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.
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 became in my head of what I was after. I therefore made it up and it turned out perfectly (in my opinion). Please excuse the rubbish photos.
I combined the idea of a long thin scarf and a short fat cowl to create a long thin cowl that creates a cosy double loop around my neck. It's perfect for this yarn as it feels absolutely gorgeous and is so light you wouldn't know you were wearing save for the cosy feeling around your neck.
It's a really quick knit too, only 30 rows of knitting. It uses garter stitch with some very simple detail at the borders.
Gauge
Not critical
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 give my poor relatives a break, and partly to avoid causing myself stress. I've finished one item (bar blocking) and I've got one more to go (to start actually...).
The first thing is a shawl for my Mam in bright purple angora. It feels gorgeous, like fluffy clouds. I'm very chuffed with myself as it's the first lace pattern I've ever finished. I really enjoyed knitting it and started to understand the pattern and memorise what I needed to do. I was also able to work out if I had made a mistake quite quickly. As it is quite an easy pattern, it wasn't too difficult to tink back to fix it - although having said that, there are one or two unique 'design features' in my version of the shawl ;o) It's smaller than I hoped, but hope blocking will help toward making it look better and bigger...
I'm also planning to knit a shawl for my boyfriends Mam, hopefully I've got time. And then I want to knit a lace scarf/stole for my auntie but that will be after Christmas perhaps for her birthday at the end of January.
I've also made a cardie for a friends little girl:
A little tree decoration for a Secret Santa swap on Ravelry:
In October we went on holiday for a week. We so needed a holiday. We went to Skye, and although it was a very long drive, it was so very worth it. I'd not been to Skye before and I loved it! We rented a lovely little cottage near the sea with fabulous views over the hillsides beyond. It was cold and quite wet, but we went out on days that we could, only two days were too stormy for us not to want to leave the house. On those days we curled up in front of the roaring fire, and I knit or read as I fancied. Wonderful!
I visited two yarn shops while I was there and spent far more than I should have on yarn. I went to the Handspinner Having Fun, as well as the famous Shilasdair. At the latter I bought a few odd skeins, one for my Secret Santa swap and two purple yarn for me - one was their 100% cashmere. I thought it would be good for some fingerless mitts, but decided to make a cowl instead. After looking for a pattern that I liked for while, I decided to make something up myself. So I did and I love it, it worked out very well. I might post the instructions at some point.
Well, I'm fairly sure I had more to write about but it'll keep. My head hurts. Between starting and finishing this post the shopping arrived - yes, I got ASDA to deliver and I'm very disappointed in myself (they use FAR too many bags and I always end up buying the wrong things, or not being able to find what I want and just giving up) but neither of us are feeling well so we gave in. We've got my boyfriends two boys this weekend and they were being very helpful carrying the bags to the kitchen and helping me unpack until one of them dropped a big jar of passatta and it smashed covering the kitchen floor in a thick layer of glass and sieved tomatoes. Joy. My other half had popped to the shops so I had to deal with it myself. Took a while but I did it, without any harm to bare footed boys too! My head is a different matter entirely...
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. Everything that I was sent had German labels, so I naturally assumed my pal was too! The last parcel had her Irish address on it which flummoxed me a bit!
I've really enjoyed taking part in his swap and I've had a great pal, but I don't think I've been able to put in as much time as I thought I would have had when I signed up. I'm not going to do the next one, but may join again in the future. It's a great idea, and I love being spoiled and spoiling someone else (although I do get a bit stressed during the wait to hear if they like what I send), so I'll see how I feel in the new year (new year! is it really October already?).
Having said that, I've signed up for a small swap on Ravelry. But it is really small, so I'm not too worried about it time-wise. I'm quite looking forward to it actually. Maybe I should head off now and do a bit of shopping :o)
I'll just finish with a final Thank You to my SP. Let me know if I guessed right!
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 the TV/radio/CD as the mood took me, sat on my arse, and picked up my knitting.
I'm fairly close to finishing the pinwheel cardigan, just two more rounds to go, then the sleeves. The most excitement has been with the toy tortoise (or rather turtle as the pattern states). I'm making Sheldon for my friends little boy, he'll be two later this month. This is a fabulous pattern. I love that it's in two pieces, the shell is like a jumper that fits over the little body section with it's huge head. I'm loving it, although it's quite hard going on my hands. I've gone down a few needle sizes so that it makes a firm fabric that doesn't stretch to show the filling inside, but it can be a bit tough going at times, at least the shell was.
