Library Girl Knits!

Well, you certainly picked out a pattern for me 🙂 I’m just watching 12 Angry Men (the original one) and am tempted to play devil’s advocate and try and persuade you to reconsider, but given that I agree with you, I’m not going to bother 😉
So, in order to get to the point where I can cast on for Juliet guilt free, I’ve promised myself that I’ll work on 3 projects each night – the secret knitting, some baby gifty knitting, and my poms. There will be about an hour each (but more likely 2 hours on 2 projects and half an hour on the baby knitting as it isn’t as urgent), and as I can manage an inch of knitting on the stranded one in an hour, and probably about the same on the poms, there is hope that I’ll have something to show you this weekend, then something again the weekend after, and a new project on the go.
And there are some definite more urgent personal knits in the queue now. I REALLY have to get some mittens, hand warmers and knee socks made, because today the office was freezing cold and my legs, feet and hands were all chilled to the bone, while the rest of me was shivery, and everyone was adding extra layers on. Autumn is officially here people.
Thanks for all your help guys 🙂

Well, let’s face it, you already knew that. But I need help in deciding what to knit next. Regardless of gift knitting, the only way I can currently pull myself through the stuff that is lingering and WON’T go away is to think about what to do when I have the time. You’ve already seen the list of things I’d like to do in general. And some eagle eyed readers may have noticed that the everlasting knit that was Pippa is all knitted up and just needs sewing, felting and sewing again (hoorah! At last!). And the secret baby knitting is plodding along. The stranded knitting is starting again from scratch though 🙁 which probably isn’t all that bad a piece of news as I could do with more practice and it only took a weekend to make one with some solid knitting and lots of Lost on the tv…
But I digress a little. Here is some of the stuff I want to make next, but can’t fix upon.
1) Juliet from Zephyr Style. Very cute. Adaptable. The yarn is in the stash (bulky black 100% wool that I keep promising to all kinds of projects and just not getting to it). It would be a quick knit, which naturally draws me towards it the way things are at the mo.
2) Wispy by Kim Hargreaves. I got the kit some time ago, and started it, but ended up frogging thanks to poor gauge. I think I’ve got it down now, but I have to actually start knitting it again, and be prepared for some serious moss stitch.
3) Rowan Chrissie. Another one I have the yarn for. I love the way the finished garment looks, and the one I’ve linked to (Juliet’s gorgeous version), just makes me want to knit it more. BUT, it is 4 ply, and I’m not sure I can stand to knit something full sized at a fine gauge right now. But it is sooo cute! And it would be a lovely work jumper! Sigh.
4) Ms Marigold, another Zephyr style pattern, and another one I want to make to wear at work if it works out. I have Sublime Angora Merino in a plum for this, which I figure will be a good all round colour for every occassion, even if the yarn will shed. Probably another reasonably quick jobbie.
I think that’s it for now. There is loads more stuff on the wish list, and I just bought a ton more of the Sublime Angora Merino because Beatties where I bought it is closing its haberdashery dept 🙁 but is selling everything off with a 25% discount 🙂 I got a mix of mid blue and some cream, thinking I could make something with a little stranded knitting again, just as a bog standard sweater. No doubt that will change soon enough ;D
Sooooo, what do you reckon is the best choice? Stash busting or speed (although all the knits already have yarn allocated!)? Technically interesting or finished product? Gimme some help!
[edited to add] Bahhh. Just had to frog back my second pom sock seeing as I started knitting the second repeat at row 12. Ahem. I refuse to change the % counter, but I will not be casting on again tonight. It can wait, even if I should be finishing the pair this month to submit them to the sock KAL… Grr. Oh, and I really really really want to splash out and try some Sundara sock yarn… If I bought two hanks it would work out at 15 quid a hank including postage – that’s not bad compared to fancy yarns available here. Honest guv.

I was going to blog about having no knitting worth showing you as it is all either minimal or boring. BUT, I progressed rapidly on some stranded knitting today 🙂 I can’t show you it though 🙁 The recipient has been known for popping in here and I don’t want to spoil it. So, slowly but surely I’m progressing towards finishing the big pile of things in the basket, or at least knocking a couple of projects of the list so I can start something else.
Given that I have no photos for you (although some might pop up on Ravelry seeing as the recipient definitely won’t be going on there), I figured I’d make a list of plans once I’ve finished the bits and pieces in the basket.
1) Ms Marigold in kind of an plum purple Sublime Angora Merino. Yeah it will shed everywhere on my t-shirts and stuff, but it will be warm and cute. Especially if Heather’s is anything to go by 🙂
2) Some swingy cardis. I have a few of these in wardrobe at the mo, and yeah, they aren’t supposed to look that great on girls with lots up front, or indeed, just lots, but the ones I have I love, and I’ve had lots of compliments on them (particularly a red lacy number from Dorothy Perkins, which I plan to copy at some point too :D). I want to make these while they are still in fashion if possible 😉
3) Lots and lots of socks. I have SO much sock yarn now. Soooo much. I dare not even put it all on Ravelry it is that extensive… Besides, I have those lovely KnitPicks DPNs to try out!
4) Lace things. I enjoyed making the wrap for Sue’s wedding so much, that I’d like to make more wraps that could plausibly be used as scarves.
5) More stranded knitting. Some mittens, some fair isle sweater vests, that kind of thing. Anything that has a kitchy countryside value.
Ok, I’m off to work on my Poms seeing as they are supposed to be finished this month. They’ll be a nice break from mad stranded knitting hurrying scariness. I’m intrigued to know what plans everyone else has, for gift knitting for the holidays and just general winter sweater loveliness. You all know I like to join in 😉

That pretty much sums up my week. It has been stupidly tiring, and I can’t quite put my finger on why. Must be to do with using my not-so-lively brain… Apologies if I haven’t replied to your comments this week. Said brain means I have no idea who I’ve sent emails to. I also want to thank you all for suggesting emailing Brittany for replacement needles. It is still a job to do on my list, but it will get done soon. Brain hurty. Need to brush up on library school stuff like cataloguing and classification. At least my reference enquiry skills are good because I’ve used them since graduating, but I just want to remind myself of what to do on the others. That means a glance through the wonderful AACR2 (concise version). It is quite complicated to read through, but the anal part of me LOVES it 😀 Not today though. Brain still hurty.
So, in order to justify an update and give you something to look at, here you go.



Anastasia socks, finished at last! Love the yarn (White Willow Yarns Alice’s Garden – available on Etsy. Thanks again Brooke!), love the colours in it, it is warm and soft but sturdy. The pattern is fab too – very easy to follow, good relaxing knitting, but interesting enough to keep you going. Good thing too, as my Conwy cashmere socks are now in need of repair – the yarn is obviously a luxury one, not one made to go in shoes etc, and I’ve worn them so much that last night I discovered small piece of fluff in my slippers and a hole in one sock heel 🙁 I’m not going to make a fuss and mend them, as I have plenty of yarn left of the cashmere for another pair, and the Conwys were always a bit too big round the leg and foot. I think it will either be Poseidon or Widdershins socks with the leftovers. And Ruth R will be getting the remnants of the Alice’s Garden to play with because 1) they smell of raspberries and 2) Everyone should try this yarn.
Next up, a baby cardi from Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino 2 (the moss stitch border cardi, as it is imaginatively known), for my friend Nic and her baby daughter.

Hopefully at some point there will be an action shot… 🙂
Only 6 more projects to go, and 2 more gifts to start. :S

Ok, a couple of little tales to tell today…
1) The Harumph.
My Brittany 4.5mm needles from Minneapolis have split. I’m in mourning for them, as they were so comfy to work with 🙁 And the poorly one is seriously split from the point in a straight line up the centre – so bizarre! Has anyone else seen this in their Brittanys?
I’m going to have to look for another pair now, as 4.5 are probably my most size apart from the sock ones… Harumph? Harumph indeed.
2) Hoorah A
I’ve been named a Rockin’ Girl Blogger by BlueADT, who herself indeed rocks. She has the best sock yarn ever, and shares many Coldspring lovely finds yum yum. She was very very lovely about me, but she is lovely too so there 🙂 I’m a bit thick at this, but I believe I’ll need to tag some more people? I must also add that I do indeed rock, as last night I was at the gym (is it me or has Homer Simpson completely altered the pronunciation of gym? :D), busy knackering myself out, listening to (amongst others) Goldfrapp, Interpol (I so wish I could see them at Reading/Leeds, oh my they are on BBC3 as I type and ooooooooh, they are lovely, especially Carlos), Beth Orton (the extended version of Carmella is fab for the treadmill – by the time the track is finished, you are too :D), Gonzales, the Editors and the Amps. I rocked out 🙂 I will label other people who rock imminently…
3) Hoorah B
The eagerly anticipated (by Facebookers) information about something that occurred earlier this week. Monday I found out I had an internal interview for a post in one of the subject teams. The interview was Wednesday. I spent the whole time from Monday to Wednesday in a nervous panic. Weds I went into the interview with an empty belly and horrific nerves, and managed to calm myself enough to get through in one piece, be enthusiastic, joke, and have as lovely a time as I could in an interview, however informal or formal! And, funnily enough, I landed the job 🙂
I’ll be starting on the 3rd, working half my hours on lending still, with the other half spent in the subject team (they look after a huge range of subjects – applied sciences, art and design, computing and engineering, hospitality and tourism). It is a temporary post, for a year, but it could lead to all kinds of good things, including enough experience to apply for more senior posts at the end of it. It is a FAB opportunity to gather experience in all the cool things librarians do, with an amazing team including two of my mates. And I’ll have a pink chair, which is obviously very important.
So I’m feeling quite pleased with myself 😉 Oh, and DB is going to have a paper published too 😀 Hoorah!
Naturally after all this, I’ve done very little knitting, and half had the most exhausting week ever ever. Tonight will be wine, a little baby knitting, and Reading/Leeds (which disturbs me – festival goers now seem far too clean and ‘trendy’ compared to 10 years ago :S Oooh Kate Moss and Peaches Geldof have a lot to answer for. No Top Shop gear in sight in my day! 😉 ).
On this note I’ll go and wait for something a bit more interesting than the Gossip on the tv. Ooo! The new series of the IT Crowd starts tonight 😀 Yay! What a perfect week! 🙂

