Knit, Inc

Goodbye

2011-09-24T15:01:00.000+01:00

(Picture taken from http://www.bestweekever.tv)

It's with a heavy heart that I announce I'm moving home. I'm going to try WordPress for a bit and see how it works out. I've been finding it increasingly difficult to work with Blogger over the last while, particularly with images. It's so slow adding images that magazine reviews in particular have been taking me days to do.

So, I hope you'll all change your blog reader links, and come visit me in my new home at http://knitinc.wordpress.com/!

Tweedy Goodness

2011-09-16T19:55:00.000+01:00

Tweed. Yum. I love tweed, especially when it's Irish yarn. Alice's Rossbeg is flying along, I cast off the body this evening. Here's the back:

And here's the front:

It's coming along great, isn't it? It fits Alice really well too. I'm delighted with it so far. Just the button bands and the sleeves to go!

Last Tuesday at knit night, one of the lovely ladies gave me this ball of Rowan Kid Silk Haze in a gorgeous shade of deep Aubergine purple:

It's a woegeous picture, it's really hard to photograph dark purple in the evening! But you get the idea. Now I have to think of something nice to knit with it! Wasn't it a lovely gift? Knitters are great. :)

Good knitting and have a great weekend!

Contemporary Irish Knits Review

2011-09-14T20:09:00.000+01:00

Here's a review of Carol Feller's fantastic new book, Contemporary Irish Knits. I'm excited to do this review, I'm a huge admirer of Carol's talent. Her designs are so beautiful, and are all in a fantastic range of sizes. This book was inspired by the three Irish mills left in operation and the yarns they produce. Her designs are all a modern take on what is considered traditional Irish knitting, lots of yummy cables. One of my other favourite things about this book is that if not all, then most of the patterns are seamless. I love seamless. Sewing is not my friend :)

All photos are ©Joseph Feller and are taken from the pattern pages on Ravelry. Joseph is a fantastic photographer, the book is peppered with beautiful pictures of the mills and the Irish countryside.

Carol starts with a section on the origin of Irish knitting, and moves on to fit and gauge with an interesting section on ease.

The first mill is Kerry Woollen Mills.There's some gorgeous shots of the outside & inside of the mill and a brief history too.

The first pattern in this section is Killorglin:

I love the cable pattern, it looks really snug and warm for the colder weather. The high collar and zipper would definitely keep out the cold wind!

The next pattern is a really gorgeous skirt, Tralee:

Isn't it gorgeous? So sexy and refined. I love it. Unfortunately, not one for me to knit, but this would look just amazing on a slimmer lady. I love the small details, such as knitting it on a tighter than normal gauge so as to prevent the dreaded "butt sag" and the cables hidden in the vents at the sides of the skirt. So clever and sophisticated.

The next pattern is Listowel:

Such an adorable little bolero. This would look really pretty over a cute dress. Alice wants one for Christmas.

Next is Caherciveen:

This is a really great pattern for boys. It's hard to find patterns for older boys, most patterns seem to stop once they hit 2 or 3. As if they wouldn't wear handknits. This looks perfect for the rough and tumble of Autumn! There's a great hood on the back too.

The next section is based on yarns from Cushendale Woollen Mills. I adore Cushendale yarn, really reasonably priced and so lovely to knit with. This is my favourite section of the book. Again there's some lovely photos and a description of the mill and the yarns it produces.
The first pattern is Knockmore:

A really great mens sweater. I love the saddle shoulders and the way the stitch pattern runs all the way down the arm. I'd love to knit this for hubby. This could be his Christmas Sweater...

The next pattern is Ballyragget:

A really lovely twisted stitch hat. I love hats, so comfy and warm on cold mornings! Another definite make for me.

On we go to Dangan:

Isn't this gorgeous? I love it. It's a square blanket/shawl with a really lovely and effective feather and fan edging. So lovely. And I have the exact yarn in my stash! Begging to be knit!

This design is Belville:

This sweater is fab. Slipped stitches make the colourwork pattern which is so effective, but it's the little details I love such as the folded under hem and cuffs to make it look really neat. Just gorgeous.

Another lovely boys sweater, Ballinagree:

You'd know Carol has four boys, her boys designs are really lovely and wearable! This looks really warm and snug, and would look really smart on a little boy. The collar is really cool, but I'm not 100% sure I'd make this, there's an awful lot of reverse stockinette! If I did make it, I think I'd end up knitting it inside out so I could knit instead of purl!

The next pattern is Kilnamanagh:

Such a cute bag! I've never felted before (except by accident) so this could be a good first attempt. I'd knit this to match the purple sweater above, but then I like to be matchy matchy sometimes.

On to Donegal Yarns, best known for their fabulous tweed yarn. More lovely pictures of the mill and surrounds, with a description of the mill.

The first pattern is a star guest, Killybegs:

This pattern is beyond clever. There is no shaping, the honeycomb cable pattern does it all for you! It's such a flattering silhouette, I'm dying to make this.

It also comes with a matching beret, Bundoran:

Really cute and cheeky beret. Very dapper!

This pattern has got a lot of folks talking, Ardara:

This truly is an amazing garment. It would take a lot of commitment to knit it, but it's something that you'd wear all the time. It would be so lovely with jeans as pictured, but I think it would also look really smart over a blouse & work trousers. The colour of the yarn is just divine, too. I adore the cables in this cardigan.

The next pattern is Glengesh:

I love this. it's really dramatic with the wide cable in the centre back, but I bet it's also really snuggly and warm due to the extra fabric from the cables. Wrap this around over a nice dress and you'll be the belle of the ball! Definitely one I'm going to make.

The next pattern is Straboy:

Isn't this a fantastic picture? I love it. The sweater is amazeballs too. So intricate and traditional, yet brought smack bang up to date with the wide centre band that flows around the neck and into the hood at the back. Just brilliant.

The final pattern in this section is one I've already started knitting, Rossbeg:

So cute. Alice can't wait for me to be done so she can wear it! It's flying off the needles, a really quick and easy pattern to remember, yet really effective.

Carol moves on now to independent Irish dyers. She mentions two dyers in particular, Dublin Dye Company (facebook link) and Hedgehog Fibres, both of whom produce really lush yarns. Mmm.

Using Dublin Dye Company yarn is the Dalkey Cowl and Mitts set:

Really nice and simple cowl and mitts that would be perfect for cooler Autumn days. Great for gift giving too, they'd make a great present for someone. Squishy and warm!

Using Hedgehog Fibres, there's the Rathcooney Hat and Fingerless Mittens:

I love the cocoon stich, and the way it almost grows out of the rib that runs up the mitts and hat. Really lovely. I'd say you'd get lots of wear out of this set. I like the hat especially, it looks really snug.

So there you go! Isn't it a great book? Showcasing the best in Irish yarns and Irish design. Who said Irish knitting was all about Aran sweaters? This should convince you that arans are only scratching the surface of the vibrant knitting scene here in Ireland. Thanks so much Carol for such a great book, I'll be knitting furiously!

Good knitting!

Yarn Tasting and Book Launch

2011-09-11T10:12:00.000+01:00

A great time was had at This Is Knit last Thursday at their annual Yarn Tasting event. It's so much fun. You get samples of all of their new season yarns along with cake, wine and fun! It was the first one I'd made it to and I loved every minute. Not only was there yarn galore, there was also the launch of Carol Fellers new book, Contemporary Irish Knits. I'd been eagerly awaiting this book for a while, I love Carol's designs.

Here's here stall, with Carol hidden in the background. The photos are not the best, I was kind of dashing round the room taking them. I didn't want to appear too stalker-like.

Carol very kindly signed my book for me. I'll do a review next post, it really is a fantastic book.
There were loads of sample garments knit using other yarns, as well as representatives of the three Irish mills. Lots and lots of eye candy. Feast your eyes!

This is only a portion of the crowd that was there, this room was packed full by the time it got started. It was great fun.

Hubby was away with work, so I had to bring Alice with me. As she did last week at the HandmAid Charity Fair, she dug in and helped out! Here she is doing her best impression of shop girl. She ran errands all evening for the shop staff.

She also got her modelling on again! Here she is with Carol, modelling her Nepal Wrap. I think I may have to get her an agent soon!

The wonderful Kate Davies was also there, and she gave a talk on her designs as well. A really lovely lady with gorgeous designs. I don't know why I don't have a picture of her, I was sure I took one. Maybe I was too busy oohing and aahing over her designs.

Of course, there was stash enhancement too! This Is Knit had blogged earlier in the week about shawl pins they had begun to stock, and I loved them. I bought this one:

Isn't it lovely? They also had magnetic ones too. Really clean and simple designs, and not too expensive.

Alice flicked through Carols book and asked me to make a cardigan for her, Rossbeg (Ravlink). How could I refuse? She's great, she loves wearing handknits. She picked out this colour herself, and I think it's going to be lovely on her:

Studio Donegal Aran Tweed in a really nice orangey/red shade. And the best bit, it was 10% off! I loves me a bargain :)

Here's my progress so far:

I swatched that night when I got home, and cast on Friday after work. It's going great at the moment, I'm at the point where I split for the sleeves. I'm loving the project so far, it's really easy to follow and the yarn is divine to knit with.

Thanks so much to This Is Knit for a fantastic evening, and especially for being so good to Alice. She really enjoyed herself, and I got to have a great time too!
Thanks Carol and Kate for bringing us great patterns, and for your interesting talks on the night.
Thanks to the Irish mills for producing such fantastic Irish yarns!

Good knitting!

An Ethereal Girl

2011-09-07T20:23:00.000+01:00

"Some boys kiss me

Some boys hug me

I think they're ok

If they don't buy me lots of yarn

Then I just walk away"

I couldn't resist the pun on Madonna's Material Girl. Sorry.

Hot off the needles, it's finished! The Ethereal top is finished!

