Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Must stay focussed....

I've finished the first front on the Empire Line Cardigan. The whole thing is looking stumpy but beautiful. Karin's has blocked her back - it was niggling both of us if a transformation was possible and I am so relieved that it worked and stumpy will transform (or transmute) into a stunning wispy lacy creature. I find it quite hard going to start the pieces and venture back into cables next to Yarn round needles. It does not matter whether you use the cable needle or non cable needle method, either way it's fiddly trying to cable. It also does not matter if you are at the beginning of the work or well into it. The only incentive is the decreasing for the yoke shaping when you ditch the yarn round needle for a simple reverse stocking stitch..... I've not been able to work on this since the weekend but intend to pick up the slack today - the ability to breath permitting!!

Finally the colour is true!!

However..... the distractions are strong:

The hooded jacket is almost finished. I LOVE THIS BOOK. There are many projects awaiting and calling to me!

It's amazing what you can achieve when you're being poked and prodded and used for dart board practice!!

The cream project is a sleeveless top from Baby Knits by Lois Daykin This is a fantastic book. Can you tell I'm still a wee bit broody?

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Getting there

What do you do with a computer you've had repaired twice - equalling the cost of a new computer - when it goes la la on you yet again? We like the January sales!

I've started the left front of the empire line cardigan. My aim is to finish it by the weekend. Karin's blog has a better representationof the colour.


But I have a little distraction

I'm apportioning blame to Karin. She kindly (wickedly) lent me her copy of the Debbie Bliss Simply Baby book. What can I say - apart from what a great stash buster book!! However I must stay focused on my other projects...... Oh and then I went and got this and fell in love with this after seeing it in the flesh at John Lewis. Should I bother trying to curb my enthusiasm?

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Hitch

You all know I'm rubbish when it comes to anything remotely techie - like computers. So you know its a major panic when I can't get online and the computer crashes!! I seem to be back in the land of all that is cyber, minus a few files that should keep me sane. Bare with me while I sort out my hard drive from my warp drive....

Knitting News
I've finished the back of the Empire Line Cardigan - my nick name for it is stumpy. It's going to need a good deal of blocking to look anything like the published article - I'm enjoying it though and the yarn is scrummy and soft and squidgy. Check out Karin's blog for picture update. While you're there check out her fab Viola by Louisa Harding.

I've started knitting a few gifts, wristers, wash cloths and hats. I'll post some pictures soon.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

New Project

We have a new project!!


And I'm doing it as a mini KAL with Karin.
It was a bit nerve racking to begin with but I have settled into a rhythm. I realise that this beauty is going to need some serious blocking. The lace pattern is looking very stumpy at the moment!!
The picture above is a better representation of the colour I'm working in (also the same as Karin) but it is still a bit more vibrant than shown.

Monday, December 03, 2007

Quick step

It has been quite uplifting finishing the coat. I'm looking at a few of my WIP's with renewed determination (well at least for today!!). I'm going to keep it real though, so I have compiled a new mini 'to complete' list:

  1. Mirth - just the sleeve edgings to complete
  2. St. Brigid - must get a move on. Will complete for January
  3. Nevis - my travelling project

Obviously, this does not stop me from starting new projects, there may be one or two in the offing........

Mirth: Neckline completed so I'm nearly finished

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Sandia Caped Coat


I have finished my coat. It's no longer a caped coat - but it is a cosy warm fit for purpose coat nonetheless. Everything was fine until I got to the collar. The instructions did not make complete sense to me. I could not understand how the two halves would fit together. I did follow the instructions to the tee. I lovingly and painstakingly attached all the seams using the 3 needle cast off - without any puckering I might add. I digress here but wish to make a very important point - if anyone tells you that you have too many needles, explain the concept of the 3 needle cast off to them!! When everything was sewn together it looked great. Then I tried it on. I had tried on the coat without the collar and knew the shoulders and neck line were in the right place and the shape of the coat flattering as I'd hoped. The collar would not turn down to form a caped shape - I wanted to cry - it was the whole reason for knitting the coat. Each time I put the collar in place it flipped up around my neck like a shawl collar. And then the light went off in my head. Why did I want the coat in the first place? So I didn't freeze on the side lines of the rugby pitch. And what would make me feel nice and cosy? A collar wrapped about my neck and ears!! So although it does not look like the picture in the nice book it is toasty warm and will serve me well and I love it!!
Sandia Caped Coat Project Details:
Pattern Source: Simply Shetland 3
Yarn used: Debbie Bliss Merino Aran - Yarn used double throughout
Needles: 6mm Susan Bates Circulars
Started: 16 October 2007
Finished: 30 November 2007
Comments: Apart from the dodgy collar which I think may be down to the breadth of my shoulders and my overall larger frame than the actual pattern - it was a relatively quick knit and is very sumptuous when worn. The 3 needle cast off method of joining seams is very neat and decorative. I will definitely use it again.

This is all I had left!!