I've almost finished the body, can't complete it until the safety eyes arrive and are attached, I ordered some today. I've done one leg - didn't manage to do the others due to impatience wanting to do the top of the shell. I've just finished the top and cast straight on for the bottom. Have had to stop to give my hands a break.
Yesterday saw the toy stuffing that I ordered online arrive. It came in a tiny plastic post bag which was bulging at the seems. I opened it to find it in another plastic bag with all the air squeezed out. When I opened that one, the stuffing expanded to about 10 times the size! It was amazing. Talk about tardis packaging. I'm only going to use fraction of it for this tortoise, so looks like I need to find more toy patterns. A dragon next I think, if I can find a good one.
Having had a restful weekend, my feet are a lot better, almost back to normal. Looks like work will be cutting into my knitting time next week :o(
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 their little girl - I love this pattern and I had some machine washable pink and purple long colour-change yarn in my stash (Wendy Fusion, same stuff that I used for my clapotis but in a different colour way - got it really cheap in a sale and bought more than I'd ever need). It grew very quickly, although there was a lot of tinking involved at a few points where I'd missed a yarnover or two (grr).
I'm making their little boy a toy tortoise. They do have a real tortoise, so this will double as a friend for it too. It does look a bit ambitious, but we'll see how I go. Not got the link to hand for the pattern at the mo, and I've only done 4 rows so far, so not worth taking a photo just yet.
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 picked it up for ages but I was enjoying it. I'll get back into it, hopefully.
That's all for now.
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 ginkgo
flavoured green tea (not tried yet). Thank you secret pal!!
In other news, I'm still not knitting. Not doing much at all, well, nothing constructive. I just can't seem to snap myself out of this mood. It feels like it's been going on forever. I've not got as much on my plate now either - I didn't get the job but did pass that qualification - I thought I would feel better, but no. I'm even completely behind on my blog lurking, my bloglines reader is sagging under the weight of unread feeds!
Oh I dunno, maybe I'm exaggerating. I've had a bad day today and am feeling sorry for myself. Ignore the dark cloud.
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 holiday) since I started knitting so I have no idea what I'd take! I've also never knit in public. Not got any plans to either, at least until I've seen more people knitting English style and I'm satisfied that my technique isn't the worst and slowest in the entire universe...
I've not been doing that much knitting recently, just bits, nothing solid since I finished my clapotis - and I'm not actually finished that, still got ends to finish and mistakes to fix. Not even got any photos of it.
I pick up my new sock project every few days and do a round or two. I've almost got 10cm done, when I get to 15 things will start getting more interesting. I treated myself to some Posh Yarn and I adore how soft and gorgeous it feels. I wasn't too keen on the colour at first, it wasn't what I was expecting having seen it on the web, it was far more brown that I thought it would be. Once I started knitting with it though, the other colours, although subtle, really start to make a difference. It's a very dark, boyish choice but there really is a rainbow of colours in that darkness. I've called them my Goth Rainbow socks on Ravelry. Photo to follow when I've got more done.
I did some dyeing too a few weeks ago. It didn't go all that well, and the yarn - specific yarn for a specific project - has decided to change gauge. Completely. Not sure what to do, but it's a whole blog post in itself.
I've stopped and started various projects, just not able to keep to anything and loosing interest as soon as I cast on it seems. I've started something new today which I seem to be enjoying, even though it's on little needles! 3.5mm! I'm making a shawl, I think I'm going to give it to my Auntie. I've been looking at designs for a while now, but finally bought some yarn today and cast on a Swallowtail Lace Shawl.
I know exactly why I've found a sudden focus on knitting today. It's because I took the day off to prepare for a job interview that I've got later this week. I'm really scared, it's a job I really want, and I've got to do a presentation. I've therefore barely done ANYTHING constructive to help me get the job, but have bought a new coat, some yarn, internet shopped for some shoes (I don't wear leather so shoe shopping is tricky, thank goodness for the internet - quick survey: will bright red shoes go with a silvery grey skirt and black top? No, I'm not sure either, but so long as I don't look like a clown...otherwise, it's long black boots with buckles on the side - I got away with this outfit for a recent funeral, not sure how it would go down in an interview). I'm also writing here, rather than doing more to my pitiful attempt at a presentation.
I've also got it finish (...start...) some edits on the report for a professional qualification that needs to be handed in by the end of the month...
I wish it was August.
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.
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 noro, but is machine washable. I'm very into stripes at the mo.