What'cha all think? I'm not wild about it, but I guess it's ok. It looks nothing like I had planned it to.
The sleeves are shorter, the body is much more fitted and there's no real stitch pattern to speak of.
Pattern Deets:
I used the basic instructions from Barbara Walkers Knitting From The Top and the rest just kind of evolved as I went along. It has a square neck, and I tried to give it an empire waistline. I placed a couple of rows of purl stitches in two bands under the bust to create that and mirrored it at the hem and sleeve ends. Then I increased both sides every 5th round to make it flare out a bit. It's a good thing I did, otherwise it would have been too tight!
Overall, I suppose it's ok, but I'm a bit disappointed if I'm honest. I should be happy as I really did wing it, and it could have been so wrong, but I had hoped it would be a bit more flattering.

Whatever the result, it's ready in time for me to wear to the yarn tasting tomorrow night at This Is Knit. It's going to be so much fun! Samples of all the new season yarns, chatting with the girls, the book launch of Carol Feller's new book Contemporary Irish Knits, an appearance by Kate Davies the designer of the famous Owls sweater and the gorgeous Paper Dolls and special offers & prizes! I cannot wait.

Good Knitting!

Competition Winners

2011-09-05T17:28:00.000+01:00

Thanks a million to everyone who commented on my last post! It was great to see what you like/don't like and what could be improved. Looks like I need to change my template, huh? I might use this as an opportunity to move to Wordpress while I'm at it. Blogger has been a bit naughty for a while now.

BUT, that's not what you're here to find out! No! You want to know who has won the goodies, right?

The Random Number Generator plucked this number out of the ether for the skein of Lisa Souza Sock! Merino yarn:

Commenter number 6! That's Two Cables and a Frapp! *Applause*

The second prize of a skein of Knit Picks Shimmer goes to:

Commenter number 2! That's Currantine! *Applause*

So, can the lovely Two Cables contact me by email at knitincATgmailDOTcom to arrange postage, and Currantine, I'll give yours to you at the yarn tasting on Thursday?

Congrats to the winners, and thanks again for celebrating my blogiversary with me. :)

Good knitting!

Happy Blogiversary to Me!

2011-08-29T17:56:00.002+01:00

(Picture taken from Searching the Inner Me)
Happy Blogiversary to me! I can't quite believe it, but I have been blogging for 4 years. From August 19 actually, but I only realised it today. Where has the time gone?

It's been a roller coaster ride of fun, not so fun and learning all the way. I've made great friends all over the world and have been privileged to share in their blogging lives too.

In honour of this auspicious birthday, I've decided to have a little bit of a giveaway! Two winners will be randomly selected from all comments left by midnight, Sunday September 4th, and they will receive either of these two lovelies:

Lisa Souza Sock! Merino in the Josephs Coat colourway. There's 560 yards of yummy 100% Merino in there, enough to make anything from socks to shawls and even mittens. I made a pair of Jared Floods scrummy Druid Mittens using just half a skein of this yarn before. Mmm.

The second offering is some lovely laceweight:

Knit Picks Shimmer in the Deep Woods colourway. 440 yards of 70% Alpaca, 30% Silk goodness. This stuff is really squishy and nom.

So, leave a comment telling me what you like best and least about my blog and if there is anything I could do to improve or anything you would like to see added and I'll pick a winner on Monday!

Good knitting!

Taking fugly to a new level

2011-08-27T20:23:00.000+01:00

I'm sure you're all aware of this yarn:

Rico Can-Can. If you're not, then I envy you. This stuff has been taking the knitting world "by storm" recently. And by "storm", I mean not in a good way. It truly is evil stuff. But ladies of a certain demographic seem to love it. It produces a ruffle effect, and is mostly used for scarves like this:

Mm. Isn't is classy? Can't you see youself wearing this to all the hottest parties hosted by the Ambassador, or to the first night at the opera? Yeah. This is what the word fugly was invented for. Not a nice word, but apt all the same.

So how come I ended up with some in my stash? Granted it's not the real thing, but it the same thing. I have no idea what came over me the day I bought it. I call it "Only a fiver" syndrome. You know, when something is so cheap (e.g. only €5) that you just can't not buy it. It stank up my stash for a while as I tried to pretend it wasn't there. I should have gifted it to a charity shop I guess, but somehow I didn't, which worries me. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I was heading out to knit night and I had nothing I could bring with me. My Aeolian shawl is too complicated to knit while chatting, and I had no socks on the go (gasp). So I ran upstairs, opened the woolrobe and stuck my hand in. This is what came out. What could I do.

I cast on 9 sts and got going. It's a fiddly mother to knit with, let me tell you! Here's a link to a YouTube video on how to knit with it. I finished this in my Mam & Dads this morning, and my Mam went positively nuts for it! Bless her heart she thought it was only gorgeous. So I've decided to give it to her for her birthday in October.

As you can see, Alice has taken quite a shine to it too and has begged me to make one for her. Jeeze Louise, I have to make another one??? *sigh* A mothers lot is never an easy one. I have two more balls of it left, so I suppose I'll just look on it as stashbusting.

In other, more respectable knitty news, I cast on for a cardigan last week to go with my new dress.

The pattern is Decimal, from Knitty Spring 2009. I'm using some teal cotton I got recently for it. I think it's coming along nicely!

I also picked up my Ethereal top again. This one is going on too long for my liking. I'm about 75% done on one sleeve with one more to do then I'm done. I hope to have this finished soon. I'm also halfway through my Aeolian shawl. I've finished the main part and am ready to start the edging. According to the designer it uses 45% of the total yarn and I have half left so I'm good to go on the full edging version.

I'd like to have them both finished in time for this. This Is Knit is doing a yarn tasting and hosting the launch of Carol Feller's fantastic new book, Contemporary Irish Knits on Sept 8th. That's 12 days away. Hmm. Maybe I won't get the shawl done., but I really hope to have Ethereal done. I'd love to wear it to the party!

In sad news, my 6 weeks of bliss are over all too soon. Back to work on Monday. I haz a sad.

Good knitting!

Vogue/Designer Knitting Fall 2011 Review

2011-08-24T22:16:00.000+01:00

It's review time again! Autumn is upon us already, can you believe it?
Here goes with a review of Vogue/Designer Knitting Fall 2011. I have taken all of the photos from the Vogue Knitting website unless otherwise stated.

I plan on pricing the largest size available for each pattern, as that is the one I would most likely knit. If I can get the yarn in Ireland, I use that price, otherwise Euro prices are US Dollar prices converted, not inclusive of postage.

Substitute yarns I suggest are my own choice, your mileage may vary. I try to use the same fibres as the suggested yarn where possible, but will use others I think would be good if I can't find it. I have used 4 main online Irish retailers for my prices and will vary between them for fairness. I haven't priced anything using mostly acrylic, but if you want me to, let me know in the comments. Also, if you want me to say where I am getting my prices from, let me know too.

Let me say that I love this magazine, and I don't mean this review as poking fun at it, more a light hearted reflection of it, and also maybe it will make the magazine think about the cost of the sponsored yarns it uses and the sizes it offers.

On a side note, a lot of the patterns in this issue use bulky weight yarn. I find it difficult to get here, and so am using Chunky and Super Chunky.. Sometimes I'll switch between them when recommending subs if I think one might be better than another. My advice though, would be to SWATCH before using.

There's another great article from Meg Swansen, this time about short row methods. Great stuff. There's also an advertisement section about sock knitting, called Sock-Cess which has a few nice sock patterns in it.

Again with the no Norah Gaughan design. I haz a sad.

It seems Nancy Marchant is becoming the New Nicky Epstein ™ with her regular column in brioche knitting. This time its a hat. I couldn't find an online picture of it, so you'll have to use your imagination. It's not the worst hat I've seen. The recommended yarn is Aslan Trends Invernal, an angora/merino/polyamide blend. It comes in at $32.70 or €22.72. I'd sub Spud & Chloe Sweater for €23 or Rowan Pure Wool Aran for €19.

Right, on to the meat of the sandwich. Here we go!

The first section is called Masterpiece Classics. "What's a romantic heroine to wear on a windswept moor?" immediately conjures up inages of Heathcliff, Cathy and Kate Bush. The hairdos are pretty special too, they remind me of Helena Bonham-Carter after a mad night out.

First up it's #1 Nordic Gloves by Lone Smevik Soleng:

Size: One size medium

Yarn: Skacel Cashmere Fino 100% Cashmere, 4 skeins

Weight: DK

Cost to knit: $100 or €69.49

€70 to knit a pair of mittens? Not on your nelly. Even if it is cashmere. The design is beautiful though. I love Scandinavian mittens. Lots of subs available for this, try Artesano Alpaca for €22 or Debbie Bliss Andes for €27.80.

Next is #2 Squirrel Cardigan by Yoko Hatta:

Size: 4 sizes 36.5 - 48"

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca 50% Alpaca 50% Wool 215yds/100g, 7 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $70 or €48.64

I love this design! Cute little squirrels all over the waistband! Autumn is the perfect time for this when they're gathering up all their nuts. Cute as all get-out. I'd love to make this one. And the yarn is one of my faves too, very reasonable IMO. Subs were hard to find that were less expensive than the recommended yarn, even including shipping from the US so I'd say go ahead & order some. Otherwise how about Artesano Aran for €109.45 or Malabrigo Merino Worsted for €89.60.

Next we have #3 Nordic Cardigan by Shiri Mor:

Size: 2 sizes (!) 32 & 36" Sheesh.

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran 55% Merino, 33% Microfibre, 12% Cashmere 100yds/50g, 11 skeins

Debbie Bliss Angel 76% Mohair, 24% Silk 220yds/25g 4 Skeins

Weight: Aran and Lace

Cost to knit: Available in Ireland for €63.25 and €35.80 respectively

Seriously, 2 sizes and the largest is 36". It's a fairly standard Nordic style cardigan. I'm not going to bother suggesting subs as you can get the yarn here plus if they can't be bothered working out sizes I can't be bothered working out alternates. Grr.

Moving on swiftly to #4 Oversize Nordic Pullover by Kristin Nicholas:

Size: 4 sizes 38 - 53.5"

Yarn: Rowan Creative Focus Worsted 75% wool, 25% Alpaca 220yds/100g, 12 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $57.48 or €39.94 on sale. I think this yarn is being discontinued.

Off to a good start using yarn that is being discontinued. But, it means a great price to knit it I guess. I like the diamond within a diamond stitch and the hip band that appears to go in a different direction. A nice sweater, IMO. Sub with Drops Nepal for €85.80 or get the recommended yarn at the bargain price above.

Next we have #5 Colourwork Vest by Cheryl Murray:

Size: 5 sizes 40 - 52.5"

Yarn: Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca 100% Alpaca 220yds/100g, 8 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $110.80 or €76.99

This one looks interesting. A zipper? Ooh does that mean steeking? I love steeking. I don't like the neckline and I'd have to add sleeves, so basically I'd want a completely different garment that the one pictured. But. Colourwork and steeking and zipper insertion. Oh my. Substitute Artesano Aran for €129.35 or get the real stuff from Jamieson & Smith in Shetland for a measly €63.42. I LOVE Shetland wool.

Have you been noticing the mad Helena Bonham-Carter hair, by the way? Nuts. They must have gone through a ton of hairspray and broken several combs in the lust for backcombed height. The poor models hair probably fell out afterwards from the abuse.

Next it's #6 Snowflake Jacket by Kazekobo. She of the gazillion capes in the last issue. There's also a cowl in this picture, can you find it?

Size: 4 sizes 36 - 48"

Yarn: Muench Yarns Touch Me 72% Rayon, 28% Wool 61yds/50g, 28 skeins. Yes 28 fpr the jacket, 7 for the cowl.

Lana Grossa Silkhair 70% Mohair, 30% Silk 230yds/25g 10 skeins for the jacket, 2 for the cowl.

Weight: Aran and Lace

Cost to knit: $529.56 or €367.91 for the jacket and $175.65 or €122.04 for the cowl

Hahahahahaha a jacket and cowl combo for €490????????? Oh my God. I think I've had an accident laughing so hard. What a joke. Who are they kidding with this shit? If it was made of Qiviut then maybe it's an acceptable price, but rayon? C'mon. I don't even think I have an opinion on the jacket for that money. As for the cowl, you can't even see it in the picture! Jesus wept. And the yarn name, Touch Me? I think not love, not at the price you charge! You could sub Drops Alaska for the "Touch Me Not" and Lang Alpaca Superlight for the Silkhair at a cost of €89.95 for the jacket and €25.35 for the cowl. But why would you???

Onwards (and hopefully upwards) to #7 Nordic Yoke Pullover by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud:

Size: 4 sizes 31 - 37"

Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport 100% wool 184yds/50g 9 skeins

Weight: Sport

Cost to knit: $22.20 or €15.42

Now THAT'S more like it! I love Brown Sheep yarn, and the Nature Spun sport is one I've used a few times before. It's a nice pattern. I like the subtle corrugated ribbing at the cuffs and hem, and the yoke pattern is cute. You can sometimes get Brown Sheep yarn here, but sub with Rowan Pure Wool 4ply for €52.50 or Drops Alpaca for €34.65 if you like. Shame about the model's trousers though, kinda reminds me of this:

Hammer Time!

The next offering is #8 Fair Isle Hat by Mary Ann Stephens:

Size: One size

Yarn: Cascade 220 Sport 100% wool 220yds/100g 2 skeins

Weight: Sport

Cost to knit: $10 or €6.94

That's great value to knit such a lovely hat. I'm not so sure about the tassel, but the stitch pattern on the hat is lovely. Sub Drops Alpaca for €11.55 or Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for €23.80.

This is the last offering in the current section. #9 Fair Isle Cardigan by Rosemary Drysdale:

Size: 5 sizes, 34.5 - 56.5"

Yarn: Filatura Di Crosa Zara Chiné 100% wool, 137yds/50g 17 skeins

Filatura Di Crosa Zara 100% Merino 137yds/50g 1 skein

Weight: DK

Cost to knit: $134.82 or €93.69

Meh. Nothing special. Don't like the really wide buttonband, hate the lazy "fair isle" only on the front. Boring boring boring. This could have been so much nicer. If it's your cup of tea, substitute Debbie Bliss Rialto for €130.90 (or maybe not), Rowan Pure Wool DK for €88.35 or yummy Cushendale DK for a mere €66. Perfect.

A new section now. The excitement! This one is called "Anything but your basic cable!" and all the garments are in pea soup green. Yum. Anyone else humming along to the theme from the Exorcist with me?

The first pattern is #10 Cable Raglan Dress by Sarah Hatton:

Size: 4 sizes 35 - 39.5"

Yarn: Rowan Lima 84% Alpaca, 8% Merino, 8% Nylon 109yds/50g 15 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: Available here for €124.50

This dress is gorgeous. If you're lucky enough to be in the restrictive size range, make it. Honest. It's fab. Love! I'm not subbing with this one as the yarn is so readily available here. I look forward to seeing this on a real knitter soon....

Can #11 Cabled Cardigan by Mari Tobita top the last one?

Size: 5 sizes 34 - 48"

Yarn: Lion Brand Superwash Merino Cashmere 72% Merino, 15% Nylon, 13% Cashmere 87yds/40g 28 skeins. Yes. Another 28 skein project.

Weight: Aran

Cost to knit: $265.72 or €184.65

Sigh. I was all ready to do a Bob the Builder and shout "Yes it can do better!" then I saw the price to knit. Sigh. The pattern is gorgeous though. I love the collar and the length, and the stitch pattern. It's yum. Substitutions using the same fibres aren't much cheaper unfortunately. I think this cardigan might be one that got away. Subs include Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for €148.75 or Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk Aran for €154.70.

Next we have #12 Cabled Shrug by Devin Cole:

Size: 3 sizes 38 - 43"

Yarn: Prism Symphony 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon 118yds/57g 10 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $180 or €125.08

As with all Prism yarns (as far as I can see) they are very expensive. I'm also not mad about the variegation here, I think it hides all the pattern details. I quite like the front v-neck, but I also spy bobbles on the body. Bobbles & I are not what you would call best friends. Substitute Artesano Aran for €89.55 or Drops Alaska for just €37.50

Our next contender is #13 Wave Cable Jacket by Ellen Ligouri:

Size: 4 sizes 40 - 55.5"

Yarn: Cascade Rustic 79% wool, 21% Linen 196yds/100g 9 skeins

Weight: Aran

Cost to knit: $130.50 or €90.68

I love this one. From the comfy looking turtle neck to the wrapover front to the columns down the front. Yum. I bet this would be great as a coat in the Autumn. Mm.And the yarn cost isn't too bad considering. The nearest I can come to it is Drops Bomull-Lin for €79.80.

The next one is a real doozy. #14 Ribbon Cable Cardi by Helen Sharp:

Size: 4 sizes 34 - 47"

Yarn: Zitron Ecco 100% Merino 120yds/50g 18 skeins

Skacel Kid Seta 70% Mohair 30% Silk 230yds/25g 9 skeins

15yds ribbon

Weight: DK and Lace

Cost to knit: €170 Sorry, no $ for this one

Well. What can I say. It's a perfectly nice cardi that has fugly ribbon threaded all the way through it. Huh? How the hell do you wash this without the ribbon getting all staggly? When you sit down the back will be flattened. It's wrong. Just wrong. Shame really, as the cardi itself is ok. I suppose you could make it and leave the ribbon out. In that case, sub with Malabrigo Merino DK & Debbie Bliss Angel for €223.75 (!) or Artesano Superwash Merino & Lang Alpaca Superlight for €132.60.

Has anyone else noticed how many of these patterns so far use a main yarn and a Kid Silk Haze type yarn held together? Why?

The last in the current section is #15 Ribbed Turtleneck by Pat Olski:

Size: 4 sizes 30 - 39"

Yarn: Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash 100% Merino 218yds/100g

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $271.92 or €188.96

Wow. Lots going on here. 4 sizes stretched out over 9"? C'mon. The cost to knit isn't unsubstantial either! The sweater itself is nice, if a bit tight fitting for my taste. I like the eyelet detail down the arm. Otherwise it's quite a plain ribbed sweater. Substitute Malabrigo Merino Worsted for €103.50 or Artesano Aran for €119.40 or Drops Alaska for €55.

A new section especially for Vogue's favourite insanely expensive yarn designer, Twinkle. This one is called Stripe it Right and the first offering is #16 Striped Cardi by Wenlan Chia:

Size: 3 sizes 54 - 62"

Yarn: Twinkle Soft Chunky 100% Wool 83yds/200g 12 skeins

Weight: Super Bulky

Cost to knit: $300 or €208.47

I just don't get the appeal of this designer. Everything is baggy, misshapen and huge. Not to mention rediculously expensive to knit! Super Bulky yarn is hard to come by here, so I'm kinda grasping at straws with these sub reccommendations. Knit at your peril. Drops Eskimo for €45.60, Lang Malou for €91

#17 Striped Back Top by Wenlan Chia:

Size: 3 sizes 40 - 48"

Yarn: Twinkle Soft Chunky 100% Wool 83yds/200g 8 skeins

Weight: Super Bulky

Cost to knit: $200 or €138.98

*Yawn* A cardi that's oversized, But WAIT! It has something different! Oh yes! there's no stripes on the front. Sneaky. *Yawn* Again, sub at your peril with Schoeller & Stahl Filzi for €45.50 or Drops Eskimo for €31.20.

