A fresh start

This is the final picture of my lacy shrug... I finally did it - ripped out the shrug I'd been making with the aqua blue Totem from my poor old jumper... I didn't like the feel of the lace pattern, or the wide kimono-stype sleeves, and it kept bugging me - and I wasn't knitting much. And I have been lusting after the Not-So-Shrunken Cardigan from Knit & Tonic more than anything.

So yesterday I undid all the shrug knitting (I'd done about 1/4 of it, and kept my eyes on the ball winder and off the poor garment on the floor), and have re-washed the wool to ease out the crinkles, and have just bought the Cardigan pattern! Very exciting!

Taphophile has given me some more 8ply wool, in dark blue, as I don't have enough of the aqua blue by itself, so I'll be adding some stripes to the lower edge of the body and sleeves. Will upload pics as they're available.

Today we had a wonderful Stitch 'n' Bitch at Happyspider's home - much fun was had by all, with spinning, knitting, winding balls, unravelling tangles, browsing through knitting books and magazines, all accompanied by sushi, more yummies, and, of course, plenty of tea. My dear dotter finished the scarf she was making for a friend in Ireland, I finished the wrist warmers for the London brother-in-law, Taphophile wound many skeins into balls, Happyspider spun lots of wool from fluffy stuff, and young Irene learnt how to knit for the first time! It was a perfect day :D

Warm hand thingies

I'm making these for my brother-in-law in London... I hope they fit, as I'm just guessing sizes. Anyway, it's this pattern from Knitty, and I'm using some deep purple Totem from a 'reclaimed' vest from Taphophile's mum (she of the endless 8ply stash). I'm using slightly smaller needles than specified, and made the thumb/button hole over 10 stitches not 6, as 6 was obviously way too small (yeah, had to rip it out).

I finished the first warmer tonight, and started the second one. They'll be late for Chrissy, and I must be MAD to be knitting in this heat, but - well, you know, it's KNITTING.

I can see I'm going to have to make these for my whole family - they're great. Less bulky than fingerless-gloves, and keep your wrists nice and toasty (yeah, just what we need in this 38ºC heat!). I love the feel of double rib, and the Totem is so nice and light.

What happens to yukky knitted things

They get unravelled and turned into new NICE things! See how they sit there, all innocent and unaware of their FATE! Actually, I must admit that the girl's cotton jumper, although a vile colour, was a very nice design.

I don't know what I'm going to do with the pile of feathery pastel stuff (the scarf cost me $1), but the ton of Barbie pink 100% cotton is brilliant. I'm thinking purple RIT dye... At $3 for the jumper from Salvos, it was a bargain! I'm not going to bother balling it, as I'm likely to dye it in the near future anyway. I should have enough for a little cotton top for some small niece or other, or maybe even something for ME.



29 December Update : the pink cotton is now PURPLE thanks to a packet of RIT Cold Water dye, lots of salt, and some Cold Dye Fix... it is dry, and in the process of being wound into balls!