Thursday, March 31, 2005

Spring is Here!

I just finished a very simple Spring scarf for a very secret recipient. I won't disclose who she is until she receives it but let's just say she has been a warm and generous knitting friend.

I call it the Spring Scarf because the Noro Silk Garden has every colour of spring imaginable in it - pink and blue and green and rose and lavenders and marigold.

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It's a simple lace pattern I picked up from my chinese "600 knitting patterns" book and I am sure it has an english name.

The instructions are as follows:-

Cast on 17 stitches. The 1st 3 and the last 3 stitches are the border and can be done in seed or garter stitch.

Work 3 rows in seed or garter stitch

Row 1: work 3 stitches in seed or garter stitch, [ knit 2tog twice, yo,k,yo,k,yo,k,yo, ssk twice ] work last 3 stitches in seed or garter
Row 2: work the border for 3 stitches, purl until last 3 stitches, work border.

Keep going until you want to stop and knit the last 3 rows in seed or garter stitch
Cast Off.

I used 5mm needles with Noro Silk Garden -which is a worsted weight.


Enjoy!!

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Finally - a yarn for Clapotis

I finally found a yarn suitable for Clapotis.

I blogged about this quite some time ago and though there are plenty of great yarn substitutes and dozens of beautiful Clapotis around the web, I never really found something that met my criteria.

until now


The Blue, Turquoise and Lilac Clapotis

The yarn is for my favourite handpainted yarns from the ebay store Over The Rainbow - and is called Shmmer in the crocus colourway. It is a Rayon/silk mix and the worsted weight makes it go real fast. The drape in this thing is unbelievable.

I am making a smaller wrap - only 14 inches as opposed to the original 21 inches and this one is for me - nobody else but me.

My baby was 2 on Saturday. Wasn't it only yesterday when he looked like this

Baby Gregory 2 days old

or like this

Baby Gregory 1 year old

Now he's a gorgeous kid who looks like this


Gregory is 2

Sigh!

Friday, March 25, 2005

FBS Debut

Just a quick one before I rush off for Easter.



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FBS Blocking


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Wearing FBS in 35 degrees C.

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Taking a closer look.




Happy Easter everyone!

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

FBS unblocked!

Take a look at my finished Flower Basket Shawl, half draped over my office chair


Flower Basket Shawl unblocked
Done with 2 strands of laceweight merino from Lotusblossom (ebay) colourway - Lagoon
Click here for a closer look.


If I had not seen the other similarly unblocked FBS's in blogworld, I'd be crying in my cups right now. BUT I have faith in my blocking abilities. It's going for a nice warm "bath and block" tonight.

Oh by the way - started this on 11 March and finished on 20th March - one of my fastest project ever.

I have found my perfect Clapotis yarn. More pics later.

Celia, I drew your name out of the correct guesses for the Broadripple socks - I'm almost starting the toe - got distracted by the Flower Basket shawl. Please email me your address so I can send you a nice ball of Filatura Kid Mohair in Blue.

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Another Clue??


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I'll do the drawing on next Friday 18th March. Oh BTW you can guess more than once you know.

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

OHMIGOD

Look what I got from my Secret Pal !!!

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From top to bottom:- Noro Daria for a necklace scarf; Noro Lily for socks ( oh no won't use this for socks! Will hoard this for something special!) and Bernat Boa - just for the fun of things!
You're the greatest !!!!


Lyn came over last Friday to do some winding and we took some pictures but it needs some touching up. We sat outside on the patio cos it was an extremely hot night. I must say that the ball winder is a great investment, what took me 2 -3 hours to wind now only takes about 10 minutes.

We gave our hands and waists a good work out cos we took turns in holding up the skeins and moving it back and forth in time with the ball winder - so hey! who says you don't get any exercise from knitting.


Click the thumbnails for a closer look at we were doing
Working hard over the winder One hank of Peace Fleece, if you please Lagoon Lace



Fired up by the gorgeous skein of handpainted merino lace from Lotus blossom that I wound up, I started the Flower Basket Shawl.
Lyn asked if I could figure out the casting on - and after frogging twice - I did! I originally cast on with a red viscose cotton from Garnstudio which I thought I might wear for my sister-in-law's wedding in April. But a visit to the tailor's the next day resulted in me choosing a blue- green dress. So the handpainted colourway names Lagoon won and I've been obsessed by this shawl every since. I'm at the 1st repeat of the upper Basket pattern - another 6 to go.

