tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90396628869231048122011-10-25T18:16:17.727+01:00...knitting slowly on chunky needles...vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.comBlogger631100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-85956078891692435022009-02-25T18:53:00.004Z2009-02-25T19:06:31.741Z

Looong pause in blogging over the last 2.5 months due to a cold, another cold, an ear infection, change of job, another cold and now mildly niggly arthritis (more annoying than painful). Bleugh indeed, but feeling ok in myself and the new job is going really well.Normal service will resume soon...if I ever work out what that is!Oh, and merry Christmas and happy new year!

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-76563375579714204292008-12-13T22:17:00.002Z2008-12-13T23:00:52.027Z

This is what happens when you cross a small amount of Shilasdair 100% cashmere handspun yarn and a need (or rather want) for a light scarf. As I only had 68g of yarn, I couldn't make anything too big, so I started hunting for either long thin scarves, or short fat cowls. I found one or two things that I liked but didn't seem quite what I was after. The more I hunted, the clearer the picture

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-83386334225982617822008-12-13T15:12:00.002Z2008-12-13T17:02:52.443Z

It's been longer than I thought since my last post - oops. I've been up to quite a lot over the last few months, some of it worth blogging about too!The most important thing is that I'm knitting again and really enjoying it. I've had a bad cold for the last few weeks (will it ever end!) and knitting had been helping me through it :o)I'm not doing as much Christmas knitting this year. Partly to

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-4446275682651861612008-10-07T20:50:00.002+01:002008-10-07T22:11:53.682+01:00

First there was purple, then red, now my SP has sent pink yarn - and fabulous stuff it is too! As well as the pink yarn, I got chocolate and shower gel - all very very lovely stuff. Here's the pic...there may be some chocolate missing :o)I had no idea who my pal was throughout the swap, one or two hints have been dropped recently and I think I've worked out who is...still not entirely sure though

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-61941624539988321062008-09-25T21:48:00.001+01:002008-09-25T21:48:09.114+01:00

I've just finished Sheldon. I'm very excited.

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-8319959320962302412008-09-14T19:01:00.003+01:002008-09-14T19:30:23.240+01:00

I definitely seem to be getting back into this knitting lark again. I'm actually feeling excited in the 'just one more row/section/piece' way. This has mainly been due to having time on my hands combined with a need to keep off my feet. I was off work on Thursday afternoon and Friday due to my arthritis playing up and attacking my feet. First the right foot, then the left. I therefore turned on

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-55436076006347730312008-09-10T08:27:00.002+01:002008-09-10T09:45:52.450+01:00

After what feels like a low that has lasted forever, I'm trying to pull myself together and get back on top of things. This, of course, includes knitting and I did get some quality knitting time in over the weekend. I suppose rain does have it's advantages...I've decided to make knitted gifts for a friends two kids whose birthdays are less than a month apart. I'm making a pinwheel cardie for

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-65988719279168189712008-08-24T10:54:00.002+01:002008-08-24T11:06:40.530+01:00

Just a quick post with some photos.First, my second SP12 package:Next, my clapotis sofa throw. I've been meaning to take a photo of this for ages, it lives on the sofa, even though I've not finished the ends yet (just hidden them). I'll finish it one of these days. The way the stripes worked out still hasn't grown on me which is a shame, but I do love the colours.Lastly is my shawl. I've not

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-91763466233710202062008-08-20T20:11:00.003+01:002008-08-20T20:40:41.896+01:00

My secret pal has done it again, I got another great parcel the other day. Photos to follow but it contained yarnie goodness (lovely red washable stuff), hand cream (tried out this morning, very good), latte macchiato chocolates (partly consumed) and some apple and ginkgoflavoured green tea (not tried yet). Thank you secret pal!!In other news, I'm still not knitting. Not doing much at all, well,

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-69029468752736565042008-07-21T20:49:00.002+01:002008-07-21T21:31:27.007+01:00

I am trying to post regularly, really I am. It's just not happening at the moment I'm afraid. I've got lots of things I want to blog about, just no time or energy to do it. More in a mo, but first, question of the week 6 (determined to answer it before no. 7 appears!).What is your favorite type of project to take along on holiday/vacation?This is an easy one. I've not been on holiday (proper

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-45422634126148353922008-07-15T21:02:00.002+01:002008-07-15T21:13:03.945+01:00

Not working. Not studying. Not applying for a job. Not doing anything that has has been consuming me recently. I'm having an evening of nothing other than sitting with a glass of wine and watching some rubbish TV (Bonekickers, is that really the best the BBC could do?), then a long soak in the bath I think, then bed with my book. Lovely.

