Knitting on

Although I have been busy, I have still been knitting. I started a shawl for no other reason than wanting to do it. I was a mystery knit, so I had no idea what it was I was making at the time I started. I have about 12 rows to do until I cast off, and I am a little bored with the final part. The pattern is not all that exciting when looking at the rest of the shawl. I will complete it, probably this weekend as it is a holiday weekend and I am off work for 4 days.

I am using Patons Fab DK in Petrol (shade 02342) and Stylecraft DK in Silver (shade 1203).

I am also making a baby blanket for a workmate. I have not told him I am making it as I thought it would be a nice surprise for him. I am using Special Stylecraft for Babies DK in Baby Cream (shade 1245). The blanket is made up of 48 individually knitted squares and a separate border that are all sewn together. His baby is due in July, so I have no need to rush, and have made 10 squares so far, only 38 to go.

Once I have finished these two items I will be making a couple of hats and an enormous blanket that is over 7 foot wide. If you are a follower and regular reader you will know that I am most happy when I am making large complex items. The hats are “Rosalind Franklin Hats” by Mat Kladney, and the blanket will be revealed as I make it, the yarn of which will be over 4.5 times the height length of the Burj Khalifa, so I will be like a pig in mud.

Socktastic

We are mid way through May 2017 and I have just finished making my 4th pair of socks.

I decided to use a variety of yarns from DK to 3 ply. I had used double knit for the first pair of socks, and since my Mum had given me a huge stash of yarn she would not be using I decided to use Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo, and the pattern I used was “Gentleman’s Matrimony Celebratory Socks” by Sockbug.  Although I liked the pattern, and the yarn was really nice to work with but, once worn they seem to become baggy and so far, not tighten up.

My next pair was with Patons UK Fab DK Solids, self pattening yarn, using a pattern called “Nascar Socks” by Laurie Sundstrom, however, I did alter the pattern, and rather than have a continuous plain knit, I did several squares in purl, just to add contrast.

Next step was to go to proper sock yarn, so, after a trip to Amsterdam, and a visit to Stephen & Penelope’s shop I bought among other yarns a lovely Malabrigo Yarn called Arroyo, and used a pattern called  “Bespoke Vanilla Socks (Sport)” by Melissa Lund.  I also used for the cuffs, heal and toes Rowan Donegal Lambswool which I found in Oxfam for 50p a skein.  Both beautiful yarns to work with.

My final pair so far this year, I used the same pattern as above, but this time used Cascade Heritage 150 Yarns and the cuff, heal and toes in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino.