Socks!

I finished my second pair of Jaywalkers over the weekend!!  I am loving them!!! I was actually a bit chilly yesterday, so I wore them around the house!!  I love the brightness of them.  I love how well the colours came through with the zig zag pattern, and hardly any pooling at all!!  I made these with Fibrewebs Original Sock yarn and they feel so great on!! I even got to use my new sock blockers for the first time!!  How great are they!?  I love how they really hold their shape after being blocked!

I have already cast on a pair of Nutkins - and so far I am loving the pattern.  I am using Ewe Give Me The Knits Sock Yarn and the fabric is turning out so great!!  Its quite thick, but is still stretchy.  The only issue I am having at the moment is the colour.  I am unsure if I like the pooling, although since I took the photo below, I think it is starting to grow on me a bit more and the longer it gets the more I think the colour is suiting it.

I have also managed to snap a photo of a swap project before I posted it off today, however I will have to blog about that after Christmas to avoid spoiling any surprises.

Clouds On My Feet

Last night while knitting my Candy Jaywalkers, I decided to pop it on my foot and make sure it fit...

Well... that was a bit of an issue because after that, I didn't want to take it off!!  So, I sat there for a couple of minutes, admiring my work and enjoying the feeling of having those glorious socks on my leg/heel (that's as far as I have gotten! haha! the pic to the right was taken last week)

If I get stuck with the second sock, I will just have to simply put the sock on my foot, and feel how nice and warm and soft it feels!

As much as I find knitting socks tiresome, I do love the finished product... and I need more!!  I am already dreaming of the next socks I want to knit!

I need more clouds on my feet!

Projects Off the Needles

Last night I finally blocked out the Maluka!  I think it came out quite nicely!  I have to get some better pictures though as I haven't been able to take any nice pics of it being worn.

I also finished off my brothers last sock.  No pics at this stage, but will hopefully get some soon.

Now to finish off some of the other projects on my needles at the moment!

A Crafting Weekend

The only good thing about being so sick you don't think you can move, is when you have your knitting in hand and a blanket in your lap as you sit on the lounge watching movies.  This weekend was one such weekend.

As I am once again sick, and stocked up on Codral Cough Cold and Flu tablets, yesterday I was so tired I didn't get out of my pj's until late afternoon, and I just sat on the lounge, with my knitting in hand, and then after lunch I decided I would finish sewing up Nessa's second dress.  It was a very lazy weekend, but a much needed one!

After I made the first little dress for Nessa, I realised that she won't be able to wear it for a while as it's still a little chilly outside.  So, I went on a hunt on Ravelry for a shrug or bolero that she could wear over the top of this dress, and the green one which I was planning on making.  I came across this Leafy Shrug (which comes in a range of sizes! best $5 spent ever!) and decided to make this in a dark teal, so it would go with both dresses.  It took no time at all to make, especially as she is only 3 and it was made with 8ply and 5mm needles!  I was quite happy as I even got to knit up stitches (yes, I am strange like that! haha!)

After I finished this shrug, I jumped onto the sewing machine to sew up the next little dress.  This one was green with a pink hem and buttons and I thought I would mix it up a little by sewing the hem with green stitching.  This one seemed to go more smoothly than the first, but I think that's because I knew what I was doing.  I decided to try something different and iron the interfacing onto the fabric and then cut the fabric around the shape of the interfacing, however that didn't quite work out as it seemed to shrink a lot more than it did the first time around.

The dress didn't take long to sew up at all, so I was at a bit of a loss as of what to do at that point.  So, I pulled out my Brothers Socks that I started to make for his birthday (back in July!! lol! but that is a whole other story.)  They are almost finished now.  I completed the food section, and tonight all I need to do is the toe, which will take no more than half an hour and it will be all finished and I will be able to give it to him (to go with the sock he already has!) and get it out of my queue.

I also really need to block out my Maluka as that has just been sitting there, waiting to be blocked.  I really want to get that off my WIP list too and to take some nice photos of it.  Hopefully tonight I can get both done.

