Orange is the new Black

Or it is for me!
I may have had a long break from blogging but I've kept going with my crafting. I've got back into knitting again after many years. I used to knit a lot when my girls were small but I kind of lost the enthusiasm for it along the way. So a quick catch up of some of my finished projects (yes, I've actually finished some) and an explanation of the blog post title.
In the last month I've completed 2 projects in orange. One is this wonderfully cute baby dress. The pattern is called Ellis dress and can be found here. I used Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk. This yarn is now discontinued but if you can get your hands on some I would highly recommend it. It feels wonderfully soft and knits like a dream. I made it for a friend of my youngest DD who is expecting her baby girl within the next couple of weeks! I had to make some adjustments to the pattern to make it small enough but it looks OK.

Ravelry is a dangerous place. Whilst browsing innocently, minding my own business, I got mugged by the wonder that is Hitofude. If you see the amount of projects you can see I'm not the only one. I wanted to make it a light summer cardi so chose cotton yarn. It also helps it was heavily discounted on eBay. Apologies for the not brilliant photo but I'm waiting to block it so this is a quick snap as I hung it on the back of the chair.

I have to say on reading the pattern I was completely confused. How on Earth does this work? I followed the advise of many and just started knitting and it suddenly became a cardi. No joining or nothing!

I crocheted 2 baby blankets but didn't take photos. I hate when I do that. I like to look back and see what I've made.

Other bits in brief.....

My first socks

Lara's Hat (Susan Ashcroft)

Lara's hat is one of 6 patterns I've made from the very talented Susan Ashcroft. She, and her designs, can be found on Ravelry too.

Paint Boxes Cowl (Susan Ashcroft)

The ever popular Clapotis by Kate Gilbert.......

Plus a few other bits and pieces!

I have 2 current projects, both are Rowan patterns. I'm making Eldora by Marie Wallin. This is a pattern from the current Spring/Summer Rowan magazine.

I'm calling mine Rose Garden. I've chosen shades of green, cream and coral.

The other WIP is the Rowan Mystery Afghan KAL. I've started a little late but have almost finished clue 2. Clue 4 is being released tomorrow so I hope to be caught up by clue 5.


We wont mention the mammoth expansion of my stash. No! Best not to, really!

Midweek Miracle

Why Midweek Miracle?
It's Wednesday and somehow I've found a little time to blog :)

There is a woman at work who is on her last week before taking maternity leave. We'd somehow got into a discussion about Etsy which of course led to having a quick look online (for research purposes!) On the front page there was a baby hat in the shape of a tomato which she adored. After clicking on it she said it was from a woman in America and was debating whether to buy it. I did a quick search online and found the pattern. When I offered to knit it for her she jumped at the chance. One evening later and....

It took about 3 hours to do and instead of using circular needles I used double pointed instead.

Link to the pattern: http://acechick.typepad.com/knitchicks_patterns/2006/01/strawberry_bean.html



Now this is finished I don't really have an excuse not to carry on with an aran cardi I'm supposed to be doing for Nicky. I started it 2 months ago and I've done about 4 inches of the back. I did unpick it all and change the pattern after a month though in an effort to make the ruddy thing more enjoyable to knit....epic failure on that point!
Only 15 more inches until the underarm decreases............

Bracelet made and much organisation!

I got on with the bracelet last night. The colour theme was chosen and, under careful supervision, I got on with it.

The beads I use are a complete mix of semi-precious, glass, crystal, plastic and resin. In the second picture I've shown an acrylic flower. I bought these recently from ebay and like a lot of internet purchases I thought they were awful! However, I was surprised at how nice they looked when used this way. Nicky (my youngest) loves it and has signed me up to make her another one but using pearl and clear beads with the only colour being these flowers.

I got a little restless today and thought it would be a good idea to get myself organised. I seem to be spending more time searching for stuff than actually making it. Whilst going through endless bags I came across some UFO's (UnFinished Objects) After taking these photos I came across another black bag filled with more!

Crocheted hexagons that I thought I'd make into a throw for my kingsized bed. I have a few more loose ones to add to it but it's nowhere near done

I crocheted these big granny squares from rainbow wool. Yet another throw!

This was going to be a knitted bag!

The other bits I found was patchwork. I've got enough unfinished patchwork to go around the world twice.

One day I'll get around to them.!!!!