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-17810870233166063162008-07-10T21:44:00.003+01:002008-07-10T22:07:02.043+01:00

Apologies again at being so rubbish at keeping up with these questions. My answers aren't very inspired I'm afraid...1) What yarn (that you don’t have/haven’t used) would make your stash “complete”? 2) What yarn do you never want to be without?Surely that's 2 questions?1) I don't think it's possible to make stash complete is it? I do need to find something that does the long colour changes like

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-85545104482273420682008-07-04T18:54:00.002+01:002008-07-04T19:57:58.941+01:00

I have a wonderful secret pal who's first gift (of three apparently) arrived yesterday.The theme is 'purple'. There's 400g of thick, scrumptious purple yarn (the type of stuff you can bury your face in), lovely smellies and some blueberry and lavender chocolate. I'm impressed that even the chocolate has an injection purple!My pal has done a very good job, I can't wait for the next installment!

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-9907514025072066022008-06-29T11:31:00.004+01:002008-06-29T12:34:44.045+01:00

Ok, sorry for being crap and answering these a bit late, not spent much time at the pc of late. I'm sitting here dyeing my hair red (again), I've got 20 minutes until I have to rinse. My hair is quite dark so I never get the bright colour that I would like, but it generally gets a good tint.So to business:As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?I used to

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-36572017432526662692008-06-20T20:50:00.002+01:002008-06-20T22:00:03.682+01:00

Oh it was all going so well. I finished the straight section and was storming into the decreases. I was very pleased with myself...until I noticed, completely by accident, this:Can you see where I messed up? I've missed dropping 3 stitches!! I know exactly how I did it too (now I've sat down and studied it). The decrease section is the first section where you have to drop stitches at each end of

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-45762302292316963182008-06-14T14:37:00.003+01:002008-06-14T15:22:27.036+01:00

Well, my clapotis is coming along. Just two more pattern repeats to do before I'm finished the straight section. I love the pink, purple and blue, but not that keen on the green - it just doesn't seem to fit too well with the other colours.I'm a bit worried about this tuft though...Fairly sure it didn't used to be like that and I have no idea how it happened - did I do it, or is it something

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-29862787391464157602008-06-13T20:15:00.003+01:002008-06-13T21:05:11.644+01:00

What is your favorite summertime drink??Hmm...well...depending on mood, it would either be a large glass of chilled dry white wine, or an ice cold G&T with a huge slice of lime. I can only have one though (stupid medication restricts my alcohol intake), so it would have to be good! I'd then have to move on to ice cold cranberry juice or fresh orange juice with all the juicy bits.

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-10830262362898038462008-06-11T18:48:00.002+01:002008-06-11T18:54:38.877+01:00

I'm working on my Clapotis again, yey! After avoiding it for a about a week or so after I made a stupid mistake, I managed to fix it in less than half an hour. Just goes to show what I can achieve when I'm in the right mood. I tinked back to where I prematurely dropped a stitch (I have no idea how I managed to do that - I'm going down the purl route so it should have been blatantly obvious, gah

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-44922403918280742942008-06-09T20:46:00.002+01:002008-06-09T23:01:55.490+01:00

Normality resumes, well, as much as ever.Report is handed in, just waiting for feedback, so may have to do more work. Just had a fabulous weekend away with my family in Scotland, staying in a teepee in a forrest! Gorgeous weather, gorgeous surroundings, had great time. Really suffering now though, absolutely knackered and the arthritis is prickling - one shoulder is particularly bad so I'm trying

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-21912959471057789562008-05-30T11:56:00.003+01:002008-05-30T12:07:12.139+01:00

This is my first time taking part in a secret pal swap. Be gentle with me. 1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I’m still on a journey of discovery regarding yarns. I don’t like scratchy ones, and not that keen on boucle or eyelash either. When my other half pointed out how silk was made I was devastated so avoid that now :o( Thinking

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-90551259043620613692008-05-28T22:48:00.003+01:002008-05-28T22:55:30.513+01:00

...but sinking under a report I need to write. It was supposed to be finished yesterday. I spent the whole weekend working on it (usual avoidance tactics apply). I may get it finished this weekend. It's for a qualification I'm not even sure I want. I'm not having fun but I've done too much work towards it to give up now (I keep telling myself). Knitting will hopefully resume shortly.

