Jo's Knit Bits

Change of Blog

2009-05-11T08:10:00.001-07:00

Anybody who still wants to follow my ramblings and knitted projects can find me at:

http://josknitbits.wordpress.com/

The Perfect Model

2008-10-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

Today I took the opportunity, with the beautiful weather, to photograph my latest finished item. The Clapotis, it is knitted in SWTC Bamboo in colourway Purplexed. I am really pleased with the results, it is a really easy, mindless knit but really effective. We visited Crosby Beach and took advantage of the Anthony Gormley's Another Place exhibition at Crosby Beach. It was like a summers day but I am sure people must have thought I was a bit loopy, dressing up an iron statue!!!

And just to give a perspective of length:

Fun at Bluefaced.Com Open Day

2008-09-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I arranged to go to the Bluefaced.com open day with Chris and Lindsay (ohh and not forgetting Jules, Lyndsey's boyfriend who gave up his Birthday to join us). I really didn't know what to expect, having never been to any type of fiber festival before but it was amazing. We pulled into what can only be described as a stunning location, to find the most beautiful assortment of everything yarnly!

There were stalls run by Natural Dye Studio, Fyberspates, DT Crafts, Laughing Hens, The Mulberry Dyer and obviously Bluefaced.com. So we we're spoiled for choice......

I decided it was about time to embrace some new fiber related arts, I have been wanting to have a go a yarn dying for some time and there was such a fantastic choice of undyed yarn and the choice of dyes was amazing too, I decided to get a procion starter kit and 4 different types of undyed yarn, all sock yarn but various blends. BFL & Nylon, Merino & Bamboo, Merino & Tencel and Cotton & Tencel. I am excited to start giving it a try :)

Chris also kindly volunteered to show me how to use a drop spindle, after we had finished our lovely scones, she gave me a little tutorial and let me have a go, it was amazing. I loved the feeling of turning the lovely fluffy fibre into something you can knit with, so with Chris kindly offering to loan me her spindle off I went and bought some lovely fiber, purple and green extra fine merino YUM.

And a close-up of my first spun yarn:

Overall a fantastic day was had by all, I met some lovely people and it was nice to put names to faces that I have only ever spoken to through Ravelry.

Here is a picture of us and the fantastic haul that we brought home :)

2008-09-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

Firstly, again, so sorry for the large gap between posts. My life has been getting in the way a bit, I have had a very busy month. My eldest has just started school so there has been lots of school runs, uniform labeling and stuff going on there. Here she is proudly showing off her new school uniform:

I have also been busy knitting too, I have been doing a fair few baby knits for my gorgeous great niece Chloe who was born on 8th September, what a cutie she is and I just know I will find lots of lovely things to knit for her!

I have also started my winter knitting (Yay). I bought the book Knitting New Scarves which I LOVE!

I generally hate knitting scarves as I get bored half way through but this book has the most amazing techniques, design ideas and patterns to stop boredom in its tracks. There are lots of patterns that I will knit and plenty more techniques that I would love to try. I have started my first pattern from the book, the Aria scarf (Rav link). I am really enjoying knitting this scarf so far, I am using Malabrigo Worsted in Holly Hock and Cherry tree Hill Sockittome in Jewel, held together. It kind of gives a tweedy effect which I really like:

I also have a couple of pairs of socks on the needles but I will post about them when completed, which will hopefully be soon..............................

More Finished socks!

2008-08-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

Well I have been knitting like a demon in the last week and I have managed to finish 2 more pairs of socks.

Plain socks using Fabel sock yarn, this yarn is lovely to work with and a real bargain at £2 per 50g ball. I am so happy that I managed to get the stripes to match perfectly (not that I am obsessive about it or anything, honest)

Charade Socks, this is a lovely easy pattern which I think is quite effective. The yarn is Natyral Dye Studio Dazzle, again lovely to work with.

I am also 3/4 of the way through a pair of Waving Lace socks which should be finished very soon. I am really enjoying getting these off the needles!

