Glen Isla {Test Knit}

As the weather starts to cool here in Australia we start to see the designers from Oz crank out the patterns.

I love nothing more than test knitting for Tikki and when she said she was after test knitters I again stuck my knitting needles high in the air.

This yarn has been in stash for some time.  It is an Evoke Hand Dyed Yarn which I purchased in Brisbane close to five years ago.  After the most recent of moves and the limited storage that I have here I am making a real effort to use what I have in stash before buying anything else new.

This beanie was meant to be for me.  What do you think the chances of getting it back are?

Pattern : Glen Isla by Tikki
Yarn :   Evoke Hand Dyed Yarns: Four Bags Full Merino (8ply)  Earth Mother
             Biggan Designs (8ply) Magenta for the brim
Needles :  3.5  and 4mm

 

{Somewhere Over the Rainbow}

It's been a while since I have had a finished knit off of the needles. 

This was on the needles for three months and I am in love with it. 

The pattern is by Julia Stanfield (aka Just One WIP) and is called Western Hills - The Blanket and what's better, it is free. 

This is the second time I have knitted this blanket and it is quickly becoming my go-to baby gift at the moment.  It takes a little longer to finish, but the end result is worth it.  There have also been requests for one in an adult sized one, I somehow don't think that it will be on a set of knees for this winter but is certainly something to aim towards. 

The yarn in this one was a hand dyed pack that I purchased 2 years ago by Red Ridinghood Yarns, the colours are amazing. I'm currently attempting to knit from my stash, so the only thing purchased was the white from Bendigo Woollen Mills.

 

There are more knits on the needles at the moment as it has cooled down somewhat and again I remind myself that I should be more organised, mybe next year.
 
What is on your needles at the moment?
Have you been doing anything crafty?

Lacey and Grey

I had huge plans of being organised in the gift giving department this year.  It may have helped if I was on top of things at the start of the year.

In October I gifted my Mum a ball of yarn for her birthday. She unwrapped it and gave it back to me for it to be knitted up (tell me that I am not the only knitter that has done this?)

So, the yarn has finally been knitted into a beanie for her.  I have another ball of this luscious yarn that will become a cowl for her. The yarn is soft and cuddly and I think that my neck and head are in need of a little of this as well.

It has finally cooled down here.  We have been very lucky to have a beautiful Autumn and it almost feels like we have skipped a season (which is a little sad, Autumn would have to be my favourite season, especially when we have a southern posting)

I have huge plans for winter and covering my family in knits.  I know that I am dreaming and that I will not get half of it done. But I am going to try and have at least on wearable item and one accessory each.

Are your needles and hook busy preparing for winter?
What is your favourite season?

A Knitted Unicorn

 

 

 

Just before Christmas I received a message from a friend to see if I could knit a little something for her daughter.  As soon as I saw the pattern I just knew that I had to knit it as it would suit her personality and character so well. 
If you follow me on Instagram (I'm mealyandi over there too) you would have seen the sneak peaks.
It was a fun knit and something that I would not have normally done.  I can not wait to see Jodi's professional photos of Miss D in her Unicorn Beanie.
Do you craft out of your comfort zone?  Try it, you might be surprised.
I think that I may be knitting this again for a certain little girl that lives here.  She has plans in the making for next years Halloween costume I think.

Joining in with My Creative Spaces

A trade of skills

You all know how I love knitting.  And if you have been around here for a while you will know of my dislike in sewing anything with a zip in it.

I know that it would just take practise and maybe even patience and I would be able to sew a garment with one it it (I have done it in the past) 

Whilst away in Canberra at SIT, I shared a room with Anna.  She pulled out a skein of wool from her bag that she had bought at Handmade Shop.

It was then and there that we decided on a trade of services.  I like these types of swaps.  I get to do something I love and in return give it to someone who has not got the skills to achieve it themselves.  In return of a little knitted goodness I handed over some material and in return now have a beautiful Anna made Polly Pratt *Wendy dress to add to my red one in the wardrobe.

Anna's cowl can be worn a few different ways.

Twisted and Buttoned up

Crossed over at the front

Buttoned up and allowed to hang and create a V shape at the front

or... If you are feeling really cold, wrap it around your neck.

Anna, I hope that you get lots of wear out of this and that it helps to keep you warm on your way to and from the studio.

 *now to wait until the weather warms up so I can put it on and take a photo of it.

My Creative Space {Finished}

The fluffiness that was last week is off the needles.  Wrapped, delivered and received at it's destination awaiting the arrival of the big day to be worn on the shoulders of the to be bride.

There has been alot of stressing over the last week (hence the lack of blogging).  Will I get it finished, will she like it, will it arrive in time and will it fit.  Knitting is stressful to start with when making gifts but this project took it to a whole new level.  There have also been alot of late nights and lots of swearing in the name of our future Queen.

It is adorable.  I think it will look fantastic on and from all weather reports it is meant to be a chilly one in our nations capitol this weekend. I am looking forward to seeing photos of it on. 

I know you are all asking, Will I knit another?  Yes I will, I would love one for myself to wear to functions of which there will be a few next year when we move south.  Will I knit you one?  YES.  But at a price and not until next year.  I am now officially on holiday from anything fluffy and fuzzy.