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I've also been working on a mystery project - so mysterious that when I tried to upload the photo to photobucket - I hit a scheduled maintainence page. So I'll let you make guesses on what my mystery project is. Just to make it a little more fun, any right guesses will go into a draw for a ball of Filatura di Crosa Kid Mohair fine - the same as what I am using for the Lacy Lattice Stole. ( *oh Lyn you can't join in the fun cos you saw it already*) A clue? - well it's rippling.

Just send in your guesses through my email or in the comments here.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

From the comments

Melanie was asking about the shawl/shrug pattern in one of the previous post. She didn't leave an email address so I'll answer here.

It's from Panda Yarns leaflet#108 4 designs in Bracken Tweed. Have googled the life out of it but I can't find any information on this yarn anywhere so I guess it's been discontinued.

The Panda yarn site is http://www.pandayarns.biz. Perhaps if you email them, Melanie they may be able to give you more information on where to get the leaflet.

Cheers

Monday, March 07, 2005

Fiddlesticks!!

I just have to share with you what I discovered during the weekend.

Filatura di Crosa Kid Mohair rocks!!
I got some from Emy a couple of months ago and decided to break it out this weekend to do a small swatch for my Fiddlesticks knit a long.

Yes I have sadly neglected my lace knitting after my pathetic attempt at Inky Dinky stole, so I decided to try again this time using the Lacy Lattice Stole.



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Take a closer look



I feel like I am knitting with clouds, it's that soft and airy. Of course the downside is that it does fly about a lot if you're knitting under a fan so one has to get a good grip on the yarn. Occasionally I do feel bits of fluff itching around my nose and in my throat but it's not as bad as some other mohairs I have used.
The best part is that it's way cheaper that Rowan Kid Silk Haze so I think the next project with this yarn would be Polly's Kiri.


Stasher's Anonymous 5 step programme

I was just having a conversation with Laura about yarn obsessions.
I though I'd share the things I do to stop myself from buying yarn - especially in the last few weeks ( I have 20 days to Easter and counting!!!).


1. The worst place of temptation - EBAY! Whatever you do,don't visit it everday. If you have anything in your favourite searches, don't set it to send to your mailbox.

2. Ditto for your favourite online shop.

3. If you just can't resist something, click save it to your watch list instead and wait 24 hours before you do anything.

4. When surfing in an online shop - click the desired items and place them in the shopping cart. THEN CLOSE the window and do not go back to the site for at least 24 hours. Repeat everyday if necessary.

5. Don't drive anywhere near your LYS. If you must go in, drag along some knitting friends with you and watch them buy up the store. This just gives me a such a sick vicarious (sp??) buzz.


On suppressing impulse buys ( especial when Sales occur)

1. Repeat this mantra " There will always be another Sale"

2. Set a budget every month for Stash and do not deviate!! Don't make up for the fact that you spent less last month either.

3. Have a list of your most wanted and set what is the most you are willing to pay for each item. Update this list only every month.

4. Compare every yarn you are thinking of buying with this less and do not deviate. If you must buy something not on the list- take something out.

5. If you take something out of the list - put it back in only after 2 months. After that time you might find you don't want it as much. ( Or most probably ,you might find something else you like better).


And if all else fails -
DESTASH FIRST BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT LOT OF YARN.


Did I say there was 20 more days to EASTER??

Friday, March 04, 2005

Round Up

So here's the Butterfly in all its glory.





Noro Silk Garden
Colourway #137
I haven't a pic of me in it cos I can't seem to get one which looks passably decent. Lyn was supposed to come over last Sunday to take a few photoes but we were both tied up and did not meet in the end.


Anyways - I need to do some major fix up on this one. As you may have noticed - one side of the front is longer than the other. I don't how that could have happened unless it was during one of those marathon late night/early morning knitting sessions watching Deep Space 9 DVDs. I'm not sure how I am going to fix it yet, probably pick up stitches on the cast-on edge of shorter side and knit about 1 inch.


Secondly, it's huge!! I really over estimated my size this time. Probably over-reacting to the other time with the Shapely T when I under-estimated.


