Confessions of a skull-obsessed knitter

For Laurence

2011-07-25T11:13:00.002+01:00

My good friend Ayla was pregnant with her second child when I decided to have a go at a log cabin project.

Everyone told me it was easy, but I had an irrational hang-up about starting it and hating it.

I was wrong, it was a joy to knit. Lots of lovely chunky garter stitch, what's not to love?

The Knit Signal

2010-01-15T01:28:00.001Z

Knitters respond to Haitian earthquake:

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2010/01/13/the_knitsignal.html

Communication is a right

2009-09-24T10:44:00.003+01:00

A friend of a friend has a progressive illness and is now unable to speak.

The response of the NHS was to give her a laminated alphabet card, which is ludicrous on so many levels.

I am pondering some kind of fundraiser, but in the meantime, I've donated the money I would have spent on coffee this week.

Please have a look at her site

http://www.imogenmay.com/

remember me?

2009-08-18T01:57:00.001+01:00

salad
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Ack, my resolution to be a better blogger never really got off the ground, eh?

I thought I'd come and post a recent photo of el bubbo, only to realise that I haven't uploaded any since mid May!

My Ravelry inbox was groaning after a month's absence, and I have a stack of unanswered emails to attend to.

So, what have I been up to?

Trying to get more exercise for starters. Walking, for the most part, I bought Walk With Me for the DS, and it's proving to be useful in spurring me on.

Cooking LOTS. We're weaning Lewis and he seems to have developed our eclectic tastes, so I'm enjoying creating interesting taste combinations for him. I'm also trying to waste less food by planning ahead, and it seems to be working.
The purse-strings need to be tightened, as I don't have a job to go back to, and my redundancy pay won't last forever.

There has been absolutely NO knitting or sewing for at least 6 weeks, which saddens me greatly. I have bought supplies for a small sewing project though, and told my mother to nag me about it if it's not done by her next visit.

Hope to see some of you at the I Knit Weekender, as baby-wrangling makes knitting group attendance quite tough (but I wouldn't swap the little monkey)

busy busy

2009-05-12T09:48:00.001+01:00

DSC00113.JPG
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Yeah yeah, i've not blogged since forever, but honestly, look at this face and tell me you can see why!

Lewis is now 18 weeks old and a real joy. In the interest of full disclosure, I have been quite unwell with postnatal depression, but we're getting there slowly.

There has been very little knitting going on either. I made some quicky boots for the little man, but took 4 weeks to sew them up and by the time I did they were too small.

I think I might cast on some socks, a no-brainer project for the bus could be just what I need!

No knitting so far

2009-01-21T22:29:00.001Z

DSCF2082.JPG
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

but we did make it out to introduce Lewis to the Foyles knitters.

Not bad for day 12, huh?

It's been, emotional

2008-12-31T12:57:00.001Z

daymer bay
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

So, 2008, your time is up.

You've given us some of the most devastating heartache, and the greatest joy.

So much loss, it's hard to comprehend, but also hope for the future. I won't ever forget the sadness of this year, but I owe to those who I have lost (and those still fighting to stay with us) to live life fully and appreciate all that I have.

This year, I taught knitting for money, participated in a high-profile exhibition, met some amazing new crafters, and revelled in the crafting community in it's many guises.

I took a long hard look at my stash, and cleared a lot of it out - letting go of past mistakes is never easy, but just because something was cheap doesn't always make it a bargain!

I made peace with the fact that I don't enjoy working with KSH (um, and forgot this in the JL sale last week, but I'm sure someone will take it off my hands) no matter how pretty and squooshy it is.

I finished the epic crochet project, which nobody thought I would do.

I had a blast.

2009 looks as if it will be equally exciting, how could it fail to be with my son due in the next couple of weeks?

Happy crafting, you inspiring (and often crazy) people xxx

YAY! and BOO!

2008-12-02T16:22:00.001Z

staircase tam
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

This hat was one of those almost-instant gratification projects that make you glad to be a knitter.

It was made for my friend Carole, who specifically requested a beret-shaped hat in neutral shades. Look, orange is neutral in my palette, okay?

In less auspicious news, I offered to knit Ian something for christmas, and he chose a scarf. I found some lovely yarn, but realised there wouldn't be enough. No problem, 3 online yarn stores showed it in stock.
They've all now said that they don't have any, but they'll probably have it in within 3 weeks. Not really very helpful for a gift to be given in 3 weeks and 2 days, eh?

mystery socks

2008-12-01T14:40:00.001Z

mystery socks
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

I'm currently all about the instant gratification.

Sure, I have my February Lady Sweater on the go, and a Sekrit Thing, but neither of them are inspiring me lately.

No, what I needed was a 5mm project that required very little thought.

I have no idea what this yarn is, but it's lovely to work with and the colours are fab. I remember it came in a mixed bag from a yarn swap at Adrienne's, and I thought I'd make a scarf from it, with some plain pink from the same pack.

In the current climate of financial hardship, it's nice to get something out of nothing!

Tis the season to give woollies

2008-11-21T14:50:00.001Z

embossed leaves socks
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

We had Christmas last weekend*, so I can finally post things that have been keeping me occupied of late.

These socks were made for my m-i-l, Lorraine, because she loves to go walking and could use the combo of something warm but pretty.

Yarn is another one from Easy Knits, and the pattern is Embossed leaves from Interweave. I think the pattern would work better with a solid colour, but they're still pretty.

I'm floundering a little at the moment. My project list is huge, but I'm finding it hard to commit to anything other than hats and scarves. I think my subconscious is worried that I might start a big project, only to have it abandoned when the sprog arrives. This and a little self-preservation too - I'm having some wrist problems, and will be wearing a splint for at least the next 4 months.

What to do?

*I'm 38 weeks at Christmas, and there was no way I was going to risk the bub being born at the side of the M1.

zigzag blanket and the restorative power of craft.

2008-10-28T12:00:00.001Z

zigzag blanket
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Last April, I started my first big crochet project, following a fab course.

I was feeling like change was imminent, and I felt pretty inevitable, so the thought of making a lap blanket wasn't too daunting.

The pattern was chosen to look like interference on a tv screen (and I was tired of seeing the gentle ripples all over blogland), and the colours were chosen to cater for the fact that we hadn't decided what colour to decorate the living room.

Not long after starting it, I injured my knee, so it was a good "stuck at home" project.

Then I found out that I was pregnant, and had cosy thoughts about the 3 of us snuggled under it.

