gilraen's knits

YPF...................Summer Pudding??

2009-05-22T19:03:00.003Z

This week's yarn is Summer Pudding. A Plushness yarn in Spring Squee Club yarn.

Intense rich pinks, just like summer fruit pudding!

I love M&S Clotted Cream Rice Pudding with Summer Fruit Pudding.

It's the only time I like rice pudding.............what would you eat with it?

YPF......................................Robber Fly

2009-05-15T00:01:00.000Z

This week's YPF was received by me in a swap for the skein of Glaucon. A fellow raveller wanted that skein and had this to offer in exchange. I have had this on my wish list at the Loopy Ewe from Bugga was first released.

Bugga in Robber Fly

Very intense variations of pink

I think the colours are incredible in The Sanguine Gryphon's skeins

I am on the home stretch for my Pomatomuses which will allow me to cast on something simpler as well as quicker to knit! :)

Another Goldenrod.........................no bugs but

2009-05-09T08:38:00.006Z

Yesterday I showed you Bugga in Goldenrod Crab Spider. Today I show you a Goldenrod Skein from Fiberphile in a Merino/Cashmere/nylon blend. And what it has started to become.

This is the first of a pair of Pomatomuses by CookieA. I started a pair of these a few years ago but never made it past the heel of the first sock! I am since then a more confident sock knitter and felt able to tackle the pattern again.

I also used a really soft yarn blend because that much twisted rib can be harsher when knitted on the skin.

It is slower knitting than other patterns such as Kai-Mei but I still feel such a sense of personal achievement with the end result. The second one is already on the needles. What have you achieved recently that gives you a real sense of accomplishment?

YPF..............................Goldenrod Crab Spider

2009-05-08T00:01:00.000Z

This is the second of the Bugga Lottery Skeins. Goldenrod Crab Spider. Again it is so soft!!

There are a lot of shades of yellow in this skein :) Destined for one of CookieA's new sock patterns I think..........later I will post a picture of my first Pomatomus sock.

YPF..............................Blue Morpho

2009-05-01T00:01:00.002Z

This week's yarn pron is a skein I won the right to buy in a lottery. That's right, it is so popular that I entered a draw and was a lucky winner and got a prize - to buy this and one other skein. The yarn is Bugga by The Sanguine Gryphon and contains 20% Cashmere instead of the usual 10%. I knit some Embossed Leaves Socks out of my first skein of Bugga.

This skein is called Blue Morpho

Each colour is named after an insect

Fabulous depths and variations in this colourway

I an thinking of one of CookieA's patterns for this skein.....................

Nickel Feet

2009-04-26T09:34:00.007Z

At last a finished knit. The Kai-Mei socks are done. I recommend this pattern as looking incredibly complicated but not being so. The lace panel curves comfortably around the foot and looks so difficult but again it is not.

The Mama Blue Troika Sock yarn is lovely to knit with.

The steel grey colour is lovely too in the socks

I like how this pattern curves around the feet snugly

I will definitely knit them again sometime. Which pattern from the book next? Eunice? Sunshine? Vilai? So many to chose from...........

YPF.............................Droll

2009-04-24T06:51:00.007Z

This week's stunning skein comes from a recent Posh Yarn update. The yarn is an old favourite Emily. The colourway is Droll. I was unsure as to why this particular name but saw this definition on my travels and am content that this may have been the reason.
–noun
2. a droll person; jester; wag.

The intensity of the colours is amazing!!

as is the variegation of colours.

The softness of this yarn is mindblowing

Just look at the rich depth, almost jungle/parrot like colours. Do you like?

Spring Clean and odd socks

2009-04-18T18:17:00.005Z

Did you ever just decide to Spring Clean and declutter? Well that is why the change to the blog. A change is needed, a decluttering or shedding of the old and fresh start for the new Spring. And I didn't save the old one so I wouldn't be tempted to change back.

My knitting has been eclectic and odd lately, lots of new starts and little actual finishing. Sock Innovation is an interesting book with fabulous patterns. Kai-Mei was the first of many I will be knitting. My first sock of these has a few minor mistakes which I am not going back to correct. I will strive to do better on the next and appreciate all the new architecture of socks that it brought to me while knitting it.

The yarn is Mama Blue Troika Sock in Nickel

And talking of Eclectic I also knit the first of an old Eclectic Sole favourite: Rivendell.

This sock is knitted in Macyarns Iona Sport Sock yarn in Jasmine

Both the yarns are a Merino/Cashmere/Nylon base which I love knitting with, and wearing.

YPF...................Orange Blossoms

2009-04-17T11:32:00.010Z

This weeks skein is Orange Blossoms: a 4ply Merino Cashmere Sock yarn (new) by The Knittery. The Knittery has closed up shop in Australia and has moved to the US. The shop is closed until further notice so I snapped up this skein before Socktopus runs out of it altogether. The yarn is gorgeous to handle and makes lovely socks and shawls.

I love the rich fruity colours in this skein.

Don't you?

I feel like its a bowl of fruit salad like the chews of my childhood.

It looks so soft!!

And it is!!

I only wish I had the time to knit all the lovely patterns that would be perfect with this yarn. Here's one I fancy. What would be your first choice if it was your skein? :D

YPF........................glaucon

2009-04-09T21:25:00.007Z

I love the dyed yarn that The Sanguine Gryphon produces. This weeks yarn is Eidos, a merino sock yarn. This colourway is Glaucon and I bought it at The Woolly Workshop. I think this was the last skein she had of SG yarns.

I love the intense colour changes in this skein.

I'm wondering how it will knit up

Something out of the new Sock Innovation by CookieA perhaps. Awesome book...........

Heel Flaps........................

