Stripy sock mad

The Rolly Bag!

2011-02-07T18:44:00.003Z

Yeah yeah, all I ever do here now is post patterns, but you don't want to listen to me blethering on about nothing all the time? Right? Any way, another free pattern for you, don't say I'm any thing but nice ;-)

Rolly Bag

Inspired by a bag I saw at a recent craft fair, this bag is made from a new yarn called Hoopla, made from selvedge material from t-shirt making. Its a very stretch jersey type material and is surprisingly easy to work with and lends its self to crochet very well!

Download the PDF version of this pattern here

You will need:

2 cones of Hoopla yarn (I used Key Lime Pie and Purple Nurple) or any bulky yarn (approx 200 yards) in two colours

8mm and 6mm crochet hooks.

Stitch marker.

Two safety pins

Instructions:

DC= Double crochet

(Please note this pattern uses British crochet terms (DC=SC in US terms))

Main body

Using the 8mm hook, chain 50 stitches in your main colour

Row 1) DC in 2^nd stitch from end and continue to end, chain one and turn

Row 2) DC in the back loop of the stitch (as you look at the V, dc in the leg furthest from you!) This will give the raised up edge you can see in the picture. Continue to the end, chain 1 and turn.

Repeat row 2 16 more times and fasten off at the end of the last row.

End pieces (make two)

Using the 8mm hook and your contrast colour, chain 4 and join to form a ring (use marker to note start of ring)

Round 1) 2DC in every stitch (8 stitches)

Round 2) *DC in next stitch, 2DC in the next stitch, repeat from * until end

Round 3) *DC in next 2 stitches, 2DC in the next stitch, repeat from * until end

Continue as set, increasing the space between the 2DCs until you have reached 6 spaces in between the 2DCs and fasten off.

Bag Handle

Using 6mm hook, chain 4 stitches

Row 1) DC in second space, and work unil the end, chain 1 and turn.

Repeat until bag handle is desired length and fasten off.

Making up

The main body piece has a natural curl, so we are going to exploit this some what! Roll your body piece to make a tube, leaving an overlap of about 3 inches (this is for your bag flap) and pin in place on both sides. Take one of your end pieces and your contrast colour, use slip stitch to join both pieces together, but leave the overlap hanging free.

One you have done one side, repeat on the other, attach the handle on either side of the tube in your desired place, weave in ends and you are done!

This is my first crochet pattern and the making up has been hard to explain, so if you have any questions or suggestions, please get in touch!

Naturally this is a free pattern, and you are free to use it for your own personal use, but you are not allowed to sell any finished items, or distribute the pattern without prior permission or crediting the work to my self!

Seed Stitch Socks

2010-02-16T13:35:00.006Z

Hmm yes I know, we are now in to the New Year and I'm still not blogging much, but in my defence, I do home school three kids, and we got a dog, and my free time is taken up by knitting, so you know... I do want to blog, but its sitting down and doing it!
Any way, once again, I bring a new pattern to make up for it!

Seed Stitch Socks

I got the idea from an old pair of slipper socks (you know the kind that have grippy bits on the bottom?) and decided to see if I could make a pattern similar and this is what I came up with.

Download a PDF version of the pattern here

You will need:

Fingering/4ply sock yarn, 100g solid colour (A), 30g contrasting variegated colour (B)
(yarn I used isn't available any more, but its Middlearthknitter yarn, in Not Just for Goths (B) and Jet (A) )

2.5mm dpn needles

Waste Yarn

Tapestry needle

Pattern will assume that you basically know how to knit socks, but I'll link to any thing unusual!

Stitch pattern is in multiples of 8.

Cast on 64 stitches with colour B and divided over 3 dpns

Knit 2 purl 2 rib for desired length, I usually do approx 1inch

Switch to colour A

Row 1 K4, P1, K1 ,P1, K1. Repeat to end of round

Row 2 K5, P1,K1, P1

(I arranged my stitches so I wasn't purling a stitch at the start of a row, by splitting up a K4 in to two knit stitches over two needles, but this is personal preference, I just don't like purling at the start of a needle, I get ridiculous ladders! You do what is comfortable!)

Continue repeating Row 1&2 until leg length is desired length (pictured sock is 5inches.)

When you have reached your desired length, you need to take your waste yarn and knit 32 stitches with it (or approx half of your total number of stitches) This is for your afterthought heel. Do not break your working yarn (A) as you'll be using it again in a moment

The 32 stitches you have knitted with waste yarn, are now the bottom of your sock, you'll need to jig it a bit, but divide these 32 stitches up between two needles, whilst having the other 32 stitches on one needle. This is so you are keeping your pattern stitches and sole stitches separately, and makes decreasing at the toe stage easier!

Go back to your working yarn (A) and carry on knitting as follows

Needle 1 k16
Needle 2 k15, P1
Needle 3 Repeat rows as established in leg section

Repeat until desired foot length is reached (for my size 6 (US9) feet, this was 36rows)

Switch to colour B and start decreases for toes, continue until 28 stitches remain and graft toes using Kitchener stitch

Now for the heel. Lets call in the expert with pictures, the Yarn Harlot (in this she didn't use waste yarn and cuts the the yarn where she wants the heel, that scares me slightly and my waste yarn bit works just as well!)

Basically, you unpick your waste yarn, catching the now live stitches on two needles (one top one bottom) and then using colour B, you knit another toe! I decrease as for a toe until I had 30 stitches remaining and then grafted together.

Weave in ends, make another to match, and you are done!

Even now there are things I would change about the sock I did, the purl stitch on needle two is to seperate the pattern from the foot, if I thought about it more, I would have jigged the pattern round so it looked better, but thats hind sight etc

I do feel I could have written this a touch better, but if you come across any problems, please give me a shout and I'll do my best to help as much as I can.

Naturally this is a free pattern, and you are free to use it for your own personal use, but you are not allowed to sell any finished items, or distribute the pattern without prior permission or crediting the work to my self!

The Neala Hood

2009-10-09T19:41:00.013+01:00

My second pattern! So as soon as I'd finished my Riverbanks, Neala decided she wanted one her self. Which brought out my creative skills again! Well I can't help it lol I do have another pattern in the works but that will have to wait!
So I give you....

The Neala Hood

This is designed to fit a 4/5 year old child, tho I did try it on my 6 year old and it fit him too, so it will fit a few, best thing is to try it on the recipient as you go along!
Download a PDF version of the pattern here

You will need:
100g Sirdar Click Chunky in Bloom

4.5mm 24inch circs (yes I know this is small for the yarn, it give a nice dense fabric and is actually quite a nice feel!)

1 Stitch marker

Tapestry needle

Spare circ for grafting

4.5mm Crochet hook (optional)

Gauge er... well I tend to knit loose, so if you are a tight knitter go up a needle size lol

The Pattern:

Cast on 80 stitches, place marker, join in the round, careful not to twist

Row 1 Knit

Row 2 Purl

Row 3 K2tog 3 times, K1 (YO K1) 6 times, K2tog 3 times, K1

Row 4 Knit

Repeat these 4 rows twice more (3 times in total)

Knit until piece measure 5inches from the cast on (from the bottom of a wave if you catch my drift lol)

Cast off 24 stitches and knit to the end of the row

You'll now be working the piece flat

Row 1 K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, purl to last 5 stitches, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 2 K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, knit to last 5 stitches, K1 P1, K1, P1, K1

Repeat these two rows until the piece measures 14inches in total from cast on edge

Place 28 stitches on a spare circ and graft the two sides together using Kitchener stitch

Weave in your ends and you are done!

For the sake of looking neat, on the cast off edge, I did two rows of double crochet (american single) with a 4.5 hook, to stop the edge from curling over and used a couple of stitches to attach it to the sides of the hood but this is entirely optional and purely for aesthetic reasons, if you don't mind the curling edge then leave it!

If there are any problems in the pattern or you have any questions, give me a shout and I'll do my best to sort it out!
Hope you enjoy the pattern!

Naturally this is a free pattern, and you are free to use it for your own personal use, but you are not allowed to sell any finished items, or distribute the pattern without prior permission or crediting the work to my self!

Must be time for another blog post!

2009-10-06T15:57:00.006+01:00

Well at least I'm consistent with being infrequent! Its not too bad at the moment, one a month isn't a sin I'm sure!
I've actually been quite busy recently, I finished my wollmeise clapotis (which is going to be the subject of another blog post when I've actually taken decent photos of it, watch this space!), started another one involving beads (I swear its going to be worth it, even if it is lace weight and I have to stop every few stitches..) and done a bit of crochet for birthday pressies and my self, and done a pattern from the new Knitty!
The crochet first! Every few days I get one of those emails from Knitting Daily, most of the time I give it a cursory look over as mainly its patterns they are trying to sell, but some times it contains free patterns and useful hints and tips. This pattern caught my eye. Hmm stripy! And I decided I must give it ago, and made one for my lovely friend Kirsty for her birthday.

I never go hiking with out my knitting bag made in Patons sorbet

I really enjoyed doing it, and me being me and having a slight bag fetish, I stared at my sorbet yarn, wondering what colour combo to use, until it occurred to me, didn't have to follow their stripe pattern (yeah some times I'm not that quick off the mark!) and using the general bag construction, I made this:

I love it, its so cool and cute at the same time! And of course, the perfect size for an on the go knitting project (tho currently it holds my beaded clapotis for safe keeping!)

I mentioned knitting some thing from the new Knitty, now its not often I see some thing and I think omg I have to knit that right now this moment, but this one really inspired me!

Riverbanks from Knitty, in Noro vintage.
(and please meet my new model Martin hehe)

Callum wanted a go too..

The Riverbanks from Knitty just really made me want to knit it, it was just the idea of it, its basically a cowl with a hood, but it just looked so unique. Of course, I didn't do it in the same colours as the one on Knitty but I did use the same yarn, Noro Vintage, and despite a few usual Noro hiccups of knots and an entire colour missing from one place, it feels really nice and I'm glad I went with it.
A word about the pattern tho, the way it is written on Knitty is that you start with a provisional cast on and start on the upper neck and go back and do the bottom later, which is a huge faff, and ultimately pointless, luckily I had a look at other project on Ravelry before I started mine and noticed people mentioning not doing it the way it was written, so I took a closer look, and if you swap the two row patterns from the lower neck around and cast on the 78 stitches and knit those two rows, it makes no difference to the over all look, and saves much messing around later! Can't argue with that! My only problem is that Neala wants one, so I've got to work on scaling it down for her. I'm too good to my kids..

Oh oh and I've been fiddling with some script and came up with my finished object gallery! Check it out! Tis very cool :-D (obviously if you are viewing this from Facebook, you'll have to come and visit my actual blog to see it ;-) )

Crafting space

2009-09-08T15:43:00.004+01:00

Growing up, I had a room to my self several times on and off, being one of 3, some times I shared a room with my sister, some times I had a room to my self, for a while, all three of us slept together! But naturally I never really had the chance to make it my own. Now I find my self as an adult with a very large room with a view, I can do as I please with it!
The room is very me, its full of little bits, trinkets, parts of my life, I recently had to hide a few things away after splitting up from Dave (his choice, not mine, and not a choice I would have made) and looking at these things just hurt to see, thats a problem of making the room part of my life I guess!
Thankfully it acts more as my little sanctuary, and because I'm such a crafty little soul, it looks like one big work room as well!

This is the main part of the room, all my gorgeous (mainly) sock and lace yarn is crammed in to the ikea shelves, when I bought them I had no idea I'd be eventually filling it! It does act as a bit awe inspiring tho, I like to sit on my couch and just stare some times, alot of the time I'll reach out and stroke a bit of yarn sticking out and it has been inspirational too!
Naturally you notice the overflowing box of fibre next to the shelves, I've been meaning to either get a bigger box, or at least another one to try and contain it, but so far I just add to the top of it, I do attempt to spin alot of it, looking at the table at the front of the picture, thats all the yarn I spun during the tour de fleece, that I haven't managed to make room for yet (back to the more boxes talk..) its catching no harm there in the mean time!
Another thing is I tend to have my finished objects lying around, my stripey star on the couch, my blue jeans shawl on the arm, you can't see it very well but my cherry clapotis is on the footstool on the left, well what else am I supposed to do with them lol
Its just a nice area, I like it very much.

I suppose you could call this the main focal point of the room, its the first thing you see when you walk in my door, my shelves with some of my fav books on there, cds, knitting needles, my sheepy money tin, Sims house and of course my knitting books! Its a strange arrangement I know, but it looks nice and nothing falls off the ends!
Underneath is my coat hooks, currently housing my booga bag, my general little knitting bag (complete with domiknitrix badge) and my woolfest bag, plus a few coats that just adorn my wall.

Ah my bed, best place in the world! Before you ask, yes I've read all the books in that pile, I just keep adding to it instead of putting away, naughty!
But as you can see, the yarn is spreading here as well, I have two of the same size tubs that holds my fibre full to the brim with assorted yarn underneath there, one is my "cheap" yarn and the other is the yarn that doesn't fit on my shelves, or assorted odd balls, great for quick projects type yarn! Also you see my blocking boards (need more of them £4 from tesco..) my sewing box and yarn that I haven't put in a box. I will do one day..

And finally, just to make sure every part of my room is crafty, this is where my swift and ball winder live! Teddies on the rocking chair I've had since I was a dot and they are looking after my Forest canopy shawl. I've actually tided the table up a bit as I've got several labels and yarn ends lying around on it, plus it could do with a dust! Its in a good place as I plonk my self down on the end of the bed and wind till my heart is content!

So that was a brief whistle stop tour of my room! You really needed to see all that didn't you lol Well I think you can indulge me, I'm going through a very rough time at the moment, as I mentioned before I split up from my partner of 5 years which was extremely distressing, it wasn't through choice, and I wish it didn't have to be this way, but I don't have any choice but to live with whats happened. Daft thing is I still love him very much and the thought of starting all over again with some one else fills me with a cold horror. We have resolved to remain close friends, and I'm hoping that means more than the occasional chat on msn!
I'll be ok eventually, we actually spoke for the first time properly since it happened, and it made me feel alot better, probably more than he realises!
Oops I'm now going personal on my knitting blog, well I guess as long as I don't make a habit out of it! In the mean time, send love!

Tour de Fleece finale!

2009-07-27T10:42:00.002+01:00

Not bad for some one who flaked out half way thru!
Yes I did manage my final yarn, it was being plyed as Mark Cavandish crossed the finish line to win his 6th stage of the tour (Go Mark!) and was all done and dusted as Alberto did his speech on the podium.

I love this alpaca silk, it bloody sheds every where, but is really soft! Still got a 50g bag left that I've yet to spin but felt I'd done enough with it (plus I was getting tired of scrapping hairs off every thing).

So what am I going to do with all my newly spun yarn? Well with my shiney purple one (the fyberspates alpaca silk or at least thats what I think it is!) I see a pair of gloves with that, the jacobs humbug isn't really next to skin wearable so that will prob make a nice little bag, as for the rest of it, well it looks nice of my shelf for now, I'll think of some thing!
Now what to spin next...

So we had a bit of a TDF fail...

