- new purl soho
The location of the new Purl Soho is gorgeous! The old shop was very cute, I actually asked John to take a photo of it while he was in New York last year, but this building has so much potential. The fire escape makes it. In my dream we would live over the entire top floor with a private roof top garden to rival the best.
- making things
I had some success a couple of years ago with an experimental knit covered bangle (top picture), so I’ve decided to see if I can recreate the positive results… more than once, and maybe sell them. The only issue is that every knitter and their dog is now making what I’ve seen called Swatch Bracelets, but I have many ideas for styles and patterns so I will see what I can create anyway :)
- winding by hand
I don’t have a ball winder so it’s lucky that I find winding by hand relaxing. I spent a few hours last night winding some Cascade 220, and a skein of evoke hand dyed sock yarn.
A few weeks ago I designed a cabled blanket, extremely simple construction, and even though I love lots of bright colours this blanket definitely needs to be made in a charcoal, or possibly a vanilla off-white. It will be a big, heavy and luxurious feeling throw, perfect for snuggling under in winter. I’m also going to make the Hemlock Ring Blanket in a bright colour, probably dark turquoise, and I have decided on a nice squishy cable sock pattern for the newly wound ball of evoke.
I’m definitely in the mood for winter!
- drawstring chemise
As I thought I have gone overboard with the positive ease, it’s just that little too much to look like it’s on purpose, so unfortunately the Drawstring Chemise looks too big on me. On the upside this way I can give it to my mother as a bit of a cheer up present knowing it should fit her perfectly :) She’ll have to wear something under it as the side slits I measured on myself – it will show too much skin, but I know she will love wearing it and showing it off, telling people I made it. My knitting makes her happy, and the fact that a lot of people consider it a daggy hobby seems to make her even happier. Go figure haha
I quite like this pattern, it was really easy, and I love working with Rowan Cotton Glace so I’m glad to have knit this. The only warning I’d give for this pattern is to pay careful attention to the decrease exceptions in the lower lace portion for the size you’re knitting, it’s a pain to go back two rows because you’ve discovered that you have an incorrect stitch count and the lace pattern is off anyway.
- mousie
He has turned out very cute :) I’ve made him a little larger than the pattern (by Ysolda Teague), his ears are a lot larger & I’ve shaped them a little more. I think this gives him an extra inquisitive look :)
I’ve decided to knit the icord for the Drawstring Chemise, I may do that today as we’re planning to stay put and relax on this Australia Day, or I might start in on my next project the Grecian Top. I would really love to be getting a head start on winter knitting… I have two jumpers, one cardigan, a vest, and two scarves picked out… but it’s way too hot to be handling all of that warmth. The danger is that by time it feels comfortable enough to be knitting will wools winter will be half way finished!
- new
The photo above I snapped with my phone on my way to climbing yesterday, then ran it through ShakeItPhoto for iPhone – pretty cute app and I have a soft spot for overly processed looking saturation and exposure effects so I’m having a bit of fun with it at the moment.
Climbing felt just spectacular yesterday despite my injury last week and a shaky start, I attempted climbs above my current level and completed each one – not looking particularly elegant or controlled in the process, but I got there! I then had a quiet afternoon home so I sat down and finished knitting Mousie by Ysolda Teague and just about finished the Drawstring Chemise. It’s blocking at the moment, I just have to seam it, complete the arm holes, and then make a decision about what to use for the drawstring. Even with all of this Christmas weight, looking at it all laid out I can see I’ve gone overboard with the positive ease… I’m pretty sure I’ll just give it to my Mum, I think she’ll like it :)
Photos of these projects to come. I have a fairly busy day today, I have to make time for some baking this afternoon for Australia Day tomorrow and then more climbing tonight (yay!).
- holidays at an end
We ended with a great time away with a visit to friends in Melbourne, and then a stop in Canberra to see the Masterpieces from Paris exhibition at the national gallery. It’s been a week since we’ve been back and things are plodding along slowly, well I’m plodding along slowly :) trying to get back into the swing of things.
It’s interesting being back at climbing, my fingertips and toes hurt quite a lot after the first time back – I didn’t realise how much I missed it! I can’t wait till the next climb, but for the time being my plan is to stay at three times a week instead of four. My feelings may change for the time being after seeing how my shoulder feels tomorrow, I came off the wall from an odd position tonight. I felt my shoulder kind of *pop* then my arm went tingly and then numb… I’m starting to feel some pain through the numbness so hopefully it wont stiffen up overnight or anything.
My knitting is still all over the place, I’ve been working on the Drawstring Chemise by Connie Chang Chinchio, and even though I’m not feeling any enthusiasm over it I am determined to finish it properly lest it join the pile of half finished bits & pieces from over the years. I honestly feel like knitting jumpers! It’s probably a good time to get a head start for winter…
- climbing elephant
I knit Elijah for a friend who often jokes about wanting a baby elephant as a pet… she’s also a climber so I added a little climbing harness haha :)
He worked out well but his head became unfortunately squashed after he made his way to the bottom of a bag while travelling…
- little gifts
Custom Little Bird with Initial Monogram from MelissaSue
I spotted these fantastic little custom monogramed felt birds just as I’ve been looking at patterns for little toys and gifts I want to make people. These are very cute, I especially love the button chosen for the eyes… Actually I especially love everything about these little guys. I’m going to knit and crochet my gifts though, and there’ll be felting and possibly some sewing, I’ve already started but can’t give anything away just in case :) Also I’ve left it late this year again, time might fight me on this one and everyone will receive gifts from me in April!
Birdie Decoration crochet pattern from Attic24
One pattern I’ll be tacking and I can give a sneak peak of are these little crochet birds that I found through the blog of my friend Kelly, I have some customisations in mind and I have a feeling they won’t make it out of my place haha
- pleat
Pleat
I’m pleased with how this top knitted up, and I loved working with the linen! The Berocco NatuLin felt quite smooth to work with because of the small rayon content but still feels wonderfully organic and natural. Lots of little twigs in this, but I love that about it too :) The colour is just beautiful.
I knit it in the round and I ended up not really following the pattern for the bodice so the necklines would be shaped the way I wanted them and the straps the right width for me.
The only thing I would change now that I’ve put it on after blocking is the positioning of the pleat. I decided to put the exposed cast off/cast on line right above the bust but after some aggressive blocking it cuts directly across my ample bosom *scoff* … I like that this positioning gives the body a really nice drape and I like the way it looks, just maybe not the most flattering thing I’ve knit for myself.