Colour Me In

Changes....

2011-02-02T00:24:00.000-08:00

I've decided to start the year with a new blog, so please come on over to...

http://skeinyarns.blogspot.com

....hope to see you there :)

Finally....

2010-09-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

...winter has come and gone and, at long last spring has appeared!

And with the change of seasons I have finally finished a project...

Pattern: Whippoorwill by Carina Spencer

Yarn: My hand-dyed (Skein) Frog and Toad Sock, colourways used 'Knight' and 'Beach Shack'

Needle Size: 4mm/US6

This pattern was love at first sight. I loved the wavy eyelet section and the combination of two contrasting colours, plus I really liked the shawls crescent shape. The project itself was very enjoyable, quick and easy..I cant say enough good things!

Also, I have a new project on my needles...

...Cecily Glowik MacDonald new pattern Candelia, a top down, in the round cardigan with pockets, sure to be a great new addition to my spring/summer wardrobe. I decided to road test my Merino/Cashmere yarn for this project, which is knitting up wonderfully.

So finally, after such a long time away from the blog, I hope that you are all well and are enjoying the long awaited spring sunshine or admiring the beautiful colours of Autumn.

Another Obsession

2010-07-08T00:12:00.001-07:00

I finally did it, I bought a spinning wheel!

After nearly having a nervous breakdown trying to assemble it, I finally sat down and attempted to spin some Corriedale fibre with the help of Judith MacKenzie McCuin's book (Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning), and YouTube (such a great resource!).

And this is what I have so far...

...yes its a big mess, but it is so much fun, oddly very relaxing and like knitting its has become a daily activity which I very much look forward to.

Shop Update

2010-06-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

Just a quick shop update....

...spinning fiber now available!

I've been having a wonderful time hand-painting BFL, Corriedale, Falkland and Superwash Merino which is now available over on etsy, more colours will be added over the next week.

Have a great weekend!

2010-06-10T00:11:00.000-07:00

Wow what a busy week! So busy I haven't laid a finger on my knitting, I have however been busy dying up yarn which I LOVE to do...

...and browsing Etsy...

Hit the North Belted Top by Fink

Handmade Vegan Ballet Flats in Pink Satin and Hemp by The Generation

Silver Locket Necklace - Enchanted Golden Owl by The Enchanted Locket

Made to Order - 6oz Tea Cup Knitty by Circa Ceramics

...and trying to stay warm!

Have a great weekend.

2010-05-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Buttons found!

Have a great weekend.

Honey

2010-05-23T00:23:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I cast on for the Honey Cardigan by Veera Välimäki (Ravelry link)

I'm using Cascade Venezia Worsted, so lovely and soft! Its only taken a few days and I have already finished the cabled yolk

I love the cables.

Now to find some buttons...

FO: Equinox

2010-05-16T04:22:00.001-07:00

Pattern: Equinox Raglan by Debbie O'Neill
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, Colourway 279
Needle Size: 4.5mm

Simple knit, beautiful yarn...

...very happy!

A Fine Weekend

2010-05-09T01:35:00.001-07:00

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Etsy Yarn Store

2010-04-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

My Etsy store is now open!

Come and have a look and let me know what you think.

Quilts, Scooters, Spots and Stripes

2010-04-10T04:34:00.000-07:00

This week I have been overtaken by the quilting bug. This all began when I stumbled upon the lovely book 'Material Obsession' whilst browsing the local book store. I have a fabric stash, and I love fabrics, so its strange that its taken me this long to finally delve into the world of quilting. Anyhow, I have decided to make a very simple quilt from the book, which is made by sewing together small fabric squares, all the same size, using some fabric from my stash as well as some fabric which I bought especially for this quilt.

While browsing the wonderful online fabric store Duckcloth for my quilt fabric, I came across this funky fabric with scooters, stripes and spots, which I'm hoping to make into a couple of cushion covers....I think I know who will also be enjoying these cushions.

Otherwise I have cast on for the Equinox Raglan (Ravelry link) by Debbie O'Neill.

As soon as the Noro yarn arrived I just HAD to cast on straight away. I get immense pleasure watching this yarn knit up into stripes of such wonderfully rich colours, Im enjoying this so much that I cant put it down, so I should have it finished in no time at all.

Happy Easter!

2010-03-31T23:08:00.000-07:00

FO: Clair Bennet

2010-03-26T21:37:00.001-07:00

Pattern: Clair Bennet (rav. link) by Ariane Caron-Lacoste
Yarn: Jo Sharp Silk Road Aran Tweed- Colourway Jewel
Needle Size: 4.5mm/US 7
Notions: Two 1940's vintage buttons from The Button Bower
Alterations: 1) The cardigan body was knitted in one piece up to the underarms, then
each piece was finished separately.
2) I didn't need to pick up as many stitches on the button bands.
3) The sleeves were grafted onto the body rather than sewn on.

I originally made this cardigan because I really liked the long ribbed neck, which I thought would be great in winter, but once the cadigan was finished I found that it also looked good with the neck turned down which is perfect for the cool but not yet cold autumn weather.

I also love any pattern that incorporates large buttons!

In the Kitchen

2010-03-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

I seem to mainly post about knitting, so I thought this week I would talk about another interest of mine, cooking. I really only became interested in cooking a few years ago, before that I found cooking to be such a chore, I'm not sure what changed my opinion but I think it had a lot to do with a) my love of gardening and realising the importance of eating seasonally and b) my discovery of travel cookbooks.

I love food with a lot of flavour and I love cooking with spices and fresh herbs, I will never forget going to visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, ahhhh the smell was just heavenly all those wonderful spices! However I have found a much smaller substitute, the Fiji market in Newtown (see He Needs Food blog for great photos and write up on the market and all things culinary), smaller yes, but they have a HUGE selection of spices, just about every spice under the sun! I assure you that's no exaggeration.

