Filey

Finished in time for a New Year's Eve birthday. The pattern is called Filey and is from Rowan magazine no.45. Made with Rowan Summer Tweed and was not an enjoyable knit....hence why I took so long over it.

However I do like the textured detail on the back and I hope He (the fussy one) will like it too, and will wear it more than once or twice !
I might have to be patient for the cooler weather though to get that result.

Swallowtail Shawl

I believe I first cast on for this shawl in 2006, which is when I received the pattern in the Interweave Knits magazine. I used a cashmere handspun yarn that I purchased in the UK...Devon Fine Fibres.

After having knit through a third of it, I then packed it away in the window seat where I keep all my projects and stash of wool, and forgot about it for a few years !

The other day when I was looking for my husband's unfinished vest ( I had thought I might complete it for his birthday on New Years Eve), I came across the shawl and the rest of the cashmere and all it took was a couple of evenings and a good audio book (So Much For That by Lionel Shriver )

I am sorry I have been absent for so much of this year. Violin playing and music exams have taken over the hours in my days, but I still hope to pop back from time to time.
Seasons Greetings to you all !

Mitered Crosses Blanket

Here I am again...you thought I had disappeared into oblivion, didn't you ?

I am sorry about the infrequent posts, but I haven't been doing a lot of crafting type things lately, except for today when I finished this blanket.
The pattern is from Kay Gardiner www.masondixonknitting.com. and I bought  it on Ravelry last year, after the  quake/tsunami in Japan. Kay donated all the proceeds from the sale of the pattern to Mercy Corps relief work.

I used Noro Silk Garden and knitted on 4mm needles. It was a lot of fun, and I am keen to make another perhaps using some of my handspun this time, but first I am going to try and finish some of the other projects I have in various bags all over the house !

2nd week

A very Happy New Year to everyone.

Into the 2nd week of the new year tomorrow already, and the days go by, oh so fast !

Tomorrow I am off to Auckland for the annual ASQSS, and I am looking forward to a week of meeting up with old friends, lots of music, recitals, good food and some R and R.
There is going to be more rain, but that won't dampen my mood, not one little bit.

Whilst away I always carry some knitting, and this year I am taking some 2ply merino and a  cotton alpaca blend to make the Hakusa scarf by Kirsten Johnstone. I purchased the pattern on Ravelry and have cast on already and have knitted a few rows so I will be able to knit whilst catching up with friends, without having to stop and count stitches.

Have a great week and see you when I get back.