Long Time no Blog

2008-07-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I'd better apologise for the huge time it has taken me to blog, I guess life got in the way for a little while but I assure you I am still here and am back knitting like a demon after my knitting mojo got up and ran away for the most of June! I have had a weeks holiday in Majorca and after culling a few WIP's that where holding me back I am back on top knitting form :D

Well, what have I been doing, I have finished some Twisted Tweed Socks in lovely Lorna's laces Childsplay, the yarn was a bit of a test as it pooled horribly with most patterns but I was happy with the result of these

I have also made some pretty flowers for Emily's school teachers, in a moment of madness on the day before they finished, but I was quite happy with the results, I just hope they liked them, they had little pins on the back so they can be worn as brooches.

I still have lots of projects on the go, I am still plodding on with some Charade socks, my Juliet cardigan (the weather is just too nice to contemplate knitting this as it is chunky yarn!), some more Socks of Doom and my Forest Canopy is still waiting to be finished! I have made a promise to myself not to cast anything new on until I at least finish some WIP's, which so far is going well! I promise, I will not leave the blogging so long next time :D

First attempts at lace

2008-05-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

Well with all the beautiful sun recently I started to think that maybe the Juliet cardigan would be too heavy for the wedding so I decided to start a Forest Canopy Shawl. This is my first real attempt at lace and for a while it was a little frustrating, especially when it was 2 rows forward, 6 rows back but I think I have now got over that hurdle and the pattern seems to have clicked. The yarn is Fyberspates sock yarn in Grenada colourway, it also matches my dress, probably even more perfectly than the Malabrigo so I am happy. I just hope I get it finished it time!

The Juliet certainly hasn't been forgotten, I will definately continue with it for winter :)

It is the east, and Juliet is the sun...

2008-05-07T11:09:00.003-07:00

Well I've braved the world of adult garment knitting, after 16 months of knitting I have finally decided to make myself a cardigan, it is Juliet from Zephyr Style. I was very lucky to win an Ebay auction for 8 skeins of Malabrigo chunky in my favourite colourway, Holly-hock, just enough for my size, so I decided to take the plunge!!!

Even for a very experienced knitter, knitting something in my size is no 1/2 measure, but I am hoping to have it finished in time for my friends wedding on 6th June as the dress I have bought matches the yarn perfectly. Please keep your needles crossed and send me good knitterly vibes xxx

Today I have been mostly...sewing!

2008-04-23T06:10:00.001-07:00

I recently treated myself to a sewing machine, it is something I have wanted to learn for ages and I finally took the plunge, so far I am really enjoying it, although I have only tried straight stitching! My first project was a very simple, lined drawstring pouch for my sock knitting and then I progressed to these tote bags! I am going away on a girly weekend to Scotland and have made these as goody bags, they are filled with all kinds of goodies!
The fabric is Amy Butler which I am in love with and it was my first attempt at interfacing anything and added a magnetic closure. The sewing is a little wonky in parts but overall I am really happy with them. I think this may be the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship with my sewing machine!
I used this tutorial, which was fantastic, nice and easy to follow for a beginner :p

Yay! Finished Tumbling Blocks

2008-04-06T09:23:00.001-07:00

I have had these socks OTN since October, they where intended for my friend Jessica and as it is a special birthday on Tuesday I thought it was only fair that I moved my butt and finished them off for her! They are knitted in Middlearth yarns in Sherbet colourway which was just gorgeous, they have an Eye of Partridge heel and a star toe which is great if you don't like grafting as you just draw up the last 7 stitches, I really like the effect of this toe too, the decreases make a pretty star pattern.

Fantastic Swap Goodies

2008-04-01T09:27:00.001-07:00

I am having such a good week for treats, today my swap parcel arrived from the "Friends of P" swap, Amy (Seaanemone) sent me the most amazing collection of goodies.

3 Skeins of Koigu KPPPM in a lovely purpley/pink colour (how did she guess that I like these colours LOL)

A sheep notepad and pen

A gorgeous 4x6 notions pouch

A stitch keeper (which I really needed)

Some sheepie post its

Some really lovely glass stitch markers

Thank you Amy, I feel throughly spoiled!

Pack a punch popsicle socks

2008-03-29T11:24:00.001-07:00

Here are my latest pair of socks, they are the Estonian Button Stitch socks by Jane Prater and are knitted in Colinette Jitterbug - Popsicle colourway. I usually hate pooling yarn but I really love this, the colours are just so vibrant they make me smile and I really have a soft spot for Jitterbug, I found the yardage fine, these fit my size 7's and I have about 15g left over and the stitch definition and fabric are really lovely . They were knitted on 2.75mm needles and the pattern was a pleasure to knit and excellently written, I would highly recommend it and I am sure I will use it again. The button stitch does take a little getting used to but I found that doing a double YO instead of a YO made the stitch far easier to pull through and gave exactly the same effect.