2009-07-25T11:29:00.002+01:00

I tried! Honest I did, that pesky thing called life got in the way during week two, I felt like I didn't sit still for 5 mins and then this week, I felt "guilty" for not spinning last week and just didn't get round to doing much, but having said that, I'm pretty happy with what I've achieved over all, it wasn't about doing the most, it was about creating lovely yarn and to me, I've done just that!

This is all that I've spun and finished, my fav has got to be the bottom one, the shine is just wonderful! My second fav is the one in the middle, as when it is knit up, it will have a complete colour change which will be cool!

I have got one, possible two yarns I could finish by tomorrow, the one on my spindle from the previous post and this one

<

Which is a natural alpaca and silk, its really nice to spin with, but the alpaca hairs get every where! Does not help when I wear predominately black... But I'm hoping I can get in a last minute push and finish this yarn (and maybe the other one!) in time for the race finish tomorrow!
Watch this space..

Tour De Fleece Day 8

2009-07-11T19:00:00.002+01:00

More progress!
Was no point posting yesterday as it would have looked the same as day 6, so left it till today, it was worth it I think!

So I finished the yarn I was working on, I was rather pleased with it!

Started my next lot!

Then I considered tomorrow and realised I'm going to be out for most of the day seeing as its Callums birthday, so if I want to spin, I need it portable! Enter my trusted spindle and some of the unprocessed naturally dyed yarn I got from woolfest (idea being its supposed to look rustic so I don't have to be as precise!)

How much I actually get done tomorrow remains to be seen, but at least I will have done some thing and kept up spinning roll!

Tour De Fleece Day 6

2009-07-09T22:43:00.002+01:00

While I'm still in shock about Tourchwood, I'll post what I've done today!
Not managed to do much today, been out for the first time since last Friday, to shop for Callums 6th Birthday, he opted for a Skateboard (those who know him will know how dangerous he is without wheels (for festival going friends, Callum is the little blonde one who bounces every where..)) and a new set of clothes and shoes to complete the "look" (half price sale in asda..) so he's a happy bunny!
So any way, you want fibre...

Half my fibre is done, not bad for two hours work! This is going to look good when it is plied because its already a mix of black and what ever colour is there at the time, so when its plied its going to look very cool!
My bathroom is resembling a yarn finishing room tho, at the moment I seem to have some thing constantly in the sink and/or hanging to dry in the shower, good job only I go in there, or else things could have been difficult!
More progress tomorrow!

Tour De Fleece Day 5

2009-07-08T20:35:00.003+01:00

Bored yet? I'm not! Enjoying this spinning every day lark, not that I'm knitting much...

Todays efforts where from a 64g batt called "The Mexican" very cool name..

All torn up and ready to go! I divided this in to two again, and kept the order in an attempt to match it up..

Very happy with my plying today! Colourmatching didnt quite work out but who cares!

Well I like it any way!!

Tour De Fleece Day 4

2009-07-07T20:56:00.003+01:00

Quick one before Torchwood comes on! (what do you mean you are not watching it?!)

Nice progress for today, its currently twist setting in the shower as we speak (next door must wonder what the hell I'm doing when I whack it against the wall!

More tomorrow!

Tour De Fleece Day 3

2009-07-06T18:31:00.002+01:00

Slow day today as not had the energy, but still managed to get half of my fleece done, looks pretty nice if I do say so my self!

Hope to finish it off tomorrow!

Spinning thru the flu..

2009-07-05T19:22:00.005+01:00

So the Tour De France has finally begun and I have decided to take part in the Tour De Fleece (idea being you spin on every day of the race, set your self goals if you want etc etc Ravelry users see here!)
But as my title suggests, I have a tiny wee problem, some one, some where was kind enough to share Swine flu with me *sigh* Now the doctors won't confirm it because I don't actually know which kind stranger it was by name but because I've done a few high volumes of people things in the last week or so (Woolfest and a Nine black Alps concert) I'm on Tamiflu as a precaution! Which also means I'm not allowed to leave the house, joy! (Good job the kids no longer go to school eh?)
But despite that, I started spinning yesterday, only got a tiny bit done before I gave up (and collapsed in a sweaty heap!) but today I'm feeling perkier and so have finished my first lot of fleece!

(Thats before setting, its soaking as we speak!)

Was concerned the colourway wasn't looking too great but its turned out rather nice! I do have a different blend of fibres (this is shetland tops) in a similar colourway so its nice to see how it will eventually turn out!

Also finished some more yarn just before TDF started, as I had to clear off my bobbins so I could spin! This stuff nearly made me loose the will to live because it was so fragile! The shetland I've just done was so easy to handle, I had minimal problems with it, but this was merino and silk, and I swear at one point I was ready to unwind the whole lot and bin it, but I persevered and it has turned out lovely, good job too!

Not knitting much at the moment, just haven't got the inclination, don't ask me why, but the TDF will give me an excuse to blog, so look out for progress reports as the weeks go on!

Woolfest 2009

2009-06-27T12:34:00.004+01:00

You know, if I only did one thing every year, it would be Woolfest! Its just such a fab day out, the people there are just so nice, stall holders and buyers, bumping in to people you "know" from Ravelry and other forums, its weird spending the day staring at peoples chests to see what their name is!
So here it is..the haul..

Oh so many nice things! So from top left, there is some black alpaca roving from UK alpaca & fibre harvest, a selection of naturally dyed fibre from Artisan Threads, dark grey broken tops from Uk Alpaca, from botton left, hand dyed merino from Limegreenjelly, hand dyed merino sock yarn from The Laal Bear, 3 Skeins of sock yarn from Knitwitches, and finally hand dyed shetland tops from Wheeldale Woolcraft.
I'm seriously wanting to have a spin of the alpaca, it is super super soft and the colour is just wonderful, the fibre from Artisan threads is going to be interesting to use as its uncombed but can still be spun in to a textured yarn, I was just taken in by the colours and seeing what was possible with it, I wanted to try!
The whole day was just fantastic, spent several hours at woolfest, wish I could have spent longer! Not that the day was over when we left, we drove down the road to St Bees, unloaded our extensive picnic and was still on the beach playing in the sea till 6pm! Didn't get home till gone 10pm!

All I can say now is, roll on next year!!

I come bearing gifts!

2009-06-23T11:39:00.014+01:00

Yes, I know, I've not blogged for a while, feel like I'm forever apologising for not posting! There has been alot going on, internet problems, kids switching to home schooling and just a general lack of some thing to say, but, I bring a peace offering, I've written a pattern :-D
I knew my stash would come in handy one day, I certainly was taken by a moment of inspiration whilst staring at my shelves one day, well that and a lack of right needles for a pattern I did want to knit!

Show off Stranded Cowl

(It is an adult sized cowl, Ewan was just my nearest model!)

Inspired by the Show off Stranded Socks (which are very cool also, so go make them too!) this quick knit uses up that odd ball of dk yarn, either left over from a project, or like me, that must have skein of malabrigo! The cowl is knitted flat, with a provisional cast on at the start, which you use to graft the two ends together when finished to give the cowl a seamless look, naturally you can use a normal cast on and seam both ends together when finished, but I like it this way (read as I'm terrible and seaming, but I like grafting lol)

Download a PDF version of the pattern here

You will need:
50g Variegated DK yarn, I used Malabrigo Merino Silky in Bahia

4mm Needles

Waste yarn

Tapestry needle

2 Stitch markers (optional I use them to mark the first and last two stitches, so I remember to do them!)

Gauge, Doesn't matter!

Stitch pattern is in multiples of 4

The pattern:

Cast on 40 stitches using a provisional cast on (I like this one )

Row 1, K2, purl across till last 2 stitches, K2

Row 2, K2, *YO, K2, pass YO over the two stitches, K2, repeat from * till last two stitches, K2

Row 3, K2, purl across till last 2 stitches, K2

Row 4, K2 *K2, YO, K2, pass YO over the two stitches, repeat from * till last two stitches, K2

Repeat these 4 Rows, until piece measures 21inches from cast on edge.

Set up for grafting, leaving your stitches on the needle, take your other needle and carefully unpick your provisional cast on edge, so now you have 80 stitches divided over two needles, with your working yarn on the back needle, on the right hand side, just as you would for a sock. This does mean you have the wrong side of your work facing you, so you have to do purl side kitchener stitch, which sounds scary, but its not! I found these directions here to be very helpful, it is easy once you get in to it, basically instead of knit 1 off, purl, purl 1 off, knit, you do purl 1 off, knit, knit 1 off, purl, its the opposite of normal kitchener. Very clever is grafting!

And voilà! You are done!

If there are any problems in the pattern or you have any questions, give me a shout and I'll do my best to sort it out!
Hope you enjoy the pattern, you never know, I might do some more one day :-)

(Its Woolfest this weekend, and you can put good money on the fact I'll blog about that, hopefully it will give me a good kick up the bum to blog more!)

Naturally this is a free pattern, and you are free to use it for your own personal use, but you are not allowed to sell any finished items, or distribute the pattern without prior permission or crediting the work to my self!

Its not yarn, its an experience!

2009-03-23T13:38:00.003Z

Never in my life have I really been taken in by some thing "popular", I was never really a omg must have that right now this second. Yes I might get it months and months later after the popularity has died down, but never at its peak.
Now when I started knitting, little did I know some thing like this was brewing, almost 2 years a go, some one mentioned this yarn site, we all had a look and thought oh nice yarns, pity none is in stock, I don't any of us quite realised what it was.
That site, of course, was Wollmeise. Since then the popularity of this yarn has grown and grown and is now almost a must have in your stash. Naturally I was curious, I loved the colours, and as time went by and more and more people talked about it, the more I wanted a look in.
Egged on by my good friend Tinks, I started stalking the site for updates (which happen once a week, with a limited stock going up for sale, as Claudia is a one woman show!) and trying desperately to bag some.
The first week I failed, I had so many in my cart to jump out before I could check out, I got so close! But ultimately, I failed. Disheartened, but thought well first week, couldn't expect miracles. I tried not to think much of it, but then the following week, Tinks sent me a text early that morning, saying it looked like there was going to be an update (screen goes grey) but nothing happened. All day we refreshed the site, but nothing happened, later that day, I had to restart my laptop (common occurance, its always losing my net connection!) and as firefox came back to life, I checked on the site, found it was back, clicked instock to find the yarn was there! I pretty much flew in to a blind panic, I wasn't logged on to the site, the update was well underway, I had to move fast. I saw a colourway I knew I liked the look of, put it in my cart, flew thru logging in and I was so lucky, the site only timed out once and as the final screen came up, I'd done it, I'd actually managed to buy some! 7th Heaven doesn't even come close!
I was still all happy the next day when I found out there was an easter egg hunt going on, random yarn is put up, and doesn't show on the instock page, you've just got to find it. Some one on the Wollmeise Ravelry group said there was one in stock and gave the name. Not expecting any thing, I went to see, it was still there, I put it in my cart, it was still there, I didn't rush, I didn't panic, I did all the steps and in the end, it didn't go any where, fate! I couldn't believe it! Twice in one weekend? Didn't seem possible, but it was!
Over a week has past, I've been stalking my postman almost every day, only to find bills and junk mail..until today!

Huge knock on my front door, nearly frightend the life out of me, Martin answered and took delivery of...

It was here! Carefully composed, I opened up my packages..

Very pretty, neat bags, covered in a knitting motif and german to english knitting terms, very neat (and useful too!) The next bit was the best..

Totally and utterly gorgeous, I can't explain how nice it is in real life, the colours are so vibrant and deep, and the yarn its self feels so nice and the smell is very unique (yes I'm a yarn sniffer!) It is totally worth the hype! If the yarn wasn't enough there is also a leaflet with more german to english knitting terms, and a pack of gummy bears!

Its all very unreal, its here on the couch next to me and I still can't believe its mine! Def going to earn pride of place on my shelf thats for sure.

Persona Non Grata

2009-03-11T22:53:00.000Z

Well thats what it feels like at times! Both with my knitting and people. I try and come over as nice, I really do, but some thing must get lost in translation some where, maybe its my spelling letting me down some where… Please, if I do offend you in some way, please tell me! Its not intentional!

And my knitting too! I’ve knitted next to nothing recently, just lacking in inspiration, I’m not tempted by my current projects enough (no matter how much I like them and want to keep doing them) and I’m not seeing much that makes me sit up and think yes, thats what I want to do! *sigh* Its tough some times lol

Any way, what is getting me happy is my spinning, I feel like I’ve really come on lately, spinning some thing that really does come across as yarn. My most latest offering I did for my self, was some hand dyed fibre that I dyed my self with some koolaid, and then spun up on Sorsha

I named it tropics as it reminded me of a tropical fruit punch of some description, don’t ask me what weight it is, but its a single ply (as I liked the way it looked!) but came to roughly 322 yards and I’ve just remembered I’ve not weighed yet!

I’ve also had to do some spinning for a swap, which meant *gulp* some one else had to see my spinning! I chose a colourway that my swap person had stated a preference for, but it spun up a bit lighter in colour than expected. Overall I was happy with my ultra very best attempt to make some thing nice for some one!

I did get a gorgeous package back from my swap friend, along with a lovely spun up skein, that I’ve now got to attempt to match (I don’t have to but I want to!) Its all split and ready to go on my couch, but I’ve not been brave enough to start yet!

And, if that wasn’t enough to get on with, I was tempted in to buying some fibre with the name First and Last and Always, which those in the know will, well know its a Sisters of Mercy song/album. How exactly was I supposed to not buy it? If, and this is a big if, I can pin down my skills, I’m going to spin this up for a project, I see gloves, most certainly with a gothic feel! Its gorgeous stuff, of shades of purple and a touch of crimson (must piccy it!) uber soft, if I do it right, its going to look great! (and I’ve got enough to cope with a huge margin of error, which is never a bad thing!)

Right I’d better get back to being the person people avoid!

Just a quick one, Angel Yarns forum

2009-02-20T20:55:00.005Z

Yes I know I promised to post more, but that life thing keeps getting in the way, its so annoying!
Ok, quick knitting project pic, just to keep you happy!

There see, first ever more than one colour at the same time project, my endpaper mitts! Even avoided second glove syndrome and did them both one after the other, yeay for me!

Right main reason for being here is to let people know that the lovely (not!) admin over on the Angel Yarns forum pulled the plug on the whole thing without warning or explanation, leaving all the members and mods a bit stunned, but with true british spirit, every one regrouped on Ravelry and some lovely people took on the job of recreating the old forum, under a new name and have been trying to locate all the old members, so heres me doing my bit!
New forum, Phoenix knitters (as in rising from the ashes!) is here http://www.knittingforums.org.uk/

Please come and join us and stick two fingers up and the people at Angel Yarns who thought it was ok to do this sort of thing to us!

Finishy type things

2009-01-18T15:02:00.004Z

Well I did think for the new year I'd try to blog a bit more..hmm day 18 and this is my first post! Oh well! I will try tho..
Will start with my last project of 2008, suddenly found a nice pattern for some yarn I'd had knocking around in my stash since Black Sheep had a closing down sale, it was 50p a skein for Rowan R2 Braid, so its like a soft ribbon, very soft, but kinda hard to find a pattern for. Me being me, I'd bought all the black and white ones, and whilst browsing that wonderful resource that is Ravelry, I saw some one elses project that involved making a bag and I was like, aha! Thats the one for me! Just a simple bag, I finished it in a day, big drumstick needles job, its been christened the Guinness bag, for obvious reasons...

