tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71040258255469726012024-03-13T23:34:04.648+11:00Secret Confessions of a Closet KnitterCelestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-35163813563844297972012-05-12T19:25:00.000+10:002012-05-12T19:29:12.833+10:00Oh Knitting, Why Have You Forsaken Me…?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">I
was looking through my finished objects on Ravelry the other day, and I
discovered something quite surprising. I have only completed one
finished object for
the year. As I have been knitting all year, albeit not as much as
usual, I am stunned that I don’t have more to show for my efforts. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">I can
only blame what must be a serious bout of startitis. Counting my active
works in progress on Ravelry, I apparently have
one shawl, five pairs of socks, one kids’ jumper, one mini monster and
one pair of fingerless mitts, all in various stages of completion. If I
am going to meet my goal of knitting 5km worth of yarn for the year,
I’m going to have to get a serious move on
and actually finish something. Fingers crossed!</span></span></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-79667420727265027622011-11-06T15:58:00.005+11:002011-11-06T16:15:12.448+11:00Cables Are My FriendI'd never really been a big fan of cables before - they always seemed too hard and complicated. I'd completed the odd pair of Fetchings here and there, but never really got what the fuss was all about. Then Camp Loopy happened, and my whole attitude towards cables changed.<br /><br />For the uninitiated, Camp Loopy was the invention of Sheri from <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe</a>, who came up with completing a project each month over the Northern Hemisphere summer period. At the end of it. those who'd stuck with it, all got a free skein of Wollmeise.<br /><br />Willing to do almost anything for Wollmeise, I was all gung-ho, completing the first project without any hassles. Then the second project was announced and it was my nemesis - cables!<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNuhqBe5JA8/TrYUrXWbAnI/AAAAAAAAASo/0vnojwheAYc/s1600/FO%2B50A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNuhqBe5JA8/TrYUrXWbAnI/AAAAAAAAASo/0vnojwheAYc/s320/FO%2B50A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671743515954709106" border="0" /></a>I was almost ready to throw in the towel, but the lure of the Wollmeise was too strong to resist, so I persevered, and in the end I loved it! Cables are now my friend. They're addictive, they're easier than they look, and now I can't wait to do more. I finished the socks I had to complete for the Camp Loopy project, and I loved doing the cables so much I wanted to cast on another pair straight away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KFxGGFnWP4/TrYUq_uWTiI/AAAAAAAAASc/qP-Pl6_oEwM/s1600/FO%2B50B.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KFxGGFnWP4/TrYUq_uWTiI/AAAAAAAAASc/qP-Pl6_oEwM/s320/FO%2B50B.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671743509612613154" border="0" /></a>Yarn: <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/yarn/hazel-knits/">Hazel Knits Artisan Sock</a> - Sweet Crush<br />Pattern: BFF Socks by Cookie A<br />Duration: Started 17th July 2011 - Completed 15th August 2011<br /><br />By the way, I got the free skein of Wollmeise<br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-69581574376707098332011-08-21T15:43:00.003+10:002011-08-21T16:27:10.644+10:00Stash DashIt's been a busy last few months for me, knitting wise, thanks mainly to a concept <a href="http://www.theknitgirllls.com/">The Knitgirllls</a> came up with called the 5K Stash Dash. The concept is that you knit your you through 5K worth of yarn over the period of 3 months. As part of that, I've managed to complete a lot of finished objects, including the ones below.
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">First up, Wendy of <a href="http://wendyknits.net/">Wendyknits </a>fame had a KAL for her latest mystery shawl. This was great timing, as I had a relatives birthday coming up, and as she'd admired the last shawl I <a href="http://knittinginsecret.blogspot.com/2011/04/gift-giving-galore.html">made</a>, I thought it would be the perfect present.
<br />
<br />This gift was greatly appreciated by it's recipient, who remarked that I must have a great deal of patience to knit something so detailed. If only she knew! All up, this shawl only took 3 weeks and the clues were broken up into manageable chunks, so it was easy to keep up with everyone else.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1fWibQJppI/TlCdCp_kBWI/AAAAAAAAAO0/-OpYVWyTGkQ/s1600/FO%2B46C.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1fWibQJppI/TlCdCp_kBWI/AAAAAAAAAO0/-OpYVWyTGkQ/s320/FO%2B46C.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643183002052986210" border="0" /></a>Yarn: <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/yarn/the-sanguine-gryphon/skinny-bugga/">The Sanguine Gryphon Skinny Bugga</a> - Sarah's Purple Soldier Fly
<br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-mystery-shawlette">Summer Mystery Shawlette</a> by Wendy D. Johnson
<br />Duration: Started 20th May 2011 - Completed 4th June 2011
<br />
<br />Next up, I decided I desperately needed a new pair of socks, especially after all the gift knitting I had been doing for everyone else. I quite surprised with these, as I was expecting either a spiraling or striping pattern out of the yarn, as that's generally what Socks That Rock is known for. Imagine my amazement when these turned out to be variegated! All these years of hoping for a STR variegated, and I finally get one.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBCxt6jIWQw/TlCdCReY6EI/AAAAAAAAAOs/ZLL2W0PxSjc/s1600/FO%2B47A.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBCxt6jIWQw/TlCdCReY6EI/AAAAAAAAAOs/ZLL2W0PxSjc/s320/FO%2B47A.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643182995471394882" border="0" /></a>Yarn: <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/">Blue Moon Fiber Arts </a>Socks That Rock Mediumweight - Blue Brick Wall
<br />Pattern: Basic Sock Pattern
<br />Duration: Started 24th May 2011 - Completed 26th June 2011
<br />
<br />Last up, we have a cute and easy baby hat for my newest niece. I'd received a sample of yarn in one of the Ewe Beaut Sampler pack ages ago, and thought this would be the perfect project to show it off and use up the limited yardage. I'm very pleased with how it came up, and it's another project to be used against the stash dash.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XrjqycfuRI/TlCdCDq9XcI/AAAAAAAAAOk/R1XK5DCjI0I/s1600/FO%2B48A.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 276px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XrjqycfuRI/TlCdCDq9XcI/AAAAAAAAAOk/R1XK5DCjI0I/s320/FO%2B48A.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643182991766019522" border="0" /></a>Yarn: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/msgusset">Ms. Gusset Sock</a> - Ewe Beaut Xmas Sampler Colourway
<br />Pattern : <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-peasy-newborn-sock-hat">Easy Peasy Newborn Sock Hat</a> by Keri McKiernan
<br />Duration: Started 24th June 2011 - Completed 28th June 2011
<br />
<br />I really enjoyed being part of the Stash Dash, and am sad that it's over. It really inspired me to to a lot more knitting over the last few of months, not to mention making a minuscule dent in my ever expanding stash.
