July 21, 2008
Yeti/Cousin It cloak - well would YOU wear one?
A friend sent me these.....
Comments?
Posted by glittrgirl at 11:01 AM | Comments (1)
July 17, 2008
Beat inflation, become a knitter
According to The Guardian, there are a number of personality profiles that mean you'll be living with a lower inflation rate than other people.....
KnitterNobody who uses heating oil - up 88% in the past 12 months - is going to come within hailing distance of a 3.8% inflation rate. Only those who can spend the summer months knitting enough jumpers to insulate all family members and leave enough to barter for lemonade and the occasional lamb chop will survive.
And just so's you know- you'll also be ok if you like lentils, walk every where, don't go out, buy a lot of furniture or live with your parents....
Posted by scumkitten at 09:02 AM | Comments (3)
May 27, 2008
WIPs: Suzanne socks and an alpaca silk top
Thanks Purlpower! Blue Sky Alpacas Fitted Evening Top
Posted by glittrgirl at 02:08 PM | Comments (0)
May 24, 2008
Parfait
Knitted for Meimei (an Aztec Blythe,and cousin of Loveday) as part of a Ravelry swap, here are a few close-ups of the item of clothing about to be sent off. More photos when Meimei receives it!
Posted by scumkitten at 03:40 PM | Comments (2)
May 11, 2008
Lace Ribbon WIP
I'm working on two things at the moment- the Cornish Shawl and the Lace Ribbon Scarf from Knitty. I'm really enjoying this as a lace knit- it's producing a lovely geometric pattern that suits my asthetic. And after the initial traumas about how on earth do I knit twice into a 2YO (the answer- just do it and it'll start to look okay a few rows on- don't worry about any weird loops that form, they stretch out in the end), its coming along nicely and is easy to remember. Because it calls for thicker yarn than the usual lace weight, it is also knitting up pretty quickly.
Knit in a silk mohair mix, hand dyed, bought from a small shop/studio on the Isle of Skye some years ago (with Glittr as my enabler ;) )
Posted by scumkitten at 01:01 PM | Comments (3)
May 10, 2008
Floral lace anklet number 1
Here is number one of a pair of Foral Lace Anklets, by Evelyn A Clarke, which is in Interweave Knits Lace Style. This book, the needles (2.25mm bamboo) and the two balls of Regia Silk in the Marine colourway (050) were a gift in the Ravelry Books & More Swap which I recently took part in. I love these socks, the yarn is gorgeous to knit with, and I will definitely knit more from the book.
Posted by glittrgirl at 07:58 AM | Comments (0)
May 05, 2008
Floral Lace Anklets
I got two balls of Regia Silk and a copy of the Interweave Knits Lace Style Book recently. Here is my progress on sock one, knitted in hte Marine colourway (shade number 050).
Posted by glittrgirl at 01:51 PM | Comments (0)
April 28, 2008
Shawl/throw/blankie progress
The yoga blankie in linen and the Colinette Perugino throw are coming along nicely....
And it is still a struggle to get Greebo off the mohair to knit it.....
Posted by glittrgirl at 07:37 PM | Comments (0)
Knitted wellies
From Barratts. 20 pounds. Bargain.
Posted by glittrgirl at 12:16 PM | Comments (0)
April 13, 2008
Streaming leaves stole and Perugino throw - beginnings
I am knitting two large things at the same time at the moment. One is on 8mm needles and grows like dixie, but is pretty dull to knit (other than the stripes, I like knitting in stripes) and the other is on 3.75mm needles and doesn't.
Greebo sometimes likes to help....
Linen Streaming Leaves Stole by Cat Bordhi, and the Perugino Throw kit from Colinette.
Sometimes he just stops me knitting..... altogether now...... awwwwwwwww!
Posted by glittrgirl at 05:09 PM | Comments (0)
Cornish Shawl: getting there
Using the Icelandic Shawl pattern from Cheryl Oberle's 'Folk Shawls' book, this uses lopi and a simple feather and fan stitch. I'm liking it so far.
Posted by scumkitten at 03:19 PM | Comments (2)
March 30, 2008
Habu progress
I am knitting two habu kits at the same time right now. Kit-78 is the kusha kusha scarf in bordeaux and terracotta, and kit-77 is a silk stainless steel and cotton jacket in black, tan and blue.
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:23 AM | Comments (1)
March 25, 2008
Ravelry pastie swap
I took part in a knitted pastie swap over at Ravelry. I had three swap partners and I thank them for their creativity and generosity:
From faeflitt
From craftyretrogurl:
From silly doggies:
And a special thanks to Tallulah for modelling for me so patiently.
Posted by glittrgirl at 06:05 PM | Comments (1)
March 19, 2008
Knit Knot Tree
If you're ever in Yellow Springs, Ohio, try and find the Knit Knot Tree. Here's my friend Bill a'leaning and looking chirpy. Thanks Bill and Helen for the heads up!
Posted by scumkitten at 11:41 AM | Comments (0)
February 22, 2008
Video of world's fastest knitter
She is fast and she uses a knitting belt.
And she is British. Hazel Tindall brought home the title of the World's Fastest Knitter from the US with a staggering 262 stitches in three minutes!
Posted by glittrgirl at 02:58 PM | Comments (0)
December 31, 2007
Christmas Felting
A few weeks ago I was taken along to a felting workshop run at Buckland Abbey, a National Trust house once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh and home to a number of ghosts including some hounds of hell.
Alas, no ghosts were to be seen the day I was there, but much wet felting done, all based around the theme of Christmas. We were all shown how to make a Christmas Stocking (which is massive, by the way- If I put it on, it comes up to my knee), each with the same template, but with whatever colours and patterns we wished. There were many green and red and white stockings, with snowflakes, Father Christmases and a Rudolf. I went for 'Salvador Dali goes to the Arctic' as my theme, with some after-thought embroidery with silver thread.
