tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62411785636793519872024-03-13T21:46:25.863+00:00Christina's CreationsThe ramblings of a knitaholic, bearmaking, cross stitching, Japanese embroidering, handspinning and dyeing, yarn stashing, book hoarding, patchworking, dog owning lunaticChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-20708795529100042682009-06-14T12:29:00.005+01:002009-06-14T15:23:00.174+01:00So where were we?I know, I know! I entice you all with a taster of the holidays and then leave you dangling! Shouldn't be allowed!<br /><br />Actually, although I had a fantastic holiday and a well needed rest, I did get a bit down on my return. I guess it's not uncommon that when you do something so different, normal life seems a little flat in comparison. I've been busy, not sleeping well and had a temporary crimp in my knitting mojo finishing the 5th pair of Sock Madness socks so I focussed on other things. I've spent waaay too many hours trawling ravelry for the ultimate pattern for the perfect yarn, began prepping fleece towards next month's Tour De Fleece and on Friday this week, spent the day photographing and uploading a teensy amount of my stash to Ravelry so I can correlate it with patterns and work out a sensible destashing schedule.<br /><br />I haven't really had the time or the heart to blog up to this point so for that I apologise but it does take time to resize and rearrange photographs as well as write a post. As I can only juggle so much in my life, there may be more gaps in the future but rest assured, when I can, I will post!<br /><br />Anyway, where were we? One day into the mega-holiday and still on the eastern coast at Wicklow. We'd spent the day at Glendalough where we'd seen our first "Rapunzel's tower" (more about the true meaning later) at the monastery setting.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgdPv9NmI/AAAAAAAADEs/Ncez0EPyFxU/s1600-h/0001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347145450644125282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgdPv9NmI/AAAAAAAADEs/Ncez0EPyFxU/s320/0001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgc0S0LyI/AAAAAAAADEk/0XQubqga8gg/s1600-h/0002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347145443274141474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgc0S0LyI/AAAAAAAADEk/0XQubqga8gg/s320/0002.jpg" border="0" /></a> Despite being a magnet for all nationalities, there was room and space for everyone and it was a fantastic site for our first day. But it didn't stop there.....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgc_w2a3I/AAAAAAAADEc/cGqxET2Y4_k/s1600-h/0003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347145446352907122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgc_w2a3I/AAAAAAAADEc/cGqxET2Y4_k/s320/0003.jpg" border="0" /></a> After Avoca, we hot-footed ourselves back to Wicklow so that we could visit the Gaol that had been recommended by a work colleague of Pete's. Despite arriving one hour before closing, even trying to rush as much as possible, we still took nearly two hours examining the tableaux, exhibits and information inside each cell. It is an experience I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area as it gave us a whole different perspective on Ireland and its history. To be truthful, it made me realize just how ignorant I was about the Irish "troubles"; how any history lessons I'd had about such could only scrape the surface and I got a taste of the real-life stories involved.<br /><br /><br />Here's another of the stories, as we traipsed the town for the last time that evening, a park with the inevetable monument for those lost at sea.</div><div> </div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgcitWT1I/AAAAAAAADEU/RU2U8T2zhTk/s1600-h/0004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347145438553591634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgcitWT1I/AAAAAAAADEU/RU2U8T2zhTk/s320/0004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There were signs of past conflicts both along the coastline...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgcirWh1I/AAAAAAAADEM/Z4EYv1wOa0s/s1600-h/0005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347145438545217362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgcirWh1I/AAAAAAAADEM/Z4EYv1wOa0s/s320/0005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...And more history on our doorstep, the Black Castle. This is where England and Ireland differ, a monument like this would be barricaded off and entrance charged but here, as in other things, you were free to scramble over and around the ruins. It actually gave me a better respect for the things we came across, these precious treasures left for all to see.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgOZyNmTI/AAAAAAAADEE/ANuBAHSO4aM/s1600-h/0006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347145195639904562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgOZyNmTI/AAAAAAAADEE/ANuBAHSO4aM/s320/0006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Then it was back home, footsore and tired to pack up and head on (after a second hearty "full irish" breakfast) to our next destination, a cottage on the south coast where we would stay for the full week.<br /><br />It was raining pretty solidly throughout the drive and whilst we began by taking the small, narrow coast road, lack of photo opportunities and waterlogged patches drove us back to the bigger, main road. we broke our journey at soggy Waterford.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgOQb81MI/AAAAAAAADD8/kF42po5AMhU/s1600-h/0007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347145193130611906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgOQb81MI/AAAAAAAADD8/kF42po5AMhU/s320/0007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Grabbing lunch (and cake, get priorities right!), we pottered for an hour or so, had a smoothie then continued on our way. Unfortunately, early in the journey, we realised that the sattelite navigation was not charging so it was out with the map I had bought on the ferry to get us the rest of the way.</div><div> </div><div>On later investigation, we realized that darling hubby, on eating a Kit-Kat had discarded the foil wrapper in the cubby where the cigarette lighter socket was situated and in a twist of fate, managed to squash a layer into the socket when plugging the sat nav. in, thus fusing the socket! Navigation got a little more interesting after that!<br /><br /><br />We arrived, mostly unscathed at our holiday accommodation which was, surprisingly, exceedingly chilly. We later discovered that, as the central heating was oilfired and fuelled by largish cylinders, occasionally there is an air block in the system when they're changed over weekly and it can stop the timed central heating kicking in and warming up. Luckily, by 5pm when it was next due to come on, we did get heat and start to thaw but before then it was a bit unpleasant. Not like we haven't had colder at home pre-central heating, of course!</div><div> </div><div>Anyway, I got a little over-enthusiastic with the grape (and bopping around to the Eurovision...don't ask!), and ended up a little the worse for wear the next day. We decided that rather than heading out, we'd just explore the area and walk off the worst of it.<br /><br />There was a leaflet in the cottage about " St. Declan's Way" so we followed the coastal footpath and came upon some more wonderful sights along the way.<br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgOGogzWI/AAAAAAAADD0/a91u_U33zkM/s1600-h/0008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347145190498946402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgOGogzWI/AAAAAAAADD0/a91u_U33zkM/s320/0008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There was St. Declan's well, reputed to have healing powers...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgOK0jfzI/AAAAAAAADDs/owNmE3rtwfE/s1600-h/0009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347145191623196466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgOK0jfzI/AAAAAAAADDs/owNmE3rtwfE/s320/0009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And this very Victorian pile was to mark another spring, discovered by someone (I forget who) who found the waters good for healing eye complaints!<br /><br />In the afternoon, we took the car along the road, discovering, on our way, another source of yarny and knitterly goodness in the form of "<a href="http://www.simplyirish.ie/">Simply Irish</a>"! After a short stop (and spend!), we headed on to Youghal (spelt <em>yawl).</em><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgN6ep3uI/AAAAAAAADDk/2kGB7QBF2XM/s1600-h/0010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347145187236372194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTgN6ep3uI/AAAAAAAADDk/2kGB7QBF2XM/s320/0010.jpg" border="0" /></a>I loved the way the shops generally were little independents, not just clones of the malls we have over here. You were never quite sure what you'd find and inexpensive gifty shops were particularly rare beasts (along with wool shops!) but I was charmed by the colour and character...even if the pubs did look a little intimidating!</div><div> </div><div>We looked around the museum and I gained the perfect baseball cap from the tourist information office along with some lovely suggestions for other places to visit, very helpful she was! Then it was into the local supervalue? (supermarket chain) for supplies and back to base again where the sun heralded our arrival. That was the one thing about this holiday, it rained every day <em>but</em> rarely all day. We'd usually arrive back, a little soggy around the edges from the day to clear skies and sunshine and locals walking along with ice-creams! </div><div> </div><div>Hence we got some sunnier photographs that evening (and don't the days last longer down there?) of the historic site literally across the road from our accommodation....<br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTf8EvfETI/AAAAAAAADDc/VhuDjrsSuhc/s1600-h/0011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347144880753676594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTf8EvfETI/AAAAAAAADDc/VhuDjrsSuhc/s320/0011.jpg" border="0" /></a> Yep, there's another Rapunzel's tower, or more specifically a monk's belltower. They're relics of the years of invasions that Ireland had to put up with, even before the English put their oar in! Harking back to the medieval era, the door was set high up so that, on news of the latest marauders, the monks could grab their valuables, mount a ladder to enter and hide safely within. There are arrow slits at various points so that they could defend themselves and return once danger had passed. I still think the brothers Grimm must have heard about them!<br /><br />This was the site of St. Declans Cathederal, the ruins of which were still standing and this was the shot we would see every time we left the driveway...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTf7wLIZ5I/AAAAAAAADDU/BA5klMyM2ns/s1600-h/0012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347144875232487314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTf7wLIZ5I/AAAAAAAADDU/BA5klMyM2ns/s320/0012.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Click to embiggen and spot the fab. carving, it's amazing that given the worst of the weather it still survives so clearly!<br /><br /><div>Then it was back to the cottage which was warm and cosy....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTf7k_z3iI/AAAAAAAADDE/i5TboRKQe8w/s1600-h/0014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347144872232214050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTf7k_z3iI/AAAAAAAADDE/i5TboRKQe8w/s320/0014.jpg" border="0" /></a> To gaze out of the gable window in the lounge/kitchen at the stunning view...well, it was mostly stunning, it's just this is from when we arrived and it was a <em>very</em> wet day!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTf7WggM9I/AAAAAAAADC8/F76fRvhiy7Y/s1600-h/0015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347144868342805458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTf7WggM9I/AAAAAAAADC8/F76fRvhiy7Y/s320/0015.jpg" border="0" /></a> And that's where I'll have to leave the holiday for now, but be assured, there's plenty more to come!</div><div> </div><div>In knitting, I <em>finally</em> managed to get a photograph of one of my Finished Objects!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTfh5IskHI/AAAAAAAADC0/1Xk3_ujegYI/s1600-h/knitting+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347144430961594482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTfh5IskHI/AAAAAAAADC0/1Xk3_ujegYI/s320/knitting+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTfhc0qD5I/AAAAAAAADCs/CO99RHDkDs8/s1600-h/knitting+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347144423361351570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTfhc0qD5I/AAAAAAAADCs/CO99RHDkDs8/s320/knitting+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's the Kimono cardigan from the recent Noro publication - Flowers. And whilst I wasn't going to spend out on Furisode to knit it with, inexpensive Kaleidoscope and a little re-arranging of the pattern still produced a rather pretty sweater, even if the seamline is exactly at bustline (should have been lower!). Unfortunately, it has drawn much attention which though good for the ego, is rather tiresome when they ask for the pattern and it can't be provided so it has been replaced with something else for now.<br /><br />I'm still not totally in knitting mode but circumstances did force me to complete the back of the <em>next</em> window project...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTfhCyOfdI/AAAAAAAADCk/-SYYAQk6oYA/s1600-h/knitting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347144416371834322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SjTfhCyOfdI/AAAAAAAADCk/-SYYAQk6oYA/s320/knitting.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Knitted in Sirdar Calico, a cotton/acrylic blend, it should be the perfect summer knitting though I'm not terribly fond of knitting in cotton so it's taking a little longer than it should...</div><div> </div><div>I have other projects on the needles right now but that's for another time. Hopefully a little sooner than of late!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-77922137302479109632009-05-15T22:43:00.003+01:002009-05-15T23:07:10.115+01:00Just a Taste....Well, after a somewhat frantic early week and a (very) full day on Thursday travelling, we arrived mid-evening in Wicklow, our base for two nights and also the source of Wifi access <em>yaay!!</em><br /><br />As it's been so long since I last posted <em>plus</em> there's no guarantee I'll get coverage at the next venue in our little itinerary, I'm giving you a wee taster just for starters.<br /><br />To begin with, a smorgasbord of our packed schedule today...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/Sg3jwvA462I/AAAAAAAADCc/ejGc0xR6MTI/s1600-h/glendalough.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336171559897328482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/Sg3jwvA462I/AAAAAAAADCc/ejGc0xR6MTI/s320/glendalough.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />One of the no-doubt over photographed monuments at Glendalough (thanks Nadine!). It's actually at the site of a monastic settlement back in the 1200's but all it reminds me of is Rapunzel's Tower! Being disorganised, we bypassed the tour/information/leaflets but managed to pick up the essential bits as we went around.<br /><br />This was one of the essentials ;-)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/Sg3jwusz0ZI/AAAAAAAADCU/DonjY7g_Qik/s1600-h/danish+sweater.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336171559813108114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/Sg3jwusz0ZI/AAAAAAAADCU/DonjY7g_Qik/s320/danish+sweater.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hastily snapped as we waited for a group of Danish tourists to move on, they actually <em>did</em> the tour! I'm gambling on a Dale of Norway pattern but I have no easy way of knowing...something to aim for though!<br /><br />We trekked uphill some to snap some waterfall shots...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/Sg3joLn33nI/AAAAAAAADCM/0rKyQhSsBMw/s1600-h/waterfall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336171412958207602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/Sg3joLn33nI/AAAAAAAADCM/0rKyQhSsBMw/s320/waterfall.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />(and boy, do my legs feel everry step right now)...On the way back, we discovered St Kevin?'s bed though it doesn't look too comfortable ;-)</div><div><br /> </div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/Sg3joJ94s8I/AAAAAAAADCE/Rbe62LpL55E/s1600-h/st+kevins+bed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336171412513665986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/Sg3joJ94s8I/AAAAAAAADCE/Rbe62LpL55E/s320/st+kevins+bed.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Then it was onwards to Rathdrum via Laraigh? where we had tea (him) and scones (fruitless, yaay!) at a homely tea shop (for that read house....). Didn't stop though, we missed the parking and the main drag was <em>very</em> tricky to negotiate.</div><div> </div><div>We did stop at a wool mill along the way too, following signs, I found some yarn to buy as well. Proves the internal yarn radar's still working!</div><div> </div><div>Then it was on to Avoca, home of the fictional Ballykissangel...<br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/Sg3jdJTeJcI/AAAAAAAADB8/_FaOwqmNYrw/s1600-h/avoca.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336171223357203906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/Sg3jdJTeJcI/AAAAAAAADB8/_FaOwqmNYrw/s320/avoca.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And a rather famous pub as well as the Avoca handweavers studio. </div><div>We still managed to squeak in a visit to Wicklow Gaol on our return then later on walked out to find both the beach and the black castle but more about them later...sometime..........!<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-54796835097549098252009-04-13T19:35:00.008+01:002009-04-13T22:20:08.705+01:00Lost in Transit...(WARNING, PHOTO HEAVY!)Yeah, I know, it's been a whole month since I last blogged and it hasn't gone unnoticed (you know who you are!) ;-)<br /><br />Still the weather has gone through a few changes but by now is heading in the right direction with a few natural prozac courtesy of firstly displays of crocus and now varying levels of blossom. I just had to photograph this magnificent Magnolia bush before the wind and weather took it past its best...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSY7ouvaI/AAAAAAAADB0/SiLCfQPi8bc/s1600-h/blossom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324260141505101218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSY7ouvaI/AAAAAAAADB0/SiLCfQPi8bc/s320/blossom.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Sadly, by this time next year, there's a chance it may be no more. The doctor's surgery where it is planted is up for sale due to a major move to a new puropse-built unit at the local hospital (along with around 4 other practices) and it's unlikely to remain in it's current rambling Victorian format. Still, fingers x'ed someone else is as enamoured as me eh?<br /><br />Anyway, how to compress a month's blogging into one post, hmm, tricky! Well, at the finish of my last post, I was gearing up to Skip North, but I managed to squeeze in these little beauties before I left...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSY2yav1I/AAAAAAAADBs/rp-SJ_XzMtQ/s1600-h/01.sock+blanks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324260140203556690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSY2yav1I/AAAAAAAADBs/rp-SJ_XzMtQ/s320/01.sock+blanks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, it appears I don't have a completed photo (oops!) but I'm sure they'll appear in the fullness of time (after a wash). They were sock blanks which I dyed myself and then knitted a toe-up purlless Monkey pattern to allow me to make the most of the sock's colouring. One day, I'll get around to making those blanks for myself.<br /><br />Anyway, Skip North, where I managed to take a single photograph on our return from the KCG...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSK-7jVrI/AAAAAAAADBk/pnKefdebk9M/s1600-h/02.+yorkshire.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259901871183538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSK-7jVrI/AAAAAAAADBk/pnKefdebk9M/s320/02.+yorkshire.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But you'll have to wait for another post for the majority of it as the weekend deserves more than a single photo (and I need to grab all my Skip North goodies!). Suffice to say, yarn and fibrely goodies were purchased and a great time was had by all. I probably got fractionally more sleep than the previous year being in the B+B over the road from the Youth hostel but was not impressed by the ten-mile rat run over very narrow roads both there and back. Thanks Tom Tom!<br /><br />On my return, I had some extra fibrely goodness waiting for me...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSKmJ8stI/AAAAAAAADBc/Ialy7YrNNBc/s1600-h/03.+swap3a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259895220679378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSKmJ8stI/AAAAAAAADBc/Ialy7YrNNBc/s320/03.+swap3a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This was the second part of my Spinner's swap parcel from sylvchezplum on Rav. She'd ordered these yummy batts and the lovely alpaca fibre below...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSKfHL0CI/AAAAAAAADBU/_c8NB98HB18/s1600-h/04.swap3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259893330038818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSKfHL0CI/AAAAAAAADBU/_c8NB98HB18/s320/04.swap3.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've had such a lovely range of fibres and colours from this 3-part swap that whilst it was hard to find the time to produce the fibres in return, I've had such wonderful stuff in return.<br /><br />Still there wasn't much time for relaxation on my return as the Thursday before the Skip North weekend, the first round of Sock Madness began. Whilst I couldn't knit while driving (darn it!), I certainly did on the long coach journeys between locations (though not in the evenings) so returned with my competition socks like this...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSKbOwRaI/AAAAAAAADBM/j5hgcnybuME/s1600-h/05.+round1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259892288046498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSKbOwRaI/AAAAAAAADBM/j5hgcnybuME/s320/05.+round1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A little extra elbow grease on Monday and by 4pm I had finished...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSKXdY56I/AAAAAAAADBE/c41WFO6sknA/s1600-h/06.+floppy+photo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259891275687842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOSKXdY56I/AAAAAAAADBE/c41WFO6sknA/s320/06.