When I lost the baby, I didn't stop working on the blanket. Crochet doesn't come easily to me, like knitting does, so the fact that I had to keep my mind focussed on a simple set of instructions was really helpful - it meant I couldn't think about anything else.

After my second miscarriage, the blanket got thrown aside, it felt full of bad luck. Also, my crochet mentor decided that she didn't want me in her life at all, making the project seem even more doomed.

This is what I've learned. Things change, and these changes are sometimes so hard that you think you can't get through them. It's fine to lick your wounds for a while, because the world will still be turning when you're feeling brave enough to face it again.

18 months after I started it, the blanket is complete. It's now going to be a pram blanket for the little one, who is due in January.

Looking over it, as I sewed in the ends (ugh), I realised that, despite the turmoil, it's incredibly neat and even.

Every stitch is a tribute to perserverance, and the people who made the journey with me.

Where my WIPs at?

2008-10-24T07:48:00.003+01:00

Tis the season of not posting pics of finished items, in case their recipients go for a stroll around your Flickr account and see their gifts. Again. *sigh*

I am 2 pattern repeats and a toe away from finishing the last of the festive knitting, mainly because the family celebrations are happening in November this year (don't fancy driving up at 37 weeks etc), so my thoughts turned to clearing up the other projects.

Only, well, there aren't any.

The lace leaf feeding shawl needs to be blocked, but I need to wait until the decorating is done to do that.

The crochet blanket needs about 4 more (long) rows to be finished, and then the ends sewing in, but I can't remember where it is.

That's it though.

What's happening to me?

Executive decision

2008-10-05T16:53:00.002+01:00

I'd budgetted for Ally Pally, because I'm smart like that.

Something niggled at me though, from behind the already huge stash.

I've always resented having to (essentially) pay to shop, so I thought I'd volunteer at the relax and knit area again. Hmmm, I said I'd do parts of days, and they put me down for full ones, so that put me off a little too.

Today, it became clear that my money could be better spent. Sod Ally Pally, the bloke and I are having an early anniversary night out to see Bill Bailey instead.

(Tickets aren't out until tomorrow, unless you register at billbailey.co.uk)

diamond geezer at the beach

2008-09-23T15:28:00.001+01:00

diamond geezer at the beach
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Isn't this a fantastic pattern?

(Please keep looking at the sock, and not my lily-white legs, thanks)

So, we're home from Cornwall, well-rested and looking forward to whatever adventures might come our way.

I have been made redundant from my job, and this time next week will be a lady of leisure. There is always a silver lining though, and it means that I can get some knitted gifts racked up for our early Christmas (I'm not travelling to and from Northumberland when there's any chance that his sprogness might arrive en route).

Oh, and the lovely Jasmine tagged me, so here are 6 random things about me:

1. A doctor in A&E once told me that the insides of my ears were the cleanest he'd ever seen.

2. I once watched the same episode of Buffy 3 times in 24 hours, and didn't tire of it.

3. Tracey Emin was convinced for a while that we knew each other. That was odd.

4. The saddest part of my food intolerance fiasco is that I can't eat brussels sprouts anymore. I love them with a passion bordering on scary.

5. I hate buying full-price books, but make exceptions for Jeffrey Deaver and Stephen King books, which I buy in hardback as soon as they come out. I know, I know.

6. Maps confuse the hell out of me, but if i've been somewhere once, I can navigate there easily again.

I'm not tagging anyone specifically, do as you please ;-)

Holiday supplies

2008-09-13T07:06:00.001+01:00

the non-yarn haul
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Off to Cornwall, for a much-needed week of knitting, swimming, trying to find gluten-free scones, and reading.

No guilt, no shame

2008-09-12T11:36:00.001+01:00

Easy Knits haul
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

How could anyone feel bad about buying these beauties??

I only bought 6 skeins of yarn at the I Knit Day (all sock yarn, because it doesn't count), but I went for quality over quantity.

The skein on the left is already balled, and the Diamond Geezer socks have been started for my FIL. MIL will be getting a pair too, from the gorgeous blues and pinks skein.

The other 2? Well, they're for me because I'm worth it.

Oh, almost forgot to pimp the yarn - www.easyknits.co.uk

So, this knitting thing is catching on?

2008-09-09T09:04:00.001+01:00

waiting for the yarn harlot
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

This was the question put to me by my co-worker yesterday, when he heard how i'd spent my weekend. And what a weekend it was.

Catrin arrived from Stockholm on Thursday night, at the end of what had been a pretty intense week for me. (In summary, the baby is a boy, and I have been made redundant. One of these things rocks, the other not so much)

Friday, we did necessary things like trying on silly hats and lusting after lipstick - in the rain- before heading home to change for dinner.

Dinner was a Ravelry event, which I had randomly suggested as a way for out-of-towners to spend an evening with other knitters. Funny thing is, meeting new people makes me incredibly nervous, but if I have a role, then I'm fine.
10 people showed up, and it was a lot of fun. Cassandra, Gail, Lisa, Hailey, Kayla, Sarah, Catrin, Suzanne and Sandy are all excellent people to spend a rainy Friday night with!

Saturday was the big day itself, I Knit Day 2008. We woke up excited, got more giddy and almost peaked when the Ravelry badges turned up in time.
I know that Craig, Gerard and their fantastic band of helpers are amazing at organising events, but it was a sight indeed to see that word had spread enough that we had to queue for 20 minutes to even get into the venue.

Once inside, I realised just how many people I've met through knitting, as the whole day was a whirl of hellos, hugs and "oh my, look at your bump".

There may have been some squealing when I saw the Easy Knits stall, but dammit, that man knows a good colour combination.

It was a lot of fun to flit between stalls, hang out with Howard at the Pom Pom International table, and meet old and new friends, but soon it was time to get in line for the main event - Stephanie Pearl McPhee.

She was hilarious.

I had tears streaming down my face, and I'm sure I wasn't the only one to ponder the practicalities of actually putting on a McGyver Arts Retreat.

Back across the road fort he book signing and more shopping. I'd already decided to skip the former, as standing for long periods isn't great right now, but there was a common-sense rule that those who needed to come to the front of the queue could do so, and all was well.

By the time we got home, via the local Indian place, we were dead, but incredibly happy.

Next time, the haul...

Improvising

2008-08-01T15:02:00.001+01:00

picot lace socks
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Finally, a FO, and not just a pile of bits smooshed into the corner of my knitting bag.

