October 19, 2007
You wouldn’t think so from the lack of progress, but I really do knit quite a lot. I’ve made loads of progress on Ms Marigold, just have the neck and sleeve edges to finish but the circular I need is currently stuck in another project.
I knit using Jo Sharp Soho Summer Cotton, which I absolutely love. This colour is called Sailboat. I’ve heard complaints that it’s a splitty yarn, but I found it didn’t split much using my Knit Picks Options. In fact I love it so much I stole my sister’s stash of Currant colourway and started knitting Cherry. Granted the photo doesn’t show much, but it does show the yummy colour.
Cables! Little ones, but cables nonetheless. I have almost finished the first side but I have to keep track of the pattern so it’s not really great for knitting in bed.
I’ve also completed about 12″ of my ISE5 pal’s scarf, a textured stripe rib pattern from one of my stitch dictionaries in Filatura Di Crosa Zarina yarn. I’m not sure though that the pattern does this lush yarn justice though . I had originally planned on doing Grumperina’s Shifting Sands Scarf but was struggling a bit trying to cable without a cable needle, but then I saw Flippy the Wonder Squirrel’s FO in the same yarn and decided to try again. Pics to come after my scarf has been sent, just in case my pal finds me!
I’m off to housesit for a week from tomorrow so I will be internet deprived until the end of the month 
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October 12, 2007
Just when I thought I would get around to posting an update of my knitting, a parcel arrived and it’s so good I have to share that first. My wonderful SP11 pal has spoiled me again, how beautiful does this package look before I’ve even unwrapped anything?
But open it up and it gets even better!
- Two skeins of Cleckheaton Tapesty yarn (with a pattern for a beret to suit)
- One skein of gorgeous alpaca handspun by Spinners & Weavers Guild of SA member D. Elliott
- Wood handles which will be perfect for a bag I have in mind
- Body Shop Vanilla Body Lotion (the last in SA and soon to be discontinued, thank you!)
- Handmade postcards (pictured below)
- Sugar free sweets (my waistline thanks you too)
- A mix CD of some fantastic music, some of the songs are already my favourites but there is some great new stuff there too (pictured below, how beautiful is my pal’s handwriting?)
I think this last postcard sums up my feelings about this package perfectly.
Thank you Emily!
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September 27, 2007
I received my Ravelry Summer Camp Swap package a few days ago, boy did I score!
My swap pal sent me two skeins of Spunky Eclectic yarn, two skeins of Jawoll yarn (very clever, has matching reinforcing thread for making socks), Knitting on the Road (sock knitting book), Lantern Moon dpns and some salt water taffy that smells so good I wish I could wear it as perfume. Thank you Annie!!
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September 19, 2007
I recently participated in the Ravelry Summer Camp Swap, we sent care packages to our “bunk mates”. My bunk mate has received her parcel so it’s safe now to post pics of what I sent all the way to Germany.
The package contained a skein of The Knittery Merino/Cashmere sock yarn, two skeins of Live 2 Knit 4ply Elizabeth (undyed) and enough Kool-Aid to dye, chocolate, handmade stitch markers and row counter (close up below), picture calendar of Australia, plus by special request some big zip loc bags to keep her knitting safe!
The following package was sent to the swap hostess as a thank you and also because she missed out on a partner so she needed some goodies of her own. It contains a skein of The Knittery Merino/Cashmere sock yarn and a handmade project bag will fit the yarn plus needles etc.
I love swaps! I’ve just signed up for the International Scarf Exchange 5 and there is talk on Ravelry of an Aussie Swap which I will definitely sign up for.
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September 11, 2007
I haven’t been making much progress with projects lately, work has been crazy busy and I’ve had a nasty flu for about a month now. Still on the needles are the Jo Sharp Singlet, Stargazer, Chevron Scarf and now I’ve cast on some Slip Stitch Rib Socks from Sensational Knitted Socks. I just couldn’t leave the yarn my SP11 pal sent me alone, I’m pretty happy with the progress so far.
Having no time to work on my knitting hasn’t curtailed my spending though. A few days ago I picked up my Knit Picks Options circular needle set from The Wool Inn. $129 for the whole set, less 10% discount for being a knitting guild member, yay for discounts! I also couldn’t resist the temptation to try spinning and ordered this spindle kit from Yarn Magazine. Now I just have to figure out how it works.