Afterwards, we were given a 3-D foam shape to felt a bird to whatever colours we felt appropriate. Therefore, meet Arnold the Christmas Dipper, who has sequined eyes, but I couldn't get the light to catch, so you'll just have to imagine. As you can see however, Arnold is a little partial to the 'old sauce' and hangs at a rather, umm, cheeky angle.
And just so's you know how Arnold is done- it was ridiculously easy, and as Lizzie says in comments, is started by roughly needle felting your wool tops all over the foam. The tops need to be only lightly held in to the foam. And be careful not to stick your needle through the foam with such force it goes out the other side and in to your thumb. Then you totally drown the thing in liquid olive oil soap, and start rubbing all over. Rub and rub and rub, adding more soap if necessary. Slowly, slowly it all begins to tighten and thicken and felt. Then you can start to shape the bird more- I pushed up the tail to a dipper like angle, and added some more colour with needles and tops, then felted again with more soap, and so on and so forth. When satisfied, wash thoroughly under the tap and leave to dry. Add a face and any other embellishment.
It was great fun. Would love to have another go.
Posted by scumkitten at 02:41 PM | Comments (4)
December 29, 2007
Bless: from Heartfelt
I only knit one Christmas present a year, the recipient changing each time. This year was the turn of DJ Mikey's cousin, a fourteen year old dancer. I knitted the 'Bless' shrug from Kim Hargreave's 'Heartfelt'. It only used three balls of Rowan Biggy Print and took an evening in total. I particularly like the pico edging, which gives it a lovely finish and shape. It's for wearing in between dances or dance practice, when she might get cold.
Posted by scumkitten at 09:41 AM | Comments (2)
December 23, 2007
One sock down
I just grafted the toe of the first Pomatomus. It is too dark to take pics tonight, but tomorrow I hope to document this marvellous sock. The yarn is perfect, the pattern is perfect, the size is perfect. I love it. Perhaps I will manage the second one before I go back to work on 2 January 2008.......
Posted by glittrgirl at 07:52 PM | Comments (1)
December 17, 2007
Barca yarn
I bought lovely lovely yarn from La Barca Lana in the Born.
Here you see some lofty green stuff, of chunky weight (9mm or 10mm needles apparently) - I bought two skeins, even though the lovely lady said I would only need one for a scarf. The other is some gorgeous soy silk in a beautiful oily bluey grey. Again two skeins, and no idea what it wants to be yet. Both yarns are Yanabey yarns, which you might think are for weaving, but I was assured that they knit up beautifully. There was a lot I could have bought in that shop. In fact I could have brought the the whole shop home.
Posted by glittrgirl at 11:25 AM | Comments (0)
November 27, 2007
I have FOs. I have no pics.
I had an idea. Maybe the post a day thing might be easier if there was no pressure to have a pic-a-post.
So for a few days I have been writing about my knitting without posting pics.
Interesting.
Not taking a pic has made me write more. And hopefully more descriptively. I did have a comment a couple of days ago when I was entrenched in cabling, that I had written the 'best blog post ever'.....
High praise indeed. Probably not entirely deserved, but made me think.
So.
I have taken pictures of the Gretel and the Hideous Pink Thing. But I am not going to post them. I am going to wait. Perhaps my photography will get better with the luxury of reflection.
Let's see.
Oh.
And I frogged a few more rows of the f***ing fair isle f***ing skulls. GAH!
Posted by glittrgirl at 10:06 PM | Comments (1)
November 26, 2007
Mojo - mo, no
So, yesterday I was on a knitting roll. I finished the Gretel hat and it's blocking quietly round one of my dinner plates. I made it a pompom to finish it of tam stylee, but I will wait until it's dried until I make up my mind.
Then I moved on to the pink eyelash thing. Why is it when you are knitting a pattern and a yarn you like, time speeds up, and when it is something you are less keen on, which engages the brain hardly a jot, that time seems to s l o w r i g h t d o w n........
Anyway that's done too. And I have frogged the fair isle skulls. Again.
Never have I had so much trouble getting a pattern to fit - I have ceased worrying about getting gauge, since it seems to be impossible, and am concerned simply that the damned thing will actually go on somebody's head who isn't either deformed or aged three.
By moving up to aran weight yarn and 3.75mm dpns (my fourth attempt) I am keeping my fingers crossed this time that it may fit an adult male.
So from three rows of skulls, I am back to one row of skulls.
Sigh.
Posted by glittrgirl at 10:12 PM | Comments (0)
November 25, 2007
Acrylic eyelash novelty yarn
Sometimes, even a yarn snob like me has to succumb to knitting bubblegum pink acrylic eyelash novelty yarn.
I knitted this for my cousin's daughter, way back when. Poor lass lost the scarf recently and was, apparently inconsolable. She is 7 now. So, dutiful almost-aunty that I am, I agreed to knit another one. It had to be as near the same as I could possibly get it. Even down to the aching fingers and shiny red fingertips that result from knitting this darned petroyarn stuff.
I hate it. And yet I will complete it (even having knitted one ball and my mother frogging and reknitting the whole ball on my behalf, on bigger needles with fewer stitches, to make it go faster and take less yarn - gottaluvvamutha!!!!!). I just hope this second one lasts her as long.....
Posted by glittrgirl at 11:40 PM | Comments (2)
November 24, 2007
Obsession
Cables.
They are obsessing me right now.
I saw knitmonkey's knitted up version of Ysolda's Gretel pattern, and knew right way I had to have one. I bought the pattern, found a skein of wool I had wound a few days ago from some discontinued Rowan Magpie in a grey tweed colour from my stash, spookily similar to the colour knitmonkey herself used, and sorted out a short circ of the Knitpicks Options variety.
