Curly Cable

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T08:34:00.006Z

Well, it's that time of year again, Is it really a sign of age, when you start looking back wondering where has the time gone, it barely seems five minutes since last year wishing everyone a merry christmas and now here we are again.

After my last post I was nominated by the lovely Linz for a I love your blog award. Thank you so much for this Linz, I love reading your blog too.

Part of the award is that you can nominate four people, now I do read lots of blogs and love them all and seeing what people are making and love to read the chit chat of people's everyday life. So I have decided to nominate the four people who's blogs I have read from the beginning, way before I had a blog myself but because of them inspired me to have one of my own :)

The four people are Roxyknits, Knitternatter, Tartycrafty and My Fashionable life

I have alway loved your blogs and look forward to reading your news.

Not much knitting to show as everything I have made has been put on Ravelry, so really don't want to put the same pictures up that most of you have seen anyway.

One of my next year's resoloutions is to have a bit of a de-clutter and de-stash so next year I am going to make it my best effort not to buy any more yarn but use what I already have. I am seriously running out of space to keep it all and literally everywhere you look, every tiny space, in evey cubby hole has a skein of yarn in it. I am sure any knitter would be delighted to come round and have a treasure hunt, ha-ha. Part of my de-clutter is also I have moved my blog to sockgalaxy.wordpress.com I am hoping to use this to be more organized and be able to talk about my knitting projects more in depth rather than ramble on like I tend to on this blog. Hope you will follow the link and join me over there.

That's all from me on this Christmas Eve, Hope you all enjoy the break and the festive spirits and have a Super Christmas and a wonderful and prosperous 2009

FEELING GUILTY

2008-09-22T12:45:00.001Z

Just looking at when I last posted here, way back in June, for some reason has given me a rather guilty feeling of neglect, trying to think back of what I have been up to the recent months seems difficult, almost like I have just woken up from a long deep sleep, vague memories of a couple of rather wet camping trips do spring to mind though and that is all. Maybe it just that the summer has passed away to quickly to the point of non-existence.

However I do have some knitting to show, so perhaps rather than the sleep-walking, I have been doing small doses of knit-walking, ha-ha.

Firstly I finally managed to finish the Solstice Slip Socks

I am pleased with the pattern and the yarn, although I now wish I had made them smaller, I followed the instructions for the medium size and they are a little too large for me, but despite that they do make excellent house socks and are lovely and warm.

Enchant has been pushed to one side temporarily, the long and winding edging is really taking it's toll and is just almost too painful to knit, boring endless and endless rows of a kinda garter stitch rib. Also when pressing the main body piece, I am afraid to say I was rather heavy handed with the iron and have been left with a slight limp piece of fabric, however I will persevere with it, as I do still really like the pattern. One particular thing I like about knitting, is that you are always learning something new and sometimes I feel mistakes happen for a reason, however much it hurts, you will not make the same mistake twice.

A month ago I started a new project Fern from Rowan Magazine No 24. I am using Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool, which is a lovely smooth yarn to knit with. The pattern has been rather enjoyable to make with easy to follow instructions and for my standards has been quite a quick project.

I have now completed all the pieces and just got the last part of neck band to finish. I know if I really put my mind to it, I could probably have this finished at the weekend. I have been following the Finishing Techniques book by Sharon Brant to help me with the finishing and for the first time I am going to sew the sides and sleeve seams first, then attempt to fit and stitch the sleeve head inside. Fingers crossed it'll work.

I'll try and not leave it so long till the next post and will hopefully have some pictures of a Finished Fern to show soon.

A Pretty Prize

2008-06-07T13:30:00.000Z

Last month I was lucky enough to win this gorgeous prize from the fabulous Queen of the Froggers

The prize contained some really gorgeous skeins of hand-carded mix of Alpaca, Merino wool, Mohair and Tencel, that Lin had spun, the skeins are so pretty and soft my photos do not really give the yarn the justice they deserve

I'm looking forward to making something with this and thought maybe a neck scarf would be rather nice, (helps to cover a wrinkly neck too, lol)

Lin's parcel also contained a lovely wooden drop spindle, I have never spun yarn before, I have seen it done at craft shows and I am rather intrigued by the process, so I have a couple of books on order to hopefully point me in the right direction so I can give it a try. Lin also very kindly sent me some of her unspun yarn for me to have a go with

Thank you so much for the goodies Lin, they really are lush. and if you don't already read her blog, do head over there now to Queen of the Froggers, and I just know you will love her blog, as much as I do.

On my knitting news I have now finished the main body part of Enchant, and it is already to be pressed and I have started the rather lengthy process of the edging, I also have very nearly finished the Solstice Slip socks, so hopefully next post I shall have at least one F.O to show.

Talking of STR, the third kit has now arrived, The yarn is simply gorgeous and the pattern is one that I am looking forward to making too. I have hidden the picture behind the link, as I am not sure if everyone who is expecting the kit, has received theirs yet

Socks that Rock May Kit

Well I am off now to get on with some knitting, DB is out, doing work on the motorbike, so I have a peaceful afternoon with my knitting to look forward to, Ahhh Bliss :)

ENCHANTED

2008-05-03T08:45:00.000Z

Over the last few weeks I seemed to have lost a chunk of the knitting bug, which is the reason for this poor neglected blog. Not lost completely, so I am not over worried and I'm not about to do anything silly like put the stash on ebay or anything, Just kinda lost in the fact that I can settle into any particular pattern, If over the last week I had completed everything that I have started I would be able to have a post full of about fifteen to twenty items, but alas this is not the case. Part of the problem is probably down to too much choice of patterns and also because I ideally would like to knit something from stash rather than buying new. Don't get me wrong I love my stash of yarn and each item at the time was bought with much love and desire for what item it would eventually turn into. Just seems to be the way at the moment, that what I have in stash is either the wrong colour, wrong texture or not enough in quantity for what I want to make and then of course there is always the niggling thought that what if in the middle of making something, something better comes along which would have been more ideal for the yarn I am using. Hey ho!!! I can always go out and buy some more, but like most people at the moment, money is a bit tight, but as we don't go out much and neither of us smoke, the odd treat of some yarn is not likely to break the bank, which brings me onto my next excuse for reluctance to use stash. Surely stash is there for when times are really hard, so what if with the world current financial mess, all yarn mills have to close down and no more yarn is produced, not likely of course but a worry all the same as everyone else will have their stashes to fall back on, but I would have used mine. Oh gosh I am such a born worrier, So sorry for sounding like a rambling, whittling old so and so.

All is well this week though, and good news is that I have the knitting bug back, thanks very much to the arrival of this gorgeous new pattern book Nectar by Kim Hargreaves. A super book with quite a few patterns that I would like to make and incidentally I can make about three of them, using stashed yarn. lol. The yarns for the patterns are also available in kit form on Kim Hargreaves Website, although the kits contain yarn and buttons only, you need to buy the book for the patterns, In my opinion the book is well worth buying and will look fabulous on any knitters book shelf. The patterns look prettier in the book than they do on the website and the pages are matt, which gives the book a really calm summer tranquil feel and the patterns are classic Kim Hargreaves style, which I think a lot of die-hard Rowan fans have been missing.

My book arrived yesterday and after work, I settled down on the sofa and swatched for one of my favourite designs Enchant in the lovely Rowan Calmer yarn, and good news for once my gauge was spot on.

This shrug is knitted across from cuff to cuff and the edgings are knitted separately and then sewn on afterwards. I am using shade 463 Calmer, which is a kind of pale blue and perfect for the summer months, if we get them that is.

The other knitting I have been working on quite successfully is the Solstice Slip socks which was the third STR kit from last year, A lovely slip stitch cable pattern in the lovely summery colour of Firebirds, a kinda bright mixture of Reds, Pink and Orange. I am doing this toe-up as I wanted to get as much out of the yarn as I possibly could, which is great, except the cuff seemed to go on for ages. I have finished one sock and now about a third way on the second.

The pattern is an easy to memorise slip stitch cable which compliments the yarns colours perfectly.

.

The yarn and pattern for anyone who is a non member and would like to make will be available to purchase from Blue Moon Fibers, I think around about July, but will be available separately to purchase as pattern and yarn and not in kit form.

Well that's all from me and I shall post again soon with a update on Enchant.

Have a nice Bank Holiday weekend, lets hope its an Enchanted one

SOCKS, A HAT AND AN AWARD

2008-03-24T17:50:00.001Z

Despite the length between blog posts, I have been doing some knitting, and have here a couple of quick projects I'd like to share with you. The first being a pair of ankle socks, of which the first sock was knitted towards the end of last year

This was just using the basic pattern, that you usually get free when buying any sock yarn from such places as Get knitted or various other online shops. I made these with a shorter cuff into a kind of Ankle/Trainer sock with a slip stitch heel. The yarn used was Lana Grossa Magico, and I really love the pretty pink stripes and they really are a pleasure to knit and wear.

I hope you are all enjoying the Easter holidays, but crikey hasn't the weather turned cold, I was out yesterday taking Tess for a walk by the river and the wind was really icy, so much so that when I got home I made a spur of the moment decision to make a quick hat. I had a ball of Rowan's Ribbon Twist in Rascal left over from making Beth, so I casted on the Alpha Hat yesterday afternoon and had a very idyllic afternoon knitting by the fire. and just under four hours later I'd made this

The hat has a fairly snug fit, but is lovely and warm and I just love the cute ear flaps. The pattern is from The Ribbon Twist Collection from Kim Hargreaves, also for anyone who may interested as the yarn is now discontinued there is a sale on at Cucumberpatch, priced at just £1.95 a ball, I am afraid I went a bit mad the other day and bought three lots of ten balls in the shades Mole, Regency and Rapid. I was persuaded by DB who said that it was a bargain not to be missed, not that I took much persuading though and it's not often your bloke talks you into buying more yarn is it.

I would also like to thank The Cabled Climber for the "You make my Day" award.

First time I have ever won a knitting award and I really am as pleased as punch, so thank you Christine, you really make my day too.
I would also like to give this award to Roxy.

Roxy's blog was the first knitting blog I read and have been truly inspired by all the lovely knitted and craft items that she makes. Not only that, she has really helped me with my knitting, with lots of super advice, tips, links and ideas. So thank you Roxy, you really make my day.

I have a few other knitting WIPs on the go at the moment of which I will share with you in the next post when I have a bit more completed and hopefully a bit more daylight to be able to take some better photos. Happy Easter everyone!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

2008-02-23T10:05:00.000Z

For my first F.O of 2008, Here's the completed pair of socks that I have making for DB over the last couple of months.

Pattern: Gentleman Socks

Yarn: Trekking XXL by Zitron

Needles 2.5mm DPN

I did enjoy making these as the pattern is easy to remember, ideally I would have made the cuff a little longer, but after reading on ravelry that others had run out of yarn, I only did them for six inches instead of eight, but then the annoying thing was I was left with 18 grams of yarn, so could have probably could have done another inch in the end, but still better to have too much than not enough. The pattern comes in four sizes, I made the Man's large size and they fit well and easy to put on and take off, so DB is really happy, so much so, he has asked for another pair, eh some people are never satisfied are they? lol!

The heel is eye of the partridge and is the first time I have ever done this, I really like the effect this stitch makes, Sorry the photo doesn't show it very well, but you know how difficult dark yarn can be to photograph at times

Talking of F'Os last post I mentioned that I'd finally finished Beth, The good news, after a final wash and a light press, she actually fitted better and is now not quite so snug, so I have been able to wear her a few times, especially during the cold spell of weather we had last weekend, Here's a couple of pictures of me wearing her, as I find it is always better to see them being worn.

Here's a picture of the back view, I am not really pointing at anything of any interest, it was DB's idea of being a super photographer, either that or he's trying to make me look silly lol!

I am rather pleased how she turned out in the end and it was rather nice last weekend to be able to go out in the sunshine without having to wear a coat.