So this weekend I cooked sweet-sour lamb yahni with black-eyed peas and almonds, a recipe from Greg Maloufs cookbook Turquoise. The recipe called for sour cherries, which I couldn't find anywhere, so I substituted them for cranberries (frozen cranberries) which just looked so good I had to take a photo, and in the end worked really well as a sour cherry substitute.

On the menu tonight...mushroom risotto with a garden salad and dry white wine!

Still Life Sunday

2010-03-14T00:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I picked the last rose out of the garden and put it in a cup on the kitchen window sill. I love seeing the light from the window pass through the petals.

FO Toast

2010-03-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Toast by Leslie Friend
Needle Size: 4mm/US6
Yarn: Valley Yarn Northfield (DK, Colourway- Charcoal)

I have been knitting a lot of larger projects lately and needed something simple and quick, so I cast on for this project and within 2 days of relaxing in front of the TV at night, I have a pair of super soft arm warmers. I really love the yarn, its (as you probably already know) one of Webs house-brand yarns and is a mixture of silk, alpaca and merino. I'm so impressed with this yarn I have decided to use it to make the cardigan Manu (Ravelry link) which calls for a soft DK yarn.

Speaking of yarn, the skeins in the photo are my own hand-dyed yarn. I have always played around with yarn dying, but lately it's become a real interest so much so that I have amassed quite a number of skeins and am now exploring the possibility of selling on Etsy. It's either this or fill the house full of lovely insulating yarn! Anyhow I'll see how it goes.

FO: Coraline and Joukahainen

2010-02-28T21:33:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Coraline by Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Malabrigo Silky Merino (DK/8ply), Colourway Blackberry
Needle Size: 3.25mm/US3 & 3.5mm/US4
Alterations: The only alteration made was adding extra length to the sleeves and body (mainly because my gauge was out slightly...I didn't swatch!)

I really enjoyed this pattern for a few reasons, its nice and quick, relatively easy and I learnt a few new techniques, the provisional crochet cast on and the I-cord bind off. The knitted hem and the I-cord edgings around the sleeves and neck also give a nice finished look to the cardigan and is a nice change from the usual ribbed edges of cardigans/jumpers. The cardi fits perfectly and I love the shimmer of the silk and merino yarn, great colourway too (as is always the case with Malabrigo yarn). Its safe to say that with this cardigan now completed I'm looking forward to cooler autumn weather.

Now onto the next FO....

Last year my partner asked me if I would knit him a plain, no frills black jumper, which I of course jumped at the chance. So I found this pattern and decided to use Malabrigo worsted, which I ordered online from a store here in Australia. So I cast on around this time last year, knitted pretty much all of the jumper (its knit bottom up and all in one), up to the beginning of the neck decreases when I ran out of yarn only this time I couldn't find any black Malabrigo in Australia (I only needed one ball), so I had to order it from the USA. When it finally arrived I went to wind it, by hand (I didn't have a ball winder at this stage), only to find that the skein was in a massive tangle and the only way out of this mess was to cut the yarn and roll, cut the yarn and roll etc...so in the end I had about six small balls of this yarn. By this stage I just lost heart and the jumper was thrown, I mean placed nicely, in the cupboard until a month ago when Paul asked what had happened to his jumper. I reluctantly pulled the thing out of the cupboard entered it into the Ravelympics (good for motivation), and started knitting again, and after two nights worth of TV knitting I had finished it!

And after all that, here it is...

Pattern: Joukahainen by Kristel Nyberg (Ravelry link)
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Colourway Black
Needle Size: 5.5mm/US6

So after all the drama I'm happy with the FO, it fits well and is exactly what Paul asked for, a simple jumper, which unfortunately turned out to be far from simple to complete.

Ravelympics

2010-02-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

The mass CO for the Ravelympics starts in a few hours from now, and even though I'm not CO anything new, its a good opportunity to finish a few projects. So here are my two competitors for the WIPS-Dancing event....

Pattern: Garden Gate Socks by Emily Johnson
This is about all I have managed to knit, even though I had great hopes of working on them during my holiday (yeah right!).

and...

Pattern: Joukahainen byKristel Nyberg

This project has been on the needles since this time last year. All I have to do is finish the neck and thats it! Not sure why I'm so averse to finishing this project but I have promised the recipient that I will have it done (otherwise he is going to be very cold this winter).

Let the games begin!

Coming Back Home

2010-02-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I suppose holidays have to end at some stage and now its back to the real world. We had such a great time away, the South Pacific Islands are diverse and beautiful and the people are so friendly. Its amazing to think that here in Australia we are so close to these places, yet it felt like we were worlds away surrounded by different cultures, customs, languages and religions. Its a little bit of paradise right at our door step, one which I am sure we will be visiting again!

So what did we do?

We swam in clear blue seas...

...and in the freash water Blue Hole on the island of Santo Spirito, Vanuatu (Yes it really is that blue!)...

...thought we had gone to heaven when we arrive at Ile Des Pins in New Caledonia...

...spent numerous hours wandering around the various fresh food markets in Fiji and Vanuatu...

...and happily meandered around each place taking in the sights...

...and reluctanly said goodbye and returned home.

Goodbye 2009 and hello 2010!

2010-01-01T18:22:00.000-08:00

Holiday time Yipeee!!! Im off to the South Pacific for three glorious weeks and before I go I just wanted to say...

Happy New Year everyone and all the best for 2010.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-22T23:55:00.000-08:00

I eagerly CO the other day for the Coraline cardigan and have only just finished the hem. I'm finding the Malabrigo silky merino to split easily when knitting which is a bit of a pain, but otherwise I'm very happy with the softness, sheen and colour of this yarn.