I am halfway through this hat, and I can't stop. I want to see the stitches travelling along the crown of the hat, I want to watch as the cables slowly intertwine, move off, and circle around their next neighbour.
I love knitting cables. They are so much simpler that they look, and yet people think that you are such a clever knitter when you practice them. Mistakes are easy to see and fix - what looks natural is actualy quite geometrically constructed.
I suspect I may stay up tonight until the Gretel is complete and I have placed it on my head to twirl, by candlelight, in front of my mirror, admiring my handiwork and yearning for it to be cold enough to wear the thing in the morning.
Ysolda makes lovely patterns and is far too talented for one so young and pretty. But I thank her for making a pattern that has my fingers aching, and my mind whirling, out of sheer desperation to finish.
When my knitting mojo hits me like this, I feel invincible. Unstoppable. I revel in my dogged determination to master technique (not something my personality type or learning style usually supports) in order to fabricate my heart's desire at any given knitting time.
I am knitter. Watch me rule!
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:48 PM | Comments (6)
November 20, 2007
I've got to ask...
My dear Glittr, looking at the Knitting Scout badges shown at the bottom of the page, I'd agree and own up to all of those, except for:
I must know...
What medical injury did you receive that required attention from a Dr or nurse? A metal dpn puncture wound? RSI? What?
I'm agog.
Posted by scumkitten at 09:28 PM | Comments (1)
November 04, 2007
Woolly buns
Today's post is a contribution from a work colleague in Dundee. Thanks to George Bell for this photo. I have no idea where it was taken, or what the shop was, or what George was doing there, or even if it his photo! But it is great. Ladles and gentlespoons I present... woollybuns.
Posted by glittrgirl at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)
October 13, 2007
SP9 reveal
My Sp from Knitty round 9 as adriennec! Thanks so much for spoiling me - I have some lovely new yarns to play with, and this last parcel was marvellous!
A fantastic pair of socks in a lovely petroly blue colour, they fit perfectly. I love getting socks! Plus three 100g skeins of Louet Euroflax Originals, thats 810 yards, in Sage. A beautiful oily dark green that reminds me of the colour of the north sea on a dull day. Simply gorgeous. Thanks adriennec! You have been a great SP.
Posted by glittrgirl at 02:24 PM | Comments (1)
October 08, 2007
WIP: Mountain stream scarf
My current SP in the knitty round 9 sent me this delightful Mountain Stream Scarf pattern, by Susan Lawrence, together with ball of Rowan Kidsilk Haze in white, which is all it takes to knit it! The construction is based on the Orenburg lace construction technique, which I have not tried before, and I have to say I really like it. The pattern is knitting up quickly on my 4mm ebony straights from Pavi Yarns.
Posted by glittrgirl at 03:02 PM | Comments (0)
September 24, 2007
Knitting, or nothing
Yes I made the pattern up myself
Anyway, I thought this was crying out to be a stripey scarf, and so in order to make sure it was going to be long enough I bought an extra skein of each yarn.
I will write the pattern up in full once I am finished the scarf.
In the meantime....
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:35 PM | Comments (2)
September 08, 2007
Knitted Rabbit does Washington DC
You may remember the Noro Rabbit I knitted for my pal a few years ago- well, he has taken the chance of a lifetime and hitched a ride in Helen's suitcase over to the US to live the life of riley. Helen has caught a few of the rabbit's hobbies on camera... (click on thumbnails for full rabbit-vision). Firstly, an iconic shot of rabbit about to attempt something not usually recommended to Noro animals- diving.
Sunbathing- do knitted rabbits need sun protection? There's an existential question. Playing the baby grand- I love the fact he has t o sit on books. Did I ever tell you about the time my piano teacher's slippers caught on fire because he was standing too close to the grate in his living room? Buy me a drink one day and I will- it's funny. It put me off playing the piano as well.
There are other photos, but I'll keep it at that for now. We don't want rabbit over-exposure really, do we? What's that you're saying? Ah, yes, I guess the sunbathing one IS a little on the nude side. Well, it could be worse, he could be wearing a thong. Anyway, I don't have a problem with nude rabbits.
Further adventures at Dr Spacebunny's Flickr.
But Helen, if you read this, these are brilliant. They have lightened up apretty crappy week. I'm going to print the pool one off and stick it up at work. Miss you, honey.
Posted by scumkitten at 08:07 AM | Comments (2)
August 25, 2007
Knitty SP9 parcel number 2
Thank you so much to my SP for the great package which arrived this morning. I love everything!
Posted by glittrgirl at 11:25 AM | Comments (0)
August 17, 2007
Arisaig - PROGRESS!
OK my arisaig has been sitting in a pile of bits for a LONG time. Last night I decided to take the plunge and sew her up. The reason I have been procrastinating over doing that is because I was scared shitless that the damned thing wouldn't fit. And after all the effort of knitting three ply baby alpaca and silk I just could not face the prospect of it being too small. Jealously, selfishly, I wanted this cardie for myself, and my usual fall back position of 'well if it doesn't fit me it will fit somebody' just was not (in this particular cardie's case) at all tenable. THIS IS MINE!
Anyway, I did sew it up, I adjusted my tailor's dummy to my measurements, and tentatively placed said garment round Tallulah's shoulders.....
Arisaig, not quite finished
Posted by glittrgirl at 07:26 AM | Comments (24)
August 09, 2007
My mam made me socks
Thanks Mam!
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:20 PM | Comments (1)
July 25, 2007
Knitty SP9 parcel no. 1
Thanks to my SP in the Knitty round 9 of Secret Pal. A lovely Blythe card, a skein of Fleece Artist Hand Dyed Seawool, some choccie with dried blueberries and an Addi lace needle - been dying to try one of these! All wrapped up in lovely turquoise tissue paper.