<br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-66884842496239090882011-06-12T15:00:00.002+10:002011-06-12T15:15:36.186+10:00Oops I Did It Again<div style="text-align: justify;">I blame it all on Tina. I had just put away my latest batch of yarn purchases, and was thinking virtuous thoughts about not buying any sock yarn for a while, and Tina from <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a> put up a blog post about some of the STR colourways going on vacation. There were a few that I thought would be nice for gift socks and socks for me, so I put in an order for a few (seven!) skeins, thinking I'd be good for sock yarn and wouldn't need to place another STR order until late in the year. Big mistake.<br /><br />Just a couple of days after I placed my order, Tina put up another blog post about STR Rare Gems coming up for sale. Rare Gems are the creme de la creme of sock yarn. They are one of a kind colourways, that are almost impossible to get unless you happen to live in the U.S., and can get your fix in person. They have only come up for sale on the Blue Moon Fiber Arts website once before, and I managed to pick up some skeins then (<a href="http://knittinginsecret.blogspot.com/2010/01/rare-gems-loot.html">see here</a>), and I'd been hanging out to get more since Tina started hinting about it late last year. Hence my other order of another eight skeins of STR, and all those virtuous thoughts of cutting down on my yarn buying habit went flying out the window.<br /><br />This is what arrived this week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4DAVRNTxTo/TfRJXB0mXFI/AAAAAAAAAN0/FKqofSjxdtU/s1600/STR%2BOrder%2BMay%2B2011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 189px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4DAVRNTxTo/TfRJXB0mXFI/AAAAAAAAAN0/FKqofSjxdtU/s320/STR%2BOrder%2BMay%2B2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617195295212723282" border="0" /></a>First we have my initial order of seven skeins, in colourways L-R: Mmm, Mmm, Good; L.L. Cool Sock; STORM large; Femmebot; Jubilation (x2); Deep Unrelenting Grey<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vW7uys9f1VA/TfRJWsnK6oI/AAAAAAAAANs/6xlLTaldLns/s1600/STR%2BRare%2BGems%2B2011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vW7uys9f1VA/TfRJWsnK6oI/AAAAAAAAANs/6xlLTaldLns/s320/STR%2BRare%2BGems%2B2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617195289519254146" border="0" /></a>Then we have my other order of eight skeins, L-R: Earth (1 x mediumweight), Fire (2 x mediumweight, 1x lightweight), Water (2 x mediumweight, 2 x lightweight).<br /><br />That's fifteen skeins of sock yarn that arrived in one week. A years worth of yarn arrived in one day! I have no idea when I'll end up knitting it (some of it's earmarked for gifts, so at least some of it will be knit up this year), but on top of the usual sock club shipments (Cookie A & Vesper), that is a phenomenal amount of yarn that has come in the mail this week, and I have no idea where on earth I'm going to store it. I'm almost to the stage of putting it in the roof as insulation, except then I wouldn't be able to admire it's squishy yumminess. Somebody save me from myself and my yarn buying addiction quick, because unless my sock yarn starts to knit itself, I'm in serious trouble!<br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-83330481154820170932011-05-08T20:28:00.003+10:002011-05-08T20:56:20.104+10:00An Addictive Combination<div style="text-align: justify;">You have been warned.... I have just discovered the knitting equivalent of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_Shoes_%28fairy_tale%29">The Red Shoes</a> - Socks That Rock and Signature needles. Once you start knitting with this combination, you can't put it down. This is how I completed one sock in three days, which is a brand new combination for me. The second sock in this pair took longer, only because I didn't touch my knitting at all for several days, as I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down once I started.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APsgtOuSrSY/TcZzI3sgb7I/AAAAAAAAANg/6CYQezPpSvU/s1600/FO%2B45B.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APsgtOuSrSY/TcZzI3sgb7I/AAAAAAAAANg/6CYQezPpSvU/s320/FO%2B45B.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604293382535933874" border="0" /></a>These socks were for mum's Mother's Day present this year. In fine tradition (and in accordance with my habit of deadline knitting) these were finished the night before they were due to be gifted. Mum loved them though, and put them on right away. My dad was actually disappointed that they weren't for him, as he'd been admiring the colours.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2G0LA2_cb9g/TcZzIkir6YI/AAAAAAAAANY/-fCCPMlKXfY/s1600/FO%2B45C.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2G0LA2_cb9g/TcZzIkir6YI/AAAAAAAAANY/-fCCPMlKXfY/s320/FO%2B45C.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604293377394469250" border="0" /></a>Yarn: <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a> Socks That Rock Medium Weight - Pixie Park<br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-recipe-a-good-plain-sock">Sock Recipe: A Good, Plain Sock</a> by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee<br />Duration: Started 22nd April 2011 - Completed 7th May 2011<br />Modifications: 56 stitches instead of 64 that the pattern calls for to give a nice snug fit, and a short row wrap & turn heel<br /><br />I also found time to knit a little something for me. It's been very chilly here recently, with more nasty weather on the way, so I knit some nice grey fingerless gloves for me to wear to work.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqXXXAXO5qw/TcZzIYj_cII/AAAAAAAAANQ/7NQ0sdFB4K8/s1600/FO%2B46A.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqXXXAXO5qw/TcZzIYj_cII/AAAAAAAAANQ/7NQ0sdFB4K8/s320/FO%2B46A.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604293374178717826" border="0" /></a>Yarn: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/lush-yarn-cashcotton">Lush Yarn Cashcotton</a> - Haze (Yarn company now out of business)<br /><div>Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fingerless-gloves---one-pattern-three-looks">Fingerless Gloves - One Pattern Three Looks</a> by Clare Vallans</div>Duration: Started 26th February 2011 - Completed 8th May 2011<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pa5I8tSYfuw/TcZzH0bbZJI/AAAAAAAAANI/0S8hxVjIMKs/s1600/FO%2B46B.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 292px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pa5I8tSYfuw/TcZzH0bbZJI/AAAAAAAAANI/0S8hxVjIMKs/s320/FO%2B46B.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604293364479124626" border="0" /></a>Now that mum's socks and the fingerless gloves for me are done, I'm at a loss as to what to work on next. Should I finish up one of my many WIP's or cast on something new. You help me decide...<br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-56106350048544123782011-04-22T17:27:00.005+10:002011-04-22T19:22:33.660+10:00Gift Giving GaloreThe last few months, I haven't had much knitting that I could show because it's been super secret swap and gift knitting. Now that the packages have been received though, I'm free to show off what I've been working on of late.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The first is for a swap organised through <a href="http://www.theknitgirllls.com/wordpress/">The Knitgirllls</a> forum on Ravelry. I decided on a deceptively simple and elegant shawl for my swappee, out of a gorgeous silk/merino blend yarn. Although the pattern doesn't look complicated, the mesh pattern was actually harder than it looks, although it flows easily once you get the hang of it.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoT7yD7fLXk/TbEy7RTs4YI/AAAAAAAAANA/IYdXcG5nLS0/s1600/FO%2B43A.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoT7yD7fLXk/TbEy7RTs4YI/AAAAAAAAANA/IYdXcG5nLS0/s320/FO%2B43A.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598311805637943682" border="0" /></a>The shawl was much appreciated by its recipient, who loved the colour and yarn I picked out. I also enclosed some samples of Australian goodies, as my swappee lives in America.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3mMASF7PbU/TbEvmgLp9FI/AAAAAAAAAMw/R5reHliyPMc/s1600/FO%2B43B.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 277px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3mMASF7PbU/TbEvmgLp9FI/AAAAAAAAAMw/R5reHliyPMc/s320/FO%2B43B.