Not much else to report except tomorrow is Christmas Eve (yay!) and my family will be arriving in the afternoon to spend a few nights with us. Looks like it may rain throughout most of the festive season, but as long as the weather is warm I don't mind. So, I wish you all a very merry and safe Christmas
xx

FO: Featherweight Cardigan

2009-12-15T23:36:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace (3 skeins in colourway Vaa-only used a small amount of the 3rd skein)
Needle Size: 4mm/US 6
Size: Small

Another great pattern from Hannah Fettig, easy to knit and the end result is a wonderfully light weight spring/summer cardigan that can be worn anywhere. I again loved knitting with the Malabrigo Lace and was very happy with this colourway. Its a very dark green with small areas of blue, not the easiest colour to photograph inside (was a stormy day today so unfortunately no outdoor shots), but I think it will be versatile enough to dress up or down. In any case its a colour which the recipient, my Mum, can wear well. Hope she likes it!

With nothing else on my sticks I am now dying to CO for the Coraline sweater which I was going to wait until the new year so I could add it to my projects list for a new Ravelry group called 10 in 2010 (basically commit to knitting 10 projects of your choosing in 2010), but alas I don't think I can wait. Doesn't matter because I'm also taking part in the NaKniSweMoDo group (AKA National Knit a Sweater a Month Dodecathon...complete 12 adult size sweaters in one year) so I can add it to that list instead. My last years quota was five, so if I can top that I will be more than happy. So yes I plan to have a very productive 2010....

What are your plans for 2010?

2009-12-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

For some time now I have been searching for a day to day bag and I finally decided a few weeks ago that what I really wanted was a Namaste bag, which to my great delight arrived today...

After much deliberation I chose the Carli bag in eggplant, which is surprisingly bigger than I expected, a good thing considering the amount of stuff I tend to carry around with me. I am very impressed with the quality and design of this bag and I love the deep purple colour.

Today also marks the beginning of my holidays (2 months off work yay!!), so with time up my sleeve I decided to dye up some yarn to cast on for the Garden Gate Socks. I dyed up a skein of rust orange and another of bluish purple which I will cast on in a few days time (I wasn't happy with the original picture so I edited it out, hopefully I'll have a better picture of the yarn for the next post) . Otherwise I have nearly finished the Featherweight Cardigan (ravelry link) and am planning on posting finished pictures this time next week.

FO: Whisper Cardigan

2009-11-23T21:24:00.001-08:00

Pattern: Whisper by Hannah Fettig
Source: Interweave Knits, Spring 2009
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace (2 Skeins), Colourway- Applewood
Needle Size: 2.75mm, 3.5mm, 4.5mm circular needles
Alterations: I knitted the Cardigan much longer than the pattern suggested, continuing to do the increases every second row.

Im very happy with this cardigan its so lovely and light, perfect for the warmer months. I'm so glad I made it longer, I was debating weather or not to leave it cropped, but in the end chose not to. I think it goes better with jeans, skirts or shorts when its longer, which is what I mainly wear. I'm also very happy with the colour, I was a bit worried that it may be a bit boring and plain, but it goes really well with just everything in my wardrobe.

Otherwise, I'm still working away on the other Hannah Fettig pattern the Feather Weight Cardigan, which is coming along nicely. I have also decided to knit the Coroline Cardigan by the talented Ysolda Teague. I have chosen to use Malabrigo Silky Merino in the Blackberry (421) colourway, which arrived last week...

Its so lovely and soft, with a light sheen, cant wait to get started!

With the weather warming up I have also been keen to cast on some smaller projects. I have a skein of Malabrigo sock yarn which I'm thinking of starting the Springtime Bandit shawl. I'm also thinking of making the knee high Garden Gate socks using some yarn which I will hand dye. I think these socks would look really cute peaking over the top of winter boots. Just have to think up a colour combination and get dying.

Birthday Yarn

2009-10-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

Today I turned 34, so to celebrate my birthday I decided to take a trip to Guyra which is about 30 minutes north west from where I live. Why Guyra? Heres why...

This huge wool shed marks the entrance to the town of Guyra, love the look of it! Anyway, situated in Guyra is a lovely wool shop called Black Sheep Wool 'n' Wares, the sole reason for my visit! So after much browsing and umming and arring I ended up buying a garments worth of Debbie Bliss Prima yarn, which is 80% Bamboo and 20% Merino.....

I'm not sure what I will make yet, but I've had fun this afternoon playing around with different stitch patterns, this one I particularly like...

All in all a perfect way to spend my birthday!

Catch Up

2009-10-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

I'm amazed at how long its been between posts, life has been so busy with work, family visits and Paul graduation (now officially a Doctor yay!). So now things have quietened down a bit Ive finally got around to taking a few pictures of the patterns I love from the Japanese knitting/crochet book (てあみニットはる・なつ―そでつけなしのくつろぎ服 (Let’s Knit series), Isbn 9784529046787) that I mentioned in the previous post......

...there are so many cute patterns, not sure were to start!

On the project front, I have been mainly working on my Whisper Cardigan (Ravelry link), by Hannah Fettig. I'm now ready to start the short rows and finish off the bottom of the cardigan...

Its a great pattern and very cleaver construction, and as always I love working with the Malabrigo yarn....

I have also cast on for the Featherweight Cardigan, another of Hannah Fettig patterns, Im making this one for my Mum.

On the crochet front, I have started the Hexagon Blanket and have been having heaps of fun crocheting hexagons out of the Morris Yarn Paddington which I brought when I was in Sydney. I love the colours available for this yarn and am really enjoying playing with different colour combinations...

...and yes I am deliberately showing off my new Ravelry bag which arrived in the mail a few weeks ago.

