My First Pair of Socks!

Can you believe I finished them? I hardly can, but they were a lot easier than I was expecting. They're for my DS, and have been posted off to her already.

Most of you readers will think I'm a bit pathetic for not having managed to make a single sock before, but in case there are any sock novices out there, the pattern is Simply Splendid Socks by Lucy Neatby. I couldn't believe how easy it was, and really enjoyed the whole process. The reinforced slip-stitched heel, and then turning it, were my favourite parts.

You may have noted the sock-blockers. They're from Fibre Trends, and though they did a good job, for someone like me who probably isn't going to make enough socks to justify them, they were a bit unnecessary!

The yarn is Drops Fabel Superwash, and is self-patterened (obviously). I loved doing each row, not knowing what colour was coming next. Of course, it's not perfect, and doesn't make exact stripes, but I think that's what makes these socks unique, and all of the pastel colours sit beautifully alongside each other.

If you haven't made socks before, give it a go. It's worth the effort, and soon my little Sister's toes will be warmly encased in them.

My Mum's making some in a lovely blues-and-greens colour combo in the same pattern, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out.

Pears. From the supermarket. I just love the way they're snuggled in their packaging. Reminds me of Orla Keily's prints, though I'm sure the pears would have come before her designs! If you hadn't guessed, yes I'm a fan, and have got several products.

Some New Projects for the New Year

When we arrived at my parents', my Mum presented me with two balls of wool: Drops Fabel Superwash. I'd sourced the correct needles and we promptly got started on our socks (she's got a different version in beautiful blues and greens).

This is how much I've done in less than a week. I've actually progressed further than what you can see - I'm just about to start the decreases for the toe - is that slow? I loved the leg section, the ankle and turning the heel. Look at the reinforced heel - this is the same stitch I did for the button band on the shortsleeved Noro cardigan, very nice.

The colours are so pretty, and I love knitting with the self-patterned yarn - you never know what's coming next.


Look what I got for Christmas! It's absolutely gorgeous and I want to make everything in it:

This wrap/cardigan I loooove, though I'm not sure when I'll have the time to do it:

I'm definitely going to make this scarf, possibly for DH. It has a really subtle detailed stitch and lovely textured effect, that you get with the Rowan Scottish Tweed that this book is based around.

This one's nice too. I can't fault any of the patterns in the book, though it would help if I looked like the model in the book!

DH's Grandparents gave me this great book for Christmas and I was really touched. It's got some great things in it, and is a really good read too (Kaffe features a lot so it must be good!). Can you spot Kate Moss on the cover?

I have my eye on this tank top:

I also got this gorgeous kit for a baby cardigan, hat and polar bear that I'll make for a friend's baby ...

... and this one for a sweet owl, which I hope to knock up shortly:

My Mum also gave me this vintage pattern book (she gets them from her friemd). I love looking through these. There are actually quite a few nice things in this one, like the Honeycomb cushion.

Take a look at these scrumptious scarves that my Mum made for friends in Colinette Point 5:

The green one she knitted held together with Noro, and you can see the colour graduations here; very clever.

I love the thick and thin yarn. I have some at home that I plan to use soon. My Mum's made two others before as well and they're just stunning.

My little Sister gave me this beautiful tin for Christmas and look what's hidden inside - they are so "me"!