+floppy+photo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And yes, Floppy really did want in on this particular photo (or was it the patch of sunlight?).<br /><br />This actually shows them a little better...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOR5zQxvoI/AAAAAAAADA8/Ti-hutzOV6k/s1600-h/07.round+1+complete.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259606681206402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOR5zQxvoI/AAAAAAAADA8/Ti-hutzOV6k/s320/07.round+1+complete.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Being a wee bit short on the foot, I ripped the toes back and did a longer decrease so by that evening they were <em>really </em>finished!<br /><br />By Tuesday, the weekend began to catch up to me and I was rather jaded so guess what was waiting for me on my return from knitting group?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOR5X-O4rI/AAAAAAAADA0/5yxu1WgsVDo/s1600-h/08.matchless.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259599355667122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOR5X-O4rI/AAAAAAAADA0/5yxu1WgsVDo/s320/08.matchless.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I returned home and there was a couriers card through the door, they'd left it with a neighbour. I went round expecting a small packet or parcel and there was a hoofing great box waiting for me! Some time later once I'd figured out the treadle-attatching and oiled and adjusted and oiled and adjusted once again, I had my new wheel!<br /><br />Not that I've had great swathes of time for it and me to get acquainted but the more I do use it, the more I like it. It has a softer take-in than any other wheel I've had apart from my original Kromski but because of this, it compacts the fibres less as it draws them in and leaves a bouncier, squishier yarn at the end of it (with hopefully mpre yardage?).<br /><br />This was the first bobbin I spun, one of my own hand-dyed tops that I navajo plied to keep the colours together...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOR5YLfmII/AAAAAAAADAs/D3k5W2p4zSE/s1600-h/09.+bobbin1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259599411288194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOR5YLfmII/AAAAAAAADAs/D3k5W2p4zSE/s320/09.+bobbin1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Perhaps a wee bit underplied but nice to spin, even when the original fibre had felted a bit so was reluctant to draft.<br /><br />I'm currently working my way through the lovely batts I was sent most recently, they like to be spun fine so I'm taking my time (in between everything else!).<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOR5K7M9wI/AAAAAAAADAk/9uOy-bhHozA/s1600-h/10.bobbin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259595853297410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOR5K7M9wI/AAAAAAAADAk/9uOy-bhHozA/s320/10.bobbin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There's flashes of golden sparkle in amongst it and I've split the batts to keep the colours together. I plan to navajo ply this one too for strength and keeping colours together. It might take a while though!<br /><br />So, The last Guild meet was 28th March, a talk and workshop on Indigo Dyeing...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOR5O7lZnI/AAAAAAAADAc/8oJcUIYt1dg/s1600-h/11.1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259596928640626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOR5O7lZnI/AAAAAAAADAc/8oJcUIYt1dg/s320/11.1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Thought you might like to see a few piccies...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORd86FUNI/AAAAAAAADAU/Wd1DokxNXeg/s1600-h/13.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259128234037458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORd86FUNI/AAAAAAAADAU/Wd1DokxNXeg/s320/13.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...dunking in the dyebath...<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORdmQQUfI/AAAAAAAADAM/C-fUx1l74Ww/s1600-h/14.6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259122153017842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORdmQQUfI/AAAAAAAADAM/C-fUx1l74Ww/s320/14.6.jpg" border="0" /></a> Some of the tie-dyed fabrics waiting for the air to turn them blue then a second dip....<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORdRhZpzI/AAAAAAAADAE/E91VH_2XnbQ/s1600-h/15.8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259116587788082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORdRhZpzI/AAAAAAAADAE/E91VH_2XnbQ/s320/15.8.jpg" border="0" /></a> ...And on to the airer to finish the process. There were some wonderful effects...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORdQ4b38I/AAAAAAAAC_8/TpTjqYT2_Xw/s1600-h/16.9.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259116415967170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORdQ4b38I/AAAAAAAAC_8/TpTjqYT2_Xw/s320/16.9.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I <em>think</em> this one was clothespegs...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORdN-ylAI/AAAAAAAAC_0/aO_CES2sM0c/s1600-h/17.10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259115637314562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORdN-ylAI/AAAAAAAAC_0/aO_CES2sM0c/s320/17.10.jpg" border="0" /></a> ...A fantastic starburst....<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORJKjenPI/AAAAAAAAC_s/E_0OmF-QCUU/s1600-h/18.11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324258771120069874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORJKjenPI/AAAAAAAAC_s/E_0OmF-QCUU/s320/18.11.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So many pretty fabrics to choose from!<br /><br />Then it was onwards preparing for Round 2. I swatched.....<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORJLlCABI/AAAAAAAAC_k/t3VDhW9oUks/s1600-h/19.+Choice1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324258771395018770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORJLlCABI/AAAAAAAAC_k/t3VDhW9oUks/s320/19.+Choice1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />..and swatched....<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORJBPz6UI/AAAAAAAAC_c/GZaewKM4X4s/s1600-h/20.+choice2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324258768621660482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORJBPz6UI/AAAAAAAAC_c/GZaewKM4X4s/s320/20.+choice2.jpg" border="0" /></a> ...and swatched....<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORI7CVjrI/AAAAAAAAC_U/XNgGZmlFE_8/s1600-h/21.choice5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324258766954532530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeORI7CVjrI/AAAAAAAAC_U/XNgGZmlFE_8/s320/21.choice5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and swatched! All ready to choose from when the pattern was finalised. So which did I choose?<br /><br />None of them!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOQTyTweCI/AAAAAAAAC_E/jjbUTmttdC8/s1600-h/23.Round+2+progress.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324257854078613538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOQTyTweCI/AAAAAAAAC_E/jjbUTmttdC8/s320/23.Round+2+progress.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On the evening before the pattern arrived, I had a brainwave and located my only skein of Wollemeise sock yarn (bombeere) and matched it with a single 55g skein of Posh yarn Eva 4ply (cashmere/silk) which on it's own would not have been enough for a pair of socks. So actually, it was quite frugal ;-)<br /><br />I knitted like fury from 2.30pm Saturday 4th April to find at 9.30pm the leg was too narrow to get on :-(<br /><br />Still, undeterred, I ripped back a soul-destroying 30 rows and started again, faster and better second time around. By the time I got to Monday afternoon, my eyes were shot, my hands screaming but I was so close I could almost see the fiinshing line....<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOQTp5a9NI/AAAAAAAAC-8/1D51WHhOg9s/s1600-h/24+.round+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324257851820668114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOQTp5a9NI/AAAAAAAAC-8/1D51WHhOg9s/s320/24+.round+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />8pm, I snapped this photo, e-mailled it and we <em>finally</em> got to eat. Thank goodness for Indian Buffets! They were still not exactly finished as this time, they were too looong so that was the next task for Tuesday.<br /><br />I came in 5th in an incredibly fast division. I may never get that high up the rankings again, may even get knocked out over the next couple of rounds but I can truly say these were the fastest pair of socks I ever knitted and that's what I will take with me from this time's competition. That, and some more damn fine socks ;-)<br /><br />Of course, that kind of punishment has to have payback and by Tuesday evening, I was beginning with the mother of all headaches that lasted a full 3 days along with stiffness, pain and nausea. I still did my bit at the FACT gallery on Wednesday demonstrating spinning and managed a full 3 hours before my energy dipped out. Still, Thursday I stayed home, the lovely Nadine came visiting with bagsful of goodies and I did a little light knitting...just to keep up the skills, don'tcha know?<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOQTiegLeI/AAAAAAAAC-0/uJEbXIm8e8c/s1600-h/25.sock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324257849828716002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOQTiegLeI/AAAAAAAAC-0/uJEbXIm8e8c/s320/25.sock.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So, the first of a pair of socks with yarn dyed by my good self, this one's been screaming to be knitted for a while now and it's good to have a mindless project amongst the level of patterns for Sock Madness this year. I may cast on the second and leave it as a WIP before the next round depending on what time I have (and whether I need the needles!).<br /><br />As Nadine wanted to learn Moebius knitting, I started another wee project...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOQTQ617PI/AAAAAAAAC-s/TCGFA7qdLjE/s1600-h/26.moebius.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324257845115743474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOQTQ617PI/AAAAAAAAC-s/TCGFA7qdLjE/s320/26.moebius.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Knitted from some pure silk yarn that was a freebie from the previous Skip North, I completed it this morning after losing my pidge podge at Haworth. A nice, quick(ish) project and yummy soft!<br /><br />In between rounds last time, I completed the Twilleys cardi complete with temporary buttons (photo to follow) and a pair of Crofter socks for Nadine (oops, forgot to photo that one too!); so now I need too plan ahead for the next window project...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOQTWPKaaI/AAAAAAAAC-k/o-_tjfx1f0I/s1600-h/27.cardi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324257846543149474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SeOQTWPKaaI/AAAAAAAAC-k/o-_tjfx1f0I/s320/27.cardi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Knitted in Sirdar Calico, it will be a summer lacy sweater (but a long way off yet!). This time, I'm using metal needles (brittany birch and this yarn do NOT mix!) and it is a pretty easy knit but does need a wee bit of concentration (lapses make interesting patterns ;-)<br /><br />I've also been dabbling with a crochet pattern but more of that later too. Round 3 could be anything between a few days to a week away so I'll keep to simple stuff to keep my reflexes sharp but my brain intact! I still have most of a lace clue to knit and the mermaid cardi beckons on the horizon now I've worked out the swatch tension but I'm still lusting after something really complicated to get my teeth into. Maybe <em>after</em> the madness?<br /><br />Today we had a day together after a weekend of family visitations and ended up in Chester where we discovered a food fair...Some time later, we staggered back to the park and ride laden with goodies, a very nice citrus cheesecake plus some yummy chocolate puds, a mix of olives, some cheeses, game pie butternut squash pasta...proabably more I've forgotten!<br /><br />We feasted on tomato and chorizo mussels this evening, very nice, followed by the cheesecake. We'll eat well this week! </div></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-79287394128500260122009-03-08T17:04:00.003+00:002009-03-08T18:22:09.118+00:00Best Laid plansWell, when I signed off last week, I was waiting for the central heating to be fitted, going to be dyeing on the Sunday and hoping that nothing went too adrift...<br /><br />I'd spent so long on friday/Saturday moving, shifting and otherwise organising that by Sunday I was exhausted and as it happened, nadine was tied up too so we put it off to this Sunday. Unfortunately, time constraints meant there wasn't an opportunity today either but we shared a nice lunch and knitted and chatted anyway. I'll try to make time to dye the stuff I've soaked this morning so the water doesn't go mouldy over the next few days.<br /><br />The central heating was fitted with only a few minor hitches, the fitting which usually takes 3 days was done in 2, as many pipes as possible that could be routed under the floorboards were routed there and a very clean and tidy job was done too. They took the vast majority of the rubbish away with them and now we have warm rooms and a swanky wireless controller. I dread to think whet the next gas bill will be but it is a lot more relaxing to be in a warm home!<br /><br />While they were here and with floorboards up, it was not useful for me to be moving about but the enforced stay in the lounge did wonders for my knitting...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9xC7_BRI/AAAAAAAAC-c/7pivKLNB4NU/s1600-h/xmas+shawl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310867404643829010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9xC7_BRI/AAAAAAAAC-c/7pivKLNB4NU/s320/xmas+shawl.jpg" border="0" /></a> Yep, I completed the Xmas Mystery shawl!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9w50CH3I/AAAAAAAAC-U/sgJI_eerdkc/s1600-h/xmas+shawl+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310867402194558834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9w50CH3I/AAAAAAAAC-U/sgJI_eerdkc/s320/xmas+shawl+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9ws3crUI/AAAAAAAAC-M/TSyQOBDX95c/s1600-h/xmas+shawl1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310867398719221058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9ws3crUI/AAAAAAAAC-M/TSyQOBDX95c/s320/xmas+shawl1.jpg" border="0" /></a> It hasn't been blocked yet, mostly because it's so BIG but I've decided against overdyeing it. The gentle sagey green kind of won me over as I knitted it and somehow looked much bewtter knitted up than in the ball. It was a great project to knit and I've even managed to get over the hurdle I had with Mystic star and am nearly on the last (very big) clue! Having no real access to alternative needle sizes or UFO's definitely forced me to carry on with it!</div><div> </div><div>I also did a bit of spinning...</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310866254801245298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP8uHcJlHI/AAAAAAAAC9s/6Ix_ukeDi7Q/s320/handspun.jpg" border="0" />Started at guild and finished at Made on Thursday I really enjoyed the finished yarn. It was fractal spun and whilst the original fibre I dyed wasnt terribly soft the colours were very nice so I'm glad I spun it. Only around 3oom so I'll need to think what to do with it that isn't close to the skin.<br /><br />I also got an extra surprise at guild last week...</div><div> </div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9NB5UyQI/AAAAAAAAC-E/mzad3sJWS-Y/s1600-h/susan+xmas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310866785888946434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9NB5UyQI/AAAAAAAAC-E/mzad3sJWS-Y/s320/susan+xmas.jpg" border="0" /></a> My post - Xmas present from <a href="http://celadon2.wordpress.com/">Susan</a>. They're Fetchings in Knitpicks Heather and they're <em>gorgeous!</em> The metal heart says "made with love". Ttoally unexpected but very lovely anyway.<br /><br />I got my Spinner's Swap Parcel on Monday too...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9ND36OzI/AAAAAAAAC98/NJA8YGaykKg/s1600-h/Spinners+swap+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310866786419882802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9ND36OzI/AAAAAAAAC98/NJA8YGaykKg/s320/Spinners+swap+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My first ever plait of Spunky Eclectic fibre, super squidgy BFL in just my colours, merino/silk hand dyed for me, a sweet knitters brooch with needles and a ball of yarn, chocolate, hand cream and a sweet little sheep chocolate shape that I might never eat 'cos it's too <em>cute!</em></div><div> </div><div>Oh yeah, and by Friday, I had another surprise...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9MwYOpwI/AAAAAAAAC90/v4hld_3zVho/s1600-h/rdodo+gift.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310866781186729730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP9MwYOpwI/AAAAAAAAC90/v4hld_3zVho/s320/rdodo+gift.jpg" border="0" /></a> These arrived from blogless Rosemary for helping her with an abortive shawl project. I LOVE Nancy Bush and have virtual fingers crossed right now that I'm successfully booked into her full day class at woolfest. I telephoned to check the letter had been recieved and the lady on the phone said that whilst she didn't have the booking details, she didn't think any of the courses were full up yet so it's looking good, YIPPEE!!!!</div><div> </div><div>Being a bad influence, the poor woman's followed me into Sock Madness, I don't think she quite knows what hit her yet, I was explaining the basics and she was stunned! I hope she has fun 'cos at the end of the day that's what it's all about but it does make us all a bit crazy too (or in my case, crazier than usual!).<br /><br /><div>Speaking of the Madness, I stayed up 'till past midnight my time last Saturday to sign up and Friday night I scaled the left side of the eiger that constituted the back room right now followed by hours of winding to shortlist these beauties...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP8tq6QSkI/AAAAAAAAC9k/7MHHiwhfS1k/s1600-h/sock+madness.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310866247142885954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP8tq6QSkI/AAAAAAAAC9k/7MHHiwhfS1k/s320/sock+madness.jpg" border="0" /></a> There are handspun, handdyed, dyed by others, commercial, self-striping and solid yarns in all the colours under the sun. I did toy with the idea of knitting all seven rounds in shades of red but I have too many pretty yarns so I decided not to limit myself and just go with whatever I felt. </div><div> </div><div>In the process of unearthing this lot, I also happened upon these...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP8tWY1UQI/AAAAAAAAC9c/MGTb6LI6qaA/s1600-h/Mystic+Roses1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310866241633997058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SbP8tWY1UQI/AAAAAAAAC9c/MGTb6LI6qaA/s320/Mystic+Roses1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Four skeins of luscious Cashmere Silk laceweight in a colour perfect for a new knitalong I've joined, Mystic Roses. Serendipity or what? I'd totally forgotten it and with yarn like this, it's a crime. I shall enjoy knitting this one!</div><div> </div><div>Of course, there has to be a bit of flipside and that is that since the central heating has been fitted, the noise it makes firing up in the morning is helping me to lose quantities of sleep. By Saturday, I realised I could put the timer forward and actually got a full 8 hours last night, that's much better than all week. Basically because they routed the pipes under the floorboards and joists, they need time to bed in and in the meanwhile, the cracks and thumps of the wood expanding and contracting as the heating courses through wakes me up without fail and I can't get back to sleep afterwards. I figure either I'll get used to it or need less sleep but in the meanwhile, performance is definitely impaired! </div><div> </div><div>I kind of hope I've recovered some by a fortnight's time as I'll have to drive myself to Yorkshire for Skip North and I need my wits about me for certain stages of the motorway. I've still got time but not loads so I may need to resort to herbal or prescription tablets if things don't improve fast and keep fingers x'ed I'm not doped up for the rest of the day. Still, that's in the future and with the pace of life decreasing, it may not be necessary. I'm still glad for everything that's happened since Xmas and next thing after Skip North will be the arrivel of my NEW WHEEL! It's been ordered and a deposit taken and I've an estimate of the end of March for delivery. I will, of course blog on it's arrival ;-)</div><div> </div><div>This week I've a dental check-up :( , a potential trip to Stash :) and plenty of knitting...with maybe a little dyeing and spinning too. I'm not doing any rearranging this week so anything packed away can stay packed away for the time being while I recover and get my circadian rhythms in check. </div><div> </div><div>See you next week!<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-79089786199714998342009-02-27T22:57:00.002+00:002009-02-27T23:31:45.717+00:00Gone Fishin'...Or more precisely, gone dyein'!<br />So long as everything goes to plan, Sunday will involve the visitation of Nadine and a little dyeing extravaganza(with a Millie's cookie or two thrown in for good measure!). Blogging seems unlikely, neither does blogging tomorrow so you'll have to make do with this hastily cobbled together number.<br /><br />Actually, I have a fair amount to blog about (if not pictures)!<br /><br />On Monday, a week after the assessor came round to measure up for the new radiators (we're getting central heating, yaaay!) and told me it'd be 4-10 weeks and I'd <em>definitely </em>get two weeks advance notification; a fitter from Iguana phoned and asked if they could come on Wednesday!<br />I was shocked to say the least, basically a day's notice to unpack and shift 2 heavy wardrobes, a bookcase,allalong one wall which involved shoving a pile of stuff in the loft then general clearing in both the front room and kitchen. I managed to negotiate it to Monday but it kind of shot my intention to have a laid-back week all to hell.<br /><br />Tuesday evening, I forgoed the evening knitting group to shift wardrobes (followed by a little drinkie) and also make a major purchase...a new wheel! Well, the pace seems so hot around here, it seemed like the only decent thing to do, that and the fact that to try one out involved a 3+ hour, 3 change train journey costing £70 return :(<br /><br />With the fluctuations in the pound against the dollar, I was also a little concerned that by the time I came to save up enough to buy it, the cost would have risen so I bit the bullet and pushed the button. Damn you internet ordering sites! It'll come direct from America (as they have none in stock here) and will take 4-6 weeks so watch his space....