Moonshine and a random LYS

So, here is my progress on Moonshine. This is going to be a SLOW one! This is all I managed yesterday evening. I knew I disliked 3 3/4 mm needles! However, I love the texture of the fabric it's creating. It's double moss stitch, which I think is so pretty, and since its technically aran weight yarn, the fabric is dense. Despite the DK weight of the Sirdar Denim having the same tension on the ball band as the RYC Silk Wool, I could only get the correct tension using the aran. Grr.

Sorry, still won't do it, see above!

Anyway, I spent ages yesterday online, trying to find someone who had the aran (the colourway is new). No avail. Then I thought of a local LYS, that I have never been to, about 15 minutes from work. I'd been warned off going there, I was told it was higgledy piggledy, you can't find anything and it's all baby wool. I went anyway, knowing that she was probably a Sirdar stockist (and not expecting much else). I got there and yes, it was upside down. Whole bags of yarn strewn EVERYWHERE, stacked to the ceiling, in no particular order. Not sorted into colours, brands, weights, nothing. There were random racks of clothes filling the floor of this tiny shop. I saw what I wanted, in the new pink colour (I'll bear it in mind for next time), and took the whole bag to the counter. I asked if she had the yarn in the brown. 'Oh yes', she said 'over here'. She marched over to a pile, hidden in the corner and pulled out exactly what I wanted. I never would have found it. And, she was so lovely. Very chatty. I will definatley go back. She had lovely buttons (not where you could easily look at them, but still), and ribbons too. And, to my surprise, all the new Rowans too. Bearing in mind that I took my mother to my favourite LYS on Saturday and one of the owners was so rude to me, yesterday's expedition was great. On Saturday at said (luxury) LYS, that shall remain nameless (usually they are great), I picked up a ball of (expensive) sock yarn, and asked if they had any other colours. 'No' was the reply. 'I could order you some, but I'm not sure when we're ordering, so there's no point' and off she went. Sod you then, I thought. So I'm singing for old-fashioned-not-necessarily-luxury-LYSs today!

Why am I such a liability in the lab?

I think I just spilt acid down my (favourite - argh!) jeans. Not too strong, only 7.4M but I have a feeling when I was my jeans there may be holes despite rapid and copious rinsing. This only continues my run of breaking/damaging things, and generally being a liability. Usually I don't know the worth of these things until I go to replace them. Repeat : I must stop being clumsy, I must stop being clumsy.......

This afternoon I am off on a mission to find some Sirdar Denim Sport Aran in colourway Aspen. I know I know, rubbish acrylic blend. I know. But its so pretty. Look here. And it will be this so hopefully you will all let me off. If only I had £90 (!) to knit it in the Rowan Silk Wool. I originally bought the Sirdar in the DK as the tension on the band matches th Rowan. However, my tension square is 3cm out! So maybe the aran will work............

Thank you all for your kind comments/replies on Knitty with well wishes for James. Yesterday he was still not well. He came home from work early and slept all afternoon. He says he feels much better today. I never imagined how much a bang on the head affects the rest of your body. It clearly doesn't deal with it very well. I suppose its not really that surprising. Thanks again everyone.

Poor old James

This is James (on the left) with our friend Richie, at my work's summer BBQ, an altogether happier occasion than this weekend. The long and the short of it is that James was attacked whilst out in town on Saturday night. It was totally unprovoked and the guy didn't even steal anything from him, although he may have been trying to. James can't remember a thing, in fact doesn't even remember the second half of the evening. He was punched on his jaw which knocked him over. He banged his head and was knocked out cold. The last thing teh boys saw wa sthis guy running off up the road. Luckily his friends were very good, and got him to hospital and phoned me. I never want to hear Jimmy on the phone at 4am ever again. They all waited at the hospital with me too. The hospital were very good, he had CT scans and stuff, which were all fine. He doesn't really even remember this. The scariest thing was when he came round to the doctor shaking him, he had no idea where he was or what had happened. His jaw is still huge, but the cut on his head is OK. The doctors told me not to leave him for 24 hours (I was hardly about to, I don't think I even let go of him!) in case he was concussed. He slept all day on Sunday, and hardly even moved. He had a big rambo-style bandage around his head. Luckily the bank holiday was yesterday, so we just went for a walk and chilled out a bit. He's gone to work today (late) and says he'll come home early. This is totally out of character, he normally works so hard. I think its given him (and all of us) a really nasty shock, and he's putting on a brave face. I really don't get why people are so horrible to eachother. There is no reason why this guy won't do it again. What makes people want to hurt others, and think it's OK? It's such a shame, I'll worry about James every time he goes out without me now, but I suppose I should be thankful it wasn't a whole lot worse.

