getting there

back
Originally uploaded by LindyB28

the back is now complete and one sleeve is in progress. I had to visit John Lewis at the weekend because I was a bit worried that I was using more yarn than I'd anticipated. So their clearance bucket was emptied by me of pale blue Cashmerino Astrakhan.

Just to prove I can

Ribbon twist
Originally uploaded by LindyB28

After yesterday's post, I thought I should actually try wearing the only cardigan I've knitted for myself! I made it at the end of 2004 and like it. Trouble is a) it's too bulky to wear under a coat and b) it doesn't fasten up. There's a cord that ties with pom poms but that doesn't keep the two sides together.
Still it's OK for wearing in the house.

knitting jumpers

My current project. It seems, finally, to be working!


Considering the amount of time I've spent knitting, one would expect me to be on more than my second jumper. However, the awful result of an ill-conceived plan with Sirdar Wow! a few years ago completely put me off. The expense of buying so many balls of wool to produce an item more suitable for a weebly doll or a teletubby was a steep learning curve and encouraged me to stick to my favourite comfort knitting items: Jean Greenhowe toys, delicate baby knits and (of course) the poodles.
I knitted myself a cardigan in Rowan Ribbon Twist. I love it... but never wear it.




So maybe these experiences have contributed to the nightmare of beginning MummyB's birthday present. The pattern isn't difficult; it's well within my capabilities, but I've struggled with it ridiculously.
I think the worst is over now. The size looks about right. The lace pattern seems to look accurate and I'm on to a nice chunk of straight stocking stitch.

Present

Making something for my mother's birthday seemed like a good idea when I was in John Lewis yesterday. The Debbie Bliss cashmerino astrakhan in the sale basket was in her colour (she's a summer) and half price. I found a Rowan pattern that looked like a style she might actually wear.

But the first 10-15 cm of knitting have been hard work. Thankfully I've progressed beyond the photo above and have now completed the rather tricksy edging and lace section at the bottom.

one down...

.... one to go. These Saartjes bootees are reminding me just how much I hate knitting with 4-ply. I think they are going to be a nice present for a newborn though. They barely take any time at all; and I learnt a new technique today having never before come across longtail cast-on.
Once my registration pieces have been submitted on Tuesday, I think I'll go over to John Lewis to find some buttons for these bootees and (I hope) some nice wool for a birthday present for MummyB. I've seen some possible patterns on Ravelry...

Exciting

My photo on Ravelry of the Jean Greenhowe nativity is now the photo set for that pattern. I feel rather honoured by this, even though the photo is a bit rubbish: taken on the stairs of our old house, it's hard to see the detail of the figures.

Knitting

Have decided to make this into a knitting blog since I don't really use it much for anything else and Ravelry has a space for linking to a blog.
2008 didn't get off to a good start knitting-wise: I'd nearly finished part of my current project (sleeping bag for a teddy that's knitting in one piece) when I realised a stitch had been knitted instead of slipped (or vice versa) about a third of the way in. So I had to unravel it all again!
Still onwards and upwards