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-24141973896954914552008-05-17T17:09:00.002+01:002008-05-17T17:22:48.309+01:00

I've not actually made any progress with my clap today, but this is how its looking so far......see what I mean about the colours? They're lovely, but...predictable. I'm making it with Wendy Fusion (got it v. cheap) and I'm getting a little concerned about how it's going to work out. I've not long since started my third ball and the colour changes aren't all contained within one ball but carry

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-30179162873020592692008-05-17T10:34:00.003+01:002008-05-18T19:06:43.045+01:00

It's been a bit quiet on the knitting front lately. Just as I was getting my oomph back my arthritis has decided to start playing silly-beggars. I'm hoping it's starting to settle down but my hands, although not overly painful, feel a bit swollen and aren't working as well as they might. Tsk.My socks have been frogged and are waiting to be cast on again. As well as making a mistake with the toe

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-85100893251987893282008-04-27T17:15:00.003+01:002008-04-27T17:41:30.758+01:00

...that's the official title of my new knitting project! I have no idea if this project will ever be complete, but it's been fun so far. This is what I've been up to today:Yes, it's the beginnings of a pair of socks. It seems that Sarah put something contagious in that PIF parcel! In no time at all I found myself adding a lovely, shiny set of knit picks 3mm dpns to my Options order - even

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-18109703822224512662008-04-20T23:06:00.003+01:002008-04-20T23:40:42.720+01:00

Well, would you believe it? It's weeks now since I lost my oomph. Not just my knitting oomph, my everything oomph. I've been slogging away at, well, everything, as you do, but sans-oomph.But it seems, since finishing the hoodie, my knitting itch has returned! I've been itchy all day, although haven't been able to scratch it as we've had lots on today. Not sure when I'm going to get a chance

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-74707273476082515052008-04-20T13:04:00.004+01:002008-04-20T20:30:19.261+01:00

Really love this little top – although it’s not as little as it maybe should be. I’m feeling quite nervous as it’s currently in the washing machine...I ummed and arred about hand washing it initially but decided that since it’s 100% acrylic and machine washable, maybe I should just go for it. I’m hoping this smoothes out some of the stitching as there’s a section on the back of the hood where I

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-10351136840154753082008-04-15T21:30:00.002+01:002008-04-15T22:23:30.589+01:00

There was a parcel waiting for me when I got home from work today. It was my Pay it Forward gift from the lovely Sarah! You have no idea how excited this made me. I've been quite down in the dumps of late, the timing couldn't have been better!Even though the anticipation was killing me, please be impressed that I savoured the moment and managed to take a 'before' photo:Isn't it such a beautiful

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-62619358474602153982008-03-26T09:42:00.002Z2008-03-26T10:18:30.009Z

I can't say for sure, but it does seem like my knitting apathy is starting to fade. It was weird that I kept knitting throughout this time, but then, it wasn't just my knitting that I was fed up with, it was everything!So, I started making a hooded top for my nephews third birthday in April. I'd thought about it for a while, and took a while to find some yarn that I liked. I chose Lion Brand

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-10065249269352526852008-03-17T21:37:00.002Z2008-03-17T22:57:20.839Z

I'm trying to get back into my knitting. First, I decided to make one of those soap jumper things - where a bar of soap is completely knit into its jacket, the theory being that as you use it, the wool felts and shrinks with the soap. I bought my boyfriend a pre-felted one for Christmas and have jealously watched him use it. He didn't think that much of it actually, but I want to try for

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-35690448748559351552008-03-13T17:44:00.003Z2008-03-13T19:53:31.866Z

Wow, I can't believe it's a whole year (give or take a few days) since I started knitting! It feels like five minutes and forever all at the same time. I've never had a hobby that's become so addictive, so obsessively long lived, and that I've happily spent huge* amounts of money on!Having said that, I may celebrate it by not knitting...I seem to be going through a patch where I can't concentrate

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-73270116533804050112008-02-24T22:38:00.003Z2008-02-24T23:39:45.764Z

Another finished item to report. I've made my Mam a hat for mothers day. Not sure how long it's going to be until my family get fed up of me making them things...but I'm still thinking it's nice to get something that you know someone has worked on, over numerous hours, with just you in mind.At some point last year I made my Dad a chunky black hat with earflaps. I keep getting reports that my Mam

