Some lace knitting and a spot of lunch

suzy hausfrau's first workshop...done, dusted and even if I say so myself a resounding success!  Thanks in no small part to the gorgeous Fiona who trekked down from Sydney especially to teach it. It is so great when you meet cyber-mates IRL, there should be more of it I say.

...and then to the participants a mix of friends and now new-to-me friends who chatted, laughed, shared and then every so often would go oh so quiet when they were counting, and re-counting  and concentrating on the stitches of their precious creations.

What did I do you say?  I had a thoroughly enjoyable time in the kitchen whipping up some lunch (full of non-kid friendly flavours and without any small squidget helpers), listening and learning and then sitting down every now and then to knit a few rows.

So to the details, firstly of the knitting.  Fiona took the group through circular cast-ons, how to read charts (the hardest first!), knitting triangular lace from the top down, provisional cast ons, loose and stretchy cast-offs...and even a lesson on how to block with welding wires - who knew?  I think everyone left the day full of inspiration and new found confidence.

And if you're interested in the food, here is what we ate:

• my never-fail-me cheat lemonade scones with homemade Blackberry Jam and Cream
• Pumpkin, goat's curd and thyme tart (Gourmet Traveller May 2012)
• Chicken salad with black grapes, walnut and celery (Gourmet Traveller May 2012)
• White bean salad (Gourmet Traveller May 2012)

...and a small ode to my mama, who inspired me to get back on this crafty wagon, was on the table - a mama-made crochet jug cover.  I know that yesterday she would have been really proud of me. xoxo