roses are red

I finished this shawl before the end of June but abandoned it in need of photographic attention whilst I holidayed back in the UK, taking another project to entertain me over the long hours as we crossed the ocean. So sure was I that I'd have that finished by the time we landed, that I packed yarn for a second shawl to entertain me throughout the break and the subsequent journey back home.

Wrooooooong!

The knitting mojo has been lost again, somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean I believe and this post is less show and tell in nature, more a ticking off because I need to have shawl #4 in my arsenal for when school begins again next month.

I have to say though, the little one-skein beauty, Roses are Red, has to be one of my favourites so far. I'm so in love with it that my heart strings are sure to be tugged somewhat as I reach for the pretty paper, wrap it oh-so carefully and send it on it's way. But it is true to say it didn't start out as a labour of love. I just couldn't get to grips with the pattern at all. To my increasing frustration, it didn't seem to be working and I could not understand why. On reading through Ravelry's notes, it appeared nobody else was having the same issues as mine, there were no forum threads devoted to this annoying error that clearly belonged in the pattern notes. But after literally over ten failed attempts, and on the verge of surrender, the penny miraculously dropped that it was me who was at fault. Quelle horreur! It would appear that after 42 projects behind me I had never, ever had to knit yarn-overs between knit and purl stitches. And boy did I not work that out for myself ...

Of course it isn't hard to see, looking through my previous knitted FOs, that Madelinetosh Merino Light is pretty much my favourite yarn for shawls. What's more, I am cer-azy about this colour. Tart is the most beautiful shade of red ever. It is the intensity of plump late-summer berries, ripe and falling off the stalk without any hint of pressure and bursting with luscious flavour. So why am I passing it on? Because I have one more in my stash ... that's why!!

Details of my Roses are Red are here on my Ravelry page.

sand and sea

I'm running out of time sadly because I started just a tad too late for my teacher knitting marathon. Nevertheless, this is #2 of four I wanted to knit, the third will be coming off the needles pretty soon as it happens and I'm so excited about it, that's the one I'm going to struggle to say goodbye to. 

I'm having a great time back in my knitting saddle but this time around I'm fitting it in amongst other commitments, as opposed to the other way round! This little shawlette, Sand and Sea by Alana Dakos, was such a satisfying little project. Quickly done with lots of wrapping and turning, which I love doing but had to watch on YouTube because it's been a year since I'd done it last and couldn't trust my memory. Of course it all came back to me and I enjoyed every single stitch. 

The main colour is lace weight CashSilk by Sweet Georgia (Vancouver based so I took a little visit there with a friend a couple of years ago to choose direct from the production line) which I found beautiful to work with, although it grew somewhat during the blocking process. Then I edged it with MadTosh Sock to give it body and weight which worked a dream. More pics and details are here on Ravelry. 

Well, there is a sudden air of excitement in this house let me tell you. The Model and I are jetting over to the UK very soon to visit friends and family and we are jumping with joy and anticipation. Not for the long haul travel, though the idea of a knit fest makes up for it, that's for sure. Hmmm, I need a shawl pattern to keep me occupied and am thinking worthy contenders could be this, this or maybe even this. Any ideas?

flying home

Hello out there, I'm popping in to my old patch with a show and tell, hehe. It only took me 10 months to make!

This is "Flying Home" by Kat Coyle and I love it. The lace weight yarn took a bit of getting used to though, I couldn't sense it resting on my hand as it was so light and I have this feeling finger weight will feel like bulky after the experience. However, Swans Island is a beautiful yarn to knit with - but I knew that already, having so enjoyed my time with Lila. And as for this colour, Honeycomb is to die for, it is the perfect shade. Though sadly not a perfect choice for my skin colouring so I think I shall be gifting it to someone who will hopefully get more use of it.

I took the idea of the contrast edging from here and here and I'm so pleased I did it. And yes, the grey fetish continues. I also knitted it a little larger than the pattern, 14 repeats total. All the deets are here in Ravelry.

