At last I have found the ultimate knitting needles.
Having started on chunky red plastic ones around 30 years ago, graduated to metal, experimented with bamboo, flirted with brittany birch and lusted after art viva spotty ended pins, I have found my soul mate in a set of swallows (again from the lovely Loop)

Made from casein (milk protein) these needles are disconcertingly flexible but once I worked a few rows I was hooked. They won’t snap like bamboo (or at least haven’t done yet – despite Toby’s attempts) and are warmer and much more comfortable than my old, cold, battered aluminium ones. They also come in the prettiest of colours and so I feel justified in showing them off! Hmmm, maybe I do need just one pair of vivas…?

By the way don’t you love how knitting is so wonderfully portable and so whilst I may not have a beautiful workroom I’m lucky to say that on a sunny, spring day like today this is my workspace!

I apologise if you're getting a bit fed up of pictures of yarn but (no slur intended on my wonderful husband) this does it for me!!

Colour grown organic cotton by Blue Sky in 'bone', 'sand', 'nut' and 'pebbles' (bought from the gorgeous Loop). It's incredibly soft and lovely and is patiently waiting to be turned into a set of big bunnies.

I always love hearing from people who have one of my toys – it’s so nice to get feedback, so you can imagine how big my grin was when I received this:

It’s a postcard from little Alfie Bunny who left here in a padded envelope a few weeks ago. I’m always a little sad when the final bit of tape goes on a parcel and one of my little creatures begins their journey to a new home. But Alfie has definitely landed on his feet and clearly could not have gone to a better home. He also sent me this photo and a note saying that although he didn’t catch a fish he didn’t mind too much as he prefered carrots for his supper anyway.

What bunny could ask for more – holidays, encouragement to try outdoor pursuits and being well catered for in the culinary department (a much better life than his previous one of sitting in a box under the stairs with his siblings). Parting may well be such sweet sorrow but I take lots of comfort from knowing that Alfie is out there, living life to the full and enjoying every moment with the wonderful Michaela (who by the way makes awesome cakes and has just started her blog – so pop over and say hello!)