Posted by glittrgirl at 07:52 PM | Comments (0)
July 11, 2007
WIPs
Being off work with backache for two days, means lots of sitting or lying about not doing very much, which means knitting has been taking place.
Here we have a Garter-check cushion from sarah Dallas Knitting, in Rosso and Flame Rowan Handknit Cotton DK, the Colinette Mulberry Stole, in Jaeger Silk, and Kid Silk Haze, gorgeous bluey pewtery grey colours, and last but not least, Wendy Bernard's Somewhat Cowl, in Wensleydale Longwool, a rich dark aubergine colour. Flitty flighty between one thing and another....
Posted by glittrgirl at 06:33 PM | Comments (1)
June 29, 2007
Are these not the maddest needles you have seen?
The Sibling brought these amazing knitting needles by missneedles.com back from Whitby Gothic Weekend for me. They are the maddest needles I possess. See the little syringes full of glitter?? Mad. Bonkers. But they make me smile!
I couldn't find any more on the website, but that is definitely the label on my needles. Try emailing and asking them about them. And thanks to The Sibling for presenting them to me!
Posted by glittrgirl at 11:39 AM | Comments (5)
June 27, 2007
So, there is a distinct lack of knitting on here
Here's Disco Duckie to look at in lieu of knitting
Posted by glittrgirl at 10:41 AM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2007
Top 10 geekiest knits...
The Threadbanger has the 'top 10 geekiest knits'(/crochets, if I'm honest!) up for your delectation, including (see below) a cute little katamari keyring, our very own Knitty space invader socks, a knitted darlek and police box, tv's, nintendos, yoda hats for babies, robot arms, mobius scarves...
Satisfy your inner geek (I do believe that knitters are serious geeks at heart, however many tattoos and nose rings, or indeed, blue rinses, they may possess)- although they haven't included my favourite (being a geneticist)- the DNA scarf....
P.s. can I just add- how great was the Dr Who episode 'Blink'? Especially the end 30 seconds. That must of really put the wind up Britain's kids... don't take your eyes of ANY statue ;)
Posted by scumkitten at 01:26 PM | Comments (1)
June 08, 2007
I've been gone for so long, you probably don't remember who I am... oh well.... LOOK CUPCAKES!
Sorry it's been so long. Obviously with Glittr around it hasn't been all bad :#
I've been atravelling. And getting stressed over interviews. Then over getting the job. Then being ill, with food poisoning, colds, then my immune system going crap on me again (it happens from time to time- it will adjust again, I'm sure), then on holiday to France for rubbish weather and much wine and duck pate...
I have been knitting, honest, but I am as slow as a snail on valium.
However, I did come across these: three of my favourite things in one: cupcakes, marzipan and knitting, made by a lovely person for their knitting friend....
Aren't they darling? I couldn't eat them, they are too fab. OK, that's not true. She even provides a tutorial, which is lovely of her...
Photo and tutorial on how to make from VeganYumYum
Posted by scumkitten at 02:17 PM | Comments (1)
May 29, 2007
Rainycloud and rainydrop babies pattern
Rainycloud by Mochimochi
Posted by glittrgirl at 11:31 AM | Comments (0)
May 16, 2007
Rowan mag 41: Dandelion
I need help. I have knitted Dandelion, the nice cardie on the front of Rowan mag 41. The embroidery is causing me a degree of frustration. There is a chart for each of the stitches used to decorate the neckline, but no overall chart of the design executed in the photo. I would like to get a better idea of what they have done, since I have tried a couple of combinations to no avail. Though I am quite proud of the chain stitch round the neck. I have posted to the Knitty boards and to the Rowan forum, but so far have no help. Can anyone else help me? Please?
Posted by glittrgirl at 02:39 PM | Comments (3)
May 05, 2007
My Knitty SP8 pal was - Nell Nell!
This morning I collected my final parcel in the Knitty SP8 round, and what a generous parcel it was! Thanks so much to Nell Nell for being a fabulous SP. This parcel was the biggest of the bunch, containing 10 50g balls of beautiful aran weight Hebridean yarn, unbleached and undyed, in a marvellous dark, rich chocolately brown. There was a detailed explanation of where the fleeces had come from - a small herd of well loved sheep who Nell Nell knows. Plus a contrasting ball of Debbie Bliss Donegal Tweed in a delightful acid lichen green - one of my favourite shades of green! I think this jamboree of aran weight will become a jacket. My generous friend had also made me three handmade cards, which I was, frankly, gobsmacked at. I will probably never send them - they are too nice! I want to keep them for me! Thank you so much to Nell Nell for all of my parcels. I have really enjoyed this round, thanks to your thoughtful gifts. Feast your eyes on this dear reader......
Posted by glittrgirl at 07:02 PM | Comments (1)
April 23, 2007
Recycle old flip flops into cool knitted espadrilles
These are so cool!
Posted by glittrgirl at 10:23 AM | Comments (0)
April 12, 2007
Ladies and gentleman- dolls and knitting
After hours of considering work and stuff of equal boredom (I have an interview on monday and a presentation to work on), I decided to give myself a break and FINALLY put some pictures up that have been sitting in my camera for a while. You see, I have been busy. And it means I can't do things that give me pleasure, like playing with my girls and knitting.
On the other hand, I have also been busy doing things I DO like, such as wandering the Cornish countryside with Glittr...
But I have some introducing to do.
I have a new girl! She's been with me for a while and hasn't been debutanted (is that a word?!). This is Greer and we haven't yet established her last name, as she doesn't speak english. She smokes a lot and has a penchant for pickled herring. I think she is Swedish, but I'm not entirely sure. I haven't managed to get her to sign on the dotted line to join the band of Knitted Terrorists, but I think she has it in her... in fact, I have a feeling the girls already know who she is, as I saw her handing a brown paper package to Leon when she first arrived.
Secondly, we have Reenie in an outfit specially designed for her by the incomparable Heylittlegirl, as won as second prize for a raffle. She is just so... orange. And it suits her so well. Butter wouldn't melt. She'd still stab you though, if you gave her the chance. I wouldn't trust her an inch.
I also have some begging for forgiveness to do to my Secret Pal from last year, Lisa- she made me some perfect knitted outfits for the girls and it has literally taken me this long to photo. They have been wearing them however.. Franke won't take off the green knitted bodice shown here. It suits her, no?
Leon is modelling one of Yokokonda's cute as a button belted dresses too. Very Austin Powers, I think.
And finally, Mattie in a quite hysterical poncho from Lisa. Hysterical because I still can't believe she knitted such a thing. I want one myself! It is beautiful. Thank you, Lisa. You are talented, even at such a small scale.
There are still other knitted items to photo too...a mini shawl and a skirt. But unfortunately Mike's Mila was just a little too shiny in the photo for me to be happy in showing it. I need to re-take. V-Smashes are lovely, but I wish I had some Mr Super Clear Matt on me. She calls out to be matt, but with freckles intact.
Posted by scumkitten at 08:32 PM | Comments (1)
March 03, 2007
Tilli Thomas Disco Lights
I was so taken with Glittr's Tilli Thomas Discolights scarf made from gifted yarn that I contacted Stash (the only place in the UK to stock this) and asked, ney, BEGGED them to send me some. They were sweethearts (they don't do mail order) and took pity on my lonely Cornish yarn-light status. As a result I got a skein of Sapphire (shown here, a discontinued colour) and moss, the same colour as Glittr. It was expensive: but worth it, I think. This scarf is not as long as Glittr's, as I wished to keep some to make into a purse. The scarf has been sent to its rightful owner as a birthday present. The whole thing was a joy from start to finish (pattern (courtesy of Glittr), colour, knittability of yarn and finished item).
Posted by scumkitten at 11:22 AM | Comments (3)
February 27, 2007
Wooly Bullies
Trust Whipup to pick up on this. It's great- and about 9 minutes long. I wanted to 'whip' the bloke by the end of it, and not in a good or kinky way, either.
Posted by scumkitten at 10:59 AM | Comments (4)
February 17, 2007
B b b b biddy
Biddy, she's a wrong'un
Posted by scumkitten at 02:07 PM | Comments (4)
February 15, 2007
I made these for my SP8
I hope she likes them...
They are made from hand dyed alpaca/merino yarn from the Natural Dye Studio, are deliciously soft and warm, and with beautiful subtle natural colours. I love 'em. Hope she does too!
Luckily she has the same sized feet as me, which made making 'em a real pleasure! The pattern is a checkerboard one, from the same booklet that I made Vintage Roses socks from recently for Peri.
Posted by glittrgirl at 10:02 AM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2007
Knitty SP8 - Thank You!
I got my first parcel from my upstream Knitty SP8. I want to say a big Thank You to whomever you are. I love everything!
Here for your pictorial delectation is what I received....
In my parcel there was a cute little handmade bag lined with cloud patterned cotton - I am in fact a member of The Cloud Appreciation Society! - which will be perfect for transporting a small knitting project, or my knitting acoutrements around with me. Two pink chews - immediately snaffled. Some cute devil duckie piratical earrings. Yarnwise I got two skeins of licorice hemp, from hempforknitting.com, and two balls of RYC bamboo soft which really soft! One in hemp and one in gypsum. Gorgeous! I cannot stop petting them. Well done with your excellent choices!
Posted by glittrgirl at 07:29 PM | Comments (4)
February 13, 2007
Secret Satan Scarf
Secret Satan Scarf
Posted by scumkitten at 12:52 PM | Comments (2)
February 09, 2007
Knit One, Purr too
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:53 AM | Comments (0)
Benjamin Cho
Benjamin Cho
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
February 04, 2007
Wire beaded snakey thing
Silver wire and bead necklace, made from Rowan kit
This necklace shouldn't take too long..... I am trying so hard to finish projects and bust stash. But really, I want to play with the rest of my birthday haul!
Posted by glittrgirl at 04:09 PM | Comments (0)
January 29, 2007
Zara
Zara
Posted by scumkitten at 04:32 PM | Comments (2)
January 24, 2007
See Brenda on the Beeb!
She was on the news!
Posted by glittrgirl at 04:14 PM | Comments (1)
January 20, 2007
Knitting article on Radio 4 - listen again from the website
Saturday Live on Radio 4 had an interesting interview with knitter Daisy Godwin, which talked about the 'knitting hinterland' and her obsession with her stash. You can listen again from anywhere in the World by going to the website sometime over the next 7 days. It's an entertaining piece and worth your time.
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:09 AM | Comments (0)
January 14, 2007
Finally: SP gift
Beautiful silk scarf
I am truly a bad SP receiver. My SP Lisa was a joy and made me so happy with the thought and fun that went into every parcel she sent me- her last parcel just as much. Especially as it had this beautiful pink silk scarf in it, knitted just for me. I love getting knitted gifts. They just mean so much to me. I wear this a lot, which may be one reason why I haven't photo'd it before.
A close-up to show the gorgeous stitch used. Lisa, I can't remember what you said you had used... please feel free to re-enlighten me!
More photos to come, when the sun makes more of an appearance. We still have Blythe clothes!
Posted by scumkitten at 01:44 PM | Comments (1)
January 10, 2007
Birthday haul, encore
I got SO much stuff!!!