Baby shoe and Zib's bowl

This is all I have to show for a bank holiday's knitting. I'm sure you understand why if you have read the post I am about to write next. Firstly, Zib's Chakalaka bowl from The Garter Belt. An awesome pattern, and I'm really pleased with it. I think rather than chocs I might put it on the bedside table and use it for the hairbands and pins that I take out last thing at night that usually end up all over the floor. Secondly, the first of a possible pair of DB's moss stitch shoes from Baby Knits for Beginners. I really don't like the way it came out. For some reason it's very long and narrow, and not really like the illustration. Maybe I just need to look at the pattern again or use a different yarn. Or just choose a different pattern.

To embellish or not?

A while ago I finished this for one of two new babies (I haven't decided which yet!). It's a very plain, but I think quite stylish, boat neck jumper from Debbie Bliss' Baby Knits for Beginners, knitted in DB cotton angora. This is the world's most basic book, but it has some very simple, robust patterns. What I want to know is shall I embellish it a bit or not? I was thinking maybe a (bought) little aplique motif on the hem to one side. Something gender non-specific like a star or something. What do you think?

Yesterday didn't turn out as bad as I thought. I must sing VW's praises, they did fix everything for FREE (well technically not, I suppose I paid for a warranty). They replaced the starter motor and all the locks. What a relief.

And, the weather has cheered up here too. Here is the same scene taken again this morning. And the windy-mill is facing the right way too.

And this was the cheerful (if totally scruffy!) face that awaited me this morning. He knows I have a syringe full of yucky medicine (believe me, I know, it tastes like paracetamol, only paracetamol's nicer) and he still waits by the gate. Not sure what I'd do without him. I think he'll enjoy the sun today.

Sock advice!

I've been a very bad blogger, I'm sorry. Everyone likes pictures in blogs don't they, so here's a picture of our street last night, taken from the bedroom window. Our lovely street, with our beloved windy-mill at the end. Doesn't it look miserable? I don't actually think so, I quite like the rain. I lay in bed last night, snuggled up, and besides the sound of rasping snoring I could here hammering rain outside. I think its a nice sound when you're cosy and tucked up inside. A very content safe feeling. And besides, we're so proud of our lovely little street, I don't care how it looks in the rain!

I don't think today has started off that well. the car has had to go to VW to be fixed, the central locking is broken and the starter motor's on its way out. Its supposedly under warranty but the lady politely told me it may not be covered. Well, I'll be screaming blue murder if its not. Then I had an incredibly blonde moment in texaco when i couldn't get the petrol cap of James' car. How embarassing. I had to drive off having not got petrol, with none in the car. And, I'm missing knitting group because of the car situation. Grrr.

Anyway, speaking of knitting, I need sock advice from you wise people. Scarybez, maybe you can help. I want to do one pair for J's birthday (this is attempt two!) and one pair for dad for christmas. I need to start now. I'm going to use Knitty's recent toe-up sock for the first pair, and then maybe one that was kindly donanted by Lilith for the other. Has anyone got any sock yarn recommendations? For both pairs I'd like something that subtly patterns (no glaring stripes, or self-fairisle) and for J, in muted, greys, blues, that kind of thing, and loud reds and oranges for dad. I'd like something reasonably luxury, and preferable the larger side of 3mm needles! Will it matter if the pattern isn't the same on both socks? Can I just start the second sock where the first ended? Do I have to think more carefully than that? And I can do it on one very long circ right, or should I use two? I finished the sleeves for my green gable with one long one. Or maybe I should use these new 30cm addis? Any suggestions gratefully received!

Karen: The Stripey Beaded Bag

Ok, so a few people asked for the pattern, so here goes. If you do knit it, I'd love to see your FO. I've called it Karen (as I'm posting it it needed a name right?) because it was first knitted for my friend Karen and she uses it all the time. Also, if every knitted gift recipent was as appreciative as her, all knitters would be happy!