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598308150318593106" border="0" /></a>Yarn: <a href="http://www.knitabulousyarn.com/">Knitabulous </a>Fifty Fifty - Tokyo Rose<br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sarai">Sarai</a> by Vanessa Smith<br />Duration: Started 29th January 2011 - Completed 15th March 2011<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The other item I've finished recently is a pair of socks that my mother asked me to knit for her manager's birthday. Always looking for opportunities to induct another person into the cult of hand knitted socks, I readily agreed and worked my fingers to the bone to make sure these were completed in time.<br /><br />My mum's boss was absolutely blown away by the socks, as she wasn't expecting them at all. She had admired my mum's socks, but was told that only 'special' people got socks knitted for them. She actually spent the entire weekend after receiving them, showing them off to all her friends!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-14Fx_aCgbac/TbEvmHsLJqI/AAAAAAAAAMo/Ows53Q4WHBw/s1600/FO%2B44B.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-14Fx_aCgbac/TbEvmHsLJqI/AAAAAAAAAMo/Ows53Q4WHBw/s320/FO%2B44B.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598308143744100002" border="0" /></a>I wasn't too happy with some of the pooling on one of the socks, as I'm a little obsessive regarding socks matching, but other than that, I'm quite happy with how these socks turned out.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POWTkCAV0Ik/TbEvly8gsaI/AAAAAAAAAMg/DTSASFcSyQc/s1600/FO%2B44A.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POWTkCAV0Ik/TbEvly8gsaI/AAAAAAAAAMg/DTSASFcSyQc/s320/FO%2B44A.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598308138175476130" border="0" /></a>Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug - Raphael<br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-recipe-a-good-plain-sock">Sock Recipe: A Good, Plain Sock</a> by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee<br />Duration: Started 13th March 2011 - Completed 31st March 2011<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now that I'm finished with all this gift knitting, I can actually work on something for me, before I start work on mum's Mothers Day socks. The weather's getting cooler, and I desperately need another pair of fingerless gloves. Nothing like a bit of cold weather to get the motivation going...</div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-30408057638369017192011-01-30T13:41:00.005+11:002011-01-30T15:09:43.668+11:00Last Of The Old, First Of The New<div style="text-align: justify;">Things have been a little slow in my knitting world of late (it's difficult to find the energy to knit when doing house renovations), but I finally have some finished objects to show.<br /><br />For my last finished object of 2010, I knitted Mum a pair of socks for Christmas. It is now something of a tradition that I give Mum a pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hand knitted</span> socks every year for a Christmas gift. Another part of the tradition is, that no matter how much I plan ahead, I always seem to be up late on Christmas eve, doing a mad dash to finish them while watching Carols by Candlelight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TUTbLwcePRI/AAAAAAAAAMU/MfsDRZbH84s/s1600/FO%2B41A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TUTbLwcePRI/AAAAAAAAAMU/MfsDRZbH84s/s320/FO%2B41A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567816034366143762" border="0" /></a>Yarn: <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a> Socks That Rock Medium Weight - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hollyday</span><br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-recipe-a-good-plain-sock">Sock Recipe: A Good, Plain Sock</a> by Stephanie Pearl-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">McPhee</span><br />Duration: Started 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> November 2010 - Completed 24<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> December 2010<br />Modifications: 56 stitches instead of 64 that the pattern calls for to give a nice snug fit, and a short row wrap & turn heel<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TUTbLqO2uyI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Y4Mlxw4ax2U/s1600/FO%2B41B.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TUTbLqO2uyI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Y4Mlxw4ax2U/s320/FO%2B41B.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567816032698415906" border="0" /></a>For my first finished object of the new year, I have finished another pair of socks to add to my sock drawer, which brings my collection of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hand knitted</span> socks up to 13. These are the <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/">Loopy Ewe Sock Club</a> installment from September 2010, and despite the fact that brown is not a colour I normally choose to knit with, the skein looked so pretty that I had to cast them on immediately.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TUTbLSOV3cI/AAAAAAAAAME/DxKCBH5VZv8/s1600/FO%2B42B.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TUTbLSOV3cI/AAAAAAAAAME/DxKCBH5VZv8/s320/FO%2B42B.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567816026253811138" border="0" /></a>Yarn: <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/yarn/madelinetosh/tosh-sock/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Madelinetosh</span> tosh sock</a> - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Loopy's</span> Favourite Season<br />Pattern: Berries and Leaves by Ruth <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Greenwald</span><br />Duration: Started 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">nd</span> October - Completed 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> January<br />Modifications: Extra repeat in the legs to add length<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TUTbLNanZII/AAAAAAAAAL8/Dvdo-YIGEQ0/s1600/FO%2B42A.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TUTbLNanZII/AAAAAAAAAL8/Dvdo-YIGEQ0/s320/FO%2B42A.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567816024963114114" border="0" /></a>Hopefully I should have some more finished objects to show soon. At the moment I'm have two different pairs of socks on the needles (one for the S62011 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">KAL</span>, and one for Dad), and a shawl for <a href="http://www.theknitgirllls.com/">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Knitgirllls</span></a> swap, so as long as I don't get distracted with casting anything else on, I should be able to finish something. Fingers crossed...</div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-65883132637524927472011-01-11T21:21:00.007+11:002011-01-11T21:46:50.188+11:00Happy Knitting New Year<div style="text-align: justify;">Overly ambitious as always, I've completed a list of knitting related goals I want to achieve this year.<br /><br />* Buy less sock yarn. Yarn purchased through sock clubs doesn't count, and sock yarn purchased for larger projects (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">i.e</span>. jumpers), or for gifts also does not count. (Let's just ignore the fact, that at last count, I have signed up for at least 4 sock clubs to count, and am signing up for another 2 this weekend).<br /><br />* Knit 2 jumpers - 1 for Mum as a Mother's Day present, and 1 for me.<br /><br />* Knit Featherweight cardigan for me<br /><br />* Knit 12 pairs of socks.<br /><br />I have signed up for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/super-special-six-pattern-sock-club-2011-s62011">S62011 group on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ravelry</span></a>, and have chosen the below selection of yarn, which includes my first ever skein of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wollmeise</span> purchased. Can you believe that I've been stalking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wollmeise</span> for over a year and haven't knit with it once?!?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TSwy1mWcR0I/AAAAAAAAAL0/usTKefvSM3U/s1600/Super%2BSix%2BSock%2BClub%2B2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TSwy1mWcR0I/AAAAAAAAAL0/usTKefvSM3U/s320/Super%2BSix%2BSock%2BClub%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560875536304850754" border="0" /></a>I'm also going to knit from my personal sock club along side this, as there's several patterns that I've wanted to knit for ages, that I've never gotten around to doing.<br /><br />In my personal sock club for this year, I've got the following patterns earmarked:<br />* Hayrick<br />* Flaming Desire<br />* <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Holidazed</span><br />* Lenore<br /><br />I've also got to do some gift sock knitting in there too, with 2-3 pairs for Mum, and 2 pairs for Dad.