<br /><br />Wednesday was a little less frantic, visiting a mate and a much-needed massage in the afternoon. I had planned to do belly dancing in the evening but as the veggies that I chopped for the soup I was making didn't cook 'till roughly half an hour before I was due to leave, I was quite glad when Nadine arrived home late and cried off. Pete had had to work late that day so I also needed to fit in an evening dog walk at some point too.<br /><br />Thursday, luckily was my big bro's birthday and both he and my hub. took the day off so we went into Liverpool and stuffed ourselves at the Buffet star then waddled back to the car. I even resisted the lure of quality Abakhan yarn!!!<br /><br />Today has been extremely busy with part two of the master plan into action. Hub took today off too to help me and he has been a trooper (with guidance!). At least now it's minor jobs left to do, the room where the boiler is to be housed is suitably cleared and the upstairs radiator sites emptied.We did break off at lunch for a long leisurely bagel and cake at Brigittes so the day wasn't all about stressing and organising.<br /><br />Tomorrow will be guild and we are striking out for independence again by bringing our spinning wheels (it's inkle looming)...it feels very rebellious! Hub is being a diamond and driving me there and back so I can chill out and knit on the drive so any non-dyeing time on sunday will be tidying up the last little jobs (and a bit on Saturday evening too, I guess).<br /><br />Haven't a clue when they'll turn up so I guess it'll be another early rising to sort the dogs or else another plan...still a couple of days to think about it though.<br /><br />Oh, and <a href="http://sockmadness.wordpress.com/">Sock Madness </a>sign-ups start this weekend! March the 1st (US time?), 'till the 7th or until they get enough competitors (200?). The silliness really begins from the 19th...the day before Skip North! Ah well, good job round 1 generally takes a while....<br /><br />Back soon(ish) hopefully after the chaos has passed......Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-49301275293606490182009-02-22T15:38:00.005+00:002009-02-22T16:32:42.574+00:00An Update (and a few pic's too)...Though limited, at least I have a few photos to show you this week...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SaFzUQbGqSI/AAAAAAAAC9M/p7rrpoxKPCI/s1600-h/spinning.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305648627862382882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SaFzUQbGqSI/AAAAAAAAC9M/p7rrpoxKPCI/s320/spinning.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I've ben getting back into spinning since I decided to stop beating myself about the head trying to spin a sweatersworth. Instead, I've been choosing some pretty fibres, the top one from January's Fiber Swap over on Ravelry. It's a mixture of fine fibres and Merino nepps and should be interesting either as an edging to a garment or in its own right. Time will tell.<br /><br />The Middle skein is the last batt from Woolydoodles's swap last year. Now all 4 are spun, I'm ready to knit them maybe into socks. Just in time for Sock Madness!<br /><br />The bottom skein is the latest yumminess from the Yarn Yard's Fibre club. It's the softest Merino and nylon combo I've ever felt and i simply spun this skein just as it wished to produce a lovely squishy, slightly thick and thin yarn. I do have another plait to spin somewhat more civilized but this will be a warm 'n' cosy neckwarmer ASAP.<br /><br />But that's not all....<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305648625388985058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SaFzUHNZmuI/AAAAAAAAC80/n_fuf5DfHXs/s320/fiber+swap1.jpg" border="0" /><br />My February Fiber Swap parcel arrived on Thursday, all the way from Australia! when it arrived, the contents looked like this but when I delved further...<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SaFzUI6ewgI/AAAAAAAAC88/HXm9my8EBes/s1600-h/fiber+swap2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305648625846501890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SaFzUI6ewgI/AAAAAAAAC88/HXm9my8EBes/s320/fiber+swap2.jpg" border="0" /></a> ...A plait of hand-dyed Polwarth and Mulberry Silk yumminess, 5 batts of superfine Merino hand dyed and still with plenty of texture and some cute heart-shaped choccies!<br /><br /><div>The perfect antidote to a busy week, I sat right down and spun in any time I had free.</div><div>By Saturday, I had these...<br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SaFyxmhFVrI/AAAAAAAAC8s/tW470AKkr3A/s1600-h/purdey2.jpg"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305648624497380034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SaFzUD40ysI/AAAAAAAAC9E/nvrSyNswRWk/s320/fiber+swap.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>The top 2 skeins are actually spun the weekend before from my own hand-dyeing but below is the pretty plait, fractal spun. I got 400m out of that 2ply yarn so I'm hoping again it's not too fine for socks. I'd love to use one of my handspun yarns in the comp. Below it is the Merino batts, as you can see, it has made a lumpy, textured yarn but it still has a soft handle. It's much more colourful in reality but still mean 'n' moody.</div><div> </div><div>Knitting has sort of taken a back seat this week, I have done more but as I'm a wee bit whacked right now and photographing more would require trips upstairs to spread them out on the bed you'll need to wait for another day! Still, I can show you this....<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305648629370012834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SaFzUWCjRKI/AAAAAAAAC9U/ugfdiETSZj4/s320/Mystic+Star.jpg" border="0" /><br />I'm stuck mid-clue 3 of the Mystic Star shawl. The numbers don't add up and in the short periods of time I have to look at it, I can never work out quite what's wrong. I'm hoping this week'll be less complicated so I can take a day out to sort things like this out. Well, you never know!</div><div> </div><div>Monday gone, I was waiting in for the engineer to measure up for radiators in the afternoon then on Tuesday I was at both knitting groups and Wednesday I went for a much-needed massage but then had to hop in the car and wait for an hour outside the RSPCA for madam's pills. Thursday I was at group again but luckily the shop was quiet and I spent a pleasant couple of hours spinning. Feeling rash, I walked to my friends and back again later on Friday so it's been good that the weekend's been quiet to try and recuperate. At least most of the swaps are done, the remaining one for mid-march and I can concentrate on completing a few UFO's before the Madness begins. Who knows, there may be a shawl nearing it's completing by this time next week.</div><div> </div><div>Speaking of which (sock Madness), it appears that the start date, 19th March is the day before Skip North so there is the potential for me to be knitting socks whilst I am away. Worse case scenario, the first round is generally slower so I should stick around for a little longer than that (at least 'till the speedy gonzalazes of this world take over!). I may have a wee peruse of the 4ply stash today...a little winding here, a little balling there; I certainly found it came in handy last time!</div><div> </div><div>And finally, instead of the usual doggy photo, I thought I'd show you something different (though you may need to click on the photo to see)....<br /></div><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SaFyhP5BOTI/AAAAAAAAC8U/9yfN83NtI-Q/s1600-h/purdey1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305647751546091826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 378px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SaFyhP5BOTI/AAAAAAAAC8U/9yfN83NtI-Q/s320/purdey1.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Meet Purdey, my bro's cat creating maximum havoc by making herself comfy on our recently laid coats. Quite why she's taken to sticking her tongue out, nobody's quite sure...</div><div> </div></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-21185338692314410512009-02-15T17:39:00.002+00:002009-02-15T18:26:08.725+00:00Somewhat Sleep Deprived...And with no pic's to show you right now but if I don't do a quick blog now, who knows when I'll find the time 'cos the pace doesn't seem to show any signs of slowing up yet!<br /><br />I still haven't found time to organise more woodwork painting yet as we were trying to improve access into the back rooms. The Warm front advisor was arriving on Wednesday at some point so it was up early to get the dogs around the park only to wait 'till 11am before he turned up...<br />If I'd have got up at my usual time, don'tcha just bet he would have arrived early? Anyway, I didn't know how much he needed to explore/measure so better safe than sorry (even if it was unnecessary!). I was warned it could take up to 4-6 months so I was somewhat surprised to get a phonecall on Friday from the surveyor to measure up for the radiators! So guess what's happening tomorrow? At least it's in the afternoon!<br /><br />I guess it could still be a long wait for the actual engineers but one step at a time...<br /><br />In the meanwhile, Nadine's deciding whether to explore Wonderwool as a source for potential new wheels (yes, I know I'm a bad influence!) so <em>obviously</em> I'd support her in her venture <em>even though</em> I hadn't <em>planned</em> to visit (but it'd be nice!). It's still early days and an overnight stay would definitely be on the cards so I guess that needs booking sooner rather than later.<br /><br />This morning I was up even earlier to go to a trade fair! Val had wangled me a free ticket (and transport) to the NEC and I found it really interesting. I got to see a whole heap of stuff that's either new to the market or not even out there yet and some of it might even end up in the shop in the future, exciting! I did get a small selection of freebies and a free copy of the Knitter which was nice as well as some soak samples and for once I didn't spend and money (I would have if I could!)...even my lunch was organised for me so it made for a cheap if long day out. Still, by 2pm we were flagging hence returning around 5pm. I hope I can get a bit of recovery time in tomorrow to recuperate....<br /><br />In crafty news, I have decided to shelve the sweater spinning project for now. I had a pleasant day spinning one of the recent Yarn Yard plaits, a divine Merino/Nylon blend that's fluffy as a cloud and a joy to spin. I <em>may</em> actually be tempted to knit it into a yummy neckwarmer very soon....I spun some of my own hand-dyed BFL on Saturday too and Navajo plied it in 2 seperate lots. I was aiming for 4ply with the new control card and haven't a clue how many yards yet but it sure looks pretty and I'd love it if I could squeeze a pair of socks out.<br /><br />Hubby's sweater has hit another snag; it could be minor stitch adjustment or major i.e. rip the entire back back to the rib. Not like I have the energy to work out which this evening but watch this space. It's getting more likely it'll become a UFO in the near future :(<br /><br />The Xmas lace shawl is getting closer to completion, lord knows how many stitches there are on the needles now as rows take a looong time but I'm only a few weeks away from the finish now. I hit a bit of a snag with the Mystic Star shawl which required a nail biting frog of a few rows to get it right...after trying to fix it for many hours of course! Still, I'm behind on the clues but have started clue 3 which has gotta be good.<br /><br />The Freedom Cardi has increased some, pic's to follow and Nadine's socks have been started so there's a few plates I'm spinning right now; on top of organising and posting fibre swaps to Australia and organising spinning swaps in this country!<br /><br />So yeah, the pace of life's still a wee bit extreme for my liking but it's good too...<br />More next time and photos too (if my fuddled brain can cope!)Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-40939474961994613322009-02-08T17:22:00.008+00:002009-02-08T18:12:22.055+00:00Has it really been nearly a month?Okay, so it looks like I’ve missed my blogiversary again (what is it about this time of year that sucks all free time like a big black hole?) and not managed to blog for a while but at least I’m here now and I can try to do a bit of a catch-up.<br /><br />So, what have I got to blog about?<br /><br />Well, as the last proper blog post was 4th Jan (has it really been that long?), I guess this post will be a long one.<br /><br />First(ish) was the wet patch by the kitchen door. Well, it was the cold of just-past-xmas and Biscuit’s 13 ½ now and has been known to have the odd accident so I wasn’t too concerned at first. I used spill magic to sop up the wet and put paper down then when it got wet again, added extra papers etc. I should have twigged when the spill magic crystals swelled to a jelly but then I had a wad of papers and removed them to find an even bigger wet patch underneath (and dry paper on top) then I started having kittens. You see, it was a few feet from the stop cock tap inside and the outside one was pretty much in a direct line-of-sight to the wet spot (underneath the floorboards) so you can imagine what mental images were running through my head...spraying water and a lake under the house just about covers it!<br /><br />The reality was somewhat less dramatic despite when I cleared the corner under the stairs to allow our friendly neighbourhood plumber access and saw how far the wet and mould had travelled I totally freaked! What he identified (very quickly) was that the seals holding the stop cock tap in place had broken and it was causing a tiny drip that over the course of time the carpet and underlay had wicked to spread over a large area. The patch by the door was obviously ultimate saturation but on lifting the carpet, the floorboards were wet but not damagingly so; a few hours with a fan heater dealt with that.<br /><br />So, the tap was replaced, the floorboards relatively dry but the carpet was ruined. Hub was onto the insurance people on Monday and whilst they wouldn’t pay for the repair, they would agree to replacing the carpet providing we went with their approved dealer (Allied Carpets) and sent an assessor round to see whether the carpet could be saved. That was about a week all in with me worrying this time that they’d only stump up half the cost etc. etc. as there was no way we’d logically have paid for new-for-old cover, had we?<br /><br />When the carpet man arrived (the appropriately named Tony Topping!), he said he had been given authorisation to replace the carpet (minus a £50 excess they’d previously mentioned) and surprise, surprise, we DID have new-for-old cover! The slight downer was that the samples he gave me to choose from were basically various shades of beige...from cream to darker oatmeal. I ended up with the darkest one available which will still be paler than what’s currently there but it will lighten up the hall. Thing is, the hall really needs re-decorating, at least the skirting boards and woodwork overpainted from the somewhat exuberant gold spray paint that I thought was creative some years ago (don’t ask!). Plus the paper really needs replacing below the dado rail where Floppy’s “ helped” to remove it...and painted a more neutral colour too (deep pinky red rag rolled?).<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8Zuix_MVI/AAAAAAAAC8M/GRq-iOFRpzI/s1600-h/before+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300483573839507794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8Zuix_MVI/AAAAAAAAC8M/GRq-iOFRpzI/s320/before+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8ZuhLlZFI/AAAAAAAAC8E/hPQJmnw5CG8/s1600-h/before+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300483573409997906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8ZuhLlZFI/AAAAAAAAC8E/hPQJmnw5CG8/s320/before+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Hence we've tried, in bitesize chunks to wash down the paintwork and key the surface ready for the first coat. Pete's done most of the downstairs skirting board but there’s loads to go. I’m still waiting to hear when the carpet fitters will arrive so at the moment, we have this look downstairs....</div><div>(actually, they arrived Friday with only a couple of days notice but now it looks more like this)...<br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300483034029906082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8ZPH1WWKI/AAAAAAAAC7s/o16SrLbApKU/s320/after.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br />We've put oddments down to catch any trodden-in muck as it's quite a bit paler than before and there's still plenty more to do (including touching up the satin gloss paint that got damaged during fitting) but hey, it's a start! Despite not being able to help an awful lot, I've been shuffling around like a little old lady for the little I did do so I need a bit of downtime before I do any more. This could take some time....<br /></div><div></div><br />Oh yeah, Biscuit "helped"...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8ZPBzXIII/AAAAAAAAC78/pF-DyP7Pm7I/s1600-h/painty+biscuit1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300483032410955906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8ZPBzXIII/AAAAAAAAC78/pF-DyP7Pm7I/s320/painty+biscuit1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />No? Maybe this one?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8ZPJHDT9I/AAAAAAAAC70/z8m-xprSKgE/s1600-h/painty+biscuit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300483034372591570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8ZPJHDT9I/AAAAAAAAC70/z8m-xprSKgE/s320/painty+biscuit.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Yeah, 'cos cuddling up to wet skirting board is the best place to be! When we got back from the supermarket, this was what greeted us and there was a reasonable circular spot coated in black hairs sticking straight out, quite funny really!<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div>Oh yeah and I mustn’t forget my fiber swap parcel, a mix of yummy fibres and merino nepps that I spun up into this...<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8Yqk37kmI/AAAAAAAAC7U/Sv6R3zaWFNs/s1600-h/fiber+swap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300482406170202722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8Yqk37kmI/AAAAAAAAC7U/Sv6R3zaWFNs/s320/fiber+swap.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />These yummy soft batts were what arrived through the post a couple of weeks ago, courtesy of Ghostknitter. Unfortunately, in the hecticness of the last month, I've forgotten exactly what fibres were included but I can remember corriedale and merino nepps, the inspiration being spring.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8YqTQNn5I/AAAAAAAAC7M/laWPwB0h5Lc/s1600-h/fiber+swapa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300482401440210834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8YqTQNn5I/AAAAAAAAC7M/laWPwB0h5Lc/s320/fiber+swapa.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Thank you so much, I'm only sorry it's taken me so long to find camera and alternative lead (as original one went walkabout!)</div><div> </div><div>Then there was the Monday after that (about 3 weeks ago?) when I had to have a really yucky medical. It actually worked out very well but that didn’t stop me stressing about it either before, during or for a week afterwards waiting for the fateful brown envelope. Still, I can put all that behind me now and look to positive things...</div><div><br />Like holidays, totally out of the blue we had a little windfall post Christmas so I’ve been able to pay off the first bit of the Ireland holiday. It’s nice that I don’t have to worry about scraping pennies together for it and at a particularly tough time for many I’m very grateful.</div><div><br />Still, it’s been a total swings and roundabouts ride. Hubby bought a stereo system thingummy for the kitchen but was very unhappy with its performance when we received it. On talking with customer services, they decided it was probably faulty so arranged for a (very convoluted) pick-up which involved more stress and phonecalls to actually get a date. Even then, I waited in all day for a courier who must have knocked on the door with a sponge as I sure as hell didn’t hear him. It was only when I went to bring in the bin and saw the yellow card that I phoned them up and gave them a rollicking. He arrived back half-an-hour later somewhat sheepish and I thought that was the matter ended but by Monday the company had gone bankrupt so bye-bye stereo money! It’s not nice but I feel it could have been worse...losing over £100 is a lot of money but it was from Xmas money so we weren’t left out of pocket as such. Getting a £100 gas bill and a £200 credit card bill did though!</div><div><br />It’s been a right bizarre month!</div><div><br />In other crafty news, I’ve been knitting for my Swap Partner. Rosemary’s now received her parcel so I can safely blog about it. In a bizarre twist of fate, we knew each other from a yahoo group and she clocked my identity early on so it’s actually been really good. We e-mailled each other regularly and I feel she’s more of a proper friend than if we’d been “secret” pals so it’s all good.<br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8YqEbojkI/AAAAAAAAC7E/je6pFmhjmL0/s1600-h/3233616307_35e3f2edce%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300482397461581378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8YqEbojkI/AAAAAAAAC7E/je6pFmhjmL0/s320/3233616307_35e3f2edce%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />(sorry for nicking your photo, in typical fashion, I forgot to take one myself before I packed them away!).</div><div>This is what I’d knitted, a leaf lace scarf in 70% Angora yarn sent to me in a recent yarn swap. It’s lovely and squishy and I thought it’d be cosy around her neck. Then there was the handwarmers that were in her favourites list, trimmed with an oddment of the Angora for them to match. As her ravatar is currently a bunny, I thought it appropriate. Then there’s a pair of 12mm Knitpicks needle tips (as she’s collecting), cute mug and some goodies. She seemed to like it all anyway!<br /><br /><div><div>In the meanwhile, I’d put aside the ambitious Christmas shawl in order to finish Rosemary’s swap parcel and also the Hug coat that languished for some time for want of an appropriate collar. Not any more though!</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8XUQ1D_aI/AAAAAAAAC6s/eQ7FeZKsMsQ/s1600-h/hug+coat+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300480923320712610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8XUQ1D_aI/AAAAAAAAC6s/eQ7FeZKsMsQ/s320/hug+coat+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8XUacrsnI/AAAAAAAAC6k/ZiD423ccyPY/s1600-h/hug+coat+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300480925902811762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8XUacrsnI/AAAAAAAAC6k/ZiD423ccyPY/s320/hug+coat+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8XUYPDLOI/AAAAAAAAC6c/pKj-423PBIs/s1600-h/hug+coat+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300480925308759266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 249px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8XUYPDLOI/AAAAAAAAC6c/pKj-423PBIs/s320/hug+coat+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> I ditched the original stocking stitch design for a more intricate one with a little short-row shaping (so it’d lie flatter) and I’m pleased with the final effect. It’s currently on show at the shop hence the pic.