Long overdue

Belated thanks are owed to Random Knits. We did a swap at the end of last year and with everything that has happened since I hadn't managed to say Thank You.

The lovely Donna had a skein of Wollmeise that she wasn't particularly attached to and I've always wanted to try it and adored the colour:


Wollmeise, Knitabulous sock yarns & a project bag!

I'll let the pictures do the talking:


Wollmeise Sockenwolle 80/20 Twin in Ruby Thursday


Knitabulous Ultimate Sock in New Jeans

The composition is 60% Wool, 20% Silk and 20% Bamboo which sounds as if it'll be lovely to use as well as wear.

I also love the project bag as it's got a firm base so stands up with a drawstring but didn't realise Donna had made it herself until I spotted the little 'Random Knits' tag.

Also included were a packet of Tam Tams, an Australian music magazine for DD and a black skull shaped rubber which went straight into her pencil case. DD came back from Australia last summer with a packet of Tam Tams and we all love them so they didn't last very long.

I sent enough Drops Kid-Silk for a decent sized shawl, an English magazine for her daughter which featured loads of Twilight information and a poster and some very nice chocolate. The chocolate nearly didn't make it as it had been 'found' by somebody but I managed to save it.

Thank you so much, I really enjoyed the swap & loved shopping for you!

And just because I couldn't resist here's another pic:


Wollmeise & Knitabulous sock yarns

Some knitting

I've been knitting a bit over the past month or so but DH has been so busy with the house that photos have been unavailable. However today he was a star took loads for me.

First up my failed February socks (again):


'Not to be' Embossed Leaves

My spi is 8.6 & my feet are 8.5" in circumference so with 10% deducted for negative ease it should have worked but it didn't :(


Embossed Leaves pattern

I knitted them together until the heel flaps were done & then separated them for the heel turn and gusset pick up. I just can't get them over my heel so back to the drawing board. This is the 2nd attempt at using this yarn (1st attempt here) but I'm not giving up. They'll be frogged very soon & I'm already searching for another pattern. Probably something from Charlene Schurch this time...

I'd also like to share something with you.

Last week whilst I was ill I was very surprised when a little parcel dropped through my letterbox. I hadn't ordered anything & was puzzled when I felt the soft package.

Gill from The Woolly Workshop had found out that I was ill & decided to send me a little Get Well Soon gift:


100g of Regia Design Line Kaffe Fassett in Landscape Mist

She's admitted to a bit of blog surfing to work out which colourway I'd like & she chose well as I adore the combination of purple and brown. It was a lovely thing to do Gill & I was really touched, Thank You. :)

On that note the Chipmunk face has gone and I can see my cheekbones again. I'm a bit tired but otherwise ok. I was lucky that I didn't have a fever with it and know that it could have been far worse.

Koigu joy

At the weekend DD very kindly put her hand into a bag and chose my February 'Personal Sock Club' yarn:


My February Personal Sock Club yarn

and this is what she chose:


Purple Koigu KPM

I already knew my gauge with this yarn as I'd previously attempted to make Laburnum but it wasn't to be. However it's a bit spooky as that was exactly 12 months ago, this yarn is really destined to become February socks

I spent a couple of evening playing and choosing a pattern and have finally settled on Embossed Leaves. I toyed with the idea of doing a pattern from New Pathways but felt that this was the perfect pattern for the yarn as I wanted something girly and lacey. I ADORE the colour and it's cheering me up in this dark month. No photos yet as I'm still on the ribbing after starting last night.

And now on to the much talked about British weather. Yesterday we had snow!

A lot of it by our standards but a very poor show in comparison with other countries like Canada and Austria. However the country reacted as usual and ground to a halt!
As I am a devoted dog owner stupid I still took the dogs for a long walk. After two hours and 5 miles of walking in driving snow I was frozen and miserable but the 'dales had a fantastic time:



(Oscar is the gobby one with a long tail who ends up on his back).

But today it's all gone and we're back to mud and ice. Oscar was NOT impressed to be hosed down again before he could come back into the house this morning!

An update on knitting...

well almost.

So far this month I've been finishing stuff & knitting little things. Little things to be worn by little people, a very new little person to be exact. However two WIP's are still OTN and another yet to be cast on so photos will happen in another post.