I realised that I never posted pics of my last order from The Knittery. Two of these have been posted off to swap pals and the Earth colourway (middle in pic) as well as the Summer colourway below are going into my stash, soon to become socks.
I’ve been playing with sewing little projects bags, I made one for a swap using this fabric from Lincraft but I won’t post pics until my spoilee receives her package.
And simply because it’s pretty, here is the cat grass that I grew for my kitties from seeds. They won’t eat it but it looks nice on the kitchen counter.
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August 31, 2007
I received the most beautiful package in the mail today, full of fantastic goodies from my SP11 pal.
Individually wrapped in purple tissue paper and ribbon, sprinkled with dried flowers and covered with clear wrap it seemed almost a shame to open them. But I’m glad I did because look at all the goodies Emily sent me!
My package contained postcards from the Art Gallery of South Australia, fruchocs (chocolate covered apricot and peach - yummo) which my pal tells me is a South Australian icon, a bamboo circular needle, a pair of handmade earrings, vanilla lip balm and a selection of ribbons to use in my bag making, which is handy because I just got out the sewing machine yesterday. My sister has already claimed the red ribbon and demanded I make her a bag.
All this plus a skein of Zwerger Garn Opal Sommernachtstraum yarn in what is the most absolutely stunning array of colours I’ve ever seen in yarn, I don’t think photos can do it justice.
I’ve been thoroughly spoiled by these thoughtful gifts, thank you so much Emily!
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August 19, 2007
Yesterday I attended the Blue Mountains meeting of the Knitter’s Guild NSW to check it out and see if I would like to join. There were about 30 people there, more than I expected. I met lots of knitters of all ages, the show and tell was great too. I quite like taking a nosy at other people’s knitting, that’s one of the reasons I love Ravelry so much! I met David Reidy of Sticks and Strings fame and got to see his Henry VIII jumper up close, all I can say is WOW. David was looking at a book called Fair Isle Knitting Simplified, which I thought was pretty funny since it doesn’t seem to me like it could be simplified, but after seeing a demonstration and realising it’s all about how you hold the colours I think it might be worth a try, once I’ve finished some UFOs of course.
There was a retail display from Belisa Cashmere and I was very impressed with how I stuck to my budget even when presented with all the beautiful yarn. I picked up a 50g ball of dark grey cashmere (first pic) with a pattern for a lace scarf, as well as some wool remnants on cones for 50c each which were leftover from machine knitting. I’ve wound the grey wool into balls and got 45g so there should be enough to knit some pretty lace scarves and the two grey colours match quite well so perhaps I could mix them. I’m thinking of using one of the pink wools for the pattern I got yesterday and saving the cashmere for when Victorian Lace Today arrives.
Next month there will be a lace knitting workshop at the meeting so I’m filling out my membership form and look forward to attending more meetings.
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August 9, 2007
I’m so excited to be participating in SP11! I’ve had a few bad swaps that started to put me off but the last swap package I received from a very lovely the dotted line restored my faith in swaps so I’m hopeful for another good experience.
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I recently discovered The Knittery yarns and love them, so I’d say machine washable merino is my favourite right now. Since I’m experimenting with new things like sock and lace knitting I prefer thinner ply yarns, say 2-4. I dislike anything fluffy or feathery and I’m open to acrylic/wool blends if they’re nice ones.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Vases, lots of vases for my straights. I tried keeping my Denise’s in their case but a baggie is so much easier! I usually have a few pair in my bedside drawer as well just in case I feel like knitting in the middle of the night.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I was first taught to knit in the second grade by my teacher but it was only a couple of years ago that I took it up again and only in the last year that I’ve become totally hooked. I would consider myself intermediate I suppose, I have no trouble with some things but others still elude me. I’m willing to try anything though! My whole household are knitters so I have help at hand for most things.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon wishlist, mostly DVDs but there are some knitting books too.
5. What’s your favorite scent?
Vanilla. I’m so bummed that The Body Shop is discontinuing their vanilla range *sad face*
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes but I’m trying to be good so mainly stick to sugar free sweets. Any type of chocolate is good and I also like boiled lollies very much.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I have a long history of making beaded jewelry and bead weaving and have also dabbled in lampwork bead making. I also like to embroider and sew, mostly handbags and totes. I haven’t tried spinning yet but it’s on my wishlist after reading about hand spindles in Yarn magazine.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
MP3s are a go. I like mostly alternative and rock music. My favourite musicians right now are The Shins, Powderfinger and Fiona Apple.