We have:
- 2 skeins Sublime kid mohair in a beautiful shade of blue, together with a lovely beret pattern for it
- 2 skeins Blue Sky Alpacas pure alpaca in a gorgeous shade of roast tomato
- 2 skeins Lorna's Laces sock yarn in a vibrant amethyst
- A book with a devil sheep on a background of hell flames - its graph paper, so handy for charts!
- 2 skeins Twilleys Freedom Spirit in shades of blue
- The book of Stuff On My Cat
- Some delightful hand made stitch markers
- A multifunctional incense burner (does single sticks, multi sticks, and cones - brilliant!)
- A silver rubber duck, who is wearing a set of beautiful hand made glass beads
- And I got a twinkly blue and turquoise diamonte pendant on a velvet ribbon (I'm wearing that)
As you can tell, I have been gifted a lot by fellow knitters...... from the two SnBs I go to, plus some stuff from Fee.
Thanks you all for your generosity. This is certainly the longest birthday I have ever had!
Edited to add: Sorry about the bac pic - I will take some close ups when the light is better at the weekend.
Edted again to add: OOOh there were chocoalte lollies too - scrummy, and all gone!
Posted by glittrgirl at 07:13 PM | Comments (1)
January 01, 2007
New year knitting
I got a skein of Tilli Thomas Disco Lights in Moss for my birthday. My thoughtful friends had included a suggested pattern for a skinny scarf. I am knitting said pattern - kind of a lace faux cable - giving a sturdy fabric which shows off the yarn's delightful qualities very effectively. Feast yer eyes on this....
Posted by glittrgirl at 12:51 PM | Comments (8)
December 28, 2006
Knit your own Mr Hankey, The Christmas Poo
Boing boing continues to stay at the forefront of knitting news, and directs us to an Etsy site where you can buy a pattern to knit your own Mr Hankey, the Christmas poo from South Park. Designed by the same talented Ansley Bleu who brought us the Princess Leia wig.
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:44 AM | Comments (0)
December 24, 2006
Look Google Doodle
Interesting theme.....
Posted by glittrgirl at 12:17 PM | Comments (0)
December 23, 2006
There IS a use for eyelash yarn
Furtree by Tamie at Roxycraft
Posted by glittrgirl at 08:38 AM | Comments (0)
December 18, 2006
Knitted Elvis wig pattern
Elvis wigs are cool
Posted by glittrgirl at 11:03 AM | Comments (1)
December 16, 2006
Knitted Christmas
Knitted Christmas, Lauren Porter
Posted by glittrgirl at 12:23 AM | Comments (0)
December 12, 2006
knitonthenet.com - a new online knitting magazine
I came across this new online knitting mag, www.knitonthenet.com whilst looking for something else, and thought I better draw your attention to it, in case you haven't seen it. Issue 1 is quite good I think, which some nice patterns. The festures include an article on the knitariver campaign, and UK alpaca. It's nice to see another UK based mag come on the scene. I hope it can keep up the quality and stay the distance. It seems to have sneaked on the scene quite quietly, but I am happy to see it there. What do you think?
Posted by glittrgirl at 10:13 AM | Comments (2)
December 08, 2006
Victoria and Albert, again.
"Conrad" Knitted Gloves, from Freddie Robbins
Posted by scumkitten at 09:30 AM | Comments (0)
December 06, 2006
What am I knitting? Progress pics....
Dark bluey grey slate coloured hemp left over from Danny. This is being fashioned into a 3x3 rib skinny scarf to wear with Danny. Progress on the Shetland Tea Shawl is good and I am much happier with the stitch definition since I frogged the whole thing and reknitted it. Lastly, a Kid Silk Haze Party Lace Scarf from the current Magknits, I had a ball of Liqueur, and some nice red glass beads, and its a nice relaxing knit with only two rows to remember. So that is what has been occupying my time on the settee as I sneeze and snuffle my way through a deadful cold. The pics are a little dark, but hey, it's winter in the UK and we don't get much sun at this time of year, so my front room and a daylight bulb are all I have.
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:58 PM | Comments (2)
Pledge progress
You might remember, dear reader, that I made a public pledge in July not to buy any more yarn. I thought you might be interested to know that I have stuck to said pledge from that day to this. Therefore yarn related gifts celebrating Yuletide will be very gratefully accepted......
Posted by glittrgirl at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)
November 27, 2006
2 steps forward. 3 steps back
I spent a goodly proportion of this weekend frogging (entirely) and reknitting the Shetland Tea Shawl. It took no time at all to frog it, but has taken some time to reknit.
Why did I put myself through this?
Well, far from being the slapdash happy-go-lucky knitter I sometimes portray myself as, I actually do have a streak which encourages me to think again if something isn't quite right.
And my shawl wasn't quite right.
I couldn't see the pattern at all, and even when I stretched it out (as it would look after blocking), it still wasn't quite right. So out it came. Much to the amusement of Greebo, who looked on, puzzled, and then decided it was a big game to run away with unravellings..... Much hilarity ensued, and both me and His Catness got a lot of exercise.
Now. I have to tell you that I like frogging large things. The simple act of the mindless destruction of something which you have slaved over for hours, is a very cleansing and humbling experience. I really like pulling out large tracts of knitting and carefully winding it back into a ball (cat interventions notwithstanding). Because I had knitted up to the third pattern section (and was well into it), actually reknitting on a larger needle was pretty speedy, and already I am back up to the second pattern section. A few hours tonight over a couple more episodes of Deadwood, and I should almost be back to where I decided that my shawl just wasn't quite right.
Hopefully this time it will be.
I aready feel much happier with the results.