My weight loss goal is going well, slow and steady but I have lost 10lbs since I started, which I am really pleased about and more so the fact that my clothes are starting to feel looser too.

That all my news really, I have started one or two projects but frogged them, as I wasn't pleased with how they were turning out, although I don't feel like I've lost the knitting bug entirely, just can't settle with anything in particular, too many choices I think. but one thing I have learnt over the last few weeks, my knitting gauge is way too tight, no wonder everything coming out too small, On most yarns I've now found I need to go up a needle size, Is it true though that it doesn't matter what size needle you use providing you get the right gauge? I have read that somewhere, but I'm not sure if it would alter the drape of the yarn in any way. Any reassurances on this would be greatly appreciated?

See you next time :)

STILL HERE

2008-01-27T10:30:00.000Z

Well it is very nearly the end of January and I have noticed that it is over a month ago since I lasted posted. I am not sure how that has happened, but I suppose when you can't remember what you have actually done since Christmas, simply means nothing of interest to one self, let alone to anyone who may be reading.

Like most people January is my least favourite month of the year, probably due to the post Christmas slump and as it always seems to be a case of going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark and with the weather we have been experiencing lately even the hours at work have been in the dimmest of light.

Talking of Christmas though, I hope you all had a fantastic time and a "Happy New Year "to you, a bit belated, but typical of me "better late than never" I did receive some wonderful Christmas goodies My favourite present being as set of Harmony Option Interchangeable Needles and a complete set of Harmony Option DPNs. I also received some lovely Twilleys Freedom Spirit yarn of which I will talk more about in a future post, when I have a bit more knitted to show. I also received yet more sock yarn, some of which is photographed here

On the left is Nino Merino, a 4ply sock yarn in the shade Rainbow, which was purchased from The Natural Dye Studio. The one on the right is a skein of Fiberspates Sock Yarn, Blue Faced Leicester wool in the shade Spring Greens. I have seen some of this on other people blogs and just had to have some. It came with a free blue faced pattern too and was purchased from Get Knitted

I also received these fabulous books. Both of the One Skein Wonders and 101 Designer One Skein Wonder books have numerous quick patterns that I would like to make one day. I am rather impressed with the Finishing Techniques by Sharon Brant, the pictures and tutorials are clearly photographed and written. One thing by reading this book that has finally sunk into my head is the real importance of taking proper measurements prior to starting something, which I am sure is where I have been going wrong as it is not necessarily the case of where you knit a certain size for the chest measurement, you will need the same size for the length too. In my case I need to knit medium/large for chest measurement but probably a small or even xsmall for the length. Not really a body proportion size I like the idea of, but one of which is important to enable something to fit properly and be wearable. The book explains how with your knitted gauge measurement you can calculate how to add or deduct inches in the width and in the length and still keep the garments shape in proportion. My other option of course is although I can't really do much about my height, I can certainly do with losing some weight to reduce my chest measurement to be more equal. Just before Christmas I reached an all time high with my weight and do desperately need to do something, so I have embarked on another healthy eating and exercise plan, as thoughts of last years disastrous resolution comes flooding back. but this time I am determined to succeed both for vanity and health reasons and so far I have lost 8lbs woowoo!! Anyway I am digressing, the book Finishing Techniques is one I would recommend to anyone who like me needs help in that area and doesn't want to fill with dread when its time for the so important finishing and trying on of a garment for the final time. Which I think is why I have been dragging my heels over finishing the Sublime Cardi as I am sure it is going to be too small width ways and too long in the length. The book also has six basic patterns to make all using Rowan yarns, I already have a Summer Tweed lined Jacket, A zipped Cardigan in All Seasons Cotton, and a pullover with lace edging in Calmer added to my to do list and all of this is in this book. Super!

Other knitting news I am pleased to say is I have finally finished Beth, I really like her a lot, although she has turned out to be rather snug and long too. I will try and get DB to take a picture of me wearing her for next post and you'll see what I mean. But overall I am pleased and she is lovely to wear on these chilly days.

Well that's all from me until next time and I shall try not to leave it so long between posts.

P.S Sorry didn't think I posted the link for the Harmony Option needles directly to the Knitpicks website, who don't currently ship to the U.K for some reason, mine were purchased from Get Knitted, Bristol for anyone reading in the U.K who would like to purchase some.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

2007-12-24T16:13:00.000Z

Would just like to wish You all a very Happy Christmas, I hope Santa brings you all lots of nice things. However you spend the 25th, have a lovely restful day with the people and animals you love. Eat and drink well and have a fantastic time! See you soon xxx

SLACKING

2007-12-15T10:30:00.001Z

I am rather slacking in the blogging world, I can't believe its over a month since I last posted, where on earth does time go... I have been rather busy at work, trying to get everything finished for the year end, as I do so hate leaving the tedious reports and things til after the Christmas break, as I spend most of the holiday, thinking about the workload I have got to go back to. So I am buckling down and trying it get it all done, I actually finish work next Friday, then don't go back til Wed 2 Jan, so a nice long break where I am hoping to get plenty of knitting done, especially the wip's, so I can start new stuff in the new year, that's the plan anyway.

Last post I mentioned the saga of the Malabrigo of which I am pleased to say has finally arrived, I was rather beginning to think though, it was not going to happen, twice it was sent back to the store where I purchased it from, each time saying either no one to receive or refused, each time I confirmed the address as being correct, when finally on the third attempt the kind postman finally brought it... Arrr relieve... and all to be revealed why it had taken so long, the yarn store had only kept labelling the address for a hundred houses away, yep I know clearly written on the package number --, instead of --- and also inside the bag when I opened it, the yarn store had the cheek to send back the previous packaging bags each with the wrong address written on, even despite me e-mailing and phoning to clarify the address, and them getting quite stroppy with the situation. I don't want to harp on about it, because its hardly world ending stuff and at least it is now sorted, but really that kind of incompetence annoys me so much, as even when I e-mailed them to explain, they never bothered to reply. Obviously a case of third time lucky for me, as by this time our usual postman was back from his holiday and when he went to deliver the parcel at --, and they refused again, he recognised the name and guessed where it belonged too, now the worrying thought is if the postman can link you to a yarn package, does that mean you have been spending too much on yarn. lol!

Here is the picture of the Malabrigo, I apologise for the rubbish photograph, the yarn is actually a little lighter than shown, The shade is Tuareg, a kind of dark turquoise, the yarn is lovely and so soft, believe me it has been caressed a few times. I have in mind, to make a hooded pullover with this, if I can get the gauge right.

Knitting wise, I have finished my Regia Trainer socks, I really like the colours of these, as they look so pretty together

I actually enjoyed making these so much, that I have cast on another pair, the good thing with these are they are easy to make and you can easily make a pair with a 50g ball and as I wear trainers a lot, I rather like the idea of having lots of pairs in different colours. Last Saturday I needed to take the car into the garage, to have some springy thingy fixed on the exhaust, don't ask me, as you can guess I'm not mechanically minded at all. I had booked the car into one of those Formula one Auto Centres and knowing as it was Saturday, I would probably be in for a long wait, I wanted to take some small simple knitting with me, and just as I was deciding what to take, the postman brought one of my eBay purchases, some of the lovely Lana Grossa Magico, thank you Roxy for posting so quickly, absolutely perfect for another pair of trainer socks and the ideal project to start whilst waiting. So off I went, and although they were busy, I was the only one in the customers waiting room, as I assume as it is on a big retail park the others were using the opportunity to go shopping, so I got myself a hot drink from the machine and plonked myself by the window and you know had the most tranquil time, sitting knitting and watching all the Christmas shoppers scurrying in and out of the rain to their cars with bags of shopping, I enjoyed myself so much, I was rather disappointed when the mechanic said my car was ready to be driven away. So if you ever want to steal the perfect excuse for some knitting time, book your car in for a long service, you'll enjoy it. lol!

Here's the progress I made with the Lana Grossa Magico sock

That's all my knitting news really, I have completed one sleeve on Beth, just one more to go, so hopefully will be able to finish her this week, especially now its starting to get rather chilly.

I hope you all managing to get all your Christmas preparations in order, it seems to get more mayhem every year doesn't it?

I'll leave you with a rather scary picture of Tess, this is how she looked after being woken up from her Sunday afternoon nap with her dad.

Good Intentions

2007-11-12T13:44:00.000Z

I did have good intentions of having a FO for this post, but alas, once again, it is just not meant to be. Knitting time has been reduced for some reason, general life and work, just seem to get in the way.

Thank you all for your well wishes in the last post, I am pleased to say the allergic flare up has gone and settled down. The only thing we can put it down to, is believe or not, is the cardboard tube of some new Toilet rolls we bought, these particular one's have a scented core and of course which silly idiot, after having a runny nose and watery eyes wiped her face with a piece, yep me, not realising at the time that was the very thing causing the runny nose and watery eyes in the first place. Hence five hours later the swelled up face and eyes. then to go in the bathroom again, and another flare up of sneezing and wheezing. It really was a point of elimination and since these were the only things different to normal I had used, did I start to wonder and since throwing the wretched things away, I have been fine since. Live and learn eh!

Despite not having any FO's to show, I have been knitting and I casted on Beth from the Ribbon Twist Collection a fortnight ago.

This is a speedy knit, even for my standards. knitting on 12mm needles however, felt really weird, especially after using 2.25mm sock needles, but I soon got the hang of it and have been whizzing along merrily. Here a picture of the back and front done, just the sleeves and collar to go....

The weird shape will disappear I hope after pressing as the edges are having a serious tendency to roll, I am pleased with the progress though so far. and I am sure it will be a lovely warm woolly jumper for the forthcoming winter months.

Last post, I did mention having some purchases to share with you, First I have two balls of Rowan Kid Classic, these will be to make a felted mobile phone cover from the 1st issue of the newest UK magazine Let's Knit

Mohair in the past, sometimes for some reason, reacts with my skin, leaving an itchy rash, but the mohair content of this is only small and hopefully with it being felted it won't give me to much trouble especially as I won't be actually wearing it against my skin. This also will be the first time I've felted, so it'll be interesting and fun to try.

I also purchased some sock yarn from the Fleece artist, one is basic merino wool in the shade Seastorm, a lovely mixture blues, brown and greens
>

The other Fleece artist yarn is a skein of Sea wool in the shade Wildflowers, this is a very subtle mix of cream, pale blue and pale pink, but is rather pretty.

The fifth kit of the STR kit has also arrived, the pattern is Lenore and the yarn with the kit has the same name, the colour is predominately black with reddish tinges, the yarn is lovely, but the pattern again isn't really my thing unfortunately.

I was rather hoping to have some Malabrigo yarn to show you, but I have had huge problems with the ordering, First I ordered and paid from one online store, to be told seven days after waiting, that there was not enough in stock to send and they wouldn't know if or when they would get some more in, so would have to give me a refund, of which after numerous e-mails and calls, was actually refunded another week later. I then located some from another store, who was most helpful with good communications, I managed to order some and pay, problem free, that is until the Mail system got involved, after a week and half of waiting, I did start to wonder, so after e-mailing was told to wait a little longer as the mail have still got a backlog to get through, another two weeks past, so I decided I really need to chase this, to be told that the parcel had been sent back to them, due to the parcel being refused, impossible as I have been waiting eagerly for its arrival and no way have I or anyone I know refuse a yarn package. So I then checked with the store the address that they had sent the yarn too, who then confirmed that it was the correct address, and that now the yarn hadn't been refused, but no one was in to sign for it, or had responded to the card left by the 5th November. which was it was why it was returned This is completely and utterly rubbish, as on the day they said no-one was in, we received three parcels from eBay, all delivered by Royal Mail. I don't blame the store who sent the goods, I just think it an easy and simple way for the Mail system to get through their backlog of work simply by returning goods to the sender. Sorry to rant on... but the whole thing has been going on since early September and has made me quite cross and upset, am I the only one who gets stressed out by small things? The store have said they will re-send so hopefully fingers crossed the Malabrigo will arrive this week.

