Monday 29 August 2011

Q is for... Queue

On Ravelry there is a wonderful feature called 'Queue'. This is where you can add patterns with the yarns you plan to use and any notes that you have, in a easy-to-get-to list.

My Queue is short and sweet, as I tend to add things to favourites, instead of bombarding myself with too many items I need to make. On occasion though, I like a pattern enough to say, I'll make that, and I pop it in my queue. Here is a list of those very patterns.

© nemesia
The very first item in my queue, is Branching Out by Susan Lawrence. I've been wanting to try lace for a while now and when I finally found this pattern, I knew I had to give it a go. After looking through the projects and yarn suggestions, I found that Shewalks is knitting her own Branching Out scarf in King Cole Galaxy DK in the Mars colourway. I thought it looked so gorgeous I went and bought the same yarn so I could give it a go. 



This project is the one I'm the most excited about. The moment the pink mess that I'm calling a baby blanket is finished, I'm running to my room and casting on.

by dancingsheep
The next project is another scarf! This time it's the Scrunchable Scarf by Susan McConne. I'm plannning on making myself this scarf with Candy Skein's Yummy Worsted, in Cotton Candy Swirl that I bought last month. Despite being second in my queue, it probably won't be made until end of October/November when I have finished knitting presents.

by GettingPurly
Next on the hit list is Emanelle by Nancy Ricci.I'm desperate for some fingerless gloves this year and so I'm making myself these, with Candy Skein Yummy DK in the Strawberry colourway. Which, with the Worsted I mentioned earlier, I bought last month. I'm hoping to get these done this month, so I'm ready for the cold weather. But like my scrunchable scarf, it probably won't be off the needles until presents are all finished.

by MyDailyFiber
At number 4 is Patty by Jenny Raymond. I'm taking part in a KAL later on this year, and this is the project that was decided on. I know I have enough Mug Hugs to make with Year of Projects (which I'm sorry I haven't updated, but once baby blanket is finished normal service shall be resumed) but I couldn't resist this one. It is made with Double Moss Stitch, a stitch I haven't yet come across so I'm looking forward to giving this a go!

© Hannah Bearup
I love how berets look on my sister, so when I found the pattern Simple (yet adorable!) Slouchy Beret by Hannah Bearup I knew I had to give it a go. Really not sure what yarn I'll use for this project, I'll probably let Katy choose!!

So there are the first 5 patterns in my Ravelry Queue, you can head over to my page to see all 21 of them.

For now though, have a look what fellow ABC Bloggers felt Q was for!

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Zig to the Zag

I have been knitting nothing but blanket squares this week. The baby is due in a couple of weeks time and it is still not ready, so I'm knitting like crazy. I've only knitted 12 squares so far, not sure why they're taking me so long. But I've joined them all together and now is starting to look a little like a blanket, which gives me hope.


I'm planning on making it 6x6, so there will be 36 squares in total. I'm a third of a way through at the moment, and if I have done my math correctly, I should be finished knitting squares by next Thursday. Once I'm finished knitting the actual squares, I need to do a border. I think I'm just going to do a plain Garter Stitch edging, but I'm open to suggestions! After the border is done, I'm buying some lovely fabric to back it. 

I'm not happy with how it looks, but to be fair it is my first blanket. I do have an idea for my next blanket, when I know what I'm going to do I'll let you in on the secret. 

I still haven't come up with a cool name for the blanket, so leave a comment with your suggestions!!

For more Wip Wednesday fun, head on over to Tami's place!

Monday 22 August 2011

P is for... Paldies!


Paldies is Latvian for thanks! And I would like to say a big paldies to Sam, from Knitting Adventures!


 thank-you Glitter graphics  

She very kindly awarded me with the Versatile Blogger Award! So now I am 'An Accidental Sweet, Versatile Knitter.' After thanking Sam I must share 7 things about myself!

