2 posts from November 2007

I haven't really done a lot of knitting lately; I've been quite tired and tending to spend any spare time working or reading. Still, I have made some progress, clearing out a few old projects that were hanging around.

A pair of mohair socks that were three-quarters complete (that's one and a half socks) -and far too small for anyone I'd gift them to - has become one Christmas stocking trimmed with rick-rack, and a whiteboard duster (the leg of the second sock was folded, sewn, and randomly decorated). No way was I going to unravel the mohair knit on 3.25 mm needles, so it was either let them languish for many more months, toss them out, or torture myself by knitting an unneeded item. I'm happy to have found a somewhat practical solution!

A quick project was a pair of Saartje's booties, finished wish some neat "wooden" buttons decorated with leaves. I used a DK/sport yarn (Treliske Organic Merino) in a dark brown, on smallish needles; they're quite sturdy and pretty small. They're not for anyone in particular (though I've just found out that another niece is expecting...

Raglan Shaping

Otherwise, I'm plodding along on a jersey for Mum, the Cozy V-Neck Pullover with Deep Ribbing from Fitted Knits. I've had to do some math, a I'm using an 8ply yarn from Bendigo Woollen Mills instead of the suggested heavier weight yarn. Lots of stitches, and lots of rows, but I think it will work out! Mum's not in a hurry, anyway. :-)

I'm also working on a hat (with cables) for a friend, and am probably just about halfway done on that; just need to focus! And this weekend I actually did some work on my mitred square blanket - I'm not officially further than halfway.

I still haven't made any real start on Christmas gifts. My table has been covered with supplies for who knows how long, but I've not jumped in yet. I will! And most likely before I finish the two pairs of socks I have half finished!

I've added a couple of crochet items to my queue, too - a tissue box cover and toilet roll holder! I'm not sure my crochet pattern reading abilities, and actual crochet skills, are up to it, but when I came across the patterns in a book when looking for tea-cosies (which I found), I couldn't resist. I'm sure I'll have fun with it, when I get around to starting...

Well, my part in the Ravelry Scarf Exchange is over now. The scarf I knit for my 'downstream' pal has been received and enjoyed, which makes me vary happy! And I received from my 'upsteam' pal has also arrived! I love the scarf that was knit for me (and happen to be wearing it right now); it's really lovely and something I would not have had the patience to knit for myself.

I had fun knitting for my pal, and even more fun making and gathering up various penguin related goodies to put in the parcel!

I'd defnitely chalk this up as a great experience - knitting for someone I've never met, and having something knit just for me (and not by my Mum), was awesome. :-) I don't think I'll sign up for the next exchange for this group, but I'll definitely consider doing so in the future. And in the meantime, I have two new pals whose knitting I can keep an eye on! The knitting world is pretty big, so getting to know a couple of people better is really nice. :-)