</div><div> </div><div>I was up-to-date with the shawl by Wednesday...and indeed cracking on with other projects like Peter’s new sweater (grr!),<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300481378142535938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8XuvLCQQI/AAAAAAAAC68/sFnGADcJGHA/s320/pete%27s+sweater.jpg" border="0" /> the new new shop project (yum)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300481373126925314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8XucfOHAI/AAAAAAAAC60/CIieFFqVqco/s320/freedom+cardi.jpg" border="0" /> And the neverending spinning saga.<br />Actually, I haven’t been terribly lucky with spinning either, here are my attempts so far...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8XUEVuqLI/AAAAAAAAC6U/Rw1DRgt9AsM/s1600-h/spinning.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300480919968065714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8XUEVuqLI/AAAAAAAAC6U/Rw1DRgt9AsM/s320/spinning.jpg" border="0" /></a> My first skein (left) was really twisty but under advisement, I put it through the wheel again and plied it a little more so it’s less crazy and the second 3-ply yarn I have stuck to my trusty Joy wheel throughout and it’s not bad (if I do say so myself!). So far, I reckon I’ve spun around 400g of my 1600g target so it’s not looking good for finishing on time. Plus what I have spun so far is closer to sockweight despite being 3-plied so I’m going to need a very fine cabled pattern...unless I ditch what I’ve spun so far and retrain myself to spin fatter. The yardage isn’t brilliant either L Nor is the feel, definitely overspun in areas.</div><div><br />So, I’m torn between calling a halt right now, carrying on regardless or starting from scratch again. </div><div> </div><div> Decisions, decisions....</div><div><br />I <em>could</em> just pick some lovely dyed roving and have a play instead....<br /></div><div>Oh, and Sunday mornings have transposed to Nadine’s and lunch and gamey/crafty pursuits so finding a slot (and energy) to blog in is getting harder...but I’m not complaining!</div><div><br />After years of winding hanks from my knees and a three-hour stint with a mate ballwinding a particularly awkward Tencel laceweight yarn, I was left with a deep desire to buy a skeinwinder of some variety. You know the kind of thing, some are like the ribs of an umbrella without the fabric (unsurprisingly called an umbrella swift), others take different forms. Well, I was mulling over the cost when it occurred to me that I already have one! Two to be precise! To explain, a few years back, I picked up these wooden ballwinder kit thingummies, the must have come from the fifties at the latest. There’s a cute little wooden post attached with a rubber band to a winder-upper handle and four arms with pegs at the end and a block of wood that they all slide into...a swift! That entailed turning the house upside down looking for the box it was all in and remembering that I’d bought another which I could lay my hands on easily but unfortunately was incomplete. Anyway, after tracking down the second set and setting it all up, I’m hooked! To wind a skein of sock yarn in ten minutes and the selfsame tencel that caused me all the troubles in half an hour is addictive, as is watching it whirring round in circles as I wind.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300480387828950530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8W1F94JgI/AAAAAAAAC6M/JgBq-6iUoeY/s320/skein+winder1.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300480386263152242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SY8W1AIj9nI/AAAAAAAAC6E/1tffkw_Wuv0/s320/skein+winder.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Hence I have multiple balls of wound yarn cluttering up the living room table as whenever I get the urge, one more skein gets unearthed and wound...I figure it’ll pay off in the long run...</div><div><br />See you all next week...Maybe!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-72521215249357860702009-01-11T18:26:00.005+00:002009-01-11T18:54:28.338+00:00UK swap - Winter Warmers for your head<strong>What is your favourite style of hat?</strong> <div><em>I sort of have two criteria, that which I'd love to knit and that which I'd actually use! The wind can bite pretty hard around here so it tends to go straight through most knitted hats. When I was considering knitting a hat for hubbie for xmas it was an EZ double thickness number relatively tightly knit. Not exactly fashionable but would most likely keep the weather at bay! I aspire to knitting tam style hats (berets) but am not at all sure they'd suit me. Possibly peaked newsboy caps would suit me better but as my head's smaller than average a lot of commercial hats swamp my short hair and make me look like a chemo victim!</em></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em>I have a Canadian russian style hat (earflaps/ties) that I've had for too many years to mention and that generally keeps the cold and wet away. </em></div><em></em><div><br /><strong>Do you have a favourite yarn for making hats with?</strong> </div><div><em>Wool all the way. If it can be felted then it's even less likely to let the wind/wet through.</em><br /></div><div><strong>What hat patterns are in your queue at the moment?</strong></div><div><em>Funnily enough, there's not many due to the first statement. In general terms, I like the pretty lacy hats, the cabled ones and aspire to knitting a fair isle tam but this is about the only one in my favourites. </em><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Muhv/entrelac-cap"><em>This one</em></a><em> took my eye recently.</em></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290105425286428226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SWo62yqQdkI/AAAAAAAAC14/vXOfDmBtjyY/s320/enterlacbarett1_medium.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div><em>a) 'Cos for some reason I've never knitted entrelac yet and b) 'cos it's pretty!</em></div><div><br /><strong>Do you have a favourite handmade hat that you (or someone else) has made?</strong></div><div><em>I've got Wooly Wormhead's e-book and lots of aspirations but not a lot else though I did get sent a lovely lacy hat in a swap a while back. I use it in the spring when the weather's a bit kinder and not wet.</em></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-40624009682655165902009-01-04T19:50:00.004+00:002009-01-04T19:59:15.366+00:00Warming Your Knees (UK Swap)(If you're looking for the weekly post, just scroll past this one...)<br /><div><strong>What has been your favourite finished blanket/lapghan?</strong></div><div><br />Not something I generally knit because it takes a lot of time to create BUT…<br />I did knit up a blanket from handspun. (Pity I don't have a photo!)</div><br /><div>Basically, when I was pretty new to the spinning scene, I bought fleeces indiscriminately. If it was cheap, it was mine! Hence I ended up with a Derbyshire gritstone fleece with half of Derbyshire in it…the thorny bits; and 2kg of black Shropshire that was coarse as dog hair (and not the sort you spin!). So, in a fit of using the rubbish fleece before the good stuff, I forced myself to work through them, producing a combination of black, off white and black and white tweed yarns. </div><br /><div>There was thick, thin and everything in between (I was playing with spinning techniques) and I ended up with around 2kg of not soft yarn. Well, it was never going to go next to the skin so a big lap blanket sounded ideal. I got out the Harmony stitch guides, cast on random numbers of stitches and found a pattern that needed that amount. I picked up along the edge of the last one to save sewing up and the changing patterns kept me entertained until I had a sizeable blanket that gets a lot of use come the cold weather! It may not be pretty (I never had enough to put a border around) but it’s serviceable and keeps the draughts away.<br /><br /><strong>Do you have a favourite pattern that you'd like to make in the future?</strong></div><div><br />There are lots of patterns I like but I’m not sure I’d have the staying power to keep at it!</div><br /><div>I must admit though I've had a fondness for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/psychedelic-squares-afghan-stocking-stitch-version">this one </a>for a while.<br /></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287529850313886930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SWEUYmM7zNI/AAAAAAAAC1w/wJSALwcAfhA/s320/533858718_d7571c7311.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Do you have a favourite type of yarn for making blankets/lapghans?<br /></strong>Wool or wool blends. It's washable and keeps you warm!</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-33348501569757254772009-01-04T19:31:00.005+00:002009-01-04T19:49:45.931+00:00New Years Resolutions...after a fashion!I’ve thought long and hard about this one...I still want to challenge myself but not to overwhelm myself and therefore run away from every single goal I’ve set (like last year!). I also have to bear in mind that I will have less free time in 2009 and that with the time I do have I need to start thinking about clearing space, re-organising my sizeable stash and attempting to get some sort of order for the first time in I-don’t-know –how-long.<br /><br />In crafty news I will still aim to reduce my UFO’s at a faster pace than I create new ones and attempt to keep up with Lace KAL’s that entice me and then suck up most of my remaining time so...with all that weighed in the balance...here it is.<br /><br />1) I will aim to spin 1600gms of fibre in 3 months and then knit a cabled sweater (to be decided) in 2009.<br /><br />2) I will continue to attempt to keep up with the current (Christmas) KAL and the next one I’m signed up for (late January) but not beat myself up if I don’t.<br /><br />3) I will give it my darnedest for this year’s Sock Madness from March given the time I have available...I already have a HUGE stack of suitable sock yarn ready and waiting...<br /><br />4) I will aim to finish at least one UFO a month, other commitments permitting.<br /><br />5) I have just joined the “26 in 26” group with the aim to lose a pound a week ready for Woolfest. With the Wii Fit board for xmas, I hope to get a little extra excercise in and less intake to try and shift the weight. Something to aim for, anyway!<br /><br />But above all...<br />6)I reserve the right to ditch any of the above and do whatever the hell I want if any of it gets like too much pressure ‘cos let’s face it, life’s stressful enough without too much extra squeeze!<br /><br />With that in mind, I’ve done a 50% catalogue of the prepared fibres invading the house in order to find a suitable ready-to-go option for the first resolution. I’ve settled for oatmeal BFL which may well get the dye treatment after spinning so I can get straight into it. It will be boring but I’ve set mini targets of 200g per week to slot in amongst everything else.<br /><br />I’ve been slogging away at the Christmas Shawl KAL too....<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SWEQMUDwB9I/AAAAAAAAC1o/ZZ9q6B2d8P0/s1600-h/xmas+lace+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287525241238587346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SWEQMUDwB9I/AAAAAAAAC1o/ZZ9q6B2d8P0/s320/xmas+lace+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SWEQMNGZC5I/AAAAAAAAC1g/mAHxoL0hP74/s1600-h/xmas+lace+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287525239370615698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SWEQMNGZC5I/AAAAAAAAC1g/mAHxoL0hP74/s320/xmas+lace+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />These pic's were after I completed clue 4 earlier in the week but now I'm here...<br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SWEP3raiM_I/AAAAAAAAC1I/i7fPY5fcAJ8/s1600-h/lace+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287524886730912754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SWEP3raiM_I/AAAAAAAAC1I/i7fPY5fcAJ8/s320/lace+3.jpg" border="0" /></a> ...and a close-up....<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SWEP3Vl96SI/AAAAAAAAC1A/z8zmif5LJWU/s1600-h/xmas+lace+2.jpg"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287524888716811810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SWEP3y0AniI/AAAAAAAAC1U/B0yNxm40UAQ/s320/lace4.jpg" border="0" /> I’ve needed the rest days to catch up but as of 10.30pm Friday, I completed clue 6 on Saturday with clue 7 due today. I do hope the weekly clues are still bite-size as the daily ones are definitely taking more than one day! </div><div><br />For better or worse, I’ve also signed up for Mystic Star KAL starting late January but as it only takes a single 1000 yard skein and is in 4 parts I’m hoping it won’t eat into my time too much. My yarn’s been picked and paid for so I’ll be ready to go when it arrives, more yummy tencel from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5132293">Yarntopia Treasures</a>.</div><div><br />The weather here’s been so cold, we never did manage to get to see the “men” at Crosby sands though it had been more bearable on Friday. In fact, on Saturday morning the sun was shining and the temperature was almost bearable though it got colder again in the evening. </div><div> </div><div>Maybe it was the sun that kind of addled my brain as Saturday was the day I booked the entire year’s holidays in one fell swoop! In fact, I’ve not only booked two weeks plus but I’ve organised separate accommodation for Skip North in March and will be booking Woolfest accommodation ASAP too!(actually, now it's all booked) Phew!</div><div><br />There is method in my madness, we’ve been mulling over a bigger than usual holiday in Ireland for some while now so when the holiday cottage brochure hit the mat, I felt it was time to do something about it. I’d pre-planned a later trip to Bakewell too as it’s a great base for the area and their farmers market is fantastic but when I investigated the single property I’d previously singled out, all the cheap weeks had already gone so in order to get a booking at all, it had to be done now. Still, although I’m feeling a bit twitchy with quite how much I’ve booked today, with only £25 deposits they can be paid off in stages and I don’t need to worry about making any more choices this year. </div><div><br />The Ireland trip is more complicated than usual as both the ferry and cottage has been booked BUT I need to find somewhere for a two night stay on the way down (might as well have a wee taster elsewhere too...) and a B+B close to the ferry terminal for the early sailing on the return trip. It’ll be challenging but more of an adventure than usual without having to rely on a coach company and what they think you want to visit. We’ll be discovering the region between Cork and Waterford and it’ll be totally new to both of us which is the exciting bit. Plus if the fates are with us, I might get the chance to visit <a href="http://www.celticmemoryyarns.blogspot.com/">Jo. </a></div><div> </div><div>Well, there's a lot of pennies to be found for this little lot but if I pay off little and often we might just break even. 'Till then I'll just have to rein in the bargain hunting!<br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SWEP3MPcJYI/AAAAAAAAC04/YN788cV5vqQ/s1600-h/xmas+lace+1.jpg"></a>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-84982124758713979052008-12-28T19:39:00.003+00:002008-12-28T19:53:24.296+00:00Winter warmers - for the feet<strong>What is your favourite way of keeping your feet warm?</strong><br /><br />I must admit, I’m a massive fan of knitted wool socks! I have quite wide feet at the front and have to wear cloth training shoes to accommodate them so if it’s raining, my feet get wet! Wool socks keep them feeling warm and toasty even if they are wet. Felted slippers are great for keeping the draughts out inside too.<br /><br /><strong>Do you have a favourite pair of socks you reach for to keep your toes toasty?</strong><br />(<em>all rav. links)</em><br />Well, I learned after knitting a whole heap of pairs that socks with a reverse foot (purl bumps on the outside) was best for me because I’m a loose knitter and those bumps on the inside wear ridges in my feet when I walk on them lots (ouch!). But of the other sort I’ve knitted, my faves are the ones I knitted this year as part of the Sock Madness competition. The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/chrispindle/slippin-stripin-socks-3">Laceweight sock</a> is sooo pretty (and lovely and comfy tho. not at all practical!) and I loved the paint job I did on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/chrispindle/somethings-shady">this pair…</a><br /><br /><strong>Is there a pair of socks/slippers you have been wanting to make for ages but haven't got around to?</strong><br /><br />I have bought six of <a href="http://www.cookiea.com/">Cookie A’s </a>mindbenders (Millicent, Gothic Spire, Mingus, Rhiannon, Stricken and Twisted flower) and even cast on for the cuff of Millicent for my ma for xmas. When I found it would be too big for her, I put it on hold to do for myself but still haven’t got around to doing any more :( Still, I think they're works of art and hope to knit them all one day.<br /><br />I personally like to stretch myself but at the end of the day it's just nice to get something I haven't sweated blood and tears over myself, no matter how simple or complex it is :-)<br /><br />I keep knitting long socks for other people but not for myself (D’oh!). I like the idea of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/whitby">Whitby socks </a>as a quick knit, I only recently knitted a pair of DK socks for the first time and can see the time advantages.<br /><br />I think those <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/86-15-felted-slippers-in-eskimo">felted boot slippers </a>look fab and a bit different too. I’ve queued loads of socks in ravelry do do eventually but then something else gets in the way, sigh….<br /><br /><strong>What is your favourite finished object that warms your feet?</strong><br /><br />Too many to count!<br /><br /><strong>What is your favourite yarn to use for socks/slippers?</strong><br /><br />I have used both Regia and Opal sock yarns and found Opal a bit coarser but I loved the Posh yarns socks I knitted (merino?), the Laceweight ones (merino/cashmere) and Socks that Rock lightweight are lurvely to wear. I’m a bit of a colour fanatic though so it doesn’t stop me buying new colourways! I can always wear the less soft pairs round the house.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-24178183991460269862008-12-28T15:03:00.004+00:002008-12-28T16:09:54.235+00:00Merry Christmas Everyone!!!Phew! I've just got back from a fun-packed morning/afternoon at Nadine's with lunch and laughter thrown in! To explain a little further, we christened my pristine new copy of Raving Rabbids TV Party which only arrived on Xmas eve on her Wii and it's that (and my somewhat dodgy abilities at gaming) that got us laughing our socks off. The mental image of sitting on the Wii fit board and using your bottom to control some bovine creature that you're riding along a ski slope to a finishing position...or hovering one leg above the board whilst the other one's being used as an accellerator on a driving game whilst simultaneously using the controller to steer...incredibly badly BUT very funny!<br /><br />Anyway, as usual, a little late but I hope you all got nice xmas prezzies and it occurred to me that I'd never posted a pic. of my xmas tree...<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SVeV7ZTF3zI/AAAAAAAAC0o/qiQrqpxCck4/s1600-h/xmas+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284857535378349874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SVeV7ZTF3zI/AAAAAAAAC0o/qiQrqpxCck4/s320/xmas+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> (and no, it doesn't fit on one photo!)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SVeV7BFAB-I/AAAAAAAAC0g/eIrnbFAZeh4/s1600-h/xmas1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284857528876795874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SVeV7BFAB-I/AAAAAAAAC0g/eIrnbFAZeh4/s320/xmas1.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's actually a darn sight tidier than previous years 'cos I got my eye on these red shiny flock baubles and bought bucketloads back in October from B+Q. Hence the lack of red tinsel (need to get some more in different colour) as it's what usually gets thrown into the mix.<br /><br />It also gives me the opportunity to show you my favourite decoration, bought with two others at the Christmas Shop in Salzburg, Austria many years hence... </p><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284857533080188514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SVeV7QvKtmI/AAAAAAAAC0w/7hfL7aTkaww/s320/xmas+3.jpg" border="0" /><br />The tree topper was from there too, it has the words to silent night in German. I always enjoy putting these out, they were expensive (well, they are hand-blown glass!) and I breather a sigh of relief when they come out of storage unscathed each year.<br /><br />Santa may have brought me a prezzie or two, here's my favourite yarny one...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SVeVpwDVffI/AAAAAAAAC0I/pW3fw3MkSBs/s1600-h/xmas5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284857232248634866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SVeVpwDVffI/AAAAAAAAC0I/pW3fw3MkSBs/s320/xmas5.jpg" border="0" /></a>It's a kit for the Hanne Falkenberg Mermaid Cardigan in the colours shown. I was torn between this one and a brighter version but on reflection, this was more versatile to be dressed up or down. 'Sides, now I have the pattern, I <em>could</em> knit it again in 4ply yarn. I will show you the rest of the crafty goodies when I have more time including thr new books, the cute sheepy purse from mel, the lovely batt from Debs...<br /><br />I have not exactly been idle during the festive season, whilst it's true I don't have to cater for the masses or indeed cook Christmas dinner or Boxing day buffet, I put my llimited energies to other matters...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SVeVp3WPipI/AAAAAAAAC0A/wtEiK3PJukk/s1600-h/xmas+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284857234206984850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SVeVp3WPipI/AAAAAAAAC0A/wtEiK3PJukk/s320/xmas+4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...This is a brand new bookcase reserved online and purchased from the Bromborough Argos on Boxing day lunchtime to be carted home, assembled and then the painstaking process of filling ensued.