Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Moderne Log Cabin Blanket

In the big Spotlight sale at Christmas and the relocating sale at my LYS, I bought about 4-5 sweaters worth of yarn for my daughter. Only to have her tell me, she'd prefer them in a blanket. A BIG blanket.

So I chose the Moderne Log Cabin Blanket by Mason Dixon. It has been fun, but a lot of work. The endless garter stitch has been much needed lately, I haven't felt like cables or lace or thinking, just knitting. And it certainly provides that!

I have enjoyed knitting the big blocks and seeing how the colors I chose in the order I chose work together. At first I was a bit unsure, but now my daughter and I love it. I have used a mix of solid lavender and solid "Poseidon" a light teal I suppose, with a completely Varigated pink and purple mix, as well as a green Varigated yarn. The effect is different to say the least.

The blanket is very big now. I am on the second last block and although the blanket is lovely to knit on at night, over my lap, keeping me toasty warm, each row takes about 10 minutes. Then flipping the blanket to knit back. A little unwieldy. And the weight! Of I don't have my wrists low enough, the weight of the blanket can hurt.

But love hurts doesn't it?

Monday, May 21, 2012

FO - Pillars of Strength Socks

Going back a little while, I finished my Pillars of Strength socks. They were knit as a test knit and the pattern is now available on ravelry. I knit them on 2.25mm needles, 2 circs, using Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 4ply in Ruby. The luxury is 100% wool, merino I think.

The socks took a while to finish, I enjoyed the pattern, but found the pattern a bit fiddly, mostly because of the twisted cables that create the pillars. In the pattern they are written as one stitch cables. I learn how to do this in a Debbie Bliss pattern without a cable needle. But it is quite tricky to do on such a small scale.

For this reason the socks were not going fast enough for me, and lost some of their enjoyment. Although I do admit once they were finished I was very pleased with how they look, they fit well and are nice and comfy.

I have decided that I think plain stockinette socks are more for me. I think I prefer to do the patterning on a larger scale for ease, and also to show it off on a more visible platform, clothing or shawls.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

End Of An Era

The concept of an era is relative to the person who has experienced it. I define an era as a period of time where things stay relatively the same, consistancy in where you live, where you work, or your relationships. For this reason we all begin and end endless eras within our life, some more prominent than others.

I was a stay at home mum for 8 years, before the need to have money for our wedding prompted me to return to work. This was easier than expected as a friend of mine from Facebook had employment vacancies at her work. Within a couple of weeks I was working. This was a very emotional time as I had not spent that much time away from my kids ever, and even though I was looking forward to working, getting out of the house and being a person again, I also felt I was letting my kids down by not being there for them. We all soon realised that this was not the case, and although it took a while for us all to adapt, adapt we all did.

Now, about 14 months later, I had been moved around from store to store, without any say. This was combined with the lovely bunion on my right foot which was causing me a lot of pain while driving, and then compounded by a deep vein thrombosis, peresumably caused by the pill, estrogen. It was a combination of these two problems which prompted me to request that I be relocated back to the store I helped open, that is only 10 minutes from home, as opposed to the 45minutes in bbad traffic I was doing. But I was told no, they couldn't move me, and basically tough luck.

It was this lack of concern for my health that prompted me to look for another job. Healthwise I needed a job that has me less on my feet, and personally, I don't want to work for a company that cares so little for the health of their employees. I looked for work, applied for a few positions, and got an interview. That interview turned into 3, and within 2 weeks, I was told I had a new job working in purchasing for an international company.

At first this daunted me, and I doubted my capabilities, but then I realised that I must be capable to do this job, if the people I will be working with think so. I also realised that my current job was just that, a job. This neew move is a step forward in my career, with hopefully less broken promises and more support than I had before.

Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy working at this store, and they did give me the opportunity that I needed to reenter the workforce. And for that I will always be grateful. I learned a lot, experienced a lot and for much of my time with them, I loved my job. I suppose this makes it twice as sad that there was no farewell for my leaving. That hurt. Many people have left in my time there, and for those that had been at the company a year or so, a farewell party was held, and a collection for gifts was made so the recipient could have a farewell gift. I barely got a wave and a good luck. But this made me realise I truly am making the right move.

