tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86317220482163588562024-03-14T03:55:55.758+11:00Wen's woolgatheringMy thoughts on my current projects.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-46372526705267070422009-03-16T13:17:00.001+11:002009-03-16T13:18:44.852+11:00Moving houseI've decided to move as there are some features in the new house that I like better:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://wenswoolgathering.wordpress.com/">New address</a></span><br /><br />I hope to see you there.<br /><br />WenWenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-9441041877652895562009-03-15T11:21:00.003+11:002009-03-15T11:29:49.682+11:00Push my buttonsI've just found out an easy way to add polls to the blog. So if you click on the heading or comments of any new posts (I haven't added any to the old posts) you can let me know with the click of the mouse what you think by clicking a button. Of course comments are always welcome.<br /><br />Polls on the main page will vary every so often and are there for fun! Well my fun anyway.<br /><br />I've also changed the comments method so those that were having problems with blogger should be ok now.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-84359321462366402512009-03-15T10:10:00.003+11:002009-03-15T10:31:01.728+11:00A day in the life....I've just been reading a few of these on other blogs. The idea is for the 14th of the month a rundown of your day. So here goes. Sorry no photos this time.<br /><br />6:55am out of bed and get the boys up. Quick shower and breakfast for everybody and off to cricket for Rusty. He attends Wesley College so every saturday morning it is interschool sport. Yesterday they played Carey Baptist Grammar and he managed to score 2 runs.<br /><br />After dropping him off Monster and I went and bought "Snotgobble and the Bogey Bully" by Michael Broad for Monster to read while I had my eyes tested. (Yes the story line is as Gross and you are thinking but he's a 7yo boy)<br /><br />The eye test found that my distance glasses were fine, no change there but I now need reading glasses so I had to choose new frames with the help of a 7yo boy - fun. No I don't like bling on my glasses and no , the ones that look funny are not the best choice.<br /><br />About 10:15 we left those shops and went to another centre about 15 minutes away. We walked in the door just as a very light shower started. 2 minutes later I got a call from the ex saying that Rusty's game had been washed out and could I pick him up.<br /><br />We went back to the car in heavy rain and drove through flooded roads back to the school watching the outside temp drop from 25 to 18. Rusty was the last to be picked up, the coach had bundled all the boys into his car to wait for their parents as the buildings were too far to run in the rain.<br /><br />Back to the shops for a new mouse and computer bag, a birthday present for a boy turning 8 and some lunch then home for an afternoon relaxing, doing some knitting while the boys played computer games. Thaw some food from the freezer for dinner and a Skype chat with Eno and Monkey who are in Hobart before bed.<br /><br />Well that was my day, nothing out of the ordinary, well except for flash flooding, soaked kids and new glasses.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-81205845006512412682009-03-14T11:50:00.007+11:002009-03-14T11:50:00.276+11:00WIP updateI have been working on the following this week:<br /><br />Wave wrap - half done now. I like the way it is turning out, seems to be wider than the pattern suggested so may need blocking to get a narrower longer wrap. I keep making mistakes with the feather and fan but luckily they are easily fixed.<br /><br />Shoulder shawl in Syrian pattern - still plodding along. After completing the first ball it looks like it will be too big if I use all 5 so I'm further along than I thought!<br /><br />Garter stitch wrap - still on target after finishing the 3rd ball. Measurements still show a finished size of approx 51" square.<br /><br />The mohair bolero is finished I am now working seriously on the Silk cap sleeved top. Almost up to the armholes. I need some new work clothes and this is one that will be good for work.<br /><br />Now that it is getting colder it is time to put the summer things into hibernation and get cracking on things to keep me warm. This includes the mohair capelet, wide collared jacket and aubergine jumper. Unfortunately the aubergine jumper is in Melbourne so that one will move slowly for the next month or two.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-59842645483210147912009-03-13T13:53:00.005+11:002009-03-13T14:07:36.817+11:00Thanks to <a href="http://knights-dont-knit.blogspot.com/2009/03/spring-knitty.html">Kate </a>who posted that the new Knitty was up I now have 4 more things in my queue. <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/KSPATTaeolian.php">Aeolian shawl</a>, <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/PATTdecimal.php">Decimal</a> , <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/PATTpioneer.php">Pioneer</a> and<a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/PATTshipwreck.php"> Shipwreck.</a>Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-44366075251700199612009-03-13T10:42:00.001+11:002009-03-13T10:43:52.656+11:00What a surpriseI got home last night and found that Eno had bought me a skein of undyed mohair. 260g of soft fluffy mohair to play with.<br /><br />Now to work out what to make with it.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-76977760122417901702009-03-12T12:31:00.015+11:002009-03-12T13:23:20.796+11:00Instant gratificationor enlarging the lace to reduce the repeats...<br /><br />I like instant gratification. Using large needles may be like writing with a crayon but the speed you can turn out a shawl or scarf certainly makes up for it.