<br /><br />To explain, my books are downstairs in my cluttered (to put it mildly) back room. There isn't room to put an extra bookcase there hence <em>this</em> one is upstairs in the (slightly less) cluttered back room. So, there was a couple of hours of lugging armfuls of heavy hardbacked books up the stairs then painstakingly ordering them according to height in the appropriate shelves. What's really scary is that. apart from the paperbacks on the top very short shelf, they're all my knitting books/magazines with a wee sprinkling of spinning, dyeing and crochet thrown in for good measure! And I still need to track down a few extras...and put some form of organisation into what's there...But on the plus side, when people ask me for a book, I'm much more likely to be able to lay my hands on it!<br /><br />I haven't laid my needles aside during this festive period, in the evening and quieter days with laptop handy, I have been doing this...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284857240141023762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SVeVqNdByhI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/aoNz8db65h8/s320/xmas6.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />In a spectacularly thought out KAL from Moni (she of Dem Fischer Sin Fru shawl and many others), this Christmas special began on Christmas eve with a second clue on Christmas day and a third on Boxing day. Not too big and whilst I haven't finished all of clue 3, the next one is only due today with the fifth on the 31st to give people who work time to catch up. Then they go to weekly on a Friday and it's been great fun so far. The second and third clues had an easy-to-remember repeat section so the charts are not huge but the pattern is still entertaining. I will let you know if this pattern becomes available for sale if you're interested because I have really enjoyed making time for it. The yarn is a much-abused skein bought from ebay, originally in a Fiddlesticks knitting kit so most likely Zephyr laceweight. It was the only thing wound at the time I was casting about for a suitable yarn at 9pm on Christmas eve and meant I could get started straightaway but I'm loving knitting with it. As it's a pale green, I anticipate a paint job at its completion...gentle of course!<br /><br />And as that project's not exactly portable, the Hug coat's at that crucial non-portable stage and the new Galaxy cardi is having sizing teething problems, I cast on something new...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284857245978632354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SVeVqjM0oKI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/IXOHwSoo6eM/s320/xmas7.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Originally a non-taxing self-designed slip stitch pattern that wasn't going particularly well, I frogged it back to the rib and hunted for a pattern in one of my new books, namely, Knitting Socks With Handpainted yarn. It <em>should </em>have been halfway down the leg by now but unfortunately, I was seduced by a two-row pattern that in my opinion is EVIL!!! I mean, how hard can it be? Two rows, ten stitch pattern, I have spent an average THREE HOURS knitting two rows! Still, fingers crossed, I have kicked the curse, I am now on the third row (but keep your fingers crossed for me....).<br /><br />And with that I will leave you for now to return sometime in the new year where if I make any resolutions at all, they'll be alterntive as I'm not sure I've actually completed any from this year!</p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-64259982072714293042008-12-22T22:08:00.003+00:002008-12-22T22:56:36.165+00:00UK Swap Questionnaire 2 and a brief updateAm I the only one racing around like a headless chicken trying to catch up with myself? I spent twenty minutes in a baskets only queue in Iceland today and when we did the Asda supermarket shop this evening, there was still no let up, we happened to choose the till that the belt just broke down on the customer before us causing massive delays and eventually, having to move to another till. Still, with luck, there should be minimal shopping between now and xmas... fingers crossed!<br /><br />Still no photos, what with there being less light about and by the time I get to blog there's only night light, but I'll catch up eventually. Nowadays, it's a pretty frantic turnaround in the mornings to get the dogs walked, breakfast eaten, shopping done, sorting office visited on a daily basis 'cos I'm out the house when postie calls (I heave a sigh of relief when it gets left with a neighbour or actually <em>fits through!). </em>Then it's off to the shop, picking up lunch on the way (or not as the case was today) where I can actually sit and relax and knit for a bit.<br /><br />At least all prezzies have been duly knitted, arranged, purchased but not yet wrapped and I have continued to clear out the corner that the tree will reside in. It'll probably be a late Xmas Eve touch but better that than not at all! Why do we do this to ourselves?<br /><br />Anyway, there's not a lot of photos to show you right now, as the latest stuff is either swap related or xmas related sooo...you'll just have to read the swap stuff instead (if you need to!).<br /><br /><strong>UK SWAP QUESTIONNAIRE 2</strong><br /><strong>What is your favourite neck warming pattern? </strong><br /><strong><br /></strong>Ooh, I love the Noro Striped Scarf, <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/04/noro-scarf.html">Brooklyn tweed</a> wrote up one version, such a simple idea but so effective. <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTtudora.html">Tudora</a> and <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTicequeen.html">Ice Queen </a>from Knitty are two totally different but still beautiful patterns. The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boteh-scarf">Boteh scarf </a> (rav. link) looks a piece of crocheted art whilst the <a href="http://thestormmoon.blogspot.com/2008/03/free-pattern-celtic-cable-neckwarmer.html">Celtic Cabl</a>e Neckwarmer is one of a number of fab cabled patterns. Lacy O<a href="http://oceanwindknits.ca/sectionpage2.asp%20blog=free%20patterns">rca Tails</a> and Anne Hanson’s scarves and neckwarmers like <a href="http://www.knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/japanese-feather-scarf-or-stole-p-13.html">this</a> and <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter08/PATTpoinsettia.php">this </a>and <a href="http://www.knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/spiralucious-p-123.html">Spiraluscious</a>, I adore her designs!<br />Once again, I like so many, there are too many patterns to list!<br /><br /><strong>Do you have a favourite FO?<br /></strong>I’ve not really been a fan of knitting scarves/neckwarmers in the past, the idea of hours of straight knitting without something to entertain me didn’t appeal and if you’re doing a more complex pattern, why no expand it and make a stole or shawl? I have a commercial alpaca scarf which is lovely and warm but during my last cold, I was forced to knit a mini scarf with buttons to keep my neck warm and stop me coughing. Since then, I’ve got much more respect for this element of the craft! Stephanie Pearl Mc Phee’s got a lot to answer for too, with her recent addiction to the Noro Striped Scarf!<br /><br /><strong>Is there a style of neck warmer you particularly like?<br /></strong>I’ve recently found use for both scarves and shortie scarfettes/cowls to protect my neck/breathe through in the cold weather. It's good to either have a button or two so I can get a close fit or a reasonable length to wrap around for the same reason.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-13377468773362022802008-12-18T22:06:00.002+00:002008-12-18T22:55:59.106+00:00'Cos If I don't post anything now.......Life's been pretty frantic at the moment (if you hadn't guessed!) and I still haven't exactly photographed everything but at least I can do a wee bit of catch-up.<br /><br />First, and in typical fashion, what should have come last (but hey, I've had half a bottle of wine at this point so I <em>probably</em> can't blame it on Blogger this time!), My most recent F.O.'s...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrKHQLcuvI/AAAAAAAACz4/phLSH4obztc/s1600-h/pampas+Jacket.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281255738996210418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrKHQLcuvI/AAAAAAAACz4/phLSH4obztc/s320/pampas+Jacket.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Pampas Military Jacket. It's actually slightly stretched on me but it might just be the push to shed a few pounds after xmas (so long as it warms up a bit)...<br /><br />It was a very quick knit (3 days) and is now residing in the shop window, capturing admiring glances and basically feeling a bit smug. We've already had one of the newer members get inspired to knit the pattern so that's good too...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrKHA-u5wI/AAAAAAAACzw/Cxw2xB_lHXA/s1600-h/bdf+jacket.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281255734916343554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrKHA-u5wI/AAAAAAAACzw/Cxw2xB_lHXA/s320/bdf+jacket.jpg" border="0" /></a> ..Then there's the Bergere de France Jacket. It ended up taking 21 balls but it did knit into a lovely thick but soft fabric and makes a lovely warm cuddly jacket. I am more than a bit in love with Natura, their combination of Alpaca and wool is lovely to knit, shiny, soft, lurvely! It also took less time than I thought though not as quick as the Pampas Jacket!<br /><br />Anyway, in fantastic reverse-o-vision, here are the pictures from the knitters Xmas meal, back on the 9th. Just nobody blame me for some of the less-than-flattering ones!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrKHDhSKXI/AAAAAAAACzo/cOUHzzKAz2M/s1600-h/xmas+party1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281255735598131570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrKHDhSKXI/AAAAAAAACzo/cOUHzzKAz2M/s320/xmas+party1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Still, a fun time was had by all....<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrKG1_cMqI/AAAAAAAACzg/FO8uHmuSfUw/s1600-h/xmas+party2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281255731966522018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrKG1_cMqI/AAAAAAAACzg/FO8uHmuSfUw/s320/xmas+party2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Alcohol <em>may </em>have been consumed (by some..including me).....<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrJ0S7NUoI/AAAAAAAACzY/oxQLkFBRdVI/s1600-h/xmas+party2a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281255413315883650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrJ0S7NUoI/AAAAAAAACzY/oxQLkFBRdVI/s320/xmas+party2a.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our genial host (and the source of my increased yarn addiction) namely Val, owner of <a href="http://www.madewirral.co.uk/">Made</a>...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrJzkE6lKI/AAAAAAAACzQ/D20GLhkeZnQ/s1600-h/xmas+party3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281255400740132002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrJzkE6lKI/AAAAAAAACzQ/D20GLhkeZnQ/s320/xmas+party3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrJzEaXxOI/AAAAAAAACzI/jXypzy61MMU/s1600-h/xmas+party4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281255392240190690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrJzEaXxOI/AAAAAAAACzI/jXypzy61MMU/s320/xmas+party4.jpg" border="0" /></a>(did I metion alcohol?)..Nice soup though...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrJzC9R3fI/AAAAAAAACzA/_taUZvKPJEw/s1600-h/xmas+party5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281255391849733618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrJzC9R3fI/AAAAAAAACzA/_taUZvKPJEw/s320/xmas+party5.jpg" border="0" /></a>In truth, around five of us appeared to share 4 bottles of wine (though thank goodness we stopped at that!) so there were a few tipsy but not totally plastered group members that night.<br /><br />It was a great night and a chance to meet other than at the shop (hence away from the wool fumes!) and the food was good too at a reasonable price. Who knows, maybe we'll have to spring another meal,...hmm, what's the next event...Easter maybe? <br /><br />In other news, the Hug coat is nearing completion (or in the glass half-empty theory, getting closer to the dreaded sew-upathon); I'm currently creating a unique collar 'cos I have to add a twist here and there...<br /><br />The xmas knitting list is officially closed as of today. There may be an IOU for the new year and swap pal stuff still to knit but in the short term it's going to be all " me, me, me!" (no change there then!). I <em>may</em> have a new project on the horizon, hopefully a quick one and I <em>will</em> get back to spinning sometime soon...just haven't had the energy after running round like a headless chicken trying to do christmassy stuff and housey stuff and shop stuff all at the same time, MAJOR plate spinning excercise, let me tell you! And poor hubbie has the dubious pleasure of having a birthday tomorrow which has always been a bone of contention as to its proximity to Christmas. Granted it hasn't always been treated sensitively enough and when my dad ended up shattering his ankle one year on that same day, he held his hands up and declared enough was enough! Anyway, now I need to be extra sensitive, arrange an as non-christmassy day as I can get my hands around at this time of year (this time it'll be a meal and a movie, fingers crossed!) whilst doing all of the above...<br /><br />Still, his prezzies are wrapped, card's written and he's booked the day off (which, considering he's just worked 11 days straight is <em>very</em> necessary) so fingers x'ed it'll all go to plan.<br /><br />So that's it for now, lord knows when I'll next post but you'll just have to watch this space...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUrJy6QnGcI/AAAAAAAACy4/OYchbh5sHM4/s1600-h/xmas+party6.jpg"></a>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-71356773392499483092008-12-15T16:39:00.004+00:002008-12-15T17:04:33.223+00:00Better late than never: Friday Questionnaire (UK Swap)<strong>So, what is your favourite winter warmer for your hands?</strong> <div><div><em>Umm, for practicality, I’ve had loads of use from my <a href="http://knitting-up-a-storm.blogspot.com/2007/07/snuggles-fingerless-gloves-pattern.html">snuggles</a>, I like the gloves with just the fingertips missing so I can queue in the cold and still knit. Next on the list to knit will probably be <a href="http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dhd26ktg_5r4nkxz">glittens</a> ....you can see a pic. <a href="http://nuttinbutknittin.blogspot.com/2007/09/turning-mittens.html">here</a></em><em> so I can have toasty fingers when they’re not needed for knitting and maybe a hideously complex fair isle number to aspire to like sanquhar gloves (but a bit funkier). </em></div><div><br /></div><div><em></em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280059821995565906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUaKbuLbo1I/AAAAAAAACyY/Gr4tKWCu14c/s320/1935856602_56a3032d08.jpg" border="0" /> <em>Then again, I could try for a felted knit…indecisive anyone?</em> </div><div><br /><div><strong>Do you have a favourite pattern or finished object?</strong> </div><div><em>Too many to count! I was mooching through the ravelry pattern selection (for three hours!) and found these which are really pretty…along with a million others!</em> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280061095070448882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUaLl0wIvPI/AAAAAAAACyg/8iu66Q8qFUQ/s320/313405267_35a75aa760.jpg" border="0" />(<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/floral-fair-isle-gloves">Floral Fair Isle Gloves)</a> (rav. link) <div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280061098248893346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUaLmAl786I/AAAAAAAACyo/penCEZWeCXo/s320/2124318249_11eed0c66b.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-stitch-gauntlets">(Twisted stitch Gauntlets)</a> (rav.link) and...</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280061105366464962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SUaLmbG5ecI/AAAAAAAACyw/UyydwVp5Zz8/s320/2802174301_2735802c85.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swirling-gauntlets">(Swirling gauntlets)</a> <em>I might add fingers though!</em></div><div><em><br /></em><strong>What is your favourite yarn for gloves/mittens/handwarmers?</strong> </div><div><em>Wool or wool blend. I used Wendy Mode Aran for the snuggles but anything that keeps the wind out and my hands warm, it’s not an easy task round here as it’s pretty windy!</em> <em>Hence the felted versions.<br /></em></div><div><strong>Are there any patterns out there you would love to own?</strong> </div><div><em>With so many fantastic free patterns and my overly large library, I’ll never get through what I’ve got already! </em></div><em><div><br /></em><strong>Or do you already have a winter warmer and you would like some mittens/gloves/handwarmers to match?<br /></strong><em>I don’t have anything specific on the go at the moment.</em></div><div><em></em> </div><div>Sorry for the lack of Sunday post, poor hubbie's been working all weekend AND I've started clearing the front room ready for the tree, not an easy task! I'll catch up eventually....</div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-73343845590892588882008-12-07T11:54:00.002+00:002008-12-07T13:06:37.758+00:00Licking Xmas...one project at a time!This week may not have been the most stress-free thanks to some pesky paperwork leaving me financially worse off for three weeks but after hours of phonecalls and the invaluable help of Wirral Bridges, fingers crossed it won't rear its ugly head again. Still, a combination of that and waiting in all day for the safe return of the wheel has been extremely beneficial for the knitting schedule.....<br /><br /> There's the FIL's Xmas socks AKA Fraternal (or spot the difference) socks...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STu61kpXq5I/AAAAAAAACx8/7ydNUePxIOU/s1600-h/Fraternal+Socks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277016817927695250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STu61kpXq5I/AAAAAAAACx8/7ydNUePxIOU/s320/Fraternal+Socks.jpg" border="0" /></a> ...Mostly because I didn't actually write the pattern down first time round (it was make-it-up-as-you-go-along time) but they look close enough anyway! I think that's why I put off starting the second one for ages and fretted so much over the first one's pattern but, hey, they're done now so I can cross another Xmas project off the list.<br /><br />I've been reassessing the list ( I DO get the propensity to keep adding MORE things!) and worked out that I'm a few short projects away from completion...providing I don't add any more pressure on, that is!<br /><br />Actually, there's 2 more FO's to show you but you'll have to wait...despite taking the camera to the LYS all week, I still didn't manage to get photos...too busy and too preoccupied I guess! So that'll have to wait for next time. I can tease you even further by saying that both the Military Jacket AND the Bergere De France Jacket fit well and will make great cosy winter wear. Thing is, I don't want to pill up the BDF jacket before Xmas and so Made might as well use them for display until then..maybe get a few sales too...<br /><br />Whilst I'm being virtuous about <em>those</em> projects, it occurred to me in a somewhat panicked state on Monday that I had <em>nothing</em> on the needles...Well, you know what I mean, I have at least a dozen UFO's outstanding but most are unsuitable for outdoor travelling or need more concentration than knitting group can stand or other reasons so I <em>needed</em> to start something new!<br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STu61HScx7I/AAAAAAAACx0/IbZxO0eLf34/s1600-h/Hug+coata.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277016810046932914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STu61HScx7I/AAAAAAAACx0/IbZxO0eLf34/s320/Hug+coata.jpg" border="0" /></a> ...And that's where the early up and long wait came in handy, transforming this pattern...</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STu605hpGQI/AAAAAAAACxs/6d8MzsJRH5w/s1600-h/Hug+coat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277016806352558338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STu605hpGQI/AAAAAAAACxs/6d8MzsJRH5w/s320/Hug+coat.jpg" border="0" /></a> ...Into the vast majority of a back which was completed the next day! Knitting's been a wee bit slower since then but I'm over halfway into the first front now so I'm hoping I can get wearing in the next couple of weeks. I've been stuck wearing a small selection of pure wool thick sweaters in the house to keep away the cold and it could be useful to have something new I CAN wear!</p><p>In the spirit of the recent knowledge acquired by the knitting of hte UURgh! coat, I've found a new respect for changing needle sizes to get tension and magically, the whole fabric becomes denser and how it's <em>actually </em>meant to look! With this pattern (common in Sirdar patterns), I've not only gone down a needle size but also a pattern size so it measures up to MY size...</p><p>I actually did manage to squeeze in a few extra rows of Mystic Ice too (though you probably can't see the difference...)</p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STu600-Oa9I/AAAAAAAACxk/nJB17BR06xI/s1600-h/Mystic+ice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277016805130267602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STu600-Oa9I/AAAAAAAACxk/nJB17BR06xI/s320/Mystic+ice.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's been hard going somehow...probably because this is the first square shawl I've ever knitted so the pattern's repeated four times and it makes for increasingly loong rows! The pattern itself is not that difficult but I guess I need to give it more of my time than I do at the moment...and be at home to use the laptop too!</p><p>I've also spent most of the week queueing at the sorting office collecting undelivered parcels, one of which was yarn from Turkey which looked like it might appropriate gauge for this somewhat more expensive yarn....</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277017040366274274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STu7ChS3BuI/AAAAAAAACyE/HSPppvQPPzg/s320/rowan.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>I picked up the pattern book half price over a year ago and when I saw the yarn reduced recently, it set me thinking. Still, at £3 per ball and at least 10 balls (16 for one project) needed, it was a lot cheaper to try this one instead.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277017049490188898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STu7DDSK6mI/AAAAAAAACyM/2jYhbYFkFPQ/s320/Rowan+sub.jpg" border="0" /></p><p> It's a 50% Wool, 50% Acrylic singles spun yarn and the recommended needle size is 8-9mm but it seemed thinner in the flesh sooo...I did a multiple tension swatch to let the yarn speak to me.</p><p>Starting from the bottom, I swatched with a 9mm needle then went down in whole mm sizes so it covers 8,7,6 and 5mm. Personally, I like the feel at around 6mm so maybe I'll try a Noro project instead, it could be a substitute for Iro? Then again, it could be a push to design something for myself...It never hurts to put a little groundwork into a future project, particularly when you're feeling antsy for the next thing. Startitis, you fickle beast!