Lovely Goodies

2008-03-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

I have just come back from 4 lovely nights in the Lake District, and I arrived home to an abundance of beautiful squishies !!!

I bought the Amy Butler Creativity Bag from Lakeland Plastics whilst away and I LOVE it, it is big enough to fit loads of projects in and I just love Amy Butler designs.

The yarn is:

3 balls of Twilley's Sincere 100% Organic Cotton (to do a baby cardigan for a friends babies arrival in May).
6 skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd sock in, Childsplay, Tahoe & Fresh Stripe colourways.
1 skein of Aruncania Ranco solid in a lovely Olivey green
2 50g skeins of 100% British sock yarn in Candyfloss from Angels and Elephants.

It was almost worth coming home for!

Seeing Chevrons

2008-03-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished my Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, it is knitted in Collinette Jitterbug, colours Gauguin & Florentina. I didn't make it as long as the pattern stated and I still had just under half a skein of each left over. The Florentina is now becoming a pair of socks for my daughter!

I quite enjoyed knitting this as it was a no-brainer pattern that travelled well as you could just pick it up and knit. I think I will miss not having it on the needles, but I will get great pleasure from wearing it :D

Mothers Day Sublime Socks

2008-03-02T06:52:00.000-08:00

I had an idea to make my MIL some bed socks for Mothers Day, this would have been fine, if I hadn't decided on Wednesday night!

They were finished at midnight last night, not too bad for 4 nights knitting (well good for me as I am quite a slow knitter) :D

The pattern is the International Sock of Doom pattern :

http://yarnivation.blogspot.com/2007/10/international-sock-of-doom-pattern.html

they are knitted in Sublime Baby, Merino, Silk & Cashmere and are so soft & snuggly. My MIL loved them, she is a knitter herself so I knew they would be appreciated.

They where a really nice, easy, quick knit, I am definitely feeling the DK sock love and am sure I will be doing more very soon, LOL.

Hawaiian Jaywalker Socks

2008-02-26T06:16:00.001-08:00

I have finished my Jaywalker socks, they are knitted on 2.75mm Quills in Lorna's Laces Hawaii colourway. I loved this yarn, it is beautiful to knit with and I really like the effect it has created with the pattern. I have enjoyed making these socks and would definitely use the pattern again, it is very easily memorised and takes the monotony out of plain socks.

Finished Gretel

2008-02-04T02:17:00.000-08:00

Here is my finished Gretel Beret, I ended up knitting the slouchy version as I tried it on as I was knitting and decided I wanted some more slouch! I must have a big head LOL. It was a lovely knit which I really enjoyed, I will definately knit more :D

Sorry there are no modelled shots but my husband is away and I found it hard taking them in the mirror. I don't think my 2 year olds photography skills would be up to scratch ;D

Gretel Beret

2008-02-02T05:22:00.000-08:00

I have started knitting myself a Gretel beret: http://ysolda.com/shop/index.php?main_p ... ducts_id=3

I am knitting it in Malabrigo worsted in Holly Hock colourway, I have to say that this is the nicest yarn I have ever knit with, it is like butter, so soft and I love the varigated colour. This is only my second attempt at cables so i'm a bit slow :S It is a lovely clear pattern though and I am really enjoying knitting it :D

I really don't suit hats so this is a big test as to whether I will wear it or not. It may have to find another home if it doesn't look right!

1st Year Knitaversary

2008-01-27T03:18:00.000-08:00

Today I have been knitting for one year!!!

I can't believe it has been a year since I ventured into an LYS, bought some old needles for 10p, some random tiny balls of yarn and a "How to Knit" book for £1.00 (was from the 70's). My husband taught me how to do a slipknot and I cast on so tight that I couldn't get my needles in the stitches and after hours of sore fingers I threw the knitting across the room in frustration.

Things have come a bit of a way now, I never imagined I would have knit socks using 5 needles (well 8 pairs now) and had a go at felting, cables and lace :D

I think I would have a bit more in the bank (Serious yarn addiction) but I am so much richer in the skills I now have and the lovely friends I have made online and just wanted to thank everyone for all your support in my 1st year, heres to many more!