My disappointment hasn't lasted too long though, as I have won these gorgeous items from a lovely eBayer, "Thanks Roxy" Here we have Four balls of Jaegar Trinity in the shade Powder, a big ball of Lana Grossa Millenweit Inca and lastly a gorgoeous skein of Sweet Georgia Speed Demon in Mango. I've been looking for some of this for ages and it took DB's excellent bidding skills in the final seconds to clinch it! Woohoo the colours in this skein look good enough to eat and will make a gorgeous pair of socks to brighten these dark foggy days

also Roxy, very kindly sent me a huge ball of the lovely Sugar N Cream in Pink, Thank you so much Roxy you are a star, I had seen this on Ravelry, but could not find a stockist in the UK, it is gorgeous and such a lovely pretty colour

The Car tax and Insurance is due for renewal this month, and of course Christmas is just round the corner so I have really got to try and avoid the temptation to buy anything else for a bit, not sure how long I'll last though. DB does keep reminding me I surely have enough yarn by now and it is a bit worrying when a few people are starting to make comments about my illness of Yarn addiction. But of course, they don't know what they are talking about do they? lol !!!>

Ahoy We have Tidal Waves

2007-10-23T16:45:00.000Z

Yes, At last I have actually another FO, these are the Tidal Waves that I was making from the yarn that came with the second of the STR 2007 club kit. I really love these, as they are so soft and silky to the touch.

Here is a close up of the patterned cuff

This pattern I would, definitely do again and would recommend to anyone who is looking for something a bit different to a plain sock, but still want to be able to knit without too much concentration or the need to keep frogging due to mistakes on previous rows. For anyone interested here is the link again to the pattern Tidal Waves by Deby Lake

I was rather hoping to show you a few of my purchases I had made over the last few weeks, but I'm afraid I don't have as much too show as I would have liked, as I think I've been hit by the postal strike and am still waiting for some bits to arrive, although I do sympathise with the Postal workers grievances, I can't help wondering how much other companies have used it as an excuse, as lately that is all we have been hearing at work "It must be in the backlog due to the strike"

Anyway as mentioned last post, I have had these two books arrive

The first one, Favorite Socks by Interweave is a classic, there are a few patterns that I would add to my never ending to do list, and even has a couple that I would like to make for DB at some stage, but ssh, don't tell him, as there is an "inverses" on the "at the some stage" bit. The other good thing I like about this book is that it is spiral bound, so will stay home at the correct page whilst in use.

The other book is called Knit,Knit, a interesting but rather unusual book. I bought this purposely for the lovely Bridie by Anna Bell, which is also on my "to do" list and for me the book is well worth having just for this pattern alone and also gives a lovely profile on Anna, which each time I read it, gives me a huge boost of inspiration. The other patterns though, unfortunately are just not for me, some such as "knitted Boxing Gloves, Knitted Shoes, Knitted Bathing Costume, a rather lacy see through mini knitted tube dress, jump in the wall, yes a knitted wall with a jumper knitted in which you wear by standing against the wall etc... but please do not let me put you off completely, the book is full of good reading and gives wonderful in depth profiles of each designer, each one completely different and how knitting has had a impact on their life's, each time you open it, you see something different and is not one that you could appreciate by just glancing through, this is ideal book to perhaps try and persuade your local library to get, that way you can have a good look, before you commit to buy, although at £11.80, it not overly expensive to treat yourself too either.

I also have some more gorgeous STR to show

These are called Saratoga (Top) and Grandma's Flower Garden (Bottom), these strangely enough do look, like you see here, very similar to each other, but when I chose them, they did look more differently on the Blue Moon Website, but never mind, they are both gorgeous and I may use one of them to knit Monkey Socks. Talking of STR, I have now received my invite for next year's club, so that is now all sorted and confirmed, which I am pleased about, as I don't want the same question as last year, will I or won't I get in...

Hopefully for next post, my other goodies will have arrived so I can share them with you.

Not much knitting going on here at the moment I'm afraid, as I have spent a fair bit of knitting time on Ravelry, yes the addictive bug is still with me lol!

Sorry for the shortish post, but over the weekend I have not really felt too well, It started off as a really bad swollen sore throat and tight chest and then this morning I woke up to my face and eyes swollen up to three time the size, Scary eh... I have taken the day off work and did go to see the emergency doctor, who says no doubt I have an allergy of some kind, not really sure what it can be though, as I have not taken anything or used anything differently to normal. The doctor has subscribed some antihistamine's and did say that if it gets worse or the wheeziness in my chest comes back to go to A& E immediately for stronger meds. Although I do feel much better now than I did twelve hours ago, the swelling hasn't gone down much and I do not like the idea of walking around looking like I have done twenty rounds in a boxing ring but hopefully it will all be cleared up soon once these tablets start to work and at least I have my knitting and Ravelry to take my mind of things.

I'VE GOT MY INVITATION

2007-10-02T17:20:00.000Z

Good news, I have now received my Ravelry Invite, I was rather surprised how it happened so quickly, about a week ago I was about 2200 in line, then Sunday evening, it came. The fact that it came at about eleven o'clock in the evening though sent me into a tizz, I felt rather like a child wanting to play when really should be going to sleep ready for Monday Morning. And of course being a Monday I couldn't play until after work. :(

I am quite astounded about how clever it all works and what a huge inspiration for ideas, it must be one of the best things to happen in the Knitter's World for a long time, of course most of you reading probably know this already, if you have had your invite . Thanks Roxy for the advice of setting up a flicker account already to use, I did start that last week and it does make things a little easier to be prepared beforehand. My user name is CurlyCable, so if anyone would like to let me know their user id's so I can add you to the friends page. I think it's going to take some time putting everything on there, so I adding bits as and when I think about them. For someone who thought they were quite a good girl with a small stash, when taking it down from all the hiding places, found this clearly isn't the case, I feel a little guilty about adding it all. Even worse, when photographing it all, DB asked "Are you putting all that for sale on Ebay then, What a cheek :) (Wonder how much he likes breathing) ;)

Despite spending a lot of time on Ravelry this week, I have done some knitting, and I am pleased to say The Sublime Cardigan is coming on quite well, with the back and two fronts all done

I am also half way up the first sleeve, so hopefully by next post I shall have all the knitting done.

I have also done a small amount on the second Tidal Wavesock too, the first one of which I finished whilst waiting for the hospital appointment, As ArtyfartyKat and Roxy commented, it does spur some interest, knitting rather than reading whilst waiting. I did get quite a few strange looks, some people even seemed a little smirky, and looked at me as though I had got some weird contagious disease, which in a way put me off, but then again I thought Why shouldn't I knit I am not bothering anyone else. It seems to me these people who mock knitting, miss out on an awful lot don't they and I think all the people who've signed up for Ravelry prove that.

That's really all my news for now, but will probably with Ravelry try to blog more little and often from now on. I have ordered a couple of books Knitknit: Profiles and Projects from Knitting's New Wave and also Favorite Socks by Ann Bud so will hopefully be able to tell you more about these next post.

Mid September already!

2007-09-16T08:45:00.000Z

Crikey, where has this year gone, I can't believe it is three weeks since I last posted and unfortunately have very little knitting to show. Work has been busy again, and with the glorious weather we've been having lately it has almost been too warm to get the needles clicking.... I know, excuses excuses, I really do need to get my act together and get something finished to wear, this weather is bound to change over the next few weeks and then I shall be complaining about having no woollies to wear and since I have taken up knitting again, I seem to get a dreadful guilty feeling about buying them ready made, as they are just not the same are they?

All is not been too bad though, as I have finished one of the Tidal Wave socks I was making from the STR Silkie Yarn, I am really pleased with the result, the sock itself has a lovely snug fit, and is just so silky and soft. I love it so much I can't wait to get it's mate finished so I can wear them :)

I actually finished this, whilst at the hospital on Thursday waiting for the dermatologist appointment. I guessed I'd be waiting for a long time, so I took this with me, as I really did not fancy one of those celebrity magazines available to buy in the Hospital Newsagent showing J-Lo's armpits or "How to have the figure of the latest WAG by simply drinking a glass of lemon juice and eating a quarter of an apple every four hours" Urgh!!! Everything went well with the consultant, who after a bit of poking and pulling diagnosed the blemish to be something called a Venous Lake, apparently completely harmless and is caused by damage from the sun which causes the blood vessels to dilate.

Unfortunately, there is very little they can do to remove it at this stage, as one option would require several laser treatments over a period of time and to surgically remove it would quite likely leave a huge scar looking even worse, than it is now, as it is not giving me any problems at the moment, and is still fairly small it would be best to wait and see if it changes, or starts to get irritated, then I would need to go back and start the laser treatment. I left the hospital, armed with leaflets on how to prevent further sun damage, and what signs to look out for, something I must admit I have been fairly stupidly ignorant off up until now. So I was told this was a warning and I will alter my ways in the future. When I got home I did look Venous Lake up on the Internet and felt rather shocked to read that it usually only occurs in the elderly :( So now I'm making sure I slap on plenty of suncream before I go out in the sun.

Last post I mention further purchases I had made and was waiting to arrive, one of which is a fabulous Kim Hargreaves kit Harmony in her Out of the Shadows collection

I first saw this on Queen of the Froggers blog, I loved it so much that I just had to order one, the yarn used for this kit is Rowan Summer Tweed and the colour I chose for this is Puff, This is one of the shades in the sale and I just love grabbin a bargain. There are still some left I believe so if you are interested, head over there

The kit is super and contains everything you need apart from needles. I am planning to start this early next year, ready for the spring. nothing like planning ahead and I really would like to be one of those people who manage to organise their knitting, so they always have the right thing knitted ready for the right season. although lately with our weather I'm not sure whether seasons actually exist anymore.

Talking of bargains, I managed to win Ten balls of Ribbon Twist on ebay for £17.00 ;) that just works out at £1.70 per ball, big difference to the price I paid in Yarn a few weeks ago, this shade is 119, which is called Rascal, a lovely cream colour with pink and blue ribbon, I've not decided what to make with this yet, but there are plenty of patterns I like in The Ribbon Twist Collection, so I shouldn't have too much trouble deciding...

The fourth kit of STR has arrived also, This is actually my least favourite out of all of them so far, the pattern is called Summer of Love and is like a lacy ankle sock to be worn with sandals, unfortunately although the pattern is very pretty, this is not me at all, as I prefer sandals definitely without socks. I will however use the yarn for something else, it is not a colourway I would have chosen, but I do kinda like it as it is quite bright with a good mixture of colours including magenta and turquoise.

But as I still have not even finished the second kit yet, and I have plenty of other things to keep me busy in the meantime , I am not in too much of a rush to decide what to make;) So I'll see you next time with a hopeful progress report on the Sublime Lacy cardigan. Have a good week :)

Sunny Bank Holiday

2007-08-27T10:55:00.000Z

Shhhh.... I don't want to say it to loudly, but we've actually got some sun on a bank holiday weekend, quite rare for the U.K. but fabulous, I had a lovely day Saturday, as DB and I went to Sutton on Sea again on the Harley, It was busy enough, but not as busy as you would expect on a bank holiday. We had Fish and chips, traditional seaside fare, and a walk along the beech followed by a Ice cream, I think the poor bike was groaning a bit on the way back though;)

We also had a barbecue at DB parent's yesterday, first one we've had this year, so it made a nice change and really felt the smell of summer... Tess of course was happy, in her element with sausages, burgers and steak on the offering and had lots of fun in the garden playing with the hosepipe and her ball afterwards!

Thank you for all your well wishes, regarding my lip. Your comments really do mean a lot and make things not seem so bad, you are all such lovely nice people. although the lump has not got any smaller it has not got any worse either and it seems a lot less irritated than it was, although I was a bit disappointed as my appointment with dermatologist has been changed and is now on the 13th September instead of the 5th, so another week of waiting and although I am not usually superstitious I can't help feeling relieved that the 13th falls on a Thursday and not a Friday, and at least something positive can be done and hopefully he'll be able to remove it with little trouble.

