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January 30, 2005
Sockapal
These really are quite green. I keep wavering over my choice with these, I do so hope my Sockapalooza sock pal will like them. I hope they are not too green, or too retro. I've got a few choices of colours I can use for the rib and pompom. I think they're cute, and they are an optimistic and forward-looking green.
This is the first time I've knit a sock from the toe up, and I'm not quite sure what are the pros and cons of each way. The pattern also uses wrapped short rows for the heel, and it's the first time I've done those too. I've ripped the heel twice already, but I think this time it's going to work out.
Oh yes, a coincidence, my sock pal's feet are exactly the same dimension as mine. I had another coincidence today, which was that I threaded the exact correct number of beads for Maryella . The exact number I needed, not one more nor less. Worry not though, gentle sock pal, I promise that however tempted I will not give your socks a trial run.
Posted by Amelia at 10:27 PM | Comments (0)
Retrorib
These socks from Interweave Knits are going to the Darling Husband, who has (with a somewhat delayed reaction) come around to the joys of handknitted socks. The socks have been finished today, but I'll post another photo of them on feet, showing the lovely rib on the back of the heel. Mr Raitte gallantly showed great gratitude and enthusiasm, having been made away that he made insufficient fuss over the first pair of socks he was given.
The stitch is beautifully elastic, making the sock really cozy and well-fitting. They're a hug for the feet.
Addition: No photo of these finished, unfortunately, because they were on the feet and being worn before I could get to them. But another pair is underway. That's quite an endorsement.
Posted by Amelia at 10:14 PM | Comments (0)
Pistachio 2
Pistachio gloves, started 9 Jan 05
Pattern: my own
Despite my misgivings, the first glove turned out spectacularly, given this is my first design project. You can't quite appreciate from this picture just how lovely they are going to be when they are hemmed and finished, you will just have to trust me, and marvel at my mental gymnastics which went into it.
On Friday I cast on glove 2 again. I had been shying from it after having had to unravel fully half a glove when I realised I had been merrily stitching away on the wrong size needles. Still, I am counting my blessings, and sending all consolations to Stephanie at Yarn Harlot for her mittens.
Posted by Amelia at 05:29 PM | Comments (0)
Cuff
This is the beautiful Maryella cuff from Knitty. It's the first time I've knit with beads and the results are extremely satisfying. Sorry about the blurred picture, but as of this afternoon the knitting part is done. Tomorrow I will buy some ribbon to thread through the eyelets, sew on poppers, and cast one for another one. This is high impact knitting, and this beauty will be a present for my Dear Sister.
Posted by Amelia at 05:22 PM | Comments (0)
The weekend
I got lots of knitting done, went to see a movie, Sideways with my Darling Husband which I enjoyed very much, read some more Daphne Du Maurier and Jessica Mitford. Went to the stables and thence out riding with my dear sister, which was great fun, but cold. Got back and thawed in a bath with rose and geranium. Yet more knitting in front of Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief with divine Grace Kelly (who I was gratified to see wore gloves very much in the style of my aforementioned Pistachio Gloves) and Clark Gable looking extremely camp.
Posted by Amelia at 05:02 PM | Comments (0)
January 27, 2005
Rainy thursday
I feel broke and am depressed about it. I'm having doubts about my big idea. I'm tired. I'm unsure about my Sockapalooza socks. I wanted to post some photos to see if I could get some feedback, but the stupid rechargeable batteries have gone flat again. I'm angry that we can't invent a rechargeable AA battery that works.
Posted by Amelia at 09:41 PM | Comments (0)
January 20, 2005
In her little stockinged feet
Well at least I've decided on a pattern, for my Sockapalooza swapper, even if I don't have the yarn yet. I think these little pompom socks from the wonderful Magknits are sweet, so I'll probably have to knit myself a pair afterwards too. They will also make me look forward to spring as I knit them. My swapper definitely seems to prefer clear bright colours to neutrals or autumnal tones, so I hope she'll like the pale green and pink I'm planning.