The next section is The Art of Lace. First up is #18 Lace Cardi & Cowl by E J Slayton:

Size: 5 sizes 36.5 - 52.5"

Yarn: Classic Elite Alpaca Sox Kettle Dyes 60% Alpaca, 20% Merino, 20% Nylon 450yds/100g 6 skeins

Weight: Fingering

Cost to knit: $119.70 or €83.18

Pretty lace. I think the colour is seducing me more though, isn't it pretty? As a cardi goes, I reckon this is quite impractical. The cowl would probably do my head in getting in the way and having to keep wrapping it rounf my neck as the cardi moved. Still, it is lovely. Sub with any sock yarn at all, try Drops Fabel Plain for €33.80 or spoil yourself with Malabrigo Sock for €132.65. Yeah.

On to #19 Lace Turtleneck by Blue Alvarez:

Size: 3 sizes 31.5 - 43" BOO

Yarn: Tilli Thomas Sock 90% Merino 10% nylon 400yds/100g 5 skeins

Tilli Thomas Symphony Lace 63% Mohair, 18% Nylon, 10% Silk, 9% Wool 345yds/85g 3 skeins

Weight: Fingering & Lace

Cost to knit: $173.60 or €120.63

Ooh. how cool is this? It's like one top layered over another, but they're joined. I think this is really interesting. Not that I'd be able to knit it, thanks a bunch for the crappy sizing Vogue. I think this one might require some more research on my part, just to see how it's done. Very ingenious. Sub with Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply and Debbie Bliss Angel for €110.20

Over halfway there now. #20 Lace Bodice Top by Laura Zukaite:

Size: 3 sizes 40 - 48"

Yarn: Artyarns Beaded Ensemble 85% Silk, 15% Cashmere 125yds/100g 7 Skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $460.25 or €319.84

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA €320 for this? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I have no more words.

There's no sub for this yarn I could find as it has beads & stuff in it, so just buy any worsted weight yarn and thread the beads on yourself. You'll save a bomb.

#21 Lace Shawl by Candace Eisner Strick has to be better than the last joke:

Size: One size

Yarn: Classic Elite Fresco 60% Wool 30% Alpaca, 10% Angora 164yds/50g 5 skeins

Weight: Sport

Cost to knit: $47.50 or €33

Quite a pretty shawl. Not so sure if that's picot edging I see. If it is, then I doubt I'd be bothered with it. Picot is a pain. The stitch down the centre is cool though. Sub Drops Alpaca for €19.25

Another new section. This one is called All About Ease. First up is #22 Bulky Topper by Mari Lynn Patrick:

Size: 5 sizes 35.5 - 44.5"

Yarn: Zealana Tui 70% Merino, 15% Possum, 15% Cashmere 121yds/100g 8 skeins

Weight: Bulky

Cost to knit: $163.20 or €113.41

I like the neckline, but the rest is rather plain, no? Not my kind of garment. All that reverse stocking stitch would drive me nuts! Sub with Rowan Cocoon for €89.55 or Twilleys Freedom Purity Eco Chunky for €51.35

#23 Cowl Neck Pullover by Maie Landra is next:

Size: 5 sizes 40 - 55"

Yarn: Koigu Kersti 100% Merino 114yds/50g 14 skeins

Weight: DK

Cost to knit: $210 or €145.93

Another laughable cost to knit. Seriously? It's just a long pullover with short sleeves and a turtleneck. I don't understand short sleeves on a heavy outer garment like this. Don't other people's arms get cold? Is it just me? If your arms are nice & warm, then sub with Lousia Harding Merletto for €92.65 or Rowan Pure Wool DK for €59.40.

#24 Lace Belted Cape by Kristin Omdahl:

Size: 1 size *eyeroll*

Yarn: Manos Wool Classica 100% wool 138yds/100g

Weight: Aran

Cost to knit: Available here for €100

Another cape. And in one size. But wait, is it really a cape? It has sleeves like a cardigan, has a belt like a cardigan and is long like a cardigan. I'm confused. I don't like being confused. No subs suggested as I'm just too confused.

Hopefully #25 Rib Yoke Topper by Anna Cohen will sort my poor head out:

Size: 5 sizes 48 - 56.5"

Yarn: Imperial Yarns Colombia 100% Cotton 220yds/113g 7 skeins

Weight: Bulky

Cost to knit: $119 or €82.69

I quite like this. It reminds me of grandfather shirts from years ago. Looks quite comfy too. The sleeves look a bit flappy but otherwise a nice enough garment. Sub with Drops Ice for €86.40 or Lang Big Cotton for €107.10

I love the name of the next one. #26 Cowl by Vladimir Teriokhin. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Must have taken hours to come up with. Oh, and it's crochet!!! Shock!!:

Size: One size.

Yarn: Bergere de France Fourrure 100% Acrylic 19yds/100g 4 skeins

Weight: Super Bulky

Cost to knit: €28

AHHH Fun Fur Attack!!! Run quick before it melts all over your bebehs and eats your silk stash!!!!!

Evil. That's all I'll say. However, each to their own, so if this is yours, then subbing could be fun. I've never seen a super bulky "fun" fur before, so how about holding two strands of the fun together. Double your "fun"! Try Sirdar "Funky" Fur for €15.80. Or not. I'm not.

Vladimir returns, this time with #27 Jacket. Another ground breaking name.

Size: 3 sizes 52 - 60"

Yarn: Bergere de France Alpaga 70% Alpaca 30% Wool 98yds/50g 24 skeins. !!24!!

Weight: Fingering

Cost to knit: €192

What kind of nutty yardage is that for a fingering weight yarn. 98yds??? Madness. Plus, it's another yarn that's been discontined. Tut tut Vogue, your reasearchers are letting you down. Sub any sock yarn you like for this one, as patterns go it's not that bad at all. Try Drops Alpaca for €46.20.

Down to the final 10 patterns now. Yipee! #28 Cropped Topper by Faith Hale:

Size: 3 sizes 38 - 46"

Yarn: Trendsetter Super Kid Seta 70% Mohair 30% Silk, 230yds/25g 8 skeins

Trendsetter Vigna 52% wool, 48% Acrylic 104yds/50g 8 skeins

Weight: Lace & Worsted

Cost to knit: $199.20 or €138.42

Seriously, that's €140 for yarn that's half acrylic. Yep. It's a basic open fronted cardigan with short sleeves. Nothing to see, move along please. Sub Lang Merino + and Lang Alpaca Superlight for €70.20 if you must.

The final section now, called What you want now! and the first offering is #29 Hooded Neck Piece by Kalurah Hudson:

Size: 1 size

Yarn: Alpaca with a Twist Baby Twist 100% Alpaca 110yds/50g 8 skeins

Weight: DK

Cost to knit: $288 or €200.14

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA What I want Now? Listen Vogue, What I Want Now is decent patterns at a decent cost to knit. €200 for a balaclava with a thousand buttons on it is most certainly not What I Want Now. ThankYouVeryMuch. Jesus. Sub with Artesano Alpaca for €49.50. And pass me the Valium.

#30 Lace Scarf is next bu Carol J Sulcoski:

Size: 1 Size

Yarn: Buffalo Gold Lux 45% Bison, 20% Cashmere, 15% Tencel, 20% Silk 330yds/40g 2 skeins

Weight: Lace

Cost to knit: $110 or €76.44

It's kind of hard to see the pattern in the picture as the scarf is bunched round the models neck and also hidden by being placed over similar colours. Looks ok though. Sub with Malabrigo Lace doe €19 or Manos Lace for €30.

#31 Textured Hat by Simona Merchant-Dest:

Size: 1 size

Yarn: Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere 8ply 100% Cashmere 100yds/55g 2 skeins

Weight: Bulky

Cost to knit: $82 or €56.98

Boring hat, but I bet it feels amazing knit in 100% cashmere. Although I'd be terrified it would rain or snow and the hat would be ruined! If you are like me but want to knit it, try Mirasol Ushya for €27.90.

#32 Fingerless Gloves by Judy Sumner are next:

Size: 1 size

Yarn: Lornas Laces Shepherd Sport 100% Wool 200yds/50g 1 skein

Weight: Sport

Cost to knit: $13.50 or €9.38

They're fingerless gloves. Cute. I like the wrist ruffles. But am I mistaken or is the stitch pattern the same as Snapdragon Mittens (Ravlink). Well if it is, then these are off my list. I've seen peoples Snapdragons and what the stitch turned out looking like (ladybits). Especially in red. No thank you! If you don't care, then sub with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for €11.90

Down to the last 5 patterns! Woo! #33 Leaf Mittens by Pat Olski:

Size: 1 size

Yarn: The Fibre Company Canopy Worsted 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 20% Bamboo 100yds/50g 2 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $26 or €18.06

Mittens. I love mittens. Can't get enough of them Not so sure about the bobbles though. Sub Drops Nepal for a steal at €7.80. Might even make me consider the bobbles at that price!

#34 Lace Scarf by Nancy McMillan is next:

Size: 1 size

Yarn: Kauni Wool 8/2 Solids 90% Wool 10% Acrylic 656yds/150g

Weight: Fingering

Cost to knit: $21.60 or €15.01

A pretty scarf. Something I will probably make, you can never have enough scarves in my opinion. I might sub Lang Jawoll Sock for just €8.55, making it even more attractive!

3rd last is #35 Icord Gloves by Karen D Hendrick-Hands:

Size: 1size

Yarn: Misti Alpaca Tonos Worsted 50% Alpaca, 50% Wool 218yds/100g 2 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $37.60 or €26.12

These remind me a lot of a pair of socks I made Alice from Sensational Knitted Socks, the Crosshatch Lace Socks. I think it's the same stitch pattern. A nice functional pair of gloves. A great Christmas gift knit. Sub Artesano Aran for €29.85

In 2nd last place we have #36 Cabled Leg Warmers by Kazekobo:

Size: 1 size (coz everyones legs up to the knees are the same)

Yarn: Knit 1 Crochet Too Brae Tweed 60% Merino, 20% Llama, 10% Wool, 10% Bamboo 109yds/50g 3 skeins.

