Wednesday, July 11, 2007

OK, so I started something new ...






Well, I finished the green Fun in the Sun Hat from Interweave Crochet. I much prefer the striped versions and the Rowan DK Cotton seemed to be not quite as sturdy as the DebbieBliss Cotton. However, Miss Millie does look awful cute in it.I made a small one for doll from some leftover pink cotton...The Seafoam Vest is now finished and I have to say it is a little "snug". I really hate Rowan Summer Tweed - it feels like rough old string and the finished garment is stiff with very little give in it. I read some reviews of this yarn on the internet and it seems that knitters either love or hate it. I saw a finished version of this vest made up in Lion Brand Cottonease and it looked really good, so I may try again as I love this simple pattern. I blocked the hell out of it and may just be able to carry it off. A modelled shot might be forthcoming sometime soon.Esme is also finished ! Again , the modelled shot will have to wait until I find something appropriate to wear under it. I love this top. The Rowan 4 ply cotton is a joy to work with and gives good stitch definition. All I need is some warm weather and this will definitely be getting worn.

I had promised myself that I would finish some UFOs before I cast on anything new. So, of course I couldn't resist the temptation to start a LaLa Scarf from Greetings From Knit Cafe. I am using Rowan Kidsilk Haze which I love.And a Spiderweb Cardigan from Interweave Crochet in Jaeger Aqua.And a Two Tone Shrug from Fitted Knits in Cotton Fleece.As if that wasn't enough to be getting on with, I am just itching to start something from one of these new additions to my knitting library. Hip Hats and Cool Caps in particular is an amazing book. I really recommend this one if you like the idea of really trendy fun hats. I want to make just about everything in it.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

The new and the old





Although I have been a bit of a bad blogger lately, there has been plenty of knitting and crochet going on. I finally finished the Hug Me Tight shrug from Knit 2 Together. This was a simple knit - just a big ribbed rectangle and a long strip of simple lace edging. It had been waiting to get sewn up for months but for some reason got forgotten. I love the finished shrug - it is both comfortable and stylish. I like a lot of the projects in this book and will certainly be making more. The felted slippers are calling to me !
Encouraged by the success of the Hug Me Tight I dug out Esme, the beautiful crochet halter top from Rowan. I have nearly finished since I took these pictures and hope to reveal the finished item in my next post.
Of course, I had to start some new things too. The sun hat from the latest Interweave Crochet looked like a great way to use up those odd balls of Debbie Bliss dk cotton that I picked up in the John Lewis sale a few months ago. This is such a great hat - I will so be wearing it if the sun ever comes out again ! I whipped up two at work and have almost finished a plain green one.
I am also making good progress on Interweave Crochet's Seafoam Vest. It's a very simple pattern and good for working on whilst watching telly. Pictures soon !