2009-04-04T13:07:00.005Z

Heel flaps are the weekend's knitting. I am only making small progress with my knitting projects at present. These are another pair of Rivendell Socks, I showed you the start of them in February. The Merino/Cashmere/nylon mixture is wonderful for socks and sportweight is perfect for this pattern as I tend to knit tight.
Here they are stretched a little. I love the twisted ribbing/lace and wraps on this pattern.

Off to do some housework and some Flaps. :) Have I said I prefer flaps, well I do :D

YPF..............................More Pie!!

2009-04-03T00:01:00.000Z

Skein Queen's Spring Pudding Club yarn: Plushness in Blueberry Pie.

The intense depths of the blues

Soft fluffy layers of sweet Blueberries with folds of sweet Chantilly cream!

Makes my mouth water................ :)

Nova Scotian Slants

2009-04-01T17:13:00.002Z

First one done, Slants knitted in Casbah: Nova Scotia. I love twisted knit stitches on socks.
One more to go!!.............

YPF.......................Orient

2009-03-26T22:35:00.006Z

As promised, the second skein of the Wollmeise sock club. The pattern that they both are intended to create can be seen here. A daunting pattern but fabulous :)

The tones in this skein are amazing.

It is hard to catch all the variations in a few photographs.

Another fabulous Wollmeise masterpiece!! I haven't seen Claudia dye anything I don't love.

Monkeys See............

2009-03-25T19:59:00.004Z

All finished!! Another one off the WIP list :)

A close up of the colours. I like!!

Now to tackle more unfinished knits!!

YPF.........................sock club yarn

2009-03-20T20:28:00.006Z

This week's Pron is one of two skeins from the Wollmeise Sock Club. 100% Merino fingering weight yarn.

Colourway: Okzident

I love the greens/blues/teals in this skein.

This is for a sock design that has 2 colours in it, this and another colour.

I will post the other skein next week, they are both fabulous examples of Claudia's skill at dyeing yarn! I'm not sure that my skills are up to 2 colour work though, I seem to make a hash of it.........

Happy St Patrick's Day!!!!

2009-03-17T13:09:00.004Z

A progress update on my Monkey Man!!! :)

Fanfiction Monkeys...........................

2009-03-14T12:56:00.003Z

As promised progress pictures of yesterday's YPF yarn Monkeys.

Another side view.

I love how the colours work with this pattern. :)

YPF....................... Twilight Fanfiction Colours

2009-03-13T00:01:00.003Z

Having read all 4 of the Twilight Series and the first 12 chapters of Midnight Sun I am engrossed in some Twilight fanfictions. In the course of reading online I came across this yarn and colourway. The colours are based on fanart for a fanfiction called WideAwake. It has rave reviews in the fanfiction world. I adore the combination of colours and the merino/cashmere/nylon blend in this skein and had it custom made for me. This is a sportweight and it is already on the needles becoming my 18th pair of Monkeys.

The Hand-dyed yarn is from Fresh from the Cauldron.

I love the way the colours work together!! It is so so soft.

Pictures will be up at the weekend of at least a half knitted Monkey sock in this, it looks well from my perspective. :)

Saturdays.....................

2009-03-07T14:54:00.007Z

What do you do on a Saturday? I sometimes do housework, play with the kids, do some more housework, catch up on the internet, take pictures of yarn and knitting progress and sometimes manage to update my blog. Today is a Saturday I get to do just that.

I recently started the Gilmore Vest. It seems to be a quick knit, so far I have completed 1/3rd of the back. The yarn is an unusual choice for me, I don't usually chose yarn with a lot of non- natural fibres . I saw this in a wool shop in Newtownards and fell for it, despite its acrylic content. I seem to be in a Vest phase at the moment, I am definitely not knitting the same number of socks as before.

The colourway is 3406, a deep purple with little coloured flecks

Riana is a flecked 50% Wool 45% Acrylic 5% Viscose Yarn

This picture shows the stitch definition better but there is a loss of colour

A parcel arrived this morning. A lovely Raveller swapped some of my sock stash to send me 4 skeins of Apple Crumble. I now have 6 and am sure it will be enough for another vest.

Would this vest look good in it? I think so......

YPF....................... Bluebells

2009-03-06T00:01:00.000Z

This week's yarn pron is another sock yarn from the Sundara Seasons Club. I chose Spring if you remember and this is Bluebells.

I love it!!

Stops, finishes and starts.

2009-03-01T13:53:00.008Z

I started this a while back and have stopped it for a while. The pattern is Hawaii Vest by Artesano Ltd: designer Marita Rolin and knitted in Manos Silk Blend. It should end up looking like this!

It has been slow so far but there was something new for me in knitting this. Making a pleat while knitting. It was easier than it looked/sounded.

The colourway is 6460 and I bought the yarn at This Is Knit in Blackrock Dublin. It is gorgeous to knit with!! And yes the needles are Knitpicks Harmony Straights, lovely to work with too :)

It will need blocked before wearing.

A finished knit, I am being stern with myself. I must finish something before casting on ANYTHING new. These are another pair of Ribbed Socks in Evolution.

The colourway is September and I got it at Socktopus.

Here is the something new that I started. It is Flower Scarf by Robyn Dilberto. I am knitting it in a lone skein of Posh Eva 4ply.

I also learnt something new with knitting this: Brioche stitch or Fisherman's Rib.

Have you learnt something new today? Let me know.................... :)

YPF.....or pudding?

2009-02-27T00:01:00.000Z

Pudding anyone??

This gorgeous skein arrived in the post this week. It is the latest installment of the Pudding club.

A beautiful skein of Apple Crumble.

I love the way these colours work together.

I like mine with icecream, how do you like yours?

I am getting another skein of this from a club member, crumble as a dessert was always a favourite of mine. :) How can I resist?

Words?

2009-02-22T19:53:00.003Z

I found this on a few blogs, one was Aknita's. Aknita is all about Love, so much so that she has knitted a wonderful Forest Canopy shawl to help raise funds for MSF. Please go along and read the post for more information.