<br /><br />The cathedral windows shawl was designed to be knitted in lace weight and looks fabulous if you can be bothered doing it. Me? I made it with 8ply on 7mm needles.<br /><br />Birch has 300+ stitches to be cast on in Kid silk haze. I reversed the pattern so I didn't have to cast on and knitted it in mohair twice as thick on 7mm needles.<br /><br />I'm currently knitting feather and fan on 10mm - I started it on Monday and the stole is now 75cm long.<br /><br />My purple parallelogram was a delicate little stitch I liked the look of so I knitted it up on 15mm needles.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/2079413173_b0d92d20f9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 190px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/2079413173_b0d92d20f9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2341/2168389040_ed41ae718d_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 190px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2341/2168389040_ed41ae718d_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3337028236_beb75097de_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 190px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3337028236_beb75097de_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/2218969965_539275ea8e_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 190px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/2218969965_539275ea8e_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I love the look of delicate lace but the time commitment is just not there so lace with elephantitis it is!Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-65589026795564581932009-03-11T09:12:00.001+11:002009-03-11T11:38:19.511+11:00A cowl for Monkey<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wen1965/3345408830/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3345408830_ee4f380124_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wen1965/3345408830/">004</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/wen1965/">wen1965</a></span></div>What do you do when your 2 year old keeps stealing your cowls to wear? You make him his own. This little cowl was done in 1 night in front of the TV.<br /><br />Yarn: Naturally magic garden Buttons. less than 1 ball.<br />Dimensions: 40cm circumference, 18cm height<br />needles: Options 5.5mm<br /><br />Cast on 72 stitches, knit to required height, cast off loosely.<br clear="all" />Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-41501651931450007252009-03-10T09:16:00.001+11:002009-03-10T09:19:28.172+11:00Wearing what you make...The question seems to come up often: How many of your handknits can you wear at one time.<br /><br />Well it depends on what you make but it is perfectly acceptable to wear multiple handknits at one time without thinking you look like Molly Weasley.<br /><br />Really no one thinks 'oh how many designer items of clothing can I wear without looking silly' so why do we treat hand knitted items differently.<br /><br />So in summer you may be wearing a skirt, top and light scarf or a dress and shrug. All of these things can be knitted, however I wouldn't wear a knitted dress and I wouldn't wear a knitted skirt no matter who made it or the designer labels in it.<br /><br />So in summer I would wear a knitted top and dress up any outfit with a light scarf or shawl.<br /><br />Winter? On a cold day I would normally wear jeans, socks, shirt, jumper, mitts, coat/wrap cowl/scarf. Out of these items the jeans would always come from a shop, in my case so would the socks (that's another story) all of the other items could be hand knits.<br /><br />The key is not wearing all machine made and one key item, it is co-ordination. Do the colours go together? What about the textures? Does the whole look like an outfit or that you have raided your wardrobe for every warm thing you own.<br /><br />Treat your handknits like all your other clothes. It is a matter of does this go with that, not how the item was made.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-73132732629907897592009-03-09T09:52:00.005+11:002009-03-09T19:45:15.027+11:00Shawl fetish?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3339740620_ee44218992.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3339740620_ee44218992.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I was told recently I had a shawl fetish. I had never thought of it that way. I love knitting quick knits and the more pieces the longer it will take to finish so shawls really fit the bill.<br /><br />Currently OTN I have 3; the Syrian shoulder shawl, a summer weight lace project, Garter stitch Wrap, a thick winter wrap and the Wave wrap, a light bright quick knit on 10mm needles.<br /><br />I also enjoy wearing shawls, I heard one person describe it as 'wearing a hug', I prefer the thought of wearing a big woolly blanket. Easy to throw on, keeps me warm and I have one for all seasons.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2225424470_a31fd46941_t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2225424470_a31fd46941_t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2319556461_6222c4aa8b_t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2319556461_6222c4aa8b_t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2967976077_e4362c2135_t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 75px; height: 100px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2967976077_e4362c2135_t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2066/2167597859_96a7d60886_t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2066/2167597859_96a7d60886_t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />There are so many ways to wear one too, just clipped at the shoulder and worn like a poncho, wrapped tightly around the neck like a scarf, tied at the front to give a deep v neck look...