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:41 AM | Comments (0)
November 22, 2006
Katamari Damacy Queen of All Cosmos earmuffs
Nikol Lohr's Katamari Damancy Queen of All Cosmos earmuffs
Posted by glittrgirl at 01:41 PM | Comments (1)
November 19, 2006
Tea shawl progress
As the Shetland Tea Shawl seems to be progressing at a rate of knots, I thought I would share progress with you. Baby alpaca loveliness in a marled blue green. I can't wait to see it finished, and this is a really good knit for those relatively new to lace knitting. I have almost done the second pattern section (Horseshoe) and soon to do the 6th increase row taking me to 574 stitches, and into the third pattern section (Diamond Madeira). For anyone with an early edition of A Gathering of Lace, please make sure you have got the pattern corrections - the third section of this shawl has corrections, and boy am I glad I downloaded the PDF and printed them out before I started!
Posted by glittrgirl at 11:35 AM | Comments (1)
November 14, 2006
Shetland Tea Shawl - the beginning
Shetlad Tea Shawl by Dale Long from A Gathering of Lace
Posted by glittrgirl at 03:15 PM | Comments (1)
October 16, 2006
Update and apologies
I have so much to blog. I have so many photos to upload. I have new hair pics, kitty pics oif massive cuteness, finished object pics - I am really pleased with how my Print O The Wave shawl turned out - it is absolutely huge. And weighty. And very beautiful. You should see it....
The reason you can't is that my laptop has died. Diagnosis: New motherboard.... so as soon as I get to a computer that I can use to upload pics, I will. And then you will see how busy I have been. And how lovely my knitting is. And how gorgeous the colours are in my hair. Until then, I will attempt to find more crap with which to amuse you. Let the crap commence......
Posted by glittrgirl at 01:38 PM | Comments (1)
October 09, 2006
Hope everything is going well....
There is a lovely lady whom I know as Scott, from the Knittyboard, who won a competition to move to Fair Isle off the coast of Scotland. Her family's story was previewed in this weeks Sunday Times... I know that Internet access there is not easy, but Angela, if you do see this, I hope that everything is working out for you and the family - I think of you often!
Posted by glittrgirl at 10:13 AM | Comments (2)
September 22, 2006
Jane Bolsover's knitted garden
English knitted garden
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:39 AM | Comments (2)
September 21, 2006
Successful swatching
I am not normally one to bother with swatching. I am a knitter who has neither tight nor slack tension, so I have never really seen the need to swatch, despite the pleas of all the knitting books and patterns I won. Pah - can't be bothered. That's my usual reaction to the instructions for gauge/tension. However, whilst in Italy recently, I was sitting with a couple of hours to kill, and I decided to swatch for Sadie from Rowan Knitting and Crochet Magazine no.40. For the first time I felt a sense of trepidation - would I have to make any adjustments to the recommended needle sizes?
Photo taken with mobile phone camera - a test
21st and 34 rows to 10cm measured over pattern on 4mm needles.
Check.
Check??
CHECK!
Perfect! Wow, I can start knitting it exactly as the pattern recommends. What a sense of achievement! The pic on hte left was taken with my new mobile phone in dim light, so apologies to you for the poor quality of the photo. I will use the usual camera in future I think.
Edited to add: I am using Rowan Wool Cotton in Inky. Which is black. Wool Cotton is delightful to knit with. Soft, cool, unsplitty. It fair flies off the needles. I think this cardie will knit up in no time. And it will provide a welcome project to swap between the never ending interminable edging for my Print o The Wave shawl which I have been knitting for months. Which is boring me to death. And no, I have not sewn Arisaig up yet. But I will. Sometime.
Posted by glittrgirl at 07:57 AM | Comments (1)
September 20, 2006
Knitimation - Do the brane
Ew.
Blew.
Acrylic.
Ack.
Cute knitted critters though....
Posted by glittrgirl at 10:50 PM | Comments (0)
The last knit by Laura Neuvonen
Yes I have gone youtube knitting crazy....... But boy is this worth going crazy over. Thanks to Craft:
Gotta love them Finns.......
Posted by glittrgirl at 10:42 PM | Comments (1)
September 19, 2006
Knit like a pirate, craft like a pirate
A free knitting pattern from the Webwench, with skulls, for your own Pirate Queen's Booty Bag.
Aye, mates, when our Jezebel ain't swabbin' the decks o' this site, her weapons o' choice be pointy sticks an' string. She recently designed this fine booty bag, and is offerin' it free fer the downloadin' to all fans o' Talk Like A Pirate Day.From www.talklikeapirate.com
And a list of piratical crafts fer all you gentlemen (and women) of fortune, including an arrrrrrgyle sock pattern with a skull on it, and a load of useful skully charts.
Posted by glittrgirl at 11:33 PM | Comments (0)
September 18, 2006
Sonic Youth - Titanium Expose
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:51 PM | Comments (0)
Steriogram - Walkie Talkie Man
Directed by Michel Gondry
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:35 PM | Comments (0)
Camille - Ta Douleur
Man, this is great. Thanks to Cast On for pointing us to this.
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:18 PM | Comments (0)
September 11, 2006
Knit like a pirate
It be Talk Like A Pirate Day in the not to distant. So be a gettin yerselves prepared and 'ave some piratical knittin' to be occupyin' yerselves with. http://knitlikeapirate.com/. Thank ye Robynn fer a pointin' us at that there linky.
Posted by glittrgirl at 07:51 AM | Comments (0)
September 10, 2006
Knit a Princess Leia wig
Princess Leia wig
Posted by glittrgirl at 10:35 AM | Comments (5)
September 07, 2006
SP goodies
I got my last SP7 package from my knittyboard SP. And what a goodie!
My SP revealed herself as Jesh, who is a marvellous knitter - have a look at her blog, there is some fantastic lace on there and lovely socks too.
Thanks Jesh for sending me such thoughtful gifts.
