October 2003 Archives

I have finished the back of Elfin and in one week - there is hope for finishing this garment by the end of the month yet.

A new knit along for November and I have so many to choose from.

I want to finish Glee as well but I don't seem to be doing much travelling of late. Although I do have a few train journeys to make this week so that should give Glee a chance to progress after all there are only 2 sleeves left to do.

I must also make some inroads in to my pile of "sewing-up". I got so excited earlier in the year when I learnt mattress stitch but isn't it funny how the novelty of these things wears off. I am however knitting these garments to wear and I can't wear them unless they are sewn up......

Today I have been to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace.

Naturally one could not visit such a show without purchasing "something" so I thought I would share my day with you.

I visited Debbie Bliss at her stand and purchased her 2 new books - The Tweed Collection and Book 6. I also purchased the yarn to knit the reversible bag from Book 6. This is knitted in merino aran and I am doing the same colours as in the book - green and pink.

Debbie, myself and Debbie's Daughter

Debbie's stand

I also fell in love with this bag knitted in Noro - it is a design by Jane Ellison and features in a new Noro book due out immenently - I could be tempted.

That bag

I had a good browse around the Colinette stand but did not buy anything. It really was a very colourful stand though and I was tempted by a throw kit but I was good and left it for someone else to enjoy.

Colourful Colinette

I had not seen Jamieson's yarns before so I enjoyed this stand and yes I had to purchase from here. I bought book 3 and the yarn to knit the Lowry Pullover for David - well he did drive me to the show and back and carry the bags.

There is another pattern in that book I like - Patchwork Jacket but they didn't have any of these kits. Probably a good job as it was fairly pricey and I may have fallen more in love with the real thing. Jamieson's website should be up and running soon so maybe I shall add it to my christmas box list!!

Then there was Wensleydale Sheep Shop where I made 2 purchases - yarn for a jumper for David called Angus in a light green colour and yarn for a jumper called Ploughing for me.

Something which I have not seen before is bamboo yarn so I had to get some of this for a bit of fun. I think I will make a long scarf as it is so soft and very fine. I think it will be on 3mm needles so may take a while. I will put 2 cables in it as I think it will show the texture of cables very well.

Bamboo Yarn, produced from the plant, has a high sheen

I visited a very fascinating stand which sold Yarnshifters - take a look and see what you think.

Several of the Rowanettes were there today including Jill, Pippa, May, Felicity and Yvonne.

Now I guess I had better get going on Elfin as I am sure you will agree I have a fair bit of knitting to do!

Happy knitting one and all.

Sorry friends no frills I am fraid. I am poorly with a cold so don't even feel like knitting let alone casting on 300+ stitches in kid silk haze.

Well I am past the armhole shaping on the back of elfin so making good progress despite the 3.75mm needles. I haven't set myself a firm target date for completion of this project just yet. The end of the month flew through my mind but I think I will see how progress goes over the week-end before confirming a date. I have the urge to do a frill - yes casting on lots of stitches in kid silk haze so ..... watch this space. That maybe tomorrow evenings excitement.

I received my copy of Sally Melville's Book 2:The Purl Stitch last Thursday. I have only really glanced through it at the moment but I have to say from first impressions I love it as much as Book 1.

The dress on the front cover is fun but what yarn would one knit it in please?

I am doing well with my knitalong Elfin. I am half way up the back and love the colour. I have some navy velvet trousers which I think Elfin will look great with. I am quite excited about finishing Elfin but that excitement may only last until I get to cast on 300 + stitches in kid silk haze.

The yarn sat waiting patiently for the frills

Earlier in the year I went on a Brandon Mably workshop at Rowan's Mill at Holmfirth and came away very inspired with colour.

David kept reminding me that I had yet to knit him a jumper so I thought I would knit him a Kaffe Fassett design as David loves colour too.

I decided on Bold Stripe from Book 30 which is knitted in kid classic and rowanspun 4ply.

Here is my basket of yarns ...

... and the jumper

I am past the armholes on the back. I started this before the summer but with the heat I just couldn't knit the kid classic so the jumper rested for the summer period.

I do have concerns that this will not be big enough for David though. Never mind it will fit me and I just love the colours.

kid classic knits so quickly.

Well I said a little while ago you would get to learn more about my on-going projects and gradually they have been introduced to the public.

Hopefully you will soon get to see the finished garments.

Well I have had a very busy week but hopefully I shall be here regularly again.

Despite everything else I have found time to knit and my biggest achievement is finishing Birch and I have to say I love it. It is so soft and I am really pleased how it has turned out. I have not blocked it as I have learnt from my good friend Sharon that you need rather a large space to do so - will I or won't I?

The Texture of Birch

So having finished the Birch knit along I can move on to my next knit along project - Elfin

Elfin

I am knitting Elfin in dark navy and so far have done 14cm of the back. This is the first time of knitting with felted tweed and I do like it, it seems to knit up quickly. I am sure when it comes to the frill and 300+ stitches in kid silk haze completion of Elfin will slow down.

Powder Puff Scarf

Following my workshop with Kaffe Fassett I have gathered all my odd balls of kid silk haze and have cast on Powder Puff scarf in my own colour scheme. It is knitted double strand throughout and is beautiful and soft - I am looking forward to wearing it. Depending on how much yarn I have left I may do a stripey scarf too.

I must not forget Glee. I am on to the sleeves now so that is progressing well.