Fairisle Berets are my favourite 'in between' project at the moment, I can finish one in 2 days.There is something meditative and mandala-like about them.I use recycled cashmere for mine.The Sarah Dallas pattern in her Vintage Knitting book is nice, but there are many others which I am trying out in different yarns and colourways.This one is a present for a volunteer I used to work with at a large care home.I bought some yarn in these colours from Ally Pally but despite a laundering it is rather scratchy.So I might do a dog sweater with it!

Had a great time at the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace.Managed to be quite frugal, but couldn't resist this friendship bracelet.One of my friends is married to a man from Madagascar so I know a bit about the island and its people, and about how resourceful they are.

As well as friendship bracelets, a group of 11 trained women from the island make beautiful embroidered bags, cushions, purses, ipad covers .cards and pictures.The website for the project is www.stitchsainteluce.yokaboo.com

I loved this rug which was about the size of a doormat,based on the colours and designs of Clarice Cliff.My mother used to collect her pottery so this really appealed to me.I don't think £95 was too much for all the work that went into it, but I just bought a card instead!The website is www.jenni.ragrugs.freeuk.com