I've been relaxing, catching up with friends, eating and drinking more than I should, and of course - skating!
On the knitting front, I managed to finish a lurking WIP though, which has pleased me no end. Blackrose from Knitty, in STR Lightweight "Valkyrie"
I loved this colourway so much that I found it hard to find the "perfect" pattern for it. Did I finally succeed? Meh, not sure...
What I did do was tell myself that it's just yarn, not spun gold and it's there to be used! The pattern itself is OK, but I wouldn't knit it again. Despite using 2.25mm needles, it's a bit loose, particularly around the ankles because the lace opens up so much with wear. But they are done, and it is one less unfinished item in my knitting basket!
This week I cast on Entomology (also) from Knitty using some of my beautiful Ixchel cashmerino cobweb weight procured at last year's Bendigo Sheep & Wool show. The colourway is "Forest Moss" and the subtle variegation's are just beautiful. I have left out the beads because, well quite frankly...I like my sanity. The thought of threading 1200+ beads onto yarn was too much for me to contemplate!
The pattern is simple enough in itself, although you work yo's and decreases on both sides. I do miss a nice purl "rest" row...
When Southern Summer of Socks started up again last year, I decided that Summer 09/10 was going to be all about getting through my stash of sock and laceweight yarn. It's my weakness when it comes to stash-enhancement, so there's a-plenty to get through!
One plus is that since starting roller derby, I have bought little-to-no yarn. We will ignore the fact that I have actually just supplemented one horrendously expensive habit for another equally-if-not-more expensive one.
For the next little bit at least, when I want to start a new project I will go stash-diving, and there's some pretty amazing stuff in there let me tell you...so stay tuned!
10 comments:
I love the socks, and the yarn you chose for the shawl is fantastic.
Beautiful socks, and you are right to use your nice wool. Enjoy wearing it.
The Entomology is just lovely!!!
yes I felt that way about that pattern. Ok but not great.
But that shawl! ooh that's the second I've seen this week. I like!!!
me three on the blackrose. and for a pattern thats made to work with the darker STRs, i dont think it actually does work that well with them! having said that, yours look great!! i must go look at this entomology thing....
The socks and colour are lovely, I am with you about having to thread 1200+ beads would send me insane. Using stash is a good thing, just think about when you have to replenish it in the future.
Yes, I really must stash dive a lot more this year...we should keep each other honest!!
I do love the socks, despite your misgivings.
Look forward to seeing the results of your stash diving! The socks look great, even if the pattern wasn't perfect.
Your socks look great, but I can't wait to see your finished Entomology, that one may have to be added to my long list of shawls to be made!
I'm looking forward to seeing what else appears from your stash too, I'm trying very desperately not to add to mine at the moment.
Entomology is already looking so pretty! Love the colour choice. Can you roller derby in a shawl? Hmm...
Happy New Year to you too Kylie. xo lj
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