Serious Sock P*rn

2008-01-19T04:05:00.001-08:00

How lucky am I, this is what arrived at my door this morning!!!

I am sooo happy right now, I got:

Dream in Colour Smooshy in Wisteria Colourway
NORO sock yarn. The photo doesn't do the colour justice, it is SO bright
Shibui Knits in Wasabi
Duet Skinny in Fuscia Fusion
Crystal Palace Merino 5 in Dogwood Pinks

This arrived in 8 days from The Loopy Ewe in America and best of all I didn't get charged by customs ;D

Jaywalking

2008-01-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

A close up of the pattern ;D

I cast these on on Friday, they are Jaywalker socks by Grumperina, from Magknits (link on the right). The pattern is lovely to knit, its so easy, it is memorised by the 2nd needle and I really love the effect.

I am knitting them in Lorna's Laces, Hawaii colourway and I am really pleased with the results so far, the yarn hasn't pooled, which I was a little worried about. I am also using my 2.75mm Quills DPN's which I haven't used before and I really like them. They are slightly bendy which was weird at first but I am enjoying using them now :D

Happy New Year! Happy New Knitting!

2008-01-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been a bad blogger but Christmas was a little hectic and then we all came down with the Noro Virus (unfortunately the sick bug not the lovely yarn ;S) so this is the first chance I have had to blog. Well I was very lucky and my Sister In law got me a Get Knitted voucher for Christmas which I am yet to spend but it is to become some Regia Silk sock yarn and some more Knitpicks tips and cables :D

I got some money from my Mum & Dad so I bought the Vogue Knitting - Ultimate sock book, which is fantastic and would be fab for old and new sock knitters. It is a combination of history, techniques, stitch dictionary and patterns, I love it :D

I also got the 2008 Stitch & Bitch calendar and it has some lovely patterns, I am very impressed with the sock patterns, OK yes I know I am naughty for peeking and not having a surprise each day :)

I also got some Mmmmmmmalabrigo worsted which has to be the softest yarn I have felt and can't wait to knit some up, although I have no idea what to us it for yet!!! It is in Holly Hock which is a lovely semi solid purply colour.

Monkey Socks

2007-12-17T08:31:00.001-08:00

Here are my finished Monkey socks, they are knitted in Natural Dye Studio Merino/Tencel in Grape colourway. The yarn has a lovely sheen like silk and I think the subtle colour differences really suit this pattern. Overall I am really pleased with how they have turned out :D

Latest FO

2007-12-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of a little baby cardi which I made for a colleagues new baby, it is the Ribbon edged cardigan from Debbie Bliss Special Knits but I haven't included the ribbon edge as I thought it was a little fussy for a newborn. It is knitted in baby Cashmerino and finished with tiny flower buttons :D

Santa Came Early

2007-11-28T04:41:00.001-08:00

My mum & dad gave me some money for Christmas to order some yarn and look what just arrived. It is sooo scrummy.

From left to right:
Cherry Tree Hill - Sockittome Sock yarn in Jewels
Artesano Apaca Hummiongbird 4-ply in Turtledove x 2
Aretesano Alpaca 4-ply in Teal (Bolivia) x 2
Fiesta Ballet Merino/Tencel in Sapphire
and a Crystal Palace Panda Wool kit with Violet shade panda wool and Quill DPN's.
Now I just need to finish my Christmas knits to be able to get cracking, I think next year I will mainly be knitting socks :D

Just had to share......

2007-11-11T14:55:00.000-08:00

I know its not knitting related but I just had to share some pictures of my cousin Jo's fantastic wedding wich we attended yesterday! It was the most stunning, lavish, spectacular wedding that I have ever attended (and probably will ever attend). Jo looked stunning in an oyster pink wedding gown, with stunningly classic black bridesmaid dresses.

My auntie (Jo's mum) made the most amazing cake, the flowers and leaves are all made from icing, she made mine 5 years ago which was very similar but 3 tiers.

Won't bore you with all the details, just to say I have seen less spectacular weddings on the pages of Hello magazine. It was a truely awesome Day!!!!

Some close up flower shots!

New Projects & Christmas Knits

2007-11-07T02:25:00.000-08:00

I have started a pair of socks requested by my friend Jessica for when she goes into hospital to have her baby in 4 weeks time :) They are Tumbling Block Socks (pattern in To-do list links), they are knitted in Middlearth Yarns - Sherbet (75% BFL & 25% Nylon), the colours are so vibrant that the pictures don't really do them justice.