So now I'm happy to be reunited with my dusty needles, I'm sifting through my Favourites whilst I decide what's next. Ravelry's made a few changes since I last visited, have you seen the 'bundles' feature? Makes life so much easier!

So how are you doin'? My daughter and I have been watching 'Friends'! Can't you tell? :)

whispers

Whispers by Veera Välimäki: A flirty little thing knitted for the warmer weather, although it's way too hot to wear at the moment! My knitting has been oh so slow these past few months I could have done with this top back in May when I actually started swatching for it. Now it will have to wait for cooler evenings or September even, when the dregs of Summer will hopefully continue on but in a less searing way.

I loved knitting Whispers, plus I got to try out Madelinetosh's Dandelion with a touch of linen amongst the merino wool. Gorgeous yarn folks, go try! Naturally it's grey, this is such a pale, almost pearly shade and I'm so pleased with it. I wasn't too sure about the flippy sleeves to begin with but now I'm thinking 'what the heck, live a little'. Besides, I can always sew them up later if I really want to. More pics and details are here on my Ravelry page.

My postman delivered a nice plump package of yarn the other day so I have some deciding to do. Another Summer knit, or move on to my Autumn plans now. Hmm, with the rate I'm going I think I'm making my decision rather faster than usual!

And you? What are you creating I wonder?

the sea's still singing

Two months, it's been! How quickly that time has passed with not a pile of crafting to show for it. I haven't done a whole heap of knitting lately, although there are three projects on the go. Well, hang on it's two now because I've finally finished a second 'Song of the Sea'. I have to confess the other projects have been dormant for weeks.

I'm not one for repeat knitting projects but a great friend of mine in London, who had admired the first 'Song of the Sea' I made, did me a huge favour recently so I was only too happy to knit this one for her. I let her choose from my stashed yarn and she wanted Whiskers. This sock yarn by Madelinetosh is such a pretty shade, a gentle variegated palette of greys with just a touch of beige in there too. My love for grey isn't showing any signs of diminishing, I find it such a restful colour and easy on the eye, so I'm hoping she'll agree and be pleased with the result. More photos and details are here on Ravelry.

I've just had a few weeks back in the UK with the Model, the first holiday we've had on our own together and I have to say it was a lot of fun. I'm sure there'll be more to come. We divided our time between London, visiting friends (and stocking up on Liberty fabrics and English yarn!), my parents in Cornwall, and a few days in Dorset to check all was well with the cottage and spend some time investigating the habits of razor clams on our favourite beach ...

Happy holidays. Any plans?

Did you have a good weekend? It's been a lazy old one here, even the weather hasn't known what to do with itself. Both boys in our house have succumbed to heavy colds and wanted to do nothing more than hibernate. My girl was involved in a musical theatre show this afternoon which was a treat to watch, as ever. I don't believe there is a finer way to be entertained than watching your offspring on stage, belting out a number from The Sound of Music.

My next knitting project is under way. It is Whispers by Veera Välimäki which is such a pretty little top for Spring/Summer that I'm hoping will keep my interest over the next few weeks or so. I'm using Madelinetosh Dandelion, a first for me and so far, so very good. It has a small amount of linen in it which I think will give a lovely drape. The garter rib hem is done and I'm on to what will probably seem endless circuits of knit stitches, which makes me think I'll probably be casting on something else pretty soon for some variety.

Vibeke from A Butterfly in my Hair very kindly asked me to have a virtual conversation with her recently. She posted it on her blog today so, if you would like to have a read, do pop over when you have a moment. Whilst you're there, be sure to browse through her lovely site and say hello.

Finally, a big thank you for your kind comments about my Kelpie. If you haven't noticed, I have decided to answer them, and future ones, in the comments box so please do pop back and keep the conversation going.