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2128/2225425014_f7a1d1324d_t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2128/2225425014_f7a1d1324d_t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2276/2224630225_18c49071ae_t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2276/2224630225_18c49071ae_t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2578999091_b2e5a39748_t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 99px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2578999091_b2e5a39748_t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2200/1855556732_3fb3a6f085_t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 95px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2200/1855556732_3fb3a6f085_t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>They go with jeans suits and dresses. What is there not to like about shawls?<br /><br />I am planning on knitting a lace weight fine lace shawl, I have some casmere merino lace weight ready for the right pattern when I find it.<br /><br />Shawls above:<br />Gumleaf shawl (Yarn Magazine), Holly shawl (Jo Sharp), Clapotis (Knitty), modified Birch (Rowan).<br />My design in Ramie, Cathedral Windows (Yarn Magazine), modified Striped Wrap (Jo Sharp), garter stitch on 15mm needles.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-9284830383314692312009-03-07T21:53:00.005+11:002009-03-12T13:20:28.857+11:00Playing with textureAs I mentioned earlier I went to Sunspun recently. They had a wrap made up in the shop and I bought the kit for it. I started it yesterday. I love the way it is coming together. 3 Colinette yarns all completely different textures but in the same colourway.<br /><br />I'm knitting stripes of feather and fan, the mohair appears to be almost soft focus between the clear stripes of <a href="http://www.colinette.co.uk/index.php?cPath=6_34">Giotto</a> and <a href="http://www.colinette.co.uk/index.php?cPath=6_24">Tagliatelli.</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3337028236_63872d25ab_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3337028236_63872d25ab_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/3335525795_4f7ab63081.jpg"><br /></a>Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-10534509921789472862009-03-07T10:28:00.006+11:002009-03-10T09:28:10.770+11:00A+ for procrastination<span xmlns=""><p>I did it! I did it! I did it! As my 2 year old would say.<span><span xmlns=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3333469177_ed26f08580_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 301px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3333469177_ed26f08580_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span></p><p>I finally finished my Mohair bolero.</p><p>The pattern is the bolero version 2 (long sleeved) from Jo Sharp Knit 2. It was designed to be knitted with 8ply cotton but I thought it would look good in mohair. I got some 4ply mohair silk blend from Marta's yarns ( now<a href="http://www.thethreadroom.com.au/shop/catalog/index.php?osCsid=rc0m8mvc6ke0q7uu2bnkk0hqq6"> the Threadroom</a>). When I told the person serving that I would be knitting it on 4mm needles he thought that the needle size was too small for the yarn. It turned out beautifully, just what I wanted to wear over dresses. Certainly not too tight a knit for the beautiful, soft, light yarn.</p><p>I started this in October 2007, I had the body and bands finished by March 2008. A year to do the sleeves! I hate sleeves. I don't know why but I just hate knitting sleeves; hence the procrastination. I knitted a lot of things while this sat waiting to be finished. I misplaced the pattern a couple of times, ended up with the knitting in one city and the pattern in another. Everything that could prevent me finishing it seemed to happen. Maybe it has something to do with this being the last thing that Mum saw me knitting and she doesn't like black so she hated it. I promise I will wear it with colours.<span><span xmlns=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3333469241_2b8a591057_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 251px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3333469241_2b8a591057_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span></p><p>Anyway it is done now with photos to prove it!</p><p style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-weight: bold;">Yarn: Marta's yarns Brushed 4ply mohair silk</p><p style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-weight: bold;">Needles: Harmony 4mm</p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-weight: bold;">Modifications: band is only 4cm wide.</span><br /></p></span>Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-34604455273336341302009-03-01T11:33:00.006+11:002009-03-01T12:09:25.120+11:00Checking photos of FO'sI've just spent half an hour going through the<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boatneck-bluebell-sweater/people"> pictures of Boatneck Bluebell in Ravelry</a>. (If you're not a member you can do this in Flickr or other photo sites)<br /><br />I learnt the following that is not in the pattern:<br /><br /><ul><li>Don't start the bands for the top of the waist shaping until you have tried it on and it comes below your bra band. The people with long bodies who followed the pattern ended up starting the waist shaping way to high and it looks wrong like a corset that sits to high.</li><li>Don't start the waist ribbing at your waist; the waist is supposed to be at the centre of the ribbing.</li><li> Finish the ribbed section around your hips but make sure your waist is in the middle of it. </li><li> The bands on the arm should be just above the elbow, again try it on and the bottom band on the ribbed section just below your elbow.