The yarn is from the wondrous Easy Knitter, purchased at the I Knit day last year. The pattern is a mixture of a couple that I found in a supplement and hacked together.

I finished these on Tuesday night, at the all-new Shoreditch knitting group *waves to the gang*, but put off sewing the picot edge until this afternoon. I am a terrible procrastinator, especially when it comes to finishing projects.

Coral reef destruction

2008-07-13T23:53:00.001+01:00

DSCN1636.JPG
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

We were wandering today, and passed the Southbank. we decided to pop in and have a look at how the reef has evolved - I really wish we hadn't.

It's a bloody mess.

Honestly, so may pieces have been pulled about, they're almost loose, and there are some worrying bald patches. It looks unloved and neglected- with pieces lying at odd angles.
Oh, and my tampon piece is damaged from people trying to pull the tampons apart.

This has really saddened me. Not just that people can't interact respectfully, but that nobody has done anything to put right the damage.

WIP

2008-06-26T17:58:00.001+01:00

babywave.jpg
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

There hasn't been a lot of knitting going on lately, but I've definitely been busy.

This is from our 12 week scan today, and the wriggling creature is due to put in an appearance in January.

We're thrilled!

Endings and beginnings

2008-05-27T14:36:00.001+01:00

Felix's socks
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Wow, May, way to be a rollercoaster.

I honestly can't remember a month with that much heartache and happiness all at once.

2 deaths, a birth and a couple of new pregnancies to boot.

These socks are a welcome to the world gift for Felix, who is still in hospital after arriving early.

central park screw up

2008-05-07T11:30:00.001+01:00

central park screw up
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

My craft-fu is still missing, as demonstrated here.

When I did the back, I read the chart left to right, instead of right to left.

Fine, not a problem, as long as I continue to do that.

I started the sleeve on holiday, and kept to the revised plan.

Clearly, yesterday was the day that my knitterly brain took over, and I switched cable direction.

Birdsong was overshadowed this morning by the sound of frogging and muttered rude words.

marrakesh pinwheel jacket

2008-04-06T22:52:00.001+01:00

marrakesh pinwheel jacket
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

You can tell by my deathly pallor that things haven't been going as well as we'd like in PP land of late. That's for another post though.

There's been very little knitting going on, as the hyperbolic crochet reef is taking up a whole lot of my crafting/travelling/spare time at the moment.

Luckily, this jacket was a complete no-brainer. I failed to take a pic of it the other way round, with a longer back and less foffiness of the collar.

Yarn is Sirdar Peru, purchased from the sales in Bristol last June for a mere £1.50 a ball.

Coming soon, Mr PP amazes me once again with his knitting prowess

Smooth. Not

2008-03-23T08:25:00.001Z

knitwitches silk
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Happy chocolate egg and bunny day to those of you who care about such things.

I'm starting to realise just how much my knitting is influenced by what's going on elsewhere in my life.
At the moment, there is a lot of uncertainty, coupled with some sadness, and my projects are designed to provide mostly mindless knitting, coupled with cosy results.

With this in mind, I decided that it was finally time to start the black silk Clap using the Knitwitches silk I picked up in November.
Out came the swift and ball-winder, and I got to work.

Heh, there's a lot of yardage to silk. Okay, it didn't take too long, but that's when the fun started. The silk is wound so tightly that there's no way to get it off the winder.

So, I need to knit faster, and hope that there's nothing I need to wind for a while.

cranford mitts

2008-03-18T15:49:00.001Z

cranford mitts
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Yeah, the photo is blurry, but so's my head today.

There are projects that you think you'll enjoy making even if they don't quite work, and projects when you know that it'll be a slog, but the end result makes up for it.

These mitts are just perfect.

The pattern, from the talented Jane Lithgow, is easy to follow, and fun. I made the first one while pretending to watch rugby, then raced through the second in 2 sessions.

The yarn, from The Yarn Yard, is a delight to work with. What's not to love about organic merino? Oh, and it's incredibly good value too. For £5, I got enough yarn to make my mitts and another (super sekrit) project. There's still a little left too.

Coming soon, my silk woes...

ian learns mattress stitch

2008-03-02T08:14:00.001Z

ian learns mattress stitch
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

valentine's card

2008-02-17T16:40:00.001Z

valentine's card
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

I'm a bad blogger, I know.

I have been busy though, and fed up, and sick, and then busy some more.

This is the card I made for the bloke for the Valentine thing. It's Colinette, so he knows that I REALLY like him.

Bless him, he asked me where I bought it.

notting hill vest

2008-01-29T18:50:00.001Z

notting hill vest
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Talk about a labour of love.

I started this in September, as I knew that the bloke would love it. Did I mention that my cabling experience was limited?

I struggled through the back, cast on the front, and abandoned it.

Just over a fortnight ago, I decide that the best way would be to pick it up and do a couple of rows at a time. No pressure, just half an hour here and there.

After an hour, I realised that the pattern really had stuck in my head, and I raced through it.

Hell, I even picked up the bands right away, much to the shock of everyone who knows my finishing-phobia.

I love it, the bloke loves it, and the woman who was staring on the bus seems to like it too.

2008-01-04T00:11:00.000Z

moar funny pictures

mini mittens

2007-12-19T10:56:00.001Z

DSCN1324.JPG
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

The Foyles crew did another festive decoration gift exchange, and this was my offering.

Made from Easy Knits sock yarn (nothing but the best), from a pattern in last year's Interweave Holiday gifts issue.

alpaca mittens

2007-12-17T14:05:00.001Z

alpaca mittens
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

It's too cold for my delicate fingers at the moment, so I decided that I'd make the Subway Mittens from Interweave.

Did I have any suitable chunky yarn in my stash? Of course not.

The solution was to use 4 strands of lovely Drops Alpaca that Catrin bought me ages ago, and i'd been hoarding until the right project spoke to me.

The eagle-eyed among you may notice that my mitts don't have a pocket. This is because I have small hands, and an Oystercard is a lot bigger tha you think.

The only drawback? I have to take them off after 10 minutes because my hands get incredibly warm.

neckwarmer

2007-12-04T23:19:00.001Z

neckwarmer
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

When we were in Stockholm, the husband's scarf kept slipping around, leaving exposed bits of neck.

Idly pondering this in a yarn shop, I picked up a couple of skeins of Eskimo and wondered aloud whether a buttoned neckwarmer would work.

His reaction was quite enthusiastic, but we couldn't find a pattern that we liked.