1. While You Were Sleeping is my favourite movie of all time!
2. I'm known by my family as 'baddit'.
3. I'm reading The Foundling by Georgette Heyer.
4. I <3 PB+J Sandwiches
5. I also love Michael Bublé!
6. I have cherry highlights in my hair...
7. I am known to get hyper on just one polo.

Now you know a little bit more about me, it's time for me to pass this award onto 15 fellow bloggers. Here we go, and remember they are in no particular order!!

1. Rip it Good.
2. Wool Diaries - I know she already got one from Sam, but I do love her blog
3. Gingerbread Girl
4. Winging It
5. Master of a Thousand Things
6. Writing, Yarn, Pucks & Diapers
7. Virtual Stitch - C'mon, I have to nominate my bff!
8. Misadventures in Craft
9. A Surprise Every Time
10. Knit & Seek
11. Lucky You, Lucky Me
12. Cute Crocheted Creations
13. Tami's Amis & Other Creations
14.When Did I Become A Knitter
15. With Needles & Wool

So again I would like to say thank you to Sam! And for more P... is for posts, click the links below!




Monday 15 August 2011

O is for... Obsessions!

I go through short bursts of obsession. That said I did have an obsession with Dogs that latest for just over 10 years.  Here are but a few of my old/current obsessions!

Drawing - I went through a 3 month long phase of non stop drawing. I mostly doodled horses, some of them turned out okay. Others not so much.


Click to make bigger!


Reading - My best friend Abby and I are big on reading. We made it our goal to read 50 books in a year, so far I've only read 11 (I had to stop reading for quite a while due to M.E brain fog, but I'm starting up again!) whereas she's managed a whopping 38! *applauds* 

Photography - I love taking photographs. I even had a blog about it once! My favourite things to photograph are flowers... Here are just a few of my favourite photographs!

Click to make bigger
Knitting - You know about this one, started in February 2011 and haven't stopped since. Even attempting to knit as I type this very post!

Writing - I've been writing stories since I mastered the art of holding a pen, as I got older I progressed to writing articles and even longer stories.I now write reviews, blog posts, articles, and even the odd short story or two. A couple of years ago, my cousins and I started to write TV Scripts, which we love to write. I haven't written any scenes for a while now, but have recently had a couple of ideas pop into my head. 

Dogs - I always have, and always will, love dogs. Some of my earliest memories involve those cuddly canines. After years and years of pleading and begging I finally got one of my own. A beautiful Bichipoo called Lilo.  

Buttons - I love buttons. I started to collect them back in April of this year when I first started knitting Mug Hugs


Click the links below for more O is for... posts!

Friday 12 August 2011

FO Friday: Washcloths, Washcloths, and look! More Washcloths!

As you will probably know, last week I started my new washcloth addiction. I don't know why it took me so long to find washcloths, but I'm very happy that I finally did. I haven't felt like doing much knitting during the past two weeks so having these little guys (oh gosh, I'm starting to refer to them as people now, I really need to get a life!) around to pick up and knit is very handy. And enjoyable.

My first ever washcloth, was knitted using the famous pattern Grandmother's Favourite. There isn't much point on me telling you how lovely the pattern is, as I think the 4,973 projects on Ravelry say it all. (And no, I didn't count. I'm not that obsessed. Yet...) I used Craft Cotton in Ecru by V & A Products Ltd, which is an 100% Cotton, Aran weight yarn. The yarn is nice to work with, it doesn't split easily like other cotton yarns I've tried (what am I saying? The only other cotton yarn I've tried is Sugar N Cream!). The only critism I have for this yarn, is not of the yarn itself but the packaging! On the ball band it doesn't tell you how many grams there are and also the yardage/meterage of the yarn. 

Back to the washcloth. 

I really enjoyed knitting it, the pattern is lovely and I'm quite pleased with the end result. (I say 'quite' as I'm pretty, no, definitely sure I messed up the last part of the cloth.)


