I’ve gone out sockless with sandals 4 of the last 7 days. Summer, this is not, but it’s definitely on the way. For the shop that means there’s a gear change of sorts. Our days are less frenetic and there’s more time for shooting the breeze with the knitters who swing by, all the better for story telling and overhearing.

Here are our picks from the last week..

“Look! I finished my cardigan – I love it! I haven’t taken it off. And.. I did an audition for Countdown today. I didn’t get through. But I did it. Countdown audition and finished cardigan – what a day!“

“There. I’ve done 4 rows. Can I stop now? That’s got to be enough for you to measure my gauge, right?”

“So when the Vs are facing me, I do a knit, and when the bumps are facing me I do a purl? Is that right? But why are bumps also facing me when it’s garter stitch and I do that just by knitting? How am I ever going to get it? Knitting is so confusing!!“

“No, that beige is a bit too beige. Have you got a beige which is beige but just a bit less.. well.. beige?“

“It needs to be 10cm before you start the arm hole shaping. Have you done 10cm? You’re a midwife. You’ve got this.“

“I’ve made 40 crochet squares so far. I reckon I need 80 for the whole blanket. Oh but also.. she’s having twins, so that makes.. Oh, no I can’t even say the number.“

“Stripes all the way down the sweater? Or just an accent colour around the neckline cuff, and hem? How do you decide?“

“Oh my gosh I love this colour. And the pattern. I lost my knitting mojo before Christmas. This is me finding it again. I just want to run home and knit!“

“But won’t it take me ages?”
Probably yes, but won’t those ages be great. Look at those stitches!
“You know what? You’re right – I’m going to do it!“