<br /><br />This list of goals doesn't even begin to cover all the other things I want to knit this year either. Other assorted items I want to knit this year include the Yarn Harlot's Pretty Thing cowl, a shawl or two, several pairs of fingerless gloves, and somewhere along the line, actually finishing my niece's jumper while she can still fit into it.<br /><br />I'm overwhelmed just thinking about all the knitting I want to do this year. I think I need to go and have a lie down...<br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-14108714272688747862010-10-28T13:10:00.005+11:002010-10-28T14:55:18.041+11:00Cause for celebration ..... or not?<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TMjs4o2kzgI/AAAAAAAAALg/4S9N-OwUKEI/s1600/FO+39A.JPG"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a>I was lucky enough to pick up four Socks That Rock Rare Gems skeins at the start of the year (<a href="http://knittinginsecret.blogspot.com/2010/01/rare-gems-loot.html">see here</a>), and they had been languishing in my stash ever since. So in order to celebrate getting a temporary job (hey, when you're unemployed, even a days work is good news), I decided to celebrate by casting on a special pair of socks. The job fizzled out, but the socks turned out much better than I had hoped.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TMjs4o2kzgI/AAAAAAAAALg/4S9N-OwUKEI/s1600/FO+39A.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TMjs4o2kzgI/AAAAAAAAALg/4S9N-OwUKEI/s320/FO+39A.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532932600007806466" border="0" /></a>Yarn: <a href="https://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a> Socks That Rock Lightweight - Water<br />Pattern: <a href="http://dreamsinfiber.blogspot.com/2009/07/hermoines-everyday-socks-free-pattern.html#links">Hermione's Everyday <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Socks</a> by Erica Lueder<br />Duration: Started 28th August 2010 - Completed 1st October 2010<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TMjs4FL46qI/AAAAAAAAALY/U9qQ0MyNSHI/s1600/FO+39B.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TMjs4FL46qI/AAAAAAAAALY/U9qQ0MyNSHI/s320/FO+39B.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532932590433528482" border="0" /></a>The colourway of this particular Rare Gem didn't initially appeal to me, but I'm really happy with how these turned out. Apart from some pooling on sock number one, the textured pattern really brings out the best of these colours. I'll definitely be using this pattern again for some of my other Socks That Rock skeins.<br /><br />In other news, I had to redo the <a href="http://knittinginsecret.blogspot.com/2010/08/winter-warmers.html">Smooshy Winter Gloves</a> I made for my mother. It turns out that <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/yarn/the-sanguine-gryphon/bugga-sock/">Sanguine Gryphon Bugga</a> stretches <span style="font-weight: bold;">a lot</span>, and the pair I made for my mother's smallish hands now fit my father's giant sized ones!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TMjs3CPcb2I/AAAAAAAAALQ/-vBrKb-UcFc/s1600/FO+40A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TMjs3CPcb2I/AAAAAAAAALQ/-vBrKb-UcFc/s320/FO+40A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532932572463263586" border="0" /></a>Yarn: Sanguine Gryphon Bugga - David Attenborough<div>Pattern: Fingerless Gloves - One Pattern Three Looks by Clare Vallans</div><div>Duration: Started 8th October 2010 - Completed 15th October 2010<br /><br />Modifications: Cast on 50 stitches instead of the 60 the pattern calls for. This way when they stretch, they'll actually end up being the perfect size.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TMjs2viBnpI/AAAAAAAAALI/ESfwn4-jc4I/s1600/FO+40B.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TMjs2viBnpI/AAAAAAAAALI/ESfwn4-jc4I/s320/FO+40B.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532932567440924306" border="0" /></a>Other than these, I've actually been working on some of my old WIP's, tyring to finish them so that I can start on Christmas knitting with a clear conscience. (I figure I might as well actually finish my niece's jumper while she can still fit into it.) We'll just ignore the little slip up I might've had with the latest installment of <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe</a> sock club. Brown is not really my colour, but somehow before I knew it, this had happened....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TMjs14Qjk2I/AAAAAAAAALA/j5HVjjSjWBY/s1600/WIP+5A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TMjs14Qjk2I/AAAAAAAAALA/j5HVjjSjWBY/s320/WIP+5A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532932552603702114" border="0" /></a>Oops!Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-5827666095057106482010-10-15T13:25:00.004+11:002010-10-15T13:46:46.290+11:00Father's Day Socks<div style="text-align: justify;">Recently, my father who has always picked on me for knitting, decided that he wanted to see what all the fuss was about regarding hand knit socks.<br /><br />When presented with such a perfect opportunity to convert him to the dark side (so to speak), how could I resist?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So I decided to knit him a pair of socks for Father's Day. Given that my father has huge, giant sized feet, I decided to use the Yarn Harlot's Earl Grey socks pattern, hoping and praying throughout the whole time I was knitting them, that they would fit.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TLe9JYNSpHI/AAAAAAAAAKo/x3USPserfOk/s1600/FO+38A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TLe9JYNSpHI/AAAAAAAAAKo/x3USPserfOk/s320/FO+38A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528095036435244146" border="0" /></a>Yarn: Patonyle - Grey<br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2007/08/30/earl_grey.html">Earl Grey</a> by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee<br />Duration: Started 14th June 2010 - Completed 5th September 2010<br /><br />I did my usual last minute rush on these, actually finishing them half an hour before my dad woke up on Father's Day. Talk about cutting it fine!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TLe9KJgr60I/AAAAAAAAAKw/ffB9a9wsHqc/s1600/FO+38B.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TLe9KJgr60I/AAAAAAAAAKw/ffB9a9wsHqc/s320/FO+38B.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528095049669929794" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When I gifted these to my dad he was very happy to finally have his very own pair of hand knitted socks, and has already placed a request for another pair! The socks were pronounced as being "comfy", which coming from my dad is high praise. Having socks custom made for him means that he gets a perfect fit around the heel, which is something he doesn't get with store bought socks.<br /><br />So now that these are over and done with, it's time to start knitting another pair for him for Christmas. Time to get started on all of the other Christmas knitting as well!<br /></div></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-4327743105230546302010-09-05T20:33:00.004+10:002010-09-05T21:00:40.781+10:00For The Love of Swaps<div style="text-align: justify;">I recently took part in the Low Budget Swap on the Australian Knitters board on Ravelry, and I wanted to knit something nice for my swappee, <a href="http://knitbake.blogspot.com/">Bribroday</a>. As she had expressed a desire for some hand knit socks, but was unable to knit them herself, I decided to knit up these for her, and off they went with some yummy edible treats.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TINzuqJ_H2I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/62HYHQ7RonA/s1600/Swap+13B.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 309px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TINzuqJ_H2I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/62HYHQ7RonA/s320/Swap+13B.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513377614258970466" border="0" /></a>Yarn: Moda Vera Noir - Bushland<br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-recipe-a-good-plain-sock">Sock Recipe: A Good, Plain Sock</a> by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee<br />Duration: Started 19th July 2010 - Completed 10th August 2010<br /><br />In return, from the lovely <a href="http://celiaknits.blogspot.com/">Celia</a>, I received this delightful package - nice warm bed socks and chocolates in my favourite brand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TINzvP5MGnI/AAAAAAAAAKY/L2f2RUWbtdI/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TINzvP5MGnI/AAAAAAAAAKY/L2f2RUWbtdI/s320/024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513377624389065330" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TINzvlRdmKI/AAAAAAAAAKg/BKvArQIYCtw/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TINzvlRdmKI/AAAAAAAAAKg/BKvArQIYCtw/s320/029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513377630128019618" border="0" /></a><br />Celia actually sent me the first ever swap package I received, and the fingerless gloves she sent me years ago are still in regular use today.