In the end, I just cast on a ribbed piece, to be fastened with buttons on one side.

then he pointed out that the V of his overcoat could do with filling, so I picked up along the bottom, and made a scarf panel.

Apparently, it's very toasty.

I'd forgotten how much I love working on 8mm needles, this only took me a couple of evenings.

When knitters gather

2007-11-24T23:41:00.001Z

secret pals meet up
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

In 2006, I signed up for SP8, and started receiving lovely packages from Stockholm.

Over time, it became clear that my pal, Catrin, and I had more in common than knitting, and a friendship developed.

Last week, the bloke and I were visiting Stockholm to celebrate my birthday, and our (belated) 10th anniversary. Of course, it was the perfect opportunity to meet Catrin who bought us tickets to see Sweden play Latvia.

Not only that, but she spent the day with us, and was an excellent guide to the secret yarn shops of the city. They're not really secret, but i'd failed to find any the previous day!

It was great fun, and we bonded over our love of obscure 90s drama and the fact that we both preferred John Taylor to Simon Le Bon.

Here's to continuing friendship, and This Life-loving, Freddie Ljundberg-admiring knitters who understand the importance of a sit down and a cup of tea.

Interweave, nul points

2007-10-27T00:34:00.000+01:00

A short while ago, the lovely people at Interweave got realistic abou their international shipping prices, so I took out a subscription.

The Fall issue was my first one, but it didn't arrive. I know we've had trouble with the post, so I emailed them today to ask when it was sent.

It wasn't sent.

They sold out, so my subscription will start with the Winter issue.

They would not have informed me of this if I hadn't asked.

Of course, nobody has a copy of the Fall issue now.

Not impressed.

All-consuming passion

2007-10-26T09:56:00.000+01:00

Mr Pirate and I recently bought unlimited cinema passes, and this trailer caught my eye.

I loved the books, but that was only part of the reason why I was gasping and clutching his arm. Oh no, halfway through is where it caught my interest, at the point that Lyra is on the boat.

That chunky garter stitch waistcoat, followed by the handknit coat, then the grey hat that looks like it's made from Colinette Point 5.

This is a knitter's film, no doubt about it.

Ally Pally - or how I stopped worrying and learned to love my stash

2007-10-13T14:26:00.000+01:00

I'm not going to Ally Pally this year.

*waits for surprised gasps to die down*

I was due to volunteer on Friday, but felt like crap.

The bloke bravely volunteered to accompany me on Saturday or Sunday, but I realised that I just don't need to go.

My stash is huge, and that's not counting the 30 balls of Noro that I'll be receiving once the postal strikes are finished.

Also, what do I do there apart from spend money and chat to people? Nothing.

So, I can chat with knitting friends at various groups, and buy yarn in the plethora of good shops I can access, as well as online.

Why on earth would I want to pay £10+ for the privilege of doing so?

Hmm, applying knitterly logic, I guess I now have an extra £10 to spend on yarn? Only joking.

Whose gansey?

2007-10-09T01:53:00.001+01:00

DSCN1199.JPG
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

We decided that recent stresses would be banished with a trip to the seaside, so a weekend in Cromer was booked.

Who knew that the North Norfolk coast could be so blissful?

I did absolutely no kniting, but read 200 pages of my book for the book club.

The lifeboat museum had an interesting display about the traditional gansey and it's patterns, s did the town museum.

The latter also had some fantastic rag rugs, which reminds me that my epic project needs to be started.

bracket fungus socks

2007-09-19T18:05:00.001+01:00

bracket fungus socks
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

These beauties are a gift for my sister, who has only ever received a scarf from me before now.

The pattern is a prototype from the lovely Jane Lithgow, which I volunteered to test. It wasn't an especially selfless act, I loved the pattern as soon as I saw it, and couldn't wait to give it a whirl!

The first one took me a week, the second took a day and a half. Second sock syndrome does not live in my house.

I'm off to visit the family tomorrow, and I'm hoping the receipient will be as pleased with them as I am. No worries if she isn't though, it'll save me making a second pair for myself.

Ravelry

2007-09-03T07:36:00.000+01:00

Not since the discovery of Scrabulous has the internet shown such potential for draining evert minute of my free time.

My invite arrived while I had a house guest, so I snuck online when she went to bed and played for 2 hours.

THen I went away for a few days.

I'm really hoping that this week at work is a quiet one.

(I'm purlpirate there too btw)

corrugated socks

2007-08-25T22:33:00.001+01:00

corrugated socks
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

These are probably the quickest socks I've ever made.

The pattern is from the Vogue sock book, and it's not that clear from the picture that the purled sections bulge out.

I think I'll make myself a pair in a solid colour, as I don't like the way the changes in the stripes get messed up.

This pair is a gift for M, my oldest niece. Her feet have grown again, but they're now the same size as mine so I have no excuse for messing up the fit. Word is that her 10 year-old self is also as tall as me, although she has been given strict instructions to stop growing.

Firefly Mobius

2007-08-12T09:03:00.001+01:00

Firefly Mobius
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Sometimes life gets in the way of knitting.

It's been an especially tough week at Pirate Towers, the husband is very poorly and there's a lot of other stuff going on too.

My WIPs were a second toe-up sock, and yet another Clap, but even they seemed too taxing.

I needed something soothing, so what could be better than swathes of stocking stitch with minimal shaping, made from Kidsilk Night?

The pattern is my second favourite from the most recent Knitscene. The story behind why I'm not working on my favourite project can wait for another day...

You know where you are with the clap

2007-07-26T15:32:00.000+01:00

I currently only have the second toe up sock and a (stalled) jumper for my sister on the needles.*

So tonight, as a reward for my domestic goddess run, I'm going to start something new. Only, I've decided to stick with what I know, and cast on yet another clapotis.

Shh, they're great gifts, and there's not really anything else urgent that I should be doing.

Oh, and I'm going back to work next week after an extended break, so it will be good to have a no-brainer bus project.

* the crochet blanket is on a HOOK, therefore it just doesn't count. Oh no

What have I been up to?

2007-07-23T00:39:00.001+01:00

toe up sock 2
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

The last few days have been something of a musical frenzy for us.

Friday was Amy Winehouse at Somerset House (no knitting, it was dark), and then we had the Lovebox Weekender in Victoria Park.

When it all got a bit too much, we'd find somewhere comfy (usually the Pimms garden or the chai tent) and revive ourselves with a drink a some knitting.