Weight: Aran

Cost to knit: $23.55 or €16.36

Hmm. Leg warmers. Do people actually wear these? Wouldn't your feet be cold and lonely without some coverage too? Wasn't Fame years ago? If you want to make these, then never mind the scratchiness, dive in and use Studio Donegal Aran Tweed for just €11.80.

It's the last one! #37 Braided Cowl by Laura Zukaite:

Size: 1 size

Yarn: Mango Moon Capra 70% Mohair 30% Silk 270yds/25g 3 skeins

Weight: Lace

Cost to knit: $37.50 or €26.05

Jeez, I'm sick of typing out the same kinds of yarn over and over. How many projects used laceweight mohair/silk blends? Imagine wearing this round your neck too. Itch itch itch.Apart from that, it's an interesting pattern. I would probably wear it more bunched up though, but I must check it out to see the construction method. Sub with any of the gazillions of mohair silk blends out there like Debbie Bliss Angel for €35.80 or Kid Silk Haze for €39.

So that's it! You've survived another review. Overall I'm quite disapponited (again) in the size ranges, but more so with the variety of patterns in this issue. Not much that I would contemplate and too many that I'd have to sell a kidney to knit.

Hope you enjoyed it, please do tell me what you think in the comments. I'm always looking for feedback and ideas.

All the Fun of the Feis

2011-08-23T09:11:00.000+01:00

A feis (pronounced fesh) is a traditional Irish music festival. Last weekend one of the lovely Irish knitters WrapNTurn (Twitter link) hosted the first FibreFeis in her fabulous home in County Cork. It was a huge hit, with knitters, spinners and crocheters coming from all over Ireland to join the fun.

Camping facilities were available in the grounds of Sue's home:

I, however chose to stay in a hotel in Cork city, about an hours drive away. In my defence, hubby and Alice came down too and we made a long weekend holiday type thing out of it. The sun Gods shone on us and we had a really lovely afternoon sitting on the deck, chatting (drinking wine), swapping tips and ogling each others yarns & projects.

Our very own talented designer, Carol Feller came along and brought two trunks full of her designs, including those in her new book, Contemporary Irish Knits (Amazon Link). There was much ooh-ing and aah-ing and squeezing and trying on of the garments. Great fun!

It wasn't long before we had the first FO of the feis, a lovely headband.

Then the big guns came out and people set up their wheels and started spinning on their spindles. I could watch this all day. It's truly fascinating to me. I'm afraid to try it though, what if I really liked it and then had to go and buy roving, wheels etc to do it? Oh no. I just can't afford to fall for another craft.

Everyone got involved in the craftiness. Even my hubby tried spinning! I was in total shock. I cut his face out of the photo as he'd go bananas if I published him on the internet, so be content with a hand and trust me when I say it belongs to him!

Once the sun went down, a pit was dug and a fire was lit. Everyone settled round the fire in their snuggly clothes to have a chat and make smores. OMG! Smores! They were ridiculously good. I'd never had a "proper" one before. I'll definitely be having a proper one again! Mmm.

Fibre Feis was a huge success. Thanks so much Sue for opening your beautiful home to us all and being such a terrific hostess! Roll on next year.

Another Yarn Store Outing

2011-08-18T22:30:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, The Dublin Knit Collective and I ventured out to meet Doogarry in The Yarn Room. I loved this store the last time I visited and I had heard that they'd moved to new larger premises recently, so naturally I jumped at the chance to go. It's about an hours drive from my house, so not too far.

What a pretty shopfront! The sun came out to greet us as we arrived.

Aren't the crocheted window flowers fab?

Inside the store there's a lovely comfy area to sit, knit and soak in all the yarn fumes.

There are literally TONS of goodies in this shop. Here's just a sample of what was on display:

Everywhere I looked I kept finding more yummy yarn, notions and unusual things like this:

Wrapping paper, made from recycled sheep poo! I just had to buy some. They also do greeting cards from the same source:

I also bought some more stash. I know, I know, I need to seek some help for my addiction, but this stuff was so cheap I just couldn't leave it there.

Austermann Merino Lace. In black. I must be off my trolley. BUT, it's so soft and so reasonable! These two skeins contain 764 yards for less than €10. Sorry about the superfluous tea towel in the background, there. Blame my lack of photo proofing.

I also bought this:

Yum Icelandic laceweight in a gorgeous shade of gold/mustard. 546 yards of scrum for something like €7.95. Just fab.

Now to find something to make with it all!

I must say this is a really great store, packed to the rafters with great fibres for knitting, crochet, spinning & weaving. A birdie told me they will shortly be stocking fabric too. Classes are available in all of the above crafts too and they have a great knit night every Thursday evening.

I definitely won't be leaving it so long again until I go.

My knitty travels continue. Tomorrow hubby, Alice & I are heading down to Cork for a few days break. On Saturday, a lovely knitter, WrapNTurn (Twitter Link) is graciously hosting a FibreFeis™ for all manner of crafty people to come along and camp on her land if we want, and a BBQ on Saturday night. There'll be spinning, knitting, crochet, etc etc. Can't wait! Although I won't be camping, I will be there on Saturday morning with bells on. It's going to be GREAT!

HandmAid Craft Day

2011-08-13T09:56:00.002+01:00

Some lovely Dublin knitters have decided to host a craft day in aid of famine relief in the Horn of Africa. They've put tons of work into it so far. Check our their website here. The craft day will be on Saturday September 3rd, in the Damer Hall on St. Stephens Green, Dublin.

And... I'll be teaching a class! I still can't quite believe it to be honest. They asked, and I couldn't refuse for such a good cause.

I'll be teaching a class in the afternoon on card making. More specifically, how to make this card:

This is called a step card, and it's really easy to do, but looks very effective. I hope to make up a few more samples to give you an idea of how versatile it is.

So, please go and sign up for one of the classes. They're only €10 (which is nothing) and all funds are going to an extremely good cause.

Yarn Store Outing

2011-08-07T16:58:00.003+01:00

A knitty friend of mine, BionicLaura works in a yarn store on the other side of Dublin, Winnie's Craft Café. To my shame, I hadn't yet made the trip to visit her or scope out the shop.
Well, I fixed that last Friday. I bundled Alice in the car and off I went.

I must say that it's a lovely shop. I was greeted with a really gorgeous window display of a knitted teddy bears picnic. So cute. I've no pictures, sadly, I was a bit remiss there.

Inside, the store has a great selection of yarns not available elsewhere along with the usual staples. There is also a huge selection of beads & jewellery making accessories. Needless to say the magpie in me made me buy some beads:

Miyuki Japanese Seed Beads 6/0 Round in Turquoise. Yum. I've no idea how many are in the tube, but I'm sure I'll find a use for them soon.

They also have lots of knitting notions, including these lovely stitch markers hand made by a woman in Uganda. I just had to get some:

I spied this lonely skein of laceweight in a basket on a table and snapped it up:

It's Garnstudio Drops Alpaca Lace. 70% Baby Alpaca, 30% Mulberry Silk. You can see the price, great value for 870 yards of laceweight. I think I might try to dye it.

You may remember I visited Cushendale Woollen Mills in Kilkenny last year, and absolutely loved the mills and their yarns. When I saw these skeins of DK I had to get them. I love the shade of charcoal:

There's also a really scrummy café in the back of the shop. While I was there two other lovely Dublin Knitters, (both Helens) arrived and we decided to have lunch together. I had the most delicious rocky road I've had in a long time. Alice also seemed to enjoy the millionaires shortbread!

Overall I must say it's a really lovely store with a great selection of yarns reasonably priced and the added bonus of the café in the back makes it a must visit. It's a shame it's a bit difficult to get to for me, but I'll definitely go back!

In knitting progress news, I've finished the yucca chart repeats on my Aeolian Shawl:

This took longer than I thought. The pattern states to repeat the yucca chart 12 times and you'll have 293 stitches. Not so. I think I ended up doing 15 or 16 repeats of the chart to get that stitch count. Still, I'm there now and ready to move on to the transition chart. This portion of the shawl used 22g of yarn, so I have 77g left. Hopefully it will be enough!

Good knitting!

Baby Crazy

2011-08-04T19:22:00.004+01:00

As I'm sure you are all aware, it seems like everyone I know is pregnant at the moment. One little boy was born on August 2, and another baby is arriving any day now.

For the impending arrival, I knit up a few small items for a gift parcel and posted it off today. I wrapped it up in cute paper with baby feet on it, and some ribbon with teddies & hearts on it. Aww.

A breakdown of the contents:

You've seen the Star Booties and the Whooo Loves Ya Baby bib already, but here are the others.

First up is a bonnet that I've made before.
Pattern: Drops Bonnet in Alpaca in wavy pattern (Garnstudio come up with some doozies for their pattern names)
Yarn: Garnstudio Drops Alpaca, 1 skein in cream
Needles: 3mm

A lovely old fashioned baby bonnet that I think is super cute.

Next we have another pattern from Knit One Knit All:

Pattern: Surplice Baby Jacket (Ravlink) From Knit One Knit All by Elizabeth Zimmermann
Yarn: King Cole Bamboo Cotton
Needles: 4mm

I loved making this! Although I did make a huge boo-boo that required ripping back over half of the garment. That's what I get for not reading the whole pattern through before I start. (I know). Doesn't it look great? Adorable.

I hope the new Mammy likes them!

I've also been knitting up a storm on my Ethereal Top. I took it out of the bold corner and got back to it. I've finished the body, knit the square neck (which contains some really cool garter stitch mitred corners) and am on the first sleeve. I really hope to get it finished soon.

I also cast on for a new project. I was 13 years married last month, and apparently that anniversary is lace & lingerie. I do have the book Knitting Lingerie Style (Ravlink) but I figure it would be kinder to humanity if I knit some lace instead. :)
I was chatting on twitter about it, and myself and another Twitter Knitter have decided to do a KAL of sorts and make an Aeolian shawl. I'm using some really scrummy Hedgehog Fibres Silk Lace in the shade Magic Mushroom. Hope it doesn't make me go loopy!