Your Word is "Fearless"

You see life as your one chance to experience everything, and you just go for it!

You believe the biggest risk is being afraid and missing out on something amazing.

Sometimes your fearlessness means you're daring. You enjoy risky activities.

And sometimes your fearlessness means you're courageous. You're brave enough to do the right thing, even when it's scary.

What's Your Word?

Some other Fearless people include Huo Yuanjia whom Jet Li played in the film Fearless.

Me I don't feel brave at all.............who knows. :)

AWOL.........................................

2009-02-22T09:34:00.008Z

I'm back to my Blog after a week's holiday at half-term in Fuengirola, Andalusia. We drove to Belfast airport in Sleet and icy road conditions and spent the next week either on the beach, in t-shirts and shorts, or at Fuengirola Zoo. I recommend the Zoo as well worth a visit if you are in the area. The fact that they have had so many offspring born to the inhabitants there speaks for itself. The Zoo had just re-opened when we first visited it in 2004, I was expecting my second child then and it was lovely to bring him back there and show him all the animals he had visited before but was unaware of............

While on holiday I started a new pair of socks. These are Rivendells by Janel Laidman and are being knitted in the lovely Iona Sportweight from Mackintosh Yarns.

Finally another finished knit: the Ribbed Socks in Evolution: October.

Closeup of the intense October colours.

They are so soft!

Blocked!

Now to work on the other 23 Works in Progress that are in my Ravelry projects...............

YPF.....Jasmine

2009-02-06T19:58:00.006Z

Another skein of Iona Sport Sock yarn from MacKintosh Yarns, gorgeous to touch!! :)

I can barely wait to wind it!

Better than a cupcake anyday!!!

This colourway is Jasmine, which is also one of my favourite scents

I love these merino/cashmere/nylon blends and the sportweight knits up very fast and soft.

Does she knit anymore?.....................................

2009-02-05T19:24:00.005Z

Improvisations are finished and ready for the recipient. My SiL is a wonderful and caring person, my sons adore her and she is very good to them. Besides she has great taste. She loves my hand knitted socks. These are for her. :)

Knitted in Iona Sport weight Yarn from Macyarns.

This is a gorgeous skein of handspun silk from Lilcoley. I have enjoyed knitting this scarf immensely. I even delayed finishing to maintain the experience of handling the soft silky yarn. :)

Soft mauve and gold colours

knitted in 2x2 rib, the yarn does the rest

I love the slight slubbing and thick/thin effect knitted up......................

YPF.....

2009-01-30T00:01:00.000Z

This week's yarn is another skein of a favourite yarn. Elizabeth Bennett is more than an iconic fictional heroine. She is a specially made yarn for Yarn Love. The yarn is a combination of 65% superfine merino, 20% bamboo, and 15% silk. The result is silky smooth yarn with a soft sheen. These 2 skeins came from Sonny and Shear.

Garden View

I love the combination of these 2 colours

It really is as soft as it looks

I wish I had the time to knit the yarn when it arrived!!!

Back to sock knitting!! I have to take pictures of yarn at the weekend due to light issues! It is nearly as overcast here as Forks!!

ypf.............................Sundara FSM

2009-01-16T00:01:00.000Z

This week's yarn is a December installment of the Seasons Club, just not the one originally sent to me. A fellow UK Raveler wanted the spring yarn, I coveted the autumn yarn and another wanted the summer yarn, so we completed a 3 way swap to all our staisfaction and I ended up with this gorgeous soft skein. I was happy with my Sugar Plum, but happier with this. :)

Caramel Apple

The autumn seasons FSM yarn

I love the hint of green

I am probably going to try the Shetland Shorty pattern from Knitty..................what would you knit with it?

Improvisations

2009-01-13T19:57:00.004Z

Improvisations are great fun, this sock was made up in my head when I wound this beautiful yarn into a cake! It is divine!!!! I am fascinated with twisted ribs so this is what followed, one sock is done and another done half way down the cuff. I better get my skates on if my SiL is to get her consolation prize!!! I still haven't found the errant sock.......................and there is not enough yarn to knit 3 socks.................

I never even took a picture of the sock in question.................sad................

Friday Pron............................................Winter Plushness Squee

2009-01-09T12:49:00.006Z

First off, Happy New Year everyone. :) I hope you all had a lovely Christmas holidays, we were so relaxed that I didn't blog until this week, sorry about that but I was enjoying family time so much that blogging felt intrusive.

This week's yarn is the first installment of the Winter Squee Plushness Club by Skein Queen. This colourway is Figgy Pudding to celebrate the festive season. I love the rich deep colours in this skein.

The colours are really intense!

How many can you see?

The difference between the ends of the skeins are amazing!!

I can't wait to see how it knits up. On the knitting front I am half way throught the second of my Chatsworth socks but one sock has gone missing!!!! Damn!!!! They were meant to be a present for my lovely SiL......................................It has sort of put me off my stride, so I started another sock with different yarn, this time freestyle, we will see how that turns out soon :)

YPF..........................Sweet Georgia Sock

2008-12-19T00:01:00.003Z

This weeks yarn was a chance buy! It can be very hard to get Sweet Georgia yarn sometimes but by luck one day I was at the computer when the update was posted and I got these beauties!! Hot Pinks, Orange and White, lovely!!

A special pattern is required for these!

What would you suggest?

Hard Candy supersock yarn

It does remind me of candy, does it remind you of anything else? Hot pants? I had a pair in material with these colours in the pattern as a young child!!! I had the legs for it then.......

Christmas Crafty Stocking Wap

2008-12-17T21:05:00.008Z

This was my parcel and gifts that Joy sent me for the Craftythreadsnyarn Christmas stocking swap.................

Isn't she a star!!

Unwrapped!!! Including STR JingleBell Rock yarn

Thoughtful items!!