This is my second toe-up sock, using the magic loop technique. I started these on a whim last Saturday (at midnight, while watching Law & Order actually) and the chunky yarn made the first one fly by.

Even the afterthought heel was stress free.

Oh, and in the interest of consumer research, I can confirm that Addi lace circulars are now officially my favourite needles to use.

Sorted!

2007-07-19T17:04:00.000+01:00

I bought some cardboard storage cartons at the weekend, as I'm tired of not being able to find the yarn I'm looking for.

There'd be no sense in throwing everything in pell-mell though, so today was yarn inventory day. Oh my, there's quite a lot of yarn in my house.

Being a bit of a nerd, it's all* recorded on a shiny spreadsheet, which I'm hugely proud of (did I mention just how much I hate spreadsheets?), and the boxes are marked with numbers for easy cross-referencing purposes.

As I was on a roll, I decided to count how much my stash weighs. This was probably a mistake, as it sounds REALLY horrific when you talk about how many people you'd need to get in a room to represent your stash. Oh well, I'll use it eventually.

*When I say all, I'm not counting random single balls, partial balls or my Colinette throw kit, but it's not cheating!

Scandinavian Knitting Design

2007-07-17T23:50:00.001+01:00

mollysocks
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Hmmm, anyone thinking that I might be on commission for these people?

I swear it isn't true, but I had to spread the news that their lovely sock yarn is reduced to £1.50 per ball until July 31st.

These socks are a gift for my eldest niece. She was the intended recipient of the Thujas that I blogged about a while back, but her feet are still growing, so her sister got them instead.

I'm informed that these ones fit perfectly, and are suitable for a 10 year old diva-in-training.

Yay! Boo! Yay!

2007-07-16T00:09:00.001+01:00

lace socks
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Aren't these socks pretty? They're my first lace pair, but they very nearly ended up as a tangled knot of yarn in the bin.

The yarn was my first package from the I Knit Sock Club, and I was compelled to wind it immediately.
In the next hour, the following occurred:
- the skein got horribly knotted around my swift
- the yarn broke in 4 places
- my ball winder died

Once that was dealt with, I started to knit away merrily, following the sombrero lace pattern provided. About 20 rounds in, I noticed a problem. Pooling.
The white section was forming a horrible column. Luckily, wiser heads advised that changing the number of stitches would make a difference, so I switched from 64 stitches to 60, then decided that I'd go all-out on the lace.

The pattern is (loosely) Hedera from Knitty, and the seocnd sock was the quickest one I've ever done.

Tidying up

2007-07-13T10:39:00.001+01:00

iansocks
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

I've set myself the challenge of blogging every other day for 2 weeks, as certain people have been grumbling about my lack of updates (Hi, Jenny!).

It's odd, I find myself dismissing crafting as "just something I do", but then I'll happily spend an hour trawling other people's craft blogs for ideas/inspirations/yarn porn.

So, on to the FO, the first pair of socks for the husband. The pattern is a freebie from Spun magazine, just a very basic ribbed sock. The yarn is from Scandinavian Knitting design, (I swear they must be a front for organised crime, how else could they sell 50g for under £2?) but please note that the socks DO NOT match, because life is too short.

I have another entry brewing about the myth of Second Sock Syndrome, but that one can keep.

noro shrug

2007-07-11T10:12:00.001+01:00

noro shrug
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Every now and then, I need some (almost) instant gratification. Yes, those ambitious lace items and new techniques are all well and good, but from time to time, all I want to do is cast on 45 stitches on a circ and set off.

So I did. It couldn't be easier, knit until it reaches your underarm, start working back and forth for the width of your back, then join into a tube again for the other arm. Once that's done, pick up around the opening and rattle through 4 rows of k2p2 rib.

This was made with the Noro Gerbera I picked up in Tokyo - I love the muted shades being so abruptly broken up with the acid pink.

Black armbands ready

2007-06-20T09:40:00.000+01:00

It's a sad day here at purlpirate towers.

My yarn winder died, in the middle of a delicious skein on Fybrespates.

Of course, the super-cheap ebay ones are nowhere to be seen, so a trip to Handweavers Studio is needed.

*sniffle*

Japan stash

2007-06-05T00:53:00.001+01:00

yarn stash
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

Oh my. Japanese yarn shops are great. Once the staff get over their surprise at Westerners wanting to buy stuff, they're so helpful and friendly.

If you view the pic via flickr, you can see my notes :)

invalid

2007-04-27T14:51:00.001+01:00

knee
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

So, I disclocated my left knee yesterday on the way to work.

I'm fine, it popped right back in, but I've been ordered to rest.

To me, reating is all about knitted slippers, sock monkey pyjamas, Doris Day films and cracking on with my zigzag blanket.

Knitting has really fallen by the wayside lately, I'm all about the crochet. I may need to force myself to put the zigzag away later, as the other half's socks aren't going to knit themselves.

ribbed

2007-04-01T10:39:00.001+01:00

ribbed
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

These were suposed to be socks for my man, but the crappy yarn knotted itself into a real mess and I was worried that there wouldn't be enough for his substantial tootsies.

Pattern is the simple ribbed sock from Spun magazine, it's well-written and unfussy. I've just started my second pair, in the lovely sock yarn from Garn Studios. These ones should reach their intended recipients, if the yarn gods are willing.

Cheery cherry

2007-03-20T10:11:00.001Z

koolaid2
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

Stupid phone company have screwed up, and I've had to miss knitting at Foyles because of it. My Tuesday morning therapy session is very important to me!

The yarn was dyed with Kool Aid (note: people who give this to their children AS A DRINK worry me), from a kit I bought ages ago.

The result was more patchy than I'd hoped, but eventually it'll become socks, even if they are the kind only to be worn under boots :)

All The Fun Of The Fair

2007-03-14T12:23:00.001Z

All The Fun Of The Fair
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

We're pretty lucky in London, with members of the knitting community opening shops here and there!

The latest to open is owned by the lovely Buzz, who I first met when she had a stall in Spitalfields on Fridays, and I used to raid her bargain basket on a regular basis.

Now she has a lovely shop in Kngly Court, just off Carnaby Street, filled with yarns, treats and associated goodies.

I showed great self-control, which is unusual for me. The yarn is Opal, but double-knitting which I hadn't seen before.

The pattern book is from the huge collection of vintage/retro at the front of the shop - I can't believe they're only 50p each.

