Finished and Spinning

OK, I finally finished the dreaded socks. It was the never ending project. I think that I re-learned the pattern about 5 different times, but alas, they are done, and on my feet...



Something else happened to me this weekend. With all the horrible weather, I did so much knitting that I got "knit out". I couldn't knit another stitch, so I decided to do some spinning. I haven't done any since we moved. I got out all my spinning stuff, and guess what...my bobbins are all missing. How annoying is that! I searched the entire house, several times, and decided that they are a casualty of the move.

The next day, I ordered a few more, and borrowed one from Diane so I could participate in her Spin-a-long.



It is one single that is very thick plied with one that is quite a bit thinner. Interesting effect though the colors aren't that exciting.

Now I am inspired, so hopefully my new bobbins will arrive soon!

Works in Progress

Its Bank Holiday weekend here, or Memorial Day weekend as I used to know it. The scary thing is that it is also my older daughters 10 year birthday, double digits. It is strange to think that I have a 10 year old, closer to teenager than little girl. Alot of my friends still are having babies, or have little ones, and my little girl is closing in on puberty! Lets try not to think about that too much! We did have a nice day despite it being very rainy (what a surprise!). We have a friend's daughter for the weekend, so they are busy and thus...time to knit. I have not finished anything in a while. As a matter of fact, I finished my first Seduction sock when I was in Florida. I am determined to finish the other one this weekend, not too far off.



I love having a conservatory, it makes it much easier to photograph, even on a rainy day!

I also finished both panels for the Surplice Lace top. I am a little concerned that they look shorter than in the photo, but they are the length that it says, and the top is longer than I want it to be according to the pattern. I can always add on later if it seems too short, but it says that it is going to be 22 inches from the back of the neck, and that is really long for me. Trust in the pattern, she says.



And a close up (the color is a bit better here).



Next, I have broken down and decided that I need a mindless sock to knit. I never thought I would do a stocking stitch sock, but it is pretty relaxing. I really like this yarn. We had a sample a while back, but the color was so bad that I forgot about it. It is Trekking Pro Natura, wool with bamboo. I have heard that when you wash bamboo it gets silky, so I'll let you know.



Lastly, don't forget that Stash is having our first anniversary sale. I can't believe its been a year already! We have lots of yarns that we are going to reduce to make way for new stock that will be arriving. Nathalie made a list, but I believe it will be a selection from Debbie Bliss, Noro, Lana Grossa (including all of their sock yarns), GGH, Crystal Palace, Feza, Rooster, and lots of other odd balls and end of dye lots. Hope to see you there!

Meme

I've been tagged by Nickerjac, so here goes...

“Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.”

I am only going to tag Diane as most of the others that I know have already been tagged.

Here it is:

1. I started out at University studying Engineering. (What was I thinking!)

2. I am addicted to watching Girls of the Playboy Mansion of E Entertainment TV.

3. I never travelled overseas, nor had a passport until I was in my mid 20's.

4. I play the flute.

5. The vegetable I dislike most is Beetroot.

6. My favorite radio station is XFM, I won't listen to anything else, I am an indie rocker at heart.

7. I sleep flat on my back, and can't fall asleep any other way.



On the knitting front...Started a pair of Trekking Pro Natura socks, photo to come. Finished the first part of my sweater, the front lace panel. Here is a photo of what it will look like. I am using Debbie Bliss Cathay in a pale blue. The pattern is from Nashua handknits. I was so happy that Flossie let me borrow the book when she brought it back from San Francisco. Thanks Flossie!

Back in the Saddle

Its nice to be back at the shop, especially now that Nathalie is back. Its been like at the beginning the past week with Diane away. I've really been enjoying it. It will be nice to have Diane back (if you are out there reading this from the French countryside somewhere!). The one thing that hasn't been easy has been the school runs as all of our kids get out of school at the same time.
On another front, I have finally finished the Gypsy shawl. It was my first try at knitting a lace shawl, and I am really pleased with it. Here are a few photos:





and finally, a close up



On another front, we are expecting a big box from Handmaiden today, loads of Sea Silk, kits, and a new one, Camelspun, yum!