Mmmmm…

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!

😀
Whoopsy!
Oh, and also, my RHJ is finished! Anyone care to find me a nice simple dark toned shawl pin to fasten it?

It is an awful photo – the mirror is dustier than dust, and the only way to get a decent shot of yourself is to cover the collar with the camera in the mirror view! Many apologies for that. You know, in spite of the trouble, and in spite of the pattern errors, and in spite of the horrors of the almost run out of yarn, and in spite of the way the lace has gone a bit weird and ruffles up (I don’t know if that was my blocking or because the yarn is a bit fuzzy and doesn’t really provide much definition), I am utterly in love with this cardi. I used up ALL the Knit Picks Andean Silk for this. ALL of it. There was literally nothing left except the bits I clipped off from weaving in. This cardi should never have worked. You guys were mainly against knitting it, the pattern has caused so many problems for its knitters that they have had to construct a way of making it work, and the fit and style of it was never really something that would be appropriate for my body shape and size, but in the end it is comfy, warm, soft and cosy, and the collar adds such a lovely point of interest. I wanted something I could wear at work in the winter, and that would be something I could snuggle into when the chills set in, and it will do exactly that, with just that little bit of elegance. I’m happy. And as I say, I just need that shawl pin now! Pavi yarns have some lovely ones, so there may be even more spending before pay day comes!
One last thing – I’ve updated my projects list to be a little more accurate… It is scary. Be warned. 3 pairs of socks, one bag, one blanket, a baby cardi, and several things on hold. Just a couple of little things to finish and I’ll let myself start Wispy again. I really really really really need something a little more challenging than garter and stocking stitch right now though 🙁 I’m boring myself. If I finish the bag and the baby cardi next that would be great! I switched my Monkeys to Poms, by the way, as I had a brain wave and realised that the Poms have more sts so the pooling would probably be a bit less and more like striping. So far it looks like it is working. Expect more finished stuff for next weekend. She says, crossing her fingers.
[edited to add] Oops! The top yarn is Natural Dye Studio Mirage (a merino tencel blend) in Aqua Lime 🙂 Can you believe that even now I am considering buying more sock yarn? I don’t have enough solids, and in spite of my tirade against Colinette Jitterbug, I am seriously considering investing in some of the nearly solid yarn… I’ll be good and not spend yet though…

Well, after all those post titles that were extremely daft and silly, I felt the need to talk sense again.
I had the maddest Monday ever. I start early for work this week, so of course there was no bus to be seen, no parcel at the post office again (I left my mobile number), and no time to have a relaxed breakfast before work. Then there was all kinds of mess at work including a panic to submit something with a deadline which I had completed over the weekend, emailed to myself but neither hotmail nor workmail were working (I had a printed copy, but I would have to type it all in again and proofread it). Luckily both mails came back up mid morning, and so saved me the trouble. Then a phone call where my parcel was finally discovered on a shelf, and the wrong info was on my card from the postie. Then a rushed trip to the post office for the 4th time, a queue of 20 mins, a rush to buy lunch at Boots, and a rushed lunch at my desk in the last ten mins of my break. Then a headachy afternoon, with some more rushing, a trip to the docs, where, funnily enough, I was told my blood pressure was ‘up a bit’. No surprise there then! I have to go back to make sure it is back down in a few weeks, and stay off the carbs in the meantime (there goes my beloved jacket potato lunch), so I cunningly had a very naughty last supper of bagels with cream cheese 😉 (and some steamed veg incidentally – I’m not that bad. Mmmm asparagus…). I shouldn’t be eating bagels anyway, but there you go!
BUT, there was a saving grace. The parcel. As I suspected, it was from my Sockapaloooza pal! And it was SO worth the wait, and the blood pressure and the angst. Here is what greated me when I finally had the time and space to open and enjoy it 🙂

Joy!