Here is a close up of the stitch pattern:

Here is the progress picture of my Bertie scarf being knit for my Mother in Law for Christmas, it is knitted it Artesano Alpaca Cloud - Cream and it knitted on 4.00mm needles. Also knitted in are Jaeger Translucent beads, its is so soft and snuggly, I hope she likes it :)

Thought you might like to see a progress pic of my Chevron Scarf, it is coming along nicely but I have decided to keep it for me as I love it so much so it has been put on the back burner until the Baby/Christmas knits are finished as they are on a time limit :S

So swift!!!

2007-11-05T02:21:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of my new swift which arrived this morning from Sweden. It is fantastic!!! I wound the skein in the pic in about 2 minutes with not one tangle, I couldn't believe how easy it made it! I can see me enjoying winding now! It is beautifully made and very solid :)

One Down One to go!!!

2007-11-04T13:30:00.001-08:00

I have finished one of my Waving Lace socks from Favorite Socks but I have had to put the other one on the back burner until I have completed a few Christmas knits and some socks for my best friend for when she goes into labour with her l'il lady :)

Excuse the fat, white, hairy legs & the stash in the background, its not as easy to take photos of your feet as you would think ;P

Waving Lace Socks

2007-10-15T02:08:00.000-07:00

I have started some new lacy socks, they are Waving Lace socks from the book "Favourite Socks" by Interweave. I am really enjoying knitting them, the yarn is lovely to knit. It is Posh Yarn, Lucia in Stonewashed colour way.

More socks!!!

2007-10-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished my "Not for Goths" Fluted Bannister socks, they have been OTN since July so its about time I finished them. They are knitted in 100% sportweight Merino in "Not just for goths" colourway, from Middleearth Yarns. The yarn is fab, they are so snuggly and warm, definately house socks ;)

Christmas Knits started

2007-10-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have started some Christmas knits, the first is a Chevron Scarf (top picture) from Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson, knitted using Colinette Jitterbug in Florentina and Gaugain. It is coming along well and is now about 12 inches :)

The second is a Clapotis scarf knitted in South West Trading Company Bamboo in purplexed. It is a stunning yarn which feels so soft and silky.

I am really enjoying knitting both at the moment but scarves are notoriously repetative so we'll see how I get on ;)

Premature baby hat

2007-09-29T15:04:00.001-07:00

This hat took me about 2 hours to knit, it was a lovely easy pattern from: http://carissaknits.blogspot.com/2007/07/preemie-hats-for-charity.html
It is knitted in Sublime baby merino, silk & cashmere and is sooo soft. It is knitted for a colleagues sisters baby, Taylor, who was born 6 weeks early at 4lb 9oz.
It is so tiny I thought I would put the coin in to give it some scale :)

AY Winter Secret Santa

2007-09-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

I received my secret santa parcel this morning, WOW was I spoiled. I am so happy with my goodies.

I got:

Some gorgeous Colinette Jitterbug in Alizarine (bright pink & lilac)

Socks Socks Socks Book

A gorgeous sheepy mug

Some fab sheepy buttons

Some cute badges

Green & Blacks choc

A gorgeoous sheepy card

I am soooo happy with it all, it is fab. Thank you so much Gemma (Bendigoblue) for spoiling me so much :)

My Swap Bag

2007-09-23T03:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some before and after felting pictures of my bag that I knitted for the AY bag swap, it was a variation on the B4 bag by Bloomoon Creations and it was a lovely knit. The beads are glass and it has redy/pink buttons and acrylic handles.

Luckily my swap pal Funkypixie really liked it. All in all a very successful swap!!!

Angel Yarns Bag Swap

2007-09-15T03:06:00.000-07:00

Wow I received my bag from my AY Bag swap pal Sonic, it is absolutely beautiful and I am so happy with it. It is knitted in Manos Del Uruguay and the pattern is based on the Stafford bag by Magknits (http://www.magknits.com/June07/patterns/stafford.htm). It is so beautifully made, well done Sonic :)

I also got a ball of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in a lovely green (to knit some matching Fetchings :)) and some Green & Blacks Ginger Chocolate. What a lovely surprise.