</li><li> The flare at the bottom looks good longer rather than shorter. Don't finish without trying it on to check the proportions.</li></ul><br />Overall try it on whenever you are changing patterns. That way you will know whether you are at the right spot.<br /><br />Now to try and put all this knowledge into practice.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-60576561044905253442009-02-28T19:20:00.003+11:002009-03-01T12:04:47.734+11:00That's it for FebWell February is over and what have I done?<br /><br />Nothing. Well nothing I planned to do. The pattern for my mohair bolero was in Melbourne while the project was in Hobart so that didn't happen.<br /><br />The summer tops are still progressing, nothing completed there either.<br /><br />I finished the 3rd ball on the garter stitch wrap so that is still going to plan (finished by 31/12/2009)<br /><br />I ripped out a jumper I started 12 months ago. It <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2317654762_2836e84786_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 203px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2317654762_2836e84786_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>was a Jo Sharp pattern and <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2333056149_7f91f68a52_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 206px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2333056149_7f91f68a52_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>very boxy. I hadn't got far with it; it was left in a box most of the year. It is now going to be boatneck bluebell from Fitted Knits although it is in a dark multicoloured merino, colourway is Aubergine and an 8ply. So I am modifying the pattern to fit.<br /><br />The 3 skeins are all different shades as it is handdyed so I have to use all 3 all the way through.<br /><br />The photo of the knitting was taken under flash; it isn't that bright in daylight.<br /><br />As mentioned previously I did finish the bushland scarf and I made cowl with the leftovers.<br /><br />So the plan for March. Take the pattern back to Hobart and finally finish the bolero. Continue working on the other stuff and try to get at least 2 things finished.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-61023512375323645162009-02-20T14:07:00.002+11:002009-02-20T14:11:57.497+11:00Where is the time going...Not much to report really.<br /><br />In the past couple of weeks I haven't done much knitting. A few rows on my sheer poncho (finished the shoulder shaping), garter stitch wrap (almost 3 balls down out of 20) and Tantric puzzle top (25% done). That's about it.<br /><br />Stash additions: 1 ball of Jo Sharp Silk road Aran that I picked up half price.<br /><br />Hopefully things will pick up again now that the fires are getting under control and I'm not so worried about friends family and my house.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-7873938455252048232009-02-12T15:00:00.001+11:002009-03-12T13:20:28.859+11:00Using up the scraps to keep warmNo project uses an exact number of balls so there is always half a ball or less left over. I have started making small scarflets and smidges out of these leftovers. Smidges cowls and neckwarmers are great when wearing a coat they add warmth to the neck without adding the bulk of a scarf.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Triangular smidge.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/2579828442_7aafd516a9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 253px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/2579828442_7aafd516a9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Yarn: About 20g of 12 ply mohair.<br /><br />Using an 8mm needle<br /><br />Cast on 1<br />Kfb<br />K1 yo k1<br />k1 yo knit yo k1 on every row<br />cast off loosely.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Lace stripe cowl</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3272838725_eea4c67446.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 203px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3272838725_eea4c67446.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Yarn:<br />About 10g of Touch yarns Alpine brushed mohair (A)<br />About 5g of Anny Blatt Fine Kid (B)<br /><br />Needles: 8mm<br /><br />Pattern:<br /><br />Cast on 31 stitches with yarn A<br />*knit 4 rows<br />change to yarn B<br />knit 1 row<br />next 6 rows: k1 (yo k2tog) 15 times<br />knit one row<br />change to yarn A<br /><br />repeat from * 4 times.<br /><br />knit 4 row<br />cast off loosely.<br /><br /><br />Sew in all ends.<br />Sew cast on and cast off ends together.<br /><br />These patterns can be adapted to any yarns; just have fun and play with shapes!Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-59736906955981022642009-02-12T09:57:00.005+11:002009-03-12T13:18:58.068+11:00Another scarf done<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3273132504_02aa918bbc_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3273132504_02aa918bbc_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The bushland scarf is now finished.<br /><br />I mentioned when I bought the wools for this that I had a scarf I never wore.<br /><br />The photo to the right is the original scarf, it was too pale and too, well, yellow for me.