVDs and loads of music - everything you need for a holiday in the UK. And of course, plenty of hand sewing. I'm starting to think about Christmas presents for this year and I'm planning to make Christmas placemats for everyone, with a hand stitched panel.

I'm hoping to take lots of photographs to share with you when I get back, but doubt if I'll be able to get an internet access while we're away, so have a great two weeks everyone, and just hope I don't get webbed feet and fingers while we're away!