Another project down, another one begun!

I finished off my Maluka last night.  It was fairly quick to get through the stocking stitch, although by the end I was so glad to be casting off as there were a lot of stitches.

The only modification I made was to take out the second knit row (on the WS), but instead cast off purl wise. that way I had a similar edge to the stocking stitch join to the edging.

I will be blocking it out tonight, so pics soon!

At about 11pm last night, I simply had to cast on another project, and after wearing my knitted socks from last year, I decided I had to make another pair.  I really wanted to make a pair of Nine to Five's as Nettie is doing, however I couldnt find the yarn I wanted to use.  However, I came across the very bright orange and pink yarn (right) which Carrie had dyed previously, so I have now cast on another pair of Jaywalkers.  I have only done about 5 rows of ribbing, but I am loving them!  Especially on this overcast day, they are definitely a bright spark!!

Did it!

So, I knit through my lunch break today, the guys didnt really come into the tea room at the end.  The apprentices looked a little confused (haha!) and one of the other guys had a bit of a chuckle with me, but all in all it was good!  Guess who will be knitting during lunch tomorrow??

Also, managed to snap this pic of the Maluka as it is post lunch (9 additional rows in about 20 mins lol).  Only 23 rows more to go and it will be ready to cast off and block! (sorry the pic is a little dodgy - I do miss my iphone at times like this)

Without the Bad, there cannot be Good

This post is a bit of a mixed bag really.

Let's start with the happy stuff :D  Last night I finished all 33 repeats of the edging of my Maluka and then knit up all 200 sts and started on the short rows.  I am now 'half way' where the rows are getting longer, and while I don't usually like stocking stitch, I am really enjoying this part!  It is knitting up so well and the Fibrewebs MCN that I used is just so OMG soft!!!  It's so soft that I can't even imagine what it will be like once I have blocked it out.  It would make gorgeous baby items!  I don't have a picture of it at this stage, but I might grab one at lunch because... *drumroll* I have bought my knitting to work with me for the first time since I have started working here.  I always took my knitting to my last job, but this is a much different environment where I am the only girl with a bunch of mechanic blokes! lol However, I know them all pretty well now, so it will be interesting to see their reactions if they pop their heads into the tea room at lunch time lol!

Now, the sad news, is that I have found out that we got the big no from the landlord in regards to bringing my 2 cats in.  I have had these cats for so long, that they are just a part of me.  I have discovered that rather than deal with this kind of pain, I just try to block it out, and try not to talk about it because then I have to deal with it. 

I have had Bala since I very first moved out of home (starting to get teary already - sorry for the outpouring guys) when I was 18.  I am now 27 and she has been my constant companion through all of my ups and downs.  She is your typical "I am a cat and I am aloof".  She is as independent as I am, which made us for a great pair.  She is also the typical 'scardy cat' who is very cautious and graceful in everything that she does.

If Bala is chalk, then Nanashi is cheese!  This cat is cuddly! He wants the attention, and he wants it now!  

He loves everyone and when he was a kitten was a complete nutter, doing laps of my flat and chasing Bala around.  I got Nanashi 7 years ago when my bestie Tory moved over from NZ.  He was to be her cat and he was our little baby (he used to sleep in our arms - still does actually!) until she had to move back home. This cat, I swear, thinks it's a dog!  He comes when he is called, he growls if he has chicken in his mouth and if I don't put toilet blue into the toilet, he tried to drink out of the toilet bowl... yup, he is a nutter!!

So, these are my fur-babies that I have had since they were kittens.  I am going to try and talk to one of my aunts about taking them on board, probably for a couple of years until B and I get our own place. But, how can I forgive myself for letting them down?? They are innocent and have done nothing wrong.  If my aunt is unable to take them, to be perfectly honest, I don't think I have any other options really and I don't know what I will do.

Those of you who know me and see me regularly, know that this has been going on.  But, I would ask that you don't ask me about the cats as to be honest, right now I really don't want to talk about it and will end up as a blubbering mess if I do. 