2) I like lots of things. Usually the yarn I could never be without is whatever I made my last project with, but that would be my clapotis, and I didn't like that yarn.
1) Where is your favorite place to go for vacation/holiday?
2) Where is one place you’d like to go?
1) Other than 'home' (the North East of England), I love going to the coast in any weather - Northumberland and Norfolk have fab beaches. I also love the Lake District.
2) Iceland (Norway, Canada, USA, Germany, Australia...)
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! Thank you secret pal!
p.s. The package came from Germany, the chocolate and smellies have German writing...so either my pal is from Germany...or are doing a very good job of hiding where they're really from! ;o)
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 love just messing about. There was a big field just next to my parents house and all the kids used to gravitate there. It was a great field with a hill which varied in slope with a big expansive flat bit at the bottom, perfect for sledging or bike riding. We also used to play tennis/football/kerby/made up ball games in the street - but there were less cars back then (70s/80s).
I was also quite fond of entertaining myself and could loose myself very easily in books, Lego worlds, toy car towns with the streets drawn out on a blackboard on the floor. Oh those were the days. I wish it was as easy to loose yourself in things as an adult as it was as a child. (Knitting sometimes comes close).
What would you consider the perfect amount of stash?
Hmmmm. Less than I have, but more focused would be ideal.
When I first started knitting last year, I quickly got into buying stuff (even before I knew that other people did that too - I was relieved to find out it was a bit of a knitters weakness). I made a lot of purchases then, of stuff I probably wouldn't have bought so much of now. I also get sucked into sales, and buy loads of stuff without having an idea of what I'm going to do with it. I'm also a hoarder, so find it difficult to part with things!
So not sure that there is a perfect amount of stash, but having good stuff that you know what you're going to do with would be ideal. I will never have that stash.
Right, I've got red gloop running down the side of my face, I need to go rinse this stuff off my hair, face, hands etc...
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 the row, it's only been at one end until now. It didn't even cross my mind. Additionally, I'm using the spreadsheet (will update where I got it from later) which doesn't make it clear. I should have realised though. I feel so stupid!
So...it looks like I'm going to be doing some snipping (there's no way I'm frogging back!). I've been sitting looking at it and I think I have a plan. If I take a long length of yarn (in the right colour), and weave it across a row, following the stitches, so that it crosses each of the three drop rows that I missed and a bit further - leaving the stitches that are to drop unlooped (I know what I mean, but not sure I can explain it). Then I can safely snip the undropped stitch on the doubled up row and unpick it across the row, then weave in all the ends. The cut stitch will set the drop row free and I'll be able to drop it up and down, and the new yarn means nothing will fall apart. I think. Am I missing something? Hope not, but will find out tomorrow. Friday nights are for knitting, not surgery. I'm too tired to sort it out tonight, but I am actually looking forward to it! How weird is that? I've never cut my knitting before! Oh please let me not be missing something...
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 about the yarn I'm using? (Wendy Fusion) Hope it doesn't get any worse...
I've also just added my two PIF projects to Ravelry. Two people signed up with me to PIF and I sent out their gifts a few months ago. I made them the same gift, used , but in different yarns. It's a great pattern, I really enjoyed making them, and felted them on the same day - so both bags qualify as my first proper felting project.
I'm really pleased how they came out. They're slightly different sizes as I made a few adjustments to the red one due to having a little less yarn. I filled the bags with knitting nick-knacks and chocolate.
Not feeling too great day. I'm going to relax and do some more clapping while supervising my boyfriends two boys make secret fathers day cards. We've already been out the the shop to get him some chocolate and beer :o)
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.
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!) and away I go again. Still not sure about the striping of the yarn... The mood didn't extend to working out my sock troubles, but I'm sure it will at some point soon.
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 to keep it still so am typing this with one hand. It's gonna be a short post due to that.
I did a bit of knitting last week. My clapotis was making good progress until I managed to drop a stitch too early and not notice until the next right side. Not good. Put it down until I'm in the mood to fix it. I hate unpicking. I made a quick hat and fingerless mittens over a coulpe of evenings to take to scotland. My socks are waiting to be fixed too, they developed a small hole and I'm not sure how.
Secret pal 12 has begun too! I got my pals details through today :o)
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 about the yarn I’ve worked with, I really liked Rowan RYC Cashsoft Chunky, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky, Lion Brand Jiffy, Trendsetter Yarns Yosemite, Cherry Tree Hill Potluck Bulky, Manos del Uruguay 100% Wool and also really loved Noro Iro but that’s off the list due to the silk thing :’o( I love the way the colours change in Noro yarns.
