knitting - red racy socks

Drops Lace Socks in Fabel using a lace chart!

I've recently had an urge to knit a plain coloured sock.  I hadn't planned on doing anything lacy (I was thinking cables) but I saw this pattern and thought I'd give it a go.

We're researching yarns for The Woolly Brew yarn shop and we bought a range of Drops yarns to try out... I'm not entirely sure we I choose a red yarn for a sock but now I'm thinking it'll stand out as a sample in the shop...

I've used Fabel before to knit some toddler socks and really liked it - a good economical choice! 

some DROPS

knitting - cardigan

We've started  a Work In Progress Wednesday post on The Woolly Brew website.  Which means I haven't been updating my knitting so much on here...

So for completeness (and since my cardigan saga has been going on for nearly a year...) I'll update here too...

This is what my Peggy Sue (by Linda Wilgus, aka Woolly Mammoth) looked like this last week...

and this is what it looks like this week...

I have done more stocking stitch rows - I think I need to do another 6 or so before I get to the cable ribbing...

I still haven't tried it on (needles too short) although another Raveller who is doing the Knit ALong suggested I put some stitches onto another circular needle.  This sounds so much easier than putting them on a piece of waste yarn....

and it is BLACK not charcoal or navy... or whatever colour the monitor shows it as!  

I am enjoying knitting it and I do feel excited by the possibility of knitting my own cardigans etc - and I'm learning to look at what will suit me and my lifestyle and not be seduced by the bazillion patterns I see on Ravelry.  I especially liked this (lengthy) article on Knitty about knitting your own garments...But Will it Fit? by Jenna Wilson. 

I am a bit concerned that the cotton/linen blend will not work for this cardigan - too loose and drapey, although I am confident (!!??!?!?) that my gauge is ok (I went down half a size).

I'm already planning my next garment project...

iPad madness (part 8)

New app!

Wreck this App by Keri Smith

Daisychains ABC Crewel Sampler

Daisychains ABC Crewel Work Pattern Sampler by Alicia Paulson

Patten has been transferred and stitching has begun. 

I've never used crewel wools before.  They're very different from my usual smooth embroidery cotton....

knitting - cardigan

I'm struggling to photograph black...

Finally separated the sleeves on my Peggy Sue (by Woolly Mammoth aka Linda Wilgus).

At that point I had 370 stitches on my needles... This is knit top down and seamless.  That should allow me to try it on after separating the sleeves (good for checking fit and adjusting the length of the body).

Sadly my needles are not long enough!  I thought this when I started but cast on anyway...  If I am going to do more top down garments in the future I WILL need to get longer needles...

fabric stash

Whilst looking for fabric for my ABC Crewel Sampler I happened to stumble upon some fabric sales...

Combined with a few pieces I picked up last month I now have quite stash!  Most are fat quarters and a few are metre lengths.

Daisychains ABC Crewel Sampler

I have just seen my last post on a different monitor and it seems the brown one is a better match...

I think I need a second (real life) opinion.... and I'll just pick the one that looks good - whether it matches the original or not!

Daisychains ABC Crewel Sampler

I've decided the fabric I had for this sampler was too gold.  I'm now torn between two other fabrics... one a more definite brown, the other more yellow...

gold

brown

yellow

  I think the yellow one matches the original colour best....

Daisychains ABC Crewel Work Pattern Sampler by Alicia Paulson

Now I need to transfer the design...

knitting - mermaid

Kailani the Mermaid by Rachel Borello Carroll

For Nearly School Girl.

She now wants a pink one and a purple one and one for a friend...

knitting - eternity cowl

 Eternity Cowl using Rowan Lima.

Finished.  It is super soft and squishy...

Daisychains ABC Crewel Sampler

Materials have arrived for this project!

bit concerned the fabric isn't mustard enough...

colour wheel

I love colour wheels.

Each arty/crafty course I've ever done always starts with colour theory and ideas to create colour wheels. 

This idea, by that artist woman, is a new one to me and really appeals... since I like sketchbooks, project books, colour wheels, reference guides and all in one kits!

Daisychains ABC Crewel Sampler

Daisychains ABC Crewel Work Pattern Sampler by Alicia Paulson

Found via Feeling Stitchy, and created by Alicia Paulson of Posie Rosy Little Things.

The pattern is available for sale in the shop.

Isn't it AMAZING!

It's my newest project... just ordered the crewel wools and fabric... it will measure 23cm x 32cm

Blogger

I'm using the new blogger design to type this post...

Its a bit odd...  no change to functionality but looks very different...

Also read this recently too... Google are retiring the Blogger brand name...

I don't subscribe to "if it ain't broke don't fix it", as I quite like change and shaking things up... as long as it doesn't mess up my blog!
 

iPad madness (part 7)

My iPad jam jar is at £126.68.

My fund raising efforts have stalled - too busy working (for no pay!) but I need to get going again as I still really want one.

Found this helpful tutorial on Ravelry - how to link your Ravelry library to GoodReader.

I don't have GoodReader but I think it would be good to link my Ravelry library to it....

Fife Art Exhibition

that time of year again.  I didn't do it last year... not sure I'll have time this year...

knitting - cardigan

Whilst browsing through the hundreds of projects I have favourited on Ravelry I clicked through to my current favourite cardigan to discover that the designer Woolly Mammoth (aka Linda Wilgus) is having a knit along on her Ravelry group.  So I have decided to take the plunge and start the cardigan (despite having several other projects on the pins...)

I decided on Patons Linen Touch, for several reasons - I wanted a cotton or cotton blend (not too warm and less chance of bobbling) and also to try out the yarn.  My black acrylic swatch was just looking too fuzzy for my liking....

I'm going with black - more chance of me wearing it.  Hope the cabling still looks good...

Apatosaurus

Apatosaurus has flat teeth because they eat plants

Calendar Challenge - July 2011

My July page for Calendar Challenge.

 

A little bit of colour (and some bubble wrap!)

A linky to other pages by other participants is at The Kathryn Wheel.