Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Shawl Fever

In the run up to C day, simple shawl patterns have become my bestest friends. Inspired by a birthday gift from my friend Karin, I have knitted Multnomah and another one is on the way. The pattern is simple and quick. Like Polly, I love it when the pattern begins with a few stitches and then stretches into the millions!

Nearly done Multnomah in blue and Damson in the background


Thursday, December 17, 2009

Socks


Socks
Originally uploaded by joandshea

These poor long suffering socks have been on their needles for over a year. They have seen the light of day only because I am knitting 2 large projects and I needed a break from them. They are for my sister - just in time for the beginning of our cold weather. I am pleased that she loves them

Another project buster also using sock yarn is Damson by Ysolda Teague. I love projects that start small and end up with hundreds of stitches. It is blocking now.

All finished, now to block

I'm halfway up the front of Aaren, I'm hoping to finish her by the weekend. It will be a relief to have one of the big projects completed. I'm planning on delving into one of the back of the wardrobe bags and finishing a project that has been waiting for a long long time!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Winter warmer

In anticipation of my trip to the Lake District I wizzed up a beret to keep my head warm. The photo was taken at the rear of our hotel.


Hat 1
Originally uploaded by joandshea


Details

Pattern name: Design D
Pattern Source: Sirdar 339 Winter glamour
Yarn used: Sirdar Click Chunky
Needles: 5.5mm and 6.5mm
Date started: 1/12/09
Date finished: 1/12/09

Comments: A quick knit, not as slouchy as I thought it would be. The yarn is warm and won't become misshapen with use.

Whether in the hotel or on a walk, we were surrounded by fantastic views:


It was definitely a wrench to get on the train back to London..........

Cumbrilliant

Despite the awful weather that has been battering Cumbria, I had a wonderful long weekend there recently. The Lake District is beautiful all year round. We had a wonderful view from the Hotel

When not walking, I worked on Aaren and started Fiddler's Green


I worked on Fiddlers Green on the way home. This was a joy to knit and I couldn't put it down. I was hoping to finish the pieces of Aaren while away, but Fiddlers Green stole my heart.

Details

Pattern name: Fiddlers Green
Pattern source: Little Cakes
Designer: Louisa Harding
Yarn: Thistle
Needles: 4.5mm and 5mm
Started: 6/12/09
Finished: 9/12/09

Comments: OOoooooh, warm, cosy, did I say warm. The yarn is soft and strong, the pattern was well written, clear and easy to follow. The colour I chose is beautifully varigated and changes in the light. As the project began to develop and get longer, I had a lovely pool of warmth laying in my lap. This will definitely be a wardrobe regular this winter. In keeping with the coming festive season, the shade I chose is called Holly!!!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Busy Bee

I'm still having problems with my laptop. I'm using the young man's to catch up on my blog. Over the next few posts I will try and put up my recent completed projects.
I promised to take a picture wearing the pinwheel coat so here it is completed and being worn!!


Details:

Pattern Name: Pinwheel Sweater (Adult)

Designer: Shelley Mackie

Pattern Source: Elann.com

Date started: 28/09/09

Date finished: 23/10/09

Yarn: All from stash most now discontinued

Needles: 6mm
Comments: I used a heavier yarn and bigger needles than stated because I wanted a coat rather than a cardigan, certainly something that would keep me warm for the coming winter. I also omitted the yarn overs after the first colour change, for the same reasons. I enjoyed knitting this, even when it got to over 400 stitches! Brilliant stash buster!!!!


Snow ball Scarf

Well, I saw this stuff when I was at Ally Pally in October and walked swiftly by thinking, never, never, never. However, when my local yarn store stocked it, I thought, mmmm. But each time I went in, the stuff (I can't bring myself to call it yarn just yet) kept calling to me. I gave in a bought a ball on Monday. I had a free morning today and one hour later after twisting on 5 stitches, I had a snuggly, warm scarf!! What more can I say?

Details
Pattern name: Scarf in a ball
Pattern Source: Ball band
Yarn: Sirdar snowball
Needles: 8mm
Date started: 10 December 09
Date finished: 10 December 09
Comments: A surreal experience!!


More to follow!!