I have a habit of looking for signs everywhere, and the smallest things and the biggest things can all give you messages to let you know if you are on the right path, or not. Each sign I have seen has led me in this direction, and even though I feel nervous, anxious and scared that I may not be able to handle this new job, deep down I feel excited, proud and assured that this is where I'm meant to be.

An era has ended, a new era has begun. I wonder how long this one will last?

Danielle xoxox

Friday, March 30, 2012

FO - Fern Green Pimpelliese


A few days ago I completed my Fern Green Pimpelliese. It got to a stage where it was all I could think about, all I wanted to knit. I became obsessed. I was loving watching the color repeats change, the points of each little triange come out of the fabric, and the way the rows got smaller and smaller. I was so addictive.Everything else was forgotten. I knit on it in the mornings before work, during lunch breaks and when I got home. This only lasted a few days because then it was finished.


 

 I will admit I was a bit disappointed about the weighing of my yarn. I weighed it numerous times to ensure that I started the decrease section as soon as it hit 50g left. Exactly half way. But I still had a 15 gram skein left once I cast off that final stitch. Abit disappointing, but it will make a gorgeous mini monster when it grows up!

The yarn I used was Moda Vera Fern from Spotlight, and although I'm not too fond of most of the Moda Vera yarn range, I was very happy with this yarn. It is a light fingering and soft, and what drew me the most was the color repeats. Stunniing. From dark greens, to bright greens, maroons and purples, the colors all gradiate into the next creating what I think is a stunning piece of knitting. This has yet to be blocked, and 'm hoping that a photo in true daylight will better represent the colors in this yarn.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

February 2012 Socks, Completed Before April?

My February 2012 socks have been taking a while, I keep getting distracted by other projects, cardigans, shawls, scarves, and a test knit. Lately I have been taking them to work so they are my only choice during my lunch break. It has definitely provided much needed progress.

I absolutely live the colors, the navy, purple and green go so well together and the yarn is so soft, not even the littlest bit itchy. The yarn is King Cole Zig Zag and I can't remember the Colorway. I purchased it from my LYS, Knit'n'Purl in Dandenong. I have a few other skeins of king cole and I love all the colorways.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Starting a Shop

I have decided I want to go down the road of trying to sell my own wares, especially handspun, dyed fleeces and hand dyed yarns. I have played around with this a bit already and am very happy with the dyeing results I have had so far.

Handspun Hand Dyed


 Superwash wool, DK, pink, magenta and red 100g

75% Wool, 25% Mohair, 5% Alpaca, DK, purple, blue and pink 100g
 Superwash, DK, pink, blue, red 100g x2


But unfortunately like any new venture, you need to find the time and the money to start up. I have decided to start with what I have on hand, and then if I sell anything, put that towards buying new stock. I'm thinking of an etsy shop because that may be the best way to get some exposure and have people find my yarns and fleeces. But being in Australia, the popularity and knowledge of etsy is a lot less common that overseas.

But we all have to start somewhere. I'd love any advice anyone has when starting up. I know an important factor is good photos and I plan to work on that today.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Dyeing yarns

Over the last weekend I tried out some dyeing, and I loved it. I plan to sell them on etsy. Here are some samples:

Saturday, February 25, 2012

The Rows Are So Long on Multnomah

I have completed the garter section and chose to do the 265 stitches instead of 229 as recommended by lala from the knitgirllls. This has worked well so far as the skein I have has around 500m. Very generous.

I plan to extend the feather and fan portion too if I need to as I want to use as much yarn as possible. As it is now, the rows are so long. So unbelievably long! But that's ok, because I'm loving the color repeats they really are beautiful.

A day for washing fleece

Today is going to be a scorcher, and I have a fleece to wash, so I have decided to hobble around and wash as much of it as I can. It is a very light brown fleece, perfect for over dyeing in my opinion, but unfortunately, very dirty!