<br /><br />When combined with dark green 12ply mohair and and Anny Blatt Fine kid (colourway Foret) this is the result:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3271737118_85fc224e11_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3271737118_85fc224e11_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It is thick and squishy and the boys love it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3271737518_41f6d7a55f_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3271737518_41f6d7a55f_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-71399296860488465742009-02-12T07:58:00.002+11:002009-02-12T08:18:35.853+11:00A week of worrySaturday dawned bright and sunny. The wind was high as I drove home from a friend's house where I had stayed on Friday night. Around lunchtime checking the CFA site for incident reports was not enough and we started streaming the local Government radio station to keep up with the news. This station suspends normal broadcasting to become emergency services radio whenever there is a high risk fire day.<br /><br />We were away from the fires and they were moving South West, the closest fire was not that far away but not moving in our direction so it was ok.<br /><br />We live in the hills outside Melbourne, it is a beautiful place to live. The risk of living in the bush doesn't come home to you until a day like saturday where walking out the front door was as hot as walking into a sauna. You are at the mercy of the elements, will the wind change? Will the fire then move towards you?<br /><br />We left on Saturday just as the wind changed. As we drove into Melbourne the reports said that electricity had been cut in our area. As we drove the sky had a yellow tinge and the whole valley was covered with a thin veil of smoke. The wind had moved to the south and the temperature had dropped more than 10 degrees. This is the time when fighting fires is the most dangerous.<br /><br />We were on our way to Tasmania for my work. We had to leave the house so the fight or flee choice was not ours to make.<br /><br />The fires that are closest to our house are still burning. They are now moving North into the Yarra Valley. Friends in the next town 3km closer to the fire have noticed their neighbours leaving, everyone is worried and won't even go to the shops without the dogs just in case.<br /><br />I'm glad to be safe in another state but at the same time I wonder whether it would be better to be home and know what is going on. In this case it is definitely a matter of no news is good news.<br /><br />We are very lucky we are all safe and our area hasn't been hit, the worry certainly does take its toll though.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-34347880465738602292009-02-06T14:09:00.012+11:002009-02-06T14:56:17.590+11:00WIP updateI have just updated Ravelry and decided it was time for another WIP update.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lacy wool scarf</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3256931738_0e9d745bba.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 276px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3256931738_0e9d745bba.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This is my "waiting scarf" it tends to live in the car and get picked up when I am waiting for anything. The wool is handspun and hand dyed 5ply. I got it from the Sustainable living market at Gembrook.<br /><br />The pattern is from a Jo Sharp pattern for a wide cotton scarf , I reduced the width of it so I would get a good length.<br /><br />I started this in November 2007 and I have completed about 2/3 of it. I haven't touched this for a while as it has spent most of last year at Tullamarine airport long term carpark.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Entrelac Scarf</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3256932154_8a7a73929c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 218px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3256932154_8a7a73929c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This scarf is another that has been in progress for a long time. I bought the <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/yarns/Tapestry.aspx">Rowan Tapestry</a> to make Clapotis and ended up having twice as much as I needed. As this wool soy blend is self striping I have a striped shawl so I wanted something different with the rest. I love the way the entrelac works with self striping wool, each square is a slightly different colour to the one before.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blueberry capelet</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3256928972_a5d18f2254.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 210px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3256928972_a5d18f2254.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I had this 12ply <a href="http://www.mohairfarm.biz/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=390&osCsid=e26df1a7393da177eb4046d2e90fc7ba">Stokesay mohair</a> in my stash for about a year before deciding what to do with it. I previously made the top down capelet from Wrap Style in Autumn colours and I really love it however I made the middle size and the finished garment is quite wide.<br /><br />This time I decided to make the small size to get a closer fit. I didn't count on picking up the wrong needle however and accidently started this on a 7mm when I thought I was using an 8mm. After a few inches I measured my tension and found I was knitting at 14 st/10cm instead of 12 st/10cm that I thought I should be getting.<br />As a result I needed to add a couple more increases to get a good fit around the body. The result is a high close fitting neck and a capelet that fits nicely and will be very warm for the coming winter.<br /><br />I have knitted 2 of the 4 balls I have for this capelet.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-38783754330056177072009-02-04T18:28:00.008+11:002009-03-07T22:00:05.019+11:00Don't walk into a wool shop unless you intend to buy...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3252028975_b99877d754.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3252028975_b99877d754.