knit n bitch

Jules - Rowan Book #21

I think this has to be the longest running UFO in my stash!  I started this denim sweater 5 years ago, and then discovered (after washing it so that it would shrink to size) that there was a missing errata that I should have been using.  As a result, the sweater was shorter than expected (I can live with that) but the stickler was that it now didnt fit over my head.  I had to un-pick the neckline and had every intention of crocheting a neck band, rather than knitting one on, but for some reason it remained at the bottom of my stash.  After much procrastination, I finally pulled my finger out and sewed in all the loose bits and crocheted the neckline at this months Wool Shack knitting circle!  Horrah!!

The pattern is actually a vintage one from Book #21 and it's called Jules.  In the original pattern it uses the Rowan Denim in Ecru, but I went for the Nashville.

Very relieved to have finally put this one to rest!

Scribble C'est Fini!!

Horrah & ballyhoo!! I pulled my finger out and got the very first IV's knit along project finished!! This is very good news indeed!

Duel - Rowan Babies Pattern

I finished this cute little cardigan for Joe several weeks ago, but this is the first time he's worn it without protest long enough for me to take a photo. It's from the Rowan Babies pattern book and it's called Duel. I made it with the All Seasons Cotton Printed colour Surf. It's very lovely and fortunately I made it big enough to last him another year or more (just turn back the cuff's right now).

The first picture give's you a better view of the finished garment, and the second photo is what happens when you ask a cheeky 2 1/2 year old to "smile for the camera".

Scribble Knitting

Ok, so this was the first IV's project, and I am inches away from completing it, but somehow I dont seem to get there (must put this at the top of my 'to do' list). It's taken from a book called Unexpected Knitting and its official title is scribble shawl. We used 2 hanks of Hawthorne Cottage Chunky Wool for the thick bit, and 1 ball of Rowan Kidsilk Haze for the fine part. Nicole made the shawl and the rest of the IV's had a trickier task with a finer, cardigan version of the technique.

Kemp Progress

Here'e the completed front of the Kemp Bag, and strangely enough, its about 6cm wider at the bottom to Nicoles. My tension must be loose on this project. Normally I tend to be a tighter knitter (with so many of my previous projects being passed on to skinny friends, as they were just too tight for me - BIG SIGH!).

So far the front of this bag has only used 1 and a bit 40gm hanks of Blossom, so I suspect there will be either heaps left over, or plenty to cover the bag based on my current tension.

Rather than knit the handles (I think they look a bit scruffy), I will be using the bamboo handles with a metal rod. Also, I suspect all the IV's will line the bag, and Nicole and I are adding magnetic poppers, rather than regular poppers (less strain on the yarn when the bag is opened).

The Bump!

As you can see from these photos, with 6 weeks to go before D-Day, I am huge. Any more growth from the baby and I will positively fall over!

Nicole came over last night to knit, and insisted we take a picture of the 'bump' as its just getting sooooo huuggggeeeee! It sticks out like a football (unlike my last pregnancy where I spread out to the sides) and I am having a lot more aches and pains in the hips, groin and back (there's a surprise). Where all the rest of the baby is going to fit, gawd only knows, but just wanted to share the experience and grab a bit of sympathy.