Finito!

The blanket's O(ff)TN and blocking. What a relief! I enjoyed it and I'm happy with it, but definitely ready now to move on to new things. It turned out much larger when I'd soaked it; I actually wish I'd just left it without blocking, but too late now.

More on that when it's dry and I can take some good photos.

This is my new project. I'll let you guess what it is. Toad's doing one too, and I already love it!

Noro Cardie

It's finished! Another one for the FO pile. I made it in August when we were in the States (two 10.5-hour-long flights provided a great opportunity) but only got around to sewing it up last Saturday. So here it is, freshly blocked.

It's the Noro short-sleeved cardigan from the Designer Mini Knits book, by Jenny Watson.

I'd definitely recommend that pattern; it's very quick and easy, and of course the Silk Garden is lovely work with. I added an extra 10cm in length, which certainly helps.

Do you like the buttons? I was finally able to use up some of the beautiful ceramic ones from my large button hoard:

My only problem with it is my own: it doesn't really suit big boobs. I've seen other FO's on Ravelry and they suit a flatter chest much better.

All in all, a fantastic project that I would strongly consider making again, perhaps even in a solid colour, though the subtle colour changes that you only get in Noro are really what makes this piece.

Off On Hol's

I'm off on holiday for two weeks, so I'm afraid there won't be any posts until I get back. The cardigan is however, finished (except for the pockets which I will do when I get back); photo's to come.

As I wanted to carry on with the cardigan, the only other thing I've managed to complete is this blanket square for the MacMillan Comfort Blanket campaign (please note photo is pre-blocked). Sue at our Sticth N' Bitch suggested we take part as a group. I just can't see how I'm going to be able to fit in the other three squares I promised though.

I have cast on for the Noro short-sleeved cardigan and will smuggle this on to the plane. I also plan to get going on a secret pressie for a friend's impending arrival, though I don't want to do too much knitting when we're away (there'll be plenty to see out the window as we drive through Arizona and California).

When I get back I'll be doing a little give-away to celebrate the blog's first anniversary. I can't believe it's only been a year, it feels like I've been doing it for ages...

New Year, New Projects

Having been stuck at home due to a chest infection (the doctor signed me off work for 4 days), I've been able to get on with a lot of things. Here are the Noro Long Gloves from the Noro Designer Mini Knits Book:

They have a very pretty picot edge which isn't very clear from these photos. I'd use that motif for edging things in future, perhaps a blanket...

They look good fully stretched out or ruched at the wrist. A quick and easy knit, the only correction I made was to knit them completely in the round. I couldn't believe the pattern was written flat; imagine all that sewing up around each finger!

Next was a very sweet little bunny who doesn't have a recipient yet, but I'll save it for a friend. It's one of the Lovable Toys by Marion Edmonds from Last Minute Hand-Knitted Gifts. I'll make an elephant sometime as I have the yarn ready.

Last up is the hat I made my for my brother for Christmas using chunky wool. I hadn't been able to show a photo before as he immediately took it away with him when he went skiing. I'm just glad he liked it; I worry about overloading family members with my hobby!

I'm not quit sure what to start next, but I'm flirting with Curlicue as I'd like to try a lace project with a bit of substance (i.e., not using airy lace-weight wool). This uses cotton in sportweight which is appealing.

Another possibility is the Simple Yet Effective Shawl in bulky but I'd better finish the one I started in Noro Kureyon Sock first! It looks lovely but takes so long on the longer rows. I've finished one hank which the pattern calls for, but to make it substantial enough it really needs to be a lot bigger, so depending on my patience, I have another two hanks to use. Somehow I have a feeling this one's going to hibernate for a while!

White Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (almost) from cold and frosty Scotland! No snow, but lots of frost that looks very like snow, has landed and covered everything in sight...

the rosehips...

and Angelica.

Luckily, there is respite from the cold - look, my Mum's LYS! It's fantastic; Three Bags of Wool is run by Sarah, and stocks loads of unusual yarns and patterns. Imagine, in the middle of the North East of Scotland, a little village called Aberlour has the best yarn store ever!

Here's a glimpse of what I purchased: two balls of the first Colinette, two balls of the second Noro Silk Garden Light (not to mention a great Noro pattern book) and several balls of the third Eskimo yarn (I hadn't heard of it, but it's really soft and felts really well). I also stocked up on some needle-felting needles and a sweet button in raspberry ripple.

Here are a couple of my Mum's scarves using the Colinette thick-and-thin; they look fantastic in moss stitch:

Below is a shawl (obviously unblocked) that I started over Christmas using Noro Sock; this isn't even a ball's worth so far and I'm planning on using two. The wool's scratchy, but according to Sarah it softens when washed - I've seen evidence.

I've already started working with the Noro Silk Garden that I bought - elbow-length gloves (the yarn has a really luxurious feel).

That's all for now folks but I'll be back soon.