Recycle in Rowan R2 Braid

I've finally managed to finish my Japanese Feathers scarf which was nice to finally get done, seen as its been on the needles since last March! Its not as long as I probably should have done it, but I was attempting to be creative-ish, I cast on when the yarn was in a dark stripe phase and I've knitted it until its gone through the whole sequence back to dark again at the other end, it looks good, just not hugely long. Picutures are not brilliant but the light quality at the moment is just pitiful and the flash just bleeches out the lovely blues, but you'll get the idea.

Japanese Feather scarf in Kauni Effektgarn 8/2 Ez

Since Christmas I've also been trying to perfect my spinning, I'd started on this blue merino before christmas and it was looking good, and apart from a few wheel problems (I'm still getting used to adjusting it!) I've done some thing that compares to aran weight! It was entirely spun and plied on Evangeline (yes I know I said Sorsha but there is a reason for that!)

The pic below shows what I'm aiming for, its what Jamman did on my wheel before I arrived and it looks so thin and even, I can only dream! The blue is what I had left over from plying and makes a good comparrison, I can dream, but it is some thing to aim for. I'm assuming its all down to how I draft, and at the moment I predraft every thing so I only have to concentrate on one thing at once, I did have a go at drafting as I spun but I was letting the wheel take it before it was spun enough and when it broke, I couldn't get it going again, so went back to predrafting. It will all come with practise I'm sure.

And last but not least, I mentioned in a previous blog that I was going to call my wheel Sorsha, like a character in my fav book who has to spin shirts out of a stinging plant to save her 6 brothers, but it never felt quite right, I liked the idea, but it didn't fit the wheel and my ashford traddy being a dark finish, struck me more as a gothy one and I've lent more towards calling her Evangline for a while, and I think I know why, cause this is Sorsha...

A dinky double drive pre 1999 Kromski, which is very much like the current Mazurka from their range. Its so small in comparrison to my traddy but spins very nicely and I was totally smitten on first sight! Kate was lovely (as was her cat, Sabbath!) and I even got a bag of fibre to play with as well, so thats me busy for a while. Good day today! Must make time for knitting tho..

The story of Doggie

2008-12-19T09:15:00.005Z

My youngest lad Callum is 5, hes a bit of a nut case (in the nicest possible way!) and is probably one of the sweetest kids going.
Before he was born, even before we knew he was going to be a boy, my step mum bought a blue dog, and since he was born, its always been with him, and was the toy he became attached to.
Doggie (as he is known) is a well travelled dog, he can tell the time, he can play burn out on the ps2 and even gained a sunday best name of Rudolph last year (I'll let you guess what time of the year that was) and even has his own collar and a bell. He does speak in a rather deep voice and I've known him and Callum to have some very indepth conversations.
I saw the cuddles the puppy crochet pattern when it was free on Ravelry and was immediatly struck on how much it looked like Doggie.
Back in september I didn't rate my crochet skills so my pattern has languished in my pattern folder until I got up the courage to do smiley cat, and realised I could do more than I realised and straight away set about attempting to make cuddles the puppy.

And here he is!
He is most certainly a cousin of Doggie, and is incredibly sweet looking! I can't wait to introduce him to both Callum and Doggie on Christmas day, Callum is going to be made up, green is his favourite colour (the boy has good taste!) and it will be interesting to hear what this dog can say and do ;-)

I've confirmed my crochet status...

2008-12-17T10:28:00.002Z

And the result is...I can and I am!

Amigurumi Cat and Cuddles the Puppy

When did that happen? I'm even making stuff that actually looks like the original patterns! I'm in shock! I've finally put faith in my ability to follow a pattern accurately and have spent the last two days making these two and its turned out well! I've managed to do things I never tried before, like decreasing, constructed the puppy in amigurumi style spirals, and I've been enjoying it! Don't know how far I'm going to take this new obsession, but I've always like these sorts of patterns but never been able to make them, but now I can! Even if I just limit my self to making this toys, I'll be a happy person :-)

I'm wearing odd socks

2008-12-08T19:32:00.002Z

But I don't care!
Finally finished my first Disco king socks and its oh so snug and nice!

Its pictured with my other fav socks on lol
I love this yarn tho, the pooling (or flashing, what ever you want to say it is!) has turned it out looking very funky, and very reminiscent of disco lights (if you are old enough to remember that sort of thing!)
My tallest knitted socks to date at a huge 8inchs long, I was worried about not having enough yarn, thinking I'd over done it, but a quick weight check shows I';m just going to manage it phew! I just wanted some socks that ended further up my leg as I do tend to wear knee high socks, but we are building up slowly to that!
These socks might just beat the second sock syndrome us knitters seem to suffer from, despite not being bothered about odd socks, I'm looking forward to wearing these with my black boots (£4.50 ebay bargain! can't complain!) and keeping my feet warm in these chilly times we are having :-)
Off to cast on number two..

At what point do you say I can crochet?

2008-12-07T14:31:00.003Z

Might seem a bit of a weird statement, but I'm genuinely pondering this one! I've been able to wield a crochet hook in some form or other since before I could knit, in fact I've got a misshapen blanket under my bed as we speak that I started 8 years ago, intended for Ewan when he was born, but it never got finished, and knowing what I know now, its hardly surprising seen as its all done in slip stitch, no I'm not kidding, and its fairly big! I will dig it out one day I guess..might make a good cat blanket! In a way, it was doing this blanket that started my yarn addiction as I used to root through bargain bins on market stalls and charity shops for odd balls of yarn, I knew nothing about gauge or yarn weight back then, if it was pretty, I bought it! I've still got these odd balls too, but no I'm not going to list them on Ravelry!
I stopped doing the blanket eventually and 6 years later I picked up knitting needles and never looked back, I didn't give crochet much thought, until I needed it to finish Nealas Rainbow child jacket back in Feb, I'd had a brief lesson from Kirsty the summer before, and used my crude skills to do the finishing touches on her jacket and if I do say my self, it wasn't bad at all!
After that I had a go at an afghan star, with so so results, looks cute but itsn't quite right and I've not done much since..until..

Super simple tawshi flower

Bookworms!

I've been attempting several small projects, with really nice results, I'm really happy that I've been able to achieve what I have, been pretty much self taught, either watching vids, and reading instructions. But they are exactly that, just some thing simple, I'm sure even the most novice of crocheter could achieve them, but in doing so, have I become a crocheter? Do they count? Or is it when I can do bigger projects with more stitches in them?
What ever stage I am at, I guess these are my first real crochet projects, I have designs on making a scarf in a pattern that looks doable in the not too distant future so I guess its a case of watch this space!

UK Swap round three questionaire!

2008-12-04T10:03:00.003Z

Its that time again! I missed out on round two thanks to bt, but I'm in on this one yippee!
I'm taking part in the kit swap as I don't want to burden myself with yet more time limit knitting, doing enough of that at the moment as it is!
So without further ado!

Kit Swap Questions

What kind of kit are you interested in receiving?

Well I'd be happy with any thing! But, main things I'm interested in is lace knitting and sock knitting, so any thing based around those two things I'd be over the moon with

Are you interested in any particular techniques?

Not as such, I want to get in to colour work, but I don't understand how it supposed to happen, with carrying yarns, twisting them together etc, I'd like to get in to it, but not sure how!

Do you knit, crochet, or both?

I mainly knit, but I'm just getting in to crochet at the moment, but its only very basic things

What is your favourite colour?

My most favourite colour is green, closely followed by purple.

What is your least favourite colour?

I'm not a huge fan of pink, tho its tolerated when mixed with other colours, and yellow isn't high up on my list either..

What’s your style? (elegant, traditional, glamourous, girly, natural, sporty, outgoing, etc.)

I dress like a goth, but wear loud and bright socks and gloves etc, is that a style?

Do you have a favourite type of fiber or brand of yarn?

Not fussed as long as its nice!

Do you have a least favourite type of yarn?

See above!

Do you do any other crafts?

I'm a learner spinner and dyer but thats it. Unless you can call my sims 2 addiction a craft..

Are there any knitting accessories you are interested in receiving?

This is going to sound daft, but I'm interested in mini things at the moment, I've got a tobacco sized tin with some kit in that I can throw in my bag when I go out, always stocked, at the moment I've got a tape measure, mini scissors, a skein of emergancy yarn (which is uber cute and I doubt I'd use unless it is a dire emergancy!), a cable needle, and some stitch markers. I'm after a mini crochet hook for catching dropped stitches when on the move and a mini needle gauge, and any thing else you might think I'd need away from home!
Apart from that, I'm easy, surprise me!

What do you like to eat?

Food? lol! Erm I eat alsorts and will try any thing once! Naturally I'm a chocolate lover hehe

Any allergies/preferences (fiber-wise or treat-wise)?

Well I doubt some one is going to send me fresh tomoatoes so that covers the allergies part, and treat wise, I don't like white chocolate, but apart from that, I'm good!

Anything we missed that you’d like your partner to know?

I'm easy going, and will be happy to receive any thing, honestly, I'm just chuffed some one took the time and effort for me.

Ok and thats it! Don't think I've missed any thing and if my swap partner is reading, feel free to bug me about any thing :-)

Bad blogger!

2008-11-02T14:39:00.003Z

Yes so I've not posted since August, had an offline period again and just got out of the habit of posting stuff, yes I'm a bad blogger, but I'm going to make a better effort!
So, what would you travel 153miles in both directions to collect? Not much I'd bet, would have to be some thing really special.. well this was to me!
Since woolfest and purchasing my drop spindle, I've suddenly become interested in spinning more, and I've been doing ok so far! produced some thing that resembles yarn any way..

So it felt only natural (esp after watching lots of people spinning whilst at the Blue faced open day) that I should get in to wheel spinning as well, but as you may know, wheels don't come exactly cheap, I had been vainly searching ebay in the hope I'll grab a bargain...me and many many others with more money!
I thought I wasn't going to land lucky until I kept my eye out on Ravelry and spotted that the lovely Jamman was selling her Ashford Traditional wheel at a price I could afford and despite the fact she lives up the other side of the country, it was worth the effort! So off to Tyne and Wear we went, battling through tail backs, torrential rain and the fact that we couldn't go half an hour without some one wanting the toilet (or it seemed that way!), met Jamman and her lovely family, and I finally got my hands on my very own spinning wheel!!!

Its probably about as old as I am, and has actually spent time as a museum piece! I'd love to know how many people have owned her. I'm very enamoured with it, it has a very gothic look, which is very me I have to say, I'm leaning towards a goth name for her, but I've just rememebered one of my favourite books, Daughter of the Forest (Seven waters trilogy) and the main character, Sorcha, has to spin what can only compare to nettles to turn her brothers back from swans, love that book..hmm I'm torn now! Will sleep on it I think, gothic name, or Sorcha..
I've not had a proper go on my own yet, my first attempts under Jammans watchful eye where mixed, but I've got the basics down now, but out of all the fibre I've got at the moment, I'm not happy to make a mess of it! Think this means I need to go shopping hehe I've still got some bags of dyed fibre from texure I might use up, gives me some thing to do when the kids go back to school tomorrow!

I've been productive with my knitting too, and having a good time of it, just cast on yet more socks in an awsome colour way which might just help me beat second sock syndrom as they look that good, I just want to wear them asap! I've got plenty of things to be getting on with, but I seem to be adding to it as the days go by..!

Its all about every one else!

2008-08-24T11:22:00.004+01:00

Good job I enjoy just knitting, whether I get to keep the finished product or not!
The Ravelympics come to a close today, and yes I finished my task! It wasn't that difficult to do, and I would have finished alot sooner..if it wasn't for the fact I think I've got the startings of carpal tunnel syndrome, joy!! Getting alot of numbness in my index fingers and my wrists have started aching a fair amount, but I'm sure a trip to the docs would help me greatly...
I did have problems setting in the sleeves on one side, no matter how I tried, it just wouldn't look right, yet the other side looks beautiful! Just my luck...But I still think the overall cardigan its cute!

Snuggly baby bamboo long sleeve Cardigan in snuggle baby bamboo, willow

I've knitted another sock too! Tho this time, it wasn't for me! I knitted a display sock for tigerlilith on Ravelry for her trunk show at K1 Yarns in Edinburgh, I read from her blog that it all went well, and I'm glad I could help out! Even if the pattern nearly gave me nightmares with purling at the start of the row, I was in danger of getting massive laddering, but I discovered a way to twist the stitch to close up the gap and I was saved! Phew! On the strength of this one yarn she sent me to knit the sock, I totally recomend giving her online shop a visit, Old Maiden Aunt, the yarn was super soft and gorgeous, and I can't wait for my "payment" from her in the next few days..you guessed it, yarn, hehe

Monkey sock from knitty, in old maiden aunt superwash merino, cherry.

Before I started my other people knitting, I did manage a couple of things for me, or should I say, things that will stay in the house..
I did a test run of a pattern I want to knit as a blanket, I've got 9 balls of patons melody in a funky rainbow colour, that just screams blanket at me, but with it being such a busy yarn, I can't do any thing patterned, and the thought of knitting it straight..well I can see it staying on the needles for a while, but! I saw the Argosy baby blanket, and its cousin, the dishcloth, and thought hmmm, that could work! Ideal thing being I could knit the dishcloth as a test run to see if I liked the pattern, and I do, tho I slightly underestimated my yarn needs...

opps...

Def watch this space for the full size version!

Oh and my tribbles are breeding again...

Can see them taking over the house eventually!!

Go Team Tardis!

2008-07-28T20:19:00.003+01:00

I'm competing in the Olympics! Well the Ravelympics, (linky for Ravelry members only, sorry!) no I've not gone mad lol Its just one big organised knitting event to coincide with the Olympic games. Basically, you can compete in "events" such as the Sock Put, Scarf Strok, Afghan Marathon etc durning the 17 days of the games.
I've decided to represent Team Tardis (predictable I know..) and I'm competing in the Baby dressage.

Which means that I've got 17 days to complete the Baby Bamboo Cardigan for my friends baby, ideal opportunity to complete it, it needs doing so off I go!
Wish me luck!!

In the style of Mastercard...

2008-07-15T19:50:00.004+01:00

Buying new storage shelves from Ikea, including the Tv unit I didn't know I needed until I saw it (don't ask!) - £51

Dinner for 3 in the Ikea cafe because we can't resist the meatballs - £14

Making your bedroom look like your dream yarn shop - Priceless!

Oh its been a good day. I decided it was about time I made a proper effort to store my nice yarn, and I wanted to be able to look at it, so, in my infinite wisdom (and yet another extra payment from the tax credits people, I'm not arguing..) I suggested we make a trip to Ikea so I could look at "stuff". Didn't think I was going to see any thing I liked at first, wanted some thing with small compartments to put yarn in, and nothing was looking right, until I came across this one. Didn't believe it had a £20 price tag, it was ideal! All I wanted was an extra shelf (could have done with two, but no bother, will pick one up next time!) and away we went!
Half an hour to build, and way way more time to sort my stash out in a way I liked. I've still got two boxes full I just couldn't fit on (more because its bulky rather than too much!) but it does look super cool, and surprisingly looks like its always been there for some reason! I do have a favourite shelf tho I have to say..