Latest Sock Project

2007-09-12T04:46:00.001-07:00

Here is my latest sock project, they are Monkey socks from Knitty.com (Pattern on list at right). They are knitted in Natural Dye Studio Merino/Tencel yarn in Grape. The yarn is fab to work with, it has a shiny finish which just glides over my new Knitpicks DPN's :)

Cutey Pics

2007-09-12T04:24:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would slip this pic in of my cherubs on the bach in Filey, we have just come back after the most fab relaxing week camping in the sunshine in Filey :)

Latest Sock P*rn ;)

2007-09-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the neglected blog, here are some of my latest purchases, the top one is Shunklies sock yarn which was a bargain buy on Ebay, the next is 2 lots of Natural Dye Studio in Pale rainbow (Merino & Tencel) & Geanium (Merino & alpaca). Also some Regia sock yarn in turquoise, lilcas, pinks etc bought on holiday in Bobbins in Whitby. I must be having a pastel phase at the moment ;)

Ruby Slippers for a L'il Lady

2007-08-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest addition to my knits for my best friend Jessica who's baby girl is due early December. The pattern is from Zoe Mellor's Adorable Knits for Tiny Tots, as soon as I saw it I just had to knit them. They are knitted in Rowan Glace, Poppy shade with small flower buttons. They have 3 white cross-stitches on the toe in the pattern but I am undecided as to whether to put them on or not?

Fetchings

2007-08-20T00:42:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest project, Fetchings from Knitty.com. I love them, they are so cosy and warm. They are a great introduction to cabling and are quick and easy to complete. They are knitted in Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora, in a lovely duck egg bluey-grey which I received from my Secret Pal on the Angel yarns forum summer swap. It is lovely yarn to work with, I enjoyed every minute of it and some of these will become family Christmas presents :)

Latest Sock Project

2007-08-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Here are my latest socks being knitted for my husband. They are a plain stocking stitch pattern as I though this would be the best with the self patterning yarn. The yarn is Fabel from Garnstudio. I am knitting them at the same time (well on different needles) to stop me from getting single sock syndrome!!!

Winding me up :)

2007-08-11T02:09:00.000-07:00

My ball winder arrived this morning and here are some pics of my first ball, it is so satisfying, although we did have a few tangles in the hank. The ball is so neat and cute, I love it. The yarn is Fyberspates - Grenada, the picture doesn't do it justice. It is lovely shades of pink, plum & burgundy, very autumnal. I am going to start my FC shawl in it as soon as I finish a few WIP's first ;)

More Felting in the pipeline :)

2007-08-11T01:59:00.000-07:00

I have just received my SWTC Karaoke that I ordered from the Get Knitted Sale. To do the Coco Bag from http://www.feltedhandbagworkshop.com/ for Xmas presents for my nieces. The shades are Wild Cherry, Black & Black Sheep & Bloom> They look lovely, can't wait to start on them.

I also received a pattern for a girls cardigan knitted in self patterning sock yarn. I though that as I have so much sock yarn in my stash then it might be a good pattern to have and the size range is excellent.

Needed Cheering up!!!

2007-08-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

Look what my lovely postie just brought for me!!! It really cheered me up after 2 scoundrels outbid me at the last minute on a swift and ball winder, I was sooo annoyed :( I had been bidding for a week and I thought my maximums were high enough but they pipped me to the post.

Well I got:

A copy of Tess' book (I really need to learn to crochet now, no excuses)

A copy of interweave knits 25 sock patterns (really lovely patterns)

3 skeins of NDS yarn in Rainbow Mist, Atlantic & Shiraz, they are all lovely and snuggly. Can't stop stroking them ;)

I also got a sample card of Tess' yarns, they are all gorgeous and very reasonably priced. Can see some of those landing in my basket soon, if I can find any room in my house, LOL.

I am still waiting for my Koolaid dyeing kit and my hipknit yarns :) Can't stop feeding this habit.