</p><p>It could be a reaction to months of xmas knitting where I had to knit from yarns I wasn't aching to get into but I am trying to be kinder to myself right now, particularly as I'm busy and still fighting off the residue of this darned cold. The Noro stash started whispering sweet nothings into my ear, the Sirdar Escape keeps calling to me and then there's that <a href="http://www.ullaneule.net/0308/ohjeet_taranlabyrintti.html">Finnish number</a> that I'm determined to make even if I can only work out about 25% of the words! Still, I'm finishing the Hug coat first and any final Xmas stuff then it'll be open season on the stash! And the Joy's relocating to Made so I get to spin at least on a Thursday and I can quell those cravings.</p><p>There are never enough hours in the day, but I seem to squeeze plenty out of them anyway! </p><p>Next stop will be the grand room clearance in prepration for the tree...is it really only a few weeks away?</p><p> </p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-60030655693026723542008-12-04T17:43:00.002+00:002008-12-04T17:48:03.448+00:00Handmade Item Swap QuestionnaireSwapping time comes around again...or pretty soon anyway! There'll be some fab. FO's to show off on Sunday but for now it's just info...<br /><br />What kind of items are you interested in receiving?<br /><em>Hat, gloves, handwarmers, socks, scarf</em><br /><br />Do you knit, crochet, or both?<br /><em>I basically knit, one day I’ll find time to learn to crochet!</em><br /><br />What is your favourite colour?<br /><em>Blues, greens, purples, autumn shades, deep chocolate browns, bright firey reds, black.</em><br /><br />What is your least favourite colour?<br /><em>My skin tone doesn’t suit beigey or pastel/washed out shades. Mustardy dull colours, most browns also don’t suit.</em><br /><br />What’s your style? (elegant, traditional, glamourous, girly, natural, sporty, outgoing, etc.)<br /><em>Eclectic! Okay, you probably want more than that…I favour cosy, comfortable items, tend to knit showstopper numbers as far as sweaters are concerned (to indulge my showoffishness) but they still have to be warm, snuggly and comfortable.</em><br /><br />Do you have a favourite type of fiber or brand of yarn?<br /><em>I like soft yarns whether all natural or wool mix, wool is so warm and cosy. I luurve variegated yarns like Noro, Mirasol, Manos for special occasions but there are so many lovely self-stripers out there now, it’s hard to pick a few! Sirdar Escape, Wendy Fusion, James Brett Marble, Opal and Regia sock yarns are all fab.</em><br /> <br />Do you have a least favourite type of yarn?<br /><em>Itchy, scratchy yarn, I’m not terribly fond of cabled yarn (it reminds me of school sweaters!).</em><br /><br />Do you do any other crafts?<br /><em>I spin and dye as well as knit. I have done loads of other crafts over the years but tend to stick to these three at the moment.</em><br /><br />Are there any knitting accessories you are interested in receiving?<br /><em>Stitch Markers always come in handy! I’m addicted to Knitpicks Harmony needles right now, from their fixed circulars for socks to their interchangeable and straight needle sets but they’re a bit pricey for this swap!</em><br /><br />What do you like to eat?<br /><em>I like chocolate (who doesn’t?), ginger, orange, mint, caramel, shortbread, cookies, chocolate chip cake and for xmas we’re lining up a chocolate fondue set so stuff to dunk in chocolate could be good too like crackers.</em><br /> <br />Any allergies/preferences (fiber-wise or treat-wise)?<br /><em>I don’t drink tea or coffee though do have the occasional Hot Chocolate or Twinings Fruit tea. If you have cats and they’re anywhere near any yarn/knitted item you’re sending me, just let me know as I’m mildly allergic. It’ll stop me from smooshing my face in straightaway! Gentle washing generally sorts it out anyway.</em><br /><br />Anything we missed that you’d like your partner to know?<br /><em>Nope, think I’ve covered everything I can think of but if you need to know anything else, just drop me a line. I’ll happily clarify. I love swaps and the chance to get to know new people!</em>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-69229615694295639912008-11-30T12:08:00.002+00:002008-11-30T13:05:14.384+00:00A Whole heap of knitting and decisions pending....Well, this week has been a fun filled fest of steriods, antibiotics and other fun stuff to see the back of a stupid little cold that I plain can't shake. A week on, I'm still not totally out of the woods but I'm keeping fingers crossed that if I give myself time and rest my body' ll do the healing. My energy has got steadily less so that by Friday I needed downtime but I'm hoping that a relaxed weekend will have kickstarted the recovery.<br /><br />It hasn't kept me idle however....<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEPOQFkcI/AAAAAAAACxc/NtpPf6XGfPA/s1600-h/pete%27s+xmas+sweater.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274423510662746562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEPOQFkcI/AAAAAAAACxc/NtpPf6XGfPA/s320/pete%27s+xmas+sweater.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pete's Xmas sweater is now well and truly finished....<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEO086QLI/AAAAAAAACxU/ZQsDdgsVi18/s1600-h/pete%27s+xmas+sweatera.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274423503871426738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEO086QLI/AAAAAAAACxU/ZQsDdgsVi18/s320/pete%27s+xmas+sweatera.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Another project bites the dust...though I DO seem to be sneaking extra things onto the list! It appears hubby's been snaffling my Snuggles fingerless gloves for dogwalking (they were looking extra dogeared!) so they're big and loose on me. Hence, a winter warmer kit may be imminent, a double thickness wooly hat (for both of us to be honest), scarf for him and some glittens. Or even, a double helping, one in plain black for work, one a little more colourful for dogwalking. Thing is, I can't help shaking the feeling that if I DO knit 'em, what's the chance they get little use? <br /><br />It IS cold at the moment, part of the problem with my breathing has been fighting to breathe in a cold house so warm 'n' cosy sounds like the ticket to me right now . Like this project a mere whiff away from completion....<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEDO1ezBI/AAAAAAAACxM/OaEGULA3DCQ/s1600-h/BDf+jacket.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274423304661158930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEDO1ezBI/AAAAAAAACxM/OaEGULA3DCQ/s320/BDf+jacket.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Bergere De France Jacket has been a quick knit and though bulky, it's tightly knitted so will be lovely and warm. I have had a quick try on and as it's not too long I don't have the Uurgh! effect. Actually, it was finished altogether all bar the buttons but I'd miscalculated on the collar, knitted it too long and when sewn, it was loose and floppy rather than upright. It's just waiting for the wee frog back and sew up and the decision over button choice (there are 3-4 options) and it'll be finished. <br /><br />Knitting throughout on 6mm needles (rather than 6.5mm) meant I got the correct width and a thick fabric BUT did take an extra 3 balls in total so it will have taken 21 balls all in. As BDF have used this luscious blackcurrant shade over a number of the ranges, I was able to purchase a pure wool DK yarn to sew up which matched perfectly.<br /><br />After spending a fortnight with an Alpaca scarf wound around my neck permanently to keep the cold at bay, it became aparrent that perhaps a replacement might come in handy.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEDL5IZEI/AAAAAAAACxE/rLuwGE5-FXg/s1600-h/cowl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274423303871161410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEDL5IZEI/AAAAAAAACxE/rLuwGE5-FXg/s320/cowl.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Minus it's buttons, I found a suitable pattern over on Ravelry using 2 balls of Twilleys Freedom Wool which I had spare. It took a few hours and should fulfill the criteria extremely well. I <em>may</em> be having a wee change of heart on accessories!<br /><br />As if that wasn't enough, I got a bee in my bonnet about a new pattern that arrived in the shop...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEDPDWFYI/AAAAAAAACw8/RUWrPvgjhkc/s1600-h/pampas+jkt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274423304719308162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEDPDWFYI/AAAAAAAACw8/RUWrPvgjhkc/s320/pampas+jkt.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's a Military coat pattern in Wendy Pampas. And, yes, you would have thought that after the UUrgh! coat I'd have been dissuaded from the idea but it niggled and bugged so....<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKECwxSF5I/AAAAAAAACw0/6pSIyHb2GA4/s1600-h/pampas+jkta.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274423296590485394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKECwxSF5I/AAAAAAAACw0/6pSIyHb2GA4/s320/pampas+jkta.jpg" border="0" /></a> (thanks blogger!)<br /><br />Well, I only started this onFriday afternoon but, as you can see, incredibly quick knit (though you DO need your wits about you for all the increase/decrease/buttonhole/yoga positions (joking!)). The sleeves may need a wee tweak and indeed, the whole pattern has had revision in light of the UUrgh! coat. Firstly, I swatched and changed needle size from 10mm and 12mm to 8mm and 10mm meaning I actually knitted the size I required rather than the one below. <br /><br />The row counts were out as well, meaning it would have been longer than originally intended so, again, with experience, I altered the amount of rows between increases/decreases so that it should at least fit where it's meant to. Whether it'll actually <em>suit</em> me is another matter but there's always hope! I see a sewing up fest in my near future!<br /><br />I'd like to get another warm 'n' wooly project on (and off) the needles whilst I can get most benefit from it so the Sirdar Hug coat is looming on the horizon. It's unlikely to be terribly flattering BUT will be cosy and comforting so I think I'll settle for that!<br /><br />And these quick-knit socks have also taken my eye....<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEC_1nmCI/AAAAAAAACws/Fmj_bKmNXK0/s1600-h/socks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274423300635203618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/STKEC_1nmCI/AAAAAAAACws/Fmj_bKmNXK0/s320/socks.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Colourful, eh?<br /><br />On etsy news, there's been no dyeing this week, in fact things are going on hold for a while to give me time to recover and review my options. Whilst I do love dyeing, it is a big energy grabber and there's an awful lot going on in my life right now. The reason I may not have been able to shake this cold could be too much candle burning and I can't take on too much at the expense of my health.<br /><br />Sooo, you'll most likely see more knitting, a bit of spinning (I'm SO craving that right now!) and maybe more dyeing once the weather get's warmer. Then again, who knows what'll be round the next bend??Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-63215669469321111422008-11-24T14:23:00.004+00:002008-11-24T15:36:42.759+00:00A Different kind of Fever....Last week was full of interest, a week Monday found three of us on a spur-of-the-moment decision trip to Colinette...despite not exactly having the healithiest bank account! Still, a great time out was had by all, we had half-price sandwiches care of Lyndsey, the driving in the capable hands of Nadine and I provided...moral support?<br /><br />The sales section may not have had <em>quite </em>as rich pickings as previous visits but there was still plenty to confuse and befuddle the senses, we all ran around enchanted by the whole experience, oohing and aahing over the luscious colours and wonderful fibres. I had a wee shopping list for others that took some figuring out (they'd mis-labelled the colour!) but managed to ferret out this from the sales section....<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq-v0pwE_I/AAAAAAAACwk/tNGC0ovjLG8/s1600-h/colinette+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272236042587476978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq-v0pwE_I/AAAAAAAACwk/tNGC0ovjLG8/s320/colinette+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />500g (or thereabouts) of semi-solid Prism to be matched with the grey mix (for yardage). I picked out a pattern too....<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272236036783090706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq-vfB4LBI/AAAAAAAACwc/TzzJgdUM4oo/s320/colinette+2.jpg" border="0" /><br />...Pretty, eh? Thing is, there's enough wool there to knit a plain sweater for hubbie and it'd be suitable colourwise and the only Colinette number he's got...some decisions to be made....<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272236031746484466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq-vMRDqPI/AAAAAAAACwU/dy8xxg0MQDI/s320/colinette+3.jpg" border="0" />Whatever I choose, it's not a total dead loss, I paid ...wait for it...FULL PRICE for these two!!! They're darker in reality, although the colourway is " October Afternoon" I think it's much more Christmassy than that and there's a prectical sock yarn and a terribly unpractical pure silk yarn to appeal to my decadent side! It would be fun to knit the socks before xmas if I have time, you'll just have to watch this space to see if it gets done in time...<br /><br />By the following Monday however, things started to go a little awry...I had a sore throat that went straight onto my chest and later on in the week came up into full blown cold so I've been pill popping for all I'm worth to keep me going (and breathing!) and keeping everything crossed that I don't need antibiotics. At least I always have a pack of steroids on hand so I don't have to wait for doctor's appointments and can treat straight away. My energy levels lasted out most of the week though now I am beginning to flag but it does have its advantages....</p><div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq7kHeiqpI/AAAAAAAACwM/-JXZrKEXLME/s1600-h/gladys+waistcoat2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272232542947420818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq7kHeiqpI/AAAAAAAACwM/-JXZrKEXLME/s320/gladys+waistcoat2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...For example, the MIL waistcoat got sewn up, buttoned and de-haired (darn dogs!) and is now displayed in the shop window....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq7jtu58ZI/AAAAAAAACwE/1CuOR3coluw/s1600-h/gladys+waistcoat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272232536036733330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq7jtu58ZI/AAAAAAAACwE/1CuOR3coluw/s320/gladys+waistcoat.jpg" border="0" /></a> Where it will not accrue further dog hairs! </div><div>I've been busy knitting the sleeves on Hubbie's Sweater too and finished the second one on Saturday....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq7i2a94MI/AAAAAAAACv8/wLu_Y8lZBGs/s1600-h/pete%27s+xmas+sweater.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272232521189155010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq7i2a94MI/AAAAAAAACv8/wLu_Y8lZBGs/s320/pete%27s+xmas+sweater.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />....Now I just need a hubbie-free slot to pick up and rib the neckline and sew in the ends and another xmas project bites the dust!<br /><br />The Bergere De France Jacket has been increasing slowly, not so much lack of energy or enthusiasm but time! Still, it's a reasonably quick knit so a few hours here and there does make a good impact.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq7ia0Ry0I/AAAAAAAACv0/-rBi3zwoHco/s1600-h/bdf+jacket.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272232513779125058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq7ia0Ry0I/AAAAAAAACv0/-rBi3zwoHco/s320/bdf+jacket.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />If I had one criticism, it'd be the slight inconsistencies in the pattern and the order of certain sentences that would benefit from a slight re-jig. It's nothing that a intermediate knitter or better wouldn't spot but it does take more than a cursory glance to take in all the information needed e.g. slipping 1st sts one either side for neatness AND counting for the vertical buttonholes as well as patterning the front...</div><div> </div><div>On the plus side, it's knitting into quite a tight knit, cushy fabric and whilst I suspect it will pill easily, I think it will be lovely and warm and it looks fantastic. Being a blend of 50% Alpaca and 50% Wool, it feels rich and soft and I bet would felt beautifully. It's a good price too!<br /><br />And Monday also held the first clue of Mystic Ice....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq7hh9MybI/AAAAAAAACvs/pT4YgcKdufU/s1600-h/mystic+ice+pt1+a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272232498515724722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSq7hh9MybI/AAAAAAAACvs/pT4YgcKdufU/s320/mystic+ice+pt1+a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Being a totalo masochist (of course!) I decided to go for the square shawl so each line is repeated four times which means that, as yet, I haven't actually completed clue 1; though I am around line 51! In typical fashion, when I picked this up to photograph it, a pile of stitches flew off the needles (aargh!) which I've mostly picked up but will take my attention shortly to repair it.</div><div> </div><div>Although it doesn't show terribly well on the background, I'm liking how the pale patterned yarn is not detracting from the pattern. I still have the original yarn recommended which I showed you last post and will no doubt knit something pretty by and by but this colour spoke more of iciness and cold to me at least.</div><div> </div><div>No photo but the FIL sock 1 has been completed, I have started the second leg and am trying to translate the pattern on the first as i didn't actually write it down but made it up as I went along, D'oh! Still, I will muddle on and woorst case, they'll be fraternal, not exactly identical but close enough!</div><div> </div><div>The Etsy shop has been ticking along nicely, I posted another parcel out today and I would like to get another small update in towards the beginning of December in case people are looking for prezzies (or a pick-me-up!) but it'll be totally dependent on time and energy reserves so I'll just keep the blog informed if/when anything changes. I do have some fabbo ideas though!</div><div> </div><div>Well, as I'm typing, the chancellor's giving his pre-budget report so let's keep fingers crossed that there'll be a few sweeteners to free up a little cash. I am only glad that we're pretty loan and credit card phobic or things could be really nasty. Hang on in there, folks (and keep knitting those sweaters!).</div><div> </div><div>See you soon.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-59987829543627800792008-11-16T18:18:00.008+00:002008-11-16T19:45:16.339+00:00Another fortnight, an update and knitting fever!Well, I <em>think </em>I've got the hang of Blogger's new picture ordering...<br /><br />Sooo, I can get on with the mega catch-up since last posting. Basically, poor hubbie's been working 2 Saturdays now so last Sunday we had the meet-up a day late (hence no blog) but this weekend we've had a catch-up instead so here I am!<br /><br />First, a FO...Or should I say a Uuurgh FO?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBmWa2VcNI/AAAAAAAACvk/nMzfvAOh3Qc/s1600-h/1+urrgh+coat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269324099373854930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBmWa2VcNI/AAAAAAAACvk/nMzfvAOh3Qc/s320/1+urrgh+coat.jpg" border="0" /></a> I finally completed the Wendy Pampas coat and can I say it's beautiful?....Just not on me!<br />The buttons (shown by the needle tips) <em>should</em> start at the bustline...instead, they start just where I want to move the eye away from, namely my stomach! Then there's the overall thickness of the coat over my shapely hips and the overall look is HUGE! At least my legs look sticklike!<br /><br />There is a positive ending to this story...Just because it doesn't suit me doesn't mean it's not beautiful and so now we're finding it a lovely new home...and raising money for charity too! The coat is in the window of <a href="http://www.madewirral.co.uk/">Made</a> and we're having a week-long auction with the highest bidder at the end walking away with it. And any money raised will swell the Children in Need coffers a week late so it's a success story all round. Fingers crossed we get a reasonable amount.<br /><br />After all, the original yarn was gifted from Linda's stash so it seems only fitting that any proceeds go to a children's charity.<br /><br />I got some more of my swap-bot swaps...this one was the yarn and chocolate swap. Guess what I got?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBmJ2nxCqI/AAAAAAAACvc/vc2bxebggeM/s1600-h/1+yarn+swap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323883490642594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBmJ2nxCqI/AAAAAAAACvc/vc2bxebggeM/s320/1+yarn+swap.jpg" border="0" /></a> 2 Balls of lovely soft fluffy angora yarn and a slightly squished but nonetheless the worse for wear bar of Lindor chocolate. I might have partaken of a piece already and it's yummy! We have Lindor chocolates here but not in bar form, thank you so much pearlie!<br /><br />I have made use of the free time on Saturdays to get fibrey goodness ready for todays update....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBmJkFnO6I/AAAAAAAACvU/i8FNP6kgYQQ/s1600-h/1a+etsy+stuff.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323878515555234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBmJkFnO6I/AAAAAAAACvU/i8FNP6kgYQQ/s320/1a+etsy+stuff.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There's more of that if you scroll down and even more to be listed midweek once the roving's dry.</div><div> </div><div>I got my yarn through midweek ready for tomorrow's Mystic Ice knitalong start....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBmJW5zwNI/AAAAAAAACvM/55eYTbwceLo/s1600-h/2+mystic+ice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323874976383186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBmJW5zwNI/AAAAAAAACvM/55eYTbwceLo/s320/2+mystic+ice.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />2 skeins of 10/2 Tencel in New York and 2 in Silk Socks, handdyed especially for me! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5132293">Tammy<br /></a>even ballwound 2 of the skeins at no extra cost just because of a little wait! Thank you! The Tencel yarn is a little harder than I'd envisaged, i.e. more tightly spun so it will wear well and I'm interested to see how it will wash and block. It'll be another case of watch this space!