Kate Middleton, you are stunning and I love your sense of style and elegance.  But your name is a swear word in this house at the moment.

All the details of the bolero can be found on Ravelry.And of course joining in over here.

My Creative Space {Knitting Dandelions}

I have been knitting this week.  It has been heads down and needles clicking knitting with something that resembles that of a Dandelion.

Fluffy and white and oh so fiddly.  One breathe of wind and it is gone {or in a knot}  Not something I can work on when my mind is not on the job or one I can take very far in fear of it getting dirty or worse, knotted up.

It is going to be divine when finished.  Just a shame it is not for me.

More Creative Spaces over here. 

Off the needles...

My creative space this week has been a busy one.

Knitting into the wee hours of the morning while I watch men in lycra ride around the sites and hills of France.

Off the needles is a beanie for a friend.  I recieved a picture and after searching for a pattern I descided to design it myself.  It had too much slouch first attempt - so this is attempt two. 

I will knit it again soon, a friend saw it yesterday and has asked for one too.

The second knit off of the needles is a beanie for my cousin.  You may recall this one that I knitted for her at the beginning of her Chemo treatement.  Well she lives in it and requested another in black and a little smaller.

All details can be found here and here.

On another note - all photos were taken  by myself and reminded me of a post that Kate did about taking product photos.  lets just say there were quiet a few close ups of ears, noses and eyes and lets not forget the toilet and the wall.

Time to catch up...

Still here.  Crafting is happening as are the daily happenings around the house.

Kate did a Catch Up post, so I thought that I would do something similar (thanks Kate for the idea)

Frogging: this cute little number and recast on tonight (rib is a pain in the ribs to pick up)

Laughing: at this little man.  I told him to hop in the shower and I would wash his hair.  This is what I found.  He though he was hilarious.

Attending: school to see this little miss rock her air guitar with confidence.

Licking: the spoon in the kitchen

 Cooking:  up a double batch of Pasta Sauce in the slow cooker

 Turning: 4 kgs of these into Rosella Jam

 Finishing and photographing knits (you will have to wait for the full reveal when I get around to blogging it)

Attempting to decide what skirt pattern to use to turn my Prints Charming fabrics into a skirt for this Skirt along.

 WOW - I have been busy - no wonder there has been no time for blogging

A Quick Gift...

Nothing like getting the felling of the love of knitting and the click,click of the needles that a quick project.
Cowl cry quick, simple and finished in a night.

A last minute gift for the little Miss’ teacher’s aide. I left it till the very end to start something for her (well I only found out on Monday that her birthday was Thursday - so not technically)

 I have noticed over the past few weeks that Angie is coming into school all rugged up, so I think that she is a cold frog and yes a cowl in QLD is not neccessary, but who can say no to a cute little neck warmer.

 Cast on at 8.30 and off the needles and tucked into bed just after midnight. I think I might have my knitjo back,  I have a few things on the needles, once those are off of the needles - watch out yarn stash:)  And Steph heads to market next weekend and has told me to get my needles happening. Grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy what others are getting up to in their creative spaces. 
For project details head over here.

This Week...

Joining in with Vic's not this week meme.

I am thinking that it is time to start some Easter things.  Having Amelia in school has really thrown me this year.  I have popped my name down to go in and help with a few crafts next week.

The first of the chocolate has been consumed in the house.  It must mean that I can have my first Creme Egg.  I was a little disappointed to see them on the counter on New Years Day and made an agreement with myself not to consume any until at least April (and April it is)

I am knitting a beanie and doing way too much thinking. You all know that knitting is not new to me, I can almost do it with my eyes closed while snoring.  But this particular knit is taking me on a journey.
It will be for my cousin.  With every stitch I think of times spent as little girls, of what it would be like if we lived closer to each other and our little ones were able to play around the clothes line with nothing but a tin of pegs.

Another stitch and the thought of what she is about to go through breaks my heart. Cancer; breast cancer; a family member, it is all a little too close to home.  She is being so strong and focused through all of this.  If you are the praying kind, please pray that she kicks cancers butt.  35 is too young. Please Please Please check your breasts ladies - mine have never been felt so much in two weeks in their life.

And I will NEVER make eye contact with a  street proformer again - I think that this story may require a seperate blog post though.

A Paris Pash...

Or maybe a Pash in Paris.

Who knows - this is almost on its way to Melbourne before setting off to Paris on the head of a friend about to jet set on holiday to France.  How envious am I,  at least I can say that I knitted her beanie and kept her head warm.

This is the second Pasha I have knitted - thinking that I will have to knit one for myself.  Now to decide what colour!  Any suggestions?

Blue Beach Top

Shop sample completed for American Yarns

A lovely quick little project or the upcoming cooler wether (we had a lovely warm day here yesterday and the sun is out again today - so Spring is just around the corner)

The yarn is Fibranatura Links.  I loved working with this yarn and if you are looking for a 10ply cotton for your Spring/Summer knitting that will not split - try this. It is 100% Organic Cotton, it's construction is amazing - it almost looks like an i-cord.

I will knit another of these for Amelia - she has requeted a pink one (we are going through a little phase at the moment)

Free Pattern at Lion Brand

Raveled