In the meantime I have also decided to plan my knitting for the rest of year. A humongous task but I'm really not as organised as it sounds. I'm short of cash & have a lovely well populated stash so have decided to join my own Personal Sock Club. I went 'diving' and came up with sock yarns that I'd already wound up ready to use but hadn't touched since. 9 different 4 ply yarns are now ready and waiting:


My Personal Sock Club

There are some lovely yarns in there including Koigu, Lorna's Laces, Fyberspates & Opal, both solid and striped

I'm going to chose each pattern once I've swatched the yarn and see what appeals to me. I couldn't match the yarn up with a pattern so far in advance as I know I'll see a new pattern & love it. I can't wait for next Sunday to start my first pair!

I plan on making more than 9 pairs of socks in the year but the rest will happen as and when, I'm not that organised!

btw can anybody guess where a lot of my stash came from????

Wonderful gifts

Last week I mentioned that I'd taken delivery of a couple of parcels & now it's time to reveal all. I'd ordered a Goknits sock bag from Socktopus & it's already proven to be really useful:


GoKnits Pouch

Inside is my latest project with a few notions. The bag is splash proof (always useful when DD is training) & also resistant to cat hair which is a huge bonus. However the pouch wasn't alone in the parcel. A few months ago I had noticed that the Socktopus website was a bit 'temperamental' so DH helped Alice to resolve the issues & now it's running a lot better. The lovely Alice included something extra with my order as a way of saying Thank You but DH wants everyone to know that it's not really his colour. In fact he did attempt to barter a trade with me but enough said on that one!


Hand Maiden Camelspin in Tangerine

This yarn is 70% silk & 30% Camel & believe me it's the most wonderfully soft yarn I've ever felt. I'm almost tempted to keep it just for petting it's so amazing. I haven't yet found the right shawl pattern for it but I've got 658 yds/600 meters & am open to suggestions.

A couple of days later another parcel arrived. This was from my friend CL in Canada. We always spoil each other at Christmas & Birthdays & this time was was no exception. It was a little bit late as she has lots on at the moment but that was fine with me as it was a wonderful surprise. I'm also late with hers as I was ill so we're as bad as each other. Anyway back to the contents:


Malabrigo Lace in Saphire Magenta

This lace weight yarn is beautiful & I adore the colours. I've found a couple of projects on Ravelry in which the same colour is used & it's really gorgeous.


Noro Kureyon Sock shade 184

This yarn has had some 'interesting' reviews & I've taken on board what others have said. I'm not planning to use it for socks as I think the colours would be better as a scarf & that it would be wonderful for a mini Clapotis. The yarn is a bit scratchy so I'm in the process of winding it off into a skein and today I'll wash & condition it gently. I say in the 'process of' as the centre of the ball of yarn is one big tangle & I haven't yet finished sorting it out. I've found one knot so far so would definitely recommend NOT knitting this yarn straight from the ball. The colours however (like always with Noro) are amazing & I'm looking forward to using it.


Lanteen Moon needle cover

I love this but it does remind me of a snake. Not that I'm a fan of snakes but it's so beautifully snake like.

Also included were some maple sugar chews but they didn't last long enough for the photo shoot, a beautiful stitch marker which is currently in use & a badge which is on my bag. Thanks CL. I hope you like your presents as much & they are being posted tomorrow.

So now I suppose I should really get my act together & tackle a proper lace project. I say 'proper' as so far my only experience with lace has been socks & with two beautiful lace weight yarns I need to branch out. But I think I'm going to 'test the water' with a 4 ply sock yarn first before I use these beautiful yarns.

I'd like to say a big Thank You to both Alice & CL. You both made me feel very spoiled which was lovely after being ill.

Hip Hip Hooray!

It's my birthday today & as always St George's Day to boot. I really wish it were a public holiday & then I won't have to use a days holiday to ensure that I don't have to work every April 23rd.

When I went on the Rowan course I took advantage of the £1 balls of yarn & access to hundreds of books & came home with my birthday present(s):


RYC Cashcotton DK in cool


RYC Cashcotton DK in pool

I have a variety of patterns earmarked for the Cashcotton DK in both RYC Summer & Cafe book one.


Jaeger Extra Fine Merino Chunky in Mink to make Hardy from JB38


Jaeger Aqua cotton to make Annie from JB34

I also picked up some books from Rowan for my birthday:


birthday books

and more from Up Country which weren't for my birthday but had to come home with me anyway.

