Knitting........coming off the needles

As promised here are some of my projects that are finally off the needles. 

I did manage to get a few pictures of Laurie in his "designed himself" sweater vest, not great as he wouldn't stand still, but its a good fit and he was really happy with it.

First up is the Nurmilintu shawl

before blocking

 This actually isn't off the needles yet, but has progressed a bit - Sonnensegel Scarf

Sweater vest for Rufus, bit on the long side so will keep his bottom warm!

Laurie - handsome boy xx

My needles are busy - I'm working on a project for Rebecca which will remain secret until finished.  Peter has asked for a pair of socks - I really need to get over my fear of socks so I said I'd have a go.  I still have Gus' ten stitch to finish.  I've some yarn put to one side to make something for me, I could go on, its a case of have yarn will knit. 

Take care until the next time - which will be all about our visit to Rouen

All things woolly

Looking back over the recent posts it appears that I've made no mention of any of the knitting I've been doing since the start of the year.  Its not been a lot compared to other years but there has been some.

I finally got my stash cupboard sorted and can now see what I have.  I really shouldn't be buying any more yarn for some time....

These are the projects that have found their way off my needles

Balaclavas for the boys

for Claire

Holden shawl for Rachel

Easy Street shawl

Shawl I made up using odd stitches and
using Northern Lights yarn

Saroyan scarf using WYS Aire Valley Fusion aran

Yarn purchases from the Edinburgh Yarn Festival

Ten stitch blanket using WYS Aire Valley Fusion aran

for Jessica - using Stylecraft Special DK -
pattern Stylecraft 8980

Ode to Pinstriping - for Sara

Another Ten stitch blanket is currently underway.  This one is for Gus.  I'm using up blues and greens from my stash for this one.  It is chunky weight, I use as many strands as I need to get 7 wraps per inch. I'm a bit anal about completing each round in the same colours so have to judge my quantities carefully, not so easy as it gets bigger

I also have the yarn to make Gus a new hooded cardigan but as yet to get that one started.  So much yarn so many possibilities......

Visiting the Lion Brand Store NYC

Inviting window draws you in

 So much yarn to squish. I loved the fact that they had all the yarns knitted up in decent sized pieces so you could see and feel how they turned out.

We both loved the blue cardi and I plan to make this for Jess

and this is what I bought - Shawl in a Ball

and Amazing - a wool/acrylic mix, no plans for either as usual!!

Whilst flying over to New York, I completed a little sweater for Angus, this was the stage it was at when I got on the flight

and this was it at the end.

A good way to spend the time waiting in Heathrow airport and a 6.5 hour flight and this is what he looks like in it

Getting to grips with a new skill

Last night I finally got to grips with the drop spindle , a friend from our monthly knitting group kindly showed where I was going wrong and I spent the evening making some thick/thin yarn for a while, but I seem to be getting better at pulling it out and it is slightly more even.  10 minutes practice this morning turned into 20 minutes..... time certainly slips away quickly. I will now keep at it until I have something that resemble something I would want to knit with.

I have completed a little cardigan for the new baby.  Its Ode to Pinstripping by Kelly Brooker (PekaPeka). I used Sublime Baby Cotton Kapok, which had been knitted up and ripped out previously, so it was a bit crimpled.  Another problem I noticed was the change over from my main circular to the smaller Hiya Hiya for the sleeves, you can really see my change in tension.  I am hoping that it all evens out in the wash.

I have another small cardigan on the needles, another of Kelly's patterns - Emma Asked.  I'm using some Zettl Cortina 4ply - 80% wool 20% nylon - in a black/grey/white mix.  Photos to follow when there is enough to photograph.

I am enjoying using Instagram, and am sharing some of my previous knitwear to a whole new audience.  Pop over and  have a look.

In other news Miss J has chickenpox, bless her she seems ok, but getting spottier, but is happy with the calamine lotion look!

Flashing my stash

My stash cupboard has been in a mess for a while now, you know you pull out a bag, shove it back. Everything is a jumble, open bags, no bags, loose yarn unravelling. I have bags of yarn all over the place. As I have a whole Friday to myself today I decided one of my first jobs was to sort my stash.

There is another good reason for tidying up. I got an email from Wool Warehouse last night with an amazing offer, one too good to leave, Drops Love You 5 100% recycled cotton -50gram balls for 80p each!!!!!!!!!!! I have to admit to buying 32 balls, well its free postage if you spend £25, and I don't feel guilty as 10 minutes after I bought it I received a cheque for £60, 2nd prize in the village monthly draw, bonus.

So this is what my stash looks like when all pulled out on a king sized bed

I have been very ruthless and had a good sort out, bagged everything up neatly.  There is a large bag to give to Sandra for the Shoebox Appeal

Now my stash is neat there doesn't look anywhere near as much yarn ......wink wink

Double Knit

Double Knit odds and ends

Sock, 4ply and thinner

Chunky

Aran/Worstead

another view of Aran

 and here it is all neatly put away.  Not sure where the new yarn is going though...... may need to clear the bottom which contains all my stuffing, yarn rings, drop spindle, mini loom etc etc