So, that's it for today. Here's wishing you a happy week ahead with lots of happy crafting, what ever it may be?!

kelpie

Kelpie was a looong project for me. Not because it is difficult, because it isn't at all. But because these last few weeks I've had other things on my mind and knitting has had to take a back seat. I think I'm back on the front seat now but have to admit it the speed limit may be a little more restrained from now on.

Kelpie of course is finished just as the weather is getting warmer, which leaves my somewhat Autumnal colour palette a little redundant for some months to come. But no matter, it is a welcome addition to my wardrobe and, for me, about as colourful as it gets. For, as well as all the other things it appears I'm intolerant to, colour might be one of them!

The bulk of Kelpie (by Jared Flood, Brooklyn Tweed) has been knitted with Rowan Fine Tweed. It was my first experience with this yarn and I have to say I loved every minute of it. One couldn't say it is particularly soft but it's the springiness I fell for. That and the inconsistency in its texture, for every so often a slight variation would approach the needles, be it almost dangerously thin, which meant it had to be treated carefully so as to avoid breaking, or thick and squishy in which case it added an interesting imperfection. Particularly for this shawl, which is rustic in style, this yarn is a perfect match. The other great thing about Fine Tweed is that it is sold in smaller, 25g balls, making it ideal for the stripes which take only four rows of each colour. More pics and full details of colours are here on Ravelry.

So I am actually at the point where I have nothing on the needles. A rarity these days. However I'm scheming already. I shall cast on for two projects, one a Spring/Summer top and the other? Another shawl, would you believe. It's only the colour I'm all of a dither about!!

And you? How are you doing these days?

scout woven tee

Well, I've said before that a ray or two of sunshine is what it takes to have me reaching for the sewing machine. So the sun came out and I made a Scout Woven Tee by Grainline Studio, which turns out to be one of the easiest, peasiest sewing patterns ever, and seriously speedy to make, too. Straightforward and taking very little fabric, I had this made from start to finish in a only a matter of hours.

I hadn't downloaded a sewing pattern by PDF before but it's a simple enough process, you just need a decent amount of ink in the print cartridge because there are 16 pages of pattern that need taping together, jigsaw style. Rather than cut out my chosen size, I used bleached parchment paper to trace over my 'jigsaw' just in case I felt the need to tinker with the fitting in the future. It was a good idea as it happens, since I think the pattern runs a little small. Fortunately it has wider than usual hem allowances which meant I was able to claw back a bit of room by pulling out the stitching and doing it again. I do have a rather narrower seam allowance than I would like as a result, but at least I have a wearable garment and my precious fabric didn't go to waste. It's rather ironic to think how I dithered for ages over which fabric to use, not wanting to part with anything too precious in case it was the wrong size. It just goes to show, always trust your instincts because in hindsight I should have pumped for the next size up.

Anyway, I made my Scout with some Liberty fabric left over from this dress that I made a few years ago. The tana lawn, which is so beautiful to wear, is good and wide so just a metre does the job nicely with plenty of room for cutting the bias binding and more to spare.

Next time I shall make my top longer and also add a little length to the sleeves. I say that because I ended up serging (without using the blades) the edges of both the hem and sleeves and then turning them up a rough half centimetre before stitching down. Incidentally, the Grainline Studio website gives lots of advice and tutorials for adapting this pattern, which is immensely helpful. What a great pattern and now I know the size I'm after, I'm all set for another. Then one with longer sleeves, a dress, maybe a tunic .. ooh, the possibilities are endless so here's hoping the sun keeps shining!

Have a lovely week, everyone!

These past few days have seen me reaching for the heating switch again and, what's more, pushing my desire for sewing to one side in favour of knitting once again. It's a funny old time of year. Last week when it was gloriously warm and sunny, out came the Spring .. no wait, warmer weather clothing even .. for just a few days. Long enough to be lulled into a false sense of Summer security.

But that's ok. I am more than happy to cosy up in a favourite chair by the light of the table lamp, basket full of yarn and spare needles by my side. I listen to British radio through my computer and relish those few moments when it is just me .. and my knitting.

I'm currently coming to the end of Kelpie and, despite the fact it's been a somewhat lengthy project, I think I'm going to like it. There was a moment when I wasn't so sure though, the colours are not in my usual palate of choice and it also occurs to me that my other knits to date have been in solid colours. I've enjoyed the stripes, although you can probably tell I have yet to reach the 'sewing in the ends' stage!

I love this moment in a project, reaching the final furlong and, at the same time, deciding on what's next. I've already done the swatch, wound the yarn, downloaded the pattern. Oh, happy days.

What are you up to. Knitting? Sewing? Something else?

liberty tova

There's nothing like a surge in temperature and a ray or two of sunshine to start analysing one's wardrobe. There was a time when I wore only dresses but lately I have been favouring trousers which, as luck would have it, means I have a bona fide excuse to sew some tops. Let's face it, there are only so many dresses one can really justify, I think.

I've been talking about dusting down the sewing machine for months now and finally, with the advent of Spring, not to mention a good dose of Vitamin D pouring through the windows, I cut into some prized Liberty fabric. I bought this last summer when we were back in the UK but now can't find a link to its name anywhere. I love it for the very British print with lion, griffin, roses and chariot and if anyone out there can identify it, I'd love you to say.

Isn't sewing a much faster fix than knitting? Once I set my mind to it, I had this made in two very short days. Oh, I haven't told you about the pattern yet .. it's the ubiquitous Tova by Wiksten. I made a Winter version two and a half years ago so I knew it was going to be a successful project but partnered with the tana lawn, it is even better. I must confess I had forgotten about how tricky the placket can be but, taken slowly and with great care, the pieces all work!

This one is a fair bit shorter than the pattern calls for and I also made a larger size than I would normally do. I find this pattern runs a little small across the shoulders and besides, I dislike snug fitting tops. I also dispensed with the collar this time, in favour of simple bias binding around the neckline. Despite being quick to choose the fabric and my pattern, one thing I couldn't decide on throughout the entire project was whether to add buttons to the placket or not. My Winter Tova gapes at the neckline you see. So far, this one is fine (although the weight of buttons could possibly change that) but the deciding factor was that the fuse in my voltage transformer blew before I could get the buttonhole foot out of its box .. fate, I guess. So no buttons!

Are you enjoying some sunshine in your part of the world? Let's hope so!

lila

I'm not going to apologise for my absence this time. There really is no point because I'll probably go and do it again. Not that I mean to, of course .. but that's life for you. You know how it is, it has a habit of getting in the way.

I have a new favourite knit to show you and even this has taken me a while to finish, such are my days at the moment. This is Lila, by Carrie Bostik Hoge of Madder, and I've just realised she is my first jumper knitted in the round. Both Luka and Kaari were created on straight needles (wow, they haven't been used in a while!) and the rest have all been cardigans. Oh, and there's the yarn I must mention, too. Wowee, Swan's Island is just the most heavenly worsted ever. Satisfyingly organic and feeling as blissful as cashmere, it is pure and undyed 85% merino, 15% alpaca goodness.

I loved seeing my Lila develop from a band of garter stitch to gorgeous garment, which I'll need to wear as much as I can because Vancouver is positively bursting with Spring life, sunshine and warmth right now. Details and heaps more pics of Lila are on my Ravelry page, right here.

Well, what to do next? I'm contemplating getting the sewing machine out but as far as knitting goes, let's see. In my favourites right now and contending for the circulars are -

Whispers top
Saco Stripes linen tank
Lola shawl
Brisha shawl

And you? What are you planning for the Springtime? Knitting? Sewing? I'd love to hear ..

sea to sky revisited

I've been on that Sea to Sky Highway again! No, not really but I have knitted up another version of my new Sea to Sky hat pattern. Firstly I wanted to triple (and then some) check my pattern writing but also to see how it looks in a different colour way, with a different yarn. You can never go wrong with Madelinetosh and this Pashmina Worsted, in Silver Fox, is proving itself perfect for the job. It really shows off the stitch definition to the max. Can you see the motion of the sea and the birds flocking between the ocean and mountain range? I am so excited to say the pattern is now live in my Ravelry store so please, do check it out and let me know what you think?