Lots and lots of lovely skeins of sock yarn, its just all squishy and lovely and and..having to restrain my self from rearranging it all again!
(oh the tv cabinet, was in bargain corner, looks much better than my current one and was going cheap, wasn't planning on replacing mine just yet, but hey these things happen!)

Oh and on top of all that, I've finished another pair of socks! Been OTN since November, but I'm making my self finish things before I cast on some thing new, there are loads of things I want to start, but I just won't until I've completed a few things first. So, here we have...

Not Cable Socks, Middle Earth yarns, Not just for goths, and Jet

As you can probably tell, I've been playing with changing yarns, these socks have black ribbing cuffs, heels and toes, and look great, wear fantastic as well! There is suposed to be a pattern in there some were but it didn't come out very well, but no matter, I love the socks! Already got plans to do the reverse of the colours, Jet socks with not just for goths heels and toes, but prob won't be for a while yet, will look cool as a sort of matching pair ish! One day, one day...
Right, off to rearrange that stash again...........

Finally some thing to show!

2008-07-03T09:10:00.003+01:00

Ah finally finished a project! First one in a while..well I've done two, but one has been going on for a few months.
First socks where made from some yarn I'd had for a while. I'm not usually a pink person, infact I'm usually the first to run from most things pink..but this looked funky, and the name made me laugh! Plus it came from an etsy shop that I like very much cause she has some stunning colourways, it is of course, Gemini knits, totally recommend any thing from her shop!

(Black)hearted socks in blue purple moo!

I actually had these completed by the time I went to Woolfest, I wanted a new pair of socks to wear and partially show off (not that I showed any one!) but as sods law would have it, the shoes I wore, which I've had for ages (talking a good 18mth if not longer!) decided to bleed red dye all over the heels of the socks!! Bloody typical if you ask me. You can just see it in the first pic, because naturally I didn't photograph them before I wore them. There is a lesson here I am sure...
I actually tried out a new technique with these socks, I was board of doing a heel flap, I'm not keen on how it looks and I find it a pain to do, esp with the heel turn as well because I haven't worked out yet the numbers to divide it up by and have got to look it up every time. So, I test drived the afterthought heel! Basically means, when you get to where the heel would be, you knit in a piece of waste yarn, and then just carry on! No heel flap, no turning the heel, and no gusset! Just knit the number of round appropriate to your foot, finish the toes as nomal. The tricky part is unpicking the waste yarn and catching all the stitches...

(Yikes look at the tarnish on those needles! Good job I found the brasso...)

But once you've done that, you just basically knit the toe again, decreasing at each edge and voila, a perfect heel! It will give an interesting looking heel with stripy yarn, but with a varigated yarn, it eliminates the pooling that happens whilst doing the gussest on anotherwise perfectly patterning sock, and it gives a nice looking heel that matches the rest of the sock.
After thinking about it for a while, I realised that it could prove useful to me on making other socks. At the moment I avoid doing toe up socks, because I just haven't managed to do a top up cast on nicely since Lolita legs, and short row heels are just frankly scary and complicated! But with an afterthought heel, I could do a provisional cast on for the toes, to go back and knit later, and also put in an afterthought heel in the right place and carry on knitting to the top of the sock, bind off, and then add the missing parts! I'm sure this will work in practise, but I have yet to try it!

It will come as no surprise, that my next finished item is....socks! This time some baby socks, for my friend, I've yet to finish the main present, as I'm getting up the courage to reverse the shaping without instructions for the left hand side, never knitted basically blind before, with general instructions to just reverse shaping, takes more of a thought process for me! But any way, quick pair of socks, that I will send off, hopefully tomorrow!

Baby to toddler socks, in Krafty Koala fairground.

They are uber cute I have to say, and almost (note I said almost!) makes me want a baby of my own to knit some for. (I said almost, don't panic!)

And and, I've been spinning on my new spindle!

I have it on good authority that this is pretty good going for a first attempt, bit overspun and a bit uneven, but hey, I managed it! I'm going to finish off the roving and do it properly to skein it up and set the twist, think I'll leave plying for another day, but I'm pleased with my first go, and this spindle is bloody lovely to use, its so nicely balanced, I'm sure that made all the difference. I do think, however, I'm going to start stalking ebay for a spinning wheel. I can just see my self enjoying that, nothing would please me more to spin my own sock yarn. It would be a great sense of achievement!
Its some thing to look forward to at any rate :-)

Guess who went to woolfest!

2008-06-30T11:35:00.009+01:00

Me!!!!!!!!!!!
Omg, what a day, been looking forward to it since last year when I couldn't go due to the exhaust falling off the car just days before, so I made it perfectly clear that come hell or high water, this year we where going.
After an early start, we arrived to see a field full of cars, which did worry me slightly, I did wonder how I was going to get on bringing the kids, after reading messages about how the stalls are really crowded, and what with it being in a livestock auction building, I had visions of it being really narrow, but thankfully my fears where unfounded. It was busy, but the aisles were wide and the stalls nicely laid out and we had very few problems walking round.
It was unreal, the sheer amount of just stuff every where, every conceivable fibre related craft was covered in multiple colours and sizes. I was overwhelmed by it all, but eventually after going round a few times, I managed to take it all in and started spending the money!
First stop happened to be Fyberspates. I quite fancied some of their self stripping sock yarn, and came away with that..and some lace weight! Hmm I was worried about my self restraint at this point!

After that, I went to track down my Ravelry Woolfest bag I had ordered, it was only a last minute thing as I joined the group late, but liked the idea of having some thing to remember the day by. Have to say, its a fantastic bag, very well made and I hope they do the same again next year!

After that I meandered a bit, I bumped in to Krafty Koala which was great, lovely to meet her and naturally I checked out her stand as well and came away with yet more sock yarn.

At some point during the day, I decided that whilst I was there, I wanted to look at drop spindles. I know I've got a spindolyn, but I fancided having a more conventional one. I'd seen quite a few, but I ended up going back to a stall I'd seen on my very first go round, Whorl Drop Spindles. Lovely guy, laughed because I'd come back to him, saying I couldn't resist. He was right, I couldn't! Think I'll get a niddy noddy off him as well if I start doing well with spinning! Would make skiening a tad easier! Got a nostepinne as well, because some times, a ball winder isn't enough!

Of course, I needed some more fibre to go with this...
Merino/bamboo mix...

Merino bits and roving..

Well I might as well, seen as there was more roving fibre there than I'd ever seen in my life!!

I'd pretty much bought what I wanted at this point, any thing else was just going to be extra.
I discovered the knitwitches stall and bought some very nice silk and mohair lace weight yarn which was marked up for charity sales, can't argue with that!

Yet another stall, Twisted Fibre Craft held some thing interesting in the form of Lopi Roving, its roving that you knit straight up to felt, its unspun, and really quite unusual. I actually wish I'd bought more, but thats easily done, gotta love the net..

And if I didn't have enough to be getting on with at this point, I also came across needle felting, which warranted a starter kit, plus a pegloom too which also took my fancy!

Will I ever have enough hours in the day? I very much doubt it, but at least I'll never be bored!
Did I have a good time? Hell yes!
Did the kids? Oh yes!
Will I be going next year? I'll see you there ;-)

No no, I'm still here!

2008-06-17T15:51:00.003+01:00

Ah Bt, just so my fav company...not. Oh well, least I'm back online after I don't know how many weeks.
You'd think I did loads of knitting in my down time right? Um no...
At first I lost all inspiration, not being able to get on to Ravelry and the like. I normally see stuff which motivates me in to knitting or completing my projects so I can start some thing else. I spent rather a large part of my time playing on The Sims, then I was reading, then I suddenly realised that I only had a few weeks until my friends baby was due, so I picked up my needles again to carry on knitting for her.
Then disaster struck! I was out on a picnic with the kids, paddling in a river with them, being so careful, when I slipped, fell forward on to my knees, put my hands out to stop from falling on my face, and broke my little finger! I didn't realise I had at first, I necked some nurofen and carried on with the rest of the day, and it was only when I spoke to a pharmacist the next day did they think it was a good idea that I went and got it xrayed, and sure enough, it was broken. Just my luck, and just when I decided to knit again! I did attempt to carry on, but it just wasn't happening. I was gutted.
I've literally only starting knitting again, 4 weeks after I broke my finger, its healed now, tho I still get painful twinges in it rather a lot, but I'm capable of holding my knitting again, so its all good. Only bad thing is Keir Alexander was born 4 days ago..oops!! Ah well, I'm sure Sharon will understand if Keir's things are a few weeks late lol
Hopefully normal serves will resume again, and I'll be posting lots of nice pics of things I've made again, I've missed not having some thing to show off, so really must do some thing about that!
So until then, flying needles it is!

Never let it be said

2008-03-22T22:38:00.000Z

That a stash is just for knitting!

See its justified, hiding place for easter eggs!
Thats me vindicated hehe

I'm in demand!

2008-03-18T21:26:00.004Z

Its nice when your skills are appreciated!
Having finished several projects in a short space of time, I have been wondering what to cast on next. I had words to this effect as my status message on msn.
Catherine (Dave's daughter) said to me, if you are stuck for some thing to knit, you can knit some thing for me. Of course I will I said and asked her what did she want. A mobile phone cover, yep I can manage that no problem, she picked out some yarn from my stash (see photographing it all and putting it on flickr has uses beyond Ravelry!) and I showed her the pattern I had in mind. She asked how long it would take me, I said 1 day if I wasn't going out any where, two if I was. Some thing like this doesn't take long to sort out, she even offered me money for doing it, which of course I wouldn't accept, I enjoy knitting, and making some thing like this was just a pleasure!

Blueadt's mobile phone cover, in Fyberspates BFL sock, hannah's summer

I actually managed to learn two new techniques..apparently my ability to do a cast on to work from the bottom up was a one off, and I could not get it right or looking neat. So I learned to do a provisional cast on, knit one row and then picked up the cast on edge, joined it in the round and I was sorted! It didn't really matter in terms of the construction of the cover, I could have done it from the top down, but I really wanted to do the Picot cast off as it looked really nice, and that was the second thing I learned to do! And it turned out really nice if I do say so my self. Icord and recycled beads from an old bracelet later, and I had some thing decent to give! And she chose one of my oldest stash members, and I never realised how nice this yarn was going to knit up, so I might just have to use the rest of the yarn in some thing now...

And if that wasn't enough! I'm even trying my hand at knitting without a pattern..well I would have had a pattern, had I had internet at the time. Just before I went to London, my internet gave out, so I had an evening where I was stuck for some thing to do..so I went in search of some thing to knit..naturally none of my stored patterns interested me, I couldn't get online and decided I wanted a hat to take to London. I went stash diving and came up with some Rooster aran that I'd bought a few weeks earlier. Some improvisation and a few hours later and we had...

Ok so I had a mad amount of ends to weave in, but I was pleased with it! And we won't mention that when Dave tried it on, it suited him..
See I can do these things! Does that mean I'm a hardcore knitter or some thing now?

Forest Canopy Shawl

2008-03-16T18:51:00.005Z

Remember this? http://stripysockmad.blogspot.com/2007/05/forest-canopy-shawl.html
My first attempt at a lace project, had a lot of hiccups and naughty corners on the way, but look at it now

Can't get over how happy I am with the result, really can't. Never once imagined it would look so nice, or even the fact I'd finish it! Feel like a proper knitter now :-D
(and did I really once say I wouldn't have more than one thing OTN at the same time? Oh dear...)

Evangeline Gloves

2008-03-15T13:42:00.004Z

I had to to toss a coin to decide what to blog about first, but then decided it was only fair that I did my finished objects in the order I, well, finished them!

So here we go, the first of my finished objects is my Evangeline Gloves.
Of course, you know all about these by now, I've blogged about them enough, so will just post the finished photo!

Evangeline gloves, from Magknits, in Lorna's lace, Shepherd worsted, Black Purl

I naturally love them to bits, and I didn't even get a case of second glove syndrome because I was that desperate to finish them! I've worn them out a few times, its been warm enough (for me!) to go out without a coat on, but I like wearing them to cover the bottom half of my arms, and look cool at the same time..Already had them admired by a few people, yes I really am that clever :-D

I still had some wool left over, and in a fit of I need to knit some thing, I knitted up a headband that I'd seen on Ravelry, not that I wear headbands, I just liked the idea..and its still the cool black purl colourway

Headbangers knitted on 5.5mm needles also in black purl

I'll consider modelling it at a later date lol

Keep an eye out for my proud knitter moment tomorrow, going to show off some thing that has been a long time on the needles (tho if you watch my photo reel above, you'll see a sneak preview!)

London calling to the far away towns...

2008-03-05T13:20:00.005Z

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
That went well!
As you know by now, I planned my trip knitting wise down to the last letter, and it did pay off.
I'd planned to start my evangeline gloves, mainly in honour of the band we where going to see and because it was a good pattern to take, small, not too complicated and would keep me interested.

I packed all my little bits up in a pencil case, and even took a spare set of dpns just incase I got some sock yarn I wanted to knit. I was all set!
The journey going down didn't take too long, but in that time I did manage to cast on, do the cuff, and 1 and a half pattern repeats, whilst Dave looked on fascinated, and asking me questions every so often on what I was doing, how I was doing it etc.

My little knitting bag was attached to the top of my rucksack so swung along behind me, complete with Ravelry badges just incase there was any people in the know around!
I didn't get any time to knit whilst actually in London, and in the end I only went to visit Stash yarns in Putney, but it was so so worth it. Lovely shop, great owners, and a wonderful stock of yarn. I stood in wonder at all the names of yarns I'd only ever read about and there they where right in front of me, I could touch them, see the colours, it was just fantastic. I really wanted to buy much more than I did, but I was really really good and spent £26 on two sorts of yarn, which I won't list quite yet as some is supposed to be for my UK swap partner and I don't want to give the game away just incase she stumbles across this post!

This is where my surprise of the week came. As we came in to Stash, I sat Dave down at a table, joking about a man crèche, and he sat being very patient whilst I wandered round. Without me realising it, he'd sat down near the debbie bliss yarns (which I wasn't there to see lol) and noticed the Cashmerino yarns. He recognised the merino part of the name and started to talk to me after we left the shop how he'd seen merino used in some sort of cycling jumper, usually used as a base layer (think Thermal from Knitty) and then said he was thinking of commissioning me to make him a custom one!

Well that was it then, I was off, in my element, questioning what exactly he wanted, how it would need to be constructed for cycling, and then we started to talk yarns and patterns, explained about gauge and yarn weights and what achieved what where, and how. It was brilliant! Never had some one take such an active interest in my knitting before, apart from other knitters. I really enjoyed talking to him about it, and course, have more than certainly agreed to make him his jumper.