The fleece is greasy, and as soon as I put it in water, the water turned brown. Going to be interesting to see the finished color. I still have a few fleeces I'm waiting to pick up, but as I can't drive very far at the moment I'll have to wait.

I also have a gorgeous alpaca fleece that needs a clean, but it does seem to be in great condition, just a little dusty.

The alpaca is in the basket, the wool is being soaked.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Cece is growing beautifully

After ripping out yesterday, I cast on again and knit frantically to at least regain the ground I had lost. I have now finished one ball of the patons fireside and have started the second ball.

Absolutely loving it! The color is gorgeous, the pattern is easy to memories and quite comforting to knit. I am so glad I finally cast this on for myself, and that I ripped out the bigger size. I feel really good about this size, I'm hoping it will fit perfectly.

I will knit about 6-6.5 inches before I start the shaping, this should give me the added length I require. I am definitely doing 3/4 length sleeves.

Can't wait to see it grow!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Casting on for Cece

A few days ago I cast on Cece. I calculated how to lengthen it including shaping and was ready to go. Today I frogged it. I realized I want my Cece to be an open cardigan and there is no reason for the circumference of the cardigan to be as big ad the circumference of my body. It won't stay open properly that way.

I was also concerned about yarn quantity. I have 12 balls of patons fireside I got given, and I have never seen it in shops so I don't know how old it is, or even if I could find more in the same Colorway. This is particularly concerning as I am knitting the 3/4 sleeves and want an extra 5 inches in length. I think I'll be fine, but not if I widen the length of the body.

So I'm starting again. I am knitting the 38" as I have seen a few people mentioning it blocks bigger on ravelry. The good news is I enjoy the lace pattern as I had finished a repeat before I frogged it!

(The color of the balls is more accurate than the color of the knitting.)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Treating Myself to Pimpelliese

I needed something for me, especially after a day like today, so I pulled out my Pimpelliese. A really nice free pattern by Christine Ebers. It is a triangular scarf with a similar construction to the baktus, once you have half a skein left, start decreasing.

This pattern has gorgeous lacy triangles knit into the border as you go, easy enough to remember, but still so pretty you can't help look at them. I think I have 5 completed.

I'm knitting it out of the Moda Vera fern, but in the green Colorway. Love it do much so far. The colors are making me so happy! I'm using 3.75mm needles and although they are only birch, they work well enough.

Can 't wait to see this grow!

I have a DVT

A little off topic, but not really as I will have more time to knit. I have had severe leg pain for the last few days and today the ultrasound discovered I have a blood clot, also known as deep vein thrombosis. Considering my only risk factor is the pill, this is very unexpected.

I have to have daily injections for a few days, followed by regular blood tests. I also have medication to take and my doctor wants me to see a hematologist, because considering my age and lack of risk factors, they feel a specialist is warranted.

This is very scary. I have to keep an eye out for chest pain or shortness of breath in case the clot travels to my lungs. I've been crying most of this morning, but think I have now reached a level of acceptance.

If nothing else, I plan to knit. Lots.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Casting on Chloe's Multnomah

Chloe requested a shawl, a big shawl she can completely wrap herself in. She also requested a cardigan knit out of Moda Vera fern. A new 50/50 wool acrylic blend with some gorgeous color changes and a little fuzz. But the yarn is a fingering weight, a fine fingering weight and I was not going to knit a cardigan out of it. But a shawl? Sure!

I searched on ravelry for shawl patterns that were simple enough to show off the color gradients in the yarn, but also with a little interest so I don't get bored. The first choice was the Multnomah. A simple pattern, the body in garter stitch and the edging in lace. The garter stitch shows off the colors wonderfully.

In my fit of startitis I have a few more cast on to talk about.......soon.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

FO - Deep Purple Libby

Chloe's deep purple Libby is finished, sewn up, buttons on, just needs a wash and a block. Good news is it fits Chloe well, and she loves my choice of buttons.