</div><div> </div><div>There is another FO to show you, sorry the pic's so lousy....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBmJLrCQrI/AAAAAAAACvE/9Z9WJbDX8QA/s1600-h/5+xmas+knitting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323871961629362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBmJLrCQrI/AAAAAAAACvE/9Z9WJbDX8QA/s320/5+xmas+knitting.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So mum's Xmas knitting is now sorted, these long socks will certainly keep her warm! Actually, it's been a busy knitting fortnight, After Nadine crocheted the snowflakes for my swap, I knitted a little something else so I'll be able to get these in the post by midweek at the latest. I hope they like them! This is for the knitted Xmas ornament swap and I've had one through already but it went walkabout before I took a photo.! Never mind, it'll save for next time.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlua4ZQ-I/AAAAAAAACu8/43ySrdYWdYg/s1600-h/3+ornament+swap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323412187726818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlua4ZQ-I/AAAAAAAACu8/43ySrdYWdYg/s320/3+ornament+swap.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've <em>finally </em>got back to knitting the made-up socks too....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBluR4j4LI/AAAAAAAACu0/VTUptisxxYc/s1600-h/4+xmas+knitting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323409772503218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBluR4j4LI/AAAAAAAACu0/VTUptisxxYc/s320/4+xmas+knitting.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />These will become Xmas socks for my FIL, hence another UFO completed <em>and</em> Xmas knitting to boot!<br /></div><div>I have been knitting a wee projectette for myself as well, I kind of fell in love with this one, particularly when I saw the yarn....<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323403510048594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlt6jeZ1I/AAAAAAAACus/qSlG-OW5PiE/s320/7+my+xmas+knitting.jpg" border="0" />So far, I've completed the unpatterened back and am nearly finished on the first front. It knits up quite quickly on 6mm needles (originally it should have been 6.5mm) though it's a tight knit fabric.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlt5rH4DI/AAAAAAAACuk/HX7Z8tbg_Ew/s1600-h/6+my+xmas+knitting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323403273691186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlt5rH4DI/AAAAAAAACuk/HX7Z8tbg_Ew/s320/6+my+xmas+knitting.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />If it's finished before xmas, it'll probably go on display in the shop to save me getting it all bitty before the main event. Dual purpose then!</div><div> </div><div>Out of someone's field of vision, I've also been knitting this...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBltfJmwAI/AAAAAAAACuc/VG2-TRcP8aw/s1600-h/8+xmas+knitting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323396153786370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBltfJmwAI/AAAAAAAACuc/VG2-TRcP8aw/s320/8+xmas+knitting.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It's from a pattern in Son of a Stitch and Bitch but whilst the original used Silk Garden and Baby Alpaca (mega bucks), his uses humble Marble DK (acrylic) and Wendy Mode (50% Merino, 50% Acrylic) so it costs a fraction of the price and will wear a darn sight better too! </div><div> </div><div>I love the way this has knitted up, the body, knitted in the round only took a week and now I only need to pick up the armholes and knit downwards to complete it...once I get the correct needle tips on the cord!<br /><br />Anyway, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6123039">shop goodies</a>, wanna see some fibre pr0n? Actually, some of these haven't even hit the shop yet as they'll be added on Wednesday, so it's a kind of teaser too....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlX5hYfDI/AAAAAAAACuU/oMs6Ou1J55E/s1600-h/13+etsy+batts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323025275714610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlX5hYfDI/AAAAAAAACuU/oMs6Ou1J55E/s320/13+etsy+batts.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlXbNDlTI/AAAAAAAACuM/zK5_EckxltQ/s1600-h/12+etsy+batts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323017137394994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlXbNDlTI/AAAAAAAACuM/zK5_EckxltQ/s320/12+etsy+batts.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So far, there are 2 lots of batts, only the second (Blackberry fusion) is up so far as I need to drumcard one more. There's no telling if others will creep in by midweek, time permitting!<br /><br /><br />There's yarny goodness too, made into longer-than-usual skeins for longer colour striping</div><div>...<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlWwEmW3I/AAAAAAAACuE/Jhyzwi4JnDM/s1600-h/11a+etsy+hydrangea.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323005559200626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlWwEmW3I/AAAAAAAACuE/Jhyzwi4JnDM/s320/11a+etsy+hydrangea.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This one's called Hydrangea....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlW6hCLOI/AAAAAAAACt8/G9c1YYNkcEs/s1600-h/10a+etsy+smouldering+embers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323008362818786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlW6hCLOI/AAAAAAAACt8/G9c1YYNkcEs/s320/10a+etsy+smouldering+embers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This one never made it to the shop as it's only 80g so it's mine all mine! It shades from darkest green through a range of reds to inky purple black, can you imagine how those socks will turn out?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlWdCxFmI/AAAAAAAACt0/x0vFPf9Pmvw/s1600-h/9a+etsy+forest+floor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323000451241570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBlWdCxFmI/AAAAAAAACt0/x0vFPf9Pmvw/s320/9a+etsy+forest+floor.jpg" border="0" /></a> After the problems with the last update and the "fake" merino, I had to revisit Forest canopy again...<br /><br />This one's primed for wednesday, a multi-hued combination of blues in squishy soft Corriedale<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBk-GBg4CI/AAAAAAAACts/lr7LgAx56wY/s1600-h/22+etsy+roving+blue+moon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269322581955108898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBk-GBg4CI/AAAAAAAACts/lr7LgAx56wY/s320/22+etsy+roving+blue+moon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Another "Singin' the blues" maybe?<br /><br />And these are my foray into Mawata pure silk squares......<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBk9-t7TfI/AAAAAAAACtk/tnYCWWnPNHY/s1600-h/18+etsy+silk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269322579993906674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBk9-t7TfI/AAAAAAAACtk/tnYCWWnPNHY/s320/18+etsy+silk.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBk9YoTmRI/AAAAAAAACtc/OYSCoRl19X8/s1600-h/15+etsy+silk+moonlight+reflection.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269322569769785618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBk9YoTmRI/AAAAAAAACtc/OYSCoRl19X8/s320/15+etsy+silk+moonlight+reflection.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBk9da2pTI/AAAAAAAACtU/_D8GeMjfdLU/s1600-h/17+etsy+silk+autumn+rose.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269322571055539506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBk9da2pTI/AAAAAAAACtU/_D8GeMjfdLU/s320/17+etsy+silk+autumn+rose.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBk9BFUPzI/AAAAAAAACtM/TtgThxOiesM/s1600-h/20+etsy+silk+starburst.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269322563449012018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBk9BFUPzI/AAAAAAAACtM/TtgThxOiesM/s320/20+etsy+silk+starburst.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Pretty? It was great fun dyeing these and I bet they'll spin up into really interesting yarns. I may have waylaid an odd set for myself....</div><div> </div><div>These will also be appearing on Wednesday, fresh from the dyepot some lovely, squidgy Bluefaced Leicester....<br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBkngLXtbI/AAAAAAAACtE/G4w7oCInM40/s1600-h/26+etsy+bfl+roving+wildflowers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269322193838781874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBkngLXtbI/AAAAAAAACtE/G4w7oCInM40/s320/26+etsy+bfl+roving+wildflowers.jpg" border="0" /></a> "Wild Flowers"<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBknREHT5I/AAAAAAAACs8/rT1rLdj0sdM/s1600-h/25+etsy+bfl+roving+sweet+stuff.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269322189781815186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBknREHT5I/AAAAAAAACs8/rT1rLdj0sdM/s320/25+etsy+bfl+roving+sweet+stuff.jpg" border="0" /></a> " Sweet Stuff"<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBknX9D8iI/AAAAAAAACs0/tHGfkzMH5oA/s1600-h/24+etsy+bfl+roving+rosy+bouquet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269322191631282722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBknX9D8iI/AAAAAAAACs0/tHGfkzMH5oA/s320/24+etsy+bfl+roving+rosy+bouquet.jpg" border="0" /></a> " Rosy bouquet"<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBkmykYZUI/AAAAAAAACss/G5Zg7d-Qy3c/s1600-h/23+etsy+bfl+roving+iris.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269322181595653442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBkmykYZUI/AAAAAAAACss/G5Zg7d-Qy3c/s320/23+etsy+bfl+roving+iris.jpg" border="0" /></a> " Iris" (I can see this one appearing in differemnt variants, it's a particular favourite of mine!</div><div>And finally...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBkm_-lYEI/AAAAAAAACsk/k7Q0_1tWTDQ/s1600-h/27+etsy+bfl+roving+study+in.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269322185195216962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SSBkm_-lYEI/AAAAAAAACsk/k7Q0_1tWTDQ/s320/27+etsy+bfl+roving+study+in.jpg" border="0" /></a>" Study in Purple", shading from pinky-purples to bluey purples with bits of other stuff chucked in for good measure! </div><div> </div><div>Once they're dry, I can weigh them and price accordingly, hence the Wednesday listing! Posting will be Wednesday too this week so I'll be busy!</div><div> </div><div>With a trip to Colinette on the cards for tomorrow and a larger role for me at Made, I won't have a chance before. Still, it's all good fun!</div><div> </div><div>Until next time....</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-33045871499145123912008-11-02T11:42:00.005+00:002008-11-02T13:24:35.457+00:00Not the sharpest tool in the box...I was just about to start <em>this post</em> when I realized Blogger had screwed up big time <em>last post</em> ...I was so spaced and time constrained or I would have spotted it. Still, it's fixed now and I'm keeping this one simple 'cos I've not had the best of weeks energy wise and this weekend's been a doozy. Still, silver lining, I've knitting to show you...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264024542040793218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQ2SblVHoII/AAAAAAAACsM/qVOTrlsdgT0/s320/mum%27s+socks.jpg" border="0" /><br />I've finished the first of mum's looong socks and in daylight hours (I learnt my lesson on that one!), I've been working on the second. Being ribbed, they're really stretchy hence nothing like as skinny as they look.<br /><br />I've been good too, a few weeks ago I got all my UFO's together and wrote 'em all down so anytime I get a dose of realism (not too often), I can reach for one and do a bit more. Well, after the holidays, I got the urge to root one out...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264024548225010354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQ2Sb8XjSrI/AAAAAAAACsU/s_fvMwzEIHk/s320/pampas+coat+in+progress.jpg" border="0" /><br />I gave up on the Pampas coat when I couldn't focus on the cable pattern, side shaping and measuring whilst at knitting group so, after a reasonable frog of one front, I've spent most evenings knitting and here's the result. I've now completed both fronts (without mistakes!), one sleeve and I'm not far of completing the second. In practical terms, it <em>is</em> a quick knit providing you can give it a reasonable chunk of your attention. I've passed the duplicate pattern fob another knitter so there may be another on the horizon soon. With a little luck, I'll be sewing up today or tomorrow and I'll be looking for another neglected project by mid-week.<br /><br />I am being seduced over to the other side too....<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQ2ScnP5KzI/AAAAAAAACsc/C6QAnYYg3MU/s1600-h/crochet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264024559735614258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQ2ScnP5KzI/AAAAAAAACsc/C6QAnYYg3MU/s320/crochet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I joined a few swaps over on swap-bot recently and had a brainwave to both knit <em>and</em> crochet a xmas ornament. I enlisted the help of Nadine from knitting group who volunteered to show me what to do...In typical fashion I'd not only snapped the thumbnail but also the middle fingernail on my left hand extremely short and as both digits were needed to hold the slipknot, it meant I was somewhat stymied! <br /><br />Still, they are getting less painful now so I'm hoping that by mid-week I'll be fit to hook. To be honest, watching the things Nadine produces has kind of swung me in favour of the hooky stick so maybe I'll have a dabble and see whether it suits me or not. I do have a heap of patterns all queued if I do.....<br /><br />I'm afraid the timetable's somewhat slipping as regards to dyeing and etsy updates. I did manage one fleece dyeing session but there's loads to do and I can't push myself right now so I'm putting the next update on hold for a couple of weeks. It'll be all the better for it 'cos I put my heart and soul into my dyeing and half-hearted attempts never come out as well. I have grand plans and I want to live up to them. I'll update on the blog as and when I'm ready.<br /><br />Ah well, better get back to the knitting....Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-13763721125247422842008-10-26T11:48:00.006+00:002008-11-02T12:29:30.615+00:00Holidays, Spending sprees and Swaps (and an FO or two!)The week away was definitely needed...I hadn't realised how wound up I was and it took a couple of days to even <em>feel</em> like I was on holiday! Still, the weather was on the whole good (only an afternoon of drizzle throughout); we thoroughly did the local attractions....<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRtZw1NkaI/AAAAAAAACsE/q9TMs6ZqVhg/s1600-h/whitby+abbey+(wednesday).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261450554047828386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRtZw1NkaI/AAAAAAAACsE/q9TMs6ZqVhg/s320/whitby+abbey+(wednesday).jpg" border="0" /></a> ...Whitby Abbey....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRtZqbxfeI/AAAAAAAACr8/5T1qnWcc6wg/s1600-h/whitby+scarborough+view.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261450552330517986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRtZqbxfeI/AAAAAAAACr8/5T1qnWcc6wg/s320/whitby+scarborough+view.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />....Scarborough (that was the drizzly day)....</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRtZUdmm3I/AAAAAAAACr0/RgP3fvjq7Xg/s1600-h/whitby+view+(sunday).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261450546432613234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRtZUdmm3I/AAAAAAAACr0/RgP3fvjq7Xg/s320/whitby+view+(sunday).jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...We stayed close to home a lot of the time...well, when this is the view from the window of your flat....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRtZCnR5yI/AAAAAAAACrs/8Stn6TXRLIo/s1600-h/whitby+train+(sunday).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261450541641361186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRtZCnR5yI/AAAAAAAACrs/8Stn6TXRLIo/s320/whitby+train+(sunday).jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...And you get to see steam trains passing at (relatively) recent intervals....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRtY-kzL6I/AAAAAAAACrk/8t0qqa-a3d0/s1600-h/dusk+in+whitby.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261450540557217698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRtY-kzL6I/AAAAAAAACrk/8t0qqa-a3d0/s320/dusk+in+whitby.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />....And even the dusk holds reflections and a myriad of colour. Being by the river, we could watch as the tide changed, the water level ebbed and flowed and we walked and walked (and ate and ate!) and generally had a fantastic time.</div><div></div><div>Of course, I had a whole heap of photos and <em>maybe</em> I'll share a few more choice selections in future blogs plus a few tales when I have more time.</div><div></div><div>In knitting news, I've a couple of FO's to show you...<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRr14hB7CI/AAAAAAAACrc/JqAR6l1G_4A/s1600-h/mel%27s+prezzie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261448838123744290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRr14hB7CI/AAAAAAAACrc/JqAR6l1G_4A/s320/mel%27s+prezzie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />In typical Blogger fashion, the second one's first and one of them's the wrong way around, go figure! Anyway, this shawl has been given a new home with Mel, it's a version of the Forest Canopy shawl knitted in Noro Kureyon on 6.5mm needles and I'm happy with the result (just don't look too hard for mistakes!). It knitted up quickly over a matter of days and with the colour changes it kept my interest so it was fun to knit.<br /><br />This was the first Forest Canopy Shawl I knitted and this time I was using Colinette Cadenza.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRr1jZ-41I/AAAAAAAACrU/5jqPL5PSpeA/s1600-h/Forest+Canopy+shawl1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261448832457040722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRr1jZ-41I/AAAAAAAACrU/5jqPL5PSpeA/s320/Forest+Canopy+shawl1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRr1VQ6AfI/AAAAAAAACrM/MY_GvMgN7IQ/s1600-h/Forest+Canopy+shawl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261448828660875762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRr1VQ6AfI/AAAAAAAACrM/MY_GvMgN7IQ/s320/Forest+Canopy+shawl.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I ended up doing extra repeats to the original pattern, ending up with around 350 sts on the needles rather than the original 190 odd, making it into a more typical sized shawl rather than a shawlette. With more stitches, it was a bit more laboured to finish and it was rather depressing to wash it and find reasonable dye loss with every bowlful. After the tenth, I decided that what remained was unlikely to rub off on anything and besides, shawls only get washed once in a blue moon so it was spun and blocked and here it is in all it's glory!</div><div></div><div>I went to the Cheshire guild again on Saturday...it was a textile talk and braiding workshop but a group of us sat at the back of the hall and spun instead. It was great fun!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpwSt4SEI/AAAAAAAACrE/wMhkTymesss/s1600-h/spinning+swap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261446543054489666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpwSt4SEI/AAAAAAAACrE/wMhkTymesss/s320/spinning+swap.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is most of the roving that spinningsue sent me as part of my swap parcel, a unique colourway from Lime Green Jelly fibres. After some dithering, I decided not to navajo ply it as usual, I'm going to buy some black fibre and ply it with that so I get maximum yardage and colour length too...fingers crossed!<br /><br /><br />I <em>did</em> take some yarn away in case I got much time to knit (not really!).</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpwX31irI/AAAAAAAACq8/35Z6YYuGdQo/s1600-h/my+dyeing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261446544438430386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpwX31irI/AAAAAAAACq8/35Z6YYuGdQo/s320/my+dyeing.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The left-hand ball is the dye-job I just couldn't part with. Much prettier in the skein, you'll see it better when it eventually knits up..just don't hold your breath!<br /><br />I had planned to knit some exquisite long socks for mum to go with her bolero cardigan (which is now all sewn up) but having some major tension issues, switched to these instead...<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpwHS8OJI/AAAAAAAACq0/pck9bs8o1iU/s1600-h/mum%27s+xmas+sock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261446539988711570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpwHS8OJI/AAAAAAAACq0/pck9bs8o1iU/s320/mum%27s+xmas+sock.jpg" border="0" /></a> Plain, serviceable long socks that'll keep the worst of the winter at bay...and a darned sight quicker to knit as well!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpwKizzXI/AAAAAAAACqs/BgicOz9Szzk/s1600-h/millicent+begins.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261446540860575090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpwKizzXI/AAAAAAAACqs/BgicOz9Szzk/s320/millicent+begins.jpg" border="0" /></a> I did say they were in a whacky order! I cast on these on holiday, black again and struggled through the lacy pattern in not wonderful light only to find the cuff was a whole 2" wider than it should have been! In hindsight, these socks (Millicent by Cookie a) were so tailored to your leg size, I'd have kind of given the game away if I'd asked for all her measurements! As the width is closer to my own size and I'm reluctant to rip 100+ stitch rows, I may make them for myself one day instead.<br /><br />I came home from guild to find an international parcel waiting for me....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpawcgrwI/AAAAAAAACqk/LBRphel3MSY/s1600-h/swap+parcel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261446173077581570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpawcgrwI/AAAAAAAACqk/LBRphel3MSY/s320/swap+parcel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />One of my parcels in the Chocolate and Yarn swap, yummy soft Knitpicks sock yarn and a bar of Cadbury's Caramello, I guess the U.S version of our Caramel. Unfortunately, the chocolate's been somewhere hot on it's journey so arrived somewhat squished and the chocolate's gone all funny. I don't seem to have much luck with international chocolate! There wasn't a card with the packet and unfortunately, although the name and address is on the front it's not easy to match up with the swap-bot participants for me to rate so I'll have to put a message up there and see if someone replies!