knit n bitch

Book Obession

Yes, being the owner of a yarn store means that you can't help but develop some unhealthy obessions and mine happens to be knitting books (my drug of choice).  I pre-ordered HEAP's (yes, I mean HEAPS) of knitting books from Amazon, before they hit the shelves in Australia.  The latest one I am excited about is from Sarah Dallas, a designer for Rowan and the author of Vintage Knits.  It's called Knitting (original!!) and from the cover (which I know we mustn't judge) it looks like it could be a winner.  It's due for release in May 2005, so can't wait.

Crochet Attempt.

As I am doing a clear out of my basket right now, I thought I would introduce you to my crochet square.  Ok, ok, so crochet isn't my top hobby, but I wanted to get 'into' it and started this mohair project using a mixture of mohair left overs from my stash.  It's just a square that keeps getting bigger and I'm not sure if I want a large cushion or a huge throw.  I pick it up every now and again when the urge takes me!

Box Bag Find.

I was in Kmart of all places the other day (buying nappies...how exciting) and I stumbled across these box bags.  They are large, solid and pretty stylish for Kmart, so I invested in the last two.  They are for the sole purpose of carrying my latest projects, so that I can grab a box, knit from one project and then change to another if the urge takes me.  They are big enough to hold 2 or 3 projects each and I am very happy with my find.

 

Growing Boy

For those of you who are interested in the newest small person in my life, here he is at a strapping 9 weeks old.  Even Nicole is clucky over him and he's not even pink!

 

Rowan Book 37

Just received my Rowan International Member copy of Book 37.

Initial reaction was 'mmmmmm....not sure', then, as I browsed the pages a little more, I decided 'I like it A LOT!'.  quite floaty and romantic and not sure my baby-bashed figure can get away with a lot of the garments, but here are a few I have my eye on.

   

 

The book will be up on The Wool Shack's website next week for all to view and drool (or not, depending on your taste) over.

A Very Naughty Girl!

Ok, so I lied!  I said I would finish my Vanilla before starting a new project, but at least I managed to polish off the Kyoto!  I have some discontinued Rowan All Seasons Cotton Melange in a nice blue that would look great on Joe, so....I decided that as it's a 12ply it would knock up pretty quickly, especially for a 3 year old, so I just went ahead and started! 

The pattern is from Rowan Pipsqueaks and it's called Harry.  It's nowt spectacular, in terms of design, but my experience of the All Seasons for wear and tear makes it perfect for small people, so this will be a nice Western Australian Winter sweater for him!

Kyoto!

Horrah unt Ballyhoo!  I have been working on this project for months, or rather, it's been in the bottom of my knitting basket for months.  I originally stuffed up the collar and due to the fact that it was about 160 stitches to cast on again (to repair the damage) I put off the inevitable.  Anyhow, in my determination to clear my UFO's, this one was completed tonight and I'm chuffed!

The pattern is from Knitty and I used Jo Sharp Soho Summer Cotton DK.  The pink was a colour that Jo Sharp was considering for her cotton palette, but it didn't make the cut.  I am fortunate enough to a) own a yarn store so have inside information, and b) live 15 mins from Jo Sharp's HQ.  As a result, Jo kindly gave me a small amount of the pink for this project.  Hopefully the colour will make it to her cottons one day, as I think a nice Old Rose is just the ticket!

I made the sash of the sweater longer than the original pattern (I have had two babies and don't own a six pack) and my collar bands don't cross as much at the front as the orginal (I thought it looked better just overlapping).

It feels 'gooooooooodddd' to knock another project on the head, so that I can move on to the other UFO's in my basket and once again experience the sheer joy of choosing another project from scratch and getting started (without the niggling guilt).

Busted

Apart from the buttons, this little creation is finished.  Now, it's not my best work (sleep deprivation and knitting don't mix), but my mate will love it and it's the thought that counts eh!??!!

Buster Progress Report.

So far so good, but it's taken longer than I thought, coz I had to frog the left front twice (Doh!!).  Anyhow, it's shaping up nicely, just got to polish off the right front, then sew it up and chuck on the front bands and collars!  Hope it fits my mate's baby by the time it's finished and posted to the UK!!

Lamb Chop for the Vegetarians

Remember this?  When I was a wee snippet, my mum used to chuck a Lambchop puppet on her hand, and I was convinced it was real (blesssss).  Recently came across this vintage pattern and had to have it!  I think my boys will like this little number, so when I get the chance (in amongst the 3 million, 435 thousand other planned projects) I shall knit one!  Horrah!