My stocking!

The fabulous Cranford mitts that Joy knit especially for me!!

Joy I love them all and the STR is gorgeous, my photos so not do the intensity and vibrancy any justice! :)

"It's so green"

2008-12-14T13:08:00.006Z

Bella Swan in Twilight complains that Forks is so green compared to Phoenix. I'm not complaining that these are too green, not at all. The intense golden green reminds me of thick moss on logs below the tree canopy of damp dark forests, beautiful.

Embossed Leaves socks from Favorite Socks Book

Closeup shows the beautiful stitch definition the Bugga yarn gives while being so soft due to 20% cashmere content.........................wonderful!!

YPF...........................Wollmeise December Sock Club

2008-12-12T07:02:00.008Z

This weeks post is my December Wollmeise Sock Club parcel. Lovely!!

Saami Skein

Jultomte

Both together

Jultomte with the cookie cutter gift

Saami tag

Mini-skiein with unhidden christmas stitchmarker.

Do you like it?? It has a gorgeous pattern by Yarnissima in it too :)

Somethings about me........

2008-12-07T09:36:00.004Z

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I was named after my father's mother .

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
The last time I was really angry though I can't remember the occasion.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
No.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Pastrami.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
2 sons aged 11 and 4.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I hope so, who really knows.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Not as much as I used to, I have mellowed with age.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Lost them at 2o years.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I doubt it.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Don't really like cereal because I don't drink milk at all.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Yes or unzip/unbuckle.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
In character rather than physically.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Pooh Bear

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes and how kind they are

15. RED OR PINK?
Red.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
That I don't have what I consider a waist no matter how thin I am!

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Mother, desperately.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO DO THIS?
I love reading about others, there is so much of interest in their thoughts and opinions.

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Pink leather mary jane slippers.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Toasted Pancakes for breakfast.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Twilight OST

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Teal

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Vanilla, Rose, Jasmine and Neroli.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My Godmother

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I stole it from Zonda and Jerry

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
I love to watch Rugby and Gymnastics

27. HAIR COLOR?
Dyed Blonde

28. EYE COLOR?
Light teal blue

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
never, the thought of them makes my eyes water

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Italian

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings, I never liked scary movies, life is scary enough sometimes

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Twilight

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
White

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Autumn

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Cinnamon Bread

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
no idea

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
no idea

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Rereading all the 4 Twilight books and Midnight Sun but just bits and pieces to recheck facts etc

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
I use a gel pad mouse pad, nothing on it

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
NCIS/CSI

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
I love to hear the gentle sound of my children's breathing when asleep, the most reassuring sound ever :)

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
California, apart from where I was born

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I have been told I have an ability to get people to open up and tell me some of the most intimate details of their lives, it can be a problem at times but is useful for work.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Ghana, West Africa

YPF............Peacock

2008-12-05T00:01:00.001Z

This Friday's yarn is another installment of the Autumn Squee Plushness Club Yarn. This colourway is called Peacock and fits in with the Stately Homes Theme.

I love the rich blue-green variations in this skein!! :)

Embossed Leaves Socks in Bugga

2008-11-30T18:39:00.003Z

Now on the needles is Embossed Leaves Socks in my Bugga yarn: Praying Mantis. This yarn asked me for a leafy pattern. I had always intended to go back and knit this pattern in a semi-solid yarn. This yarn was perfect for that. A content of 20% cashmere makes this a fabulous yarn to knit with!!

Closeup

First one all done at time of posting :)

Freezing Mists and Koi in snow

2008-11-29T11:36:00.004Z

I finished my Socks last night and this morning freezing mist and ground frost greeted me when I drew back the curtains. Coincidence? These are the Koi Socks in SkeinQueen Plushness: Snow Reflections from The Eclectic Sole Book by Janel Laidman. I really love this book and am started on another new pattern from it already. The only patterns not for me are the colourwork ones, I'm hopeless at that..........

I'm still not convinced about short row heels with socks, especially not for me with my high instep. But these are for a friend so I hope they are okay for them. :)

YPF....................... Poinsettia

2008-11-28T00:01:00.002Z

This week's yarn is Handmaiden Seasilk in a Knitty Knoddy exclusive colourway: Poinsettia. Very seasonal indeed. It is being sold in conjunction with a Sunflower Design scarf pattern, (you do have to buy 4 other patterns to get the Poinsettia one free though) you can see it here.

Publish Post

I couldn't resist the colours, and despite my slowness with lace want to try this scarf, albeit it would perhaps be ready next Christmas.

Bella finished....................

2008-11-23T18:18:00.003Z

I finished it today!!! Bella from Amber by Kim Hargreaves in Rowan Big Wool: Mulberry. No one to take a posed picture at the moment, so the hanger had to suffice. I'm not up to mirror shots today :)

YPF.............Indeicita

2008-11-21T00:01:00.001Z

This week's skein is a much coveted and stunning Malabrigo Sock yarn in Indeicito from Stash Yarns Putney.

Each turn of the skein unfolds new colour flashes

Isn't it amazing?

I have been guilty of petting this skein a lot, it feels like a merino-tencel mix or a silk cashmere blend, it is that soft and silky, and it's all mine :)

A busier week than usual and no light for photos!!!

2008-11-16T10:13:00.006Z

Did you ever have one of those weeks? Where you have a head cold for 3 weeks and no matter how early you go to work you still end up behind. This week was one of those and I am glad it is over now :)

I haven't done much knitting this week either as I was introduced to the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer on Sunday last week. The last 3 books of the series arrived on Thursday and are now all read!!! The books are a little twee at times, just too 'chocolate box picture' sometimes, but it is aimed at the young adult/late teen market so I understand. Despite this I really enjoyed them, much in the way I enjoy Disney films, just for entertainment etc.

