Knitting and Cross stitch Progress in August

Its been a couple of weeks since my last post, I would show more frequently how I'm getting on, however I'm not the quickest! I don't want to inundate you all with daily posts of the few stitches I've managed to do here and there... so here's a more substantial update!

Now, I feel like the worst knitter in the world. If you're a knitter you may know how enjoyable knitting teeny clothes for newborn babies are and how satisfying it is to knit up pieces so quickly. I'm fighting a losing battle with my Suzette cardigan and stopped knitting at all for a few months (Hello cross stitch!) and didn't think there was any point doing baby stuff as noone in my family were close to having babies!

However my brain failed to notice that MY OWN MOTHER has had a bun in the oven for 6 MONTHS! 

Yeah, thats 6 entire months of lost knitting time, how many little baby booties and mittens is that?!

So I scoured my digital copies of The Knitter and found an adorable baby pattern called Little Vine (Ravelry link) 

I went out and spent a ludicrous amount (£11) on 2 gorgeous balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, because every baby needs cashmere in their life, even if it will be 12 weeks before they grow out of it.

Its knitting up so fast its awesome, although I'm used to doing adult clothes that take forever. Alas my camera has absolutely butchered the colour of this yarn. Its not this sickly red colour going on right now, its a gorgeous deep purple, like wine and mulberries. Here is the swatch from the Deramores site, it's much more accurate: Cashmerino in Plum

As always, I'm using my trusty Knitting Needs by Signature Needle Arts which are hands down my favourite knitting purchase ever. These are 3.5mm with the super sharp Stiletto tips (great for lace!)

The little vine pattern is easy to memorize and enjoyable to do. Nothing too taxing, a few YOs and SLKPs and the usual knit and purls!

Here's the back knitted up and the left front, just the right and arms left!

I've done lots more on my Wedding Cross Stitch, although it seems to take forever. I'm cutting time by using lots of needles with each colour so I'm not rethreading all the times, and using the parking method!

I took this photo this morning so you can see the colours better (hadn't stitched as much then) but I love doing the little greens, oranges and purples that pop up, and it all works so well together!

While I'm not sure that I'll get it done by December, in fact we all know that'll be a small miracle, I'm enjoying the process as I go, and I'm adding up a small collection of patterns I want to do once its finished!

(To see the wedding cross stitch progress in its entirety, click the wedding label down the right hand side of the blog, it will show all posts!)

'Til next time.

F.O - Holden Shawlette.

I've done it. I've really done it. It might not seem like much, as many knitters have done it before me, but it's a massive achievement for me, and a massive step up to what I believe I am now capable of.

May I present my latest finished piece, the Holden Shawlette!

Being blocked on an old folded blanket

Closeup of the lace detail

Closeup of lace whilst being worn

I had to take a photo of myself wearing it before I gave it away!

From casting on to binding off, the entire thing took me 9 days, I'm not sure whether thats alot or a little, but I've burnt myself out a little now, I've been wanting to do this for so long and now I'm not sure what to do next! But I'm sure a quick browse of Ravelry will sort me out.

I have to say the most painful part of this project was the picot bind off, first time I've done it and it took FOREVER! I had 309 stitches to bind off with it and you had to keep casting on more! My hands ended up very achey and I had to take breaks, but I'm glad I pushed through!

For those of you who'd like to knit the Holden Shawlette for yourself, here is the Ravelry Link.

'Til next time!

Yarn Shopping

Skeins into Cakes.

Yesterday I inevitably ended up perusing my LYS after work, (its just round the corner from my shop - it'd be rude not to!) and found the most gorgeous amazing yarn I've seen for a long time!

Ella Rae Lace Merino Yarn 100g Skein

 Isn't the colour outstanding? It's soft and squishy and I keep smushing it into my face, but I've since calmed down and just appreciated how lovely it is. (Yarn on Ravelry) I got the colour for my Mum, as she loves the turquoise style blue, and I think its perfect for her.

I have a pattern in mind for it, the Holden Shawlette, which I had attempted once before with miserable results, but I remain optimistic this time after having a bit more practice with lace. I've since found this particular yarn I've bought has been used many times before for the pattern with stunning results, so I'm even more excited to cast on! 

I have another first, I learnt to hand wind my own yarn cake! Here in the UK, we dont get center pull balls or skeins rarely, but it was fun to do, although it took several hours with 100g of it! 

Successful center pull ball!

I even managed to get it in a semi square shape so it doesn't roll anywhere. Anyway, I have an hour or so left on my Elleby hat, and then I'll be casting this on!