Another pair finished :)

2007-08-06T01:14:00.000-07:00

Here are my latest finished socks. They are just a plain pattern but using yarn from Krafty Koala in Rainbow Ice. They are the first pair for me, yipeee and they are so comfy and warm, I love them. I bought 200g as I loved the yarn so I still have over 100g for another pair. I might try a patterned pair next time :)

Booga Bag

2007-07-31T14:45:00.000-07:00

I have finished my 1st Booga bag and am so happy with the results. I just love the effects, the above photos are before & after felting, being blocked. Some of the colours of the yarn have faded a little but I think it looks lovely, I wasn't too sure about the emerald green but now it is a lovely muted green :)

The Yarn is Noro Kureyon Shade 153. I actually only started the bag on Sunday afternoon and it only took 1 1/2 days of sporadic knitting to complete. The pattern is so simple to follow that it would be fantastic for a beginner, especially a first go at felting and knitting in the round.

Dublin Bay Socks

2007-07-29T01:06:00.000-07:00

Here are my finished Dublin Bay socks. They are knitted in JoJoland Quartette, shade: Java Orange Meadow Mauve!!!

They where a joy to knit as the yarn is gorgeous, 80% Merino & 20% cashmere. I also enjoyed the pattern

http://www.nwkniterati.com/movabletype/archives/MossyCottage/DublinBay4.pdf

It was my first attempt at patterned socks and the pattern was really easy to follow and easily memorised after the first few rounds. I did an Eye of Partridge style heel, which I am really pleased with. I really like the way the yarn spirals around the sock but stripes also, they are quite funky!!!

They are for a friend who is going in to hospital today for a back operation, they are quite wacky but I am sure she will like them.

Latest Stash Enhancement

2007-07-29T01:03:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Jo and I am a yarnaholic!!! I seriously think I have a yarn addiction problem.

Here are the latest additions to my stash:

3 Skeins Noro Kureyon, shade 153, the colours are just not done justice in the picture. they range from a lovely deep purple to a bright turquoise. This is to start my first Booga bag, an first attempt at felting, which I am casting on today.

A hank of gorgeous Fyberspates sock yarn in lovely, pink, peach & lilac. This is earmarked for the Menehune Cobblestone socks.

A ball of Opal Neon in shade 1932, maybe for Jaywalker or Zebedee socks.

Sunday Brunch Jacket

2007-07-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Well I have finished my 1st item for my best friends 3rd little 'un who arrives late November. It is the Sunday Brunch jacket from the Sublime baby book and is knitted in james C Brett 100% Merino. The yarn is an absolute dream to work with and is sooo soft and cuddly but machine washable (always a bonus with babies!!!)

It only took 3 balls so was quite an inexpensive knit but it feels very luxurious, I also have a couple of balls left over so I am going to do a hat to match. My friend will find out the sex of the baby on Friday so I will wait until then and if its pink one then I will do a bonnet, blue will be a beanie!!!

Fantastic Not So Secret Swap!!!

2007-07-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

I received some lovely Silkwood hand dyed sock yarn in Aubergine from Fairynuff today. We decided to have our own little swap as I had some Jojoland Quartette that she liked. I received the lovely yarn and some fabbo Green & Blacks Raisin & Hazlenut choccy, yuuummmm.......

I really need to find a nice pattern to do this yarn justice!

More on our swap at Fairynuffs blog: http://fairynuffssocksnstuff.blogspot.com/

Lovely Post Day

2007-07-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

I received some fab yarns today, I am sooo happy. I can't stop squishing them all!!!

They are 3 hanks from Cazza at Middle Earth Yarns, greeny one is Mash (as in M*A*S*H, for its lovely girly, bright camo colours), Purple one is Punkt & Pink one is Sherbet. They all fit their names so well!!!

I got 4 x 50g balls of Fabel in blues and greens to start some socks for DH!!!

Last but not least some fantastic Silkwood in Aubergine from my swap with fairynuff (see above). The colours are just lovely :)

Sock Yarn Stash

2007-07-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

Well I decided to picture my sock yarn stash as it is increasing by the day. I didn't quite realise I had so much!!!

There is yarn from Middle Earth Yarns, The Natural Dye Studio, Krafty Koala, Regia, JoJoland, RYC, Fabel, Lana Grossa & Silkwood.

I will have to get knitting the ole socks as I have a enough yarn for a fair few pairs!!!

Neglected Blog - Update

2007-07-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't blogged for so long. I have been so busy with courses at work and weekends away that I just haven't had the chance.