I have been meaning to buy a project bag from Ravelry for some time, I was so happy when I turned the parcel over and saw this sticker on the back...

I even cut it out and kept it:)

And last but not least, I finally joined the NSW Knitters Guild, I have been meaning to for ages but since you cant pay online I kept putting it off.

Cant wait to check out their library!

FO: Aestlight

2009-09-29T01:42:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Aestlight Shawl by Gudrun Johnston
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock (1 Skein- colourway Rayon Vert)
Needle Size: 4mm

I finished my Aestlight a little while ago but have only just got around to taking some pictures. I was knitting this as a mini KAL with missfee who finished her lovely Aestlight ages ago, oh well better late than never! The shawl turned out larger than I expected, considering it only requires one skein, and I love the look of the Birds Eye Lace. Such a great pattern.

Had a wonderful time visiting my parents and catching up with family, it was so nice to have a break from work and of course they spoiled me rotten. I visited Morris and Sons in Sydney and brought quite a few balls of their brand yarn called Paddington, which is a 6 ply 80% Bamboo 20% Merino bend. I also visited Kinokuniya and brought these books....

isbn 9784834726503

isbn 9784529046787

...the second book has some very cute knitted cardigans which I will take pictures of and put them in my next post.

My parents live near Bowal, so I was lucky enough to visit Wool Addiction, a very cute yarn shop (I didn't take pics!!!!). It is actually a house with four rooms full of yarns and patterns, certainly worth a visit if your ever down that way.

A Week of T

2009-09-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

Last week I enjoyed a visit from a tea totaling gnome named Sir Earl, who is traveling the country with a whole heap of tea and other goodies (Travelling Tea Box....its a Ravelry link).

So I decided to make a couple of tea mats to send along with Sir Earl.....

Pattern: Tea mat and Coasters (Free PDF)by Etsuko Taniuchi (谷内悦子)
Yarn: Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids
Hook Size: 4mm

...as well as a couple of Tawashi

Pattern: Amikomo 3-28 Flower Tawashi A by Pierrot (Gosyo Co., Ltd) (Free PDF)
Yarn: Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids and Lion Brand Cotton-Ease.
Hook Size: 3.75 mm.

I have also been busy dyeing yarn and have just finished the Aestlight shawl (no pics just yet its still blocking).

I'm traveling south tomorrow, have an early flight to Sydney to visit my parents who live in the Southern Highlands area. I'm meeting up with my Mum in Sydney to have a leisurely day of shopping which MUST include a visit to kinokuniya and Morris and Sons (of course!). Cant wait:)

Cowl Swap

2009-09-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I received a lovely parcel from Christabel as a part of the Cowl Swap over on ravelry...

The pattern is one of her own called 'Cupcake Cowl' which she will be releasing soon. I love the crochet brooch, such a cute package! The yarn is so soft and I love the colour. Thank you once again Christabel xx

I sent my cowl off as well to Emily...

Pattern: Thermis by Kris Knits
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted (Colourway Bobby Blue)
Needle size: 4mm
Notions: 2 vintage buttons

Anyway Im still getting over this awful cold, which I passed on to Paul who is at home sick as well. One good thing is that I have done a fair bit of knitting and even some crochet, will post pics soon. Hope your all well!

Spring Colour

2009-08-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

I'm in bed with a nasty head cold, so to stave off boredom Ive been playing around with these pictures which I took last week. I so glad its almost spring!

FO: #11 Forestry (Old Penny Cardigan)

2009-08-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

Pattern: #11 Forestry (Old Penny Cardigan) by Veronik Avery fromVogue Knitting, Fall 2008
Size: Small
Yarn: Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed (Colourway 879, 7 skeins)
Needle Size: 3.5mm and 4mm
Pattern Alterations: I knitted this cardigan in one piece so there was no seaming except for the underarms which I grafted together once the cardigan was completed. As mentioned on Ravelry, the collar instructions for this pattern are wrong so I followed the advise given by others and had no problems (thank heavens for Ravelry!). I also increased the number of short rows for the collar (another great piece of advise found on Ravelry) and added a button band which I preferred to the recommended sew on clasps.

I'm very happy with my new Cardigan which is so nice and warm!

Sock Swap Part 2

2009-08-01T23:03:00.000-07:00

My sock swap parcel arrived on Friday which of course included a fabulous pair of socks made by Missfee...

Pattern: Ribbed Ribbon Socks by Wendy D. Johnson (Published in- Socks from the Toe Up)
Yarn: Needle Food Sock yarn

I was also lucky to receive a beautiful skein of Knitabulous yarn (50%wool/50% silk...so soft) some chocolate (yummm) and a cute sock blocker keyring....

Thank you Missfee for my lovely socks and goodies xx

FO: Ishbel

2009-07-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda Teague

Size: Small
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock (Colourway- Impressionist Sky)
Needle Size: 3.75mm

Great pattern! I was knitting this at work during my breaks, so it took a week to complete, but I really could have finished it in a few days. The yarn is lovely and soft, great colourway.

Knitting Patterns

2009-07-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago, for some unknown reason, not a lot of knitting was happening and I was doing a lot of pattern searching. As a result I ordered in a heap of pattern books by two of my favorite designers Norah Gaughan and Kim Hargreaves. So I thought I would share a few of my favorite designs....

...Norah Gaughan...

Kaino (Volume 1)

Mobius (Volume 2)

Eastlake (Volume 3)

Pucker (Volume 4)

Cormorant (Volume 5)

Anhinga (Volume 5)

....Kim Heargreaves....

Blithe (Breeze- The Collection)

Jasmine (Nectar- The Collection)

Bloom (Amber- The Collection)

Prudence (Amber- The Collection)

Still (Thrown Together- The Collection)

Meredith (Thrown Together- The Collection)

Tangled Up In Projects

2009-06-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

My Webs order arrived last week (yipeee), and apart from the package being opened by Australian Customs and most of the yarn unwound and tangled (I think they were looking for suspicious things burried in the yarn???) I was very happy with my purchase....

