Colinette Jitterbug Monkey socks

monkey jitterbug 2, originally uploaded by sarah.jane.brewer@btinternet.com.

These were made for Karen for her Birthday. UK size 6 and I only had a tiny amount of yarn left. Jitterbug is beautiful to knit with, and has good stitch definition. Knitted with 3.00mm bamboo dpns.

monkey 2nd prize 1

monkey 2nd prize 1, originally uploaded by http://www.flickr.com/people/lustleighette/.

Entered these into Lustleigh Village Show and won 2nd prize. Was really chuffed, will try something a little more adventurous for next year.

First Forest Canopy

Well I thoroughly enjoyed knitting this and have actually completed my second one already. It is in sock yarn but not sure which one as it had no label. Blocking was interesting as it was the first time I had ever done it and I must have stretched it too much as the pins kept pulling out !

Knitted in 4ply sock yarn with 4.5mm needles. Took around 75g as did a couple of extra repeats.

Pre-blocking

Blocking

Close-up of pattern

In memory of Lou

This is my beautiful cat Lou who very sadly died last night. He was a feral cat that I took on when he was around 10 years old. He had 5 good years with us and slipped away in his sleep. He will be very sadly missed.

Misti Alpaca Leaf and Acorn Scarf

Well the Syrian shawl has gone into the naughty corner as KSH really doesn't want to be frogged. Had a lovely squishy parcel arrive from Postie today which contained Misti Alpaca Baby Alpaca in a beautiful delicate shade of baby pink. I started the Leaf and Acorn Scarf last night and it may be a bit too adventurous for me but I am determined to do it. You can see my progress above.

ARRGGH Syrian Shawl

Am trying to persevere with my first lace item and have attempted Syrian shawl from VLT. It is in KSH but I have made two mistakes and have frogged back. Anyone that has tried to frog KSH will know what a nightmare it is and it has been put away for now.

I bought some Misti Alpaca laceweight yesterday and want to knit a Swallowtail shawl, perhaps I will have more success with that !

Jitterbug socks

These are Colinette Jitterbug socks in Kingfisher. They were beautiful to knit, especially as they were for Annmaree who has size 4 feet. They were knitted on two circulars. The pattern was a free pattern I received with a sock kit. It is by Sue Morgan.

Sahara

My first item for myself other than hats, scarves or socks ! It was knitted in Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora and I probably would not choose the wool again, it needs something silkier that drapes nicely. The pattern is http://www.stitchdiva.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=SDS-031
I am fairly pleased with it, the sleeves I may frog but not sure yet.

Posh socks

These are my first patterned socks and very pleased I am with them. The yarn is Lucia Joy by Posh Yarns and it is exquisite to knit with. Unfortunately I wasn't very careful when I washed them and they now fit my friend Karen who is over the moon with them !

My New Years resolution is not to buy any clothes this year. I can buy wool or fabric to make clothes and buy from charity shops and revamp them. I am determined to do it as I no longer get the buzz from shopping that I used to. I love making my own clothes and am looking forward to the challenge. I will keep you posted on my "before" and "after" items.