Busy, Busy, Busy

There has been no time for blogging recently. Rather than spending all evening surfing the net I've actually been doing some crochet, sitting in the garden enjoying the last light of the day.

I've nearly finished square number 12 and I'm liking it so far.
I've been knitting on the train too. Here is Haystacks sock number 1.

I should have *just* enough yarn to finish number 2, they might not be completely matching however! I'm hoping to finish the second sock soon as I'm getting all excited about my first yarn yard club parcel for a while which should arrive in the next couple of days. I'm having lots of fun imagining what colours Natalie has dyed for us.
In between crocheting and sock knitting I've been keeping up with my "Knitting for me" resolution..

This is the start of Liesl by Ysolda in some boring black GGH Samoa - hopefully it will be perfect for work.
I'm also going to swatch for Secret of the Stole III - in some purple Malabrigo laceweight. Are you going to join me?

Lacy chevrons.

Another pair of socks from my enormous sock yarn stash
Summer Chevron Socks:

Started: May 18th
Finished: June 11th
Pattern: My own, using a stitch pattern from 200 Ripple Stitches by Jan Eaton. This is the chevron pattern -
Row 1: k1, yo, k3, sl1 k2tog psso, k3, yo* repeat.
Row 2: Knit.
I cast on 60 stitches and did 5 rows of garter stitch.
The heel is a normal heelflap.
Yarn: Online Supersocke 100 in Holiday which I bought in Toronto last September.
Needles: 2.5mm
Comments: A quick knit, I think the second sock only took about 3 days in total. The pattern is really easy and it works really well with the self-striping yarn. They are lovely and colourful and summery, which is exactly what I wanted!

And now for something completely different.... I have chosen my next lace project...

This is Muir from Knitty in pink Eva 2ply Posh Yarn. I'm just over 1 repeat in and wondering if I can finish it before a wedding on the 20th July. Here is a close up of the pattern.

I won a Prize!

Horay, look at all the lovely lovely goodies Louise sent me for winning her blogiversary prize.

I was very excited as I never win prizes. I'm sure the chocolate won't stay untouched for long! Thanks Louise.
Now onto the WIP for the week, my version of the spiral socks. I can't decide if these are hideous or really cool. What do you think? Just the toe (in turquoise) to go on these.

A close up of the spiral pattern, I'm hoping they will be a bit more even when blocked.

Now for a pair of socks I am very happy with, my Cranford Socks.

Started: 1st April
Finished: 13th April
Pattern: My own sock pattern. The lace repeat is based of those in Jane Lithgow's Cranford Mitts.
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Turquoise
Needles: 2.5mm
Comments: A really simple horseshoe lace repeat over 60 stitches. I love them. Natalie at the Yarn Yard is dyeing me some merino and I'm going to make a pair from that with contrasting heels and toes. Let me know if you would like the pattern and I'll talk to Jane about writing it up (as it is her idea I've stolen!)

Birthday Presents and a new sock

It has been a week of finishing things here in Wolverhampton. Here is Carys' finished 4th Birthday jumper. She asked for a pink jumper...
Started: 30th November 2007
Finished: 26th March 2008
Pattern: Tea for Two from Miss Bea's Rainy Day
Yarn: Rowan Handknit Cotton in Sugar (6 balls)
Needles: 3.25mm for the ribbing and 3.75mm for the rest
Comments: I made the back and the arms plain and had to adjust the pattern to suit but managed to do the maths with no problem - a first for me! It looks fab, it might be a bit too big, but matches the pattern measurements perfectly. I hated knitting with the Handknit cotton, never again, it is far too stiff. However, hopefully, it will wash well and last Carys into next winter!
I have been using my sewing class to make my first garment too. Again for Carys, a retro needlecord dress with cool wooden flower buttons. I love it, I hope she does too! And I also hope it fits!


The other thing I have finished is my pair of socks from the stash for March.

Started: Feb 2007
Finished: April 1st 2008
Pattern: Lichen Rib by Nancy Bush from Knitting Vintage Socks
Yarn: Posh Yarn Lucia in Highland Mist
Needles: 2.5mm
Comments: I ended up going down to 54 stitches for this sock after the ribbing as it would have been way too big. One sock is a little bigger than the other, obviously my tension has changed over the last year. I didn't like the way the yarn pooled when I knitted sock 1, so put it to one side. However I retrieved it from the stash as an "angel" gift for the Vintage Sock swap. It will be in the post to the US tomorrow.

That meant today I got to cast on for a new sock from the stash, excuse the rubbish picture, I didn't manage to get one in the light and the flash made the pattern disappear.
I have used the lace pattern from Cranford Mitts over 60 stitches in a sock. I think it looks great so far and it is really easy to remember and I am flying through the first one. I am using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in a turquoise colour. Better pictures at the weekend, with more progress hopefully.

Finally, I have my last pair of 30th birthday socks to knit this month, but I am at a loss as to what to knit and which yarn to use. I am sorely tempted to buy something, but I promised myself I wouldn't and it's not like I don't have enough sock yarn...
I am currently thinking Embossed Leaves in this Yarn Yard green sock yarn
Speedway socks in my new Kaffe Fasset Regia (however I really want these for myself)
Or maybe some Monkey's with this Posh Lucia with contrasting heels and toes
What do you think? This is what I have to work with:

Actually 2,18,19,21, 32, 41 (about 1/3 skein left) and 48 are being knitted, used up or traded!
The random number generator tells me I should use 27.....

Sock from my stash

After hearing about a new kind of sock club from Roobeedoo I decided I must join; as we all know how much sock yarn I have. January disappeared in a blink of an eye but I am determined to keep my resolutions and (a) use up some of my sock yarn and (b) knit for myself....
My random yarn for February is Yarn Yard sock yarn in "Peppermint Pink". I bought this with the intention of making some Monkey socks for me; as I loved the Koigu pair I made as a present last year. I've decided to knit the purl stitches, so these are flying along... this is how far I got on my daily commute yesterday.

Talking of knitting for myself. I am going to cast on for a jumper today... I've been Ravelry surfing all morning and I'm still unsure.
1. Rogue in the purple aran I bought back from Ireland (nearly 2 years ago)
2. Placed Cable Aran again in the purple aran from Ireland
3. Phyllo Yoked Pullover (Ravelry link) from Knitting Nature, in light blue calmer I bought in the sales. I like this one
4. Ms Marigold - with a higher v neck in purple matchmaker

I think number 1 is winning in my head at the moment.... what do you think? Or should I start on my Fyne vest?