So I decided that I will first cast on for Cherry (by Anna Bell) and have already done my gauge swatch (which I have even gasp washed and blocked) using the Dale of Norway- Svale....

I love this yarn! It is so soft and the silk threads sparkle in the sun, just lovely. It does have a tendency to split, but the end result is worth the hassle.

Otherwise I am still plugging away at #11 Forestry cardigan (nearly finished the second sleeve), and I did end up running out of the Malabrigo yarn for the Joukahainen sweater which I now have more on the way from the US. Unfortunatly there was no black colourway available here in Australia so hopefully it wont arrive from Australian Customs in a massive tangle! I have also finished the first sock for the Australian Swappers 'Double your Pleasure Sock Swap' and am just about to cast on for the second sock. So hopefully I'll be finished at least one of these projects within a week or two.

Stitch

2009-06-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

I ordered the first two issues of Stitch from Interweave Press a few weeks ago and they arrived last week...

Heres a sneak peak of my favorites from both magazines...

Looking forward to the next issue due out on the 6th October.

Ive Been Tagged

2009-06-14T04:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you SweetP Knits for the meme tag! Here goes....

What is your current obsession?
Pattern stalking! At the moment Im obsessed with searching out knitting patterns on ravelry and then checking out others FO's. Unfortunatly not a lot of knitting is getting done and my queue is growing at an alarming rate.

What are you wearing today?
Tripple layers...its freezing!

What's for dinner?
Im making a Chinese Ken Hom recipe...fish in hot and sour sauce also stir fried spinach and garlic and boiled rice. His recipes taste so good!

What would you eat for your last meal?
A huge fresh seafood platter with a good bottle of white wine and profiteroles and macchiato coffee for dessert.

What's the last thing you bought?
I brought yarn at WEBS to make 3 different things....

Cherry by Anna Bell using Dale of Norway- Svale

Lace Top by DROPS design using Reynolds Sunday Best

..and Ishbel by Ysolda Teague using Malabrigo Sock yarn

Cant wait for it all to arrive.

What are you listening to right now?
The crackle of my fire.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
I would go to a beach on one of the Greek Islands, take a swim in the Mediterranean then find a beach side Ouzerie to enjoy some mezedes and ouzo ahhhhh.

Which language do you want to learn?
Japanese, so I can read all their lovely craft books.

What do you love most about where you currently live?
I like the old buildings and the rural life...but I do miss the sea.

What is your favorite colour?
At the moment I love green, especially olive greens and sage greens.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
My jeans, I wear them all the time.

What were you doing ten years ago?
I was living in Glebe, working at RPA Hospital and I had just met my partner Paul (wow was that 10 years ago????)

Describe your personal style?
Casual, I mainly wear jeans with my beloved Converse sneakers or boots, lots of layered tops/knits. I especially love shopping at second hand stores and finding lovely vintage pieces.

If you had £100 now, what would you spend it on?
I would probably go to Amazon.co.jp or Yes Asia and buy some more knitting or craft books from Japan.

What are you going to do after this?
Eat Dinner then watch 'The Sopranos' (up to season 3) and knit.

What are your favorite films?
Rushmore, The Godfather, Stand By Me, Whats Eating Gilbert Grape and recently Stranger than Fiction.

What inspires you?
Japanese craft books, blogs, photography, colours and patterns, fabric and yarn.

Who's work/designs are you inspired by?
I love Norah Gaughan, Ysolda Teague, Veronik Avery, oh yes and Elizabeth Zimmermann.

Your favourite books?
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I'm currently reading 'East of Eden' by John Steinbeck which I'm really enjoying.

Do you collect anything?
Not really, I have this idea to start collecting vintage plates, bowls etc from second hand stores that I come across in my travels. My idea is to build up an eclectic dinner set, each piece reminding me of where I have been...we'll see.

What makes you follow a blog?
I love looking at pictures, so plenty of pics as well as similar interests.

What was the most enjoyable thing you did today?
I had a wonderful sleep in and I relaxed. I suppose not having to go to work was enjoyable lol.

Whats one thing you dream of doing?
Taking a year off to travel the world.

The rules:1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own. 2. Tag eight other people.

Now its my turn to tag!
These are all great blogs which I read regularly, so I hope you don't mind being tagged.
Looking forward to reading your responses to meme!

Blue Kelebek
Missy Fee
Knitting On the Chaise Lounge
The Inner Stitch
Hyena In Petticoats
Twoandsix
Knitting Box
Bellsknits

Sock Swaps and Jumpers

2009-06-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

I have joined yet another swap, this time its the 'Double Your Pleasure Sock Swap' with the Austalian Swappers group on Ravelry. Last week I received the first part of the swap, two fabulous skeins of sock yarn with the all important chocolate (Haighs Chocolate YUMMM!) from Missfee...

...the skeins of sock yarn are Kougu KPPPM and Knitabulous.

The second part of the swap is to knit a pair of socks from one of the skeins to send back to your partner. The other skein you get to keep! This second part is a secret, but I can say that I have chosen the skein I will knit with but I am still undecided on the sock pattern (there are just so many good patterns!). I sent Missfee her parcel on Thursday so hopefully she will receive it on Tuesday, cant wait to see what she thinks!

Otherwise I have been slowly knitting my way through my projects. The #11 Forestry (Old Penny) cardigan is coming along well, I am nearly up to joining the arms. I just cant understand why the pattern is written in such a complicated way when in actual fact it is really simple and easy to memorise. Anyway I cant wait to finish it and wear it now the weather is getting so cold.