Rapture!
I’m not kidding. These socks saved my life today. They are beautiful, and soft, and the stitches are perfectly formed, and the yarn is beautiful, and the pattern is one of my faves from Favorite Socks too (remember my failed attempts at holiday knitting in Italy? Maryann, my spoiler, had the same issues with varigated yarn at first too, and went for a solid in the end). Yum. The little bags are so cute! And inside the little bags, nothing but things designed for me – KnitPicks needles for socks 😀 and KnitPicks Gloss in a gorgeous choccy brown yumminess. Yum yum yum. That’s all I can say!
Maryann, you completely made my day today. It was meant to be that I didn’t get that parcel till I was having a rubbish day. You have really spoiled me 🙂

Ok, maybe I won’t have quite enough yarn for the collar :S There is about 35g left over, from 3 and a half 50g balls. Eek!
Time for a two point action plan:
1) I’ll knit until I’ve got about a metre or so of yarn left, which should be enough to sew the collar on.
2) I’ll block this thing out as best I can in the hopes that it will stretch enough to fit into the neckline. Luckily, because of the curve of the short rows and the lace, it is quite stretchy and accomodating. My original calculations before I wrote the post had about 42″ of neck line and 22″ of collar, but when I put the two together, the collar went much further, albeit at a different gauge to the measurements.
Gah. Thank goodness for the advice and support on Knitting on the Avenue. She did a grand job of re-writing the collar instructions so that it looks more like the real thing, and also put loads of advice on her blog about how to sew and block the thing.
Oh, and I really like some of the latest Debbie Bliss patterns, so my queue is rapidly lengthening :S Yum tho.

Well, I’m still not quite finished on Pippa or the Ram’s Horn cardi. The collar is about 2/3 done as of typing, and the bag has one piece left to knit, so neither will be long. I was supposed to have a knit filled evening Friday night with a friend who needed help with some booties, but we ended up drinking, eating, watching silly films and the Mighty Boosh (series two for those who know. “Neil Armstrong, walking on my face” :D). We managed approximately 8 rows of bootie which were ripped back after a drunken error, and the cast on for a baby cardi, which was also ripped out because it had lost stitches by the morning (like my second Anastasia sock which had 2 mistakes in the last half inch or so, so I’ve gone 1 step forward and 2 back :S). Oops! Anyway, the collar is perhaps the most dragging piece of knitting I’ve done in a long time. It requires concentration, but is super boring once you get halfway through the increases. I’ve made a little mistake but refuse to rip back as there has been too much of that this weekend, and it isn’t really noticable. I have a straight-ish run to the end now, and then it can be finished off. Looks like I might just have enough yarn though 😀 Hoorah! Because of the stupid boring collar, the easy peasy st st of the bag is much appreciated right now – knitting I can do without thinking! And the socks are quite happy 🙂 The STR is of course pooling but it looks pretty.
There are also some accidental purchases on the way… Oops! And some more coming up soon no doubt, given that I’ll be knitting a cardi for someone at work for their birthday pressie (it is a very very special birthday), and we’ll be visiting Coldspring for supply hunting 😀 Yay!
And, I’m thinking of joining Socktopia too, particularly given the cool chart for the mystery sockalong… 😀 If you haven’t seen it yet, they are issuing a new part of the pattern every Monday, so I might catch up by the end of the month if I leg it!

Ok, two things before I fall into the bath and then fall asleep (gym+long day at work with early start= knackered etc :S).
1) The stupid mail sorters strike has thoroughly ensured that the parcel I suspect is from my sockapalooooza is still waiting for my greedy little paws in spite of them trying to deliver it on Tuesday.
2) Everyone in the UK run over to getknitted.com. They have Knit Picks knitting needles!!!!! :O :O :O Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo my… I’m gobsmacked 😀 They have circs that would be perfect for sock knitting too in those awkward 1/4 cm US sizes for very reasonable prices 😀 YAY!
Normal service will resume once I’ve spent all my wage and have stopped sulking about being outbid on some Natural Dye Studio Merino Tencel sock yarn. Oh, and I will answer all your comments and send all my long overdue emails this weekend too. Apparently Joe really brought the lurkers out 😀 But he is a babe.
All this excited unplanned blogging is eating into my shopping and knitting time.
[runs away to lust some more]