The parcel above contained:
- a huge bag os mega M&Ms (half gone)
- a funny book of sayings to sit on my desk at home
- a CD (not listened to it yet, but I will tonight)
- a 3.5mm 16" addi turbo circular needle (you can never have too many needles)
- a copy of Summer 2004 Interweave Knits, which has the most gorgeous shawl pattern in it, which means I might have to try to get hold of some Eoroflax Linen by some swapping means, as I am on a pledge
- a cute little ethnic bag with some ghirardelli dark chocolate squares in it (tasted - yummy)
- a skein of Handmaiden Seasilk.
Now then, allow me to indulge myself in telling you about this seasilk. It looks like the sea. It reminds me of swimming in Cornwall, with its deep, rich rockpooley colours in its tealy blue and grassy green colourway with oily greeny bluey turquoisey bits and vibrant cornflower blue. The colours are delightful.
It feels unlike anything else I have felt - the nearest thing is this purple silk which I got on Skye, except that the seasilk is lighter and loftier than the purple silk. It smells amazing too (I love the smell of silk). The rich skein feels cool at first touch, and it is lustrous and smooth. I simply cannot wait to start knitting with this stuff. 400 metres of goodness just dying to become something I can wear next to my skin, where the seacell can do its vitamin thing. You can read more about this intriguing yarn and its special properties. And then you will want some too.
Edited to add: I think it's the Nova Scotia colourway.
Posted by glittrgirl at 07:07 AM | Comments (1)
September 01, 2006
Doughnut patterns
Doknit, pattern by Matty Trewe
There is a no-hole jam doughnut, a mini-doughnut based on Matty Trewe's original, a gallery of knitted doughnuts, yarn that looks like doughnuts, and doughnut stitch markers. Phew. I feel a bit sick after all those doughnuts.....
Posted by glittrgirl at 01:26 PM | Comments (2)
August 29, 2006
What not to knit
Despite the recent demise of You Knit What?, the fug keeps coming. Those nice people over at What Not To Crochet have started a sister site creatively titled What Not To Knit. Keep on keeping on 'cos the fug ain't never gonna stop, baby (subjective though it is).
Posted by glittrgirl at 01:58 PM | Comments (2)
Knittage
I had a productive weekend really, no photos in this post but some coming soon, I promise. I thought I would report on knittage progress with some UFOs. And, I am pleased to say, that I am sticking to The Pledge with very little effort really. Mind you, the Secret Pal-age helps to stave off wool hunger and yarn lust.
Arisaig - all knitted up, and waiting to be seamed and blocked. Can't muster enough motivation to do it. I am convinced after all that knitting on tiny needles with three ply the damned thing will get seamed and, nightmare of nightmares, will be too small. The fear of that fitting is so bad it is stopping me seaming. One day.
Print O The Wave - the two main body pieces are done. Lacking gusto to join them and pick up the hundreds of stiches to complete it with the lace border. I will get this done though, see if I don't.
I had started a We Call Them Pirates hat to match DJ Mikey's socks. I have tried four times to get gauge. I failed four times. I got fed up. I froggged and threw the yarn in the ends basket in disgust. Project dead.
Tendrils - frogged. This yarn will now become a lovely jumper for me. The beads will be used elsewhere. I just wasn't happy with the shawl. The yarn was too think, it was more like a blanket, and the beads were too heavy. The finished thing would be the weight of a wet greatcoat. Besides I will get more use out of a jumper.
I am working on Danny in hemp at the moment, and am on the second sleeve.
What.
A.
Boring.
Knit.
But I think the FO will be nice so I am sticking with it.
Knittage report ends.
Posted by glittrgirl at 11:45 AM | Comments (0)
August 26, 2006
Knit a slice of pizza
Knitted pizza!
Posted by glittrgirl at 08:40 AM | Comments (2)
August 21, 2006
Stuffies
So I'm guessing that my downstream secret pal has guessed me by now. Anyways, she's getting these two fellas in her final parcel: two stuffies by Ysolda. Easy to knit and very disturbing. I used left-over yarn from the Curious Yarns Zombie Bear kit and needle felted the eyes and heart on to each. Have never needle felted before, but it worked well, I think. Reenie was sad to see them go. Mattie couldn't give a stuffie.
Posted by scumkitten at 09:03 PM | Comments (3)
August 14, 2006
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee-eeeeeeeee
Seekrit Pal strikes again! Parcel 2.5 arrived!
How lucky? As you can see, The Greeb was inquisitive to see what was under the tissue paper, once the box was opened. A ball of yarn and a CD, and another ball of yarn and two tubes of beads. I love beads, I love bead knitting. Once everything was removed there was a little scroll message, telling me that I am the very fortunate recipient of a wound ball of Trekking! And the colour is perfect for socks for me. Oh yes. And the wound jade laceweight is Zephyr. Now then, I have heard about these two yarns, and have been wondering just what they were like, and I can tell you that they are both very lovely indeed. I just started a hemp jumper last night, but I think the Trekking will be next, and I think it will be the toe up sock recipe posted to the Summer Knitty.
I love the Zephyr too, it is a gorgeous colour (wool silk mix I think, it is delightfully soft and strokable). The beads are both in shades of blue and one set will look superb as an edging trim on the neck and sleeves of the hemp jumper currently on the needles.
And once the box is empty, as you can see, Greebo takes possession. He likes boxes. In fact all boxes belong to the Greeboid one, and it is only a matter of time before they return to his domain, and he inspects them carefully. Then they disappear. I do not know where.
Many many thanks for starting my week off work perfectly SP!!!
Edited to add: I just re-read the scroll, and my SP dyed the Zephyr herself! Wow! Thanks!
Posted by glittrgirl at 09:09 AM | Comments (3)