<br /><br />It was nice to go full circle with the swaps and the kindness and generosity of everybody in ensuring that their swapee's had lovely packages to brighten their days reminds me of why I love swaps. I love going to that extra effort of making something that someone I've never met will adore, and then receiving a package in the mail, with the contents a total surprise, and knowing that a total stranger has also gone to that extra effort to make something nice for you ..... the kindness and generosity of other knitters is why I love swaps.<br /><br />P.S. On a totally unrelated matter, I got a mention on <a href="http://roundthetwistwithcarin.blogspot.com/2010/08/episode-53-and-so-we-begin.html">Round the Twist</a> video podcast. Carin chose my suggestion for a name for the newest pair of socks that she's knitting. Check out her blog to see.<br /><br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-85009170248899532062010-08-03T15:24:00.022+10:002010-08-03T17:17:37.106+10:00Winter WarmersSo the weather has turned extremely chilly of late, prompting the need for some warm winter knitwear. Nothing like cold icy winds to put the pressure on when you're being slack in finishing up an item.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Therefore, I present one quick fix for cold icy weather.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501057204542087154" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TFeuYbXVn_I/AAAAAAAAAIg/HAPaRaVXOqE/s320/FO+34A.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify">Yarn: Wendy Dennis Polwarth 8ply</div><div align="justify">Pattern: Mitts in Seed Stitch by Cleckheaton</div><div align="justify">Duration: Started 6th June 2010 - Completed 12th June 2010</div><br /><div align="justify">These gloves were actually quite a quick knit, and were well received by my five year old niece, who immediately put them on and didn't take them off all weekend!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I picked the yarn up at the Bendigo Wool and Sheep show last year and I live the stitch definition. I made sure to pick up some more of this again this year.</div><br /><div align="justify">Next up we have a Noro striped scarf that I knitted up for Mum. I made one of these for myself last year and had to go to great lengths to keep my mother stealing it on me! I originally started this with the intent of giving it to Mum for Mother's Day, but it was nowhere near finished at the time. However I did finally get this finished recently, when we had our coldest day in two years. Needless to say it was another gift that was definitely appreciated.</div><br /><div align="justify"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501057197069284562" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TFeuX_hrtNI/AAAAAAAAAIY/nnM86cwg4XA/s320/FO+35A.jpg" /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Yarn: Noro Silk Garden - Colours 87 & 284 (2 balls of each)</div><div align="justify">Pattern: <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/04/noro-scarf.html">Noro Striped Scarf</a> by Jared Flood</div><div align="justify">Modifications: Knitted this using 49 stitches rather than the 39 stitches the pattern calls for, as Mum requested hers to be an inch wider than mine, as she likes wider scarves.</div><div align="justify">Duration: Started 4th April 2010 - Completed 29th June 2010</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501065878369603650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TFe2RT4-EEI/AAAAAAAAAIo/mli6yIH8Ue4/s320/FO+35B.jpg" /> <div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I purchased this yarn at Easter last year while on holiday at Daylesford, so this counts as using up souvenir yarn as well as knitting from stash.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Then we have another pair of fingerless gloves, also made for Mum. An attempt to use up some of my steadily growing stash of Sanguine Gryphon Bugga, while knitting something nice for my mother to wear while at work. </div><div align="justify"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501057191532460018" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TFeuXq5md_I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/khpHbmApi_E/s320/FO+36A.jpg" /></div><div></div><div>Yarn: Sanguine Gryphon Bugga - David Attenborough</div><div>Pattern: Fingerless Gloves - One Pattern Three Looks by Clare Vallans</div><div>Duration: Started 29th June 2010 - Completed 11th July 2010</div><br /><div>I love knitting with this yarn, it's so soft and warm and squishy - I'd stop my knitting almost every five minutes just to admire the yarn!</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501067597805645330" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TFe31ZSd7hI/AAAAAAAAAIw/lMNqzdCWkyA/s320/FO+36B.jpg" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Eventually though these were done, and the super high cashmere content of this yarn has ensured that they have been steadily worn since they were gifted.</div><br /><div>Last up, we have a little finished object I knitted for me. I actually started this last year, but decided I needed a nice bright scarf to go with my new winter coat, for my annual pilgrimage to the Bendigo Wool and Sheep show, so this came out of the UFO pile to be completed.</div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501057180474717490" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TFeuXBtOtTI/AAAAAAAAAII/rLWFSrZeU6A/s320/FO+37A.JPG" /> </div><div></div><div>Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted - Amoroso</div><div>Pattern: One Row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee</div><div>Duration: Started 14th August 2009 - Completed 14th July 2010</div><div>.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>On a sad note though, I think I'm going to have to frog what I've done of the Evenstar shawl and start over. I seem to have a mistake along the way, putting some yarn overs where they shouldn't be, and of course I didn't use a lifeline. Off to the frog pond with this....</div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501054349360855410" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TFeryO_FeXI/AAAAAAAAAIA/8iaQZexk638/s320/WIP+6D.JPG" /> </div><div></div><div>So to wrap up, lots of finished objects to show you this time. It's amazing what a motivation a bit of cold weather can be!</div><div></div></div></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-53059730944208721732010-06-30T13:48:00.027+10:002010-07-02T19:39:33.701+10:00Socks, Socks and More Socks<div align="center"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Well, it appears that the upside to being made unemployed / redundant, is that I now have <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">a lot</span> of free time on my hands to knit. Specifically to knit socks and try and make my way through the mountain of sock yarn in my stash before it collapses on me. So, in the interests of not being buried alive under a pile of yarn, I've finished off these little pretties. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489200784128836866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TC2PB7bLhQI/AAAAAAAAAGY/IppZGGRY-To/s320/FO+32A.jpg" /></p><div align="justify"><br />The first is a pair of socks that I knitted for my mother for Mother's Day. In a change of routine with me and deadline orientated gift knitting, I actually finished these with time to spare (as opposed to my usual routine of staying up till midnight knitting my fingers to the bone, trying to get the present completed). </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489204539499227074" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TC2SchRQJ8I/AAAAAAAAAGg/zGPot4bGKpA/s320/FO+32B.jpg" /></p><br /><div align="justify">Yarn: sKnitches Cinema Sock Club - Feed Me Seymour<br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-recipe-a-good-plain-sock"></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-recipe-a-good-plain-sock">Sock Recipe: A Good, Plain Sock</a> by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee<br />Duration: Started 27th February 2010 - Completed 8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> May 2010<br /><br />Nice and bright, these socks were well received, and I was left with a clear <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">conscience</span> to knit on something for me. </div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 192px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489206443285970562" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TC2ULVbYfoI/AAAAAAAAAGw/ZjY8np76Vmg/s320/FO+33A.JPG" /></p>Orange is not normally a colour I like to knit with (think the ugly burnt orange of 70's appliances if you want to know why), but I saw the design process on the <a href="http://knitspot.