Happy Christmas everyone

The knitting is over - until I choose what to make next, or resurrect from the naughty corner!!!

The wrap is finished, blocked, and I just need to weave the ends in before it is delivered tomorrow. What a blooming relief!!
I decided not to do the santa stockings, no point in rushing and making a bad job of them.

I also added a "Bertie" scarf to my list, this one is in Artesano Alpaca - it doesn't have any beads, but is beautifuly soft - I'd like to keep this one myself!! It's finished!!!

The only unfinished item is DH's scarf, but as he already has one, it hasn't been a priority!!!
It's also very boring.... at least he doesn't know I am making it, so he can't be impatient.

Tomorrow is (quite obviously) Christmas Eve, and I will be making mince pies, sausage rolls and quiche, as well as cooking the turkey. When I get a moment I will knit, if I decide what to do next.

I am waiting for a pattern to be delivered, but may start something quick, just to keep me going - keep your eyes peeled!

A busy year

A knitting forum post asked "how many projects in 2006?"

I checked my photofiles, and discovered that it's over 30 items, a couple of which are still "on the needles" or OTN.

Several were quite time consuming (3 baby shawls and the intarsia jumper) while others were a bit quicker (baby items or novelty yarn scarves)

My New Year's resolution is to keep track of what I have made, also to make a note of my spending on yarn. I need to decrease my *stash substantially, not to increase it!
*stash = large amount of yarn waiting to be knitted, not knowing what said yarn is going to be made into, or who for.

* Nominated stash = slightly smaller amount of yarn that is going to be used soon, I have the pattern ready, and I know who it is for.

Here are a few other items I made that I am quite pleased with. Unfortunately they are all gifts, so nothing for me recently!! Scarves have been quite popular this year, but I don't think we have had a cold snap yet.

From top left:

Pink baby dress in 4ply

Blue beaded scarf in King Cole Anti-tickle DK

A very attractive but easy to knit pattern, designed by a forum member

Scarf in Opal sock yarn - colour "Rainbow"

4mm needles

One ball of this striking yarn made a long snuggly scarf

Lightweight scarf in Kaalund yarns Enchante

Colour - Taipan - a pretty mix of rust, yellow and green in muted tones. Knit on 2mm needles !!!

I just cannot get these to line up in a straight line!!! I guess practice makes perfect, so keep looking out for better posts!!!

Nearly finished!!

The 2 scarves are both finished, blocked and hanging near the radiator to finish drying. I just couldn't safely leave them pinned to the floor in the hall.

Now the Christmas knitting is nearly there - one wrap to finish, one more scarf, the train driver doll to stuff and sew up, and 2 Christmas stockings.

The scarf can wait if it must, that's for hubby, so I can knit until Christmas morning if I need to. The doll too, is wanted for Christmas Eve, so I had better get on with the stockings, that way I can have a sewing session when they are knitted, and do the doll at the same time.

I hope my grandson will love his jumper:

This was my first attempt at intarsia, so I used basic acrylic DK yarn

So much knitting, and not enough time!!!

But I went out anyway!!!

Our work Christmas do was a beautiful meal, but I wasn't feeling too well, so didn't have a lot to drink and came home early!!! I have knitted as much as I can on the current scarf - should be finished by tomorrow - that means 2 to block at the same time. Pictures soon!!!

Well, another hard day on the needles!!!

The doll I have been asked to make is a train driver, so I am adapting a pattern I already have. Fingers crossed that he looks like a train driver, but I guess to a 3 year-old if he's in the front of the train then he's the driver!!! All the parts are knitted, I need to buy stuffing tomorrow, it should be finished for Sunday.

3 scarves are in different stages - one is very simple, and I can knit in front of the PC, (but not while typing) another I need to follow a pattern, while the third has cables, I need to be comfortable and to concentrate more on that one. I'd like to do the simple one in secret if possible, the lucky recipient knows it is being made, but doesn't think he'll get it this side of Easter. It's just so difficult not letting him see the length of the scarf as I'm doing it!!!

Saturday is shopping day - or window shopping!! I will just go and have a wander, and a coffee - walking counts as excercise as long as you don't have a big fat doughnut with the coffee!!

Oh I am in a panic now - I forgot I had promised to knit 2 santa stockings for a friend's 2 girls, then I was asked to knit a doll as well!!

So I may not be posting on here much until Christmas, I fear I may still be knitting on Christmas Eve!!

I have ordered sock wool (after swearing I would never make them again) and would like to fit those in as well, but they are not a priority!!

I am off to get on with the doll, and check my stash for the yarn for the stockings. They are quite easy, but time consuming.

My last day at work for a while just flew by. I managed to finish everything I planned to do, even to shop for a new fairy for the tree!!

I had a lazy evening chilling in front of the TV, knitting of course, and the hat is well on the way. I might get the scarf done as well. Still no photos, as I keep forgetting to charge the batteries.


I have the luxury of not having to get up early for work for the next 5 days, but I guarantee I'll be awake earlier than normal. Sod's Law.


Housework, knitting and shopping are on the agenda, but I haven't prioritised that yet. Yeah, right!!

Well, another day over at work, and I have decided what to knit next. A hat and scarf for another Christmas present. I had a wander round the shops at lunch time today, and nothing appealed to me for this person, so that's the decision made for me!!!

I think cables may be in order for this one - I haven't done any for a while.

I found this on knittingpatterncentral, and think it fits the bill. OK, don't ask, how do I know this guy's called Bill?

So, a very short comment tonight, as I have 20 days to start AND finish this project. I don't normally knit to deadlines, so I'll update when I am not knitting.

I am off to have a coffee and cast on.

Sunday 3rd December

Well, this is my first post - I don't plan to add to my blog every day, that just depends on my mood and what's happening in my world. I imagine that it will be mostly knitting related + my weird thoughts on things that are happening both in my life, and the world in general!

It has been a very quiet weekend - the horrific weather put paid to all of my well laid plans, and I have been snuggled up on the sofa, watching TV and knitting.

Of course, at this time of the year it's a mad rush to get knitted items finished for Christmas presents, but I have managed to finish 2 over the weekend, they just need to be blocked, then I can add some photos.

I have several items in the WIP (work in progress) pile, but none are appealing to me at the moment, so I am carrying on with a very boring stocking stitch scarf, while I decide what to do next.

It's going to be a very quick week at work - I am only working until Tuesday, then I am on holiday until the following Monday, so loads of knitting and shopping time.

There is a lovely German market in the city centre, so I am planning a day out (weather permitting) and will probably pick up a couple of extra Christmas presents while I am there.

I like to get my clothes ready for work before I go to bed, so it's time for a hot drink, and I'll say goodnight for now