Self-taught Scot has designs on world domination as she knits her way to fame - Times Online

I don't know quite how I came across this lassie, but I've been following her exploits for the past couple of years. Maybe it's because I've always wanted to be able to knit beautiful garments and dress nicely? Whatever the answer, I log in periodically and catch up...

Only this morning, while languishing in my lovely comfortable, warm bed making use of my recently purchased 14 foot long ethernet lead and a borrowed lap-top computer I noticed that my friend Jean was online. Not being one to miss an opportunity to indulge in a quick chat, especially as my friend lives in France I jumped right in.

Now Jean is an accomplised knitter, often publishing beautiful photo's of her latest creations on her blog. I on the other hand taught myself to knit by means of forgotten memories of childhood disasters and a brilliant little book that I picked up in the late 1980's in Leeds. To date my triumphs have included numerous benny hats and a short cravat style scarf made out of reclaimed arran wool that used to be my favourite jumper. There is no comparison...

Amongst other things the name Ysolda cropped up in our chat. Jean sent me a link to the Times online article that was published a couple of weeks ago about this remarkable lassie. I said that I thought she was definitely going places, Jean said that she thinks she already has...

Self taught Scot has designs on world domination as she knits her way to fame

Times Online

Certainly, Ysolda Teague deserves to go places. Her designs are gorgeous, often based on vintage styles which she somehow carries off so elegantly. Recently she's been on a tour of America promoting her latest pattern book Whisical Little Knits 2, while many of her designs are available on line, there are even a freebie or two. Currently I'm still struggling to make my lovely beret, but I suspect that it might be ready in time for next winter!

Polly Pierce
Handmade Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationery Made In Co Offaly

Secure Polly...

Jean of The English Armchair Abroad left an interesting comment on my last post.

If, like most people, you have occasionally tried to book an excursion on the internet I should imagine that at some stage you have encountered a well known internet travel agency known as e-bookers. Like many people; I decided to use this company when booking my fortieth birthday present to myself - the famous trip to Spain.

I found the site very easy to use; in relation to booking the flights. I navigated my way through the various pages and was pleased with the results. The price was reasonable enough; affordable at least, and everything had gone better than expected, bearing in mind that this was my first time.


Imagine my horror when; having gone ahead and booked the various hotels and a car rental for the week, I discovered that the credit card payment hadn't gone through and that I was being held to ransome by e-bookers. I had limited time to provide them with details of another credit card or they were going to cancel the booking.

"Fair enough..."; except for the fact that I had used my Mom's card to place the booking and there was no way she was maxed out! Eh-hmm! One investigative telephone call later revealed that there was actually no problem but that they had asked the offending travel company to ring for authorization on the card.

This is another example of how careful the security services at credit card companies are; and I for one am thankful to them. The request for authorization had been sent to the travel company because Mom's credit card was being used in an uncharacteristic manner...

10/10 for Ulster Bank Credit Card Services and 0/10 for e-bookers

To cut a long story short; being a typical Aries; ie a bull in a china shop, I got cross with the travel company; whose attitude I deemed somewhat cavalier. I took my custom elsewhere; vowing never to return.

In doing so I discovered Club Travel; which turned out to be very much to our advantage. Club Travel charged me €1.00 less and managed to get us on a direct flight; which hadn't been offered to us previously. When we reached our destination we were tired from being up early; but at least we hadn't endured a five hour stop over en route!

We had a super holiday, we missed all the infamous Easter Break traffic at the airport and discovered the delights of Spanish public transport, deserted beaches and a heat wave in May! We even went skiing...

Imagine that; Skiing on Sunday morning; lounging on the beach Sunday afternoon! And no problems with my own bank as I had advised them of my intended spending pattern whilst on holiday...

Bye for now,

Polly Peirce
Purveyor of Fine Hand-made Irish Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationary