Friday, October 27, 2006

Time for a quick update, to show that in between weekends buying yarn, I do actually knit stuff.

First up, My Oh So Beautiful Socks in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. Several weeks ago, I turned the heel on the first sock, and it became painfully clear that the tent stitch (which shows off the different colours so prettily) combined with tight tension meant too small a sock. Hell, I couldn't even pull the cuff over my heel. I briefly toyed with the idea of carrying on and making the socks for a friend with much smaller feet, but no, the selfish gene is too strong. I just love this yarn and I love this pattern..... so it's been sitting in a bag out of sight these past few weeks, until I can bring myself to rip it out.

In the meantime, I have wound another skein of LLSS to start again and cast on. Since I actually like my very tight gauge for socks, I shall keep using the same needles, but this time increase the number of stitches in the round. Here's a close-up of the pattern.

Now I know that a strong flash and a crumpled sheet does not a good photo make, but I wanted to show you progress on my main project, approx 33 inches of Cozy using two skeins of malabrigo pure merino.


I'm utterly delighted with the shawl so far, although it's much narrower than I'd like (you can see the end nearer the camera is wider from my constant stretching). I'm hoping that aggressive blocking will sort that problem. I'm much quicker with the repeats now, but I don't have much time for knitting at the moment *sigh*, so progress is not as quick as it could be, but I make sure I knit at least one repeat every evening during the week and catch up at the weekend.

According to the pattern, this is the half-way stage, so, having run out of malabrigo, I went back to Stash Yarns on Saturday to buy another two skeins. Stash really is a fabulous shop, and into the bag with the malabrigo fell a ball of Louisa Harding's Grace in plum and a skein of alpaca silk plus assorted circular and bamboo needles. The photo below doesn't really show the colour of the alpaca (below right) at all well (believe me, the flash version is even worse), but it's a deep plum colour. Simply gorgeous.

Remember my plans for a Cozy for me? Well, I cast on the Jaeger extra fine merino aran on straight needles, allowing for the different gauge by adding two more repeats across the needles. Since the wool is black, my intention was always to have this as a portable project, particularly suited to long car journeys in daylight, Saturday afternoons at I Knit London and the like; I even took it to Ally Pally (all that sunlight in the Knit and Relax and Knitterati Glitterati areas would have been ideal, but in truth it never even left the car).
Several weeks since casting on, I have barely finished the first repeat. It's not just that on-the-go-daylight-knitting opportunities have not been there, I'm not really sure the gauge is right. The fabric (all two inches of it) is stiff and tight. It could be that I need to knit a few more repeats for it all to fall into wonderfully soft drape-y place, but even B has noticed that I am simply not feeling the love (heh, B's appreciation of knitting is a concilliatory measure to appease me if I'm feeling irritable).

Me: Did you [find the phone charger/call the builders/pay the bill]?
B: Er, no. What [phone charger/builders/bill]?
Me: The [phone charger for the mobile, with the dead battery/builders supposed to be renovating the flat/bill that has "reminders" in red all over it] that I asked you to deal with a hundred times already.
B: Er, no
Me: I told you etc etc..... very important etc etc..... you never listen to me etc etc..... how many time do I have to tell you etc etc..... why do I bother etc etc.....?

Pause

B: Darling, have you bought any yarn this weekend?
Me: Ooooh yes, I went to [Stash/Loop/IKL] and I bought some [Debbie Bliss/Jaeger/malabrigo/Cherry Tree Hill] and..... and...... and...... [more excited chatter]
B: Because the black one isn't working out.
Me: EXACTLY, you're so clever, you're such a wonderful man for listening to me and taking an interest in my crafty pursuits etc etc....... I'm so lucky etc etc .......
B: *sigh of relief*

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Last Saturday was a day of irritation and stress, interspersed with short bursts of knitty goodness. Knitflicks at the Ritzy was showing The Devil Wears Prada, and since my trips south of the river are not as frequent as they used to be, I decided to combine a visit to Stash Yarns to pick up some more malabrigo pure merino for Cozy (progress report to follow in next post).

After a tortuous drive, due to 1) a dreadful standstill at the Wandsworth one-way-system and 2) road works in Putney, I was not in the best of moods when I finally arrived at the shop, but my mood lifted as soon as I stepped through the door. Luckily, I had phoned ahead to make sure the malabrigo was there, so there was no disappointment on that front, and a little chat with Michelle, the shop's owner, and a look at the new (and older) yarns made for a very pleasant and calming 45 minutes. Pictures of purchases to follow.

Unfortunately, there was no way I could avoid the road works traffic and it took me just under an hour to get to Brixton. The programme had already started, and the box office closed when I arrived at the cinema. I know I was in an irritable mood and probably over-sensitive to the minutes ticking by, but you know Mr Cinema Manager, in order for the public to see films, they have to buy tickets, and get this for a novel idea, for them to buy tickets, the ticket office has to be OPEN, dammit. Whilst I screamed silently, other people waiting were more vocal and eventually the duty manager opened up the office.

Miraculously, the film had not yet started, hoorah. I chose a seat and sat down, then a minute later, moved again, and again a third time. The screen for the showing was small, with dreadfully uncomfortable (through age and much use) and dirty, ripped seats. It was certainly not conducive to knitting. Worse still, it was half-term, and in the front row were three pre-teens, who walked and talked throughout the film.

All in all, the experience was nothing like the usual at the Ritzy. As for the film, it wasn't the satirical look at the fashion industry I'd been expecting, but thoroughly entertaining nonetheless. I loved every minute of it, and the clothes, ohmigod, the clothes...........

After the film, I braved more bad traffic to get to I Knit London. I wanted to see the Cherry Tree Hill supersock they had recently got in store, buy a few things for my secret pal and then relax in the shop and perhaps sew a few blue squares together. In the end I only bought a set of dpns and the first issue of Yarn Forward. I'd forgotten that Gerard and Craig were in Bracknell for the Unravel festival, but got to meet Stefan instead, who was just as helpful and charming as the boys, if in somewhat odd attire. While I was there, a lady came in to learn how to knit for the baby she was expecting, how cool is it that she felt that she could walk in and ask to learn? When I left the shop, she had needles and yarn in her hand and was looking very happy.

So I headed back north of the river. In total I’d driven about four hours but very few miles. Before going home and closing the door on the world, I stopped at my local, where over an excellent Thai red curry and a large glass of pinot grigio, I finally relaxed and read Yarn Forward. It's had rave reviews from bloggers so far, so I'll reserve my thoughts for another post.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Thanks to a little judicious shopping yesterday, my camera is again talking to my pc. Having uploaded the photos, I was really tempted to edit previous posts and replace all the bad pictures taken by my mobile, but I have decided just to focus on future posts.

However, it does mean that I can update on something long overdue, namely Sock Wars. These are the marvellous socks knit in Koigu that killed me. How lucky am I? Sent also by my assassin were lip balm, chocolate (um, already eaten) and raspberry and pomegranate tea, but even without these wonderful goodies, I am so absolutely delighted with the socks. Thank you Geeyouknit for a fabulous package.

This is the sock and remaining yarn (and small thank you present) that I sent back to my assassin. As posted previously, I could have started (and perhaps finished) the second sock, but t'was not to be. Unfortunately, Geeyouknit has also been killed, so I'm not entirely sure where the socks are at this moment, but hopefully they are on their way to Spooky Knitter. Sock Wars was a lot of fun (and these pictures are soooomuch better than my mobile's).




Specs:
Debbie Bliss merino DK, 100% merino wool in burnt orange.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

I went to Ally Pally this week for the Knitting and Stitching Show. It was my first time and it didn't disappoint, it was eff-ay-bee.

I loved being able to look and touch beautiful yarn that I have been drooling over on the internet. It was particularly exciting that Cheryl Potter from
Cherry Tree Hill was there, and I came away with a skein of Supersock and a pattern for a vest that I am going to make for my father.

I went with Gerard and we focused on the yarn stalls. We both thought the new Sirdar range, Sublime, looked like Rooster, yarn, brochure, image. Talking of Rooster, did anyone see the fabulous knitted sofa cover? Now, that would look very nice in my study.

I would have loved to look at all the other non-knitting stalls, but I'm glad I didn't. I would have ended up buying things and starting new projects, and right now life is simply too chaotic to allow for any other crafts.

It was great to see Gerard being recognised so much - hopefully, I will be seeing him and Craig behind their own I Knit London stall next year! In fact, one of the best things about the day was meeting other knitters, bloggers or LYS owners, although one person was heard to say that their shop was too high-end for Ally Pally. Oh, we laughed about that over a glass of wine in the pub afterwards. Miaow.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Comments, what comments?

I have just found unpublished comments left this week by my Secret Pal and by my Sock Wars assassin over two weeks ago! It turns out comment moderation was activated, but the email address for notifying me was one I used when I started blogging way back in 2001. I hardly ever look at this particular email address, as it's now just a repository for email from strangers who generously want to share their massive wealth with me, if only I would just give them my bank details, or those good, good people, who, naturally concerned for my health and wellbeing, keep me up-to-date with the latest pharmaceutical offerings at very fair prices.

Back to the point: I have updated the email address for notification, and removed comment moderation altogether. Many apologies for seeming to ignore you guys, honestly I had no idea, and I do appreciate you dropping me a line.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Hello Secret Pal

Secret Pal 9 has begun. Well, actually, it doesn't start until the 15th, but the questionnaire has been posted, and we have been matched. I've already visited my spoilee's blog, and am really looking forward to spoiling her. So, for my secret pal (hello wherever you are!) and anyone else interested, here are my answers to the questionnaire.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I have mostly knit with DK wool, sometimes cotton. This year, I've started to use different textures and weights, and am pretty much open to anything at the moment. With all the lovely choice of natural fibres available, I can't see the point of acrylic on its own, although undoubtedly there are practical benefits, I mean who actually enjoys handwashing?


2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Um, nothing. They are usually poking out of my basket, alternatively I find them under the sofa, under the bed, in the bed. Some of the roll-up holders are so pretty, but all the straight needles I use are 35cm long, which tends to limit the choice. One day I'll make one. I have a set of pretty coloured Boyes interchangeable circulars which came in a practical, but oh-so-ugly (olive-beige, plastic cover, nasty) zipped pouch. Any rogue Addis get stuffed in there too.


3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
My
mother taught me about 30 years ago, and I've been knitting ever since, but there is always stuff to learn, for example, I knit my first socks this year.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, but it needs updating.


5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
Fresh, lemon-y smells rather than sweet, musky ones (although they are nice too!). I am not keen on vanilla. I love seaweed or watermelon scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Although I DO like chocolate, crisps are more my thing. I prefer salty or sour things (margarita, anyone?).


7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Crochet, sewing, tapestry, card-making, albeit I haven't done any of that for years. I cannot spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
In my dreams, I am on a dark stage in a smoky club, singing my broken heart out à la Judy. When I'm not a diva, I listen to a wide range of music, from Sinatra to the Sugababes, Crowded House to the Cure. I was a teenager in the 80s, so own a lot of punk and goth music (love those jangly guitars). My current favourite band is the Killers.


9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I've always loved purples and pinks (dusky tones though - bright pink is a big no-no). Currently, I am strangely drawn to burnt orange and all greens (really, my younger Goth self would be horrified). Not keen on brown on its own, but love it mixed with, say russets and gold, autumnal colours. The colour blue is very evocative (the sky, the sea), but I have no blue in my home and very little in my wardrobe (jeans). Looks great on men though.


10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live alone. I have an orange cat, but last year he moved to live in a house with a garden. He doesn't call or write.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Hats don't look so great on me, or rather, the hats looks great, I on the other hand look utterly ridiculous.
Scarves - love 'em. What's not to like? Quick to knit, makes a great present, transforms a so-so outfit to a great one. Love scarves.
Mittens - sorry, knitted gloves are not for me.
Ponchos - pass; not entirely sure what this means. I love shawls, but ponchos? I think I had one as a child.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Jumpers/sweaters, although I'm really enjoying shawl knitting at the moment.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Socks, scarf, two shawls, jumper, cardigan

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Handmade or bought, all gifts are treasured.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
35cm straight, only because that's what I am used to, and I think they have all been aluminium. Am still a bit of a circulars newbie, and only on flat pieces so far. DPNs tend to be 5 inch bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No. I wind yarn using other someone else's arms or various inanimate objects.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Six months. A fabulous jumper with bell sleeves, using a gorgeous purple Jaeger DK. All knitting done, just can't bring myself to sew the pieces together (because then I can no longer pretend that it's gonna fit).

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas and new year, and so many others.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Stationery. Candles. Green glass. Bills. Clutter.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to Interweave, although I haven't received a magazine yet, that's my only subscription. I buy the UK's Simply Knitting off the shelf sporadically. There are loads of things I would love to get my hands on, too numerous to list here. Most of the overseas yarn that I covet, I try to find online, but I suppose what immediately springs to mind as hard to get are the KnitPicks products, especially the needles and KIPer bags, because KP do not ship outside North America. Bad KP, bad!

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Loads! Finishing techniques, magic loop, toe-up socks.....

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Socks are a great portable project, and sock yarn is luscious. My feet are a UK 5.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)


ETA: this post has been sitting in my drafts folder for a few days now; bizarrely, I want to answer each question with my life story. Sorry for rambling, I'm not so good on short answers.