I have since realised there is no such pattern at all really for what he wants and it is going to be a case of measuring him up (ooer!) and turning those measurements in to the finished article. I've already sought out advise on how best to achieve this, as lets face it, I've only been knitting just over a year, and found that the best thing to do is to get my self a copy of Ann Budd's handy book of sweater patterns as not only does this contain basic patterns, it also gives all the instructions for making your own patterns, in what ever gauge you need. So if I want to knit a 4ply ribbed jumper, with holes in the cuff for thumbs and longer at the be, I'll be able to suss out the dimensions using this book, and once I've done that, I can get the yarn I need (going to be black naturally!) and get cracking with my commissioned work!

Any way, after all that, the final concert came and went, and it was time to come home again, and I got in a 4 hour knitting marathon on the train coming home (came home a different way than we went), in which I got a lot done, in first class no less, so I had plenty of room to spread out (picture above is on the way home, you can see I had nearly the whole table!) and 4 hours seemed a lot less when I was knitting away quietly to my self and not one person batted an eyelid, tho how often do you see some one who is obviously a goth knitting unless you know other people? Well I know I don't, but I do know some one else who is like me!

It was a good week, in terms of the knitting stuff and what we went to do in the first place! We spent a fantastic time in London, going to 4 gigs and meeting new people, and I'm sorry its all over now. But I'm sure some thing similar will happen, and we'll get to do it all over again!

This is what several days of late nights does! Dave, me and new friend Jamie, chilling in the pub!

Swap stuff!

2008-03-03T13:34:00.006Z

Well well!
Today I was going to blog about my trip to London as that does need a space all of its own, but it was knocked in to second place by the arrival of my UK swap parcel!
Oh boy have I been spoiled.

Imagine my face unpacking all this

Oh my giddy aunt and I didn't have to sell any children..

I could not have asked for a better swap partner, look at all that stuff! I'm in heaven! Punk knits AND Pretty in Punk, undyed yarn and kool aid, Artesano Hummingbird, wildfoot sock yarn, Hello Kitty pencil case, note book and pencil, a flashing pen (that is so cool), dark mint truffles and some chibi darning needles!
Fi, you are an absolute star and I love you!!!

And, and if that wasn't enough, whilst I was away, I got another swap related parcel from the stash busting swap on Angel Yarns. (idea being you knit any thing, using yarn from your stash)

How gorgeous is that? Its a wrap, knitted out of Tess Dawson Baby Alpaca in Cherry, and oh boys its soft! Not normally a pink fan but I can make an exception for this one. Thank you so much Allybea!

Knitting heaven today!
The great London trip stuff tomorrow..I'm off to squidge more yarn...

Rainbow Child

2008-02-17T15:42:00.004Z

A name that is certainly fitting of my daughter thats for sure!
I started this project last June when the magazine it was in was published. As soon as I saw it I wanted to make it, even tho Neala was not in the size ranges for it, she was going to be eventually!
Its been an on/off project, I'd pick it up every so often and do a few rows, and then leave it again.
I'd actually finished knitting the main parts of it a few weeks ago, but it was going to need blocking before I sewed it up, and of course I put off doing it..but then I got a spurt of energy on and got it done, hood knitted, and the crochet border done in the space of about 3 days, just in time for Nealas 3rd birthday.

Now I mentioned a crochet border...which is interesting seeing as I can only vaguely crochet, my friend Kirsty showed me how to do trebles when I went down to see her and apart from that and doing chains, and slip stitches, thats all I can do. So the idea of doing a whole border in crochet did worry me slightly, and I was going to leave it until my next knitting group, but I was in such a good mood for finishing it, I decided to give it a go.. Ok so its not identical in any way to the original, but its as near as I could get it with my limited skills.
I did a double crochet base layer, treble crochet over the top of that and then chain 5, and slip stitch in to the treble over the top of that, and I was very happy with the result. The original pattern did do some thing similar, but was 2treble (eh?) and then another row after the chain 5, but I decided I was happy with what I'd done (before I messed it up!)
Out of all my projects so far, thats the one I feel I've accomplished the most with, and of course, I was chuffed when Ravelry asked to use my photo for the main pattern page, my daughter is in the lime light! Just as she likes it of course....

Well London is just 10 days away..I did decide it was only fitting that I should be knitting my evangeline gloves, seen as I'm going to be seeing the band that sings that song and inspired my colour choice. I did buy some Lorna's laces black purl and its gorgeous, my only problem at the moment is not casting them on! Its on the table in front of me as we speak, with printed pattern, and needles, just begging me..I really want to start them but I just want to have some thing interesting to do on the trip! Only thing keeping my hands off it, that and I've got two deadline projects going which really need doing before I go away.
Can't stop singing Evangeline now..any one would think I'm excited about some thing...

Just how much planning for a trip to London?

2008-02-09T10:21:00.000Z

Ok so I'm obsessed, I admit it! Last time I went on a trip of any substance like this, I didn't knit and so read a book and listened to my ipod for a few hours, but this time, I'm a fully fledged knit in public person so I've got to make it look good.
My first thought was I need a bag, and not any bag, it had to be fairly specific for what I needed. It had to one I could clip to a belt loop, big enough to hold my work without my dpns sticking out of the top and also at the same time, being able to hold all my essentials, scissors, crochet hook for mistakes, stitch markers etc but not so big it was going to be a problem hanging from my waist.
Well I have to say it took a while, but eventually, by fluke of course, I found the perfect bag at the Yarn and Fiber company. Free shipping over $50 to the uk..*insert evil laugh* (we counted it as my christmas present mum, seen I bought Martin some thing and...) So I treated my self to my Kauni yarn (that is going on my next lace project after I finish my FC shawl) and a ball of Noro kureyon sock wool (can never have enough..) and this lovely Sereknity bag in a purple Batik. It is gorgeous! And of course, perfect for my needs.

Then of course, I've got a bag I can hang on a belt loop..I needed a decent pair of pants to travel in with said belt loop, Tesco to the rescue! £10 pair of black combat pants, perfect.
Next thought was well I'm more than likely going to be knitting socks, so thats 4/5 loose dpns in my bag..I don't want to stab any one with them thru my bag (cause you know I just would) and I don't fancy having to pick up stitchs if my knitting goes wandering whilst its being stored. Now this time I knew there was a solution. Work in Progress tubes. They are cool, they cover my dpns up whilst having a slot to let what ever is on the needles hang thru and safe. I'm doing well here!

Now I'm only left with one teeny tiny little problem.....what the hell am I going to knit?! It can't be some thing I've already started because I want the motivation of a new project, I want it to look good so I look cool doing it and people will be interested in it, but it can't be so complicated that I can't manage it without instuctions.
Of course my instinct is to get some jazzy sock wool and do some straight socks that will look good regardless of pattern, but I want some thing that will keep my mind busy.
I will tell you what is winning the battle at the moment and thats my evangeline gloves from magknits. My black purl has arrived to do them in, the pattern doesn't look *too* bad and would be interesting to do (could always tape the pattern to the seat in front of me..) but am I mad for wanting to attempt cabling in the round on a train?! I think I might be, but I'm open to suggestions! 17 days to decide....

On a different note, the new UK swap that I've gotten involved in is well underway! I'm having a great time chatting to the person who is sending stuff to me (don't know who she is of course!) and I hope we will be friends after all this is done. I'm busy stalking my person and leaving blog comments. Naturally going to London is a good oppertunity to buy some thing I normally wouldn't have access to so I'm hoping to get her some thing nice whilst I'm down there, and a few things for me because like I just said, I don't usually get the chance to see some of this stuff for real! I'm planning on at least 2 shop visits, to Stash Yarns in Putney and All the fun of the Fair just off Carnaby street. There is at least one other one I want to visit if I can, but I think I might be pushing it with 3 yarn shop visits, I know we are there for 4 days, and I've managed to off set one shop visit by telling Dave the Converse shop is round the corner on Carnaby street and I'm sure there will be a pub or some thing equally as interesting to him in Putney, I might not be able to pass off another shop..but two is enough, and from what I can see I've chosen well. And there will always be other gig/london visits in the future..
Ok see how I changed the subject and I STILL ended up talking about my London trip? Thats how excited I am and I've not even gotten on to the subject of why we are going in the first place and thats for 4 gigs in 4 nights for one of the best bands I listen to who are sadly calling it a day and these are the last gigs they are doing. Its going to be an absolute blast, and if I can walk in a straight line on the way home, it will be a bloody miracle!!

Help! My yarn is breeding!!

2008-01-30T13:04:00.000Z

It is, I'm not joking! Look!

Ok so maybe not *actually* breeding, but how cute are they? I couldn't resist (yes mum maybe I should have but you know..) I do have plans to use them as heels and toes, making them radically different from the rest of the sock..thats if I have the heart to, they are just so sweet!

Ok I'm anthropomorphising yarn now...there is no hope! We won't even go in to the "adult" ball of yarn I bought with them to make sure they where supervised and looked after on the way here (actually it was some hand painted opal yarn which was at a very good price despite the Euro/pound not doing that well together..)

Oh no, they are getting away!

I'll get my coat....

Uk Swap Questionaire

2008-01-21T09:32:00.000Z

Doing another pressie swap which requires I add this questionnaire to my blog :-D

Part One: Crafting

Do you knit, crochet, or both?
I just knit at the moment tho attempting crochet..slowly!

What do you like to make? Do you have a favourite project?
I'm a sock lover!

Do you have a favourite type of fiber or brand of yarn?
Not really no unless you mean 4ply sock yarn.. but I do seem to own alot of Opal sock yarn, think its the colours..

Do you have a least favourite type of yarn?
No

Do you do any other crafts?
No

What knitting do you bring ‘on the go’?
Socks! Ultimate take along project.

What do you carry your ‘on the go’ knitting in? Do you want something new?
I do have a knitting pouch that clips on to my belt loop, but I'd never say no to a new bag lol

Are there any knitting gifts (book, toy, yarn, item, tool) that you have been lusting over?
I've got a list as long as my arm bookwise which I will divulge via email if you need it , but some thing I really don't have is a set of darning needles for that all important kitchener stitch!

Part Two: Your Favourites

What is your favourite colour? What is your least favourite colour?
My favourite colour is green, my least favourite colour is yellow and pink, I don't mind yellow or pink, just as long as its not a dominant colour in some thing.

What scents/smells do you like? What don’t you like?
Hmm if I had to say, I love cut grass, don't really like a coconut musk smell

How do you like to pamper yourself? (bubble bath, hand creams, massage, manicure)
Pamper? Whats that?

What goodies to you like to treat your tummy with? (chocolate, biscuits, truffles, etc.)
Chocolate naturally! As long as its not white..

Do you prefer tea or coffee while you knit? Any particular kind? Favourite mug/cup?
Coffee, usually whittards flavoured coffee, and I have several favourite mugs!

Do you listen to/watch anything while you knit? (TVshow-Along, movies, music, podcasts)
Not in particular

Part Three: Living & Past-times

Where do you live in the UK? (General idea not address)
I live in Wigan

Have you always lived here, or did you grow up somewhere else?
Always lived in Wigan bar a few months when I was born, and when I moved in with Martin before coming back to Wigan!

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Japan, I'd love to visit Japan. Love the blend of east and west, all their cute kitch stuff (hello kitty, pokemon etc!) and all the technology/gadgets, ideal place for me!

If you couldn’t go to a knitting group, what other kind of gathering would you go to? (book club, tea party, yoga class, jewelery class, etc.)
Probably a book club.

What’s your style? (elegant, traditional, glamourous, girly, natural, sporty, outgoing, etc.)
Gothy, I have an upbeat personality, but I dress in black most of the time!

Final Part:

Any allergies/preferences (fiber-wise or treat-wise)? Allergies, don't send me any fresh tomatoes, its not a pretty sight, and my chocolate preference is dark and mint ;-)

Knitting podcasts but no ipod?

2008-01-10T13:00:00.000Z

If you'd like to get in to the world of podcasts but thought you might need an ipod to use itunes or some thing along those lines, then I insist you check out my other blog on the subject, No Ipod required as you may be surprised at what you can achive without shelling out £100s for a gadget you don't really need!
Hope this helps some one!

Toe up master

2008-01-07T16:13:00.000Z

For ages I've been wanting to do the Lolita Legs from knitty but have been scared of their toe up construction, I've actually tried to start them twice, and frogged them back as the toe just didn't work at all. And then I found a square toe cast on and that seemed to fair much better for me! And it was a success! I did have a bit of a problem with the short row heel, but seen as I didn't have to wrap the stitches as they are holey any way, good job...
Just hope they are going to fit now! I'm doing the larger size on smaller needles as my 3.5mm have gone walkies (actually I think I've just remembered where they are..) and I'm hoping that will counter act the effect (pattern didn't give a gauge any way). I'm doing them with Espirit, and it is really stretchy, I keep giving the foot a tug and I'm hoping that it will fit, I'm sure it will.

I don't think this is what the designer had in mind...

2008-01-06T11:58:00.000Z

Ah, new month, new Magknits! This month, to catch my eye, there is was a fantastic pair of fingerless gloves, but I noticed them on two levels, firstly was the fact that they look fantastic as a long pair of gloves, the cables are stunning, I wasn't so enamoured with the short pair, but fell in love with the long ones straight away. And the second eye catcher was their name, Evangeline, the designer made a lovely comment about the name being her Grandmothers, and how she would have loved their elegance, but oh no, I didn't, my first thought was a song...by the same name...about a dominatrix!

No, I don't think the designer intended the fact I was going to make these gloves in a goth homage to a fantastic song and a fantastic band who have unfortunately decided to call it a day and their last concerts are at the end of Feb, which of course I'm attending! Whether I'll have the gloves ready by then I don't know, I've picked out the wool I want to use in the shape of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in Black Purl (mmm purple and black, perfect!), and I guess if I knuckle down, buy the wool, I'd be able to do it. 51 days till the first concert..thats enough time right?
"Bow down and worship the whiplash queen.." no thats definitely what she had in mind!!

Ok, in other news! I've not mentioned my Spindolyn, that finally arrived!

It was nearly destroyed on arrival, by 2 delinquent boys who stole the package before I even knew it had arrived in the house, opened it up and then decided to throw the whole thing out of the window, I was livid and very nearly cancelled christmas, I had no idea they'd done it until several hours later when Martin came home and asked what had been in the package that arrived early that morning, we eventually found it in the back garden, a bit muddy, but thankfully no worse for wear and I managed to restrain myself from throwing their treasured toys out the window, tho I was sorely tempted..
Do I know how to use it properly? Do I hell as like! Doesn't stop me trying tho! I've had a bit of a go and I guess it looks ok? Not sought a second opinion yet...

That was done with some super soft Blue Face Leicester, I don't think I've got my drafting quite right and its really over twisted in parts, but for a first attemp, I was quite pleased!

Thats what I've got to play with, apart from the white BFL at the top, its all merino space dyed or just plain dyed ( there is some black on the bottom left lol) but I don't want to play with my coloured stuff until I've mastered the bfl, which might be a while yet, but hey, no rush! I'm just going to enjoy the learning, and I might even get some thing I can knit with eventually!

And then Christmas happened!

2007-12-30T20:53:00.000Z

Jeez I'm not doing very well on the blogging front at the moment!
Promise pics and never post them, promise to post more then don't, forgive me?
Been doing a few bits, started a few more socks (natch!) and made a couple of things called Tribbles out of the copious amounts of cotton I seem to have! They are really good as it happens, just the right texture for exfoliating (ooo using posh words!) and I've been pleased with my self that I found the pattern on Ravelry. And made a dishcloth, tho I'm hoping it won't be destined to wash dishes, they are too nice to be scrubbing food off of things!

Speaking of Ravelry, check out my swish work in progress selection on the right hand side! That is every thing I've got on the go at the moment, pretty cool eh? Any updates I do on Ravelry will show up there, I think it looks pretty cool any way and I like the fact that it shows on my blog exactly whats going on!

So any way, instead of posting a load of photos, I've put together a quick slide show, first ones are of the stuff I've completed recently and the next ones are just larger pics of the ones I've got on the right :-)

Been Offline

2007-12-10T12:03:00.000Z

Blimmin Bt messed up leaving me without access for best part of 3 weeks. Not fun.
I did manage to get a bit of knitting done, but I found it difficult without the inspiration or motivation on the net! When I see other people completing projects and all, it gives me a gee up to do my stuff, but without the internet in front of me, my knitting was sporadic to say the least.
I did, however, manage to finish two pairs of socks, cast on 2 more pairs and start a mitred square blanket to use up my left over sock wool, yes this does mean it will take years for it to be a useable blanket but I'm hoping it will serve more as a memory blanket of projects I have done, rather than some thing I need to finish right now this second!

No photos of finished items just yet, but will edit later to add them on! (already edited to add link to the blanket, should have done that before...)

Bit quiet again..

2007-11-14T10:38:00.000Z

I've petered off again! But I'm sure you'll forgive me, I've not been too well and family life has been a bit ick to say the least.
What I have been doing tho, is participating in a fingerless gloves swap on Angel yarns.
And of course, I wanted to give a good show, so I chose to do Fetchings!
Yes that does mean it was my first go at cables, I wasn't too worried I have to say, the principle seemed pretty simple and as I'd assumed, it wasn't too bad at all!

Fetchings in SWTC Karaoke Wild Cherry

Fuzzlewett, my recipient of the gloves seemed pleased with the result!

And I got mine in return the other day and they are very smart indeed!

Aren't they fab? Not sure on what the pattern or yarn was yet, but I will be asking cause I'd like to make another pair. Do really like them tho, tad bit tight round the top but its not restricting and will stretch with use :-) I love doing swaps like that!

In other knitting news...I've come across a hooded top that I would kill to cast on right now this second! Its called Rogue and it looks just stunning! I've even got my yarn picked out already, Elann Peruvian Highland wool, in Garnet, I'll buy it direct from Elann which makes it less than $3 a ball and so cheap for making a sweater of this size, in my size! (I once sized up a jumper for dp, skinny little guy, wool that was recommended would have made it £50! *faints* I love him but...) See I've fallen so much in love with cables I feel capable of tackling that! I must be mad..

Ah, theres my mojo!

2007-10-21T18:25:00.001+01:00

I did wonder where it had gone!
Not picked up this project for months as it was hacking me off, every time I picked it up, I made horrible mistakes and had to frog back to my lifeline every time :-(
But inspiration struck and I dug it out of my cupboard with only 1 repeat on the needles and all of a sudden I'm up to 6 and still going strong! Supposed to do 10 in all, but I'll see what the yarn situation is before I decide to do more.
Yes there is a couple of mistakes and half the leaves on the left on one row, are out by 1 stitch, but hey thats what makes it unique! No one elses will look like that... and it looks good overall!

I'm looking forward to getting it off the needles and hopefully will be able to carry on with other things once again!

Nearly came to a complete stop!

2007-10-16T20:29:00.000+01:00

After a flurry of knitting baby things, my knitting almost ground to a complete halt.
Not picked up any of my on going projects for a while any way due to doing a few other bits, but was put off immensely when the charming woman I called a mother had the nerve to accuse me (amongst other nasty things) of spending all my money on wool and gadgets instead of paying my bills and rent. How she arrived at that conclusion I have no idea, bills get paid and my rent is bob on! I hardly ever leave the house and go shopping round town, don't buy clothes for my self, I get the occasional game for my Nintendo DS or PC but thats once in a blue moon when some thing comes out that I fancy, usually sims related! Yarn is all I get some times, so what if I spend (on average) a fiver on my self once a week or so, hardly a crime is is? A lot less than some I know who have a lot less money than me to throw around, but naturally thats forgotten in the urge to accuse me of some thing...
Any way, even tho I shouldn't feel guilty, I do feel guilty, and it made me not want to pick up the needles, but then Dave to the rescue with a request for a knitted phone cover! Wayhey some one to please!
Instantly I thought of a felted case, as its to protect his phone from being knocked around in his pocket when he goes bike riding, but I didn't have a pattern, until the very next day I got a new magazine, Lets Knit, thru my door (thats £1 for 3 issues..) and in it was..a..felted phone pouch! Spooky! Perfect!
So, quick look on Get Knitted, found a some South West Trading Karaoke, for £3 a ball, right weight and it felts!
Have to confess I did play it safe and went for the black sheep colour way (kind of a silvery black) as I didn't want to scare Dave with some thing really bright!
Knitted it up in one evening and have spent most of the day trying to felt it in to submission, which it has done, some what, but not quite enough, so I'm going to have to take a pair of scissors to it I think and borrow Daves phone and cut it to size (leaving enough for the seams naturally!). Well I can't get it spot on every time can I?
This is it so far, I forgot to take a before picture but it was much much bigger!

You can just about make out the silver flecks in it, it will be trimmed down a bit, folded over with the triangle making the flap which I'm going to use velcro to secure and that should be a nice functional piece of knitting!

Ah well, onwards and upwards!

Ickle bitty baby booties

2007-09-26T22:50:00.000+01:00

A one evening project that can look so so cute!

Converse baby booties, in lilac DK yarn. Pattern from Etsy.

Ever so please with these! Did them over the course of a late afternoon/evening, I had every aspect of them completed before I went to bed, including the small embroidered circle for the authentic look! Baby Rhiannon is going to be a well kitted out baby when she makes her appearance in to the world!
Already had a request for an adult pair from a certain some one, little does he know I've already bought the adult pattern for these....hehe

Baby hats!

2007-09-23T11:22:00.000+01:00

Hmm realising I've only got 6 weeks to knit the bits I promised my little sister for her baby, I thought I'd better crack on with knitting them, once again my other projects are on hold, so I've got 2 socks with no partners at the moment!
So far, I've cranked out 2 hats in 2 evenings, and they are really sweet!

Vine lace baby hat from knitting daily, in opal petticoat, newborn size

Modified umbilical cord hat, in regia 4ply, newborn size.

The second hat is a version of the umbilical cord hat from the SnB handbook. Originally I think its done in an aran weight which I don't have any of, but what I do have is plenty of spare 4ply! I don't have the pattern for this either, but it was easy enough to work out. The vine lace baby hat, I cast on 81 stitches, so I cast on 8o, knitting until it had a nice curl on it, then knitting till it was about 2inches long from the rolled up edge, decreased k5 k2tog round, k4, k2tog etc with a knit round in between until I had 4 stitches left which I turned in to a 4stitch icord and the job was a good un! Looks just like the version from the book! Was quite pleased with my self..
Going to do some socks today if I can, and probably some mittens. My sister has already got loads of cardigans from my friend kirsty so I'm doing some little things that you need lots of!
Going to be one well kitted out baby by the end of this!

April May

2007-09-11T13:04:00.000+01:00

Thats my hands warm this winter!

April May wrist warmers, in 100% dk Bamboo

Completely funky and totally me!

Booga Bag

2007-09-01T16:23:00.000+01:00

Knitted, felted, blocked, done!

Booga Bag, Noro Kureyon shade 180

I enjoyed that! Really easy, yet so effective! 1 useable bag I made my self, cool!

Socks, pressies, wool, and palooza socks!

2007-08-28T19:54:00.000+01:00

Soooo my knitted pressie socks went down very well! I'm sure Paul hasn't had them off his feet yet lol

Size nine opal rainforst socks in snake

Fastest pair of socks I've ever knitted any way! Was nice to make them for some one who appreciated them so much!

Finished a pair for me for a change! These have been on the needles for months, and I've just made my self finish them because A I wanted to wear them, and B I'm starting to accumulate too many UFOs (unfinished objects!) for my liking!

Size 6 Panda Cotton socks in Night Lights

Thing that put me off the most about them was the fact that panda cotton splits like mad and it just drove me up the wall to knit with at times! But the result is pretty cool and very comfy! I can see them becoming a firm favourite!

My sockapalooza socks have arrived! And I'm happy to say, that despite them being a little tight around the cuff, they are a lovely fit! I'm sure they will give a bit in time. I'm chuffed regardless!

My little gift was fantastic as well! Some wildfoot sock yarn in a gorgeous shade of purple blue and green.

Got two balls of this!

A very enjoyable experince, one I will repeat!

And incase you had missed me getting excited about it lol It was my birthday last week!
My super lovely friend Kirsty got me some Lornas Lace Sock yarn in Black Purl, some stitch markers, some size 2 brittany birch DPNs and a sock pattern to knit up as well! She knows me so well...

Photo doesn't do the yarn justice!
It was fantastic hun thank you!

But of course me being me..I took my self off to a posh yarn shop for my own birthday present!
4 balls of Regia because well its Regia! A skein of Artesano to do the spiral socks from Knit today (the ones with no heel!) and 3 balls of Noro for a Booga bag!

Booga bag will be cast on tonight I think, my first proper felting project! Can't wait!

Long blog but I think that just about catches up the past 2 weeks!

And the smell of boiled Kool aid hung in the air...

2007-08-12T10:16:00.000+01:00

Boiled Kool aid? Well super heated in the microwave kool aid.
Now ok for the uninitiated, Kool aid is a brightly coloured american kids drink, comes in little sachets that you add your own water and sugar to taste and you have quite a fab little drink.
However, by not adding as much water, kool aid becomes rather an effective dye and of course, does really well when it comes to dying wool hehe
So naturally in the persuit of doing some thing different, yours truely bought a kool aid dying kit and had a go at dying my own wool!

All ready to go..

Pretty colours!

Microwaved to within an inch of its life!

The result and the fact I didn't stop at one!

Now eagle eyed will spy the fact that the purple and green no longer contains yellow...because I decided I didn't like it and just extended the green and purple areas round it which resulted in me being much happier! I just put it in the microwave again and kept and eye on it and it was fine!

I've got more sachets and undyed sockwool on route to me so I can have a proper go with wool I can knit some thing with! The wool I dyed was 50g of DK wool (thats double knit hun lol) and can knit some small wrist warmers out of it (came with a pattern) but I can't wait to do sock wool in a good quantity and then knit up the result!

Finally made a start on Pauls socks, moving along quite quickly, in one day I did the leg and half a heel which was good going! If I really give it some stick I might be able to finish it today and then do the other before the week is out, which is good really as they need to be finished by Saturday, here is a little sneak preview ;-)

The name Opal Rainforest snake is actually very accurate!!

More WIP!

2007-08-04T15:36:00.000+01:00

First off, my sockapalooza socks arrived with their new owner, who seemed to be thrilled with them which was a big relief I have to say! Was really worried she wouldn't like them, but of course it was unfounded! Just waiting for mine to arrive now, but I do have about 5 items of post mising at the moment, and I'm fast losing patience with the postal service, on strike or not, its affecting things way too much..not impressed. Soon may it end!

Any way, of course, free knitting time (No wool for our pauls socks yet) and I've cast on another project. Fancied doing to wrist warmers for a while, and I came across this yarn at a LYS (local yarn shop) 100% bamboo, 50g for £2.59. Gorgeous colours and really soft, and I had to find some thing to do with it straight away. So I looked up patterns for wrist warmers (yes I know its August but I can get them done now in time for cold(er!) weather.

Second pattern I happened to discover was this one called April May by Cider Moon. My gauge didn't quite fit the pattern but I decided to go for it any way and see what happens. Taken me 3 days on and off knitting, but I've finished the first glove and I'm really impressed with my self! Fits lovely, first attempt at the thumb worked like a charm, and I'm really happy with it!
Must cast on the second one, before I'm tempted to do some thing else, but I'm actually looking forward to having a completed pair!

Well hopefully this postal strike will end soon and I can get the yarn for pauls socks, really want to have them done, or at this rate I'm not going to have them finished by his birthday on the 18th.. I know I'll be able to do them in a few days if I really go for it, but its just not having the equipment to start that is bugging me! Until then I'll keep chipping at little projects!

----------------
Now playing: Depeche Mode - Shouldn't Have Done That
via FoxyTunes

Sockapalooza socks...DONE!

2007-07-30T18:38:00.000+01:00

Woohoo!!

Yes I had a sneaky try on...

Picture a bit glum but you get the idea!

Finally finished! So glad to have done it in time for the deadline, they look good, seen as they are only my third completed pair ever... I did make a boo-boo on the heel which I noticed before I started the second sock, but as I knew what I'd done, I decided to make the same mistake again as the socks feel fine on the feet and I'm sure my swap friend will like them. (fingers crossed!)

Right got a few days respite before I receive the yarn to do my step dads socks, can go and find one of my neglected projects!!

Sockapalooza socks are go!

2007-07-29T15:56:00.000+01:00

Not posted for a while so thought I'd better say some thing.
Been pretty much quiet for the past few days as I've been bashing on with my sockapalooza socks, big send off day is 2nd of August so I've got until Wednesday to finish, which at this rate, will be do-able!
I have worked out I do know the person I'm sending these two, after seeing her socks posted in two different places. I get the feeling that she likes matching stripes...oops! Well I did email and ask if she had any preferences... She looks like a much more accomplished knitter than I am, but this is the beginners group after all! Second sock is turning out to be better than the first, far less mistakes (not that there were loads on the first..) and I'm just wanting to get it done now, I've banned my self from starting or picking up any thing else until they are done..however, I've said I'll knit my step dad some socks on his birthday..18th of August, so I've technically got 16 days to finish them after I've done these...not going to see any of my own knitting for a while!
Mind you cracking on with knitting has been made harder after I got my (surprise) invite to Ravelry! It was a surprise because I'd only (in my mind) submitted my interest not a week before and with thousands of knitters trying to get on to this site, I should have been in for quite a wait, but it turns out, the first time I had a nosey at the site, I must have signed up for an invite, but I don't remember doing it..How I'll get time to knit now I'll never know! Taking photos of my stash and uploading them, photographing my projects, looking at new ones, seeing what every one else is knitting and in what colours, joining groups, reading the message boards... wow! Busy busy site...
Speaking of Birthdays, its mine on the 22nd... So much stuff I'd like..
Stitch and Bitch Happy Hooker (asked my sister for that!)
Drop spindle and Roving as I'd love a go at spinning
Kool Aid hand dying kit as I want to try my hand at that
Subscription to Middle Earth Yarns sock club cause I buy enough of her yarn to warrant it..
Now I'll probably have to buy most of it myself, but its nice to dream! (But I'll still be happy with what ever I get, including that nice Mission t-shirt that I've already picked out and is waiting for me to unwrap, still chuffed with that hehe)
Well better crack on with these socks!!

Doctorin' the Tardis

2007-07-18T12:15:00.001+01:00

Oh major geek alert!
I am actually obsessed enough about Doctor Who to request my own colourway based on the series as sock yarn. No I'm not joking!

White Oak Studio are to blame!

Desperate to cast on, but I can't, I won't, no....

Doctor Whoooooooo, Doctor Who...

Mystery Stole 3

2007-07-16T17:12:00.000+01:00

Progress so far!

I think I'm up to row 65ish (not got chart to hand) Things have ground to a halt as I have other pressing time related things to finish, like my sockspalooza socks, and also some socks for my step dad for his birthday in august...

Close up of the stitches

Its looking good at any rate if I do say so my self!

But if you see me with any thing in my hands other than a pair of broadripple socks or some in Opal Rainforest snake, yell at me ok?

Sock Yarn stash check!!

2007-07-07T19:21:00.001+01:00

We've gone from this modest stash

To more sock yarn than I can knit in a year!

My name is Bex and I'm a sock yarn ADDICT!

I don't know where it all came from, honest! I just keep looking at online shops, and then the yarn ends up in my shopping basket, and then its paid for and is arriving here...We won't even mention the doctor who inspired sock yarn I've just commissioned from an etsy shop..
I suppose to balance the load, my "other" types of wool, I don't seem to have much of.
2 Balls of Bernat cotton tots
4 skeins of Debbie Bliss Maya
2 balls of pattons 4ply cotton
3 balls of twilleys freedon spirit
1 1/2 balls of peaches and creame
1 ball of misc 4ply cotton
9 balls of peaches and creame/ suger and creame/ bernat handicraft cotton en route from america
Then we've got the 5 balls of acrylic for my innocent hats, all the wool for my art of knitting throw, all the little bits my mum rescued from the charity shop for me....oh...

Knitting vid and cute booties!

2007-07-02T10:02:00.000+01:00

Cracking on with multiply projects here, its a wonder I have time for any thing else the amount I'm doing!
Last night I suddenly decided I was going to knit my friend Sarah some little booties for her little baby Luke, did one in an evening, and hoping to get the second one done today at some point. Just hope the fit him now! I can never remember how small babies feet are and I'm probably worrying over nothing!
The pattern is baby converse booties from Etsy
Far too cute for words lets put it that way!

Also on the go is a sock for Callum, just 6 more rounds before toe shaping, in his favourite colour, green!
Some innocent smoothie hats to raise money for age concern have also got my attention, done 3 already! Really quick to do, I just need a innocent smoothie bottle to model them on!
Getting my gear together to start work on the mystery stole by pink lemon twist, already seen progress so far on our knit a long and its looking fantastic! I'm using some ebony zephyr and purple oily effect beads. Can't wait to get cracking.

It feels like I never stop! Good job I enjoy it isn't it lol
Will leave you with this cool little vid, Blood, sweat and wool!

Sock progress and stuff!

2007-06-20T19:19:00.000+01:00

Got socks flying off the needles at the moment!

Finally finished my first sockapalooza sock!
I think I've done ok, was worried for ages that I'd done some thing wrong because it looked too big, but now its finished and I've had a sneaky try on (socky friend has a similar foot size to mine!) its actually a nice fit, not too tight and not huge either.
Have realised I've done some thing wrong on the heel however, this pattern says slip one knit 1, and repeat, I slipped one then just knitted across, as well, as long as the other one matches, it won't make much difference! Just doesn't have a fancy heel on it! And I'm also pleased to report the second one is well underway and I should meet the August deadline in good time fingers crossed! I haven't gone for matching stripes I have to say, I don't like to waste wool and any way, matching is so over rated! These socks are going to be unique! I just hope the person I'm sending them to appreciates them as I almost don't want to give them away (don't worry, I will be doing!) they are my first attempt at a pattern and I'm proud of what I've managed with them! Few mistakes along the way, that hopefully won't stand out too much (I don't think they do any way..). They look good, thats the main thing!

Next sock off the production line was the first sock from my Panda cotton attempts! Now it is truly funky, the colour pooling is some thing else, and the elastic content makes it a fab fit.
As I suspected I ended up going in to the second ball, I was 2 rows away from toe shaping when it finally ran out. Didn't do too badly I don't think. Will order another ball before I start the next one, and then think of some thing to do with the remaining 3/4 of a ball!

I have also finished my matching sock for my tofutsies socks (the trainer socks I was doing)! Very pleased with this one by the end of knitting, I would have a picture to show you but they have already been worn and are in the wash some where! Will post pic when I rescue them again.

If that wasn't enough, I've been trying my hand at recycling some carrier bags and making a...bag lol Been quite a few patterns springing up so I thought oh what the hell, it involves cutting carrier bags in one big spiral and then using the ribbon to knit with.
So here we have alternating tesco and sainsburys bags! Going to do another 6 stripes, and then fold it over, stitch up the sides and do some handles. Don't think it will hold any thing really heavy but..not the point is it! Few less bags going in the landfill!

One last thing, I promise! Got some new wool, specially made by Gemma at Krafty Koala, and I'm itching to cast it on! Like I've got nothing better to do. So I'll leave you will a lovely pic of its 200g squishiness! Electric 80's, I can see matching socks and wrist wamers here hehe

Well I can honestly say...

2007-06-09T16:14:00.000+01:00

I don't do subtle!!
New yarn time :-D

These are my new yarns from Middle Earth Yarns and I love them! One the left is Marmalade and on the right is Midnight stripes! Not had the heart to undo them and wind them in to a ball yet, not a clue what sort of socks I'm going to knit with them either! I just wanted them....

On the pins at the moment (along with Rainbow Child, Broadripple socks and the FC shawl) we have these little stunners!

This is Crystal Palace Panda cotton in Night Light, and I love it! First time I saw it I needed some but couldn't find it either in this country or from the states with postage I was prepared to pay until the woolly workshop decided to stock it! Woohoo!!
Its a bit difficult to knit with at times as it divides up very easily but it feels very nice and if you get in to the swing of things it soon turns in to a stunning sock, the colours on the black are great! Overall I'm very happy with it so far, just hoping the ball lasts to the end of my sock as my feet are a bit above average size it has to be said....

And if all that wasn't enough! I've asked Cazza from Middle Earth yarns to make me some Not just for Goths sock yarn, as it took my fancy big time when I was browsing her previously sold items! Looks very funky. And! If I really really didn't have enough, I've been involved in a joint custom order for some Electric 80's sock yarn from Kraft Koala (photo of which can be seen here)

I'm going to have some funky feets thats for sure!!
All good fun, well back to the northern lights socks!

Been busier than I thought!

2007-06-03T19:22:00.000+01:00

Life has been a little bit stressful of late, and I haven't been doing much knitting as I couldn't concentrate enough on my main projects, but when I gathered a few bits together to take photos of, I realised I'd managed more than I thought!
Well first off I'd better show you the lovely stuff I got from my summer secret santa, as it sets up one of the projects I've been at!

Look at all that! I was made up, a book I was after, 2 balls of Peaches and Creame dishcloth cotton, a stunning skein of Jitterbug which I really do love, some really cute stitch makers and best of all, chocolate!! Again, huge thanks to Loulabelle for that! I'm still trying to get all my items together to send to my recipient, had items lost in the post and my order reshipped, not impressed with the postal service so far!

Anyway first thing is my little sock I knitted for my sockblocker from Fyberspates. Was a little bit fiddly due to its size, but I managed it, and apart from having to fix the heel, it turned out ok!
The skein of wool next to it was kindly sent to me from Cazza (tho don't visit her shop with your credit card in sight!! Lovely stuff in there!)

And this is where my secret santa comes in! My first ever dishcloth! Don't know if you can make it out, but it has a musical note knitted on it! Going to use that as a wash cloth when I stop at Daves or we go away for a concert. Never like taking my sponge for some reason, but this fits the bill better! Seriously want to buy some more of this cotton tho, love working with it and its got some fab colourways, but seems I'm a little stuck for choice, and I've so not been inspired by other cottons, a little too plain tbh but we shall see!

This little bag was just a couple of hours project to take my mind off a few things, and when I'd finished, I found it was the perfect size to put my mooncup in! So this funky little thing goes round in my bag every where. Was a nice little find I think!

And here we are at my new project! Its Rainbow Child from the current issue of Simply Knitting (you have to buy it for the sheep needle holders alone!) Its a hooded gilet, and it just looked really cute. Its done in Twilleys Freedom Spirit, and it should be the shade Bliss, but I'm not sure as there is two colourways with the number 508 and I'm not sure which I got! Its lovely regardless and its only going to take 4 balls, going to have to learn to crochet properly tho to do the border! Should be fun! Got to remember I've got my sockapalooza socks (have worked on them too, but not for a couple of weeks) and I've got my FC shawl to do as well..

Tho its probably not a good idea to be getting all these books! (just realised my domiknitrix book is missing off this photo!) Getting too many ideas and I'm looking at even more to buy as well...another bad idea!
Oh well!
I'm sure I'll finish all my WIP one day....

8 Random Facts

2007-05-27T14:28:00.000+01:00

I've been tagged by Ali to do 8 random facts about my self, and I thought, well why not!

The rules are:

Participants start with 7 or 8 random facts about themselves
Tagged people write a blog entry of their random facts
At the end of the post, tag 7 or 8 more people, and include their names
Leave each of them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and refer them back to your blog

The facts!

1 I only started knitting in January this year when I saw an advert for the art of knitting magazine and really wanted to give it a try. Become a tad more advanced since then and have really enjoyed being an adventurous beginner!

2 I'm starting 2 Open University courses this September in computing. I've been wanting to do some thing productive for a while, and have been encouraged in the matter seen as I have natural knack for using them, only seems right I earn some qualifications in this field and put it to good use!

3 Despite only being 24, I have been married, and have 3 children, 6,4 and 2. I'm separated from my husband but we still live together to look after the kids as I couldn't do it alone. I am however seeing some one else, and have been for the best part of 3 years!

4 I'm trained to a fairly high level of martial arts, comes in handy if I ever feel threatened in a dark alley!

5 I can't drive, I'm queen of public transport!

6 I went to at least 8 concerts last year, including a trip to Paris to see Depeche Mode and 2 trips to London for festivals. One band I ended seeing 4 times, including the lead singers birthday party! So far this year, I've been to 3 concerts, all last week!

7 My favourite colour is green, and has been for as long as I can remember!

8 I dress in black and listen to very gothy music, but don't think of my self as a goth (despite also dying my hair black..) I don't "do" the mind set, I just like the look and the music! Tis very me... and plus wearing dark clothes makes my socks stand out even more hehe

Ok, well I don't have many people I would tag, so I'll go and tag Kirsty even tho shes on her hols and see if she plays!

Will do a knitting blog soon, I haven't been doing much lately, as I've lacked the motivation for some reason, so will remedy that as soon as!

Forest Canopy Shawl.

2007-05-13T12:56:00.000+01:00

Well I did say I wouldn't get in to the habit of having two projects on the go but I could not resist!
I won some Opal Herbstmelodie on ebay, lovely colours, hand painted, autumn colours, thought yes I like that, £4.99, jobs a goodun, no one else bid!
Any way, it dropped thru my letter box the day after and I took one look at it, and thought, thats a Forest Canopy Shawl. It just looked perfect and suited to a project like this and after a quick check I was ok to use a 4ply wool, I printed off my pattern and got started.

I've had to frog it all once after I realised I'd made an early mistake on my centre line and it had gone all wonky, and I've had to re done some lines several times to get the right number of stitches but I'm proud of my little effort so far!
Going to be a bit of a challenge and I've got to remember to carry on my sockapalooza socks as well (on to the gusset with them at the mo!) but I'm enjoying the test of my new knitting skills!
Watch this space for updates! Off to knit in a life line......

Oh wow look at this!

2007-05-12T12:08:00.000+01:00

Been browsing on Etsy (which is never a safe thing to do at the best of times!) when I came across this kit Heere be Dragone

How fantastic is that!
Once I get a bit of money I might be investing in that. just so so nice!! And different!
For now tho, along with doing my sockapalooza socks (ever growing) I'm starting on my forest canopy shawl with (hopefully) this wool as it just so lends its self to the name!
The love of knitting goes on!

sockapalooza progress report and note to my swap friend!

2007-05-08T15:25:00.000+01:00

Just a wee progress report on the wild socks!
On to the heel flap at the moment and they are looking fab!

Really please with how they are coming on considering this is my first attempt at a patterned sock and the more I knit this colour, the more I like it. Its actual name is spring flowers or similar, so apt in this nice weather! (well apart from all the rain!)
So thats how my sock is getting on, but I wanted to leave a message for the person doing my socks. I hope you are getting a feel for what I'm like, and maybe you've even got some wool already for me, I just want to say I'd appreciate any thing, can be loud, subtle, patterned or not, as long as it fits my foot I will be a happy bunny! I'm sure you will do a fab job regardless! Beginners unite!!

Started my sockapalooza four socks!

2007-05-06T22:50:00.000+01:00

Well in the absence of contact with my swap partner, I took the decision on what to knit for her, with only her shoe size and foot circumference to go on!
I decided to knit the 4ply version of the Broad Ripple socks from knitty (obtained by emailing the designer who was very nice to talk to :) )
Me being me, I went for a nice stripy sock wool and the wool I decided to part with was my Trekking xxl, shade 134.
I know some people will have set out to by nice posh sock wool for the person they are knitting for, but I can't really afford posh sock yarn at the mo, and I've got that much in my stash that it was only sensible that I use some of that so don't shoot me if this isn't the done thing!
My socky friend is either going to love them or hate them! I think they are looking fab but that is just me. This is my first attempt at a patterned sock, all the others have just been straight knitted in rounds, this involves yarn overs (which I've never done before either) and creating a lacey type pattern which looks great and the stripes of the wool really pick out the waves in this pattern.
Any way, here is my progress so far! Enjoy or look on in shock at the stripyness of these socks!

(yes pics aren't great, will try and take some better ones in day light tomorrow!)

ETA it looks even funkier in the cold light of day! (and it grew a little since the last pics)

A few finished things

2007-05-03T15:42:00.000+01:00

Been a busy bee here!

One finished sock in tofutsies off on the right foot. Made to measure my foot using the Violet Green calculator, and take it from me, it really does work, that sock is a perfect fit and I'm really happy with it! Can't start the other yet as I've had a request for a pair of sock from my step dad Paul for his birthday in August and I need to make some socks for the Sockapalooza 4 sock swap. I've had my partners details, but she hasn't stated what sort of sock she would like, just the size of it, and has no blog either so I can't even stalk her to see what she'd like so I guess I've got free reign! Now to chose which ball of yarn I want to give up to the cause....

This is the waist coat I've been working on for dd, its still in need of a button at the top to keep it actually on her body (shes tempted to take it off at the mo, no matter how much she likes it!) but its turned out really well after working out the last bit of the pattern. Ended up visiting a neighbour whilst at my mums so she could explain it to me! She was a bit confused but we sussed it in the end and the finished result is cute!

