Finally Getting Back

Finally getting back to blogging . Had a surprise last time I looked at "comments awaiting" , to see that the famous Carol Bentzen had posted! I had found a knitting kit 2 years ago designed by Carol , which was a lovely Angora yarn with a pattern for a sweater (year apparently 1987) , shoulder pads and "fuzzing" brush included too . Sadly Carol didn't leave a contact email , as I would love to know more about her designing days and what she is up to now . But I love that she eventually married the reported who interviewed her for the Greenock Telegraph! I haven't knitted the yarn , but have a yearning to knit the original pattern , as its just like something I wore in the 80's myself!

Its been a busy weekend in Inverclyde , lots to do especially since its Open Doors weekend

Here is the list of beautiful historic buildings that had their doors opened this weekend .

I visted the Dutch Gable House , The Fire and Rescue Museum (formerly the old Fire Station) , the Mid Kirk (built 1761 and modelled on St Martin-in-the Fields , London.) and today I went to the Old West Kirk (or Auld West Kirk as I knew it) . This last building is of enormous historical importance , being the first post reformation church in Inverclyde , built with permission granted by James the 6th of Scotland in 1590 , and was where the family of James Watt worshiped . After the congregation grew and moved into new premises , it fell into disrepair but after an outcry of locals was rebuilt in the mid 1860's , William Morris and Co was commissioned to design the stained glass windows , and there are lots of them - outside of London galleries it is Pre-Raphaelite heaven! Windows have been designed by Rossetti , Madox Brown and Burne-Jones .
It has two galleries for the local lairds , a Sailors Gallery with a ship above it , and a Farmers Gallery with a plough above it . I recommend contacting the Kirk to request a viewing if you are ever in the area.

As with a lot of older churches , this is one of three , two which shall be eventually closed down and no longer used as churches . Personally I feel that the historic importance of this building to the local area and culture is too important to losand hope the Church of Scotland take advice from Historical bodies before they do anything daft!

I have been knitting , but not much! Finished my Debbie Bliss Winter Garden Sweater and love it to bits . The yarn is expensive , but for a chunky yarn beautiful and almost light and delicate to touch . The colour is a heather shade of purple with tweedy flecks , and the pattern is a plain broad rib and round neck design. Its the sort of pattern that would suit all shapes and sizes , and gives me a bit of shape . As usual I have lots of socks on the needles , and a few sweaters too - two , both in 4 ply which need to be attented to soon as I need a few more winter sweaters. I also want to cast on a lovely Ysolda Teague design called Lauriel , from her Little Red in the City book .

Again , I will probably stretch myself!

I also have a Rowan pattern on the needles that needs attention too , its intarsia and I am not very confident with intarsia, but I shall knuckle down to it this month and see how it goes .

Its good to be back!