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Knitspot</span> </a>blog, and I had to knit it.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489226806095132290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TC2msmzaNoI/AAAAAAAAAG4/Jxn98ijL8w8/s320/FO+33C.JPG" /></p><p align="justify"><br />Yarn: Dye Dreams Classy Sox - A Sockwork Orange<br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fishbone-gansey-sock">Fishbone Gansey Sock</a> by Anne Hanson<br />Duration: Started 28th April 2010 - Completed 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> May 2010<br /><br />Then, because my dad has finally stopped picking on me about the fact that I knit, long enough to actually request something, I had to start these.</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489227508061804210" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/TC2nVd1TlrI/AAAAAAAAAHA/c1u2_1St_2c/s320/WIP+7A.JPG" /><br />I love socks!Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-35902019723220629432010-05-19T13:58:00.006+10:002010-05-19T14:30:42.234+10:00Another Pair of Socks to Show<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S_NnRNmmZKI/AAAAAAAAAEw/4lsgaHSZk5s/s1600/FO+31C.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">I started this par of socks way back in January, on the same day as the Summer Lovin' socks in fact, but I only finished them recently.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S_NmcEQnWrI/AAAAAAAAAEo/_uxbIcLdgbA/s1600/FO+31A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S_NmcEQnWrI/AAAAAAAAAEo/_uxbIcLdgbA/s320/FO+31A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472830604551084722" border="0" /></a><br />I love knitting the Nutkins pattern, and the wool is so soft and squishy, but I kept on getting distracted with other projects (I know, how unusual for me *eye roll*).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S_NnRNmmZKI/AAAAAAAAAEw/4lsgaHSZk5s/s1600/FO+31C.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S_NnRNmmZKI/AAAAAAAAAEw/4lsgaHSZk5s/s320/FO+31C.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472831517592282274" border="0" /></a><br />Yarn: Jolly Jumbuck Hercules - Wild Orchid (purchased Melbourne Stitches & Craft Show 2008)<br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.knitzi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80&products_id=245">Nutkin </a>by Beth LaPensee<br />Duration: Started 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> January 2010 - Completed 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> April 2010<br /><br />Anyway, they're done now, which leaves me more time to focus on other projects like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S_NoZU8WmPI/AAAAAAAAAE4/lD4TkNSuZOA/s1600/WIP+7A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S_NoZU8WmPI/AAAAAAAAAE4/lD4TkNSuZOA/s320/WIP+7A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472832756513151218" border="0" /></a><br />And this<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S_NowpEAFvI/AAAAAAAAAFA/9LySt8rq_6M/s1600/WIP+8A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S_NowpEAFvI/AAAAAAAAAFA/9LySt8rq_6M/s320/WIP+8A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472833157050930930" border="0" /></a><br />On a sadder note, my favourite podcast Lime 'n Violet has just finished after 105 episodes. Unfortunately I never got to download them all before they were removed from iTunes, and now I don't know what I'll listen to while I knit. Any suggestions?<br /><br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-49603852988339556142010-04-26T15:53:00.004+10:002010-04-26T16:09:07.710+10:00Sharing the Sock LoveNow that Autumn is underway, it's time to get cracking on the sock knitting, so that I can have nice toasty feet this winter.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Luckily, I recently finished this pair, right in time for the cold rainy weather of the season.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S9UsYCatfeI/AAAAAAAAAEY/KyBVf4rKDO8/s1600/FO+30A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S9UsYCatfeI/AAAAAAAAAEY/KyBVf4rKDO8/s320/FO+30A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464322514361351650" border="0" /></a><br />These are probably the most difficult pair of lace socks that I've knitted so far, but are definitely worth it. This pattern definitely required a lot of concentration, and the heel, whereas it is extremely durable, hurt my wrists so much to knit, with slipped stitches on both the knit and the purl sides.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S9UsxAGcxqI/AAAAAAAAAEg/ZivuC_r2NxY/s1600/FO+30C.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S9UsxAGcxqI/AAAAAAAAAEg/ZivuC_r2NxY/s320/FO+30C.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464322943236228770" border="0" /></a><br />Yarn: Lush Yarn Merino Socks - Baby Blue Eyes (December '09 Installment of Lush Yarn Sock Club)<br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-lovin-socks">Summer Lovin Socks</a> by Knitting Nonstop<br />Duration: Started 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> January 2010 - Completed 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> March 2010<br /><br />All in all though, these socks are gorgeous, and are definitely worth all the hard work. I'll probably knit this pattern again, but not for a while yet. Too many other gorgeous sock patterns to try.<br /><br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-91359898758268579912010-03-11T20:05:00.004+11:002010-03-11T21:18:36.797+11:00A Parade of Finished Objects<div style="text-align: justify;">I have a busy little knitter of late, so I have some nice little finished objects to show you.<br /><br />Firstly, I present these socks...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5izH-eHs_I/AAAAAAAAADg/T_hZ_4JItfc/s1600-h/FO+28A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5izH-eHs_I/AAAAAAAAADg/T_hZ_4JItfc/s320/FO+28A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447300698914403314" border="0" /></a><br />Ta <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">da</span>. Finally these socks are done! I promised several years ago, that I would knit a friend of the family a pair of socks. Started early last year, and finished early this year, this is probably the longest time it has ever taken me to knit a pair of socks. Despite the fact that the wool was 8 ply and knitted on 4mm needles, and therefore should have been a quick and easy knit, I couldn't seem to get into the swing of things with these, and kept on getting distracted with other projects.<br /><br />Yarn: Spotlight Basics Harvest Pure Wool - Grey<br />Pattern: Socks from Socks and Scarf Pattern - Creative Knitting 2009 Annual Australia<br />Duration: Started 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> February 2009 - Completed 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> January 2010<br /><br />And of course, I have yet another dishcloth to show you...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5i7qcndroI/AAAAAAAAADo/Z668Rnb0NyM/s1600-h/FO+29A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 289px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5i7qcndroI/AAAAAAAAADo/Z668Rnb0NyM/s320/FO+29A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447310087215230594" border="0" /></a><br />I really enjoyed trying out this particular pattern, and will probably use it again. Considering the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wear</span> and tear on dishcloths around here, if it lasts longer than a few months, then the pattern is definitely a keeper!<br /><br />Yarn: Red Heart Eco Cotton Blend<br />Pattern: Flying Geese Dishcloth by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Vaunda</span> Rae <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Giberson</span><br />Duration: Started 23rd January 2010 - Completed 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> January 2010<br /><br />In my other spare time, I have been working on stash accumulation - not that I really need more sock yarn of course, but I can't resist all those pretty colours. Also I've discovered that Sanguine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Gryphon</span> is a lot easier to stalk than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Wollmeise</span>, so I've managed to score quite a bit of yarn in their updates.