After finishing Twilight last Sunday I started Bella by Kim Hargreaves. It's currently a pattern in the fabulous Amber Book and knitted with Rowan Big Wool. It feels so strange knitting with 12mm needles when I am used to sock needles :) I am more than half way through now and hope to finish next week!! Another knit hopefully for work.

The colour is Mulberry

I won't be able to post YPF posts every week from now on as the light is a problem. I can only get photographs done at the weekends now with the winter creeping in and work days are very long.

ETA: I did not pick this project because it has the same name as the lead female in the Twilight Series! I hadn't heard of her when I bought this kit from Kim Hargreaves!

YPF.................................Bugga!

2008-11-07T00:01:00.000Z

This little beauty is a new yarn by The Sanguine Gryphon team called Bugga. It is very similar to Casbah but has 20% of cashmere instead of 10%. It is very very soft indeed!!! I really love the subtle shades in this skein. All the Bugga skeins are named after insects. I have another red one called Horned Beetle.

Praying Mantis

The lovely glow as the light catches it.

It will take a special pattern don't you think?

Not a great picture but a FO none the less

2008-11-06T21:00:00.005Z

Excuse the plumbing/mirror etc!!! It is hard to get a picture in the evening but harder if it is of yourself!

I wore it all day today and love it! Not too warm but cosy for November! :)

Keeping up with knitting.

2008-11-02T08:12:00.005Z

No finished knits today but some progress shots. They are mainly an encouragement for me!

The Back-To-School Vest is now divided for the front and back sections, so I'm feeling on the home stretch now.

The Dream in Color Classy is divine to knit with and the colour is gorgeous!!!!

My Koi socks are getting there too bit by bit!! :)

I am forcing myself to cast on nothing new until I have finished the Vest though!! Despite the new Kim Hargreaves Book Amber and a Bella kit arriving yesterday!

YPF......................Beach Glass

2008-10-31T12:55:00.008Z

I joined Sundara's Seasons Club in August so I could get my hands on some of her fabled yarn. I chose Spring as it is more my colours than some of the other Seasons and I could not afford more than one season with VAT/Customs etc to added on. The first skein is named Beach Glass. This link is very apt with soundtrack and all to show where and why this skein is named so.

It is so much more vibrant in real life than thes photos show.

Just to pick a suitable pattern, but later, much later..........

Secret Garden Love Lace Socks

2008-10-29T19:13:00.004Z

Slow progress to these: Squee Club yarn: Secret Garden Plushness.

YPF.......................................Chatsworth.

2008-10-24T00:01:00.007Z

This week's stunning skein is again from Skein Queen. It is the second installment of the Squee Club Autumn yarn.

The club is based on english Stately Homes. Chatsworth is a very stately home in Derbyshire and I have only ever seen it on the screen. The last time was in the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice. To see why these colours, look at these pictures of Chatsworth House and this showing more of the house. It is now in a cake and I am searching for a 'noble' pattern for it :)

YPF.............Posssum

2008-10-17T00:01:00.001Z

I purchased this a while ago, It is CherryTreeHill Possum sock yarn. Very soft and the colours as vibrant as always!!

I have been petting this...............................it's snuggly :)

Andragogy.........................................part 1

2008-10-12T08:09:00.004Z

The waist is taking shape now. This yarn is really fabulous to knit with and gioes on for a long time!!! I love it!! :)

I hope it fits.....................I love how it looks so far :)

Koi in the snow? Or Snowflake?

2008-10-11T14:48:00.004Z

I promised pictures of the Snow Reflections being knitted up. Here is my progress picture. The pattern is Koi from The Eclectic Sole by Janel Laidman. Did I tell you I love this book? This is the fifth pattern I have knit from it.

The pattern suggested 'snowflakes' to me...............am I isolated in my view? :)

YPF..........................Snow Reflections

2008-10-10T00:01:00.005Z

Another wonderful skein from Debbie aka SkeinQueen. This one is called Snow Reflections ie the yarn suggests the reflections on the snow............it knits up like that too, some knitted pics later. :)

It is almost as if the grass is peeking out of the snow.....................do you see it the same? :)

Slow progress................................

2008-10-05T19:39:00.004Z

This is what I knit with last week's YPF yarn. The pattern is one I was sent last year with my Rockin Sock Club. Summer of Love Lace by J C Briar. I think it is perfect for the floral tones of my Squee Club yarn!

A lovely lacey cuff

more detail

The pattern did suggest blocking the cuff and then picking up stitches.................no way!! I just knit on, do you think it needed blocking first? :) I try never to cut yarn until a sock is finished and fits...............sad that way, I am. :)

YPF...........................Glacier

2008-10-03T06:27:00.006Z

I ordered this from Robyn at Purlescence after seeing this in Ravelry stashes. It does not disappoint!! Handmaiden Seasilk in the colourway Glacier.

I wonder will I ever find the time to knit it..........................I can stroke it but for now! :)

Andragogy.........................................

2008-10-02T17:34:00.003Z

Today was my first official day back at University. I have enrolled for a part-time course lasting 2 years; at the end of which I hope to receive a specialist practice qualification and a post-graduate certificate (half a Masters degree), it will be a lot of work so knitting may/will take a back seat along with blogging. I'm not giving up but am being realistic about the work committment involved. However in keeping with the title of this post, I started Stephanie Japel's Back-to-School U-Neck Vest Pattern in this yarn.

I hope it will look like this, eventually............ :)

Hopscotch........................one.....................

2008-09-27T17:49:00.002Z

A picture of my first completed sock from the Socktopus club. I love this yarn, it is so soft and easy to knit with. The pattern is lovely too and easy to remember. I liked the short-row heel but have a high heel so need more space there. Shame that! They are mush quicker to knit than flaps/gussets, but also not as sturdy I think?

Which do you prefer? Flaps or short-rows?