You know what I might just re-do the whole thing in maybe about oh... 3 years time or so - around the next time there is a recycling campaign. In the meantime - my Mum seemed to like it so she'll probably get more wear out of it than me.




I've finished one sleeve of the Zara project (which I'll refer to the Pseudo Gansey, because it reminds me of some other ganseys I've seen around the net, in particular Rachel's )


I'm doing this project in tandem with the Zara.







It's for my sister who sent over the wool last year with my Mum. She'll be coming over in July to pick it up, so I probably should get started on it. Check out this yarn - Panda Bracken Tweed - a mohair acrylic mix.

I just love the name "Bracken Tweed" - it's so descriptive. Everytime I say it "Brrracken Tweed" I just imagine the scottish highlands surrounded by heather, moss and tweed, wind in my hair and some handsome scottish laddie walking around in kilts.




"Brrrraaacken Tweeed"






Sorry! got distracted by the scottish laddie! I went to boarding school in Dunedin NZ so am a little partial to handsome scottish laddies.




My sis asked me to make the cardigan but I'm more intrigued by this pattern



I've asked her to get more of this yarn but she says it was discontinued. So if anyone of you knitters out there have some (about 5 balls) in your stash you'd like to get rid off... please let me know.

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

NYBA

Yep No Yarn Buying until Easter. Since:-

1. it's my current obsession which I feel I should learn to control (yeah right)
2. my credit card needs a break
3. I decided I like the feeling of finishing something for a change so I want to work on the stash I have first before buying some more.


After finishing Butterfly, I was half heartedly knitting on the green Japanese Lacy Top and looking around for something new to start. I know I was thinking of Rogue, but I can't seem to print out the pattern. For some reason, I get stuck at page 15. Something about slow network connections in the office. I can't print it at home as my printer there is on the blink ( need more ink!!).


So I casted on for Lara from Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk collection using Filatura di Crosa Zara. WOW! this is just about the best wool yarn I have ever knitted on. I mean it's soft and not fluffy and it doesn't have those bits of vegetable matter you have to pull at every yard intervals. It feels lighter and cooler than some cotton yarns I have felt up. I guess it's true that some wool yarn can be lighter and cooler than some cotton yarn.




The colours looks like freshly steamed prawns - there's no other way to describe it.


Then I caught sight of these two lovely patterns in a Japanese pattern book while browsing in a book store yesterday -




(sorry about the quality of the pic)

So I thinking of not doing Lara with this yarn and using it for the sweater on the left.

Decision! Decisions!

Friday, February 18, 2005

Secret Pal

I think I have the best secret pal ever!!

On valentine's day I received a $20.00 gift voucher from Amazon - whooo!
Then the next day I received a little postcard from her with recipe for Southern Fried Chicken.
And yesterday I got another package containing the Knitter's pocketbook - a journal where I can keep track of my stash and projects- and a kit to make a beaded clown fish which is too cute.

I surfed around Amazon a bit before deciding which books to buy and I settled on



Spin It - by Lee Raven - of course so I can learn a little more about what I am doing with that Spindle.


Knit Socks - cos I want to try knitting socks and don't have a clue where to begin.


Thanks Secret Pal Mwahh mwahh!!!

The other big news is .....

I FINISHED THE BUTTERFLY

I sewed the last seam yesterday at 2.30 am. My little boy has a fever and I was waiting up to give him his last dose at 3.00 am, so what better activity to keep me awake then seaming? Let's just say today is not a good day to be talking to me about quantum physics or asking me to operate heavy machinery.

I put it on immediately to have look at myself in the mirror and ... hmmm. although I am pretty happy overall- I just have to knit pick a little on this project.

1. I have the sloping shoulders - perhaps it's to do with the seaming - perhaps If I used a binding stitch instead of a mattress stitch to seam the shoulders, it might tighten up the top a little.

2. I liked this pattern partly because the front left and right looked as if it was cut away - ie slimmer at the bottom - gradually increasing to the bottom of the collar than decreasing back. Mine just hangs straight down and looks kind of limp.
If I ever do this again, I'd probably draft it out and do the increase - decrease myself. Or I may put a little button flap at the back of the jacket to pull in the waist a little.