The moment this was cast off, I cast on my second washcloth. This time round I decided to use the Waffle Knit Dishcloth pattern by Debbie Andriulli. For this cloth I decided to use Lily Sugar'N Cream Stripes: Pinky, as I was knitting this for my niece (who is in a constant need for washcloths apparently - yay!) I thought I better use a colour she loves, which turns out to be pink and thus Sugar'N Cream was chosen.

I really enjoyed knitting this cloth, the yarn pooled great and fortunately (after a confirmation from RugbyMad) you can't see the little mistakes I've made in the cloth. When I was casting off the cloth, I impulsively decided to make a loop so you can hang it up in the shower etc, which I think I've done right, I'll find out soon enough. 

Mum loved it - she reckons it would make a nice blanket square. Katy loved it too, even commissioning me to make her one exactly the same. 

The last thing I have to share with you is a photograph...


Yes that's right, Keith and his friend Minion came to pay me a visit! I say 'pay a visit', they actually snook into the house to watched Tangled on our big telly. As you can tell from Keith's expression he was shocked when he found out that Mother Gothel wasn't really Rapunzel's mother.
For more FO Friday fun, head on over to Tami's, Natural Suburbia and Wisdom Begins in Wonder, have a lovely weekend!! 

Thursday 11 August 2011

Thursday Chat: Meet Emma!

This week it's the turn of Emma, from the beautiful blog Winging It. Here is how we got on!

What got you into knitting and/or crochet?
"Ever since I can remember, my Mom and Grandma have knitted. Since I was constantly watching them knitting away, it didn’t take long until I was determined to learn. My mom taught me to learn to knit when I was six. Six-year-olds don’t exactly have a ton of patience, so it took a few years until I really caught the knitting bug. As for crocheting, I’ve tried it a few times, but it’s never really caught on the way knitting did. For now, all I know are a few simple crochet stitches."
 We all have a weakness when it comes to buying materials, whether it be yarn, buttons or stitch markers, what is yours?
"I definitely have a weakness for yarn. I have enough yarn to fill up a closet, so I’ve been trying to avoid buying yarn. Despite the guilty feeling in the pit of my stomach, I always have an urge to buy more every time I see another skein of yarn. I also have a weakness for fiber, especially those gorgeous hand-dyed braids that every Etsy shop seems to sell."
Is there any item you've sworn to never knit again?
 "I’ve had a couple of bad experiences with sweaters and socks, but that didn’t scare me off for long. I’m pretty persistent when it comes to knitting new things, and I like to keep trying even if I’ve had trouble with a certain item before. I do try to stay away from lace shawls, though, because they tend to take a while and I end up finding several mistakes after I finish."
Which pattern, that you have designed, is your favourite and why?
 "I’ve only designed a few things, so I can’t say I have a clear favorite yet, but I really love how my Viridescent turned out. Viridescent is a unique fingerless glove pattern featuring a cable pattern on the back which blooms into leaves. I designed this pattern as a fresh idea for spring and summer. Although it’s been a challenging pattern to chart and write, I know that it’ll be worth it when the pattern is finally published. At the moment I’m still preparing the pattern for submission to KnitPicks, but it should be available soon!"
When you're not knitting or crocheting, how else do you spend your spare time?
"I’m a big fan of the arts, and I normally end up writing, drawing, or crafting when I’m bored. At times when I just can’t keep still, I like to jump on my trampoline or go ice skating. I spend a few hours every week doing gymnastics, which is my main sport. I have a busy schedule, but it’s worth every minute."
 Which is your favourite hank of yarn that you've spun or dyed yourself?
"I’m not big on dyeing, although I’ve always wanted to get better at it. Mainly, I do lots of spinning. My favorite skein is normally the one I’ve just spun up- I fall in love with each new skein that comes off the bobbin. I’m also getting more consistent at spinning, so my more recent spins tend to look more professional than my first few thick, uneven skeins of handspun. I have to say my current favorite is Brick and Mortar, a red roving with a touch of turquoise that I just finished spinning."
Any other hobbies other than knitting?
 "I have lots of hobbies. My hands always have to be moving! I’m into a lot of activities involving the arts, such as writing, playing piano, spinning, making jewelry, drawing, and photography. I’ve always wanted to trying dyeing, but it’s been a slow process to learn the works. Thankfully, I have so many other hobbies that I’m hardly ever bored."
Thank you so much to Emma, for not only letting us learn more about her, but letting us look at her beautiful photos!  