YPF.........................Secret Garden

2008-09-26T06:31:00.007Z

This week's yarn is the first of Skein Queen's Autumn Squee Cub. This club is based around the theme of Stately Homes. My Skein is called Secret Garden. :)

Just to pick a pattern now. I finished one of the Hopscotch Socks but find the shortrow heel very tight for my long heel, so will have to 'give' them to someone...............my niece has asked already :)

Socktopus socks....................

2008-09-20T18:48:00.007Z

Another pair of socks on the needles. These are Hopscotch socks by Anna Bell. This is the 5th installment of the Socktopus 2007/2008 sock club. The yarn is a new yarn for me, Brooklyn Handspun soft spun plus in Toadstool. It is soft and buttery feeling and has lovely stitch definition. I heartily recommend it.

This is the first Short row heel I've ever knit. I won't know if i like it until I try them on though, I have a long heel. :)

YPF.......................................Wollmeise Sock club 1st installment

2008-09-19T00:01:00.002Z

arnThese 2 beauties arrived last week. I luckily appear to be one of a few first parcels sent out and what a wonderful parcel it was too. It contained a lovely pattern by BockstarkKnits. It also contained a chocolate covered marzipan treat, long gone! and gorgeous dpns HolzSteins. ETA: The yarn is 100% merino.

Hollerstaud'n

Buxkranzl

Elder Bush in English

Box Wreath in English

I will love them a little bit longer before knitting with them :)

Niagara Falls.................done

2008-09-16T16:24:00.005Z

Finished!!! Niagara Falls Socks all done........This colourway is phenomenal!!! Can't you just see the sails/lights etc reflections on the water!!! Regatta is just perfectly named :) Thank you Debbie.........now for the Plushness Autumn Squee Club.

I have to confess that this is the first sock club that I have knit all colourways/yarns that have been sent to me...........I really love Plushness yarn! :)

YPF.................................Puck's Mischief

2008-09-12T05:50:00.004Z

This week's skein is one that I have coveted for the past year. Last year BMFA put it on 'hold' but when I noticed all the colours in the colourway I wanted it. It has just come back into current colourways, at the same time that the shipping costs dropped by a quarter! How could I resist.....................

next week is the first installment of the First Wollmeise Sock club............... :)

Niagara Falls.................half way there

2008-09-07T20:11:00.004Z

The first sock is now finished and Grafted. I like the Lace pattern on this. Janel's patterns are great!!

The heel is a new one for me, it feels nice on the foot.

The pooling is very gentle, and look like reflections of lights/sails/trees on the water to me............inspired Debbie :)

One more to go :)

YPF................................Lettuce??

2008-09-05T00:01:00.001Z

This skein appeared this week from BMFA. Shipping is now very reasonable and I was very taken with this colourway: Lettuce Knit. I'm guessing a connection to a Canadian shop?? Anyone know for sure?

I have put it in my STR/Wollmeise box for now :)

A Wednesday WIP......................................

2008-09-03T19:11:00.002Z

Another socks started from The Eclectic sole................I couldn't resist. The yarn is Plushness in Regatta, my 3rd Summer Squee club yarn. I love the delicate poolong of the other colours in the blue of the yarn :) And seed stitch heels, a new one on me :)

.............................................the end of SOS 08

2008-08-31T17:36:00.002Z

All of them laid out in a wheel..................................:)

Summer of Socks 2008 8th completed pair

2008-08-31T11:05:00.005Z

My last and final pair of socks for Summer of Socks 08. Despite the compliments I cannot knit another pair before tomorrow :) I loved knitting these; the pattern: Simplicity by Janel Laidman is lovely and you already know I adore this yarn. All that is needed now is a spoon to eat up the Strawberries and Cream ;) My godmother has claimed these socks for herself!! Good taste I think, she will even hand wash them having had them on her feet. "Like having your feet kissed"

Now that summer of socks is over I should finish off some WIPs............before they get eaten by moths etc !!!!! And so that when the Autumn Squee Club Plushness/Wollmeise Sock club/Sundara Seasons arrives I will have a better clear deck to start from!! :) No more yarn for a while!!!!.................................yeah right!

Awards time..........................

2008-08-30T13:16:00.003Z

I received this award from Maggan!
Thank you, I am very honoured to receive it !!
And now I am passing it on as requested to 7 other worthy recipients!

The Rules:
What is this award?
The rules for award acceptance are as follows:
1. The winner can put the logo on his/her website/blog.
2. Add a link to the person who gave you this award.
3. Nominate at least 7 other websites/blogs.
4. Provide links of the nominated websites/blogs.
5. Leave a message at each website owner that you´ve nominated.

The recipients are (not in any special order):

Zonda
Terri
Joy
Ulli
Coley
Elaine

They are 7 of many many worthy recipients!! Spread a little love and praise :)

BTW I got in to the Wollmeise Sock club................."I'm in heaven, I'm in heaven, and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak!!

YPF.................................Yartini Sport or eye Candy?

2008-08-29T00:01:00.006Z

I am off for a few days in Paris...Disneyland for my baby's 4th birthday...............where does the time go to?? This week's yarn is a real piece of eye candy............acquired by Ravelry trade with a lovely irishgirlieknits. The yarn is Yarntini sportweight in Sunrise. It reminds me of sweets from my child hood.

Or is it icecream???

or lovehearts sweets

What does it remind you of??

See you tomorrow.........................after I find out if I 'won' a place in the Wollmeise Sock club :)

Last Summer of Socks 08 socks

2008-08-24T16:04:00.006Z

My second Squee club yarn: Plushness in Strawberries and Cream............for my last Summer of Socks 08 socks......

Turns into these: Simplicity Socks by Janel Laidman. Simple pattern for an exquisite yarn :)

Last pair possible before the end of August......................... I will post a picture of all my finished socks after the end of August. :)

YPF...........................Yellows and Blues

2008-08-22T00:01:00.000Z

This weeks Yarn Pron is a mix of Yellows and Blues. The first yarn is Skein Queen Blush: Starry Sky......................the second Yarn Love's Elizabeth Bennett: Sunshowers.