3. I love this chevron stitch - it really shows off the Noro colourway and I am happy with the colour way I choose. BUT after putting it on for less that 10 minutes, I was already swimming in my own perspiration. Also I don't like the heavy drape, it seems to detract from the lovely pattern. I am very tempted to try this again using a double knit cotton yarn with similar variegations - a yarn that doesn't hang so heavily.


I will be putting up a pic - just as soon as I block the collar.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Catch the Spindle

It's arrived!

My little starter kit arrived on Monday from Inspirations Yarn and I wasted no time in opening it up and giving the spindle a little twirl. But the twirling spindle caught the eye of my two-year-old and he came running to inspect the new Toy. No amount of "Mustn't touch" could stop him from trying to play "Catch the Spindle" which meant I had to put it away until he was in bed for the night.



What an appropriate Valentine's Day surprise for my love affair with fiber.



Unfortunately, DH and I had to do this dinner thing that evening so I couldn't play with the spindle until the next evening.



The next evening - this is what I produced:-





Corriedale roving
It's looks like more roving than anything but I've seen some novelty wool which looks similar. I have to save this little skein for posterity. My first skein of hand spun yarn.

My next efforts did look a little more promising but with a different roving - a Shetland




My DH looks like he's seriously worried. He said " umm.. I thought spinning was done with the wheel thing and Rumpelstiltskin will come and help you at night?"
I just answered " I haven't got a wheel yet, but maybe I'll get one once I've saved around US$700."
I think he turned a slight shade of green but he didn't say anything more. I'll give him a break - I won't buy any more stash for the whole of Lent.

Butterfly update
I am still halfway through the Butterfly's Collar - with another 6 inches to go. It's slow going cos it was freaking hot here over the past week! Just felt like yesterday when Lyn and I were freezing our butts off in Starbucks.

But I am sure I'll get it done by this this week. That is, if I am not too distracted by, uh, other things.. ;)

Tuesday, February 08, 2005

Happy Chinese New Year



Will be away at my in laws for a week.
Frantically trying to finish Butterfly by midnight tonight!!
Have fun with family and friends for those who celebrate and don't pig out too much.

Friday, February 04, 2005

Mail box heaven

Look what popped into my mail box on Wednesday!





Yeap it's the Koigu - soft luscious beautiful Koigu.
Except for one thing - that skein of dark green sticks out like a sore thumb.
Take a step back.


Nope still sticking out!


Anyone want to trade for this skein of Koigu Solid? There's a label with this number on it - 1510/9 and it is dark forest green. I'm happy to trade for another skein of Koigu PPM in a lighter green colourway or make me an offer.


Now that I have got my Koigu - I can lay this obsession to rest now - very happy not to make anymore Koigu purchases for at least... oh 2 months.


Meanwhile I also receive a pack of 10 Filatura di Crosa Kid Mohair from Emy in Singapore for a steal! I absolutely love the mohair and it is a fraction of the price of Rowan's Kid Silk Haze. Didn't have the time to take a pic this morning but I have to break it out this weekend and bring it to our meetup for a fondling session.
Planning to do Polly's Kiri shawl with this lot plus other projects from the Lavish Lace books.


As for the Colinette obsession, it still continues although under control. I keep picking out balls of yarn from my stash of odd balls of eyelash/fugly scarf yarn and placing it side by side to see if I could make a nice striping progression. I will keep working on it and see if I can't come up with a pseudo Ab fab throw/ stole by the end of the weekend.


I realise that it's the Ab Fab pattern that I am mad about - although that may change once I receive my first lot of Colinette yarn.



Feeling a little rich today as my Quilt book Dear Jane that I put up on eBay is garnering a lot of interest and is almost at its retail value with another 3 days of bidding left to go.


Now this book isn't out of print - and yes it is signed by the author but it is addressed to me. So I didn't expect it to go for more than half the retail value. Half of me feels like emailing the current higest bidder and saying "Are you sure you want to pay so much for this book?" But then I see bids for Alice Starmore books or for the Proper Stitch going above $100, I think I should just be quiet and get the most out of what I can.


Then the other half of me ( the pack rat half) is thinking, "Why am I selling my precious book?". Why indeed! So I may one day save enough to buy a spinning wheel, that's why!


I have Jane Ellison's Simply Noro up for bid as well as packs of 50 2.5 inch Cotton squares. Do check it out if you are interested.



