So here's what I'm going to do

After my big old quandry yesterday about what to knit next all is resolved./ Someone on the list (think it was Diane) suggested I knit squares for a blanket. Think I'd blogged about this idea before so I got out my stitch dictionary and did two in a random ball of variegated cotton I had hanging around. Then I thought about the Kaffe Fasset design
and my little, umph, disaster as regards the whole dk vs 4-ply thing and decided to nuckle down to some sample squares to see how I could get the right tension. 4-ply and 4mm needles seems to do it so I'm off.
means having three colours per row but fortunately the beginning was the bottom edge rib so I've done that just to get warmed up.
Will start the pattern proper tomorrow.

Have been reading people's blogs from list on left and leaving comments and questions and people have got back to me really quickly. Have found out lo0ts of interesting things form other knitting bloggers. Thanks everyone!

blocked cable top

So here it is, all blocked and just drying in the stonking heat here in london today. Actually, it isn't too bad at the moment, but it's set to make the tarmac melt or something equally daft later on.



Front and back.



Have some concerns that the waist will be too tight. No point worrying about it just now though.

Have been thinking I'd really like to get more into designing things, like the loop-d-loop things. I've got two books on how to design knitwear so I really should nuckle down and try some stuff.

Ode to Pooch

I know he keeps an eye on my blog so I thought I'd give him a big thank you for being so very lovely. He actually has gone to quite a lot of trouble to understand what 'cabling' means and why kid silk haze is so special and why wool is only wool if it is 100% wool and otherwise it is yarn. And how much time goes into knitting something. And why you can never have too much yarn and why I need to have so many patterns. And why having no money doesn't count when there is a new LYS to explore and you have a credit card. And why yarn is better when it's on view plus why there needs to be so many different projects on the go at once. He knows how painful it is to rip something and that everything knitted is knitted with love. I love Pooch x

And so here for the first and only time is Pooch in his space invaders jumper that, yes, was way way too big.

Hum, what to knit next?

The red cable top, which I realise I have never posted a picture of, is almost done. I'll just have to post it in all its glory when it if blocked and sewn up.

I've got lots opf yarn and wool. I've got loads of patterns and ideas. So why is choosing a next project so hard????

Options are: Sari silk cardi, fancy yarn pink/gold/silver batwing beach top, basketweave tunic from vogue, kaffe fasset top (but I still don't think I can look at that yet after past disappointments), underwear set from knitty, skinny red clapotis, something chunky using all that maya and umpteen others. But let's stick at these for now. Skinny clapotis is tempting as I really enjoyed knitting the last one, but then I've got yarn on order to do one for Mum for Christmas. But then it's May so no rush.

AAAAARRRGGHHHH. Is Dad's birthday in a week. Damn, always forget. NO real time to knit anything for a man after he turned his nose up at the idea of knitted golf club covers.

Back to previous thinking - clapotis is an option then. They are all options though! Pants. Any suggestions anyone?

Secret Pal Questionnaire Answers

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I am rather a yarn-snob although for a snob I still buy a fair bit of acrylic. I often buy single balls of yarn "just to try" and they can be made of anything.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Have a drop spindle. I'd love a wheel but there's no room.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
Allergic to lavender and biological washing powder. Don't wear perfume.
4. How long have you been knitting?
Since I was about 4. Left off for years and started again in ernest about 3 years ago.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No, sorry!
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Vanilla definitely. Just stay away from that lavender!
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
VERY! Good milk or plain chocolate is my downfall.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I have played around with sewing and embroidery. I'm pretty practical so have tried most things crafty once.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like all sorts. Favourite listens at the moment are Kaiser Chiefs, Snoop Dogg, Katie Melua.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Reds - I love yellows but can't wear them so avoid yellow yarn like the plague. White looks awful on me. Not too fond of organe or purple. Reds and lighter blues though I love.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have a boyfriend with a childhood nickname of 'Pooch' which is kind of like having a pet. No actual animals (he's allergic) but I LOVE cats.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Dude....have my own yarn shop? Seriously, I'd love that. Like the one in the Monica Ferris books!
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Rowan chunky big wool type things at the moment. Anything you can use over 4mm needles on really. Very fond of variegated stuff.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Scratchy 100% acrylic. Anything that feels like it's not wool basically.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Chunky wools. Am really into felting actually. Felted bags are SO strong.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Tough one - I like variety. I like trying out new techniques so I'm in the middle of a cable top so I co9uold get the hang of cabling.
17. What are you knitting right now?
The cable top. It's from Rowan's current magazine and is mercerised cotton on 3.25mm which is too small for comfort.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
Yuk. Capelets however have a certain something. I have a shop bought cape, but have been considering a capelet.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Straight, definitely. I can't do ciculars and double pointed are the needles of the devil. I knit socks on two needles always.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Have got some of each. Not fussed as long as they are nice. Sucker for coloured or painted ones.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
Yep. But on two needles. Like the really bright self-patterning yarns.
22. How did you learn to knit?
Had a 'My First Knitting Kit' plus a whole lot of trial and error.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
About 18 months. Man, I really need to rip that thing. Trouble was by the time I was near finished (it needs about just 3 rows and then making up) I'd gone off it. Is in Colinette tagliatelli too so not like it's nasty yarn.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Mr Tinkles from the film "Cats and Dogs". I love any evil, sarcastic cat. Catbert from Dilbert is excellent too.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Morocco sticks in my mind. Was about 4 years ago. Marrakesh souks were wonderful. Didn't see any yarn though!
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn! Vintage bracelets from 60's or older.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Interweave Knits and Rowan Magazine. Have tried the UK mags Knitting and Simply Knitting but am not that keen on either.
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
I am a sucker for books but the thing is I always buy them straight away when I see them. Have the one for dying your own patterning sock yarn on order at the moment.

Back from blackpool, and boy....

have I got some yarn for you. There is this absolutely amazing yarn store just by St Anne's station where we were staying. It's called "The Sheep Shop" and before I go any further I have to point out that Pooch found it. Yes, he has officially developed wooldar. The owner is Suzy and she has an ebay seller name of suzysheepshop and she id a dude.

So the spoils include some Adriafil which is italian and I'd never seen it before. Have got some "Graphic", "Baroque" in three colours and "Ibiza" which is a cotton ribbon yarn. All very yum. Then have some "gypswy" (very soft), black and white james c brett "Marble" which is what I did my cardigan in. Last a ball of stylecraft "Mardi Gras". And then the amazing happened.....

I admired a jumper hanging from the ceiling and we discussed how wonderful Debbie Bliss Maya is. Then she said the magic words.... "I've only got about 8 skeins of that left now. You can have them for £4.50 each if you want." OH MY GOD. I mean, they're normally £8.50 and these are the best shades of red ever.

The holiday (yarn aside) was blinding. The weather was absolutely ghastly but we had excellent fun. Pooch has been a darling and have a picture of him to post once I've recovered from my shop this morning. And I know I said I was out of cash and have to stop buying yarn in my last post, but now I am REALLY short of cash (god bless credit cards) and so NO MORE YARN!!! (Until Woolfest...)