There's not been much knitting been done over the last fortnight, but I've made a few purchases. Whilst in Yarn, there was a sale, but not much left unfortunately when I got there, as I didn't know they were having one. I did see some Ribbon Twist in the sale though, another Rowan yarn, sadly now discontinued. I was rather disappointed that they did not have enough of any particular shade in the sale to make Beth, a winter jumper I have been wanting for to make for ages now. So I did ask them to order me some in the shade Riches,

As this wasn't in their sale, I thought I would have to pay full price, but they deducted £7.50 off for the ten balls, so I was really pleased. Also while I was there I picked up a copy of the new Vogue, this is really an excellent bumper issue, with lots of good stuff, as they are celebrating 25 years. So Happy Birthday to Vogue Knitting!

After seeing the gorgeous Cherry Tree Hill, Louet Gems on Roxy's blog, I just had to go and order some, these are in the shade Blueberry Hill, the colours are gorgeous and jewel like. Thank you for the link Roxy

There are just so many gorgeous shades to choose from, I can see more of these being added to my stash very soon.

The fourth STR kit will hopefully arrive very soon, I've been avoiding blogland over the last few days, so I really do not know what the kit will this time, I'm kinda hoping it's not going to be lacy like the grasshopper pattern, that came with second kit. I've been struggling to find an alternative to use with that yarn Walking on Wild Tide, the yarn is so beautiful, lovely colours and so soft, nothing seemed right, I tried several, but they turned out either to big, or the lace didn't show the yarn's at its best. So I finally settled on Tidal Wave, which was the original idea I had after seeing the one's on Curly Brunette's blog. Thank you CB for the link, I love the pattern, fabulous with both written instructions and a diagram and the pattern is so simple to memorise anyway. The pattern for this is a free one from The South West Trading Company. Here is the progress so far I'm just up to the start of the heel flap.

The only other knitting I have done, is this simple trainer/ankle sock. The yarn used is Regia Cotton Color Shade 4183, a bargain I won on eBay for 99p It was only for one 50gram ball, that's why I am making it into just a pair of basic trainer socks, as I don't think I would have enough yarn for a normal pair. but as I mostly wear trainers at weekends, they'll be perfect and you probably couldn't buy a pair cheaper ready made anywhere either.

I've have also made a few other purchases, but I'm still waiting for them to arrive, so I shall put those in the next post. I feel like a little squirrel, building a hoard for the winter time, but that's what we knitter's like doing best.

Here comes the Sun at last!

2007-08-10T17:59:00.000Z

Isn't it ironic, that when the new Rowan Autumn/Winter magazine arrives on you doorstep complete with thick woolly cabled items that the weather does a complete U turn and they're the last things you want to be making in the glorious sunshine. Not that I'm complaining though, the sun always makes things seem brighter and happier than the dismal rain we was having.

My Rowan Magazine N0 42 seemed to arrive later than usual and although I had managed to resist looking at any previews prior, for me this time, there isn't anything that takes my fancy. A lot of the patterns seems to be made with Mohair content, the only fibre that I am allergic too. I do like the magazine for the articles though, and I do keep picking it up for another browse, although I do wish that the pictures were better, they seem rather dark and difficult to see especially with some of the models poses.

The Sublime Cardigan is coming on well and I have very nearly finished the back

It is a fabulous pattern and very well written, although I am in a bit of panic, as the second size I am doing requires ten balls, which I purchased, but I am already half way through the fourth ball and I am a bit concerned I will run out, I usually purchase a ball more than the requirements, but this time for some reason I foolishly didn't, so I think another trip to Yarn is in order tomorrow, to buy another couple of balls just in case and what a perfect excuse also to have a look at the other new Autumn season books, which are out now, including the new Rowan Classic books.

Everything been fairly calm over the last few weeks, although I had a bit of shock at the doctors the other day. I had a small blood blister on my lip about eight months ago, something which has never really cleared up and then recently started to come fairly probmatic, rather itchy and keeps bleeding a lot, so finally DB persuaded me to go to the doctors, of which I did and was prescribed a cream to use and was told if it didn't improve to go back, In fact the cream seemed to not help at all and the lump started to grow bigger and get even more irritated. So I went back to the doctors, a different doctor this time, who was most concerned and said that a visit to the skin specialist was required, as she couldn't really say what it is but thought it may be a Pre-Malignant Tumour, those words just made me shudder. My appointment has been made for the beginning of September and I am really hoping it is the doctor being over cautious. as since the visit and I have stopped using that damn cream, it has calmed down and is no where near as itchy as it was.

At least I have my knitting to keep my mind off things, talking of which I can leave you with another FO the Jaywalkers

and here they are again

These are quite bright, but will be lovely to wear with boots in the Autumn, the Jaywalker is a fabulous pattern and is one of my favourites, These were made with STR in the shade Knitty Rocks and although I made the smaller size of the two in the pattern, I was only left with just over, one metre of yarn, so if anyone is thinking of making a pair, it is worth bearing that in my mind.

And of course, now they are out of the way, it means I can cast on for another pair, now what next. Decisions, Decisions, don't you just love them ;-)

Rain, Rain, Go Away

2007-07-22T17:49:00.000Z

Well, isn't the recent weather becoming rather tiresome, this is supposed to be the summer for goodness sake. I, in Nottingham have not had it anywhere near as bad as some parts of the country and to have your home flooded more than once must be devastating. My heart goes out to these people, as the clearing up process takes so much time and for the worry of listening to the forecasters predict more heavy rain is unimaginable.

We did not manage to go camping in Whitby after all, the forecast for the whole week was not good, and really by watching the inches of rainfall, it was probably best we didn't go. We did however, manage to go out and about on an odd day trip and made the most of what bits of sunshine we did get, one of those trips DB took me to our local LYS Yarn. I had a fabulous time, browsing through books and getting to feel and see lots of lovely yarn, so much better than on a computer monitor. To be honest, I wasn't looking for anything in particular, as I have that many WIP's I can't possibly start anymore or can I? Then I saw the lady owner of the shop wearing a fabulous cardigan, and after a lengthy discussion with her, it really did appeal both pattern and yarn used. The pattern is this one called The little lacy number cardigan

and comes from this book called The Sublime Merino Hand Knit Book

The yarn used is Sublime Extra fine Merino wool and is so soft, you just can't help touch and feel it, by this time DB came into the shop and when I showed it him, he did say he could see me wearing it and offered to buy me the yarn, to make up for the disappointing week's holiday, now you know, this is a good offer you just can't refuse. So another WIP on the needles, although I have really settled into this pattern, the lace is very basic and simple and is only worked on every fourth row, with stocking stitch in between, great for TV watching, the pattern also has a ribbed waist section which is done on smaller needles to the main part, now anything that makes this area look slimmer is a bonus in my opinion ;-)

Here is my progress so far on the back. I chose this lovely deep pink colour, a change from my usual blues and greens, but thought it was time to be more adventurous with colour and after all it helps to cheer up these dark and wet days.

I have also made good progress on the Jaywalkers and have now completed one sock and cast on for the second straight away and I am now about half way on the cuff.

I am a bit more used to the colourway now and I am pleased how it turned out and I bet you'll agree you've never seen a sock quite like it before ;-)

I am now back at work "groan" Am I the only one, but why is when you start back, after a couple of days its always seems like the holiday break never really happened, at least we have our knitting to look forward to at the end of the day, oh what sanity ;-)

Socks, Socks, Socks

2007-07-09T11:49:00.000Z

At last, they are done, the man's socks, I have being promising DB for the last six months, eight days later than my final agreed deadline of being completed for his birthday, but hey they done and they fit OK too...

I will try and get him to model them for next post, but at the moment, he says they are too hot to wear, can you believe it, after all the work I put in to getting them done, there's gratitude for you ;-)

But now that's out of the way, I can cast on another pair, for myself this time though ;-)

Can you remember last post, I purchased the STR skein colourway Knitty Rocks, yeah that one, so bright it leaps out to you from the monitor. Here's a few pictures of it, unravelled from its skein, wound into balls and a sample of it knitted up

Here is the skein, unravelled and ready to be wound in to a ball, the hank hanger incidentally is a device which DB made for me, after seeing the complete tangle and frustrated mess I made once trying to wind a skein into a ball on my lap! he thought of and made this, the idea with this, is so I can clamp it to the shelf at the side of my chair and to be able to adjust the height, length and angle according to my seated position and hand wind into a ball, while the weight of the skein with gravity untangles itself as you go, once hand wound into balls, I then rewind with a ball winder into centre pull balls, this is probably not as quick as using a swift, but it does work well and the good thing, is it uses very little space and all can be done from my chair. DB has been bugging me to put this on the blog, just to prove that after the last post of putting his socks on upside down, he is not a complete gonk really, lol!

Here the skein wound into balls, at this point, I'm beginning to feel a little uneasy about the colourway, a good part of the skein, has some fluorescent lime green pieces, which I'm not keen on, when I originally ordered the skein, those didn't seem as electric as they do in real life.

I decided to knit a pair of Jaywalkers with this, after seeing the pattern tons of times on other people's blog, I quite fancied a pair, typical of me, following the trend, a year of so behind everyone else. This is them knitted so far, I am not usually this adventurous with colour and these certainly are technicolour. I am really not sure what to think of them, they turning out most unusual don't you think?

The third STR Kit has now arrived too, blimey the year is certainly rushing by, I have still not thought about what to make with the second kit, yarn yet, the pattern for that one was called grasshopper, a rather lacy pattern, which I think may be beyond my reach, and I am not all that keen on holey socks either, maybe a few lacy holes but not as much as in the grasshopper pattern. Anyway sorry, I digress, here's is the picture of the June Kit, a lovely pattern with a lovely skein called Firebird, perfect for the summer I think! This pattern is called The Solstice Slip, This is my favourite kit so far...

I'm feeling a lot less stressed now than I was last post, especially as I have this week off work, lots of knitting in order I think, we were going to go camping, but all the rain we have had lately, our campsite is water logged, so we shall have to wait towards the end of the week and see if we can get on then. We are hoping to go to Whitby, I've not been there since I was a child and the quick break will be a nice change. I am also hoping to find a yarn shop or two to browse in and of course I will be taking the jaywalkers to knit whilst I am there. Fingers crossed for the sunshine ;-)

Cars, Knitting and British Weather

2007-06-24T08:10:00.000Z

Well, it's been a strange fortnight, were things just have not gone quite how they should, It starts of with about four weeks ago, the lock on the boot of my car got stuck and stayed locked, impossible to open manually with the key and the only way to open it was to climb through the hole with the back seat down, and open it from the inside and then of course as soon as you locked the car with the central locking, it locked and stuck again, talk about inconvenient, so we took it the local garage and was told that a complete new boot lock would be needed and as it is a fairly old car, the part would need to be ordered specially and would take approx a couple of weeks, now at the end of June, the car was ready for its MOT, so rather than take two days holiday off work, I asked them to bring the MOT forward and put the new lock in at the same time. So in the morning of the day the car was booked in I dropped the car off and was told it would be ready mid-afternoon, but when I went back to collect it. I was told it had failed its MOT, due to a bad earth on the back lights, so in effect, when the lights are on and you apply the break, the lights flash alternately, a bit like a disco! and then they said they couldn't fix it, as they couldn't open the boot, and they were still waiting for the boot lock to arrive, as it was in back order and they couldn't say how long it was going to take, days or weeks! I was not at all happy ;-( not only had I wasted a day's holiday, I was left with a car with no MOT and still with a boot that couldn't open. I really need the car to travel to work, as work is approx ten miles from where I live and I would need to catch two buses, which never run on time. So then DB got home and managed to sort the boot lock, as he discovered it was the central locking bit that had ceased, so removed that bit all together and now the boot can be locked and unlocked manually with the key, he also sorted the bad earth on the lights too, so the following day I left work early, and took it back to the garage and all is well as it passed, we tried to cancel the new lock, but was told we couldn't as surprise, surprise it had finally arrived that day . So I've ended up paying for a lock, that no longer needed, eh That's life! Talk about if you want something doing, do it yourself!