Progress so far:

I'm about 2/3 of the way through the first set of charts, the Yucca chart. I'm making the largest size as I have 1000yds of this yarn. I discovered that the designer subsequently released an alternative edging for the shawl for cases where you might be running out of yarn, so I might end up using that one. We'll see how it goes.

Alice & I have been busy bunnies too. There has been lots of cardmaking going on! Here's a slideshow of them all so far. I hope it works.

Good knitting!

My New Kitchen

2011-07-31T16:11:00.005+01:00

I promised you pictures of my new kitchen, so here you go!

The quality of the pictures isn't great, apologies for that. It's a dull grey day today so they're a bit dark. Here's what the kitchen looked like before:

A tired old kitchen.

Here's during, when I was losing it at having my fridge in my living room for over a week:

And here's after. Not fully cleaned, but you get the idea.
I love the shelves we got here to hold our chilli & pepper plants. The tea-making stuff isn't going to stay there! All the appliances are now integrated too, which I think looks much neater.

This is a cool little extra we thought of. Using waste space to put up a metal sheet so we can stick all our holiday magnets up!

I love my granite worktop from Italy and the under counter lighting. I think the Kitchen Aid looks great in that corner:

Another Italian element, the cooker hood. I think it's cool:

This gadget is amazeballs. It's a Quooker tap that provides constant boiling water. No more kettle!

This is the main kitchen tap. It swivels. I love it, I think it's like something from a sci-fi movie.

This is a brand new element. The kitchen table & chairs used to be here. We have our new enormous fridge (LOVE IT) and either side we have pull out pantries. Loads of storage for the dry groceries. There's also a bookshelf at the end for all the cookery books.

This is hubbys favourite bit. He designed the curve in the counter front that has curved drawers & granite, with a matching curve in the top presses over the cooker hood. The induction hob is pretty impressive too, it's brill! Only problem is none of our old pots will work on it, so we have to go searching for a new set. The magnetic knife racks on the wall are really handy too.

You can just make out the ovens at the right of the photo.

This picture is very dark, sorry. This is the ovens and the full length presses. One for the ironing board, etc, and the other one is shelved for bits & bobs including Alice's card making stuff.

So, whatcha think? I *adore* it. Worth the hassle I think, and once it's finally deep cleaned it'll be perfect. We've been cooking up a storm in it so far, pumpkin pie, homemade rocky road ice cream, southern fried chicken etc etc etc. Yum!

Lots of knitting to show next post, so until then Good Knitting!

M.I.A.

2011-07-25T14:52:00.008+01:00

Where has the time gone? I've been so up to my eyes over the last 3 weeks, I haven't had a chance to post at all.
I apologise in advance to those people whose blogs I usually comment on, I feel bad for ignoring you all!
It's been a real roller coaster ride. We got a complete new kitchen installed, and it's been a nightmare. The mess! The noise! The lack of a kitchen to cook in! At one stage I had the fridge in the living room. Which was good for speedy access to ice-cream, but that novelty wore off quickly. The kitchen is almost finished, tomorrow it BETTER be. It's just a last couple of niggling things. Pics next post, it's AMAZING.

I have been knitting though, I got loads done. I couldn't block any of it coz the house was so filthy with dust, so it all queued up and I did a huge block last night. Loads of FOs!

A fellow Dublin knitter lost her husband tragically young to Leukaemia last week and the funeral was last Saturday. It was the first humanist ceremony I'd been to, and while it was desperatley sad, it was also a beautiful send off for a lovely man. It was so personal.

In memory of her husband, a few of us have decided to knit some items for the hospital nurses and the Irish Cancer Society. Brendan bravely blogged his way through his illness here: http://www.zen.org. While he was in hospital, he took up knitting and was attempting his first lace project, the Party Lace Scarf. In honour of this, we all agreed to make one ourselves. Here's mine:

Pattern: Party Lace Scarf by Lisa Sisk, co-owner of This Is Knit
Yarn: Feza Kid Mohair, 1 skein
Needles: 4.5mm

It was quite emotional knitting this. I put lots of prayer & good wishes into it. I decided to make something else as well, every little helps, right?

Pattern: Multnomah by Kate Elsa
Yarn: Zettl Treviso Sock Yarn
Needles: 3.25mm

This was a lovely shawl to knit, nice & easy pattern to memorize.

I also finished my Kip Wip socks.

Basic 64 stitch socks with my usual slip stitch heel. Meh. I don't really like them. Should I donate these too? I haven't worn them.

I also whipped up this adorable baby bib:

Pattern: Whooo Loves Ya Baby by Elaine Fitzpatrick
Yarn: Granstudio Bomull Lin, 1 skein
Needles: 4mm

I loved making this bib. Can you see the Owl pattern? The designer has loads of cool bibs for free on her site, Down Cloverlaine. My owl obsession continues.

I've been off work for a week already, so 5 more to go! I plan on getting out & about a fair bit. I had to sit in every day last week waiting for workmen for the kitchen. Drove me nuts. I enrolled Alice in a week long summer camp at the local Aquatic Centre which started today so I have from 10 - 4 every day to myself! Squee! I started by going shopping this morning.
With the help of loads of lovely Twitter-ers I bought a dress! OMG! I never wear dresses, but I would like to feel a bit more feminine.
I settled on this one.

Sorry about the crappy picture, it was taken on my phone in the changing room so I could tweet for help! I don't like the cardi, I didn't buy it. I bought this yarn instead to make something:

It goes well, don't you think? It's DK weight cotton. Now I need to pick a pattern! Any suggestions?

I've loads more news, but this post would go on forever if I let it. I'll be back soon (promise) with kitchen pr0n. I heart my new kitchen!

Good knitting!

Knit One, Knit All Review

2011-06-24T21:50:00.022+01:00

Here we go with the Knit One, Knit All review. I'm so excited to do this review, a new EZ book is a real event for me.
This review is meant as a positive look at the work of EZ, Meg & Cully Swansen.
All pictures are taken from the book. The quality may not be great, I took them with a camera on a rainy Friday night.

First off, let me say this book is great. Filled with pearls of EZ wisdom, wonderful, practical garments and intuitive design features. As with all EZ patterns, there is lots of choice for you to make the garments unique to you, and most of all to make them FIT. There's a lovely intro and throughout the book there are watercolour pictures painted by EZ.

But let's get to the meat of the knitty sandwich. There's a TON of patterns in here. The book is divided into sections, the first of which is Head, Hands & Feet.

The first is the Chambered Nautilus Tam which is also the cover picture:

A short row spiral hat. Love it. I think it's very chic.

The next hat is a bit quirkier, Brimmed Hat - Panache:

To quote EZ: "Here's a ridiculous hat - but worn with panache by a self-confident young woman; this would look gorgeous." Well said, EZ. Reminds me of Robin Hood.

Next we have Single Border Cap:

I can see Alice wanting one of these for school. She loves hats with strings.

Next is the Brimmed Hat - Horizontal:

I love all the different ways this can be worn, a few simple folds and it transforms into a totally different style of hat!

Brimmed Hat - Vertical:

I think this would be a cute sunhat in a cotton yarn. Reminds me of a floppy sunhat Alice had when she was a baby.

Another one that reminds me of a baby bonnet is the Diamond Back Bonnet:

Not so sure I'd wear this one to be honest, but if it gets as cold as it did last winter I'm sure that will change! It reminds me a bit of the headscarf worn by Kelly McGillis as an Amish woman in Witness.

The Katmandu Cap or Bonnet is next:

There's something a bit catlike about this one. Maybe it's the pointed "ears"? Quite cute.

On to the Pillbox Hat:

Love this one. There's another version in the book that's striped & looks like a circus tent. Brilliant. Short rows rock.

On to hands now, first is Ambidextrous Mittens:

LOVE these as they can worn on either hand. No more mistakes for me in putting the thumb on the wrong side!

On to Mittens from the Top:

More lovely mittens. I love mittens. These are worked from the top down. I like the flared cuff.

Sideways Gloves are next:

These are really clever. Doing fingers in the round is a total pain. These are done sideways using provisional cast on. Can't wait to try these. There's also a variation given for Fingerless Gloves:

For the Fagin in all of us.

On to the feet. The name of these is Add-a-Booties. Great name!

Basically, there are multiple layers of soles for padded comfort and they never wear out. Yummy toasty feet. I think I might make these for myself.

The next pattern is a quirky one, Knitted Clogs:

Not so sure I'd wear these, but I can be pretty sure Alice would. Plus I bet they'd be fun to knit. On little kids feet they'd probably be adorable.

Next is Garter Sole Slippers:

These are fab! They look so snuggly! I bet they are mega comfy. Mmm.

Socks now, and Sideways Socks. I love trying new sock construction ideas.

Mosaic Socks:

Striped Socks:

And Clock Socks:

They're socks. I'm gonna knit them all.

On to a new Section, Babies, and the cuteness factor escalates dramatically.
First up, my previous blog post of Star Booties:

You all know how I feel about these already. LOVE!

Next is my next baby knit hopefully, Tie Booties:

AWWWW! Look! Widdle cutie booties! Divine.

Baby Surplice Jacket:

This is one I was looking forward to, having seen sneak peek pics of it before publication. Isn't it lovely? So easily customized for little boys or girls, or different closures. I love it.

2-Piece baby Jacket:

Super cute. versions for babies & small children are given, with a v or round neck.

Flared Baby Jacket:

No-one does baby jackets like EZ. So many different versions and so easily customized using stripes, edgings etc. Love.

I-Cord Sampler/Potholder/Baby Blanket:

I think I remember Meg doing something similar on the Knitting Around DVD. A great way to learn I-Cord edging and have an FO at the end. As EZ says, "A pot holder? A Baby Blanket? The difference is only in size."

The next section is for the grown-ups, Vests.

