SoSeSaSoSw

I joined the Socktopus Secret Santa Sock Swap, not actually swapping socks but a sock kit. My record for socks this year has been abysmal. I think I've only completed 1 pair so far. UGH! So, here's my questionnaire.

1. What are your favourite colours and fibres?

Colours - Black, grey, neutrals, purple, brown, pink and blue.

Fibres - I like most yarns and have been known to knit some novelty yarn, (although not much since I discovered the "nice" stuff!)

2. Anything that makes your toes curl? (Fibre, colour, other)

I'm not hugely keen on orange, yellow and certain shades of green - they tend to clash with my skin tone.

3. Would you describe yourself as a beginner, intermediate or advanced knitter?

Intermediate knitter who is up for a challenge. I'd like to try new techniques.

4. Do you have an online wishlist? (Amazon or other)

Not as yet.

5. Any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Fair isle, steeking, continental method.

I'm learning spinning and dyeing at the moment, and I'm really enjoying the new activities.

6. What is your favourite:

Snack? - savoury snacks - olives, crisps and especially Malaysian/Oriental/Japanese snacks. I love wine, is that a snack?

Book? - I like a whole range of books - mystery, crime, chick lit, high brow, Harry potter,classics.... My recent favourites are The Time Traveller's Wife, The Memory Keeper's Daughter..... can't seem to remember any more.

Movie? - Gawd, I have so many that it's hard to choose. Pretty much most things except silly guy movies like Borat, American Pie, Adam Sandler movies (except the Wedding Singer!)

Music? - Again, I like a whole range of things, it just depends on my mood.

7. What are your favourite items to knit?

I like making things for the kids, as it's nice and small. And stuff for me as there is such a huge range of designs available now.

8. Any patterns that are top of your queue?

My queue is sooo long that I'm never realistically going to knit all of it! The next thing I want to knit for me is a hoodie of some sort - Cardigan for Arwen, Central Park Hoodie, Riding to Avalon, Apres Surf Hoodie.......... But I'm probably going to start something else completely.

9. Do you have any other hobbies?

Spinning, dyeing, crochet, cooking and baking, reading, tennis and swimming, cardmaking, jewellery and beading,....................

10. Tell us about yourself. When did you first pick up your needles? Who/what encouraged you to start knitting? How would you describe your knitting style? Are you a process knitter or a product knitter, etc.

I learnt to knit from my grandmother when I was 8 or 10. The first I made was a purple acrylic garter stitch scarf, which i can't now find. I also knitted and crocheted a huge wadrobe for my Barbie doll, which I only recently found again! But I started seriously knitting again, when I fell pregnant with my eldest boy, who will be 6 in November. I wanted to make so many baby things for the kids and I've only been somewhat successful. I do intend to make more things for them.

I love knitting. I love making things.

Tess

Don'tcha love the big chunky knit. Start it on Friday. Before you can say WIP, it's finished. I need 2 big buttons and that's it. Ends all sewn in. It's ready to go!!! Just in time for Winter as its about to set in any minute now.

Pattern : Tess from Kim Hargreaes
Yarn : Rowan Big Wool in Lucky shade 20
Needles : 12mm and 10 mm

Notes: Easy pattern. Quick knit. Love it.

Fascination with purple

I seem to be very drawn to the colour purple at the moment. The 2 newest project are purple. The next few intended projects will be in purple and I obviously also have some WIPs lurking around in purple. Wonder why????

First up. This is Daydream from Rowan Babies (one of my favourite knitting books - I must have made 6 or 7 patterns from that book). I made this for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law who are expecting their first child in Oct. I'm glad I finished it in time.

Project details:
Pattern: Daydream from Rowan Babies
Yarn : Jaeger Baby Merino in Lilac
Needles : 3.25mm and 3mm
Size : 6 -12 mth
Thoughts: Lovely simple pattern with lovely details. I really enjoyed making this.
Here is Zoe modelling the finished article. It was a little too small on her 13 month old body.
I also started Tess from Kim Hargreaves' book Heartfelt. I started this on Thursday, as evidenced in the photo. I have now finished the main body and the left sleeve. Amazing progress!! I've got to admit, it's knitted in Rowan Big Wool on 12mm needles.
And for some eye candy that is NOT in purple. This is some Sunshine Yarns sock yarn in the Harry Potter inspired colourways - Chinese Fireball Dragon and Accio Firebolt. I'm looking forward to knitting these.

IKnit day

Note: I suddenly realised that I drafted this post but never actually posted . Duh! So here it is.

I had a fantastic day at IKnit day on Saturday. I got to meet lots of Ravellers and other friends, admired the architecture, drooled over the wares (lots of yarn and fibre and other stuff), heard the Yarn Harlot speak, watched the fashion shows (I never realised how much I liked the fashion of the 50's). I brought a camera, but sadly I forgot to charge it. I did manage one photo of the Yarn Harlot, but it was so blurry that it wasn't worthy of posting. But here is link to the photos on flickr as posted by everyone else. IKnit Day

Finally, here are purchases from the day. I was very well restrained - I didn't buy any yarn, but I bought loads of roving.

Progress knitting and spinning

Finally,I got the 2 kids back in school on Thursday. Peace and quiet in the house from 9 till 3, well as much peace as a clingy 1 year old is willing to give. I did have some time to tidy up my WIPs, stash and Ravelry. I have embarked on ripping some unfinished projects which I know, I'll never finish. I have also made some progress on photographing the extensive stash. There will be a destash happening sometime soon.

I just wanted to show that I have been knitting. This is sock one of Embossed Leaves sock and I am making slow progress on sock 2.



I have also been spinning. This is my first full skein of yarn!! YAY! The pink/purple single is BFL dyed by Dianne and the cream is superwash BFL. I think i have about 120 feet of yarn which is a bit uneven, overly twisted in parts and a bit badly plied in others. But I'm very proud of my first attempt. I think it will be knitted up into a cowl/scarf for Keira, who loves the colours.




ANd finally, I'm off to meet the Yarn Harlot tomorrow at the IKnit day!! Hurray!!! (Completely off topic, the IKnit day will be held at The Royal Horticultural Halls in Victoria, in London. This was the venue of my Law Society Final Exams 15 years ago! It brought a tiny shiver to my spine!)