The knitted doughnut is because I'd had a particularly bad week and it's the only kind of doughnut that will do for someone who can't eat wheat.

thuja (knitty)

2007-02-22T16:55:00.001Z

thuja (knitty)
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

I'm becoming OOTK*

I used to furrow my brow when people talked about knitting socks. So fiddly! So complicated! I can buy them from Primark for a fraction of the price!

My first pair was all about getting through them so I could say I hated knitting socks. Only I didn't.

This is the fourth pair, and the first pair i've made for someone else. Seed stitch rib, cheapo yarn from Ally Pally, and a very happy niece.

*one of THOSE knitters

Texture via Texere

2007-02-07T13:15:00.001Z

jumper detail
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

This cotton aran in pewter was a great choice for my first top-down jumper.

Bring on the snow, i'm ready for it.

Rowan Magazine

2007-02-02T09:19:00.001Z

Oh dear. It's really not getting any better, is it?

striped socks

2007-01-15T23:52:00.000Z

striped socks
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

This post is brought to you by the wonder of my fellow knitters.

For Purlyqueen, who convinced me that socks weren't that difficult at all.

For Flibbertygibbet, who grasped sock knitting right in front of my eyes at Foyles, and encouraged me to pick up the lonely second sock and make it beautiful.

For Yarnstorm, who I imagine will get a kick out of pink spots with mutli-coloured stripes.

Last but not least, for Acechick, who is no doubt shuddering at my non-matching stripes.

calorimetry in the city

2006-12-30T23:08:00.000Z

calorimetry in the city
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

Sometimes the only thing to do with a bandwagon is to jump right on! This is the first of a *cough* few of these one-skein wonders from the most recent Knitty.

grandma

2006-12-18T23:59:00.000Z

grandma
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

This is my christmas gift to my Grandma-in-law. Less than 2 skeins of Fusion, and a no-brainer cabble and lace pattern.

The buttons are to keep the scarf in place when she's reading in bed.

SP8 final yahoo

2006-11-04T10:06:00.000Z

lastsp8
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

I really lucked out on SP8, as Cat has been such a wonderfully generous and thoughtful partner.

Today's haul was headed up by 2 skeins od hand-dyed alpaca, I'm seeing long gloves, I adore the inky shades.

Lemob and Bergamot soap from Italy for bath-time indulgence, along with a skull magic towel.

After the bath, orgarnic dark chocolate with cinnamon. Yes, okay, we've had some for breakfast today.

Swedish Army lip/whatever balm is light and non-greasy. Apparently you can fry and egg in it, but that would be wasteful.

Thanks Cat, you're a star, and whenever I'm in Stockholm, the drinks are on me.

fletcher

2006-10-21T23:20:00.001+01:00

fletcher
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

Okay, so I didn't manage to press it before I wore it, but this beast was started 18 months ago, and I was just so excited to get to wear it out.

Fletcher, from Simply Noro, in Kureyon shade 91.

Pretty, yes?

fletcher

2006-10-21T23:20:00.000+01:00

fletcher
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

Gone, but hopefully not forgotten

2006-10-17T12:40:00.000+01:00

Yet again, life has stopped blogging.

We're just about to have some major work done on our house, and I can't find the camera.

Knitting has been happening though, hats have been my thing lately, and a top-down raglan in aran-weight cotton.

The infamous Noro jacket is also finished. I sweated over the button loops last night as I planned to wear it to Foyles today, but illness got in the way.

Photos soon, I promise.

2006-09-26T09:15:00.000+01:00

Everything must go

2006-09-15T11:59:00.000+01:00

Below is a link to the stash I'm never going to use! It's all for sale, and if we can arrange to meet in London, you can avoid those pesky Royal Mail charges.

I Knit, aka the money pit!

2006-09-03T15:24:00.000+01:00

iknit1
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

Saturday was the opening of Vauxhall's yarn emporium, so we had to take a look.
Tucked away on the beautiful Bonnington Square (opposite the amazing cafe), the shop is small and welcoming, with great space for chatting and getting to work with your new purchases.

I've never seen so much Colinette in one place, and the selection of Brittany and Lantern Moon needles/hooks had me cursing my currrent *ahem* financial complications.

Click on the pic to take you to the rest of the set.

string bag

2006-09-01T16:47:00.000+01:00

string bag
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

This was based on the string bag from Magknits, but I made it on smaller needles and crocheted the top/handle.

It might not be the prettiest FO, but it can hold 14 tins :)

odd stuff

2006-08-20T20:16:00.000+01:00

odd stuff
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

Tonight, I ruthlessly sorted out my stash. Well, my upstairs stash.

I've got 3 huge bags of stuff to get rid of, and this is the basket of leftovers/random balls bought on a whim/other stuff.

In theory, I have enough yarn to se me through 30+ projects. In reality, I'm itching to get to Stash, as they have wishlists, and I know I've been very good of late :)

haul!

2006-08-09T17:44:00.000+01:00

haul!
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

Yesterday, I discovered that my spoiler is the lovely Catrin, and today her latest package arrived. It contained:

*rune card
*Swedish sweets
*Stockholm desk calendar
*caffeine-free tea which is delicious
* handmade socks!!
*blingy skull notebook and pen!!!
*6 balls of yummy alpaca in grey, pink & black!!!!

This was excellent timing, as i'm horribly ill this week and was at home feeling sorry for myself. Viva SP8, and thanks pal xx

My carnaval pal

2006-08-06T22:39:00.000+01:00

alpaca
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2.

Today was Carnaval del Pueblo in Southwark, which was amazing. One stall had a life-size toy alpaca, and they were very amused that I wanted to have a photo taken with it.

In other news, my subscription copy of Interweave Knits arrived yesterday, and it has a number of bookmarks for future projects.

Flickr

2006-08-06T22:38:00.000+01:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Yessss!

2006-07-31T21:18:00.000+01:00

Yup, there's a really wonky line of stitches down the middle of the left one, but these are the first pair of socksI've made that fit, so I love them despite their imperfections.

Finished at 8pm in Parc Leopold, Brussels on Saturday night - they're from a free online pattern that I won't link to as it's full of errors.

Guess what I started on the Eurostar on the way back today? This time they even have a bit that goes past my ankle.

Sweet nothings

2006-07-23T06:35:00.000+01:00

I can finally post this FO, as it's now with my friend H. H and her husband M are expecting thier first baby, and my immediate response to the news was to rush out and but some Artesano Alpaca in a neutral and non-sickly shade.

The pattern is a simple tube, with a row of YOs near the top, tied with a cord.