Equipment: Not much is needed of any of these yarns. Perhaps 25 g. One of the yarns is a vintage cotton, so not available. You could use whatever you have that is roughly DK weight. Lambs Pride Cotton Fleece, New Age Teal. (A)
Debbie Bliss Merino DK 001 (B)
Sirdar Country Style DK Gemini 502 (C)
Vintage Cotton (D)
One pair 4mm needles
One 25cm zip
Small piece of fabric (approx 28 cm x 40cm) appropriate for lining.

I don't think gauge is important in this case, but it should be approximately 20 stitches by 28 rows to 10cm, over stocking stitch. The finished item is roughly 25cm x 18cm.

Abbreviations
pb - Place bead, slide bead up yarn until it is at the work, trapped before next stitch
yb - Yarn back, bring yarn to back of work
yf - Yarn forward, bring yarn to front of work

Placing beads
Thread a sewing needle with a short peice of sewing cotton. Tie a knot in it and thread yarn A through the resulting loop. Thread beads onto yarn A via the sewing needle and thread. The way I have suggesting placing the beads gives a random arrangement. You could do it in a pattern if you'd rather.

Knit two pieces as follows
Cast on 50 stitches using yarn A
Row 1 Knit
Row 2 Purl
Repeat row one and two, twice
(Cut yarn A)
Change to yarn B
Next row Knit, repeat for a further two rows
(after using yarn B, C or D, leave ball attached so it can be picked up next time it is required. This saves sewing in ends).
Change to yarn C
Next row Purl
Next row *K1 P1 Repeat from * to end
Next row *P1 K1 repeat from * to end
Change to yarn D
Next row Knit
Next row Purl
Change to yarn C
Next row Knit
Change to yarn B
Next row Knit, repeat for a further two rows.
Change to yarn D
Next row *K1 P1 Repeat from * to end
Next row *P1 K1 repeat from * to end
Next row *K1 P1 Repeat from * to end
Change to yarn C
Next row Purl
Next row Knit
Next row Purl
Change to yarn B
Next row K10 P10 K10 P10 K10
Next row P10 K10 P10 K10 P10
Next row K10 P10 K10 P10 K10
Change to yarn D
Next row Purl
Change to yarn C
Next row Knit
Next row Purl
Change to yarn D
Next row Knit
Change to yarn B
Next row Purl
Change to yarn C
Next row *K1 P1 Repeat from * to end
Next row *P1 K1 repeat from * to end
Change to yarn B
Next row Knit
Change to yarn D
Next row *P1 K1 repeat from * to end
Next row *K1 P1 Repeat from * to end
Change to yarn B
Next row Purl
Change to yarn C
Next row Knit
Change to yarn D
Next row Purl
Chnage to yarn B
Next row Knit
Next row Knit
Change to yarn A
Thread 25 beads onto yarn (see above)
Next row K5 yf s1 pb yb K6 yf s1 pb yb K4 yf s1 pb yb K8 yf s1 pb yb K3 yf s1 pb yb K5 yf s1 pb yb K6 yf s1 pb yb K5
Next row Purl
Next row K3 yf s1 pb yb K6 yf s1 pb yb K4 yf s1 pb yb K5 yf s1 pb yb K3 yf s1 pb yb K8 yf s1 pb yb K5 yf s1 pb yb K6 yf s1 pb yb K2
Next row Purl
Next row K5 yf s1 pb yb K2 yf s1 pb yb K4 yf s1 pb yb K4 yf s1 pb yb K4 yf s1 pb yb K3 yf s1 pb yb K3 yf s1 pb yb K4 yf s1 pb yb K2 yf s1 pb yb K4 yf s1 pb yb K5
Next row Purl
Cast off all stitches

Sew sides and cast on edge together
Pin zip along cast off edge. I used the cast off as a feature and also to hide the stitches.
Cut lining fabric to twice the size of bag plus roughly 1.5 cm seam allowance along all sides. Fold in half (right sides together, so to fit inside bag) and iron down the seam allowance along top edge, to wrong side. Sew short sides together. Put into bag, seams facing so they will be hidden. Stitch in place, to zip, hiding zip tape. Take care not to stitch too close to zip as thi may catch when zip is used.