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I went to a local wool shop today with the intention of getting a couple of knit picks cables. Nothing else. My resolve was strong. The knitpicks order hadn't come in so she didn't have what I wanted. I had a quick look around and walked out empty handed.<br /><br />However I wanted to get the cables before going to Tasmania on the weekend so we got in the car and drove down to <a href="http://www.sunspun.com.au/sunspun/">Sunspun</a>. They had what I wanted which was good. They also stock some of my favourite brands, Rowan, Colinette, Jo Sharp, Noro.<br /><br />I was doing well, I only picked up one skein of Colinette Parisienne, but then Eno said 'Get 2 that way you can make a wrap thingy'. I then noticed a feather and fan wrap. The lady serving told me it was Colinette and it came as a kit with the pattern. In the meantime Eno had walked to the front of the shop and picked up a skein of sockwool he called me over to look at the colour. It was the same colourway as the shawl kit that I was looking at.<br /><br />So the outcome of my trip to get 2 60cm cables:<br />2 knitpicks 60cm cables - Yay I got what I went for.<br />2 skeins of Parisienne in Jay - no pattern in mind as yet.<br />1 skein Giotto, 1 Mohair and 1 Taglietelli in October Afternoon with pattern.<br />1 pair of 10cm Options tips (to knit the wrap)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3252028979_6b6ce2b5d0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3252028979_6b6ce2b5d0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3252028989_5825b83f44.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3252028989_5825b83f44.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/3252028985_dcee062f4a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/3252028985_dcee062f4a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-73043491297484680642009-02-02T15:07:00.004+11:002009-02-02T16:09:29.653+11:00Simple stitch markers to make<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3246692684_e1b39cb365_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 199px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3246692684_e1b39cb365_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3245773617_26d77c40a5_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 170px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3245773617_26d77c40a5_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I have found that using a bit of wool as a stitch marker can be frustrating as it can get caught up in the stitches. I got some metal ones free with a magazine and I found these really good. I have 4 of these blue stars but with lots of WIPS and the majority either in the round or shawls I found I needed more.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Today I decided to see what I could make. I have a friend who had made some from jew<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/3246692682_a66553b5f9_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/3246692682_a66553b5f9_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>ellery supplies at Lincraft. I went to Art and Craft Riot to see what was available.<br /><br />I got some 2"brass eye pins and some beads,<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />threaded the beads onto the pins<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3246692678_19600725a4_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3246692678_19600725a4_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Bent the pin around a 7mm metal knitting needle (you can do this by hand no tools required).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3246692686_8239a6d408_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3246692686_8239a6d408_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />and hey presto stitch markers.<br /><br />These markers are useful for any needle up to a 6.5mm. When I need bigger ones I will just use a bigger knitting needle to bend the pin.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-3824658294411701132009-02-01T15:25:00.005+11:002009-02-01T15:52:45.594+11:00My inheritance from Gran<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3243357540_3a9e3749f6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3243357540_3a9e3749f6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Gran was born in 1857 and died in 1956. I recently received her crochet hooks from my father when he was cleaning things out. She had <a href="http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/vintagehooks.htm">sizes 6 1/2 - 1.</a> (Note: I don't know the accuracy of this site, it appears to be from the US and Gran's needles are from the UK but it gives you an idea of how small they are.<br /><br />I love having these hooks, I doubt I will ever use them but worth keeping.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/3242524001_e76e4e5048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 209px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/3242524001_e76e4e5048.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Notice the engraving in the handle in the photo on the left.<br /><br />The thread in the corner of the photo below is Kid Silk Haze.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3243355992_a62ee911e2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 223px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3243355992_a62ee911e2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-74649101406910608582009-01-31T23:16:00.009+11:002009-03-12T13:18:58.071+11:00A different way of knitting in the round - only 2 needles!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/3242097439_664989f5a5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 310px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/3242097439_664989f5a5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Last week I decided to make a phone sock - I am so sick of not being able to find my black phone in my black bag.