I've just got to shift more weight so that I can start making all these garments for myself! I've been running 4 times now & am enjoying it DH & DD got me a pacer watch (in addition to the yarn above) & I'm now running 90 seconds at a time. Oscar is still walking but I'll get there in time for him to run with me properly when he's a year old. I'm off now to have a shower before making the most of my day off work & will be visiting the LYS this morning

Christmas gifts received

Warning this post is picture heavy!

After the horrendous Christmas Day we had I didn't get round to blogging about what I received for Christmas. DH was a star, & with loads of emailed suggestions, spoilt me rotten:

First up from DH (purchased from Socktopus) a copy of the new sock book from Vogue:


Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Sock book

I've fallen head over heels for the pattern modeled on the cover of the book so will be making those in the not too distant future.

Next up he got me two balls of Opal 6 ply from a well known online Knitting supplier in the UK:


Opal Rainforest Flamingo 6 ply


Opal Rainforest Ladybird 6 ply

I'm not very happy with the colour of the Ladybird as it appears pale, washed out & pink compared to the same colour in 4 ply which is living in my stash. I had asked for this colour as I wanted to make some bright red socks so will try & get this exchanged for another brighter ball.

He also gave me two Lucy Neatby DVD's: Double Knitting & Knitting Essentials 2. This were also from the same company and I have to say for the first time ever I haven't been impressed with their service. The order was actually Double Knitting & Sock Techniques 2 but the other DVD was sent in error. As I didn't get a reply to my contact to them sent on Boxing Day & I was bored one afternoon I have now watched it so can't return it. It is a very good DVD & I've already learnt a new technique but it wasn't what was ordered.

To finish off a wonderful batch of knitters presents he gave the following patterns: Scoop du Jour, CeCe, Twist, Ribbi Cardi, Diamond Fantasy Shawl, Forest Canopy Shawl, Bar Harbor Shell Bag & Agatha

All were printed in colour on lovely thick paper so I've got plenty to play with this year

DH has declared that he wants a box from Socktopus as Alice wraps everything up so nicely . And yes modelwidow that is a Socktopus stitch marker you spotted on my red bedsocks 10/10 for observation!

DD, with some help, also got me some knitting related presents aided greatly by the fact that the only shop within 60 miles that sells sock yarn has now stopped selling yarn but had a mind blowing 75% off sale as an amazing finale:


Regia Bamboo Color


Patons Diploma 4 ply in Cherry


Patons Diploma 4 ply in Lupin

She was a bit concerned about buying me more sock yarn, as I have rather a lot already, but as I now have an hours drive to even look at the stuff I think it's wonderful. I can just go upstairs & dive into my stash when I'm ready to cast on a new pair!

Finally my friend CL in Canada sent me some wonderful presents as well. We always spoil each other with birthday & Christmas gifts & this year she chose the most gorgeous yarn:


Knit Picks Glossamer Lace Weight in Sweet Peas

Isn't it beautiful! She also included a pattern for the Janet Lace shawl & this little beauty:


Alchemy Alpaca Pure

It is the softest yarn I have ever felt & has been stroked against my face many times. Lyra has also shown interest in it but this was NOT encouraged. Thank you so much CL. I hope you like your presents too & I look forward to spoiling you for your birthday in May

ETA: after emailing the company concerned & attaching photos of both the 4 ply & 6 Ply Ladybird the issue is resolved. They are going to replace the DVD with the correct one, refund the cost of the 6 ply Ladybird & send a prepaid envelope for returns. I would have preferred not to have to contact them 3 times about this but am happy it is now to be sorted out.

Can anybody point me in the direction on a bright red 6 ply sock yarn?

Stash musings

Again I can't post information or photos of what I'm knitting due to the pending festive celebrations. So instead I'll talk about something close to many knitters hearts: STASH!

I have a big stash.

There I've said it upfront & am being totally honest with myself & you all.

