Freezing Here!

Well we are well and truly into the swing of winter here with the last few days being -3 deg for a few mornings but afterwards we have a glorious sunny day. .
I have been away to Christchurch since last post, visiting family. It was a sad time as their faithful dog Shilo had to be put to sleep. He was 11 years old and the most lovely pet and companion.
Was going to the market today but have had a virus or cold all week and don't want to stand outside for hours freezing, its a shame as I was so looking forward to it. Must set up a website to sell my yarns and knits . Its on my to do list!!
Now it s been so long since writing trying to remember what I have been doing. Ive made a few pairs of socks. A nice green pair for me as my stock is going down.

I made this really nice cardie that I have had in my queue on Ravelry for ages I wanted something like a blanket that you can just wrap around yourself indoors and I think this fits the bill nicely. What I am most happy about is that I managed to use up all my stash possum yarn that Ive had for years so nice to see it put to good use. Oh the pattern is Caramel by Isabell Kraemer it is a free pattern and I love that you can so totally make it your own with stripes or not. Check out the project page on Ravelry their are some stunning finished garments. I havent blocked it yet as dont know when I would get it dry!!
I also managed to makes 4 Milos for Milo May always enjoy this pattern and now Georgie Hallam has brought out a new Milo pattern in 4 ply called Milo  Bambino, Ive yet to make, it  cant wait.

Yay a a knock on the door brought me some yarnie goodness from Vintage Purls in the form of undyed sock yarn that I cant wait to dye up.
I did get the dye-pots out the other day but it was freezing out in my shed and my feet were numb. I dyed the yarn I got from Hokotika Sockworld, this seemed really fine like a 3 ply but I must say it has taken the dye lovely and has really bloomed, it is so soft and cuddly. I dyed up a bright sunshiny yellow first time dyeing yellow! a bright blue and purple shades. The picture doesn't do them justice much brighter in real life.

Another project I started yesterday was another crochet blanket I have made many many of these in the  past and I have so much stash hand-dyed

yarn that I want to use up. This is a great winter project as when it gets bigger it keeps you warm while crocheting it!! Hoping to make it double bed size will keep you posted. I followed a YouTube tutorial and was slightly different to the ones I have done in the past, How to knit a granny square blanket for beginners
Give it a try as these blankets are great I put 2 extra on my bed these cold nights and they look so cheerful.
Well keep warm on my side of the world and have a great weekend wherever you are.
Cheers
Janet