<br /><br />I wanted it to be easy to make and seam free. I did have to rip it out and remake it once as I wasn't sure of what I was doing initially.<br /><br />Here is the final pattern. My phone is a very small Nokia Classic (no flip or slide opening)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Phone sock</span></span><br />Note: you will be making this up inside out.<br /><br />Finished Size 4cm x 10.5cm<br />Yarn Cleckheaton 100% bamboo<br />tension: 28st to 10cm<br /><br />Cast on 20 stitches<br />Every row: k1 sl1 keeping the yarn at the back at all times.<br /><br />Repeat this row until sock is 10cm long ensuring the first stitch is knitted tightly on each row. Make sure you have <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3241496937_0a3697cfbc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3241496937_0a3697cfbc.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>completed an even number of rows.<br />Top band<br />Separate your stitches onto 2 dpns.<br />Starting with the back stitches:<br />Cast on 3 stitches.<br />K2 k2tog turn<br />P3<br />repeat these 2 rows until only 3 stitches remaining.<br />Cast off.<br /><br />Sew in ends.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-12345255873542767302009-01-30T10:13:00.009+11:002009-01-31T23:42:16.946+11:00Another week goneThis week has been a starting week. No finishing, just finding things I just have to have....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New project 1.</span> As I mentioned earlier in the week I had an urge to cast on last w<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2820532243_f839ab0dcf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 164px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2820532243_f839ab0dcf.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>eekend. On saturday I flipped through Victorian Lace Today to find a project. I decided to start the <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/Shoulder+Shawl+in+Syrian+Pattern_PD31004222.html">Shoulder Shawl in Syrian pattern.</a><br /><br />A search through the stash and I decided on some 4ply <a href="http://www.cleckheaton.biz/colour_range.asp?yarnid=23">Cleckheaton 100% bamboo.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Project 2:</span> Sunday night I had to fly to Hobart (again). After struggling to find my black phone in my black bag I noticed a woman who had her ipod in a machine knitted ipod sock. I realised that would solve my problem so I have also started a little phone sock using a new technique I believe is called double knitting. On every row you knit (or purl) one stitch then slip the next. This enables you to knit a pocket without using 4 needles. I don't have a photo yet but it won't be long until it is finished.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Project 3</span>: The weather here in Victorian is unbearably hot this week (44c/1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2569639844_d1f72e377a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 141px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2569639844_d1f72e377a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>11F yesterday) so I was looking for patterns on Ravelry rather than knitting this morning until I came across the <a href="http://www.wildwestwoolies.com/freebies.html">Tantric Puzzle top</a>. I had to start this summer pattern straight away as it is an interesting construction and a simple quick knit that would suit most body shapes. Back to the stash for some Bendigo Harmony in a beautiful pale wisteria that I have had for about 6 years. This yarn is now discontinued but it was 30% wool, 70% cotton with a tiny bit of lycra.<br /><br />I also managed a few inches of my Silk Cap sleeved top this week, I love knitting with silk but being cream I don't want to pick it up with the kids around or when my hands are likely to get sweaty.<br /><br />I should have progress photos available next week to share.Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631722048216358856.post-15224059581646020432009-01-29T12:55:00.004+11:002009-03-10T09:30:14.754+11:00Silky bliss<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/3112103743_bb10285ff5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 500px; height: 375px;" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/3112103743_bb10285ff5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>For Christmas 2007 Rusty and Monster went to one of my local wool shops and bought me 7 skeins of Pure Silk by Debbie Bliss and the pattern book to go with it. I chose the pattern immediately and knitted up the first ball. I had a lot of things on the go so I put it away as it would be for ‘next summer’. Well next summer is here and it is not finished. (Mainly because it was in a box of WIPs in Melbourne and I was in Hobart most of the year). I have finally picked it up again and started knitting.<br />This yarn is heaven to knit with. It is smooth and well, silky, it glides beautifully through my fingers and along my Options needles. So what is the problem?<br />I picked up some bamboo knitting I am also doing; it feels coarse through my hands. This yarn has ruined cheap and cheerful yarns for me. Even my mohair wool scarf with Touch Mohair, Anny Blatt Fine Kid and handspun wool/mohair doesn’t have that same soft squishy quality anymore.<br />Is this a new addiction? Will I ever be able to go back to yarns I can afford? How will my budget cope? Did the boys realise how much they were spoiling me?<br />Of course being silk it will grow when washed the first time and some of the sheen will come off it; that is the nature of silk. Maybe I won’t love it so much then…</div>Wenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18056905584042747036noreply@blogger.com1