I find narrow gauge hard to work with due to my arthritic hands. I’ve found 7mm needles to be quite a comfortable size and don’t often use smaller that that. Anything that knits up on 7mm-20mm is good.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I’ve got a big cardboard tube for my straights, I’m partway through knitting a cover for it. I’ve got a gorgeous needle roll for my other needles.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I was taught by my Gran when I was little, but never got away with it. I asked my Mam to show me the basics just over a year ago and this time it sunk in. I taught myself a lot of techniques using books and the web. It has become the most time consuming and expensive hobby that I’ve ever had!
I think I’m an intermediate. My Mam (who has been knitting all of her life) now asks me for help! Too weird!
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Nope.
5. What's your favorite scent?
I’m not keen on strong perfumes, I used to work with someone who wore so much it would make my head ache! I currently wear Cerruti 1881 but once this bottle is finished I want to find something more natural with greener packaging (I’m on a ‘reduce-plastic’ thing at the moment and have just converted to shampoo and conditioner bars to avoid throwing away all of those empty plastic bottles), I’ll probably go for something patchouli based, I also like lavender and rose.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yeah, fairly :o) but I’m trying to cut down because I need to loose some weight. I’m a fan of Green and Blacks milk chocolate, I adore Turkish delight but I’m a vegetarian and it’s not often I see any that I’m able to eat as gelatine is often used which isn’t veggie friendly – that goes for a lot a jelly sweets too, I used to love those!
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I’m generally quite a practical, crafty person but don’t actively do much about it – knitting is the exception. If I had more time, energy and far far more talent I’d love to draw and paint, or sculpt or have a go at silversmithing or other metalwork. I have GCSE Woodwork so would be good to do something down that line too! My stupid arthritis doesn’t help with this kind of thing, my hands are quite weak.
I’ve been thinking that spinning looks like good fun and the videos I’ve been watching on youtube make it *look* really easy...
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I’m mainly into rock and alternative, with a bit of indie and classical thrown in. Can’t stand a lot of the music that’s in the charts...
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I’m a fan of rich, dark colours and muted tones of purples, reds, oranges, some blues and green, and of course black and silver :o) I’ve lately been getting into brighter colours such as pink and rainbows, not sure where that came from as I used to be a bit of a goth lol! I’m not a fan of pastel shades or gold.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my boyfriend and he has two boys (7 and 9) who come round regularly.
We have no pets (we live in a rented house which forbids it) but we would love a couple of cats.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves and mittens yes, hat sometimes, but not ponchos – although I do have poncho UFO...
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Not really thought about this before, but I think I’m quite fond of bags and hats, they’re generally small and quick so boredom doesn’t kick in, and you don’t have to make two!
13. What are you knitting right now?
I have lots of WIPs but the main two main ones I’m working on are a Clapotis, and my first pair of socks.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yep :o)
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I’ve tried all kinds, each new thing becoming my new favourite, but once I tried an Addi turbo I fell in love with circulars and smooth metal. This led to me trying the knit picks options – I didn’t buy a set, but a selection of tips in both the wood and metal. I adore the metal ones and can’t imagine using anything else – ever (apart from their metal dpns which I’m using for my socks, I adore those too).
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Not yet, but I hope to one day.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
About a year old.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
At the moment, just not going to work would be the perfect holiday! But if we’re talking going-away holidays I love the
19. Is there anything that you collect?
Not formally, but we do have a lot of dragony things around the house, and our CD collection has far outgrown our CD storage! Does yarn count? I have a fair collection of that.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
No books spring to mind and I’m fairly well set up with needles. New yarn is always welcome (by me at least, the boyfriend isn’t so keen), especially stuff that’s not available in the
I used to subscribe to Simply Knitting, but it turned out that it wasn’t my thing; I rarely liked any of the patterns.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Crochet, I need to learn how to do that as there are some fab toys I want to make, I have a basic learn-to book and a set of hooks but have tried and failed to follow a pattern a number of times. I can do freeform though! I made a pot and a peg bag by just going for it – and they both turned out just like the pictures I had in my head – I was astounded.
I’d quite like to have a go at natural dyeing too, well, any kind of dyeing but using natural dyes appeals to my green side.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I’m a wannabe sock knitter, but not sure if my hands are going to let me. My shoe size is
23. When is your birthday?
24th November
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
von