My most recent project is a pair of socks for my best friend who is due to go to hospital in 2 weeks for a disk removed from her spine. It is the Dublin Bay pattern: http://www.nwkniterati.com/movabletype/archives/MossyCottage/DublinBay4.pdf

knitted in Jojoland Quartette. The yarn is so soft as it is 80% Merino & 20% Cashmere, they are dream to knit and the pattern is easy yet effective! The yarn is quite Zany but I love the way the different colours stripe and spiral around the sock.

Current Stash Shame!!!

2007-05-22T04:13:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got around to photographing my stash.

here it is from left to right

Top Picture:

JoJoland Quartette x 9

Louisa Harding Kimono Angora x 4

Rowan Linen Drape in Teal x 4

Sublime Baby Blue x 3

Sublime Baby White x 1

Debbie Bliss Maya x 1

Jaegar Baby Merino Variagated Pink x 4

Rainbow Sock Yarn x 2

Lana Grossa Stretch x 1

Jaegar Baby Merino Pale Blue x 6

Sirdar Luxury Cotton DK Blue x 6

Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora x 2

Natural Dye Studio Sock Yarn x 2

Various Sirdar Snuggly in DK & 4ply

Sirdar Luxury Cotton 4ply pink x 3

Bottom 2 Pictures are various cottons, Sirdar Spree & lots of Lidl mercerised cotton in white, cream , lilac & turquoise.

I think I am addicted to buying yarn. Think I will join the Angel Yarns summer stashalong to try to get through atleast some of it!!!

Angel Yarns Summer Secret Santa

2007-05-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

I received a parcel today from my Angel Yarns sumer secret santa. It was full of lovely goodies.

One Skein Book

Patchwork Bag (stunning)

2 balls Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora in a duck egg blue

2 skeins of blue faced Leicester sock yarn in Apple tree shade

Pink ice cream buttons (to follow the seaside theme)

Beautiful shell stitch markers

Yummy Baileys truffle choc

How lucky am I. My pal stalked me really well and I am soooo happy with everything. I never thought doing something like this would be so much fun but I have really enjoyed it. It is cool shopping for someone that you don't know and stalking their posts to find out their likes and dislike and it is equally as good when you receive your parcel full of nice things that somebody has chosen for you!

Recent Sex!

2007-05-21T03:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of my recent SEX. I am in love with all of it and can't stop squidging it!!!

I have plans for the Louisa Harding (a cardi for DD from Knitting magazine). The others are for socks & possibly something lacy with the extra Quartette.

Finished Monica

2007-05-21T02:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my DD Emily modelling Monica from Knitty. It is a really easy nice summer knit. I would highly recommend it!!!

The best bit is, she loves it!!!

Finished 1st Socks!!!

2007-05-16T03:22:00.000-07:00

Well I have finished my first socks. I am really pleased with it. I loved every minute of it and can see it being the 1st of many!!!

I am going to try and finish my DD's cardi & DS's tank top before I cast on for the 2nd (if I can resist). I really need to get them finished and only have the edgings to do!

Progress of 1st socks

2007-05-15T03:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some progress pictures of my 1st sock. I am still really enjoying it and am now up to the toe shaping. The heel turn and gusset shaping weren't nearly as daunting as I thought they would be but I did have to frog the heel turn 1st time round as I had done something wrong, it just didn't look right. I lost about 20 rows and when I picked up the stitches again I wasn't sure where I was up to so I counted the stitches and carried on. I do think that I was a little out in my calculations as the heel flap seemed a little long and I struggled picking up only 15 stitches down each side. But I don't think it is too obvious apart from a little bit baggy.

But hey ho, It's all good experience! I definately won't make the same mistakes on my 2nd one!!!

Photo's of 1st socks!!!

2007-05-09T02:45:00.000-07:00

I have finished the ribbing on my first ever sock!!! I am really pleased as it is the 1st time I have had any success with DPN's. It just seems to have clicked.

1st Socks

2007-05-09T01:12:00.000-07:00

Well I have taken the plunge and started my first socks. They are in Trekking XXL and are using the free opal pattern. I have only done 4 rounds of rib but so far so good. I will post some piccies when I have done a bit more!!!

On the Needles

2007-05-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

I am currently knitting Monica from Knitty.com for my 3yo DD. It is a really easy knit and I have joined the Angel Yarns KAL to encourage me.

The yarn is a lot I won on Ebay. It is 100% cotton and is lovely variagated pastel shades. It was only £9.75 inc postage for 500g so quite a bargain!

Not sure what I will do with the rest though!!!