I have also been knitting a jumper for my partner Paul using the pattern Joukahainen by Kristel Nyberg. Its very simple stockinette stitch pattern, which is what he wanted and I'm using Malabrigo worsted in black. I'm just hoping I have enough yarn left to finish it as what you see in the picture is all I have left!

Autumn

2009-05-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Its getting cold where I live, the fire is burning day and night, the days are short and the Autumn colours are glowing...

....so to keep my hands busy and my lap warm I have started #11 Forestry (Old Penny Cardigan) by Veronik Avery which was featured in Vogue Knitting, fall 2008.

The yarn is Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed in a beautiful shade of gray green with lovely flecks of Autumnal colours...

..Im really loving this pattern, its going much quicker than I thought it would. Heres a close up of the coin cables...

While Ive been knitting 'Old Penny' Ive been cosily sitting by the fire listening to the audio book of "Edgar Sawtelle" by David Wroblewski. I brought this from Audible.com and now have a wish list a mile long. I love how you can download the books straight onto your laptop or audio listening device at a pretty reasonable price. You can also listen to a snippet of the book to see if you like the sound of the reader. If you like books check it out!

Baby Steps

2009-04-22T22:56:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Saartje's Booties by Saartje de Bruijn (free PDF also available in Dutch)

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease- Cotton/Acrylic 10 ply (Colourway Berry and Gray)
Needles: 2.75mm (US 2)

These booties were made for the Destiknit Spring Baby KAL/CAL...

Im so happy with the way they knitted up, its such a great pattern and only took about 6 hours to fully complete the pair....

I used buttons from my stash, which are the same colour but are each slightly different...

And this is the completed baby set!

Baby EZ

2009-04-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Pattern: February Baby Sweater on Two Needles by Elizabeth Zimmerman (from the book "Knitters Almanac")

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease- Cotton/Acrylic 10 ply (2 balls 'Berry', 1 ball 'Gray')
Needles: 4mm (US 6)

I made this for the Destiknit Spring Baby KAL/CAL. Each of the garments made for the KAL/CAL are to be donated to a charity of your choice...I am thinking of giving it to a local womens refuge.

I wasn't sure which buttons to use until I went searching through my button stash and found exactly the right number of these 'mother of pearl' buttons....I think it was meant to be.

This was such a quick knit, the only thing I would do differently next time is to knit the sleeves in the round. There was a lot of yarn left over so I am also knitting a pair of Saartje's Booties (by Saartje de Bruijn) to go with the sweater.

More Swap Goodness

2009-04-08T02:15:00.000-07:00

I took part in the Australian swappers 'Project Bag Swap' on Ravelry. I received my swap package a few days ago and all I can say is wow I love this bag!

Great design (her own!) and funky fabric...

...heaps of room, and 6 pockets plus plenty of extra goodies...

...including a matching zipper pouch...
...and beautiful handmade stitch markers...
Thank you once again Penny!

Swap

2009-03-31T02:19:00.000-07:00

I have received my Ravelry swap package from the Australian Knitters "Favorite Colour Swap", and as it turns out Kelebek, who was my spoilee, was also my spoiler! So here is what lucky me recieved....
The pattern is called Vinland by Becca Compton made from Dream in Color Smooshy in the colourway 'vino veritas'. These are just gorgeous socks...so soft and yes smooshy, great colourway and the patterning is so cool! I love them so much that I'm never going to take them off...well maybe for a quick wash then straight back on! But that wasnt all I recieved...
I also got all these goodies as well, including two balls of hand dyed merino yarn from the Yarn barn as well as....

a cute tea wallet with yummy Turkish teas. Absolutely spoilt!

Also Kelebek recieved my parcel, which was the 'Lace Scarf'. I loved her picture so much that I asked for her permission to use it and here it is...

I so love swaps!

Project Spectrum- North

2009-03-21T01:06:00.000-07:00

NORTH (March/April)
Color: Green
Material: Stones/Gems/Rocks
Season: Winter

Element: Earth

I'm so excited about this years Project Spectrum, couldn't wait to get started so used some of my old pictures. Going to keep the camera close at hand, Ive also got a few ideas for projects, think I might try some printing and water colour, might even hand dye some yarn...such a great way to get those creative juices flowing.

Seamless Yolk Sweater

2009-03-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Seamless Yolk Sweater by Elizabeth Zimmermann (the pattern can be found in 3 of her books, Knitting Without Tears, Knitting Workshop and Knitting Around)

Yarn: Cascade 220- 100% Peruvian Highland Wool, Worsted/ 10ply, 6 skeins (3 black, 1 Tibetan Rose, 1 Summer Sky Heather, 1 Bronzed Green)
Needles: 4.0mm (US 6) and 5.0mm (US 8)

I love reading Elizabeth Zimmermann books, her style of writing is so easy going, I love how she puts the reader in charge of the design, giving suggestions rather than instructions. I have been keen to make this sweater for a long time. It was such a quick knit, less than a month to make, and I'm very happy with the end result. The only thing I would do differently next time is to make it a little bigger, its very fitting, not good for multiple layers, but it will make a great Autumn sweater.

Grab Bag

2009-03-05T22:10:00.000-08:00

I've been itching to make one of these bags, so when a "Project Bag" swap came up on Ravelry I had a good excuse to make one....

Pattern: Grab Bags (free pdf from allpeoplequilt.com)

This certainly wont be the last!

Lace Scarf

2009-02-23T22:14:00.000-08:00

Pattern: 'Branching Out' by Susan Lawrence (free from Knitty)

Yarn: Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino KPPPM- 100% Pure merino.
Fingering/4ply, one skein in colourway P418
Needle Size: 4.5mm/US 7

I made this for the Australian Knitters 'Favorite Colour' swap on Ravelry. The yarn is Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino (KPPPM), which is hand painted with beautiful shades of blue and is so soft and light, perfect for a Autumn/Spring scarf.

Hope my swap pal likes it!

Japanese Knitting and Crochet

2009-02-16T21:20:00.000-08:00

My new books arrived today...

...."Clear and Simple Crochet Symbols" (ISBN 978-4-529-02412-9) and "Clear and Simple Knitting Symbols" (ISBN 978-4-529-02413-6). Even though these books are written in Japanese they both have easy to follow diagrams which makes them accessible to everyone, something I really admire about Japanese craft books. Here are a few pics from both books...

I've also started on the crochet granny squares for the 8-Colour Afghan which Im really enjoying. I am using 100%cotton, most of which I had in my stash...

Crochet

2009-02-05T04:05:00.000-08:00

It all began with a crochet bookmark...

...which was given to me in a Ravelry swap by aeonie (AKA Jonnine). Each time I opened my book to read, without thinking and without fail, I would stop and admire it. Crochet has always been visually appealing to me, I like the way the fabric can appear rough or delicate depending on the type of stitch used and, as opposed to knitting, the seemingly endless variety of shapes that can be created.

"Japanese Crochet Patterns Book 300 Motifs and Edgings" (Image from Flickr)

ISBN 4529042332/ ISBN 9784529042338

"Work in Progress" by atolye afra (Flickr)

"Cat Nappin Blues" by Creativita (Flickr)

Crochet Chair (crochet and resin)- Designed for the Smart Deco project by Marcel Wanders- Image from Pure Contemporary

"Crochet Coral Reef'- Designed by Christine and Margaret Wertheim, co-directors of The Institute For Figuring (TIFF) (image from TIFF website)

The allure of this bookmark led me to the realisation that I was harboring a desire to learn how to crochet. So armed with a simple crochet pattern, and after a few attempts, this is what I made (mistakes and all)....

Pattern: Amikomo 3-28 Flower Tawashi A- By Pierrot (Gosyo Co., Ltd)
(A Tawashi is a traditional Japanese washcloth, normally made from 100% acrylic)
Yarn: Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids- 100% cotton, worsted weight
Hook Size: 5mm (H)

My next project, keeping it simple (no plans for the coral reef.... yet), is the 8-colour Afghan by Lion Brand (you need to register with Lion Brand to access the pattern which is free)...
I've decided to substitute the recommended acrylic yarn for worsted weight cotton, using shades of blue and green as well as warm brown and black. I'm also thinking of having a white background and I might (if I can) try to do a fancier edging.

And so, as my mind considers all these design possibilities, I can now proudly admit that I'm addicted to crochet. Now to get started on those granny squares.

Wicked

2009-01-30T20:33:00.000-08:00

Pattern: 'Wicked' by Sarah & Rachel from Zephyr Style.

Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted- Stonechat
Needle Size: 4.5mm Circular (Knit Picks Harmony)
Design and Pattern Alterations:
1) Decided not to add the pocket at the front, I thought the variegated yarn added enough detail on its own to the sweater.
2) Lenthened the body by 10 cm/4 inches which meant adding four lots of increases from the waist down.
3) Contined to use the crossover ribbing for the bottom of the sweater
4) Used Elizabeth Zimmermann Sewn Bind Off (as suggested by others from Ravelrey)
And here is a close up of 'Stonechat' colourway...

I really enjoyed knitting the 'Wicked' sweater, its a fast knit, easy and can be altered to fit YOU as you knit (as its knitted top down, you can try it on). I also loved knitting with the Malabrigo yarn, its so soft and I loved watching the colours knit up. What I also found with the Malabrigo was that it softened up even more once it was soaked and blocked...its going to be so nice to wear in Autumn/Winter.

I also received a package in the post yesterday full of natural, hand dyed silk off cuts, all thanks to my Mum who, among other things, experiments with natural dying.
I am now having fun deciding what to make...ahh the possibilities....

Gara Gorge

2009-01-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

Just spent some time with my parents over the last few days, have been catching up since returning home from overseas. Had a lovely afternoon walk around Gara Gorge, a popular bush walking/BBQ/swimming area....

..... it was so beautiful, I'm glad I remembered to take the camera.

Home Sweet Home

2009-01-16T00:58:00.000-08:00

Images of Italy.

Colosseum, Rome

Barletta

Trani

Tuscany

Florence

Syracuse

Syracuse

Mt Etna (taken from the train)

Palermo

Cefalu

Italy

2008-12-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a very special Christmas/New Year cos I'm off to Italy!!! I cant wait to be swept away by Italian art and culture, reviving myself with a heart starting Macchiato and sampling regional delights of food and vino. For my travel knitting Ive decided to take my Globe Trotter Socks by Jodie Danenberg, of which I have only one sock left to complete, as well as some Noro Kureyon Sock yarn to start another pair of "Stripes" Socks (this time for myself). My bag isnt complete without a sketch pad and some water colours and of course the camera. So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, see you in a month! Arrivederci

Stripes

2008-11-16T23:18:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Just Yer Basic Sock By Alyson Johnson

Yarn: Noro Kureyon Sock (Colourway S164)
Needle Size: 2.75mm Circular Needles (Magic Loop)

I really enjoyed knitting these socks, the pattern was easy to follow which was a plus since these are my first ever socks. I am now addicted to knitting socks and sock yarn (didn't take me long to become hooked) and have already cast on my second pair. The yarn did stripe beautifully and the colours, as always with Noro yarns, are exquisite, however the yarn did have a tendency to knot so I was frequently trying to untangle as I knit. But all in all I'm very happy with the end results.