Before I go though, I would like to share these couple of photos of Nanashi, as he truely is a nutter and I love him for it.

Maluka

The other night I cast on (yet another project!!) shawl.  This one is called the Maluka, and is a shawlette.  I chose this as it was something a little different, and should knit up relatively quickly.

It is actually knit in a slightly different way to other shawls, in that the edging is knitted first, but luckily the stocking stitch that follows is done in short rows, so hopefully that will make it seem a little less daunting.

I am just over halfway through the edging at the moment, I have finished the 17th pattern repeat of 33.  It's a little hard going at the moment, as I want to finish it, but I don't want to get too bored.

Here is a photo I took the other night.  It's a little longer now though :)

Knitworthy People

I am quite a selfish knitter.  I love knitting and making things, however, I have learned over the years that I really dislike making something that someone has asked for, I much rather make it on my own steam.

While surfing Ravelry (in the Selfish Knitters forum no less lol), I came across this post which has made me think about all of this again.  The reaction that pinkundine got from her boyfriend is, in all respects, probably one of the best possible reactions that you can hope for.  If I am to make something for someone, I want the "oohhhhh" and "aaaaahhhh" factor, whereby the person in question makes it known that they understand how much work goes into anything hand made.

Maybe I sound a little precious, but recent experience has left me a little wounded.  I made a pair of socks for a close family member and basically got a "that's not a good enough present" back. While I was quite devastated at the time, and contemplated writing this post back then, I have moved on somewhat and am just very much more selective in who I make for. 

Sometimes it's not just about the gimmepigs out there, sometimes it's about the response that you get can get back.  Knitting something for someone brings me happiness, and seeing their excitement just brings so much more additional happiness.

Cinderella Topsy-Turvy Doll

I seem to have lost my knitting mojo with everything going on in my life at the moment.  All of my current projects on my needles, just don't seem to be doing it for me.  I needed something new, exciting and different.

A few weeks ago I had to the idea of making a Cinderella Topsy-Turvy Doll for my partner's 3 year old daughter for Christmas.  I bought the wool on the weekend, but only cast on last night.  All of a sudden, my knitting mojo has come back with a vengeance and I can't wait to get home tonight to keep working on it!

Vanessa is a very girly girl, which was quite obvious when I introduced her to the world of Barbie DVDs - which has become a new love for her.  I thought about making her a little doll or something, and then I remembered the Cinderella doll.  I have always wanted to make it and this gave me the best option.

For the first time in a long time, I am using acrylic.  Yes, I can hear most of you groaning now, but let's face it - it's for a 3 year old and who knows how many times this is going to have to do a run through the wash?

The good news is that as she is so young, I was able to get her to help me pick her favourite colours in the wool without her having any idea what was going on.  Instead of being blue, the ball gown will be pink (her favourite colour) and rather than the yellow on the rags dress, it will be light and dark teal.  I haven't decided what colour the raggy bodice will be, but I will see what I have in my stash.

I hope she will love it as much as I am loving making it.  I really think that she will get a lot out of it!

These pics are from the Jean Greenhowe website

Modified Cables & Garter Cardigan

A couple of weeks ago I started a KAL in the Canberra Crew on Ravelry for the Cables and Garter Cardi - the only problem is that this pattern is only offered in one size 29" bust!  So, we got brainstorming, and decided that we would modify this pattern by starting it off with the February Lady Sweater (FLS) yoke.  I hadn't done much work on it, but I have been off work sick most of this week and spent all day yesterday working on this :)  I have finished the yoke and started on the pattern.  The modifications I have made are:

• Followed FLS yoke pattern in the 44" bust
• When I got to the eyelet increases I only increased on the fronts and backs (not the sleeves) and I did M1's not YOs.  I increased 34sts
• When knitting back across the increase row, i cast off for the sleeves (the sts between the stitch markers - keep the K1 sts live)
• I cast on 7 sts for the underarms on the first row back across, using this row and the next as set up rows for cable pattern
• I currently have 218sts on my needles - 12 x 17st repeat plus 7st for each side of the garter st border

I haven't taken a photo yet, but might try to take one tonight. I love knitting top down - I love being able to try on as I go!!  Anyway, until I post a photo, this is the pattern picture, to give you an idea.  I am making mine in 12ply BWM Rustic in Graphite.  The only thing I dont like about this wool is that it isn't machine washable... which reminds me, I really need to have a chat with the boyfriend about what can go into the wash and what cant...