Then, last Wednesday, when driving to work, I was giving way at a junction, when another car went into the back of me, luckily for me when I got out, she had hit my tow bar and hadn't caused any real damage, just slightly bent it, but the other car had a cracked number plate and bent the sill underneath, the girl was very apologetic though and said her flip flop had got stuck on the clutch and had made the car surge forward into mine, she was upset, as she had only got the car the day before, I did suggest to swap details, but she was very reluctant and when I went to my car for my pad and pen, she just drove off, I did manage to note her registration and have informed my insurance company, just in case she should change her story and try to blame me!

I did not make my knitting deadline with the socks for DB's birthday, and even now, they are still not finished, SSS definitely set in, but I'm getting there slowly and am now about half way on the foot, so another couple of evenings should do it! DB had a lovely birthday though, I bought him a new pair of motorcycle boots, hence the hope for the socks to go with them, but never mind, he got to try the boots, as we went to Sutton on Sea on the Harley for Fish and Chips. We waited practically all day for the rain clear and then set off and had a fantastic meal at a little restaurant there called Waldo's! Then when we got back, we shared a bottle of wine and watched the film Apocalypto, DB's choice, as I honestly thought it would be too violent for me, true it did have a lot of brutal gory violence, and some bits I did look away, but all in all a fantastic action adventure film about a young tribal Indian's escape and fight to save his wife and son and his way of life! Well worth watching if you haven't seen it already, even I sat through start to finish without getting bored!

My sock knitting did get spurred on by the arrival of these little beauties

Yes, you guessed it more STR yarn, another skein of In the Navy, which I ordered in case I ran out for the Hearty Plaid Socks, not really needed now, but will come in useful when in the distant future I make another pair of socks for DB. and the other skein is Knitty Rocks, it really is gorgeous as there as so many different colours in this skein, can't wait to see it knitted up and just because I like it so much here is another picture on it's own

I have finished the back on Flirt and now started the left front, although something very strange has happened with my tension, it seems to be tighter than usual, and I'm not sure why, as I have not changed the way I hold the needles or anything, I pleased as it looks a lot neater than before and the stitches do look more even with each other, but I worried that the fronts are going to be smaller than the back, and to frog the back and re-knit it daunts me, but I can't see any other choice, I am trying to loosen the tension a bit, but it feels awkward and slow and I practised with other yarns too and the same thing's happening with them, the work is definitely a lot tighter and smaller, has anyone else experienced this to happen, or is this unusual? I'm not sure whether it because I'm knitting more or whether it down to the tighter gauge I have been doing lately, with the Monsoon sock and the Hearty Man socks. I don't mind as my stitches do look better, but I am bit concerned if its not consistent and I go back to the old way and then have very odd looking garments, I'd really appreciate any advice!

Well that's all my happenings of the last fortnight and I shall leave you with a picture of Tess, waiting patiently for the rain to stop, so she can have a good run around the local fields, this look, is pretty much how she's been all week, Fed Up!

I personally quite like the rain, what better excuse than on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, settling down with some knitting and a cup of tea, listening to rain patting on the window, whilst your back turned on the pile of washing that you should really be doing instead, but can't because it just too wet and miserable to dry outside ;-)

In the Navy Progress

2007-06-05T17:16:00.000Z

Well I am half way there with the Hearty Man's Plaid socks, and have managed to complete one sock,

The pattern itself is superb, and I am very pleased with the result that I am getting, the combining of two skeins is working really well and I just love the lighter brighter random stripes. the pattern is easy to follow with enough interest with the slip stich rib to prevent boredom setting in.

Crikey though the heel is so strong, not much chance of these wearing out quickly, it is worked by alternating rows of one row being knitted with the two skeins together and the purl row alternating each skein, like a check board effect, the result super strong and perfect for men's heavy feet. especially as it is the heel which seems to get the most wear, The toe is worked the same with the check board effect making these super strong too.

Just before I got to the toe-shaping I did ask DB to try the sock on, just to check the length was right. so I left him briefly with the sock whilst I went into the kitchen, to be interrupted by cries of "this is a bit tight, I'm struggling to get it past the heel" my heart sank; the thought of ripping it out and starting again just did not appeal, and certainly would dash any hopes of them being finished for his birthday, so I plucked up the courage to take a look, and when I saw horror of horrors to see he was pulling and stretching the sock on upside down and he had the ribbed cuff covering his toes, I had to laugh at the look on his face though, whatever next, maybe I will need to resort to writing the letters L and R on his boots too ;-) lol. So we managed to pull the sock off and tried again properly and it fits, maybe still a little too tight getting it past the heel but it does go on and DB is very impressed with the thickness and warmth, will be excellent in the winter with wellies or make great winter house socks. DB has even asked me what colour will I be making his next pair in, Steady now....

Apart from the sock I have not really done much other knitting, just a few more rows on Flirt. I, however ordered yet more STR, one skein again In the Navy, as I was at first a bit unsure if I would have enough to complete both socks, looking at it now, I maybe was being a bit too cautious, but I think every knitter's nightmare is running out of yarn at the crucial moment of finishing. also another skein in (Knitty Rocks) somehow got ordered too, a girls gotta have a reward sometimes you know ;-) I just hope they arrive soon. and can post pictures next time. I also re-newed my Rowan Subscription too.

Its just a short post this time, as time is getting a bit crucial for these socks, I have ten days to knit the second sock, note to one-self never set a dead-line, it takes some of the fun away from knitting.

So that' s all until next-time and hopefully I shall another pair of Socks That Rock for Big Feet!

In The Navy

2007-05-20T07:11:00.000Z

And I am off on a mission, I need to turn these lovely Socks That Rock skeins

into a pair of men's socks for DB's birthday, my original idea of doing a toe-up sock and continuing with the cuff until the skein runs out, so not to waste any has had to be changed, as the two skeins although the same shade On the Navy are quite different, one skein is a lighter shade than the other, now I myself don't really mind having odd coloured socks, to me it adds to the uniqueness, but DB was not too keen, so after scouring the Internet, books and magazines etc I came across this lovely pattern for Hearty Man's Plaid Sock this is a lovely pattern and works by alternating rows with the two skeins into a stripe, and where on row one is worked by knit four, slip one; row 2 is plain knit all the way round to give the plaid effect, obviously has my two skeins only vary slightly, the plaid look shall be very subtle, but I bet this would look fantastic with black and a brighter shade, maybe one day I'll make him another pair, if all goes well with these! Thank you Kathleen for the pattern, it really is just what I have been looking for. Now DB's birthday is less than a month away, three weeks. six days to be precise, so I really have got to get cracking on with these, not much of a tall order I know for most knitters, but it is me we're talking about, not exactly a fast worker and easily distracted.... gosh that sounds too familiar to my old school reports.

So I wound the skeins into balls last night and casted on, this is my progress so far

I am only just past the ribbed cuff, so you can't see the plaid effect as yet as I really need to do some more rows first, but will give a progress picture next week.

Thinking of DB Birthday though, has made me realise that we shall be almost half way through the year, crikey where has the time gone, I have not got no where near as many FO's as I would have liked. I have done a few more rows on Flirt, and am now just up to the armhole shaping on the back, but Caister hasn't been touched for weeks, and Chamomile is still hiding behind the sofa untouched, it keeps glaring at me, every time I move it to vacuum, which is not very often believe me.

I have this week however, finished the Monsoon Inside Out Sock, this if you remember is the first kit of the Socks That Rock Club

And here they are being worn (you have to milk these FO's you know, you don't see too many of them on this blog)

I did enjoy making these, although the pattern had a lot of firsts for me, I did find the pattern well written and easy to follow, although I am not too sorry that I do not have to do any more of those tight cable twists. but all in all, a great pattern and lovely yarn of course, and lots of help on the KAL I am so glad I joined in the fun of the club.

Did anyone watch Miss Marple on Friday night, it did make me laugh at the bit, whilst sleuthing to solve these murders, that she reminded herself that she needed to buy some more wool from the yarn shop, good to see her top priorites ;-) you see it is a proven fact that knitting helps the concentration.

Well, hopefully next time I will have a better progress picture with the sock and maybe get a bit more done with the other WIPS. Enjoy your week!

I'VE BEEN TAGGED

2007-05-13T08:23:00.000Z

Eeek it looks like I've been tagged by Kat. This is my first time of being tagged, but here is how it works. Each player starts with seven random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog the seven things as well as these rules. You are also suppose to tag seven others and list their names, but I'm breaking that rule, I couldn't possibly put anyone under pressure, but if anyone reading, would like to join in please do so and consider yourself tagged! So here goes the seven random facts:

1, I have a wonderful family, my mum is my greatest friend, I have an older sister and brother, who are absolutely fabulous and I have four fantastic beautiful nieces, who I love to bits!

2, I lived with my ex-husband for five years, before being married for ten years, of which the last year steadily became a living hell :-( to the point where I just had to walk away leaving my home and everything that I had built, but also on that day I made a vow that I would not let no-one treat me like rubbish again :-)

3, I have always been quite shy and felt socially awkward, but over the last four years my confidence has gradually got better

4, I have been with DB for three years, he is the most fantastic man and makes me really happy he is my soul-mate and best companion, I wish I had met him years ago and one day I would like to marry him (and yes DB that is a hint)

5, I have worked for the same company for 21 years as a secretary, office administrator, book-keeper, wages clerk, stock-taker, packer and driver all rolled into one.

6, I do not own or wear a skirt, bizarre I know, but it is true, I spent most of my childhood being a bit of a tomboy, running around, playing football and stuff, and the majority of my hobbies now apart from knitting are Country walks with climbing over fences, camping, and riding pillion on a motorbike, all of which wearing a skirt is practically impossible, my entire wardrobe consists of jeans, trousers,shorts, jumpers, cardigans and T-shirts oh and knitted socks of course ;-)

7, It took me four times to pass my driving test, of which afterwards, I didn't drive a car for nine years, but now I drive everyday and love it!

So there is my seven facts, once again, anyone reading and would like to join in please do so, after listing all those bits of information i'm off to have a cup of coffee now and do a few more rows on the monsoon sock!

KNITTING PROGRESS

2007-05-06T09:06:00.000Z

This shall be a bit of a shorter post than usual, due to the simple fact that I do not have much to show for the past fortnight on the knitting front!

Have you ever been there, where despite being surrounded by tons of patterns and yarn, you just can't decide what to make, maybe it is a case of being just to spoilt for choice! I have been wanting to make a summery top for a while now, something that is quick and simple that will be made hopefully before the summer is in full swing. The trouble is all the summer patterns that I do like, tend to be just that little bit too revealing for me, they certainly would look better with a tan, and not the milky white skin that I have been blessed with ;-) and fake tans don't really work for me either as I usually end up looking like a streaky tango person! And DB suggestion that you can always wear a cardigan over the top is not very helpful either! Err does that not defeat the object of making something summery!

I had ordered some lovely Jaegar Aqua cotton yarn in a light purple heather shade and at the same time ordered the Jaegar summer pattern booklet, feeling sure that there would be something that I could make, but when it arrived, although I love the yarn, the booklet did not contain one pattern that I wanted to make, let alone wear!

So over this past fortnight, I have been starting and frogging several tops, and almost feeling in a panic that I may have lost the knitting mojo! But then I came across this pattern

It is Flirt from a rather old issue of Rowan, Book no 27, that is the great thing with Rowan patterns, they never really date and can be used time and time again.

This is a great pattern for TV watching too, there are only two eyelet rows in a 24 row pattern the rest in between apart from the usual shaping is good old plain stocking stitch, The Jaegar Aqua is a lovely yarn to knit with too, almost a cross between cotton glace and 4 ply! This is my progress so far on the back!

