Playing Catch-Up....

For Lauren's 30th birthday I decided to make her a tank top. She saw this top I made for Hattie and asked if it came in adult sizes, so I guessed I was onto a winner. After much browsing on Ravelry I chose to make Ms Marigold.
The pattern hadn't got rave reviews, but I really liked all of the finished ones I saw, so I decided to give it a go. I made it in Rowan Calmer... which is lovely and soft and very stretchy too!
After one false start when my gauge was completely off I managed to complete the shoulders Then join in the round - I had a trip to London at this point to make Kerry try it on as I really wasn't sure of the sizing!
Then before I knew it, it was finished bar the crochet frills. I knit most of the body when I was at the proms night a few posts ago!
I gave it to Lauren on Saturday...
I think the smile says she likes it! AND it fits - phew!
My favourite bit is the frilly sleeves!
Started: 14/07/2007
Finished: 15/08/2007
Pattern: Ms Marigold by Zephyr Style.
Size: Small
Yarn: Rowan Calmer in Coffee Bean - 4 balls
Needles: Addi turbo's - 5mm and a 3.5mm crochet hook for the sleeve frills Comments: It came out great, it fits and it really suits Lauren. I love knitting with Calmer. I knew the flaws of the pattern before I started - no schematic and no stitch counts. If I was making this for myself it would have been fine, as I could try on as I went.. as it was I winged it a bit...A success. Yipeeeeee.
I also managed to complete a very overdue 30th birthday present.
James' tie is finally finished! I have to say I hated every minute of knitting it. I vow now *NEVER* to knit anything on 2mm needles again. I don't know how the extra0.5mm makes so much difference, but it does.
Started: In january sometime
Finished: 16th August 2007
Pattern: From a vintage pattern book
Yarn: Rowan 4 ply soft in Navy and Beetroot - less than 1 ball of each
Needles: 2mm addit turbos.
Comments: I hated knitting it. James loves it. Enough said!
Still in progress is MS3 - I started clue 3 today. (Sorry the picture is so rubbish - I found out today that it is too dark to take photos at 8.15pm. Boo.)
I also made a purchase from John Lewis in Nottingham today...

4 skeins of Mirasol Hacho.... a new DK 100% merino, which I believe is exclusive to JL. 2 in shade 302 (top) and two in 303 (bottom). I might try and alter the Monkey pattern and make some quick socks from them. Or I might use them to make baby things... not sure yet. It is really really springy and soft. I think I might send some to my SP