Wednesday, February 02, 2005

SP4 Questionaire

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high- a nd/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
Not really fussed - yarn selection here is so dismal that I am sure anything from US/UK/Canada is wonderful.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I want to start spinning but haven't really ordered the basic items yet. I know how to crochet but it isn't my favourite pastime.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
Not that I know of.

4. How long have you been knitting?
ohh maybe 20 years or so but I took a break for about 12 years and started again last August.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Lavender and violets

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
prefer savoury

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Rubber stamping, cross stitch , hardanger, tatting ( also learning)

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like quite a variety ranging from Swing, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, ro marron 5, Linkin Park ( no kidding) and the soundtrack to all the Lord of the Rings movies.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
I am partial to the purple, lavender and pink, but am trying to get more into blus and greens.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married, one 2 year old son and no pets

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Ohhh - I love handpainted yarn - because I live in a tropical country, the yarns are use and mostly lightweight - cotton or cotton blends. Although I lust for wool , i know it isn't practical.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Not found one yet.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Ab Fab Colinette Throw, Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk designs.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Lacy Scarves and Cardigans.

17. What are you knitting right now?
err - Noro Butterfly, Japanese Cotton Lacy Top , Lacy Tunic from Rebecca

18. What do you think about ponchos?
don't think I'll ever wear them

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? I can do both

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
no bamboos - for some reason I can handle the squeeking as they rub together

21. Are you a sock knitter? haven't tried although it is in my plans one day.

22. How did you learn to knit?
A teacher in boarding school taught me how to contruct a sweater - before that I just knew the basic rib- purl straight rectangular type of knitting.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
oh 3 months or so

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Boo - from Monsters Inc and I like cats

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Koigu. Colinette.

Monday, January 31, 2005

Obsession

I noticed that I normally start my surfing each week with just the normal rounds of the blogs and then I catch on to something and it becomes my weekly obsession. Typical behaviour would include:-


1. Google search - to look at every possible colourway, discussion group and blog talking about the project in question.
2. eBay search - especially if I have just got paid
3. Followed by impulse bids. I try not to go for "Buy it Now" feature. I put in a bid and then leave it to the Knitting Goddess - Her will be done!
3. If I'm feeling poor, then the items go into the Watch list until I feel richer.
4. Normally after a few days, I would calm down and the items are off my watchlist, at least until the next obsession.


Well I fell off the wagon today!


Look what the HK knitters are doing - They bought Colinnette Ab Fab kits!

And made Ab Fab stoles!

and then swap the remainder yarn!


Eva has finished hers, so has Marjorie, now just waiting to see Siow Chin's .



So off I go on the Google search and found the normal formula for the Ab Fab kit


3 different coloured mohair
1 smooth aran (Skye)
1 cotton tape (Wigwam)
1 cotton chenille (Fandango)
2 twisted chunky wool (zanzibar)


Being a contrary knitter, I've decided against the kit and to collect one or two skeins each month and supplement with my own stash. I have some mohair, and some Cotton Chenille. As for the pattern - a normal feather and fan insterspaced with some garter stitch would do the trick, I reckon.


A visit to ebay to have a look at colinette yarns resulted in two bids

Zanzibar - Cherry

Skye - Blue Parrot

Now I am itching to put in another bid for the mohair and the cotton tape....
Must..get... a... grip. ..Must.. wait.. till... tomorrow...


I'm normally better after a good night's sleep.

-----------------------------------------------------------

I've joined up for Secret Pals 4 , but I haven't finished answering the survey. So for my Secret Pal out there,I promise I'll update my info here in the next couple of days or so.

-----------------------------------------------------------




Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Blocking, bitching and stash-Busting

I've blocked the body of the Butterfly - while I work on the sleeves





Ok so most of you voted for me to continue with the Lacy Tunic and I think I agree. I still like this pattern even though it's languishing in my to-be-blocked bag. Besides I don't think the Trinity would suit Rogue. The pattern requires a stiffer yarn that would show of the cables better. So I have decided to use my Rowan All Seasons Cotton instead.

Which would mean froggin and ripping out the Lacy Jacket from Schachenmeyr Inspirations. I looked at again last night and decided that the ASC is too thick for that jacket. The Trinity, however, would probably work better.


So you see - a little juggling around means I don't have to get more stash for my next project.