As much as I resent the amount of time it takes to assemble a sweater, I found the sewing up of Libby to be enjoyable. Certainly not something I want to do often, but assembling a knitted garment once in a while is kind of fun.

The completion of Libby has resulted in the casting on of numerous new projects, so far one pair of socks, three shawls and soon a cardigan for me. The main emphasis is color at the moment, and the cardigan will be lace, so the pattern will be creating the interest. Did not knit as much as I wanted this weekend, but at least it felt productive.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Libby is getting Boring!

I have almost finished the second sleeve of Libby, and I'm very relieved. It is getting boring. All the stockinette and solid color is starting to get to me. As soon as I have finished the second sleeve I will soak all the pieces and block them for the ease of seeing them together. Then I knit the neckband and we are done.

I'm not sure what's next, but I'm thinking cece for me. I think the lace will be just what I need. I also have some bright socks on the needles, and a shawl, the multnoma.

For now the end is in sight and for ghat I am grateful.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

I Want to Dye!

I went to the market last weekend and was saddened to see no independent dyers of wool, fibre or yarn. There was a little old lady stall full off acrylics and offering to finish your knitting for you, but that wasn't what I was looking for.

I know have this overwhelming desire to start dyeing and become an indie dyer myself. I have already found places go buy bulk and I have so many ideas, I just need to save the start up money. I find myself thinking about it all day long! Planning colorways and different products to use, but it's only early days!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Nearly Quit Spinning Yesterday

Yesterday was a bad day for spinning. I kept loosing control and the yarn would break. Even lost the end for a while. It was getting to the point where I wondered why I was wasting my time spinning when I had do much knitting to do.

Today changed it all though. I decided to give spinning another go today and what do you know? I was spinning beautifully. For whatever reason yesterday was just a bad spinning day.

I hope I can still spin well tomorrow.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Libby is Progressing Nicely

So far I have completed the back and left front of Chloe's Libby. I am about to cast on for the right front. I am pleased with how it is working out so far, in particular I think the flair that the cardigan has will be really cute.

I have realized a slight color difference with one of the skeins, because I bought them on sale, a few of the balls were a different dye lot. I am pretty sure it will be unnoticeable once fully assembled. At least I hope so.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

FO - January 2012 Socks

I finished my January 2012 socks, a little over schedule now that it's February. I really enjoyed doing the heel flap again, the socks fit perfectly, and I live how they look. Definitely a win in my opinion.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Spinning the Sky

I was so excited today, thought I had finished spinning all the fleece from my eBay purchase in december 2010. Only to realize I'd only finished the lighter fleece, I still have the black to spin.

But I had promised myself that when I finished what was in the bag I could spin some colored roving, and I wasn't going to deprive myself.

I'm using www.kathysfibres.com fine merino in the Colorway Sky. It is 100g and so soft. I have split the roving multiple times so I have a basket full of small balls of thin roving. I have decided that I want the three shades of blue to all combine for a Varigated yarn when finished. I was going to aim for a gradiated skein, but decided that the blending of three shades of the one color would bd beautiful.

I had a few problems as I began spinning, getting the tension right, my hands and treading speed. Because the merino is so fine I have had to slow down a lot otherwise it would spin too fine and break. But I'm in a rhythm now. I still haven't decided if I want 2 ply or Navajo ply, either way, I'm sure the sky is destined to be a shawl.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Ripping Back Libby

After knitting through an entire ball of Moda Vera 100% pure wool, I realized I had misread the pattern for the decrease row. The Libby pattern reads for 2 decreases each side of the back of the cardigan, to be repeated until so many stitches remain. I misread the pattern to read the decreases were repeated across the row, every 10 stitches. I did not like the look of the fabric and that's when I realized my error.

Proof that we all can make mistakes, even silly ones, and sometimes all it takes is a bit of brain fog from feeling unwell and taking pain killers!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Casting On Libby

Today I cast on Libby, a free pattern on ravelry for girls aged 10-12. Perfect for Chloe. It is so hard to find patterns in that size, after all her chest circumference is 27". The small or extra small in most patterns is usually 30-32" and then has ease. They would be way too big for her.