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5i86mNwY5I/AAAAAAAAADw/lYYDgRYYAjc/s1600-h/Gryphon+Loot+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5i86mNwY5I/AAAAAAAAADw/lYYDgRYYAjc/s320/Gryphon+Loot+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447311464181293970" border="0" /></a><br />I have lots more of this on the way, and can't wait for it to arrive - at this rate I'll be able to build a house out of all the yarn that's being delivered. Oh well, at least it's good for insulation....<br /><br />Speaking of yarn being delivered, check out my newest sock club packages<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5i_5-ctaeI/AAAAAAAAAEA/a5Kx_xdrwiE/s1600-h/Knitabulous+Indian+Summer+Club+3A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5i_5-ctaeI/AAAAAAAAAEA/a5Kx_xdrwiE/s320/Knitabulous+Indian+Summer+Club+3A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447314752041478626" border="0" /></a><br />Last installment of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Knitabulous</span> Indian Summer club - I've already signed up for the Black Japan club that she's got running too<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5jBa64cAuI/AAAAAAAAAEI/X0DK4ZCc9uc/s1600-h/Lush+Yarn+Summer+Sock+Club+3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5jBa64cAuI/AAAAAAAAAEI/X0DK4ZCc9uc/s320/Lush+Yarn+Summer+Sock+Club+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447316417531347682" border="0" /></a><br />Also the last installment of the Lush Summer Sock Club - check out the pretty blue yarn. I've already signed up for the Autumn installment of this one too, so I can keep on getting my hands on the goodies.<br /><br />I also received this pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">lace weight</span>....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5jCVJviNqI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/_L5RPEErrC4/s1600-h/Woolen+Rabbit+Whisper+-+Pussywillow+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 131px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S5jCVJviNqI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/_L5RPEErrC4/s320/Woolen+Rabbit+Whisper+-+Pussywillow+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447317417952949922" border="0" /></a><br />I've signed up for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Evenstar</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">KAL</span> on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Ravelry</span>, and this little pretty is going to be an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Evenstar</span> shawl. Quite a challenge considering I've never knit a full size shawl before - I'm jumping in the deep end with this one. Oh well, it'll definitely keep me busy....<br /><br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-41784586023082395072010-01-23T14:00:00.003+11:002010-01-23T14:11:19.512+11:00Rare Gems Loot<div style="text-align: justify;">Recently I was lucky enough to buy some of the Blue Moon Fiber Arts/Socks That Rock Rare Gems.<br /><br />I've lusted after these for <span style="font-style: italic;">years</span>, but as Tina usually only sells them at the U.S. fibre shows, I figured my chance of ever scoring one of the elusive skeins was nought to zero at best.<br /><br />So imagine my delight, when Tina announced that to celebrate the Blue Moon at the end of '09, she was going to have a once in a lifetime Blue Moon Rare Gems sale! Lightweight and mediumweight skeins grouped into elements, ie. Earth, Air, Fire & Water. Basically a lucky dip of what you could end up with, except that you could choose which element you wanted (with a limit of how much you could buy to ensure that everyone got a fair go).<br /><br />I chose one skein each of lightweight and mediumweight in the elements of Air and Water, and overall I'm impressed with what I received.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S1poiA1XIdI/AAAAAAAAADY/zpFgQ13aQxU/s1600-h/STR+Rare+Gems+1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S1poiA1XIdI/AAAAAAAAADY/zpFgQ13aQxU/s320/STR+Rare+Gems+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429767234297209298" border="0" /></a><br />Of the four skeins that I purchased, there's only one that is not really 'Me', but I'm sure it'll be great to do some gift knitting with.<br /><br />Overall I'm just thrilled to have scored not one, but <span style="font-style: italic;">four </span>of the Rare Gem skeins. Now I just have to find the perfect projects which are worthy of them....<br /><br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-81975811180063963152010-01-09T14:49:00.004+11:002010-01-09T14:58:07.355+11:00First Finished Object of 2010<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I've completed my first finished object of the new year, which is actually the first Rockin' Sock Club installment of last year. I absolutely love the pattern and the colour of the yarn, and may use this pattern again.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />This is actually the only installment I knitted from last years club as last year was a very gift/swap heavy year for me. I've made it one of my new years resolutions this year to knit more stuff for me!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S0f9_BE4f8I/AAAAAAAAADI/p8px_wx8aGE/s1600-h/002_NEW.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S0f9_BE4f8I/AAAAAAAAADI/p8px_wx8aGE/s320/002_NEW.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424583535253553090" border="0" /></a><br />Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight - My Blue Heaven<br />Pattern: Queen of Beads - Sivia Harding<br />Duration: Started 4th October 2009 - Completed 4th January 2009<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm very happy with these, the only thing I'm disappointed about is the fact that we're in the middle of a heatwave and I'll have to wait until the weather cools down again to wear them!<br /></div><br />And just when I was looking for a new project to start, look what appears on my doorstep...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S0f-UDLECSI/AAAAAAAAADQ/wIkwGlyciLU/s1600-h/Knitabulous+Indian+Summer+Club+Installment+2B.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/S0f-UDLECSI/AAAAAAAAADQ/wIkwGlyciLU/s320/Knitabulous+Indian+Summer+Club+Installment+2B.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424583896593598754" border="0" /></a><br />It's the new installment of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/knitabulous-indian-summer-yarn-club">Knitabulous Indian Summer Club</a>. The yarn is 50/50 silk merino in Bollywood Nights, to be knitted up into the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bollywood">Bollywood capelet</a>. As usual, she has included lots of extra goodies as well (edible treat, pincushion, candle and stitchmarkers). I love using her yarn, and the colours she comes up with are gorgeous as well.<br /><br />Can't wait to get started on this one. Only one more gift project to get out of the way, and then finally I can knit something for me!<br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-90626193072644280452009-12-28T13:49:00.012+11:002009-12-28T20:10:30.532+11:00Xmas Wrap UpChristmas this year has been totally hectic, and I'm glad to finally be able to sit back and take a breather.<br /><br />First up with the Xmas knitting this year, was a package for the Aussie Swappers Xmas Swap on Ravelry. I knitted this Travelling Woman shawlette in Knitabulous Merino Sock yarn in Pumpkin Head.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/Szgdc3nClEI/AAAAAAAAACY/8Bvqwy6e_8o/s1600-h/Swap+12B.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420114533341631554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/Szgdc3nClEI/AAAAAAAAACY/8Bvqwy6e_8o/s320/Swap+12B.jpg" /></a>Shown in more close up detail here:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/SzgdqPm8ksI/AAAAAAAAACg/63wy28uASnQ/s1600-h/Swap+12A.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420114763121988290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/SzgdqPm8ksI/AAAAAAAAACg/63wy28uASnQ/s320/Swap+12A.jpg" /></a>My swappee loved it, which was great, but it was my first time knitting a shawl, and by the end of it, with so many stitches on the needles, each row seemed to take forever!<br /><br />I then received this package in return, with yummy Malabrigo sock yarn, which I've been wanting to try for ages!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/Szgnro29tzI/AAAAAAAAADA/HgEnRL25YJU/s1600-h/Xmas+09+Swap+Recd.