My Lovely Ishbel

The other night I finished my Ishbel shawl.  I only cast it on last week, so it was a very quick knit!!  I used Moseley Park's 50/50 wool/silk blend.  I was really surprised by the yardage on this shawl, as I only used (exactly) half a skein!  Which is quite a bit less than the pattern called for!!  However, now I am considering making a matching Ishbel Beret as I definitely have enough to do one and I think it could be quite cute!

I wore this yesterday (as you can see by the picture), and the only downside to it is that its quite 'slippery' as it moves a lot.  I might have to invest in a shawl pin to stop it doing this.

e-reader + knitting = AWESOME!

I recently got a Kobo Wireless ereader to test out how my love of books and reading would go in a compact format.  I was curious as to how I would go reading from a screen rather than a book, however any fears I may have had about the compatibility between myself and an ereader were quickly made redundant as I found a new love for this piece of technology. The screen is so easy to read and I have to admit - I have been converted!!

What does this have to do with knitting I hear you say??  Well, I have started loading all of my pdf patterns onto it which is useful because I always seem to forget to print out my patterns, or I lose a page, or I forget to take my pattern with me... The other advantage is that I can zoom in on charts and the ereader always remembers what page I am up to on the pattern.

When I got the ereader, I wouldn't have thought that it would have come in handy for my knitting - who would have thought!!

Travelling Woman

Last night I finished my Travelling Woman shawl!  I was able to block it out last night and it was nice and dry this morning!

This particular shawl was a little painful in that I thought I would be able to add in an extra repeat of Chart A, but turns out I didn't have enough yarn.  When I ripped it back, I didn't 'read' the knitting properly, and ripped back to the wrong point, so I basically knit everything I had just ripped back.

I had started this just after the Bendigo Wool and Sheep Show last year, and finished it after the same show this year!  The pattern isn't that hard - I just don't like ripping back! haha!!  However, I managed to get most of Chart B done while travelling back home from the show and last night finished off the last 3 rows before casting off.

I am actually thinking about making another one of these.  The pattern is fantastic! It's easy to follow, simple lace design and quick to knit up (as long as you don't throw a hissy fit and refuse to rip it back! haha).  However, at this stage I think that I should try a new pattern... maybe keeping with tradition and using some wool I bought at the show this year!

Whoops! Discovered Etsy!

Whoops!  Just made my first purchase (or 3) on Etsy!


At the show on Saturday the only thing I couldn't find there that I really wanted was stitch markers.  Today, I thought I would see what some of the Etsy stores had on offer...  Well, PrettyPurly has some gorgeous stitch markers on offer!!  There were a few others up that I liked, but considering i wanted more than one thing, and I prefer a loop to the wire, i bought myself 3 sets (pics taken from the store)

Now I can't wait for them to get here... I think it will have to be probably  at least a week and a half to 2 weeks seeing as they are coming from the US.

The other issue is making sure I dont lose them lol I really need to be more organised when it comes to my knitting accessories lol.

Or maybe I just need to learn to put things away lol!!

Fantastic Weekend Away

OMG! What an amazing weekend away!!!  Just what I needed - the only thing that could have made it better was spending more time down there in Bendigo!!

After the Tiger Fiasco of 2011, we managed to get tickets on Qantas, who really helped us out with cheaper fares.  Talk about relief!!  I have to say that while I usually have no problems with Tiger, the pressure of having to try and find new flights will probably mean I will never fly with them again, I think we will be sticking with a more reliable airline from now on... but that's a whole other issue...