I would have probably got quite a bit further, but have been interrupted by the arrival of these!

These books are written by Yarn Harlot and are absolutely fabulous, I just can't put them down, I think every knitter at some point can relate to the quotes and stories in this book and at least makes you feel that the love of yarn is not really so insane!

DB's black socks are no more, Yup they've been frogged, I was making them from Debbie Bliss Merino DK yarn and I have been worrying about the durability of them for a while and then on the last ball I was using the yarn itself was just full of knotted ends, not at all what you want with sock yarn and I has had not purchased any spare, thought I would be best to order some more rather than run out at the end, to then find out that the yarn has been discontinued, can you believe it. I looked on ebay and found some. but then dropped out when three balls went up to sixteen pounds, as much I wanted to knit him these socks, paying in excess of £5.25 a ball, when the yarn cost only £3.50 in the first place, cannot be justified! So instead I have used the money and ordered from Blue Moon Fibers, two skeins of their medium weight yarn in the shade called In the Navy for him instead, at least I will be making them in a lovely yarn that I like and will hopefully look much nicer than plain black! I am hoping the skeins will arrive soon so I can get started, it's his birthday in June also, so fingers crossed that I will get them finished for then!

Talking of Blue Moon Fibers, the second sock kit has arrived and is a pattern called grasshopper, the yarn is absolutely gorgeous and soft and also contains silk, The grasshopper pattern is a lace pattern, something which I never done before, and is a toe-up sock again with a windershin heel, which is also new to me. I am looking forward to starting them, but must get other WIPs finished first.

I have started the second Monsoon sock and that is coming on well, as I am about half way up the foot, I am looking forward to having these finished so I can wear them ;-)

So that's it til next time Enjoy the rest of the Bank Holiday and fingers crossed for the sunshine to come back!

AT LAST

2007-04-22T06:51:00.000Z

At last, I have finished the Laura Long Cropped Cardigan from Yarn Forward Magazine, this looked as though it should have been a fast knit, but seems as though it has been a very long WIP, but here it is all done ;-)

And here is the back view

The underarm feels a little tight, so I am now wondering whether I would have been better doing the large size rather than the medium, but then the body may have been a bit too big and baggy. I think the real problem was down to the length in the raglan shaping, maybe it should have been a little longer, but to get the raglan shaping looking even, you needed to decrease one stitch on every alternate row, but then surely if you knit more rows this way, you end up with very few stitches left for the back of the neck, or do you cast on more stitches in the first place! Confused? I know I certainly am, boy did this pattern give me some headaches, but then that is how to learn and gain experience, maybe one day I shall learn how to adapt patterns. But apart from that, I do love it and will probably actually wear it too, even if it is just for taking Tess for a walk and I am secretly pleased with myself that I persevered with it to the bitter end! Thanks again Roxy, without all your help on this I would never have got to the finishing line!

Work has still been fairly busy, not helped by the end of the Tax year falling right at the start of the Easter Bank Holiday, but that's all done now and sorted, so hopefully things shall get back to "normal" very soon ;-)

Tess would like to say a big thank-you for all the well wishes and is feeling much better now and back to her normal self, the lump has now disappeared with thanks to mum and dad for bathing the infected area, with Salt water and TCP not at all pleasant for the little dog, but far better than that lady vet squeezing, poking and prodding and of course a few Dog Choc Drops just helped the antibiotics go down! So thankfully another visit to the vet was not needed, although Tess says she shall milk the attention for a little longer and make sure she gets plenty of rest in her favourite armchair.

I haven't done much knitting lately, what with the warmer weather, although I did manage to finish The Inside Out Monsoon sock. I have enjoyed making this and the yarn is so lovely to knit with, although knitting on 2mm dpn's, this is not a quick knit and I did find the cables on the leg part a little bit fiddly, although I think this was down to me using longer dpn's than usual, I usually use short Brittany 2.25mm needles, but these do have a tendency to snap and break, so this time I used Clover bamboo instead and these no doubt are stronger, but they are also a bit longer and kept getting in the way, when trying to twist the cable, although fortunately the cable twists are on every tenth row, so there are plenty of plain rib rows in between. I did 55 rows for the leg, which is a good length, but at the same time, still leaves plenty of yarn for the second sock, don't want to running out of yarn after all that work now! I don't think I will get second sock syndrome with these, cause this time I know exactly how many rows need to be worked on each section and will not have to keep stopping to try them on, and also I can't wait to be able to wear them!

The second STR kit, I think, is going to be dispatched this week. I am really looking forward to seeing what this one will be, I did however to help with the waiting, order a couple more skeins this time in the colours Foofaraw and Farmhouse.

These colours are fabulous, the photograph really does not give them justice and it is very difficult to resist the temptation of starting yet another pair of socks, but I can't possibly as those Trekking Socks are still on the needles and I must get them finished first really.

I have started Caister, but only done a few rows so far, for some reason, Tess seems a bit more playful with this, usually she quite happy to sit at the side of me on the settee, whilst I am knitting and usually only tends to jump and pounce if the ball should fall and roll across the floor, but with Caister, four balls jumping up and down in the bag together is too much to resist and has been making her go a little crazy, playfully growling, almost as though she thinks the bag is alive, so I have been only knitting this early on a Sunday morning, whilst her and DB have a lie in ;-) crikey it is going to take forever at this rate!

Hope everyone is enjoying the sunny weather, let's hope it continues ;-)

Knitting Progress on go slow!

2007-04-08T08:34:00.000Z

Well, the knitting progress has been somewhat rather patchy over the last fortnight, work has gone busy, what with month end to deal with and also the end of the tax year, so all I wanted to do when I got home, is watch a bit of TV and fall asleep.

However I did manage to start the Monsoon STR sock, after a couple of tricky starts with the toe-up, this as previously mentioned I have never done before, but armed with lots of advice on the kal, I did my provincial crochet cast on, now somewhere I read it's best to do this with a brighter or lighter yarn, so is easier to see when having to unpick, so for some strange bizarre reason I thought I'd use some horrendous bright orange cheap acrylic I had lying around, to be honest I can't even remember buying this particular ball of yarn, as it is so gaudy, I can't imagine wanting to make anything with it, but thought this would be ideal, but oh no, when it came to unpick, the orange fibres got well and truly stuck inside the lovely monsoon yarn. Arggh, I had no choice but to cut that piece off and start all over again, this time using a smooth white 4 ply cotton, I have managed to do a few rows of rib on the foot, and I love the way the colours are pooling together.

I have made some progress with DB's Trekking sock, this also has a short row heel, but the instructions given for turning this one, are different to the Monsoon sock, where as on the Monsoon you actually wrap the yarn round the stitch before turning to prevent a hole, on the trekking stitch you actually do a yarn forward, and then when it comes to working the stitches back up, you need to kind knit into the stitch then knit into the back of the yarn forward to prevent a hole, well I must have tried and frogged this at least four times, but each time ended up with the most wonderful lacy heel you could imagine, not at all right for men's socks so on my final attempt I used the wrap round method and hey presto worked perfectly, so I learnt a good lesson there. Here is the progress on these so far.

Over the bank holiday weekend, with the glorious weather, I have been having a few problems on what to make, you may find this quite strange, but I do not really have lots and lots of yarn in the stash, although I have knitted from an early age, it is only the last year or so, I have taken an interest again, so usually I have only bought yarn for a particular project that I want to make. I never really have much luck with sale yarn, my nearest LYS is John Lewis's in Nottingham, and there actual yarn selection has gradually got smaller over the years, so what yarn they do have on sale is usually just a bucket of odd balls and never enough to actually make a whole garment. My other local store, which is about a 20 minute drive away is Yarn at Beeston, which is a fabulous shop, but parking can be difficult, and I am always a bit wary of leaving the car on the street for any length of time, so I usually have to get DB to take me, so he can wait in the car, while I nip in, but there is nothing worse than feeling rushed when in a yarn shop ;-) and although he says he doesn't mind waiting, I don't think he means hours, which is usually what it takes for me to pick and choose. I do not have much luck with on-line sale yarn either, not sure if it's my moniter but when I think I have a bargain, and the yarn arrives, the colour never looks right and it never surprises me why it ended up in the sale. So here I have four days off work, with some time to actually do some knitting, but not got the right yarn or right quantity in stash to make anything for the summer.I was going to get DB to take me to Yarn yesterday (Saturday) but on Friday poor Tess developed a small lump on a very precarious part of her bottom, although wasn't causing her too much distress, it was upsetting for us, so we booked her into the vets yesterday morning, the job of taking her is easier said than done, she's fine walking up to the door, tail wagging but then with one sniff when the door is opened, thats it, tail between her legs and feet digging into the ground and won't budge, strange when she was younger, she never minded the vet examining her but now she gets so nervous, and although she would never bite, it took the two of us to hold her steady, while the lady vet felt all around her, it appears she has a small cyst, and after a course of antibiotics, she may need to go back to have the lump removed next week. Crikey though, I think I must have chosen the wrong career, we was literally in there for three minutes, and we was walking out with a bottle of fourteen small tablets and a bill for forty-five pounds, not that I am complaining about paying, as with all pet owners, the well being of our little furry animals is something you just can't put a price on!

So after that, I didn't get to go to Yarn and of course the yarn shops are now closed over Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Still I will go next weekend instead.

Although, I could always start Caister, I am not sure with the stripes, does anyone know if it's best to carry the yarn up the sides or keep cutting the yarn and having hundreds of end to sew in. the stripes at some parts would mean carrying up as much as ten rows and then on some are only two, but if I do carry the yarn up the sides, cause I am working with four colours, would this make the seam too bulky to sew. the yarn used is 4ply cotton, I would appreciate any suggestions!

I have very nearly finished the cropped cardigan, the neckband is now finished and sewn in place, I did the three needle bind off and am very pleased with the result. I just need to sew on buttons and press stud, and I haven't forgotten the promise of a picture, so I will get one ready for next post.

As the weather is nice and sunny, we shall be off on a nice bike ride today on the Harley!!!

PROGRESS AT LAST! SLOW, BUT GETTING THERE

2007-03-25T08:17:00.000Z

Over the last two weeks the knitting progress has been going somewhat better! I finished the G Rock, STR Socks, these have become a firm favourite, both in knitting them and wearing, I did a slip stitch heel on these, like I did on the spindle socks, this seems to somehow reinforce them, where needed, as it is usually the heel that starts to wear first , here is an action shot, or so to speak, just look at all the colours

Closely examined by Tess, who say they are very nice but would look much better with boots, as that usually means a walk, which she says makes her happy and makes her tail wag!

I finished these, just in time for the arrival of, the much longed for, first kit from the Socks That Rock Club, The idea of these kits is to be mystery to those who joined, so just in case, although I do imagine that everyone who has joined and is likely to be reading this has received theirs by now, I have hidden the photograph behind the link, so not to spoil the surprise for anyone still waiting

Socks That Rock Kit - Package 1

I am really delighted with the goodies in the first package, The kit contains Folder, Dyers Notes, Button Badge, Key chain with emergency yarn, Bumber Sticker, The lovely skein and also not photographed the pattern, I haven't started the pattern as yet, but I have wound the skein into a ball and is already to go, the pattern is toe up and also short row heel, something that I have never done before, but with all the help and advice given on the Kal, I am sure will be a lot of fun! The only thing I was a bit put out by was that DB said I couldn't put the bumber sticker on the car, what a spoilt sport, I think its really because he's worried that someone might try and steal it ;-)

Talking of help, Roxy yet again, has come to my rescue, and kindly e-mailed me with lots of helpful hints and tips on how to sew and finish, Roxy's garments always have a lovely neat professional finish, something that I would love to be able to achieve, So together on towels and a slight press with the iron, under a damp cloth, we have this so far

I suppose raglan sleeves are the easiest to fit, I might have a look for a pattern of a simple cardigan or something to knit from stash so I can practise with fitted sleeves, as they look like the most difficult, the Caister cardigan that I am planning to make has fitted sleeves, but with stripes, so it wouldn't be good to practise on this as a first attempt.