Gifted

2006-07-02T00:36:00.000+01:00

My wonderful Secret Pal sent me this book, which I've been covetting for a while now.I'm currently knitting Kyoto from it, and keep losing the pattern I'd printed out, so it's very timely.Thanks Lotus!

sigh Almost

2006-06-30T09:47:00.000+01:00

This is my first attempt at "real" socks, not the ones done of straights and seamed. It all turned out beautifully, even my picking up of stitches has come along in leaps and bounds.

Except the sock has now been ripped. I used the measuring guide in Big Girl Knits, but maybe had both feet together when I wrapped the tape. It was huge!

Still, I am walking away safe in the knowledge that socks are not beyond my ability, even if taking accurate measurements is.

Voila

2006-06-25T22:52:00.000+01:00

This is the part where I get to be smug, as the first Chr****as item is finished. I'm not this obsessive normally, but I hate having no time to work on fun stuff in November/December.

International relations (part one)

2006-06-16T11:16:00.000+01:00

My Secret Pal rocks! First she punked me into thinking she lived in Ireland, then she sent me this cool stack of goodies. I'm currently listening to her cool selection of Swedish music while wearing my Silk Garden wristies and plotting what to make with the skein of Kochoran.Our countries are playing each other in the World Cup on Tuesday, but I'm definitely viewing it as a friendly! Thanks Lotus, you're a star

A sheep story

2006-06-13T00:22:00.000+01:00

It's too hot to post much, but here are my pics from the Sheep & Wool Day at Spitalfields City Farm recently.

And the problem is?

2006-06-09T15:05:00.000+01:00

*takes a deep breath* The World Cup is held every 4 years, so please suck it up and let those of us who enjoy football have our fun.

I'm fairly sure that none of you are being tied to chairs and forced to watch it, and surely if there are huge swathes of the population indoors and glued to their tvs for the next 5 weeks, you'll get stuff done in less time, the roads will be less busy etc.

I honestly don't see the need for people to rain on my parade here.

Algodon Espanol

2006-06-04T10:14:00.000+01:00

This is my stash from Spain, most of it purchased from a tiny shop, which was full of elderly Spanish women knitting.

All cotton, probably destined for crochet bags

Left to right, tube-like cotton blend, already in use - it's going to be a Clapotis for a gift. The middle yarn is a lot like Jaeger Celeste, but the colours are much better and it was a lot cheaper. Lastly, pretty, variegated cotton-mix, which may well end up as a shawl for my Grandma-in-law.

Another crochet prject completed.

2006-05-31T07:38:00.000+01:00

This is the hat that kept me out of trouble on the flights to and from Spain. It's Rowanspun yarn, and a pattern I hacked from a freebie.It's a little more pointed at the top than I like, but's pretty sweet for a beginner. Please excuse the fact that I look like I'd just woken up; I'd just woken up!

Normal service has now been resumed

2006-05-25T07:42:00.000+01:00

We're back from Spain, and we've fixed the pc, so we're good to go again.

Who knew that a small town like Nerja would have 2 yarn shops? Hehe, pics to follow...

Nailed!

2006-05-05T15:59:00.000+01:00

I was determined to get the hang of crochet, and I think this more or less proves I've done it. This is my first "proper" project, the Fat-Bottomed Bag from Debbie Stoller's book.

Yes, this is the project that I messed up, and had to start again, but I'm so happy with the amended version.

It's made from leftover R2 Fuzzi Felt, which has been chucked in the washing machine to stop keys and pens poking through.

Now I'm looking for a small crochet project for the plane, and I think it might have to be bling...

SP8 Questionnaire

2006-05-05T13:16:00.000+01:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love Noro, in all of it's forms, but I'm not especially fussy. Not a great fan of rough cottons, as they hurt my delicate hands *grins* and I'd never knit a garment in fun fur or eyelash yarn.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a large terracotta pot ofr long needles, a piece of bamboo for smaller needles and crochet hooks. The sets are in their cases.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider
your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I first picked up wool and needles when I was 8 or 9. I've been knitting seriously for 2-3 years now. I guess I'm intermediate, but ambitious!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon wishlist in my real name.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I adore citrus scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes, but I only eat dark chocloate, the higher the cocoa content, the better.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I recently taught myself to crochet, which is turning out to be a lot of fun. I bought a drop-spindle kit too, but haven't made much progress with it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
How long have you got? Seriously, I have extremely eclectic tastes, and love to find out about new (to me) artists.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Hmmm, I wear a lot of black, hot pink, brown and greens. I don't really "do" orange or blue (apart from jeans), but could be convinced.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm married, no kids, no pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, yes, yes and yes!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Depends on whether I'm looking for instant gratification, or if I want to challenge myself.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Kyoto jumper from Knitty in cotton mohair, Fletcher coat in Noro Kureyon, pink and green skull jumper.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Who doesn't?

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I use my Denise circulars to death! Metal needles are my least favourite, because I have a weird aversion to touching metal.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes to both

17. How did you learn to knit?
My mother taught me

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
The Noro jacket was started over a year ago.

19. What is your favorite holiday?
Good food, good weather, lots of little places to explore.

20. Is there anything that you collect?
People keep buying me salt and pepper sets! Vintage needles, 80s pattern books

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I have subscriptions to Rowan, Simply Knitting and Interweave Knits. I'm craving glitery plastic crochet hooks to go with the needles a friend brought me from the US.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'm thinking of giving entrelac a try, but it seems scary!

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Nope, I wear a very wide UK6

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
November 19th

PSA

2006-05-02T15:18:00.000+01:00

There's very little crafting at the moment, as I've damaged a muscle in my back. Hopefully, it will be sorted in time for the start of my holiday on Sunday.

All change

2006-04-17T22:53:00.000+01:00

Work stuff means that I'm going to miss my Foyles-fix until the end of May. This is just plain wrong!

Something else that's wrong was my first attempt at following a "proper" crochet pattern. Sadly, I messed it up on section 1 of 3, and crochet only frogs in one direction, so the whole bag had to be ripped. *muffles a sob*

What's my motivation?

2006-04-09T21:47:00.000+01:00

Look what I've got! I've picked this book up at least 20 times this weekend, with project lust driving me crazy. I only have 2 knitting projects at the moment (well, and three 8x8 squares for a swap), so I think I can allow myself a crochet project too. I'm almost decided on which one too.

This is what I've been knitting this weekend, the world's least inspiring project, but it was an order from a previously satisfied customer, and it's hard to turn down cash for a mindless ipod cosy.

