Making and mending

I love knitting. I can't remember a time when I didn't know how to knit, and to this day I couldn't tell you who taught me. It's like I was born knowing - although clearly I am indebted to some patient, unthanked family member for the skill. 

I'm not a fancy knitter, and I've not even knitted that many things in my life. A couple of pairs of socks, a cardigan, an owl, and several hives of tiny knitted bees. Maybe a robin or two, and a canoe for a friend's baby.

My latest project is that sock in the picture above, knitted entirely on trains. There's something about trains and sock knitting that go so deliciously well together. Maybe it's the small needles and the lack of elbow room, or the fact that they don't weigh much. 

I'm also rather fond of a bit of sewing, and so when I found this cheerful green cardigan in a junk shop at the weekend, I couldn't resist. 

I was very taken with the green, and the little holes (rather too many holes, it turned out...). There was a label, which I cut out - although a little investigation led me to this site, where I've learned a Margaret Howell cardigan can set you back at least £150. 

Needless to say, I did not pay £150 for this one. 

Fortunately, I do like a challenge, and I spent an hour eating tea and scones in the company of good friends, sewing up the worst of the holes. 

I can't say it's as good as new, but it's pretty, and it's cosy, and it's no longer in imminent danger of falling apart. And for a total cost of £2.50 plus 50p for embroidery thread in the charity shop, that's all you can ask. 

I like to think Margaret Howell would be pleased one of her creations had been rescued from a bargain bin in a small town by the sea, and restored in the company of friends.