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-9160079390846828442008-02-17T14:28:00.004Z2008-02-17T15:40:47.080Z

I've decided to slowly build up a custom set of the Knit Picks interchangeable needles. It would be silly of me to buy a full set when I don't use small needles, and I'm not sure I'd ever be able to decide between the wooden and the metal tips. Building my own set means I can mix and match.I was spurred on after reading a discussion on Ravelry where someone suggested buying single tips of each

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-26811950236318446632008-02-03T13:47:00.000Z2008-02-03T14:35:30.221Z

I can't quite remember the full conversation, probably because of the shock, but the other day, my boyfriend said he didn't mind how much yarn I bought...! *sharp intake of breath* ...so long as I didn't keep it in the front room. I just wanted to log that for prosperity. I've been stopping myself having a huge yarn splurge all week!!I'm toying with the idea of buying some of those beautiful knit

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-55745270126978823602008-01-21T00:23:00.000Z2008-01-29T20:10:38.060Z

This is a finished object that I’ve not blogged about until now. It just made it on to my finished item list of 2007 :o) I made it one cosy evening between Christmas and New Year while I was staying at my parents house with all the family around. I used leftover yarn from my Christmas knitting – and about an hour later, I had a fab sock to keep my camera in! I got the camera from my lovely

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-38941260845355483002008-01-15T20:55:00.000Z2008-01-15T21:23:51.567Z

Amongst other things, I'm currently working on My So Called Scarf. I love the look of the stitches (even though I'm making it in a thick and thin yarn) and I really can't wait to finish. I'm making it as a short but wide neck warmer and am planning to add a button or two to keep it crossed over at the front.Thing is, I occasionally find that I've dropped a stitch and I find it an absolute

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-83009842342593507632008-01-07T15:47:00.000Z2008-01-07T19:34:04.209Z

What a strange year.A year ago, if you told me that I was about to take up knitting and it would completely take over my life, I really wouldn’t have believed you - not the knitting part and especially not the taking over life bit! I have no idea how or why I caught this bug, I had no idea that other people had it too, but I’m glad it found me. Even my boyfriend has accepted it and bowed to my

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-30295108457711444312007-12-09T18:53:00.000Z2007-12-09T19:04:36.237Z

I'm so excited! I've just had a spark of an idea which has led me to plan what I'm going to be making as my pay it forward gift(s). I'm itching to make a start on it/them but I've got Christmas knitting still to finish so will have to make myself wait for the new year.I'm not giving any clues as to what I'm going to be making :o)So far I only have one of my 3 PIF slots filled (thanks Crafty

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-38481818188260373572007-12-04T07:55:00.000Z2007-12-04T22:55:19.251Z

I did it! I finally managed to graft my garter stitch stripes! I tried to do this sooo many times! Each time failing miserably. I have a bruise on my forehead from where I just slapped myself when I realised what was wrong. It was all my own stupid fault! I had the technique right all along!!Short answer:I hadn't taken into account the cast on row. I'd basically cast on then knit two rows of

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-57437522578244961362007-11-29T19:15:00.000Z2007-11-30T00:11:25.075Z

Grafting torments me. I can't do it. I hate not being able to do it. I'm pretty much a self taught knitter and have picked up techniques really well through books and the internet - I've actually been really impressed with myself. But grafting is HARD. It reminds me of pool...I'm a logical person, pool is basically geometry, so why do the balls do the complete opposite of what I thought/wanted

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-55090675975364190702007-11-16T15:10:00.000Z2007-11-16T15:22:47.468Z

I'm so excited. I'm making a magic scarf. This technique is genius...Now you see it:Now you don't:I cast on last night and couldn't put it down until I had finished a whole scull. I was mesmerised watching it taking shape. It probably took me twice as long as it should have done because I kept stopping to look at it!! Even my boyfriend thinks it's brilliant...and so he should as it's his kids who

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-83870998074848184982007-11-11T18:36:00.000Z2007-11-11T18:56:01.026Z

...or at least my version of it. And when I say finished, I mean it's almost finished, just the ends to work in.I'm soooo pleased with it, it looks great! Not too big, but not too small - hopefully the perfect size for an eighty year old to snuggle into. Did I say how much I like it?I enjoyed making it, although it became a bit of a chore towards the end. The yarn has given my fingers a bit of a

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-16635360551247605022007-11-11T00:51:00.000Z2007-11-11T01:09:30.630Z

I'm starting to feel gift-knitting-pressure! I need to get the cable comfort throw finished before next weekend - preferably this weekend, so I can get on with other stuff. I've been picking at it, but not got that far with the last strip. I've been very focused this evening and have made some headway with it, only two repeat pattern sets to go!!I've not picked up the sweater bag at all, and I'm

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-47452984486641292352007-10-31T22:04:00.001Z2007-10-31T22:04:13.935Z

...fingerless ones, but mittens non the less. I'm dead chuffed with myself because they look exactly like they're supposed to!! Yey for me!