First is Cully's Vest:

I like Cully's designs. He's come up with some interesting ones over the years. He did a really cool brick jumper in a previous Wool Gathering, and some quirky hats too. This vest is lovely, it looks really comfy and practical, plus has some nice pattern detail on the bodice that you can't really see in the picture. Not something I'd wear, but I know my Dad would.

This one is nice too. V-Vest:

This looks really interesting, you cast on at the neck and knit on the bias. Can't wait to try this one!

When I saw this I immediately thought of Wyvernfriend (a knitty friend who likes waiscoats). Waistcoat Vest:

Cute! The back looks cool too, but you'll have to trust me, I didn't take a pic. ;)

Yoked Top:

I love this one. Nice and plain and simple. The different directions of the knitting do all the talking. I'm thinking like EZ and immediately wanting to alter it to suit me, a mantra she always had. I'm going to add sleeves.

The next section is Sweaters, and the first is New Zealand Sweater:

Apparently the yoke shape matches the silhouette of the NZ volcano, Rangitoto. I love how EZ got inspired by maths & nature. This can be easily altered by adding a pattern to the body:

Looks like a totally different sweater, doesn't it? I think hubby might be getting the plain version for his Christmas jumper; although knit in a lightweight yarn, it could end up on me instead...

This one is great. Striped Blouse:

Maybe it's the navy & white, but I think it's such a classic look. Really smart. Not one I think I'd be able to wear, sadly. I think the stripes would make me look ridiculously larger. Not sure. I think it would look fantastic on Alice though, maybe in black & white with a pair of jeans.

Bias-Sleeve Sweater:

This is knit lengthways. Lots of stitches! But, the end result is fab. A great vehicle for making the most of hand dyed yarns I think.

This one has me excited. Mitered Cardigan:

ooooh. Look! Isn't it just gorgeous? This is DEFO on my list. I have the perfect Autumnal coloured Cushendale wool. Mmm. This is going to be by Autumn cardigan this year. Absolutely.

Icelandic Overblouse:

This is great because it makes the most of the colours of the yarn and the stitches. The shoulder is really unusual too, another one that would be really interesting to knit.

Striped Jumper:

Another vertical sweater, with short rows. The stripes are a great way to break the monotony of the knitting.

Suspender Sweater:

This is a great contemporary design. The neckline is really cleverly done, and the "suspenders" look great. The choices for the type of suspender you could add are endless, you could make a fab unique cardi.

Next section is Jackets and the first is Long Collared Jacket:

Jackets are brilliant, but a real investment of time and love. I'm not sure I'd ever get round to making one, but I would like to think I would. The collar on this one is great, you'd be lovely and snug against cold breezes. Knit plain, this would be lovely.

Next is Adult Bavarian Jacket:

Isn't this a great photo? A traditional German garment given a make-over. This garment uses the bent-elbow technique, a great idea for thicker yarns to allow your arms to move.

Of course, there's a child's version too, Childs Bavarian Jacket:

How cute is that.

I love the name of this one, Ribbed Dirndl Top:

Dirndl is a great word, I think. Evokes images of the tv show Heidi I used to love as a kid. I think this is really pretty, and would look great over a blouse with a floaty skirt. The shaping at the back is really interesting, creating a fab texture.

On to the Zig-Zag Jacket:

Isn't this great? Look at the way the arrows flow around the corners at the bottom. This looks super comfy. I think I might break the no-jacket rule and make this one for me...

Hand-toHand Cardigan:

This comes in adult and child sized versions. The cable on the sleeves is lovely. Again there is interesting uses of direction to create texture in the garter stitches, and the curved bottom edges are lovely. The kids version is really nice too, using different coloured yarn to emphasise the sections.

So there you have it! Isn't it brilliant? I want to knit everything really, all I need is the time. Thanks so much Schoolhouse Press for all the hard work in deconstructing EZ's notes and giving us lots of lovely new knits!

Good knitting!

Star Booties

2011-06-24T19:32:00.005+01:00

I started this post all ready to do a review of Knit One, Knit All, but ran out of steam. Next time, I promise. I'm just a bit too whacked on a Friday evening.

I will tease you a bit though, with an FO from the book:

Pattern: Star Booties by Elizabeth Zimmermann

Yarn: Jamieson & Smith 2 ply Jumperweight, scraps of three colours

Needles: 3.5mm Addi circulars

A super quick knit, they only took a couple of hours each.

Doesn't look like much, huh? Ah, but with a little EZ magic, all becomes clear:

Aren't they fab? I was concerned that the foot looked a little long, but I'm sure once they're on chubby baby feet they will look great.

I love them, I think they're like Tetris blocks!

So, apologies for the lack of review, but I'm sure you'll forgivce me and that the booties will whet your appetite!

Good knitting!

Early Birthdays are Great

2011-06-19T09:34:00.006+01:00

Yesterday was my early birthday. It's a bit of a tradition here, if your birthday is in the middle of the week, then it's celebrated at the weekend to make the most of it. It all started with Alice, so we wouldn't have her sugared up during the week.
My birthday is technically not till Wednesday, but yesterday was the day we partied. It was BRILL. It's not a "big" birthday, but OMG the amount of pressies I got! I'm so spoiled.

Hubby & Alice made me this card:

Outer space sheep! Love it. It was so funny hearing them whispering in the kitchen when making it. It sounded like there were some "creative differences" going on.

On to the pressies! First is a cuddly sheep for my desk. Notice a theme?

Hubby is great at getting little nonsense pressies all through the year and hiding them away. Actually, he's a bit TOO good at it, if you know what I mean. I reckon he could have another woman stashed away and I'd never know, he's so good. Anyway, I got a few silly things, this being the best of the bunch. Swimming sheep for the bath!:

On to the cake. Another thing he bought ages ago & hid away. Sheep cake tins!:

And the resulting cake, with cream cheese frosting. OMG, this was no NOM! Although it felt really weird chopping of it's head. Alice ate it with no problem though!

Now on to the meat of the present sandwich. Books. Lots of knitty books. First, A Gathering of Lace by Meg Swansen:

Knitting Plus by Lisa Shroyer:

Brave New Knits by Julie Thurjoman:

And this one. This one should have a choir of angels sound effect. I have been so excited to get this since I first heard about it. I present, NEW EZ:

I am positively giddy with excitement. I was to knit ALL the things, now. I foresee a summer of garter stitch ahead of me! I promise to do a review of it very soon.

What a haul of books & pressies, no? Any girl would be over the moon. I am. But it doesn't end there. My mobile phone literally fell apart the other day. I mean literally. Springs and bits of plastic just fell out, and it won't turn on. I've lost all my contacts. :( I was surprised how bereft I was without my phone, especially considering it was as old as I am (no, I'm not telling you) and did nothing except call & text. I didn't think I used it that much. So, hubby got me this:

SQUEE! An iPhone4! I can't believe it. I can haz interwebz everywhere! Twitter in work! Oh yeah. :D

So, last night, I popped onto the internet to see what kind of case I could get for it. I happened upon CaféPress and found a TON of knitty cases. I settled on this one delivered to my door for a mere $31!

Isn't it great? I love it. Until it arrives, I have started on making a temporary snuggly home for it, to protect from scratches & my general all round clumsiness:

Just a basic tube with garter & stocking stitch using Wendy Happy Bamboo.

And the final pressie? This birthday just keeps on giving, doesn't it? This one is ACE:

Whee! I'm going to see my fave, Paul Simon tomorrow night in a really small intimate theatre here in Dublin. I have no idea why he's playing such a small venue, he filled our largest theatre the last time he played. I know, I was there. I ADORE Paul Simon, and try to never miss him when he comes. Tickets for this tiny gig sold out in 4 minutes. Yes. 4. And hubby made sure to get two tickets for me. Awwww.

Thanks hubby! What an amazing birthday! It's Fathers Day today, I must make sure to spoil him as much.

Good Knitting!

Cotton Picking in Uzbekistan

2011-06-17T22:58:00.003+01:00

I was reading an email that I receive every day in work from the EU which provides news on debates etc, when an article caught my eye. Unfortunately I can't publish it here, but I used my Google-Fu and found this site: Cotton Campaign

Basically, children are used in slave labour conditions to pick cotton in Uzbekistan, which is apparently the third highest producer of cotton in the world. I sincerely hope none of this cotton goes into the yarns that I purchase. I tried to find out if it is used, but to no avail.

How was your WWKIP?

2011-06-14T17:59:00.007+01:00

I had a ball at WWKIP last Saturday. There was a fantastic turnout, I was shocked! It was great to see so many knitters, and to catch up with friends. As usual, I brought my camera but only took about 4 photos which turned out really badly. Sigh.

I really struggled to pick a kipwip beforehand. I went up to my yarnrobe and stuck in my hand. This is what came out:

I bought this yarn last year in Sip & Knit in Florida. I'm not really sure why I did, I'm not the worlds biggest fan of tweed, let alone tweed sock yarn. Remember the clown vomit incident? Yeah. So I've no idea why I chose this one. I consulted the knitty oracle that is Twitter to find out what I should make with it, and Multnomah (Ravlink) emerged. I knit about 4 rows of it at WWKIP and decided it wasn't for me. Too much counting to do! It'd never work for chatting. So what to do now?

Plain socks. That always works. Or does it? One side looks nice:

The other? Not so much. I don't like the stripes. Sigh again.

But, I've started so I'll finish. Maybe they'll turn out better once I turn the heel, and I can make sure the weird stripes are to the back of the socks.

Some stash enhancement happened on the day too:

Mmm yummy Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton. This is Knit had a special offer on World Wide yarns on the day, so how could I resist? I've no idea what to make with them, but I fell for the colour. I think I'm having a green phase.

Some other knitting is taking place too:

I'm making a hot water bottle cover. That's a teddy bear. I don't know why. I'm making it with the recommended yarn, Lion Brand Homespun that I got in Florida too. It's YUK.