</div><div></div><div>My two swap parcels are ready to be made up (hopefully this evening) and go out with luck tomorrow. To be honest, my timetable's kind of gone out the window since my return due to a number of reasons but chiefly due to another infestation of mice. </div><div></div><div>So far so good, we captured a third this morning using the usual sticky traps and some chocolate orange fudge brought back from holiday that they obviously took a liking to when it first appeared on the level. We managed to get to B+Q this afternoon and bought 4 more sonic deterrents so I can guarantee the upstairs is mouse-free and the lounge (hopefully) also. If they can be restricted to the kitchen to be trapped and further infestations prevented (I finally silliconed up their prime entry point), I'm hopeful we can finally draw a line under the whole affair. I'd like to also glue a mesh to each of the airbricks as a belt-and braces approach though they've never appeared from there but primary concern will be to phone the water board as it's getting incredibly tedious washing my hair and body in stone cold water as the pressure is so low, it won't trigger the water heater. Fingers crossed it won't involve another huge bill!</div><div> </div><div>EDIT: AAARGH! Lord knows how blogger lost the text on half the pictures, I've been so rushed I never even noticed....</div><div></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpakcbzJI/AAAAAAAACqc/kpIjVrIsGd8/s1600-h/holiday+purchases2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261446169856035986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpakcbzJI/AAAAAAAACqc/kpIjVrIsGd8/s320/holiday+purchases2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Still, at least one person twigged it was my holiday spoils! A few balls of a new 50% wool, 50% Acrylic yarn to have a play with plus some fantastic coloured sock yarn aaand....</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpaiyFiBI/AAAAAAAACqU/GyP2vtRBLZg/s1600-h/holiday+purchases1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261446169409980434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpaiyFiBI/AAAAAAAACqU/GyP2vtRBLZg/s320/holiday+purchases1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Oodles of noro sock yarn, a couple of balls for projects unknown (but probably socks!)...<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpaY1Ao6I/AAAAAAAACqE/yOAkAvNRPQ4/s1600-h/holiday+purchases.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261446166737888162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpaY1Ao6I/AAAAAAAACqE/yOAkAvNRPQ4/s320/holiday+purchases.jpg" border="0" /></a> And 4 balls in the same shade to maybe one day knit this (or something like)...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261446172580470178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SQRpaul_XaI/AAAAAAAACqM/Gd4CnCQroXc/s320/future+project+kureyon.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>I do love the Noro colour changes even though the sock yarn does feel pretty rough. I believe it softens considerably after washing though, I'll have to try knitting it for myself before I make any judgements.</p><p>Roll on next post....</p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-50741102318207494482008-10-05T13:38:00.005+01:002008-10-05T18:25:34.846+01:00Has it really been a fortnight?Well, the Bluefaced.com weekend seemed to be a great success, Jo, Lyndesy and myself trundled along early Sunday and whilst it was a bit nippy, it was so nice to see other Ravellers without the 3+ hour trip and overnight stay that came with Woolfest.<br /><br />There was a wonderful selection of goodies on show, undyed yarns and roving from Bluefaced.com, dyes from Debbie at DT Crafts, Natural dyes, Fyberspates and Natural Dye Studio dyed goodies and Laughing Hens appeared to uproot their entire shop too (or most of it!).<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi4ITAkU3I/AAAAAAAACpc/cTgDAjkTtfE/s1600-h/bf1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253651418008802162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi4ITAkU3I/AAAAAAAACpc/cTgDAjkTtfE/s320/bf1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The more hardy souls sat and chatted...<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi4IU3sLII/AAAAAAAACpk/sm00bG4H2kA/s1600-h/bf2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253651418508438658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi4IU3sLII/AAAAAAAACpk/sm00bG4H2kA/s320/bf2.jpg" border="0" /></a> My head was turned by so much wool fumery, I barely had any time to talk to Anne or Mel...</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi4Ih4RXQI/AAAAAAAACps/4ZiEvp8n6fg/s1600-h/bf3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253651422000536834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi4Ih4RXQI/AAAAAAAACps/4ZiEvp8n6fg/s320/bf3.jpg" border="0" /></a> There were tables of bargains and the two car ports you can see in the distance held most of the goodies...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi4IprIKCI/AAAAAAAACp0/1YTcbMAi8ZM/s1600-h/bf4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253651424092891170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi4IprIKCI/AAAAAAAACp0/1YTcbMAi8ZM/s320/bf4.jpg" border="0" /></a> But this was the Laughing hens stall, loads of choice goodies there! Unfortunately I don't have pics of all of my goodie haul yet, but there are a few yarns I've dyed up if you scroll down.</p><p>First, the fibre selection for the shop later this evening. These are all wool/nylon blends and perfect for socks and I have organised some more masculine colourways this time with christmas knitting in mind....<br /></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3oezNOvI/AAAAAAAACo0/jQOwTU-oMkQ/s1600-h/bouquet+-+wool+nylon+sockfluff.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253650871418174194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3oezNOvI/AAAAAAAACo0/jQOwTU-oMkQ/s320/bouquet+-+wool+nylon+sockfluff.jpg" border="0" /></a> Bouquet - this sockfluff is a little more random and patchy for a wider range of tones and textures in the finished yarn. There are blues and purples as well as reds and pinks, very pretty.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3oa_r-XI/AAAAAAAACo8/17tHS9xlxdw/s1600-h/Iris+ii+-+sock+roving.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253650870396778866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3oa_r-XI/AAAAAAAACo8/17tHS9xlxdw/s320/Iris+ii+-+sock+roving.jpg" border="0" /></a> Iris ii. Well, so many people loved this colourway, I had to try it again. It's slightly different, partly due to the different fibre and intermingling but I think this is another lovely dye job.</p><p>Now for the more masculine? colours...<br /></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3oWlO1hI/AAAAAAAACpE/UcZfESYrPoI/s1600-h/Forest+clearing+-+wool+nylon+sock+roving.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253650869212075538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3oWlO1hI/AAAAAAAACpE/UcZfESYrPoI/s320/Forest+clearing+-+wool+nylon+sock+roving.jpg" border="0" /></a> There's Woodland Clearing, a mixture of browns and greens with a little rust for a yarn with a camouflage-y feel....<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3o36X5fI/AAAAAAAACpM/Y9aBY24hXh8/s1600-h/forest+floor+-+wool+nylon+sock+roving.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253650878159119858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3o36X5fI/AAAAAAAACpM/Y9aBY24hXh8/s320/forest+floor+-+wool+nylon+sock+roving.jpg" border="0" /></a> And if that one's too bright, there's always this one, Woodland floor. A darker, more intense version of the browns and greens above with a startling leaf red to save it being too muddy. I love the way this one turned out.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3o55_urI/AAAAAAAACpU/ICr5EssUgqQ/s1600-h/Everton+Mint+-+sock+roving.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253650878694406834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3o55_urI/AAAAAAAACpU/ICr5EssUgqQ/s320/Everton+Mint+-+sock+roving.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And finally, this one I call "Everton Mint" in recognition of that regional toffee centred humbug. It began as a more spotty creation in homage to one hundred and one dalmations but you can never predict quite what'll come out after "cooking"! I think it's a great, simple colour that would produce a variety of black and grey toned yarn. Perhaps not so colourful as some of my creations but it does go to show you can get away with just black and white!</p><p>There's some yarny goodness this time too, all of them have been dyed, dried, wound and rehanked to make them pretty again...<br /></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3VDEwhKI/AAAAAAAACoU/x-HmKaWmIdc/s1600-h/spring+has+sprung+sock+yarn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253650537558082722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3VDEwhKI/AAAAAAAACoU/x-HmKaWmIdc/s320/spring+has+sprung+sock+yarn.jpg" border="0" /></a> "Spring Fling" - a BFL sock yarn that's a vibrant selection of greens, pinks and yellows with dashes of blue to chase away the gloomy weather we've had recently. Unfortunately, the yarn had a few knots in it but it doesn't affect the colour changes at all.....<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3VYnvckI/AAAAAAAACoc/X1NLZKr1JB0/s1600-h/pale+peacock+merino+bamboo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253650543341957698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3VYnvckI/AAAAAAAACoc/X1NLZKr1JB0/s320/pale+peacock+merino+bamboo.jpg" border="0" /></a> "Pale Peacock" - A merino/bamboo blend sock yarn with a gentle sheen, a little thicker than the one above. It's a mixture of blues, purples and greens with a few other shades thrown in for good measure. </p><p>Then there's a couple of laceweight beauties...<br /></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3VRUy9fI/AAAAAAAACok/Xjw1AGddzEE/s1600-h/pale+rainbow+laceweight.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253650541383448050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3VRUy9fI/AAAAAAAACok/Xjw1AGddzEE/s320/pale+rainbow+laceweight.jpg" border="0" /></a> "Pale Rainbow" you can't really see in the picture but there's a little bit of every colour in there. It's a special blend of Alpaca, Silk and Cashmere with an impressive 1200 metres in every 100g! Plenty for a pretty, fine shawl.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3VheuqVI/AAAAAAAACos/IgWaGRmHgm0/s1600-h/blue+rhapsody+laceweight.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253650545720076626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi3VheuqVI/AAAAAAAACos/IgWaGRmHgm0/s320/blue+rhapsody+laceweight.jpg" border="0" /></a> "Blue Rhapsody" I was looking for a less varied depth of colours in both skeins but particualrly this one so it would not conflict too much with a lace pattern. I love how these lace yarns turned out and I have a skein laid to one side to dye for myself when I get a chance. There <em>was</em> going to be another skein of sock yarn but it got snaffled...by me! I'll post a photo of it when I get time (which is in precious short supply at the moment!). I hope to update the shop later this evening, with a little luck!</p><p>Well, I haven't given over <em>totally </em>to the delights of dyeing, I have been knitting too...<br /><br /><br /></p><br />Mum's Xmas bolero just needs sewing up....<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi20KWUx3I/AAAAAAAACns/e4Unzj_1yp4/s1600-h/xmas+projects.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253649972575127410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi20KWUx3I/AAAAAAAACns/e4Unzj_1yp4/s320/xmas+projects.jpg" border="0" /></a> I started a waistcoat for the MIL...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi20LpfByI/AAAAAAAACn0/eAGI-wIv-sk/s1600-h/xmas+projects2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253649972923926306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi20LpfByI/AAAAAAAACn0/eAGI-wIv-sk/s320/xmas+projects2.jpg" border="0" /></a> I hasten to add it won't be <em>that</em> low at the front, I'll work out the shaping on the front once my brain gets working again (so don't hold your breath ;-).<br /><br />I also started this little but crucial bit of knitting....<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi20Nc94II/AAAAAAAACn8/GNODBSaysO0/s1600-h/snuggle+fingerless+mitts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253649973408292994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi20Nc94II/AAAAAAAACn8/GNODBSaysO0/s320/snuggle+fingerless+mitts.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p>...Since I've been pretty much permananently wearing the wrist supports, one to squish a ganglion on the right wrist, the other for well-needed support, I can't use my close-fitting suede gloves. So I'm left with cold hands walking the dogs and even colder hands waiting for an hour or so for the RSPCA clinic to open or waste valuable knitting time! </p><p>My solution was to knit some S<a href="http://knitting-up-a-storm.blogspot.com/2007/07/snuggles-fingerless-gloves-pattern.html">nuggles.</a></p><p>Stretchy enough to go over the supports and keep most of my fingers warm yet give me the ability to knit whilst waiting in queues, it also uses the spare yarn from my mum's cardi so economical too! I just need to find the time to knit the other one before tomorrow....or wear one and knit the other while waiting?</p><p>Last night, I got itchy fingers for a project (that wasn't the MIL waistcoat!) so I reached out for my new <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Twinkles-Town-Country-Knits-Sumptuous/dp/0307346129/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223225723&sr=8-1">Twinkle Book</a>. I did the usual thing and swatched, re-swatched and swatched again only to re-read the info and work out (as before) that the original swatch was fine.</p><p>You see, the rest of the world tends to give a tension of x stitches and x rows to 4 INCHES or 10 CM. Ms Chia uses arbitrary measurememts like 6" or 7" and it catches me out every time!<br /></p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi20Ol5Y5I/AAAAAAAACoE/2buXsr3DhtA/s1600-h/twinkle+project.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253649973714183058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi20Ol5Y5I/AAAAAAAACoE/2buXsr3DhtA/s320/twinkle+project.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ah well, rant out of the way, I got the chunky 15mm DPN's out to work the left hand sweater (printmaker's sweater). It's slow going despite the super chunky wool but it does fill the semi-instant sweater criteria and I'm craving a chunky and snuggly sweater right now.</p><p>Of course, it does mean I've been project dipping again. On rooting out mum's cardi, I came across this...<br /></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi20dMTyQI/AAAAAAAACoM/aefSoQr3UJg/s1600-h/forest+canopy+shawl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253649977633392898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SOi20dMTyQI/AAAAAAAACoM/aefSoQr3UJg/s320/forest+canopy+shawl.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's the start of the Forest Canopy Shawl that I haven't looked at in over a fortnight...partly because of needing the pattern to work it right now and partly because my brain's not at it's best and I plain and simply forgot about it!</p><p>The change in the weather (despite appearances) has kind of knocked the stuffing out of me and so my energy levels have plummeted recently. It's taken me most of the day to write this rather than the usual couple of hours so I'd better pull my finger out and get some basic listing done ASAP. </p><p>There won't be another blog post for a while as I'm off on my holidays from next weekend. I'm quite ready for it, I tell ya! Plus there won't be a shop update for a whole month to give me time to recuperate a bit. The plus side is that next post will contain holiday news as well as holiday goodies so it should be a fun one...<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6241178563679351987.post-76273960108570085432008-09-21T16:15:00.007+01:002008-09-21T17:24:45.915+01:00Spinning Swaps, shop update and an FO to show!I got my swap parcel this week!<br />Apologies to <a href="http://spinningsue.blogspot.com/">spinningsue</a> for delays in blogging about this, it's been a pretty action packed week.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248497432685221090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZom3fAlOI/AAAAAAAACnE/eXorj36NZuI/s320/spinning+swap+1.jpg" border="0" /> Anyway, here's what was hiding inside an unassuming blue mailer bag, lost of pretty tissue wrapped parcels tied with golden ribbons (they have been stored, you never know they might get spun!).<br /><br />Here's what lay inside...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248496945900589618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZoKiEgkjI/AAAAAAAACl8/FOU0ixc04xY/s320/spinning+swap+2.jpg" border="0" /> First, a wonderful plait of merino from Limegreen jelly, I LUUURVE those colours! And an equally scrummy heap of dyed silk hankies...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248496951697235362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZoK3qiXaI/AAAAAAAACmE/j6azI-tWwqQ/s320/spinning+swap+3.jpg" border="0" /><br />Some silky soft natural Alpaca from the Wensleydale Sheepshop and a bar of yummy Green and Blacks Almond chocolate, never seen it before but it didn't last terribly long <em>smacks lips!</em>....<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248496955668232194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZoLGdS-AI/AAAAAAAACmM/iLH66KN-VYA/s320/spinning+swap+4.jpg" border="0" /><br />...A sweet little WPI tool so now I have one for on the move too...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248496957354549314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZoLMvWIEI/AAAAAAAACmU/C2CZL_mHKpc/s320/spinning+swap+5.jpg" border="0" /> ...and a cute knitted sheep (sorry, bad background for that one) and a double skein of <em>fractally spun</em> handspun yarn...a new obsession to try! I feel so thoroughly spoilt so thank you, spinning sue, you stalked me incredibly well!<br /><br />In shop news, there is a select bunch up for your delectation today, mostly because of lack of time (and energy!). Never mind, they're still goodies...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZpB_Xe6_I/AAAAAAAACnM/vo-ncmlpt7U/s1600-h/A+blue+moon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248497898657606642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZpB_Xe6_I/AAAAAAAACnM/vo-ncmlpt7U/s320/A+blue+moon.jpg" border="0" /></a> "Blue Moon" a fabulous Alpaca roving, it's another 3-repeat so it lines up wonderfully in the plait...<br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZpBzFcswI/AAAAAAAACnU/3H2A_i2dqBo/s1600-h/A+green+green+grass+of+home.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248497895360738050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZpBzFcswI/AAAAAAAACnU/3H2A_i2dqBo/s320/A+green+green+grass+of+home.jpg" border="0" /></a> "The Green Green Grass of Home" , also Alpaca...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZpCXvLW_I/AAAAAAAACnc/loCWaAFHkWA/s1600-h/A+ten+thousand+acres+of+sky.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248497905199438834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZpCXvLW_I/AAAAAAAACnc/loCWaAFHkWA/s320/A+ten+thousand+acres+of+sky.jpg" border="0" /></a> "Ten thousand Acres of sky" - a slightly less saturated version of the other Alpaca roving, they'd work very well together.<br /><br />Also in merino silk...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZomBP1RpI/AAAAAAAACmk/Kr8ZjCPyAC0/s1600-h/MS+pumpkin+patch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248497418126050962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZomBP1RpI/AAAAAAAACmk/Kr8ZjCPyAC0/s320/MS+pumpkin+patch.jpg" border="0" /></a> "Pumpkin Patch"...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZomWUN8MI/AAAAAAAACms/krVlwuGowjg/s1600-h/MS+blue+without+you.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248497423781589186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZomWUN8MI/AAAAAAAACms/krVlwuGowjg/s320/MS+blue+without+you.jpg" border="0" /></a>"Under the Sea"...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZomqV5gcI/AAAAAAAACm0/10Uc6Y_LuwY/s1600-h/MS+singin+the+blues.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248497429157347778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZomqV5gcI/AAAAAAAACm0/10Uc6Y_LuwY/s320/MS+singin+the+blues.jpg" border="0" /></a> " Blue Without you"....and...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZomoSRQmI/AAAAAAAACm8/NuY6J3BJhYk/s1600-h/MS+iris.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248497428605256290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZomoSRQmI/AAAAAAAACm8/NuY6J3BJhYk/s320/MS+iris.jpg" border="0" /></a> "Iris".<br /><br />These are so yummy and squishy, I want to keep them all but they're already listed so I've gotta keep my hands off!<br /><br />Next update will be in a fortnight as I have limited time and energy and I still want to keep it fun.<br /><br />I promised you a Finished Object too...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZoLXcoYEI/AAAAAAAACmc/EJGBcouNF0s/s1600-h/finished+cardi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248496960228843586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZoLXcoYEI/AAAAAAAACmc/EJGBcouNF0s/s320/finished+cardi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Can you believe how sunny it is compared to our wet and windy summer! This is the Wendy Pure cardigan I've been knitting for a while with...the selfsame buttons I showed you last week! Nothing else came anything like as good and they do suit the cardi very well. I think if you click on the image you still get a big one if you need a close-up.<br /><br />And we're pretty close to finishing our first Xmas project too...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248504488381392082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HMsSTXwWYBY/SNZvBkAEJNI/AAAAAAAACnk/wZy_CTz5Mkk/s320/Mums+xmas+cardi+in+progress.jpg" border="0" /><br />In the space of a week (and not huge amounts of hours) I have completed both fronts, both sleeves (though they may need tinkering) and we're into the border. I have decided that the pink is a little too strong for the effect I'm looking for so it will be merely a contrast stripe and the border will continue in cream once I get back to my LYS.<br /><br />I have been so pleased with this pattern, I cannot praise the designer highly enough for her lateral thinking. The distortion that the pattern produces creates the shaping at the back, the neckline, the armhole shaping and the sleeve cap too, incredible! It means little to no shaping (aside from the lace pattern) and makes an intricate looking bolero really quite simple (to me anyway!). </p><p>It looks like I've lined up the waistcoat pattern for the MIL and the yarn will be ordered soon so that could appear soon. It's another Aran project for speed ;-) </p><p>Oh yeah, I had a wee spendette at <a href="http://www.kempswoolshop.com/">Kemps</a> too, I'll have to show you next time but it'll drag me into the hooky stick for the first time so watch this space!<br /></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13332620800943979959noreply@blogger.com1