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-39396700688862370992007-10-28T15:31:00.000Z2007-10-28T16:17:45.082Z

I've been trying to stop myself aimlessly browsing the web (ravelry) and actually get some knitting done! Because of this, I am actually making some progress. It's taken me a while to work out what to make for some gifts but things are finally coming together. This is my new priority list and progress so far (more for me than for anyone reading this...)Cable comfort throw. I got a call from Yarn

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-34466457926711974252007-10-16T23:27:00.000+01:002007-10-16T23:39:06.673+01:00

One for someone else...(rubbish picture I know, but it was dark and the batteries ran out on my camera before I got a half decent shot). Pink girlie hat and leg warmers, all finally finished, wrapped and on their way!...and one for me (with love from me), felt thimbles from a seller on Etsy...My pointy Denise circulars were proving to be a little hard on the finger tips (or I have a rubbish

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-87696736290373036402007-10-14T18:55:00.000+01:002007-10-14T20:37:24.622+01:00

I'm so pleased to have these finished...I've not enjoyed knitting on dpns, at least not 6.5mm ones. I frogged my initial attempt, then started again but didn't get very far. Not getting on with them and getting them out of the way was making me feel really bad! I finally picked them up again a few days ago and made myself work on them, which wasn't really *that* bad, and they were really quick

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-75417398102106847312007-10-09T22:37:00.000+01:002007-10-09T22:49:30.136+01:00

I just cast off the first of three chunky cable strips which will make my take on the cable comfort throw. The index finger of my right hand hates me and wants me to stop (one of my joints is swollen) where as I'm itching to cast on the next one! I shouldn't really as I only have a two half balls of yarn, with more on order - but no promise of getting the same dye lot. It would make things less

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-13687363745914415452007-10-06T17:16:00.001+01:002007-10-09T22:31:06.814+01:00

I suddenly have a new priority. My boyfriends Mam will be 80 next month...80!?! We obviously need to get her something extra special, but she is soooo hard to buy for! I decided that the best thing to do was to make her something, so after lots of thinking (she's hard to make something for too!) and some help from the Ravelry forum, I've decided to make her a modified version of this Cable

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-62937247906255986702007-10-05T23:19:00.000+01:002007-10-05T23:35:26.403+01:00

I'm not always that keen on how normal cast off looks - particularly for things like scarves where they don't become a seam. So...I've just finished my green scarf and needed a different method. I, of course, Googled and found these fab instructions:http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/FEATsum06TT.htmlI used the Elizabeth Zimmermann's sewn bind off and I just want to

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-55072065202088316892007-10-03T20:49:00.000+01:002007-10-09T22:31:52.968+01:00

Would you like me to make you a handmade gift? Yes? Then read on...I'm taking part in the Pay it Forward exchange, I signed up via Sarah's All Fingers and Thumbs blog. It's a lovely idea and I'm really excited to be taking part. The concept is simple:"It’s based of the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward” where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-67709028977738160822007-09-30T23:12:00.000+01:002007-10-01T22:20:09.038+01:00

I love chunky knitting. It's taken me just over an hour to make and finish a chunky hat for me :o)I've made it in Sirdar Bigga, using a pattern I've knit before. I've also made it in green...as I thought it would be a good contrast to my dark purple coat. I'm not used to wearing coloured hats - I'm a black hat kind of person, that's if I wear a hat at all. Where does my common sense/normal taste

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-5586750532383589102007-09-30T23:11:00.001+01:002007-10-03T20:54:47.615+01:00

Proof of me not getting on with bamboo dpns and cotton-rich yarn. At least, I'm hoping it's the bamboo...and not just me not being good with dpns...The yarn doesn't flow well over these needles and, as you can see in the photo, the stitches are really loose on the needle change over at the cable bits. I didn't get this kind of really loose stitch when I made the hat.I think I'm going to frog it,

