I was at work on the night the clocks went back – this is my favourite time of year, but an extra long weekend nightshift with an ICU full to capacity and several sick patients elsewhere in the hospital waiting to come in was not the best way to celebrate it. I appreciate my days off all the more now that the unit is busy with the illnesses that come with cooler weather, and there is less daylight. I have a new desire to make the most of every minute.
The other development that has come with a change in the seasons is a desire for more making. My knitting (which always languishes during the summer) has sped up. I've bought some new patterns and some new fabric. I'm debating which hats I want to knit for when winter arrives. I've got measurements to sew my littlest nieces some new skirts, and I'm writing crafty to-do lists.
Here's what's energising me at the moment:
- Johanna Basford's new colouring book. I'm still in the middle of the Enchanted Forest, but looking forward to losing myself in the ocean very much. I may need to treat myself to some new colouring pencils in blue shades.
- I've never successfully knitted a cowl. All the ones I've made previously have been too short, too prone to rolling up, and just not cosy enough. I am rummaging for a new pattern.
- I've bought some lightweight denim (£11 a metre from Cloth House) to make the City Stroll Wrap Skirt. I don't think the pattern cover photo is particularly enticing, but the versions I've seen people making on Flickr and Instagram have looked lovely. Plus I wear denim skirts constantly during winter, and fancy a new one in a different style.
- At Cloth House I also bought some Indian handwoven cotton (inspired by the two visits I've made to the V&A's Fabric of India exhibition) to make a top, tunic, or dress. I am now in the middle of some very pleasant dithering over which pattern to use.
- Socks! I've got three different pairs on the go, and am thinking I really need to learn the magic loop method so that I can knit two together.
- These wartime knitting patterns from the V&A. A knitted turban is bizarrely appealing!
What are you making at the moment? Do you have any cowl patterns that you would recommend? Do you share my love for denim skirts?
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in between the shifts 
I’m kniiting socks, I use the magic loop method, but only one at a time. I’d love a denim skirt but can never find one I really like that fits me, also I’m always too cold when I wear skirts,but I still want one……
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Love a denim skirt as well, especially with funky tights and a thick jumper or cardi. Is that skirt pattern reversible? It looks like it lends itself to a pretty lining. I’m making a patchwork out of retro pillowcases at the moment, lots of swirly turquoise, acid yellows and flowery Fuschia pinks. It’s quite clashing in places but I like that about it.
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I love this time of year for inspiring my creativity! Love the yarn for the socks…I’ve not quite got the hang of socks…or the patience. I’m in the middle of making some knitted dolls for my girls. One head, body and legs done…just the arms and then I can start stuffing! Looking forward to seeing your skirt…those buttons are a great contrast!
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