Starry Sky

Sunshowers

Starry Sky

Sunshowers

I love both of these colourways very much :)

Another WiP Wrestling Pin

2008-08-21T19:27:00.004Z

Ravelympics WIP Wrestling Event: Round 2

I finished these too! Monkeys by cookieA in Evolution: Lime and Violet. I used a 56 stitch modification with 3mm needles. I also added a different heel.

My first test knit...................

2008-08-20T18:53:00.004Z

I tested knitted a sock pattern for a fellow Raveler. I volunteered and then discovered it was toe up..................I hadn't yet knit a complete toe up sock! But I had said I would so I did. I loved this pattern and this yarn was just perfect for the pattern :) The Pattern is Ruth's Harvest Socks and is published in the Inside Loop online magazine this month. I knit it in Claudia's Handpainted Sock Yarn: Honey. 2.5mm needles. Thank you Susan and good luck :)

Now to finish the socks..........................one done..........................

Ravelympics Sock Put............final throw

2008-08-19T16:56:00.002Z

These are all done now. Hypnosis by Janel Laidman knitted in Posh Emily: Heatwave. A lovely Knit. Now for more WIP Wrestling!! :)

YPF.................................Bamboozle

2008-08-15T06:51:00.005Z

This is a new yarn base I am trying from Skein Queen. Wonderful soft yarns and fabulous colours that get better and better. :) This is Rainforest Pool and the variance and depth of colour is amazing!! :)

I couldn't resist this one at all :) Could you?

Ravelympics WIP Wrestling.............one down and out!!

2008-08-14T17:49:00.004Z

I started this in January 08 and have been very slow at knitting it. I added it to my WIP Wrestling list on Ravelympics to urge me on in finishing it. :) The pattern is Haven by Kim Hargreaves from Heartfelt - The Darkhouse collection. The yarn is Hipknits Cashmere Silk - 4 ply (1 skein) and knitted with 3.75mm needles. It is lovely and soft and the recipient ( my wonderful Godmother) will finally get it next weekend :)

Ravelympics Sock Put...............?1st throw....

2008-08-10T15:02:00.004Z

Hypnosis Sock from the Eclectic Sole Book by Janel Laidman in Posh Emily: Heatwave. :)

6th Summer of Socks pair........

2008-08-09T09:45:00.003Z

Finished just in time for the Ravelympics. I have started my pair for the Sock Put. A pair in Posh Emily that I am knitting for Team Poshknitters. The pattern is Hypnosis by Janel Laidman.

Spring forward socks fromKnitty in Handmaided Casbah: Rose Garden. 2.5mm needles.

YPF...........................Blush

2008-08-08T06:58:00.004Z

This week's yarn is Blush from Skein Queen. It is a scrumptious merino80% and Cashmere20% mix. This colourway is called Reykjavick....................

Skein Queen knit Retro Rib socks in hers: See more here. Ravelympics start today but mine will be after work, not at 1pm today. See you all later :)

Almost another sock................

2008-08-03T18:57:00.004Z

Spring Forward in Handmaiden Casbah: Rose Garden. A gorgeous pattern and yarn!!! :)

My 5th Summer of socks socks

2008-08-01T19:24:00.002Z

Finished last night but too dark to photograph then :) Mind you it was nearly too dark this evening too.........

Next for the needles is Spring Forward from Knitty....................wish me luck :)

YPF.............................Regatta

2008-08-01T00:01:00.003Z

This week is another gorgeous yarn from Skein Queen. This is the last of the current Plushness Club yarn. It commemorates the great Regatta event at Cowes. Lovely lovely colours :)

I finished my Bling socks pics later today.........:)

Another pair on the needles...................

2008-07-28T19:43:00.004Z

SkeinQueen Lavish (Cashmere/silk 4-ply) in Fragrant Stocks

Bling Socks by Diane Willey from YarnForward Magazine #5

Amazing how a pattern transforms the yarn. This lovely yarn nearly knits itself, just as well as it is my 6th pair (though I left out the beads!) I have cast on for Summer of Socks 2008. I have also signed up for the Ravelympics, and in case you didn't guess I am taking part in the Sock Put. Just to decide which socks are worthy of an international event!!!

Summer of Socks 2008 4th pair

2008-07-26T16:10:00.003Z

I finished these today. I loved knitting with this yarn :) 20% Merino and 20% Cashmere: Posh Yarn Laura in Rosewater. I used 2.5mm needles and the pattern is Waving Lace Socks from Favorite Socks. A lovely pattern to knit. :)

Now to try and get some more of this yarn :)

YPF...........................Sunset Tango

2008-07-25T00:01:00.001Z

This week's yarn is another skein of beautiful Plushness by Skein Queen. This colour way is Sunset Tango. I love the vibrant colours. I haven't decided yet what is worthy of this skein but I will :)

See you all later today, hopefully :)

Summer of socks progress report

2008-07-19T19:58:00.003Z

The first of The Waving Lace socks in Posh Laura: Rosewater. Very very soft yarn!!! 44grams used for first sock and 64grams left for second :D

I'm off to Dublin/London for a few days tomorrow, so I may not get a chance to reply to anyone til I get back :) Happy Knitting everyone :)

YPF....................... Mock Turtle

2008-07-18T07:19:00.004Z

Another masterpiece of Skein Queen. Plushness in Mock Turtle :) I love the deep rich colour combinations in this skein.

Back to my socks now!!! Half way through another sock now :)

Embossed Leaves finished......