I'm not sure why this picture has turned out so hideously grainy, but this is my husband modelling my version of Skully from SnB. He's a great guy, and he didn't once bat an eyelide when I put his jumper aside to work on something more interesting. The yarn is from Texere, and has lovely multi-coloured slubs.

Restraint

2006-04-01T07:47:00.000+01:00

Last Friday I volunteered at the Relax & Knit stand at the Ugly-Ass-Cross-Stitch-Expo. It was good to meet so many knitters and realise I've been reading their blogs for ages!
I got the warm fuzzies from teaching someone purse stitch, seeing the enthusiasm for new and exciting yarns, and all of that good stuff.

Obviously, I shopped a little bit too. I was sooooo sensible. I took cash out the night before, and left my cards at home. I shopped so cannily, that I had enough money left to buy gourmet chocolates for the friends I was meeting later :)

Yes, I'm going to give socks another go, once I finish a few of the current projects. This yarn is just the prettiest stuff ever, and I couldn't leave it alone.

I bought a drop spindle a few weeks ago, and then HipKnits had this fantastic zine on their stall. It's incredibly down to earth, and has lots of useful stuff about vegetable dyes too. Yay!

This is going to become a Tubey, I think.

2006-03-17T10:49:00.000Z

Who is this mysterious knitter?

Yes, I'm still alive and knitting, but I've been lax on the whole blogging thing. Time is short, it's either live it, or write. Anyway, this is me in one of my Pantas, yarn is lovely hand-dyed stuff from Handweavers Studio.

Can we say grumpy?

2006-01-31T14:46:00.000Z

I finally finished the second sleeve of the jumper for my other half. This should be cause for celebration, but instead I'm filled with the dreaded realisation that the fun bit is over, and it needs to be sewn up *groans*

Main priority for this year has to be to knit more things on circulars!

2005-12-18T15:43:00.000Z

Knitflicks was a huge success yesterday, close to 60 tickets sold. It's amazing what happens when you get a blockbuster just before Christmas :)

The film was okay, if you ignore the over simplified good vs evil thing, and the fact that the three older children were incredibly bland.

The trouble with having so many people there was that it was impossible to get everyone sitting in the same place afterwards, meaning some of us were banished to the top floor to drink our tea.

Oh well, the interview for the World Service went well, and was broadcast last night. I'd give you a link, but don't know how many of you understand Cantonese :)

It's here

2005-12-05T03:10:00.000Z

The new Knitty is up. That is all

2005-10-29T12:23:00.000+01:00

Sometimes the universe rewards you in unexpected ways.

The boy is away this weekend, and I can't sleep. So, I've been online way too much, sitting up until my head rolls forward onto my keyboard.

Last night, on one of the lj knitting communities, someone posted about a giveaway, I responded, and on Monday I pick up my totally free knitting machine!!

I think wine with the girls is a perfect way to celebrate :)

Mixed blessings

2005-09-26T16:15:00.000+01:00

I'm recovering from investigative surgery this week, so I won't get to be sociable with other knitters *sob*

However, a week away from work gives me plenty of time to catch up on the projects that have been lingering for rather too long on the needles/sewing pile.

Namely

- Mo monkey
- back of Fletcher from Simply Noro
- knitted flowers for wedding
- iPod sock for I's colleague

Maybe i'll even make a start on the sleeves of Skully. *clearly delirious*

Ooooooooooh

2005-09-13T18:32:00.000+01:00

Thanks Secret Pal! Now are you going to give me a link to your blog?

2005-08-30T23:15:00.000+01:00

I give in.

Last week, as a leaving gift for my boss, I made a black mohair version of Branching Out from Knitty. It was my first lace project, and the finished item made me so proud. Of course, I totally failed to take a picture.

Today, I gathered my bits and pieces together, and finally assembled my "knitter" necklace. It looks good, but after wearing it for an hour, I have angry welts on the back of my neck from an allergic reaction to the metal clasp.

I'm going to bed, but may well fall out of it!

Once more

2005-07-22T08:48:00.000+01:00

I really didn't expect to be making another one of these posts.

We're fine, but the fact that they tried to blow up a bus at the end of my street is seriously unsettling.

Thankfully fine

2005-07-07T23:23:00.000+01:00

Ian and I were both in work before anything happened today.

My office is next to Guys Hospital, and the sirens didn't stop for hours.

Yes, this is terrifying for everyone, but you can't keep this city down for long.

2005-07-04T21:09:00.000+01:00

Yes, I know, I don't post for weeks, then post 5 times in one day.

However, I had to share the love of a sari silk jumper that I bought at Glastonbury for �10. After an afternoon's destruction, I was left with 950g of yarn and fibres everywhere. Before anyone calls it sacrilege, please be assured that I bought one to wear and one to frog.

Confessions of a skull-obsessed knitter

For Laurence

The Knit Signal

Communication is a right

remember me?

busy busy

No knitting so far

It's been, emotional

YAY! and BOO!

mystery socks

Tis the season to give woollies

zigzag blanket and the restorative power of craft.

Where my WIPs at?

Executive decision

diamond geezer at the beach

Holiday supplies

No guilt, no shame

So, this knitting thing is catching on?

Improvising

Coral reef destruction

WIP

Endings and beginnings

central park screw up

marrakesh pinwheel jacket

Smooth. Not

cranford mitts

ian learns mattress stitch

valentine's card

notting hill vest

mini mittens

alpaca mittens

neckwarmer

When knitters gather

Interweave, nul points

All-consuming passion

Ally Pally - or how I stopped worrying and learned to love my stash

Whose gansey?

bracket fungus socks

Ravelry

corrugated socks

Firefly Mobius

You know where you are with the clap

What have I been up to?

Sorted!

Scandinavian Knitting Design

Yay! Boo! Yay!

Tidying up

noro shrug

Black armbands ready

Japan stash

invalid

ribbed

Cheery cherry

All The Fun Of The Fair

thuja (knitty)

Texture via Texere

Rowan Magazine

striped socks

calorimetry in the city

grandma

SP8 final yahoo

fletcher

fletcher

Gone, but hopefully not forgotten

Everything must go

I Knit, aka the money pit!

string bag

odd stuff

haul!

My carnaval pal

Flickr

Yessss!

Sweet nothings

Gifted

*sigh* Almost

Voila

International relations (part one)

A sheep story

And the problem is?

Algodon Espanol

sigh Almost