Quilting

I have for a long time had a fascination with quilting, I have never had a clue how to produce these fantastic works of art but instead looked on in awe at the work of others.  Over my Christmas Holidays I treated myself to a book called The Ultimate Quilting Bible by Marie Clayton.  Being broke after Christmas I was somewhat hesitant in buying myself this but it was well worth it.  I'm only partially through reading it but it is brilliant, it has bits about the history of quilting, where different techniques originate as well as all the really interesting technical stuff.  It is very much a technical guide and not a pattern book. 
I think it is brilliant to have a resources like this on your bookshelf, as an avid knitter I often reach for my Knitters Bible by Clare Crompton when I come across something new, or even a technique I haven't used in a while.
As I am now the owner of a shiny new sewing machine I will hopefully be doing more sewing projects which should be quicker than my knitting projects.  I'm working away on the Aran Hoodie but also trying to finish my circular cardigan, this way I can choose a project that suits my mood better as if I'm tired trying to follow the aran pattern is a bit of a pain but the edging detain on the cardigan is just a basic cord so takes less concentration.  I think for big projects, if you've a short attention span like me, it is good to have two things on the go at once that way you can do whichever you are in the mood for rather than plodding away at something and being sick of the sight of it when you're only 1/2 way through.
Just as a recap I found the pattern for the Aran Hoodie in an issue of Knit Today and the circular cardigan is from www.elann.com , you need to be registered to enter this site but they've got some nice stuff on there.  I'm using Tivoli Ocean in the cardigan instead of the recommended wool.

We Live and Learn

In the run up to Christmas my needles were smoking.  I was making hats and even managed some of the Alan Dart designed christmas tree decorations, which turned out fantastic I have to say.  The thing I came away with after christmas was the realisation that when using such fine knitting needles and also "glue sewing" is the importance of using thimbles.  You can purchase knitting thimbles or leather thimbles online for a few euro's.  I know I will most certainly be purchasing one.