Monday 8 August 2011

N is for... Nana

When I was about 8 or 9, my Great Nan decided to teach me to knit. For the rest of the evening, we both sat on the edge of the sofa repeating 'in, wool, and out'. Suprisingly I managed to knit 11 neat rows. I say surprisingly because my Nan was almost blind when she taught me, which proves how good she was at knitting. Unfortunately after that one evening I never picked the needles up again until Febuarary of this year. 

Before she lost her sight completely, my Nan knitted my little sister a cardigan. Katy absolutely adored it, she was always wearing it and asking people what they thought of the big red buttons. 8 years later we still have it, occasionally taking a peak into the cupboard to admire it. Here it is in all its glory.



Katy has asked me to knit her one just like that for her, so once my knitting skills are up to it I'll give it a bash.

So thats what N stood for me, click the links below to find out what N meant to other ABC bloggers!!


Thursday 4 August 2011

Thursday Chat: Meet Josie



This week I have the pleasure of interviewing Josie, from the oh so lovely blog Handmade by Knottygal. Josie writes beautiful patterns, and incredibly helpful tutorials. I managed to grab a couple of minutes with her, and this is how we got on!

What made you want to learn to knit?
"I used to dabble in embroidery and tatting during my college days. But, never took up anything seriously. After my marriage, my Hubster and I worked different shifts and I used to stay up late waiting for him to get back from work. I needed a way for me to keep myself awake till he came home. At this same time, I chanced upon many knitting blogs and was inspired to learn knitting. The rest is history."
Technicolor Whirlpool
What is your favourite item to make?
"My favourite items to make are scarves and shawls. Although, I rarely wear the shawls I've made, I like the process involved in it. I am more a process knitter than a product knitter." 






Have you ever had a project that turned into a complete disaster? 


 "I remember my first ever scarf. The Irish Hiking scarf. I was not intimidated by the cables. In fact, I enjoyed them. But, what made this scarf a disaster was my color choices. Whatever made me think that a cabled scarf with abrupt color change will look good!! I am yet to frog this scarf to salvage the yarn."


It's always great to knit or crochet with other people, have you every participated in a Knit or Crochet-a-long?


"Yes. I recently participated in a BAG-ALONG for which I crocheted a bag that I am proud of. I've been taking this bag to work since I made it and I've been getting compliments on it often. Its the Summer Sling Tote by Priscilla Hewitt. Its a lovely pattern and recommend it to anyone who knows crochet." 

What has been your biggest success?
"My biggest success has been my designs. I will not consider them out-of-this-world designs..but, still they are precious to me. I've always been a follower when it comes to knitting. I can follow a pattern to the T. So, I never imagined myself to design something of my own. So, I consider my designs my biggest success in my crafty life."  
Which is your favourite pattern that you have designed, and how did you get the idea for it?

"I have 2 scarf patterns to my credit and one more scarf pattern design is in progress. Till date, my most favourite is my Lost in transit scarf which came about when I was playing with ideas on a graph paper with pencil. I like to design on paper and not on my PC."

Big thanks to Josie for taking part, and I'm sure you'll agree with me that those scarves are absolutely gorgeous!!

Wednesday 3 August 2011

WIP Wednesday: A New Obsession

You may have noticed that I easily become obsessed with knitting certain items. Take Mug Hugs for example, the first time I was innocent enough. Second time round I was more eager. By the third I was craving more. Now I have found a new obsession.

