Sunday, February 17, 2008

Belgium and Birthday Presents

Firstly Belgium.....
collage1
The first two days were great, we wandered around Brussels, went to Bruges, did some shopping (for beer, I didn't buy ANY yarn despite visiting a couple of shops), drank beer, chilled out. The Tony got food poisoning from some evil quiche, so we spent Saturday night and most of Sunday in the room at the B&B watching BBC TV - not really what you go to Brussels for. Never mind, every holiday can't be perfect!
However, the time spent in the room did give me chance to finish Tony's Birthday socks.
tony retro 002
I'm not entirely sure what went wrong, but the second sock is loads tighter than the first. I wonder if my gauge has really changed that much since October (when I knit the first one)? Or maybe I used a 3mm needle without realising it for the first one. Or maybe it makes a big difference knitting socks in one go rather than for 20 mins a day on the train. Who knows.. they fit ok and he will probably only wear them in the house so it doesn't really matter!
Pattern: Retro Rob Socks from Favourite Socks (Interweave)
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Denim
Started: October 2007
Finished: Feb 2007 - (one sock was finished for Christmas!)
Comments: Really easy pattern and I think it looks quite good in the variegated yarn. It is a pity they aren't the same size!
I also managed to finish the Flowers Wrap in time for my Mom's Birthday.
flowers wrap 002
Pattern: Flowers Wrap from Interweave Crochet Winter 2007
Yarn: Pura Lana Ecologica in Charcoal (about 17 skeins)
Hook: 4mm
Comments: The pattern is well written and easy to follow. The finished wrap is really quite soft despite it being made from pure wool. It is also quite heavy, but should be a good cover up. I bought a shawl pin so my Mom can fasten the wrap across her. I'll try and get some modelled photos soon!
Now onto the last birthday project for a while... a jumper for my Godson, Owen, who will be 1 in a couple of weeks.
This is Catch Sweater from Louisa Harding's Miss Bea's Playtime. I knit in the round until the armholes, have finished the back and don't have too much of the front to do. It will have turquoise arms and green cuffs. A jolly spring jumper I hope... and I am convinced it won't be too small!
owen catch 003
In knitting for me, the second of my Monkey's is at the heel flap and I've swatched for Rogue, which will be the next thing on the needles I think! Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine this weekend.

7 comments:

Bryony Ramsden said...

Just how much jealousy do you intend in inducing in us? Apart from the tummy bug though. Lovely holiday pics and fabby knitting :D I especially like the socks though (naturally ;D)

scarletprincess said...

I couldn't tell just by looking that the one sock was tighter than the other... they look so lovely. The shawl loos so beautiful, I'm no where near that good at crochet! Oh... are you still interested in ravelry day?
fi x

Roobeedoo said...

Well the socks look great - that's the main thing! And Brussels looks pretty chocolatey!

Linda said...

Really nice socks. Glad your break was good (except for the illness)

Knit-knacker said...

Your holiday pics are making me very jealous and well done on all that knitting you did. I love the socks - in fact I was looking at that pattern just today! Thanks for the tip about putting my stitches onto a circular before I try them on. I'm so paranoid I'll loose stitches otherwise.

Probably Jane said...

The yarn and pattern go beautifully together in those socks!

Emily said...

Glad to hear you've discovered poshyarn and like it! It is sproingy, isn't it?