9. What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?
I’m a big fan of grey and other neutral colours, but I’ve been experimenting with some brighter colours particularly from the Jo Sharp cotton range and The Knittery yarns and loving them. There aren’t any colours I can’t stand.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Two related roomies and three pesky cats. Space is a premium in my house!
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves, hats and mittens all the time. Ponchos not so much but I do have some that make an appearance now and then.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I don’t have a particular favourite, I just like to try new things. I’m getting into sock knitting now and they’re quite satisfying because they don’t take too long but can be quite varied. Scarves are always fun too.
13. What are you knitting right now?
The Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Gifts and a Jo Sharp cotton singlet.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Love ‘em!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Bamboo baby. I’m leaning towards circulars … I’ve been using them for a while now and started a project recently on straights and found I can’t knit as long because my hands start to hurt. Patiently waiting for bamboo interchangeables to arrive in Australia, though any kind of bamboo circular are hard to find here. I have Denise interchangeables and love them but would also like to try the Knit Picks or Addi circulars.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Just recently got both and love them muchly. Who knew it could be so easy?
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Oh dear, a few years I think. It’s the alien illusion scarf from Stitch n Bitch.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas. A nice long break from work before the start of the new year is always nice.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
I suppose my yarn stash doesn’t count. Not really, but I have been contemplating collecting tea pots. You can get such cute ones and since I don’t drink tea I would never use them and they would be true collectables. I also feel the need the knit tea pot cosies because they’re so cute.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
My household subscribes to Interweave Knits and Yarn magazine. My favourite patterns are White Lies Designs (though I already have Milinda, Heather and Heirloom Lace), Zephyr Knits (already have Wicked and Tree Jacket) and Stitch Diva Studios and French Girl (have none of those yet). A bit random but I’d also like some sock blockers, they’re very expensive here!
21. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?
Knitting socks by magic loop which requires new circulars so that’s on hold for now. I got a beginners crochet book to give that a try too.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I’ve just finished my very first pair of knitted socks (Thuja from Knitty) and I’m hooked. I’ve ordered a couple of books from Amazon to inspire me further and would like to get some more bamboo DPNs as I only have 2.25mm (ETA: Just brought some from ebay) and find metal ones too difficult to handle. I don’t have a tape measure handy (knitting crime I know!) but I think my foot measurement is 9″ long. (ETA: OK I have much bigger feet than I thought. They are almost 10″ long and almost 9″ circumference. Wowza!)
23. When is your birthday?
June 11th
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what’s your ID?
designergeek - if you’re a Ravelry member then please do take a look at my stash/projects/queue for more ideas on my style/preferences.
Posted in Swaps 1 Comment »
August 1, 2007
I have been so slack at updating lately, but I’ve been very busy with uni, work and knitting so I have a good excuse. In my free time I’ve been naughty and expanded my stash with these yummy yarns from The Knittery.
Merino 4 ply in Earth colourway
Merino 4 ply in Passionfruit colourway
Merino/Cashmere 4 ply in Orchid
Now I’m patiently waiting for my yarn swift and ball winder to arrive from The Wool Shack to arrive so I can make pretty balls. I haven’t decided what to do with them yet, perhaps some socks when I finally learn how to knit them. One of the great Ravelry gals works at Tapestry Craft and teaches a sock knitting class that I think I will do. There is just too much gorgeous sock yarn out there not to!
Knitting wise I have almost finished one side of the singlet from Jo Sharp’s Saturday in Freesia.
Everything else is on hold while I finish this and continue experimenting with DPNs for sock knitting.
Posted in Art & Craft, Knitting 3 Comments »
July 12, 2007
I recently ordered some undyed Elizabeth yarn from the lovely Katie at Live2Knit to give Kool-Aid dyeing a try. Having tasted it, I think I’ll skip the drinking and go straight to the dyeing next time.
This is my first attempt, using Lemon-Lime at one end of the skein and Arctic Green Apple at the other end. I left the middle undyed because I like the natural colour of the yarn.
It took a long time to wind one ball, so I’m not doing the other til I need it. Now I just need a suitable knitting project and some more free time.
Posted in Art & Craft, Knitting, Recommendations No Comments »
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