Anyway, being our first weekend away together, B and I were quite excited by it all and as I love airports, it was just nice being together, having coffee and waiting for our flight.

When we got to Melbourne, we were picked up by my bestie who drove us back to her place in Bendigo.  It was just awesome to catch up with her and her husband, I have missed them so much since they moved away.

On Saturday morning, we headed off to the wool mill, where B got his first taste of yarn craziness for the day... The back room wasn't as impressive as I had seen it in the past, but I still managed to pick up a few things, such as the Pure Wool (right) which will be used for felting - maybe some clogs??  There were quite a few people in the mill, although I know a lot of people see each other and want to catch up, it's not the best thing to do in such a small shop, with lots of people - and definitely not a good thing to do in the tiny back room  where you almost need to walk around single file.  But in all honesty, it's the way it goes, and with so many online knitting friends out there, catch ups are bound to happen.

From here, we were off to the the wool show!  All kinds of excitement!!  We started at the second gate at the bottom of the hill - which meant the first stop was COFFEE!  The second stop was for Kai to go to the petting zoo (left) which we got to in a round-about kinda way... I was following Kai, and apparently she was following me... meaning we ended up heading in the wrong direction before we realised!! haha!! B was a little excited to see the Woodfired Pizza guy (can you guess what he had for lunch?) who was near the petting zoo. 


I managed to get to all of the places I needed/wanted to.  I got my sock blockers and yarn from EGMTK as well as picking up some of Ixchel's yarns, which I have never tried before.  Having B there reminding me about colour choices was good, as I only bought one heavily variegated yarn, which I have nicknamed wicked witch as it has black, purple and orange in it.  I got some really nice laceweight and also managed to pick up some lovely 50/50 wool/silk from Moseley Park.  I loved walking around and seeing all of the lovely yarns and gorgeous colours!  Being able to spend time with Kai and talking about the different options out there and what we would make or do with yarn was just absolute bliss!! The coffee was so great once again and in my opinion, there is nothing like walking around with a friend looking at all the lovely yarny goodness, gossiping and shopping with a delicious coffee in your hand.  As you can see below - the Bendigo Wool and Sheep Show was a hit!! And I can't wait for next years!!!

When we got home, Kai and I cast on our Yggdrasil blankets which we are hoping to put into a "Baby Hope Chest" for when the time comes.  We are doing a bit of a mini KAL and have both chosen greens.  I am doing mine in Braken and she is doing hers in Forest.  Both are in 4ply Luxury from BWM and I think they are going to be so wonderful once they are done!!  

To top of such a wonderful day, we went to Pizza Hut for dinner - now while this doesn't that great or special, we actually don't have a Pizza Hut restaurant here, so being able to get the Works is a bit of a highlight, especially considering it brings back memories of my teenage years.

On the way home, I did some work on my Travelling Woman - a project that was started at the end of July last year with wool that I bought from the Show last year!!  It needed to be ripped back again but it was a good project to be able to take on the plane with me.  I am happy to say that I only have 3 rows to go before I cast off, so the next blog post will probably be of the finished project!  Funilly enough, I specifically started this last year so that I could also use the blocking wires that I bought at the show at the time... Well, a year late and it's almost finished!!  Can't wait to block it out now!!!

Overall, best weekend away!!  Got to go away with the boy and spend time with him, also got to catch up with the best friends and visit my second home and on top of all that, I got to go to the Wool and Sheep Show and do a bit of shopping!!  Already planning the next visit to Bendigo - hopefully in a couple of months, and definitely will be going back to the Show next year!!

Bendigo Wool and Sheep Show

Only 17 days left until I head down to Bendigo for the Wool and Sheep Show - and I can't wait!!  There are so many wonderful reasons why I love going down there:

• I get to see my best friends again (whom I stay with while down there)
• I get to touch and play with all of the lucious yarns that will be on offer
• I get to meet new (and old) Ravelry friends
• I get to build up my stash a little more
• I get to buy more accessories that i need
• And this year it will also be my first weekend away with my boyfriend, so it just makes it extra fun!