Washcloths.

I'd heard whispers from other knitters that washcloths were the fallback project on any rainy day, something to pass the time while waiting for your favourite programme to come on or just something to keep your hands busy while you talk with friends. I never realised how addictive knitting them could be.

I decided to make my washcloths for my niece, who is in constant need of them. I'm hoping to make a set of 4 or 5, tie them together with ribbon and pop them in her goodie bag! For the washcloth I'm using the pattern Waffle Knit Dishcloth by Debbie Andriulli. It is such a great knit, and I definitely recommend it!

My niece's favourite colour is pink, so I'm using Sugar N' Cream Stripes: Pinky, it's lovely, lovely stuff. It's pooling quite evenly at the moment, which is always good!  I do have one or two teeny-tiny mistakes in the cloth, but to find them you have to look quite hard, so I'm not worried about ripping it all back to correct just the two stitches.
My next WIP is the baby blanket that I started way back in May (although it feels like I started it just a few weeks ago!). The project got put into hibernation as I ran out of yarn, and every time I went to my LYS I forgot to buy more (clearly I was too interesting in buying things I didn't need, than buying what I actually went in for). I did manage to remember last Friday though, and got started knitting the blanket again. 

I'm now on square 6/16. Not really enjoying knitting it (possibly because I'd much rather be knitting washcloths) but once I start to see the blanket take shape, I'll enjoy it much more I'm sure.
So that is my update for this week, head on over to Tami's for more WIP Wednesday fun, and a chance to enter her giveaway! 

Tuesday 2 August 2011

M is for... Mmmm

Mmmm... that one sound just says it all. Complete gratification, pleasure of the highest degree, just plain awesomeness.

That was the only thing I could say this morning when I opened my squishy package. As I tore open the brown packaging little glimmers of red appeared, followed by a soft pink. Another Mmmm was muttered. 

The family slowly crept round, their whole bodies leaning in as I ripped the packet to shreds. As I took the two exceedingly soft and colourful skeins out of the bubble wrap the whole family - including myself - gasped.

The yarn we all fell head over heels for, is none other than Tami's Yummy DK in Strawberry and Yummy Worsted in Cotton Candy Swirl, both from her wonderful shop Candy Skein! I was given some money a couple of weeks ago, and decided to go all out and treat myself to two skeins of scrumptious candy inspired yarn!

When buying yourself expensive yarn (well, its expensive in my opinion at £8 ($14) a skein) you can't just buy what you think is gorgeous and then have it sitting in your yarn box for ever and ever as you 'didn't know what to make with it'. So I decided to choose what I wanted to make before I chose my yarn.

I haven't yet made a scarf, and as a lot of people are starting to focus on their winter knits now I thought I better jump on the bandwagon and have ago. After a bit of research I decided that worsted weight would be my best choice, and so bought myself Cotton Candy Swirl. A 100% Merino Superwash yarn, beautiful in colour and ever so soft in texture.

At the moment I'm thinking of using the pattern, Angora Lace Scarf by Lion Brand Yarn. Although Fletching Silk Scarf by Angela Roberge is also looking promising.

My second skein is Strawberry, a DK yarn also made with 100% Merino Superwash. I don't like to pick favourites, but if I did this one would certainly have my vote. The colour is just so vibrant, a definite 'mmm' product! With this yarn I'm planning on making myself some Fingerless Mittens, something I have tried in the past, but hopefully this time I will do better.

The pattern I'd love to use for this yarn is Emanelle by Nancy Ricci. Nancy has done quite a few Mitt patterns, but this one really caught my eye.

So that is my ABC post for this week, if you'd like to find other M is for posts, click the links in the Mr. Linky below!!



For now I leave you with a picture of my pal Lilo. Who wasn't very pleased with my new yarn purchase.

"She spends too much time knitting and not enough time cuddling me!!"

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