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-39431364226913148922007-09-29T22:06:00.000+01:002007-09-29T22:55:27.484+01:00

There's so much I want to do knitting-wise, I thought I should make some kind of list to make sure I don't forget anything! So...this is what I'm doing...and the order that I'm doing it in... Poncho for me! Our house is rubbish (rented) and although it's got double glazing, there is absolutely *no* insulation in the roof. In the winter we seem to heat the sky as no heat seems to

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-60110516927147081752007-09-27T21:17:00.000+01:002007-09-27T21:19:43.242+01:00

Yey! Finally got my ravelry invite! Whoo!!I'm von and I'm off to ravel :oD(I may be some time)

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-50153844670305180812007-09-24T19:39:00.000+01:002007-09-24T19:45:18.457+01:00

There are only 1500 people in front of me in the Ravelry invite queue...I can't wait! If they keep up the increased speed of invites I'll be in by the end of the week! I predict a lost weekend of knitting goodness :o)

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-32385460941534709892007-09-24T15:43:00.000+01:002007-09-24T16:06:02.551+01:00

I’m really chuffed with myself for finishing the hat. All I need to do is finish off the loose ends, but that won’t take long. So here it is......I like it, it looks good…but it’s just crying out for these......much better :)I’ve really enjoyed making this, I’m so pleased it’s worked out as well as it has.As I said in my previous post, I’ve had to master two thing to make this, three if you count

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-27996273049346947912007-09-24T15:23:00.000+01:002007-09-24T16:09:52.891+01:00

I have two main projects on the go at the moment (and several more minor ones). Firstly I have this...which I’m making in orange Twilleys Freedom. So far I’ve finished the back and half a sleeve...I’m a fairly rubbish photographer which is why this one is so fuzzy :o( I’m fairly happy with the way it’s turning out although I wish I’d chosen the dark red instead of the orange. It seemed like a

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-13310561604675173562007-09-24T14:52:00.003+01:002007-09-24T15:37:55.312+01:00

Being a new knitter, keen to explore, with the newly acquired understanding of gauge…I decided to do an experiment. I took a pattern that I quite liked, and used a *completely* different yarn that I was desperate to use for something. After knitting a few sample squares to work out the right size needles to use…this is what happened:I took this...and this...and made this...Although I do quite

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-37259583203579269782007-09-24T14:39:00.000+01:002007-09-24T14:45:24.276+01:00

I gave in. After coming across interchangeable knitting needles on the web a while back, reading various blogs, and spending months telling myself they were an extravagance that should really put on my Christmas list and hope for the best…I crumpled, closed my eyes, and bought some. I really preferred the look of the Boye ones, the colours, and the colour-coding made them *very* tempting

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-42650600389823753252007-09-24T14:32:00.001+01:002007-09-24T14:46:41.162+01:00

I bought this on eBay yesterday and it arrived this morning.Yey! The colours are lovely. I’ve started knitting with it already :o)Quantity: 525g (including cardboard tube -approx 53g)Bought: eBayPrice: £17 (paid more than I wanted…but I had to have it)

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-86302152962768577072007-09-24T14:30:00.001+01:002007-09-24T14:47:46.494+01:00

I love this wool…not so keen on the colour though. I’ve got so much of this wool in various colours for various projects (mainly chunky hats and scarves for relatives…but don’t tell them). I initially bought some of this to make a peg bag for myself, and it all worked out really well - especially considering that I made the pattern up as I went along! Last week my Mam mentioned needing a peg bag

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-16762155681795523572007-09-24T14:28:00.001+01:002007-09-24T14:48:58.941+01:00

I love this wool! I don’t know much about it, or what I’m going to do with it, but it’s fab! It feels nice and is lovely and chunky. I bought it last week at Durham indoor market, it was the only one they had or I would have bought another one…Quantity: 200gBought: Durham Indoor MarketPrice: £6.00

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039662886923104812.post-67219092062654069512007-09-24T14:21:00.001+01:002007-09-24T14:26:00.730+01:00

Just bought 10 balls of this stuff in the hope that I could use it with a pattern for a different type of wool. Having knit a few tension squares this evening on different size needles, it’s not going to work out. I’d need to use too large a size needle for the wool. Curses.I bought the wool via the internet without ever seeing it in ‘real life’. It wasn’t what I was expecting when I first saw

vonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16610720532826098857noreply@blogger.com1