But this pattern is simple, has a nice little flair at the bottom but doesn't look too 'little girl' or too 'grown up'. I'm going to have to cast on something in lace as well as I'm already having withdrawals, and as Libby is a stockinette cardigan, I'll need some back up for sure. So I don't die of boredom of course.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

FO - Nathan's blue inca

Staying home yesterday with a sick child gave me hours to knit. I decided to finish off Nathan's blue inca sweater. I knit it using the percentage system, Nathan requested a hoodie and a pocket, so he got one. He won't try it on coz it's too hot, but it looks like it'll fit.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Knitting on Ishbel is finished

Last night my little boy was sick. Throwing up. And I sat up for a good portion of the night watching over him and knitting. And now the Ishbel is finished, well almost. I don't consider lace finished until it is blocked.

I hope to block later today and have it ready for when I see Alicia next. Must admit I'm impressed with how quickly it knit up. I know some of that can be attributed to the fact that I can now read charts easily. They have finally blocked for me which is a bonus considering there were five different charts in this pattern.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Ishbel's flying off the needles

I got so immersed in my Ishbel yesterday, I made it through chart a & b twice. This lace pattern is reasonably easy to memorize, a lot of fun and quick to knit up. I think I have to knit a lot more lace, every time I do I love live love it!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

FO - Rustic Owls Sweater

Today I wove in all the ends, grafted the underarms, sewed the collar and am pleased to say that the sweater is perfect! It fits well, and the finishing is great if I do say so myself. I'm particularly pleased with the collar, once turned over it had a wonderful clean and finished look. The owls definitely need blocking which I will get to soon enough. For now however, I'm pleased to present my Rustic Owls:

Pansygolightly Ishbel

I picked up a skein of Pansygolightly by dream and color smooshy a few weeks ago and knew I had to cast on immediately. Although I love the colors, I knew it wasn't mine and was destined to be a shawl for my closest friend.

I looked through existing projects for the yarn on ravelry to see how it had been used, to get ideas. I fell in love with another ravellers Ishbel in the same Colorway, and knew instantly that this was the yarns destiny.

So far I have finished the stockinette for the smaller size, and completed chart a. I intend to do the lace for the larger size so I can use up as much of the yarn as possible.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Need to go green

Today I was so aware of the gorgeous greens around me, a car, a dress, plants and grass. It made me realize I need to knit with green. I have so much green in my stash for sweaters, it's just a case of starting a project and I can relax in the bliss of green.

Nothing on my needles is green, Nathan's sweater is blue, Alicia's ishbel is purple, my socks are pink (perhaps with a hint of green but not enough) my dishcloths are mostly white and although the square I'm working on for my crochet sock yarn blanket is green, I need to knit, not in a crochet mood lately.

As to when I'll get to knit with green again, who knows. Chloe has put her hand up for a purple cardigan next and I don 't have any green sock yarn either. An excuse to buy some?

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Forgot the January 2012 socks!

Today is Australia day, and I realized that January is almost over, and yet I hadn't even finished my January 2012 socks, or even finished one! So I pulled them out (it, only 1 so far) and finished the foot, Kitchener stitched the toe and took the necessary photo.

Very happy with the sock, so pretty and the short row heel really is the best fit for me. The 64 stitches also seem to be just right. Now to get the second sock cast on and hopefully the leg completed before February.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Almost finished owls

Last week I finished the knitting for my owls sweater, now I just need to weave in ends, sew together the underarms and sew the collar. I have made the collar long enough that I can roll it over and sew it down, a much nicer look in my opinion.

I was going to do all the finishing last weekend, but with having to go to bendigo, it wasn't going to happen. The new plan is next weekend. The sweater fits well. I'll try to get a photo of me wearing it! But for now you'll have to settle for this:

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Knitting with bulky

I bought some patons inca in the big spotlight sale and have started a sweater for Nathan. I know it's the wrong season, but I'm hoping to be prepared once the weather gets cooler, although we are having quite a few scorchers at the moment.