All that's left with the cropped cardigan is too finish the two knitted bands at the back of the neck, as anyone got any ideas on the best way to get them to join together neatly? and then to sew the button and press stud on. Hopefully for next post I will get DB to take a photograph of me wearing the cardigan, he has far more patience than me with photographs, I'm a more point and click person, then end up with headless shots or pictures of the floor! Although DB said he was actually have difficulty in taking photographs and may have to go on strike, cause his feet are cold, Do you think that's a hint that he is still waiting for a pair of knitted socks? Well I have started the Trekking socks, and am now about six inches up on the cuff, but mindless rounds of rib in black wool is rather tedious, but still only two inches to go to the heel, but guess what, the trekking sock is another short row heel, so it could become rather interesting! I was even more worried though when DB said that he actually like the skein in the STR kit, more than black. Err I don't think that was part of the deal do you?

Well that's all, till next time and hopefully I will have the cropped cardigan finished, and be a bit nearer with the Trekking socks and have started the STR socks too, I can't wait.

Have a nice week, hope the weather gets better, now we have officially started British Summer Time, Hee-Hee!

ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK

2007-03-10T13:33:00.000Z

This is how it's felt with the knitting progress lately, As mentioned in previous post I was rather hoping to have at least one FO, but unfortunately it's not to be, I did hit a snag with the cropped cardigan, yep that darn pattern with all it's errors is "haunting me". I'd knitted the first sleeve, then about half way up on the second sleeve, I decided they didn't look long enough, as the increases given in the pattern on the sleeve do not add up to what the pattern says they should on the size I was making. I had to re-write the particular part of pattern again, to get the right amount of stitches, So I knitted the sleeves to my own amendments, but after realising they were not going to be long enough I re-read the pattern again, and although I had altered it to get the amount of stitches rights, I'd somehow, missed a chunk of the pattern, so I was about 12 rows short, which on 5mm needles is quite considerable length. The tape measure was telling me that I was about two inches short of what the sleeve should measure, and as the sleeves are cropped anyway, mine being even shorter looked really stupid and I was not at all happy with them, so I knew with that dreaded feel in my stomach, that my only option was to frog them, so after a glass of wine (large one) ;-) I ripped it all out, re-wrote the pattern yet again and have re-knitted them.

I also had a few problems locating a button for the front, There aren't any sewing type shops where I live, without taking a trip into town, and going to John Lewis's. which is a long way, just for one button, OK I know I don't really need much of an excuse to have a look at the yarn again, but budget doesn't really allow for it at the moment, and I am certainly not someone with strong-willpower that can just look and then walk away. I did look on e-bay for a button but those are mostly sold in packs of ten, and as I want the button colour shape and size to be just right, It's difficult to see them exactly on a computer monitor and if they are not right and can't be used. it would be a waste of time and money. I also looked in the charity shops, but couldn't find anything suitable there either. So when I mentioned the problem to DB, he said, I'll make you one and the next day after work, he came home with these

So I have a choice of two, both are ideal, and although it's difficult to see in the photograph, he made these from oak and has stained them to show the wood grain. I am not sure which one to use as they are both great and just what I wanted, but then I got that guilty feeling again , as I remembered I still have not started his socks yet.

So now the knitting part is all done and blocked thankfully, I did try to take photographs but couldn't get them to look right and then the batteries in the camera packed up, how come no matter what you are doing, the particular batteries you need are never at hand. So the Laura Long cropped cardigan is now ready and waiting for that wonderful job of sewing up (eyes roll)

On the previous post I mentioned the pattern a day calender, Kat was asking where I'd purchased it from, I bought mine from The Calendarclub.co.uk to be honest I have so far been a bit disappointed with the calender, I have resisted the temptation to look at the patterns still to come, but so far none of the patterns have been anything I have wanted to make or wear. But it's still good fun seeing a new pattern each day and fingers crossed it can only get better

I did manage to win these on eBay, I usually don't have much luck with knitting bargains on there, but this was a exception, and with this I shall be able to make another pair of the Spindle Socks at about half the price.

On other knitting news I have very nearly completed the second G-Rock sock, only about 10 rows to go and the toe shaping, I am also half way up the back of Chamomile, so there is slow progress going on.....

I'm still waiting for the STR package to arrive, I had hoped that it would have come last week, but the Blue Moon Fibers have bit hit with another snag, heavy snowy weather, They really have had the odds stacked against them with this, and it's a shame as the girls have all really worked hard at putting the problems right, whilst still keeping a sense of humour, it seems as though they been having the same problems as me ONE STEP FORWARD AND TWO STEPS BACK

STILL KEEPIN' THE POSTMAN BUSY

2007-02-25T08:20:00.000Z

Well, over the last fortnight, I have had yet, more goodies arrive. I not sure what part I like about knitting the best, the arrival of nice knitterly things, or the actual knitting itself ;-)

The first to arrive were these, three balls of black yarn, which hopefully shall become DB socks, yes, these still haven't been started and are still in the pending pile, must get cracking on with these, as I may start to feel guilty when the first STR package arrives, which should hopefully be over the next fortnight, but then again STR over lengthy DB black socks, What would you choose to make first? ;-)

The other two items are the new Debbie Bliss books, Out of Town and Pure Cotton book, both of which do have a few patterns that I would like to make, The Pure cotton book, if you turn it over has another section of patterns using the new yarn Stella, so it is almost two books in one.

This pattern has really caught my eye, ALEXA in Debbie Bliss Stella, just ideal for the summer.

The other pattern at the back of the first photograph is the Cropped Cardigan from the Blue Sky Alpacas, I also ordered the yarn for this from Get Knitted, The yarn should hopefully arrive any day now, as they did not have enough in stock and needed to re-order.

Also when ordering I just couldn't resist this, isn't this so cute ;-)

It's the keyring sweater from Lantern Moon

Also to arrive was a skein of Colinette Jitterbug in Bright Charcoal, I have not bothered to photograph this, as I was a bit disappointed, think I may have the same problem as Roxy mentioned on her blog, as I think the bright bits have definitely been missed on my skein, one of the problems with hand painted yarn, so this has been added to the never ending sock yarn stash pile.

This arrived too, after seeing Queen Frogger's copy, I just couldn't resist, so I ordered a copy from Amazon a week last Thursday and was really surprised that it landed on my doorstep yesterday (Saturday), especially as they had said expected arrival time to be April. There are a quite few things that I would like to make and I am really pleased with the book.

I bet after seeing these purchases, you are all thinking yeah, yeah, but when are we going to see some knitting actually been done, after all isn't this what this blog was supposed to be about. Well I have been knitting honest!!! Not as much as I like, as mundane things such as work, housework and paperwork have been getting in the way and the NOT mundane things such as Internet Shopping and reading other people's blogs.;-) I have very nearly finished the cropped cardigan, just one sleeve to go and the sewing up and knitted band etc... and I have completed
the first G-Rock STR Sock, and the second is also well on it's way, so hopefully shall have at least one FO for you next time.

I took the photograph on a white paper background, in hope that you can see the many colours better.

I did have a laugh though, the middle of last week, as the pattern from the Pattern a Day calender was this, for Valentine's Day. "A Valentine Thong"

Even DB couldn't stop laughing, until I told him, that I was going to make him one, instead of socks, his face soon changed and the language to follow, I couldn't possibly repeat on here, "now what yarn would be the best to use" ;-) I do apologise to the person who's design it is or to anyone who has made or considering making this, but for me personally, as much as I like wearing knitted items, knitted pants of any kind is definitely a no-no. So I shall leave you with that chuckle! but seriously if anyone should like the pattern, please let me know and I shall happily pop it in the post, and I promise I won't laugh. (too much....)

Look What's Arrived

2007-02-11T16:52:00.000Z

Don't you just think that the best sound ever is the knock knock on the door from the postman, especially when you are expecting knitting goodies, I have certainly kept our postman busy over the last week, the first to arrive was this:

Two skeins of Socks That Rock, in shades January one and G Rocks, Blimey I was not at all disappointed with these, The colours and texture are amazing, as I know I don't need to tell most of you, that has already purchased some. I just literally couldn't wait to get home from work and start sock making, just what you want to get through a Monday

This is the shade G Rocks and the colours are more amazing when knitted than in the skein, it certainly become a favourite sock yarn. Also I arrived home to find the new Rowan magazine was on the doormat. I had actually had a sneaky peep at this in John Lewis's on Saturday, amazing last Saturday the sun was shinning and the weather was warm and just perfect for looking at all those summer patterns and new yarns. For me, there is a lot of good stuff in the issue and immediately the pattern Caister caught my eye

and it wasn't long before I found myself choosing and selecting the 4ply cotton ;-) I decided, to opt for the same colour scheme as in the pattern, a bit unadventurous I know, but decided it was best to play safe, I am hoping this will turn out OK as I really have fallen for it, but in the past I know I have problems with 4ply cotton and getting an even tension. but I going to see this has a bit of a challenge and take my time and try to do my best. I can't wait til spring . I also purchased the new summer tweed book, The Kasbah collection, this has a wonderful selection of patterns for summer tops and there are also new shades of Summer Tweed. I can't tell you how excited I am.

But then after all this looking at summer patterns and new summer yarns, what happens in the middle of the week, we get snow!!! Yes scraping ice from the car windscreen and watching big flakes of snow fall, soon brings you back down to earth and makes the summer seem far away. Never mind I really should be sticking to the New Year Resolution and actually have F.O's before starting new one's. I have finished though the front of Chamomile and also have finished the back on the cropped cardigan, this now, I have the amendments to follow has actually become a fast knit and an enjoyable one.

Talking of New Year Resolutions, the healthy eating plan is going quite well and I have started a new plan called the Human Inferno system, basically the idea with this, you start the day with a fairly big meal and then gradually the meals get smaller throughout the day, being your last meal, the smallest at around seven. pm. and the trick is that you don't eat anything after 8pm, it's quite difficult at first to adjust, what with work and everything, but I have tried and over the last fortnight have actually lost four pounds, but without feeling hungry or without sugar cravings, the knitting of course has helped, as by knitting mainly in the evenings it has kept my mind occupied. I Ideally would like to lose another half a stone, and be around 8.5 stone, as this is what I feel most comfortable at.

Back to the knitting purchases I also bought from Angel Yarns a Regia Sock kit in the shade Bonbon

Tess would like to say Hi, and also she would like to tell you it's her birthday today

Yup my little terror is four years old and is being spoilt rotten with doggy treats!

KNITTING UPDATE

2007-01-28T07:52:00.000Z

Last year, DB and I went on holiday camping, in Brittany, France. Whilst we was there, I came across a yarn store, accidentally of course ;-) I thought I'd like to buy some yarn and make something to keep as souvenir of the holiday, It was a lovely tiny craft shop, which was full of Bergere De France Yarn. The shop itself, was very busy and being so tiny, it was difficult to browse properly, and as they were all speaking french, it was difficult to enquire about anything too, but the lady, who owned the shop did speak a little English, well let's say her English was much better than my French. So when it came to my turn, I decided it would be easier just to purchase one ball of sock yarn, so after a lot of pointing and waving my feet about, the lady nodded and pointed to a small basket of odd balls of sock yarn, to be honest there was not a lot of choice so I quickly selected a ball and purchased it, and as I was going out the door I thought I heard the lady say, that's lovely (something) Bergere De France yarn. Then the other day I was speaking to a Knitter friend, and when I showed her my completed socks, she said, I have some of that yarn in my stash, it is Opal Petticoat, I was a bit startled at first, here's me thinking I have got some unique French yarn, to find out I could have probably purchased it in the UK. now me being a 'complete gonk', a couple of months ago whilst clearing the bottom of my knitting bag, had thrown away a number of knitting bands and alas, I think this was one of them, so now I think I'm going to have to change their name to stripped socks, not very original I know,but I can't think of anything any better at the moment, so here we have Stripped Socks.

and the yarn used will remain a mystery, not that it matters, as I did enjoy making them.