Stripey Beaded Make Up Bag

Here is my latest FO, a beaded, stripey make up bag, of my own design, that I've just finished and gifted to my friend Sarah. Its very easy to make, and uses scraps, a few beads and a piece of lining fabric. I hope she likes it, although if not I don't think I'll have the right to be the 'outraged knitted gifter' that I quite often am when people don't appreciate hand made gifts! To be frank, there was one main reason for making it. I'm broke, so I couldn't buy her a present (honestly, I'm not just cheap!) was the main one. I have made it for my friend Karen in a blue colourway and she loves it, so that helped chose what to make. Sarah is a cross-stitcher (and also an allround nice person!) so I'm sure she'll recognise the work gone it to it.

If anyone would like the pattern, leave a comment and I'll post it.

Knitty Needles

I have finally got around to photographing the needles gifted to me through the Knittyboards. After discussing on the boards how much I lilked the American Boye (and similar) style needles, I was RAK'd a whole bunch from the wonderful Amanda (gr8aunt) and swapped some with the lovely Nicole (hotmama). Amanda, your chatty emails are so lovely to receive too. Ladies, they are beautiful, and I love them They will be treasured, you chose such perfect colours. As ever, I am stunned by the generosity of the knittyheads.



I had hoped to put the needles in the display with the UK vinatge ones I have collected (as below). However, I don't think the US ones stand out enough, so I may separate them into a separate vase.








Thank you again ladies, you are so generous and absolute stars! If you ever need a favour from the UK, you know where I am!

Obligatory Silly Pet Photos

I thought it was about time you were introduced to Monty, the other man in my life, and honestly one of my best friends. Here he is last winter, wearing what James calls his Wrestler Mask. Monty very quickly demonstrated that he doesn't like it, and it is now waiting to be sewn together, again!
Although he is now semi-retired though a bone disorder, I can ride a bit. He will never be the dressage competitor that I had hoped, but we'll still have fun I hope. In fact yesterday, we had a break through, and I managed to school him for the first time in 14 months and it was like he'd never been away!

Here is Monty again, in my favourite photo from last winter. Its a shame it wasn't sunnier. I must dig out some summery photos (or just take some!) but his large tummy tends to get in the way!

Bluette, Alfie and Sid

Some of you may remember my post on Knitty when Mum's ancient cat went missing. Well here is a picture of her, curled up and shedding hair on an antique quilt! As I said below, Mum's just moved, and Bluette seems quite content.

Also last weekend, we went to see my Dad and his partner Kate, at their new house near Brighton. They are not far from Lewes too, and we went to pick up a bed Mum had bought in an antiques market. We spent a lovely hour or two wandering about, eyeing up all the lovely furniture. I fell in love with an old Victorian Chesterfield, real Shabby Chic, for only £50! Why we didn't buy it I don't know. I have to keep telling myself that we really don't have room in the house! Anyway, Dad and Kate have two lovely kittend, half brothers called Alfie (on the left) and Sid. They wind the dog up something rotten (she no longer has first dibs on her own bed!), but they are very cute!

Aunt Ruth's Shawl

My mum has just moved house, and in moving found this. A beautiful shawl, which I don't remember at all, that her aunt knitted when I was born. It is stunning, and huge. About a metre square. This photo, taken at the last minute before I left the house, sorry, should have blocked it, does not do it justice. However, it has holes in it. Possibly from moths, and probably from small children playing with it! I am hoping someone can shed some light on how best to fix them. There must be some way to stop them getting any bigger? Help someone!!

FO - Green Gable

Right, sorry about the terrible photo, (please ignore the pans!) but here is my Green Gable, from Zephyr Style. A great pattern, but I had to make some modifications. Finished, mine was 4 inches longer than the pattern suggested! James suggested this maybe because I wear my jeans quite low. I also had to add some increases to get it to fit over my hips!

Thanks must go to several Knittyheads for help with this. Firstly Margaret9 who purchased and sent me the Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (New Age Teal) for the project - thanks so much. It is my new favourite yarn! Also Miss Squeezie and Yoshimi for advice with finishing the sleeves.
Sorry guys I would link to you if I knew how! I'm just a beginner at this blogging stuff.....