The last four months on a Ravelry have also taught me just what that 'collection' contains. Some is much loved & others less & the latter has been weeded out & rehomed or is available for 'adoption' on my a Ravelry profile. DH is now fully aware of how big my stash really is & has imposed a yarn purchasing ban which I have to admit is fair enough as we don't live in a massive house. However I put my foot down at a swap ban as I explained to him that over time my 'taste' has changed & this the only way that I could try out a new yarn, fibre or weight without buying the yarn plus of course yarn has to vacate my stash go in exchange to make room. My stash inventory on a Ravelry is up to date apart from a few skeins received recently in swaps which are waiting for some daylight to coincide with DH's presence in the house & the camera being out.

So my Christmas list this year for a change includes NO yarn. That's right, zero skeins of the fibrey kind but instead the means to transpose it into something lovely; patterns that can utilise the yarn that I already have in my stash & that are challenging and interesting.

Also I've signed up to a knitters version of a New Years Resolution Socks from stash club as the following really struck a cord:

Have you ever been tempted to join a yarn shop sock club, even though you already have a stash of beautiful yarns you don't have time to knit?

I have been tempted to join sock clubs quite a few times but as I do have a beautiful collection of sock yarn I have been good & resisted. So I'll be dipping into it each month & creating something worthy. A few teasers include:


Socks That Rock in Undertoe


Koigu KPPM


Koigu KPM


Regia Silk


Regia Silk


Lorna's Laces in Berry


Best of Opal DK


Knit Picks Essential Tweed


Most of the yarns above were presents so I'll be searching for the perfect pattern to do the yarn justice. Is it a bit obvious that I like purple & red?

Long time no blog

It's been very busy in the blueadt household recently.

Memorable occasions include DD starting Secondary School. That was the whole reason for our house move & she's settled in well. We chose a house that was in between the two school sites so that she could walk to both & obviously this had to mean that the friends she has made live nowhere near us. So she can't walk to a friends house on a weekend & has to be taken everywhere by taxi aka me which we're gutted about as she wouldn't play out at the last house due to the girls who had bullied her & we were hoping that she'd gain friends nearby & have more confidence in going out.

She has joined a number of after school clubs but non are sports related which surprised me. She was delighted to present me with this recently her first creation at Cake Decorating:


Bluedog in icing sugar

DD has also celebrated her 12th birthday. Presents weren't in abundance as we've recently decorated her bedroom & DH built her a fantastic wardrobe with sliding mirrored doors which cost a fortune but she had a good time & a huge slab of chocolate cake with her birthday meal at a favourite restaurant. She is now over 5ft 4" tall & fast approaching my height of 5ft 5.5" & she can't wait until she's taller than me. She's now taller than a lot of my friends which delights her no end.

She has also been ill this week with a bad cold & another ear infection. So swimming in on hold for a few weeks until she recovers.

There has also been a fair bit of stress for DH regarding his working life. Due to internal politics he has been under pressure a lot recently & hasn't been happy with the direction he was being pushed into. Working for a very large organisation things take a long time to happen; 2 years in his case which is a very long time to have uncertainty about your place in the cog. But as luck would have it another job came up & he was interviewed on Wednesday just two days after started in the new department where he was dumped. We were celebrating last night as he got the job
As he's having an operation for Carpal Tunnel soon he will have spent a grand total of 10 days in the role, that he didn't want, before he goes on sick leave. The people on the new team are great but it's the way that the management has manipulated him that he can't stand so I'm really chuffed that they'll now be left without his indepth knowledge that they took for granted. His new job is a really interesting & vital role so I'm pleased that he'll have something to get his teeth into.

Things are changing for me too but I'm not ready to reveal how just yet.

On the knitting front things have been a bit quiet. I'm working away on Christmas projects which can't be shown here. Have also splashed out on the new Cat Bordhi book further to this review & OMG it really turns conventional sock construction on it's head! I'm doing a tiny baby sock for a keyring fundraiser but it's fidly as it's so small. Pics when it's finished.

I also got a lovely treat recently from Miss Malice. She had generously offered to pick some goodies up for me when she went home to Canada but was a bit late in posting them due to her manic timetable at the moment (read working full time & setting up her own business) so very kindly sent this gorgeous treat with my things:


Chameleon Colorworks Evolution in Flamingo Sunrise

This yarn is unbelievably soft & so smooth. I'm planning to make a pair of bedsocks with it to stop DH moaning when I utilise his body heat to warm my frozen blocks of ice. Socktopus specialise in yarns that can't be bought anywhere else in the UK so head on over & be prepared to start drooling