Lace Scarf

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

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

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

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

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

Images of Italy.

Colosseum, Rome

Barletta

Trani

Tuscany

Florence

Florence

Syracuse


Syracuse


Mt Etna (taken from the train)


Palermo

Cefalu

Italy

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