I haven't knit with yarn this thick before and while at first it felt awkward with such large needles, I must admit I'm loving it. Brilliant for quick results and satisfaction. I cast on on Saturday, have finished the body and 1 sleeve, begun 2nd sleeve and hoping to join them all tonight.

There is no pattern, just basic Elizabeth Zimmerman bottom up raglan construction. Easy, memorized and effective. The yarn has 3 main plus and one is a different shade, giving the fabric a bit of depth and interest. Photos to follow soon, probably when it's finished, though, which is hopefully very very soon.

Monday, January 23, 2012

My mum took my February lady sweater!

I visited my mum on the weekend and she saw my February lady sweater for the first time and loved it. I suggested she try it on, and I'll knit one for her.

She wouldn't take it off. She said she had to keep it, loved everything about it, and my generosity that comes after a bottle of red, said "then it's yours".

I miss it now, will just have to knit another one. What a pity.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Knitting in the Park

The weather is nice today, that pleasant temperature between scorching hot and blistering cold. The sun isn't burning and the breeze is lovely. So after work I bundled up the kids and the dog, and we all walked to the park.

Sitting here in the shade with the dog while the kids play is a really nice way to spend an afternoon. The kids are playing on the equipment, and hopefully burning off their excess energy.

During lunch today I reached the first decrease round on the owls sweater and began the first row of the pattern. It's nice to have less stitches on the needles, and to work a pattern. Can't wait to see how it works out.

My sock is growing as well, I have turned the heel, picked up stitches and now am working down the gusset. I really have missed doing this heel. Definitely more interesting than the afterthought heel.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Second Square Finished

I finished the second crochet sock yarn blanket square today. I think I'm going to like this blanket and it will be relatively lightweight as well. The goal is to attach them as I go, and catch up so that as I finish a pair of socks, I
crochet a new square.

I was planning on joining them with white, but now I'm thinking black may be better after all. Not really sure though.

I do like the speed of a crochet square though, and the way it distributes the colors differently than in knitting. Certainly keeps life interesting!

Monday, January 9, 2012

January 2012 Sock

I figure I'll probably only get one pair of socks done per month, especially if I take into account all the sweaters I intend to knit, the squares I'm crocheting, the facecloths and anything else that takes my fancy.

So I'd like to introduce you to "January 2012". The yarn is Moda Vera noir, Colorway pink mix I think. The yarn stripes with a dusty pink and a speckled blue/green/cream which I really like. All the shades are muted and this Colorway really appeals to me.

I'm halfway down the first leg, and will be doing a slip stitch heel flap and short row heel. Can 't wait!!!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

I'm hooking again

So, with the goal to use my leftover sock yarn for good, I have decided to make a blanket. That of course leads you to the dilemmas associated with patterns and yarn quantities. Not to mention whether to knit or crochet.

In the end I chose to crochet, so I have something different and quick going, plus I love granny square afghans. So I chose one of the smaller leftover balls and crocheted a square, large enough to use the majority, but leaving a little over for the final border.

I'm reasonably happy with the result, but it has been difficult retraining myself in hooking. I don't do it often! I intend to crochet the squares together with white yarn in a single crochet, to give each color square a nice border to keep the colors apart so the stand out on their own.

The home for this blanket will be my car. A big blanket, large enough to fit both kids under during long drives.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

I had to frog :(

Do as I expected I made errors in the ribbing of the socks, the depressing thing is I stuffed up before I had even had a drink, and still didn't 't realize. I also realized my counting needs work.

I had 62 stitches instead of 64, so I ended the second needle with Knut stitches, and began the first needle with knit stitches! Rookie mistake and I laughed when I real used, then promptly ripped it back. I cast on fresh this morning, have finished the ribbing and am happily working down the leg. Photos soon.

On another note, I calculated the yoke for my owls, and I have about 3 inches more of stockinette before I begin the pattern. I'm excited to see how it works out, but I'm expecting it to have a similar look to the tangled yoke in relation to the size and location of the pattern. So plenty of stockinette for the few drinks I've had tonight, as we have gone out to dinner with the kids.