2008-07-14T11:07:00.004Z

All done. :) A lovely pattern which I will try in a solid colour soon :) Which socks to knit next.......decisions.............decisions........ :)

Pattern modification: 60 stitches instead of 64, by ommitting one purl stitch from the pattern chart. I knit my usual toe but would use the pattern toe the next time :)

Embossed Leaves one sock done......

2008-07-12T19:05:00.004Z

First of another pair of socks. Embossed Leaves from Favorite Socks. The yarn is a custom dyed Skein Queen Plushness: Gilraen's Choice. I modified the pattern (a 16 stitch pattern) by ommitting one of the 3 purl edge stitches as Plushness is slightly thicker than fingering weight (2.75mm needles). It worked really well :) And just under half the yarn was used for sock one. UK size 6 :)

I love the pooling. It has created a band of the darker red down the front and the edges have yellow and green on each edge and the soles :) Works well with the pattern, do you think? :)

Rivendell..............................a pair now

2008-07-11T09:46:00.007Z

Finally finished! Rivendell socks in Skein Queen Plushness: smoked salmon. I used 2.75mm dpns and had 9 grams left over!!!!! The socks are size 5 1/2 UK and feel like velvet!!!

I was also amazed at the difference in the sock photographs depending on which background I placed them for the photography.

Red chenille throw

Cream pillowcase

Maple laminate floor

I must experiment some more :)

YPF.........................Grace

2008-07-11T00:01:00.000Z

This week's yarn is Grace by Briar Rose Fibers. I love the depth of colours blue, teal, green and plum. It is of course the name that attracted me, being my mother's name. It came highly recommended by Anne Hanson of Knitspot :) Thank you Anne.

I think I will knit these up for my God-mother, her sister, but perhaps as a scarf, or perhaps socks and gloves, we shall see..........after summer of socks :)

Speaking of which Rivendell socks in Plushness (Summer of Socks II) are now done, pics later :)

Wollmeise Charity Auction...............Closed

2008-07-05T12:03:00.003Z

This auction is now closed and raised £16 for Race for Life. Thank you everyone who took part. Joy will be recieving her Prize Skein next week :)

YPF.............................Anna Grace

2008-07-04T00:01:00.001Z

This week's yarn is in memory of my Mother who was christened Grace Anne. I saw this blog post and the yarn had to be mine!! The yarn is Zen Yarn Garden Sea Sock in Anna Grace, after the lovely special little girl mentioned in that blog post. Both the yarn and Anna Grace are gorgeous :)

I love the sea based colours in this yarn and it is lovely and soft :)

Plushness Rivendell progress..............

2008-07-02T18:19:00.005Z

Rivendell socks in Skein Queen Plushness in Smoked Salmon. There is 65 grams left in the cake, so I'm hoping that I will have enough yarn. :)

Keep your fingers crossed, though I've never run out of this yarn making socks before :)

Edit 03.07.08!!! I finished last night and weighed the sock with 2 knitpick dpns and it came to 42 grams. the remaining sock yarn came to 52 grams!! I feel safe now :) Thank you for all the good wishes, it worked!!

Summer of Socks 2008 ONE

2008-06-29T20:30:00.002Z

The first pair of socks for Summer of Socks are knitted in Sunshine Yarns Sportweight: Field of Flowers. I used 2.75mm needles and knitted a plain sock and tried a Eye of Partridge Heel for the first time ever. I think it really suited this particular yarn :)

Eye of Partridge Heel detail, perfect with this particular yarn :)

My sister-in-law bagged these when she saw me knitting them early on. It was her Birthday so why not :)

Wollmeise Charity Auction...............

2008-06-27T19:33:00.004Z

Members of the Crafty threads'n'yarn Forum took part in the race for life event. I offered a skein as a prize for the event to encourage the participants in their hard work :) AuntieNoo has offered her prize up for auction to raise further money for the Raceforlife Charity. The auction takes place here. You have to be a member of the forum to take part and the prize skein will only be sent when the final amount has been paid to one of the sponsor pages. I will forward the skein on to the winner afterwards. Closing date is 7pm Friday 4th July! GMT. All proceeds are for charity :)

The yarn incase you are not sure is a skein of Wollmeise 100% Sockenwolle in Regenbogen, and it is worthwhile offering it up for a great cause. Please bid :)

YPF.........Mocking is catching.............

2008-06-27T00:01:00.000Z

This week's yarn is another georgeous skein of Plushness from Skein Queen. The colourway is called Mock Turtle. I love the rich colour combinations.............

................do you?

Socks in progress.........

2008-06-24T18:16:00.005Z

The first of my Summer of Socks 2008 socks. They are lovely and bright! My sister-in-law has laid claim to them........already :) My first Eye of Partridge Heel, not perfect but nearly.........

A bit more done on the Rivendell sock.....

Wet June Saturdays.......

2008-06-21T14:17:00.006Z

A new yarn arrived this morning which is a fortuitous arrival as Summer of Socks 2008 starts today. I have to put aside all the half pairs until Sept! and knit as many socks this summer as I can. I am not going to only do that mind you and I didn't sign up for the competitons since I just couldn't compete with knitters who don't have full-time work/family/caring commitments or a combination of these and still enjoy the summer. So I'm signed up but for fun only. In the spirit of the special event starting however I will knit one pair with this lovely yarn first. Sunshine Yarns Sport: Superwash merino in Field of Flowers.

I have been making progress on these other socks. I am on the straight portion of the foot now :) I feel compelled to finish these, do you blame me.......

YPF..........................Squee club yarn 2 : Plushness

2008-06-20T00:01:00.005Z

This week's Yarn Pron is another skein of SkeinQueen's Plushness: The colourway is Strawberries and Cream to tie in with another great British Event, Wimbledon. I love this especially because I used to live in Colliers Wood which was one stop from Wimbledon on the Tube in London.......my parcel contained some lovely pearl and crystal stitchmarkers. Thanks Debbie!!! another triumph :)

Now what to knit with it...........Any suggestions?? :)