Posted by Amelia at 10:07 PM | Comments (0)
January 14, 2005
Cotton Socks
I got my partner for Alison's Sockapalooza from Christine. I've got my eye on the socks in Interweave Knits Fall/Winter which are knee-length, lace patterned, knit in Rowan 4ply Tweed. Only I would need to substitute 4ply cotton I think, for someone who lives in a warmer climate than me.
I wish we could get Cascade Fixation over here. Or indeed any cotton-based elastic-mix sock yarn. I'd really love to try Knitty's Broadripple socks.
Posted by Amelia at 07:40 PM | Comments (0)
January 12, 2005
And finally
My ebay copy of Interweave Knits, autumn/winter 04, has arrived and oh dear I feel a Shocking! skirt coming on...
I have realised and have no shame in the fact that I am a product driven knitter. I knit because I desire the finished article. I enjoy the process, but that's a bonus, and all the time I'm daydreaming about how beautiful the finished thing will be.
Posted by Amelia at 12:05 AM | Comments (0)
January 11, 2005
Pistachio glove
In other news I am attempting my first (possibly) freestyle knit. I bought some Rowan 4-ply cotton at heavenly Liberty, in a lovely faded green, and was going to attempt the fairisle gloves from Vintage Knits. To cut a long story about guage and needle sizes short, I am now knitting a glove for my left hand, to my own pattern. I've knitted from the cuff almost to the end of the index finger. I must say at this point I love it but am aware there is still much scope for things to go wrong.
And by doing this I am already fulfilling one of my New Year's resolutions! Hurrah!
Posted by Amelia at 10:59 PM | Comments (0)
Not enough hours in the day
Or so it seems. First and foremost, here are the pictures of the fox stole.
***WARNING... IMAGES OF SOFT TOY PELTS THAT SOME VIEWERS MAY FIND UPSETTING***
Vegan fox stole, started 7 Jan 05 finished 8 Jan 05
This was really fun to knit. I think it took around four hours, I had to re-do the stitching on of the ponytail clip because his face was distorted. Unfortunately, he didn't photograph very well, due to the delicious dark chocolate colouring. All in all he looks a very handsome fox and I'm sure he gave the soft toy hunt a good day's sport.
Posted by Amelia at 10:35 PM | Comments (0)
January 08, 2005
Everything's coming up flowers
I love love love these knitted and crocheted flowers. Remind me to make some.
Posted by Amelia at 06:17 PM | Comments (0)
For fox sake
Oh dear, looking below I see that photos really are better taken in daylight. Perhaps I will try again tomorrow.
Yesterday, excitingly, my yarn arrived from Fuzzy Galore for Knitty's vegan fox stole. I could tell at once it was going to be gorgeous, the Crystal Palace Splash is so soft and the colourway is just right.
I cast on straight away and initially found the 3 yarns on those big needles quite difficult to work with, had to frog and reknit the first few rows when i dropped a stitch and couldn't find it to pick up, but I got into a rhythm quite quickly.
Today the fox is finished, and I have to say, wonderful. Making it up was tricky in places, will post more tomorrow (including daylight pictures, I've learnt my lesson). He has a silly face, yet overall the effect still manages to be a little macabre. I like that in a scarf.
Posted by Amelia at 05:51 PM | Comments (0)
January 01, 2005
and this
is the rabbit, which I've knitted once or twice before, from a Debbie Bliss book of knitted animals. His jumper is also in the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, left over from a cropped aran sweater i recently finished after about two years on needles... will post pics of that soon.
Stella has gone to South Africa today for three weeks. I'm irrationally worried about natural disasters. I'm sure she will be fine.
Posted by Amelia at 10:30 PM | Comments (0)
What a lucky baby
This is Jennifer Jones's Umbilical Cord Hat from Stitch n Bitch, which will be going off to sit on Cordelia's baby's head at the end of January. It's in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, gorgeously soft, the colour of straw.
Posted by Amelia at 10:19 PM | Comments (0)