Bikinis and cardigans

I've continued on with my knitting and am definitely getting better and quicker and of course making lots of mistakes and learning as I go.

On a whim I decided I wanted a long, squish cardy and I had some gorgeous raspberry coloured wool/bamboo yarn that needed to be knit.

So began the 'bikini Cardy'.

Although the idea of a big cardy and a tiny bikini doesn't necessarily make much sense the cardigan pattern did, so I took the plunge (sorry for the pun). I only had about 3/4's of the amount of yarn that the pattern called for so I was never going to make it as long as the pattern.

Done. Well sort of, it still needs buttons but I've worn it several times without them. Fortunately, although it is summer and today is 40 degrees Celsius, I have had cause to wear it several times lately as we've had a few cold snaps.

As soon as the Bikini Cardy was off the needles I started my first ever sock. Since this pic I have turned the heal but I've stalled, becoming distracted with the next project. 

A coat/cardy, the 'Moonshine Cardy' which I'm knitting with Bendigo Woollen Mills 'Stellar' 50/50 wool/bamboo. 

So you don't think I've completely gone over to the yarny dark side - the last few weeks of 2014 saw me itching to sew but I was reluctant to start something new. Well, I wasn't reluctant, I really wanted to start something new but I decided to be sensible and try and get some things finished.

So the 'Swoon' quilt saw the light of day. I completed the block on the bottom left and have since done another and cut two more.

In order to keep myselve on track with my sewing and maybe, just maybe get through some UFO's and be a finisher rather than a starter with a nasty case of Startitis, I thought I'd set myself a challenge in 2015.

More to come...

Abbe

When you ail, knit.

Last weekend I came down with a yucky cold. I haven't felt that awful for a long time.

I figured some quiet knitting time would heal me.

Turns out it was a good decision as I got worse and spent two days in bed.

Bendigo Woollen Mills 'Luxury' in Ruby

Look! I've made a very cropped sleeveless cardy which will eventually (hopefully not too far away) become a long, long-sleeved cardy.

I'm making Harvest by Tin Can Knits and I'm loving it.

There was a fair bit of frustration until I got the hang on the raglan increases but considering a week and a half ago I didn't really know what a raglan increase was....I'm stoked.

My arms were getting a little tired as the Harvest cardy is getting a little heavy so I decided to give up on my 'one project at a time' (foolish) dream.

Yarn: Bendigo Woollen Mills 'Stellar' Wool/Bamboo

This is a non mystery knit along (KAL), designed by Georgie Hallam of tikki knits.

I awaiting the next 'clue' so I thought I'd cast on another in the meantime. There's a few babies to be born at the end of winter and I feel like small knits allow me to get a feel of what I like to do/knit while getting a handmade gift at the same time. 

Bendigo Woollen Mills 'Cameo' - Discontinued Wool/Angora

BWM - Luxury...seeing a theme here?

I haven't done too much more crochet, I guess my hands have been busy.

I think he likes his blanket already.

BWM 100% Cotton

Harvey's hasn't got much bigger yet either. Definitely a slow burn project.

One should always have a helper when you are trying to take blog pics.

Foxy Baby Mills - in Lachy

Because it's so helpful when they pull the computer cord out, tug the crochet off the table, try and unzip the craft bag....Lucky he's cute!

Wishing you all a Happy Easter and that no matter what you celebrate, you have some chocolate!!

Abbe

Knit wit

With some help from Narioka's lovely mum Helen, and some advice along the way from my Aunty Pam, I managed to knit my first jumper.

It's Bendigo Woollen Mills 4Ply 100% cotton. I only did the striped on the front as I didn't want the stress of trying to match up stripes. It seemed to get the tick of approval.

I'm trying (really trying) not to start too many knitty or crochet things. It appears that such Startitis is as common for knitters and crocheters as it is patchworkers but I thought I could aim to be better behaved in one area of my crafting.

Since I finished my first crochet blanket and Lachy's jumper, I figured I could start a new one.  

Since I'm making Harvey a Granny Stripe blanket, I thought I would make Lachy a Giant Granny Square. This is made from Bendigo Woollen Mills 'Luxury' 100% Wool.

Can you see that I'm a fan of Bendigo Woollen Mills?

I sometimes have to go to Bendigo and since the knitting passion has flared, it's a necessary stop.

Time to do a few more rows....

Abbe

And so it grows

My stash that is.

I couldn't resist this 'Wee Wander' fabric by Sarah Jane Studios.

I bought it online from Fabricworm.

It's so pretty but I've no idea what I'm going to do with it.

Over the last weekend I loaded the boys into the car and ventured north'ish to see my buddy.

She lives in a one horse town. I saw the horse, her name is Barbie. She isn't pink.

Among corralling the children, discussing and fixing the wrongs of the world and eating chocolate, we went on an adventure to Boort.

Where I bought some fabric in Boort.

The shop is called Brojayla Patches. They are only open Tues and Wed or by appointment. Fortunately we were able to get an appointment and Michelle kindly opened the store so she could help us spend our pocket money. 

The plan is to save my pocket money from now on.

I stopped at Bendigo Woollen Mills on my way to visit Jules and spent some more pocket money.

I have lots of quilty and now knitty projects planned with my haul so I can't really justify many more buys.

I wonder if I can stick to a stash diet....?

And those boys?

Cheeky as ever!! 

Abbe x

I have become learned

I've completed the four week crochet class.

I'm loving my new skills.

I've started a granny stripe blanket for Harvey. 

This is Bendigo Woollen Mills 8Ply Cotton.

He keeps asking if I've finished yet...not quite.

This one is a little something that began in error but has turned into a very pretty design.

I'll show you when it's been gifted later in the year as it's for a baby-to-be. 

Of course Harvey had to have a turn.

Can't fault his enthusiasm.... 

Abbe

Milling Around

Today I dragged my boys to Bendigo to visit the Bendigo Woollen Mills and Spotlight for a bit of shopping for the stash.

I might have gone a little crazy. 

The woman in the shop was very patient with me and my complete lack of knitting knowledge. 

Actually, her customer service was excellent.

I told her if my knitting fails I'll have a lovely pile of pretty wooly (cotton) balls to display in a nice bowl.

At Spotty, I picked up a couple of patterns.

The Kwik Sew is a cute maternity dress, hopefully I can nut it out and if I like it I'll make a few for summer.

The New Look will be for after baby. I'll be a clothing sewing whiz by then and have lots of spare time with two under two.........

Stop laughing.

I'm also hanging to try sewing with knits so bought this cool black and grey stripe.

We'll see what happens. 

And the kiddo, he got some cars.

Those chairs in the hall?

They are blocking the bathroom and toilet doors to stop him getting in but sadly he's already worked out the barricades :( 

Oh, and that face, that is totally a poo-face.

I should save that for his 21st.

Bwhahahaha

Ab x