This is the recycled Sari silk shawl. I managed to knit my entire skein up in one evening using the drum sticks! It went really quickly, just need to buy some more skeins to finish it off! Going to buy 2 more, one to double its length and the other to make some tassels for it. Don't know when or how I'm going to use it, I just wanted to make it!

So thats been my work at the moment.
I have still to chose a pattern for my Sockapalooza 4 person, want to make a nice one, but want to keep it with in my range!
Also seen another pattern I want to make for dd which can be seen here. Looks very nice, but the wool they have used I can not find for love nor money. I have found an alternative but I don't know if it will work as its not got the elastic content, but we shall see.
Thats it for now from me I think lol Off to chose that pattern....

Yarn Rave!

2007-04-24T18:29:00.000+01:00

Started a new pair of socks yesterday, fancied doing some trainer socks (knit up a bit quicker due to length, more instant gratification) and did the sock calculator thing to make sure they are tailor-made for my feet (my first pair are a bit small unfortunately, they've stretched a bit, I have wide feet!)
So I grabbed my ball of tofutseis and omg its gorgeous to knit with! I love it!
Its so soft and moves to nice on the needles, I'm finding I'm not having to pull and push as much, it just glides along.
The colour is just coming out great, liking the haphazard look of the colours, bit of pink, then blue, then green, its fab!
Would really really recommend having a go with this yarn, you won't regret it!

Happy Feet.

2007-04-23T12:29:00.000+01:00

Woohoo! I actually finished my pair of socks!
This one went better than the other one and actually looks like a proper sock, it sits straight and bends in all the right places. Very pleased I've managed to pull it off and I'm itching to cast on a new pair now!
They are right, it is addictive...

I started on a new project straight away as I was eager to start some thing new, and so I started the waist coat for dd.
I took this picture after I'd finished grafting my sock and had been working on it for a few hours, this was the completed back piece. I was surprised at how fast it was knitting up (I'd never used 8mm needles before) and it was lovely.

What I didn't expect was to finish the main bulk of the knitting that same night! I'm a bit stuck now as I don't really understand the next part of the pattern that involves joining the shoulder pieces, and picking up 18 stitches from some where, but it doesn't really explain where so work has ground to a halt on this one. Going to ask my mum or my grandma to give me a hand on this one, but once I know what I'm doing, I'm sure I'll be fine!

More yarn arrived at my door step this morning, all the way from Canada, which took only 4 days to get here, and thats over a weekend too! I paid on thursday and the postman handed me a parcel this morning!
Its from Elann and its the Espirt yarn in Wine.
Hands up who knows what I'm going to be knitting with it?

Hehe thats right! I've bought it to knit the Lolita Legs from knitty
(think I mentioned it in a previous blog that I liked these!) They are going to be my first toe up "socks"
Now if Dave doesn't like these, there is some thing wrong some where! I picked my own shade of wool instead of picking what knitty suggested, but I've ended up picking the one they used any way! Black would have looked nice, but I decided to go for some thing slightly different for me, plus they will still look with black I'm sure!
Just got to practise my figure of 8 cast on, I've never tried that one before.
Just waiting to have access to a decent computer with a printer that works to print off the pattern as I can't work off the computer screen, its not really portable enough!
Until then, I feel a pair of trainer socks in tofutsies off on the right foot coming on....

Its here, its here!!!

2007-04-19T17:04:00.000+01:00

Loony Boony has landed!

Wine heather

Ok so they weren't kidding, this stuff feels gorgeous! I so so so can't wait to get started on the Forest Canopy shawl! Its going to be brilliant!

And also in the same fantastic package came this....

Some lovely recycled sari silk, I'm going to make another shawl out of it, using a pattern that my friend Kirsty sent me, simple enough, just garter stitch all the way thru...on these needles!

ROFL they are like drum sticks! 20mm! Thats going to be fun lol Going to need another couple of balls of Sari silk but it won't stop me from making a start!

And if I didn't have enough to be going on with, I saw a lovely little girls waist coat pattern in the LYS, free pattern if I bought the wool

Its a brand called amorillo and it does actually have a wool content of 56% which did surprise me as it was 95p a ball! Going to look lovely on dd when I've finished!

So it was a nice stash enhancing day, and lots of work to be getting on with! (the socks I've got about 20 rows to go before toe shaping, so not much further!)

My Stash shame!

2007-04-18T13:16:00.000+01:00

Well I suppose I'd better come clean and admit just how much sock wool I possess! Ready for this?

Ok so its not as bad as some stashes I've seen, however...I've only knitted almost one pair of socks so far!

They are coming on ok now! Second sock certainly shaping up better than the first one, think I've got my head around the pattern now which is always a bonus, looking forward to finishing my first pair! Hoping to get them done this evening.
Any way, lets look at this stash in detail!

These are my favourites, top left Opal feelings shade 1701, next to it Opal Neon shade 1936 and Opal Rainforest, Tiger. Looking forward to doing some thing with all these the most!

This is my Fyberspates yarn in Hannahs summer. Now this will make a lovely pair of socks, want to find a nice delicate pattern for it as the shades are quite muted and I think it will suit that more. (not bad a ball from winding from my first ever skein!)

Ah now these two are quite dramatic, they are inspired by the (I assume!) German artist Hundertwasser and they look great knitted cuff down, but also look very interesting when knitted sideways, so I might give that a go with at least one of these! They are Opal Hundertwassers, shade 1434 (left) and shade 1431 (right)

Now I bought this after just reading the write up about it.
"This is the latest yarn from South West Trading, made from a mixture of yarns including their own brand Soysilk and Chitin (made from shrimp and crab shells, yes really!)
As an aside, chitin extracted from crab and shrimp shells is compatible with human tissue and has been found to be useful to accelerate healing in wounds."
Now how good does that sound! I bought it in the first colour I saw which I think is foot the bill (it doesn't say on it and I can't remember now!) but if it knits up well I might make some socks for dp out of it because I know that they would appeal to him (the benefits!) and would be good for him doing his mountain biking and such!

This is my misc ball. I've no idea what it is! I got it as my bargain of three balls for £9, and this one arrived with no label. Its nice, and I wonder what it will look like complete, but for who created it, I haven't the foggiest! Answers on a postcard.....

So there you go, thats my sock yarn collection! I have another basket full of wool in the corner that are charity shop bits, cheap yarns from home bargains, and my Art of Knitting yarn too. On the way to my stash is some yarn to knit the lolita legs in a similar colour and my loony boony is on its way as well, along with some Sari Silk, which hopefully should arrive tomorrow, got a bid on some lovely looking Opal yarn on ebay called Rainbow which looks stunning knitted up, so hopefully I'll win that, I'm eyeing up 2 more balls from Jo Jo land (ebay) one for socks, and one for lace and my naughty friend Dippydappyblonde has just shown me Krafty Koala who has some gorgeous sock wool in stock for a fab price, so I feel a purchase coming on from there as well.

Some body stop me!!!!

Ok well, I'm officially mad!

2007-04-16T21:31:00.000+01:00

But you knew that any way didn't you!
I have been tempted by some evil women in to buying some lace weight yarn Lane Borgosesia, in the wine heather shade and they've dared me to try and knit the Forest Canopy Shawl so I thought, ok well why not!
Just what have I let my self in for? Never attempted any thing like this before, but you've got to admit, it looks fabulous, and I can't wait to get started on it (once I finish these socks...)
My new sock yarn has arrived too, better lay off buying it for a while, tho I don't think any one noticed the 5 extra balls that drifted in here this morning....they are safely stashed away in my bag. Must take a photo of my stash to show you just how bad I have gotten, but will save that until tomorrow, when no one is looking!

No I couldn't Justify it

2007-04-12T13:36:00.000+01:00

But I clicked buy it now any way.
I'm in so much trouble *hides*

Can I justify this?

2007-04-12T10:40:00.000+01:00

Hmmm ebay auction for sock wool...chose 5 balls of wool and only pay for 4, all opal, trekking and Lana wools too....already got my 5 chosen! Do you think I'd get away with it?
I'm not quite sure how much wool I have amassed yet, I daren't count! Its mainly opal wool as they are my favorite colour ways, but I have at least 2 balls of trekking, a ball of tofutsies, a ball of Lana, a yummy yarn and a misc ball as it came with no band as part of a lucky dip! (but looks very trekking like!) So thats 6 without counting my opal stash too. hmm best get on and knit some socks!
I have joined in a sock knitting swap on the Angel Yarns forum however! I thought well why not, I've got till August to knit them, and I will get a nice pair of socks in return. Works for me.... I think I know which pattern I'm going to attempt and I've just got to wait for the colour choice and foot size of my recipient and I can crack on with it!
Definitely decided that knitting shops do not sell 2.5mm DPNs. Try as hard as I might I could not find any! So I gave in and bought 2 sets off ebay. And will remember this fact for the future, do not rely on shops for things, the internet rules!

A rant and new sock yarn!

2007-04-07T13:38:00.000+01:00

Ah the joy of a new hobby that you can't get the equipment for!
Or in my case, can't get it in shops *sigh*
I've been after some more DPNs so I could cast on another sock colour, so I could be doing two pairs at once (and so I don't see the same colour for so long!) but can I find any 2.5mm in the shops, can I hell as like! Done all the LYS and market stalls, even made a special trip to a hobby craft this morning and they only had 3.5 and 4mm! Not even a section for the size I want!
Argh!
Was trying to avoid ordering online so I'd get them quicker but the time its taken me to search these shops, I could have ordered them online and they'd already be here.
Lets just say I've ordered some off my favourite ebay seller along with a new ball of opal yarn ;-)
Oh, and my new ball of wool from Fyberspates arrived! Its just gorgeous! Even if I did forget to take a picture of it before I wound it up in to a ball (so borrowed the web site picture!)! Its called Hannahs Summer and it feels divine! Going to wait till I'm a bit more handy making socks before I attempt to make some thing with it tho as I don't want to mess it up. I also got a little sock key ring as well with a patter to knit my own mini sock (I also need 2mm needles to do that, ordered from ebay...) which I am going to love, what with my keyring fetish too hehe Ideal moment to combine some of my favourite things! Keyrings, socks and knitting! Can't be bad...
Fyberspates also have a sock yarn club...I'm resisting so far as I can't justify paying out so much (£30) all at once....maybe if I stop buying yarn and save it up instead...maybe next month!

So on to the books!

2007-04-04T18:21:00.000+01:00

Well it had to happen some time, I've started buying books on my new found passion!
So far I have bought sensational knitted socks by Charlene Schurch , which arrived this morning and on first inspection is going to be very handy on refining my techniques, I already know what to do in principle but to have it written out properly is going to be a bonus, as is having ready made patterns and size guides ready for me to dip in to.
The second book I've bought was Domiknitrix by Jennifer Stafford! Whip your knitting in to shape! Sounds like my kind of book! (not that I'm in any way a dominant person, I'm actually fairly submissive...oops, wrong blog hehe) Now this one looks like its got some cool patterns in it, along with more in-depth knitting techniques that I hadn't quite realised I could do. plus the gothy feel of the book is a good. Certainly worth looking at, thing. There is a Martin Gore style mohican hair hat that he wore on the recent tour which is pretty cool. I'm sure I could modify it to look like the real thing, you never know when it could come in handy!
They where both good buys, I've got more sensational knitted socks on my to buy list now, but its going to have to wait. This week I'm buying my self a new bag to transport my knitting round in (just a little pouch bag with enough room for a ball of wool, my half finished sock and 4 DPN's!), got 3 balls of sock wool with a bid scheduled to go in 5 seconds before the auction ends. Got no bids on it yet, but its £8 at the moment for 3 balls of sock wool of the sellers choice, kinda like a lucky dip, all self striping good quality yarn etc they are supposed to be having a clear out, but lets face it, for that price, I'm not going to go far wrong, and also I've bought a knitting set for Cat (who is 10 today woohoo!) so I can teach her how to knit as she expressed an interest in it the other night on msn, so I said I'd get her a few bits, call it her birthday pressie and go round to Dave's when she is there one evening and give her a crash course! Even if we don't get very far should be fun, she sounded enthusiastic which is always a bonus! Looking forward to giving it a go soon!
Oh and I've started looking at hand spinning, got caught up in a forum and now I'm interested. Well its cheaper to buy the unspun fleece and spin it myself so it would be better in the long run right? Hmmm might have to look in to this more...watch this space...

Well lets get this blog started!

2007-04-03T13:55:00.000+01:00

No point having a knitting blog if I'm not going to show you what I'm up to!
This is my first attempt at a sock! For those in the know, it was knitted in Opal Feelings, shade 1705, using the free Opal sock pattern. Doesn't look too bad....on the foot! If I was being completely honest, and show you pictures of it off my foot, you'd see there is some thing not quite right with its alignment, which in its self, doesn't interfere with wearing the sock as it straightens its self out on my foot, but to look at it straight off, its not quite right lol I do know what happened. I messed about arranging my stitches on my needles too much and were the pattern would assume every thing was where it was supposed to be, in reality it wasn't, and me being the novice I didn't realise the implication of what I was doing until it was too late. And I'm a stubborn git and didn't want to frog it cause I was doing so well and just wanted to get it finished. I think I'll probably frame them rather than wear them in honour of my achievement! It seems like most people in the real world go a shade of white when I tell them I'm knitting socks because it is sooooo difficult! And yes, its not easy, but with a few nudges in the right direction I managed to get the basics right and I finished what looks like a sock, and wears like a sock! I'm a happy bunny any way!
Its partner is well on its way now, cuff is done and its just the seemingly endless rounds until I reach the heel and the fun begins all over a again!
I haven't bothered to match the stripes on the socks as 1, I would have had to remove a lot of wool from the ball to get back to the same point, and 2, matching socks are too normal for me!
Will post my "matching" pair when I'm done!

Well hello there!

2007-04-02T16:35:00.001+01:00

And welcome to my knitting blog!
Decided to keep a knitting blog so I don't clutter up my normal every day blog (which I seriously need to post on more but any way) and keep all my progress on my new found love in one place!
I've only been knitting since the start of the year when all the new magazines came out, which included one called the Art of Knitting, featuring this lovely Shaker style throw. I was hooked and immediately wanted to try and knit it.
My quirky mind set prevented me from understanding straight forward instructions on how to get started (don't ask) but after a brief consultation with my mum and physically showing me what to do, I was away, and we are now 13 squares in to my throw and I'm not bored yet!
Well technically thats not true, I love doing my squares, but I want to do more, but don't feel quite ready for a huge project, until I landed on a forum called Angel Yarns (and its attached shop!) and came across sock knitting....
Now those who know me well, will know I have a sock fetish, but not just a sock fetish, a stripy sock fetish. The strippier the better! Saw some gorgeous stripy wool in a sock knitting kit and thought oh what the hell, and so my sock knitting fetish started.
Its all good fun and I'm enjoying doing stuff with my hands that doesn't take up all of my concentration and I get results I can wear at the end of the day!
Watch this space for more of my knitting antics!