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420125782196205362" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/Szgnro29tzI/AAAAAAAAADA/HgEnRL25YJU/s320/Xmas+09+Swap+Recd.jpg" /></a><br />Next up was socks for Mum. As I knit her a pair of socks every year for Xmas, I couldn't break with tradition.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/SzgeqwCI4aI/AAAAAAAAACo/jgb_WGXHTp8/s1600-h/101_2461_NEW.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420115871337603490" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/SzgeqwCI4aI/AAAAAAAAACo/jgb_WGXHTp8/s320/101_2461_NEW.jpg" /></a><br />Yarn was Socks that Rock Mediumweight - Spaun of Brawn colourway. I used a basic toe up pattern, with afterthought heels. Went down to the wire on these ones, finishing up at 10 minutes to midnight on Xmas Eve! Sock 2 was done in 2 days, both very very hot, and knitting in 40 degree heat - not fun. Mum did love them though, and that's what counts.<br /><br />And last up - the two yarn club packages I received in December. First up is the delightful package I received as the first installment of Knitabulous' Indian Summer Club.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/Szgf0DuXEmI/AAAAAAAAACw/I3ljhtAY2x8/s1600-h/Knitabulous+Indian+Summer+Club+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420117130753806946" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/Szgf0DuXEmI/AAAAAAAAACw/I3ljhtAY2x8/s320/Knitabulous+Indian+Summer+Club+1.jpg" /></a><br />The colour of the yarn is gorgeous, and I loved all the extra goodies that were included - DPN's, lip gloss, tea, chocolate - all of my favourite things.<br /><br />The other package was the first installment of Lush Yarn's Summer Sock club package.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/SzggYsITozI/AAAAAAAAAC4/WD6FzuZI8dc/s1600-h/Lush+Yarn+Summer+Sock+Club+1b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420117760075342642" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/SzggYsITozI/AAAAAAAAAC4/WD6FzuZI8dc/s320/Lush+Yarn+Summer+Sock+Club+1b.jpg" /></a>The pattern is gorgeous, and I had to refrain myself from casting it on right away. I loved the extra goodies included in this, especially the 50g ball of cashcotton (can't wait to try it out).<br /><br />All of this is the reason I am now crawled up in a ball, waiting for the new year! Somebody pass me a cup of tea....Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-49861678433341572312009-11-01T13:23:00.005+11:002009-11-01T15:45:47.257+11:00Finally, a Finished Object to Show!<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I knitted these socks for a special friend's 50th birthday. Unfortunately they weren't finished in time, but as she had a "no presents" policy at the party, I was saved -<span style="font-style: italic;"> Whew!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/Suzy67ZQtlI/AAAAAAAAACQ/0Z5edchCr9k/s1600-h/FO+24A.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/Suzy67ZQtlI/AAAAAAAAACQ/0Z5edchCr9k/s320/FO+24A.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398957147500361298" border="0" /></a><br />Duration: 11 August 2009 - 4 October 2009<br /><br />Yarn: Sock yarn used was Moda Vera Socks, and was only $4 a ball! Needless to say, I stocked up on it when I saw it. So not only cheap socks to knit, but stash reduction as well.<br /><br />Glad to finally have a WIP off the needles, but I can't seem to stop casting on new projects to add to them. Currently on the needles, I have a sock in progress, two pairs of socks suffereing from SSS, another pair of gift socks for another friends birthday, a scarf, and a jumper for my niece!<br /><br />In addition to this, I still have to cast on a Ravelry Xmas swap project, another pair of gift socks for Xmas, and another dishcloth!<br /><br />Am feeling a sudden urge to lay down for a while. Hopefully I'll be able to find somewhere where all the WIP's won't be able to find me - their stalking skills are starting to scare me....<br /><br /><br /></div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-41570739858570299372009-10-03T20:12:00.005+10:002009-10-03T20:24:07.960+10:00Socks that Rock, How do I love thee.....Ok, so maybe I've gone a little bit overboard on the yarn orders recently, but in my defense, our exchange rate has been good, and Blue Moon Fiber Arts was putting some of their colours on vacation, so I just had to place an order, didn't I? And what's the point of ordering only one or two skeins, when the Socks That Rock is such a smooshy delicious yarn!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388315235244883122" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/SsckKG6YvLI/AAAAAAAAACI/7pPRKsRsLyY/s320/003.JPG" />Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-27216254272730850092009-09-26T16:44:00.005+10:002009-09-26T17:41:02.829+10:00Happy Mail Day to MeI love mail delivery day, especially when it includes pressies for me! I ordered these two pretties seperately, but they both arrived on the same day.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385663723782541778" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/Sr24n0_EEdI/AAAAAAAAABw/4gwOrbkkazw/s320/005.JPG" /> The blue/grey one is gorgeous merino sock from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5970681">Knitabulous</a> - I love the little button on the tag, and the rose coloured one is a subtle varigated combination of blues, paler and darker pinks and greys from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6302008">Phat Fiber</a>.<br /><br />Now, hard decisions - which one do I knit up first?Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-30553020988068606322009-08-30T22:34:00.007+10:002009-09-10T13:40:47.037+10:00Look at my prettiesI was recently the lucky recipient of a Ewe Beaut Fibre Sampler box - an Aussie take on a popular idea.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 309px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375736141460341906" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/Sppzie35BJI/AAAAAAAAABE/Z3TkwNZGp9w/s320/Ewe+Beaut+Haul+1B.JPG" border="0" /><br />I've been madly stalking the Phat Fiber boxes for months but have always missed out, so I was absolutely delighted when someone on Ravelry came up with the idea of doing an Australian version. I can imagine that my bank balance is going to be a lot lighter in future, as there are so many goodies that I now want to get more of!<br /><br />Anyway, for those of you that want to check it out, here's the link: <a href="http://www.ewebeaut.blogspot.com/">http://www.ewebeaut.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />I can't wait for the next one!Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-7119710122218659832009-08-11T14:59:00.006+10:002009-10-03T19:36:21.770+10:00FO - Basic DishclothI love knitting dishcloths. They're a nice quick knit, always practical, and have so many nice patterns to choose from. Which is probably why it's taken me so long to get around to knitting this essential pattern.<br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368568956987011154" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Tjgwcdeq7f0/SoD9BcFmcFI/AAAAAAAAAA8/ScZBaGHD_og/s320/001.JPG" /> <div>Grandma's Favourite Dishcloth - Which I read about in my first ever purchase of Yarn Magazine (from memory, it was issue 3). Started 5th August, finished 9th August, and the only reason it took me that long is that I might have kind of gotten distracted with other knitting projects, and put it down for a few days. But it's amazing how much knitting you can get done in front of the computer waiting for webpages to load!</div><br /><div>Anyway, this was gift knitting, so it's now made it's way off to it's new home. I'm definitely going to be using this pattern again though (just must remember to actually keep one for me!).</div>Celestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7104025825546972601.post-11274049885731246112009-08-07T21:35:00.002+10:002009-08-07T21:41:58.913+10:00On why I'm a Closet KnitterI never used to be a closet knitter. As a matter of fact, I used to knit in public every chance I got - in front of friends, on the train to work etc. But let's face it, there's only so many Nanna jokes that a person can take, and apparently I look kind of scary when I knit, angrily jabbing sharp pointy needles into the poor harmless little wool (although I find the whole knitting thing quite soothing and calming).<br /><br />So I've made my decision. I'm going back into the closet as a knitter, with only you in the blogosphere (and maybe a few select others) to know the true extent of my knitting addiction.<br /><br />MwahahaCelestial Sirynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07185494940339167502noreply@blogger.com0