I have been thinking about what I want to buy while I am down there, and I thought it might be worthwhile putting a bit of a wishlist together, so that if I come across any yarns, I will know how much I need for a specific project.  This list (below) will see quite long (and expensive) but this is more of a just-in-case I find some yarn that will suit the project.


Project/Wish List
Ok here we go!!

Cables and Garter Cardigan
10ply
700-800m

Yggdrasil Afghan
4ply
3x Luxury 4ply in Bracken

Haruni
4ply
440m

Honeybee Cardigan
4ply
approx 1400m

 Pepita
4ply
520m

New York Cardigan
8ply
approx 1500-1600m








This is all I have for now aside from getting sock blockers.

Looks like a lot of wool, but the truth is, its more of a reminder so that when I get there I can buy the right amounts should I find yarn that I like

All on socks...

Last night I finished the Harris Tweed Socks for my Dad's birthday in just under 2 weeks.  I am really happy with how these have turned out.  I think that socks in an 8ply is really the way to go - I just love the texture and how they look especially tension-wise.  I really think 3.75mm needles are the way to go.

I made the Boyfriend Socks in a 10 ply, and I don't think I like the texture of them.  I think it may be the needle size, so will be trying to make another pair of Thuja's for my brother's birthday (also in under 2 weeks).

It was really hard to get a nice pic of the Boyfriend Socks - black just doesn't show patterns very well!!  I am doing my Brothers Socks in a Navy, so hopefully that will show the pattern a bit better.  I am unsure whether to up or down a needle size to get a similar texture to the Harris Tweed Socks.  I think I will make them on 4.5mm needles so that they are just a little bit bigger for my brother's gigantic feet.

Once these final pair of socks are completed, I want to finish off the Little Lady Bug dress for Nessa and I also want to complete the Top Down Jacqueline (so I can wear it to the Bendigo Wool and Sheep Show).  Once these are completed, I want to make another February Lady Sweater as a KAL, but not sure what colour I want as yet as well as another Yggdrasil Afghan which I want to make out of a 4ply as a baby blanket.

So many projects, so little time...

A Successful Project

What do you class as a successful project?  Being learning a new skill? Seeing it in use? Or simply knowing that you have done the best you can?
For me, I have to say one of my most successful projects is my Purple Dress which I made for my friends newborn, Jasmine, in 2009.  Why is this my most successful project?  Well, it's because I made this project 2 years ago, but it is still in use.  I love that this pattern which is originally a dress, became a tunic and is now a top. At 18 months, Jasmine is still wearing the dress and I get a sense of pride knowing that I made something that her parents love enough to keep dressing her in it almost 2 years later.  The pattern is simple enough, but just so amazingly versatile.  You can see from the pictures below how much use it has had, and how Jasmine has grown.  I have a feeling that there may be another Little Sister's Dress in Jasmine's future.

 

And my all time favourite photo

It's been a while...

So, it has been a while since I have updated this blog.  I realised this morning as I was updating my Ravelry projects page that I tend to write so much in my projects pages, that I may as well start blogging again.  Admittedly, I have the worst attention span, so expect 3-4 posts and then crickets, however the mood has struck and here I am... again.

I decided to give my blog a bit of a refurb, which I think is quite fun :)

So, what has been happening with me in my little knitting bubble... a lot actually!  I have multiple projects on the go at the moment and have had a few successful projects which I have been proud of.  The biggest one is probably my Circle of Life Blanket for Tory and Matt as a wedding present:

I also recently finished the Academia Cardigan as a test knit.  I made this in 4ply Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury - it was a lot of stocking stitch!  It was actually not too bad because there is a spine up the back.  I don't have any pics of this, because I felt my butt looked massive in the pics! haha!!

Well, I think that is enough for now, I really should get some work done!  I seem to be on a sock binge lately, with socks made for the boyfriend, dad and brother. Although I have finished one pair, and half-way through the second, I need to finish these and my brothers by the first week in July... Lot's more knitting coming my way!