Unfortunately my husband (love saying that!) hates me knitting in public, so while the kids are in the playground, and he is playing pokies, I am blogging. But it's proof that knitting is always on my mind.

Friday, January 6, 2012

No knitting today

Today I went to my great uncle's funeral. It was sad, but I didn't know him very well, so I'm still standing. I think the worst thing about funerals is that they make you think about your own mortality. I was glad to be there for my dad, he doesn't 't really have anyone at the moment, or since he divorced my mum.

The funeral was nice, although many of the religious aspects made me uncomfortable. I don 't follow Christianity, and the prayers in particular I found awkward. But the turnout was quite good.

I enjoyed catching up with family, even if it wasn't under the best circumstances. My grandparents are not looking too good themselves, although after 80, every day is an achievement. And seeing my pa smile at me was definitely a highlight.

I cast on a sock this morning and have only knit a few rows of ribbing, and they were after a few drinks, so I hope I don't have to tear anything back tomorrow. Wish I was at a stockinette portion, but oh well. My owls is, but I haven 't calculated how much to knit before decreases and the pattern, so I'll leave that til tomorrow.

I'd love to hear from anyone reading this blog, what you like, what you don't. Enjoy your life, appreciate your life and live your dreams!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Oops! I did it again!

A little bonus money this week meant another trip to spotlight, especially considering they had other yarns on sale. Not quite as significant a bargain as last time, but still so much fun!

After bringing home my last yarn haul, I realized that I could easily do with a few extra balls in most of the colors I bought for sweaters, and if there's too much.....hats and fingerless mitts!

Today's purchase bought me a chocolate brown sweater, my daughter dark and light purple sweaters, and the extra balls for fun. Tomorrow I 'm thinking about going to knit'n'purl my local yarn store to see if there are any bargains there. So much fun!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

About to join the sleeves

I have finished the second sleeve and am about to do my favorite part, join the sleeves to the body and begin the yoke. The first few rows are difficult, with the tightness between the sleeves and the body, at least until you have worked a few rounds.

I'm still planning to wing the yoke with the owls motif, try and get the pattern nicely in the middle and keep the fit nice. I'm also hoping the sweater will still fit, I have put on a few kilos over Christmas, but haven't most of us?

I'm working on a dishcloth at the moment, the sweater will be a settling down project now. Once I finish the dishcloth, I look forward to casting on another sock.

Monday, January 2, 2012

12 Sweaters in 2012

I have decided my main challenge for this year is 12 in 12. I'm not going to restrict it to only adult sweaters, I will include any sweaters I knit for my kids as well. Of course, if I can get 12 adult sweaters I would be very pleased. But at the same time I am trying to be realistic.

I am going to include my owls sweater, as it still has a long way to go before it's finished. There are so many patterns I want to knit, and after my spectacular spotlight find, I have wool for plenty of sweaters, ready and waiting.

Now to try and save for the bendigo sheep and wool show in July!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Danielle 2012

Happy new year and welcome to 2012! Last year for me was a year of incredible changes, more than I expected. I returned to work after being a stay at home mum for 9 years, my daughter changed schools and my son started day care.

I made new friends, met lots of new people and grew a lot as an individual. I got married, moved house and finished the year by buying a new car, with my first ever loan. It feels like nothing is the same now, but that's ok. I like change.

But I think there was more than enough change last year and I feel that this year is a year for balance, calm, routine and growth. And I'm looking forward to it.

I have the usual health goals for the new year, drink less, eat healthier and exercise more. I hope to lose some weight as well.

Knitting goals are to develop my skills, and knit beyond my comfort zone. I want to knit a few fair isle sweaters, especially Hermoine's hooded jacket and the autumn rose pullover. I also hope to knit a circular shawl and develop my lace knitting skills.

I am certainly looking forward to 2012 and everything it will bring. I wish everyone a wonderful year!