Which means I'd have the cash to get me a spindle and some roving - * evil grin*


Stitch & Bitch

Lyn and I met up with Laura and her very patient boyfriend yesterday. He sat right through our knitting blather reading Dan Browns Angels and Demons (which, by the way, I was meaning to ask if it was good, but didn't have a chance forgot) and very obligingly took a photo of us before Laura left.





It's a little dark and I am hopeless at the photo-editing, but you get the picture (literally). On the left is Laura holding her "Tempting" and there's Lyn in the center with her latest project and me doing a couple of rows on my Japanese Lace top project.


It's good to meet like minded knitters. We were yakking so much I casted on 10 more stitches on the front of my Lace Top. Topics of the day were the usual Bitch about the price of yarn in Malaysia, favourite and non favourite LYS, where to get the best ( and cheapest) yarn online, poring over each other's books, comparing yarns and talking about the next project.

We hope to this again next Sunday at 3.00 pm and hopefully Celia and Doreen can join us this time.

I'd like to update more of the 100 useless facts about me but I'm developing the usual PMS migraine and have had about all that I can tolerate of the PC monitor.

See ya!

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

What to do next??

I am saved!! The Noro #37 arrived so I casted on for the sleeves last night- looks like Butterfly is on the go again.

At this point of a project I always start thinking of what to do next. I know I have several WIPs and I was looking them over last night. Much as I like the Lacy Tunic from Rebecca magazine, I've been looking all over the blogs at Rogue . Gorgeous pullover with those lovely celtic cables. I am trying to stashbust for this and really the only thing I have suitable is the Jaeger Trinity. It's so lightweight, it would make a great Rogue for our weather.

BUT I have finished the back of the Lacy Tunic and I don't think I have enough yarn for two projects although the yardage is 200+yards per ball. And knitting two projects from the same colour would be pretty boring... Unless I could swap with someone?

So I need your help here. Please vote on my poll on the left to see which one I should do or if you have any other ideas, do let me know.

*Siow Chin, I'm still eyeing the spindles and have even joined a couple of Spin lists to see what I am getting myself into.*

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

The Onde and other eBay buys

I received the 1st of my Birthday stash - lot of Phildar Onde in Yellow from Valerie at Knit 'n Tyme. I must be a slow developer as Phildar Onde has been discontinued and I was fortunate enough to grab the last few lots Valerie had.



I am not sure why I decided I wanted some - I can't believe anyone would discontinue such an unusual and lovely yarn, especially when it seemed to be doing so well.

Got this last month in honour of my birthday (shh! don't tell the Hubby.) along with 3 extra balls of Noro Silk Garden #37 to finish off my Butterfly and 5 skeins of Koigu KPPM.

Instead of receiving the Noro #37, I opened the box and found #87. The seller has promised to send me the correct Noro colourway but I ain't holding my breath. I am just hoping that the 3 and three-quarter balls I have left will be enough for the collar and sleeves. Just to be safe I'll be doing the collar first so I can easily turn the Butterfly into a vest if there isn't enough yarn for the sleeves..
I will be casting on for the collar tonight.

Still waiting on the Koigu ... crossing fingers.. hoping that it will arrive safe and sound.


Still eyeing the spindle...

Thursday, January 13, 2005

Spinning Dreams

According to my baby Gregory everything with wings is a "b-b-ba-te-fy" unless it tweets, then it is a bird.

I don't know what he'll think of his mummy's butterfly...

I've finished the left front -



You may not be able to see it from here but the shoulder is about 1.2 - 2 inches longer than the back! How did this happen? I honestly don't know. I was concentrating on the decreases and it was late at night and I wanted to cast off before I went to bed. Now I have to frog it before I start the next front.

The house is still in a mess but we managed to get our friends over last weekend just for a round of pizzas and beer. So there were at least 30 of us - but everyone made themselves comfortable on the floor and on plastic chairs outside. All the kids were playing in the tent Gregory got for Christmas - placed in the living room.

Lyn came along as well with her hubby and gave me this fantastic big purple and pink tote.


It fits my Butterfly project perfectly.

Today my surfing time was totally taken up by visions of drop spindles and beginner spinning kits. Yes I have this idea that I might save money on yarn by spinning my own.

*pause*

Before you drop of your chairs and roll around laughing.... I am seriously thinking of learning to spin. Maybe not to save money but just to see if I can.

*pause*
I think I need help.