Ooh, before I forget. Are you knitty/yarny types aware of Unwind Brighton? In case you aren't, you really need to know this. Dani of Lioness Arts is organising a knitting festival over the weekend of 12-13 July. She has put together the most amazing set of classes to be taught by a prestige selection of designers, there will be talks to attend and a 'marketplace' (note to start saving the pennies). I am so excited about this because it so happens I shall be in the UK then and have just booked myself onto a couple of the classes. Do let me know if you're planning on being in Brighton that weekend, it would be fun to catch up with you!

Now, what else to tell. Ah well, to be honest life is pretty sedate at the moment and not much activity has occurred so far this year. I have only just managed to shake off the lurgy that has bothered me since Christmas and now, unfortunately, the Model has succumbed. That's exciting isn't it? So go on then, what are you up to?

cosy

Still the snow doesn't come and our views of the mountains are as beautiful as ever, yet sadly green. We have an impatient boy child on our hands, desperate to be reunited with his skis so we've had to make do with the skating rink instead. The husband is becoming pretty keen actually .. I think he may be turning a bit Canadian on us, and making good progress with that if the hockey app on his phone is anything to go by. Every time there's a match in progress, his phone sounds to let him know when a goal has scored. It's just unfortunate the Vancouver Canucks aren't doing the right stuff at the moment!

But it couldn't be more aptly named, this latest cardigan of mine .. it truly is cosy. I adore the relaxed style and fit of Cosy (me) and as for the yarn, I am in love. Pure French organic merino wool from here and not such an extravagance really, despite the fact I had it sent from France. Just the waiting that was the killer. You know what it's like, when you want to start something? You don't want to have to wait, you need to start it NOW! Here's the link to Ravelry for more details and pics.

Hmm, what to start next. I have my eyes on all these goodies -

Lila jumper
Uniform cardigan
Lumen shawl
Kelpie shawl
Color Affection shawl

and wish to goodness I could knit faster!

What are you up to, I wonder?

sea to sky

Highway 99 in British Columbia has a variety of other names but the area between Vancouver and Whistler, a stretch of around 100 km, is known as The Sea to Sky Highway. It truly is a trip to savour because, unlike most main roads, the views are out of this world. The senses are rewarded by a huge expanse of ocean with mountains beyond and a vast open sky that blend together so effortlessly. Up in that sky you will often see bald eagles soaring high up on the thermals and down on the sea, passenger ferries that, although we know are so huge, appear comically tiny against the impressive backdrop. You cannot fail to be inspired by such a feast for the eyes.

This hat came out of one such trip. A flock of seabirds soaring over an undulating sea, mountains ever present and majestic and it was on the verge of twilight when the last remnant of sunset glimmered on the water below.

The yarn is local to BC too. Lovely hand dyed Sweet Fiber, springy, beautifully coloured goodness that knits and blocks like a dream. More details here on Ravelry.

So yet again we are reeling from one of Millie Mittens disappearing acts, this time an all-nighter. Oh boy, did I had a fitful night last night, not to mention a pit in the stomach, wondering where on earth she could be this time. I have to say that despite the raised stress levels, searching for a lost pet is a great way to meet the local residents, several of whom insisted on searching with us last night. My hopes were still buoyant, though, because we know all about her tree climbing escapades, she may be great at going up .. but coming down is an entirely separate matter.  Sure enough, this morning I found her high up in a different set of branches, adamant as ever that she would not come down unaided. Hurrah for neighbours with extra long ladders. Early to bed tonight!

Have a great week, everyone!

merry

Merry Christmas everyone, I hope Santa has been good to you today!

PS. Can you see me on the tree? haha!