The cropped cardigan, has got off to a very sticky start, The pattern is full of errors, not just one either, each piece is wrong and to top it all, the picture in the pattern is a mirror image, so everything in the pattern is reversed! Yikes, Luckily I had not got very far, before Roxy very kindly pointed them out to me, there has been nothing posted on the Yarn Forward website as yet, in fact it says no errors have been found so far with issue 1 and although I understand very basic principles of decreasing at armholes etc.. how many stitches and when is not something I find easy to digest, I always rely on the pattern to do that, even DB tried to help, but him being an engineer, managed to make it sound more technical. I was disappointed to say the least, as this was something I had set my heart on making. I have tried sending an e-mail a couple of times, to the editor but I am still waiting for a reply. Then Roxy, yet again, has come to my rescue, as she knew another Rowanette, who has made this cardigan and has made and written her own amendments so Roxy has very kindly e-mailed them to me, so all is not lost after all and I will be able to make the cardigan. Thanks ever so much Roxy for sharing this with me, and also thank you to the lady, who made the amendments and has shared them.

In the meantime, I was a bit undecided what to make next, so I decided on this

Its Chamomile from the Rowan Summer Tweed book, I have been wanting to make this for a while and I had purchased the yarn in the shade Denim, last autumn. I have visualised wearing this whilst taking Tess for walks at weekends, and so I don't think the leather thongs would be practical. so I'm doing the neckline the same but without the ties and if it starts to flap open too much, I can always add a hook and eye closure, just to hold in place. I have made good progress so far, and about half way with the front. It's the first time I have knitted with Summer Tweed, and although I like it, I do hope it softens a bit when washed, because at the moment it feels a bit dry and full of twig like sharp bits.

After a bit of searching DB has decided he liked the Techguy Sock pattern from Mag knits the best, but wants them plain, and also chosen black, which is probably one of the worst colours to knit with, so what I think I shall do, is to take these to work with me and perhaps if I just do a few rows at lunchtime etc, it won't be so bad and after all I did promise and he did buy me a place in the STR Club. Talking of which I have ordered a couple of extra STR skeins;-) as they have now sorted the payment system out and I was able to purchase these myself, I can't wait for them to arrive, I am not sure how long the postal system takes, but I am looking forward to it, and I also believe the new Rowan magazine is out this week too, So there's lots of thing to look forward too...

See you next time!

TIME FLYS

2007-01-14T17:30:00.000Z

Well, I can't believe it is two weeks, since I last posted, where has the time gone, we are already in the middle of January, being back at work is a bit of a drag, especially as the mornings are still very dark.

The New Year Resolutions are sort of going well, I have managed to keep to the healthier eating style and as this is the plan for life and not a diet as such, it should be easy to maintain, In the Christmas sales we bought a bread machine, so all our bread is now made with good natural ingredients and not a chemical insight, DB is an excellent cook, so he has being making some lovely meals and at least we have a bit more understanding of what we are actually eating and where possible making our own, so we can cut out the hidden fats, sugar and salt etc, I have cut down also on the amount of Chocolate and Cake and sugary foods I was eating and think this has actually helped to stabilise blood sugar levels, so I know longer feel so sluggish and lethargic.

The knitting unfortunately has being going a little slower than I liked, I do have my first finished project for 2007 though, the spindle socks, I have really enjoyed making these.

Thank you Anna for the pattern, these were for a birthday present, but as I finished them a little bit too late, I decided to buy something instead, and actually keep these for myself ;)

The Bergere De France second sock is coming on very slowly, as I keep being interrupted by a you know who!!!

with calls of 'Mum lets play a game instead' Talking of socks though, I mentioned in a previous post, that I had wanted to join the Socks That Rock Club, but when I did try to join, it was full up, so I was put in reserve, well it turned out later, that there was still places left, Thanks Roxy for spotting this, You are a star!!! So I tried and entered my pre-registration ID and was taken to the Shopping Cart, I can't tell you the excitement and joy I felt... to then discover the shopping cart had been removed as they had a technical fault, So I sent Blue Moon an e-mail to find out what other method of payment could be used and was told, that everything should be sorted by the weekend, it then transpired, that the girls at Blue Moon had been let down by their bank, as the bank thought that knitting socks couldn't possibly have that amount of interest and assumed with that amount of monies being paid into a sock club, it must be a kind of scam, and returned every ones payment to them. The upset this must have caused them at Blue Moon Fibers is unimaginable, Fancy a bank taking it upon themselves to return your customers money! But the girls have worked very quickly to resolve the problem and have been very good at responding quickly to e-mails, they deserve a medal! After a few attempts I have managed to make payment, although for some reason they wouldn't except my card, so on DB suggestion, I used his, and the payment went through, to his horror though! After seeing Roxy's socks, I was going to order a couple of extra skeins, to keep me going til the first package of the sock club arrives, the colour choices are truly amazing and it is so difficult to choose, but I think I shall wait until the methods of payments are sorted a bit better, I feel a bit greedy keep asking to use DB's Card, as also, that way he can see how much I am buying. He has asked me though in return for using his card to make him a pair of socks, I can't really say no can? but I shall not be using the Socks That Rock yarn, luckily the colours really are not his style, phew!!!. Does anyone know where I can get a man's sock pattern from, preferably fairly chunky to use with boots and one that uses slightly larger needles so its quick???

Now I have finished the Spindle Socks, I am ready to start a new project, this has taken my fancy

this is the cropped cardigan by Laura Long from the magazine, Yarn Forward, this is from the first issue and is really different from all the other magazines you see on the shelves.

I have some Rowan All Season Cotton in my stash in the colour Dusky, a kind of dark blue denim I bought it at a bargain from eBay a few months ago, so is ideal for this, I don't think I shall embroider the flowers though, I am not really a flowery type of girl and I hate sewing, so I am not putting myself under that kind of pressure and would probably make a hash of it anyway.

Well that's all from me for now, I'm off to do a bit more on the sock, whilst playing throw and catch the ball with Tess of course. Have a good week!!!

Here's to 2007

2006-12-30T12:33:00.000Z

Well 2006 is nearly at the end, and I can't believe how quickly this year as gone, let alone the speed of last week, all my plans of having a leisurely week of knitting have gone up the spout, and to be quite honest I can't really think of what I have done with the time instead , it just vanished between a bit of cooking, visiting relatives , reading etc... and also thinking about New Year resolutions, something which I do not usually bother with.

One of the reasons I started this blog, was to hope it would spure me on a little, to actually completing projects on the needles a little more quickly, rather than just starting them, leaving them either on the needles or just in a bag waiting for the dreaded task of sewing up, never seeing the light of day again, then starting on something new for the same process to happen! so my first New Year task is to make sure I only knit things, that I know I shall want to wear and feel happy wearing, rather than knitting things that look good on the model, that never in a million years would suit me or that would makes me feel uncomfortable and conscious of going out in.

My other New Year Resolution is, the other day I was reading a health magazine (not good when you've eaten one too many mince pies) and there was an article regarding the amount of chemicals which is being put in our foods, particularly salt related, although the government is supposed to be setting guide-lines to the food manufactures and now by law they have to list what their food contains, the message is still not getting across to the public and the dangers that these chemicals can cause, so the manufactures are still getting away with it, even worse a lot of these are put in foods that are aimed for children, Is it any wonder that some children today are feeling one minute hyperactive the next dreadfully lethargic. So one of my tasks this week has been looking in my cupboards to see what these foods actually do contain, I was completely astounded, there were names that I can not even pronounce, let alone know what it actually is, there was even a bag of Ready Made frozen potatoes, which contained everything but potato. So after emptying the contents out and sorting the packaging for the recycle bins, I have thrown it all away, My cupboards are now virtually bare, but I feel a whole lot better for it, and as DB and I quite like cooking, we are no longer going to buy these convenience foods, but start to make our own soups, breads, sauces and things from fresh natural produce, so we know and can monitor exactly what we are eating. espcially cutting down on salt or salt subsitutes. Hopefully our health should improve as well. We have always given Tess freshly cooked meat anyway, as the tinned and dried variety really isn't to her liking, but we do add a few dog biscuits to the meat, as these are suppose to make the meal more balanced, but I was horrified to see that these actually contained chemicals too, especially colour, which is bizarre as most dog experts say dogs only see things in black and white anyway. Well that's my rant over with!

Back to the knitting, I have started the Spindle sock and must say, that these are gorgeous to make, the yarn is so thick and soft compared to the usual sock wool and really do make a nice change, they are quick as well, as there is only 52 stitches to the round, and on slightly larger needles too, the pattern is a slipped cable stitch, which is easy to follow, and also can be done without using a cable needle, I don't think I am going to make my deadline though , so I afraid they shall be a belated birthday present, but I am sure the recipient won't mind and hopefully will be as delighted with wearing them as I have been making them

I have also made very slow progress with Bergere De France Sock too. hopefully will have photos of these completed next time.

Well I hope you all have a Happy New Year and all the best for 2007. See you then!

CHILLIN' OUT

2006-12-24T07:58:00.000Z

Hooray, Christmas is here, I have now finished work, and don't start back til the New Year, and as the company I work for, premises are closed, I shan't be bombarded with telephone queries either. The last week has been fairly hectic, with end of month reports, invoices and also end of year reports to do as well, I did find the time though to finish Miss Moneypenny, this is an old Rowan pattern from magazine no 17, which I bought from eBay, I did finish the knitting about a month ago, but been dragging my feet a bit with the making up, the trouble is I prefer when I am sewing to do it in natural day-light, and there has not been an awful lot of that lately, but here she is all done

I actually knitted her in Debbie Bliss Wool/Cotton rather than the cotton glace called for in the pattern, and added an extra two inches to the length in the body and on the sleeves, which has made her more of a classic styled cardigan, which shall be ideal for work in the spring/summer.

I have also made fair progress on my second Bergere De France Sock and I am just past the heel shaping, but to be interrupted by the arrival of this:

Two balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cash merino, I purchased this to make Anna's lovely Spindle socks, the pattern is absolutely divine with gorgeous slip stitch cables, these are for a gift for someone in the New Year. but I can see myself enjoying these so much, that I shall be having to make another pair for myself.

As neither DB or myself has a large family, our Christmas is going to be a fairly quiet one, which gives me plenty of time for knitting, cooking and taking Tess for long walks, she needs them at the moment to burn away some of the excitement of Santa-Paws coming!

So Happy knitting Christmas everyone, Have a good one!

Good Morning

2006-12-17T07:48:00.000Z

Welcome to my Blog, after reading other people blogs about their knitting and things, I have decided to take the plunge and start my own and I must say, can you believe, I am quite excited. I apologise first, if I get things wrong but being new and having self taught computer skills, it may be a receipe for diaster. On this blog I am going to talk mostly about knitting, as this is my favourite hobby, I started originally when I was seven years old, and then had a huge break, then started again around a couple of years ago, mostly due to the huge selection of yarns now available, I prefer to use natural yarns such as wool and cotton and thanks to Rowan and others, this is now more easily available and is such a far cry from those acryilic gawdy yarns I used to use years ago (never again) This week I have completed one sock using Bergere De France yarn, which I purchased whilst on holiday this year in Brittany.

I am now about to start its partner, I was going to treat myself for Christmas to joining The Socks that Rock Club, that a lot of people have been talking about, but unfortunately have left it a little too late, and have been told that the club is now full, but I have been put on the waiting list, in case anyone should drop out, trouble is I don't know how far down the list I am, so I shall have to wait and see and if not maybe next year! Well that enough of my chatter for now, Only a week to go until Christmas, so everything is still quite hectic, what with work, shopping and present wrapping, It all gets a bit too much for certain members (Tess), and can be very tiring!