Green

2008-11-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

1. Green Gable knitting pattern by Zephyr Style

2. Pistachio Green Owl and Pussycat- Originlal Art Print by Sugarloop
3. KPPPM Yarn- Available from South Seas Knitting
4. Handbound Notebook-Green Leaves by Paper Lion
5. Christmas Stars- crochet Christmas decorations by Kylie B
6. Knitting Needle Bracelet by Liana Kabel
7. Organic Leaf Brass Necklace by Secret Jewellz
8.Unraveling- Original Giclee art print by Mizu Designs
9. Waiting by Pietari Post-100% linen tea towel- Available from Third Draw Down
10. Pebbles Fabric by Park Slope- Available from Duck Cloth

And finally..how georgeous are these gift tags!
Berry Jam for Tea Gift Tags by Mulberry Muse

Malabrigo Worsted

2008-11-10T17:16:00.000-08:00

I've just received in the mail my order of Malabrigo Worsted Yipeeee. I LOVE the colour and am so glad I picked this colourway (Stonechat).
I've decided to knit the "Wicked" worsted weight sweater from Zephyr Style, cant wait to cast on!
I also ordered a skein of Cascade 220, a beautiful heathered chocolate brown, which I'm planning to turn into the "Star Crossed Slouchy Beret" by Natalie Larson (which is free on ravelry).

Kimono Glass Case

2008-10-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

Kimono Fabric Glass Case
Pattern: My Own
Material: 100% cotton, vintage Kimono, 100% Cotton lining, crepe fabric covered button, elastic

I Heart Japan

2008-10-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

This next project is a Zakka Pouch made as a surprise for a fellow raveler! I love anything Japanese!

Zakka Pouch
Pattern By: Black Dog Designs
Material: Peaches and Cream - 10 ply/ Worsted Cotton; Imported Japanese Zakka Fabric- 100% cotton
Needle Size: 5mm

And finally a Vintage Kimono Pouch......

Kimono Pouch
Material: Vintage Kimono Fabric with Gingham Lining 100% Cotton

Busy

2008-10-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

I have finished so many projects in the last week. The first two are Christmas presents for my brother and his wife (a scarf each), both were knitted from Noro yarn. I have never used this yarn before and I LOVE it. The colours are beautiful and so is the feel of the yarn.

Garter Stitch Scarf

Material: Noro Iro- 12 ply/ Bulky, Wool, Silk
Needle Size: 8mm
Inspiration: Brooklyn Tweed

Noro Striped Scarf
Pattern: Jared Flood
Material: 4 Skeins Noro Silk Garden- 10 ply/Aran. Silk, Mohair, Wool
Needle Size: 4.5mm

This next project was made for "The Great Knitted Purse Swap" on Ravelry. It was sent across the great ocean to live in America with Susan. The Original pattern suggests embroidery flowers on the outside of the bag, but I wanted something different, so I went with buttons.

Daphne Purse
Pattern: Louisa Harding
Material: Peaches and Cream- 10 ply/ Worsted Cotton
Needle Size: 4.5mm and 5.5mm

Handpainted Kool Aid Yarn Tutorial

2008-09-03T21:22:00.001-07:00

Hi, this is my first post and I thought I would do a quick tutorial on Kool Aid dyeing. I had so much fun doing this and I was really happy with the way the yarns turned out. So here we go...

Step 1.
Choose your yarn. Use animal fibers (wool, silk, alpaca etc..), I used 8ply Merino. Kool Aid will not dye cotton or synthetic fibres. You can also use machine washable yarns, these will not effect the dye uptake and, as a bonus, will not felt! Wind your yarn into a long skein ready for dyeing.

Step 2.
Soak the yarn for at least a few hours in room temperature water (just use tap water).
Note: I soaked my yarn overnight and I also added around 50mls of vinegar to the water. This, however is not necessary as the Kool Aid is very acidic, so its up to you to add vinegar or not.

Step 3.
Prepare the dye. Dissolve one packet of Kool Aid in 250mls of warm tap water, this will give a saturated colour. If you want a lighter colour add more water, for really intense colours add less water. Its an idea to use gloves, unless you want multicoloured hands, and cover your benches with plastic as Kool Aid will stain surfaces if spilt.
Note: The Kool Aid colors are interchangeable and you can mix different colours together. Click on links for a comprehensive colour chart and colour card of Kool Aid dyed yarn.

Step 4.
The fun begins! Use a 50ml syringe (available from chemists) or a baster (available from kitchen wear shops) and squirt the dye in sections onto the fibre. Push the dye into the yarn and don't forget to turn the yarn over and dye that side as well. Check each section to make sure the dye has fully penetrated into the fiber (redo if necessary). You can use a sponge to mop up excess water once the dye has been absorbed (this happens very quickly).

Remember if you dye a long section of yarn with one colour this will, when knitted, show up as a large block of colour. So if your after short repeats of colour, dye small areas and if your after large blocks of colour, dye long sections.

Long repeat

Short Repeat

Have fun and experiment with different colour combinations, just be aware that the dyes do run into each other and some color mixing will occur (unless you leave undyed spaces between colours). This makes for an interesting effect, but can sometimes be a bit of a disaster eg purple and yellow makes brown- unless thats what your after.

Step 5.
Now your colours need to be heat set. To do this you can put the skein into a microwaveable dish covered with cling wrap and cook for 2 minutes, then leave it to cool before removing the cling wrap. For the stove top, put the skein carefully into a steamer basket (I used an old colander) and put over boiling water. Cover and steam the skein for about 30 minutes. Once this is done leave the yarn to cool and then carefully rinse, watching that the yarn doesn't start to felt. Hang the yarn out to dry.

Note: Try to keep each colour section separate whilst steaming as the dye can run off one section and onto another, causing an over dye effect.
Once the skein is dry, re-skein the yarn and thats it! Its fun and simple. Here are some photos of my skeins...