I suppose it doesn't look too offensive in the picture, but see the strand of yarn? It's twisted really loosely around a central thread, and it puckers up on itself all the time, resulting in lumps of twisty yarn. It also squeaks like a mother. The worst part? You see in the first picture there's three different bottle covers, a bear, ladybird and turtle? Yeah. I bought enough Homespun to make them all. Help.
Another thing about the yarn. Homespun? I think that gives spinners a bad name. Like they'd churn out stuff like this. Ugh.

In other knitting, I finished one Waving Lace Sock!

I'm pleased about this wip. So that's something! Once I finish my kipwip then I'll do the second one as a reward.

There's loads of other knitting going on, in case you think I didn't have enough wips! It's wip city round here. I can't show them though, they're all sooper seekrit baby knits for the TON of pregnant friends I have right now. I'm becoming more and more convinced that someone added something to the water here. They're springing up everywhere!

Good knitting!

What are you doing this Saturday?

2011-06-08T18:16:00.001+01:00

I know where I'm going to be:

World Wide Knit in Public Day
11 June 2011

Where: Powerscourt Centre Balcony from 12pm and then on to St Stephens Green South Bandstand from 2pm, weather depending.

When: 12pm – 5pm

Bring: Blanket/chair and your craft!

This is Knit will be having special offers on some yarns, and a raffle too!

Vogue/Designer Knitting Early Fall 2011 Review

2011-06-06T14:36:00.014+01:00

It's review time again! It feels like only recently I reviewed the Spring/Summer edition, but here goes with a review of Vogue/Designer Knitting Early Fall 2011. I have taken all of the photos from the Vogue Knitting website unless otherwise stated.

I plan on pricing the largest size available for each pattern, as that is the one I would most likely knit. If I can get the yarn in Ireland, I use that price, otherwise Euro prices are US Dollar prices converted, not inclusive of postage.

Substitute yarns I suggest are my own choice, your mileage may vary. I try to use the same fibres as the suggested yarn where possible, but will use others I think would be good if I can't find it. I have used 4 main online Irish retailers for my prices and will vary between them for fairness. I haven't priced anything using mostly acrylic, but if you want me to, let me know in the comments. Also, if you want me to say where I am getting my prices from, let me know too.

Let me say that I love this magazine, and don't mean this review as poking fun at it, more a light hearted reflection of it, and also maybe it will make the magazine think about the cost of the sponsored yarns it uses and the sizes it offers.

On a side note, a lot of the patterns in this issue use sport weight yarn. This weight is very difficult to get here, we really only have 4ply/fingering or DK. Sometimes I'll switch between them when recommending subs if I think one might be better than another. My advice though, would be to SWATCH before using.

There is NO Nicky Epstein section. I am in shock. Maybe they had some big falling out over fees, or maybe she's trapped in an elevator somewhere screaming to be let out, she's missing her deadline. Or maybe she just couldn't bring herself to come up with another two page pile of nothing. Who knows. Either way, I'm not upset.

The Meg Swansen article is amazeballs, as always. This one is all about her new book, Knit One Knit All, which uses previously unpublished EZ patterns all in garter stitch. EZ has published from beyond the grave! Oh happy day. Needless to say I already knew this and my copy is winging its way to me as I speak and I wait with breathless anticipation. NEW EZ!! My cup runneth over.

There's also an interesting article on schematics by Carol Sucolski. But, another disappointment comes in the form of NO Norah Gaughan design. Come back Norah, don't leave me! It's dark and cold here without you.

I downloaded this edition of the magazine using the Vogue Knitting iPad app. The app is free, and the magazine cost € 3.99, a great saving compared to the €7.95 I pay for the print edition. I love the app, they have books and mags available, plus all the patterns have links to the 360 views on the website. Brillo! I don't know if I'll cancel my print subscription, I like having the print issues to flick through, but I could be tempted. We'll see.

Get yourself a cuppa & a biscuit and let's get going, shall we?

The first pattern is #1 Brioche Socks by Alexandra Richards:

Size: 7.5" foot circ
Yarn: MadeleineTosh Tosh Sock, 2 skeins
Weight: Fingering
Cost to knit: $49 or €33.44

I love these socks. But then, I'm a sucker for socks. If I were to make these, I think I'd make them regular sock length. I've done knee high socks once, and that was enough for me, thankyouverymuch. Sub any sock yarn you like for these.

The first section is called Into The Woods, and is a spin on Red Riding Hood's cape. The first pattern is #2 Pompom Capelet by Kazekobo:

Size: 5 sizes, 38.5 - 50.5"
Yarn: Kauni Wool 100% wool, 656yds/150g, 3 skeins
Weight: Sport
Cost to knit: $61.50 or €41.98

I don't do capes/ponchos. This section is going to be hard to review for me. I think the shaping (if there is any) in this is awful, it's basically just a large tube to stick yourself into and a couple of pompoms dangling from it. Meh. Sub Cushendale 4ply yarn for just €34.50 if you dare.

Next is #3 Reindeer Capelet by Kazekobo again:

Size: 6 sizes 49 - 54"
Yarn: Manos del Uruguay Wool Classica 50% wool 50% merino, 138yds/100g, 7 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: $97.65 or €66.79

Whenever I see colourwork reindeer, I think of this rather naughty pattern (Ravlink). I know which one I'd rather knit! It's not a bad pattern, I suppose, I like the dark & light reds together. But still, meh, a cape. Sorry. Sub with Debbie Bliss Cashermino Aran for €57.50 or Drops Alaska for a mere €30.

Next is #4 Tied Capelet by Kazekobo again. Seriously. 4 out of the 30 designs in this mag are by the same designer. What's that, 13% of the patterns in the mag by the one person? I feel a Josh Bennett coming on soon.

Size: 4 sizes, 44 - 56"
Yarn: Lornas Laces Shepherd Worsted 100% wool 225yds/113g, 3 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: $57 or €38.98

A nice cable design, I'll give it that much. But again, it's just a tube you shove your head through. When you pull the string at the top I bet it bunches up and looks pants. Sub with Blue Faced Leicester for €24 or Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Worsted for €37.

Last of the same designer, #5 Cabled Capelet by Kazekobo:

Size: 5 sizes, 38 - 51.5"
Yarn: Plymouth Taria Tweed 40% merino, 30% silk, 30% Llama 135yds/100g, 5 skeins
Weight: Bulky
Cost to knit: $75 or €51.34

An interesting yarn combo. I'd like to try this yarn if it were available here. What's around the models neck? Is it some kind of feather boa? I think this pattern is awful. Anyone with any kind of a bosom would look ridicuous with this spread either side of it like a landing strip. Never mind if it were windy, it'd be flapping over your shoulders all the time. Batman is not a good look when running for a bus. Sub with Rowan Cocoon for €59.70 or Lambs Pride Bulky for €55.50.

The last pattern in this section is #6 Zippered Cape by Mari Lynn Patrick:

Size: 3 sizes, 26 - 30" (huh?)
Yarn: Knit One, Crochet Too Nautica 85% Microfiber 15% Nylon, 98yds/50g, 9 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: $45 or €30.81

Am I right, is this yarn acrylic? If so, that's crappy yardage. Out of all the capes I like this one the best. I think the stitch pattern is great, and the shaping is probably the most flattering. Such a shame about the weird sizes. Sub away with any Aran acrylic, or spoil yourself with natural fibres for less than the recommended yarn using Drops Nepal for €28.60 or Kerry Woollen Mills Aran for €29.25

On we go to the second section, Magical Mohair. The first pattern is #7 Mohair Lace Dress by Laura Zukaite:

Size: 5 sizes, 27 - 40"
Yarn: Artyarns Silk Mohair 60% mohair, 40% silk 312yds/25g, 5 skeins
Artyarns Beaded Mohair 73% silk, 27% mohair 114yds/50g, 2 skeins
Weight: Lace and Worsted
Cost to knit: Brace yourselves. $224.53 or €154

Wowza. That's an expensive "dress", considering you'd have to wear something underneath it to cover your modesty. It is pretty though. Perhaps modified into a cardi or just the top half? Subs were interesting for this one. For the lace, try Manos Lace for €40. The worsted was very difficult to sub. I ended up giving up and suggest Rowan Kid Silk Haze for €69.65. A weird combo, I know. BTW, what's around the models neck? Is it some road kill she found in the forest?

Moving on swiftly to #8 Sheath and Wrap by Lynette Meek:

Size: 5 sizes 35 - 47.5"
Yarn: Hand Maiden Maiden Hair 67% silk, 23% mohair, 10% nylon 200yds/100g, 6 skeins
Fleece Artist Montague 70% mohair, 30% silk 550yds/125g, 4 skeins
Weight: The hand maiden is sport, I don't know what the Fleece Artist is.
Cost to knit: Couldn't find a price for the Fleece Artist, the Hand Maiden is a whopping $234 or €160.18

This is bat shit crazy stuff. The model looks like she's on crack. It's beautifully knit though, and makes the most of the yarn's colouring. But still. Bananas. This would have looked brilliant at Woodstock. I could find no details at all about the Fleece Artist yarn, Ravelry doesn't have it, and googling for ages turned up nothing else other than the fiber content. So, subbing is impossible.

On we go to #9 Bobble Tunic by Monica Hofstadter:

Size: 4 sizes, 24 - 36" waist. A waist measurement for a tunic? Huh.
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace 100% merino, 470yds/50g, 2 skeins
Rowan Kidsilk Haze 70% mohair, 30% silk 229yds/25g, 4 skeins
Cascade Kid Seta 70% mohair, 30% silk 300yds/25g, 4 skeins
Weight: All lace weight
Cost to knit: Malabrigo lace is available here for €19, as is the kid silk haze for €39. The Cascade costs $46.40 or €31.75

I kinda like this, in a mad I'd-never-wear-it-but-kinda-wish-I-could kind of way. But, why on earth are both KidSilk Haze and Kid Seta used? They're identical! If I didn't know better, I'd think the mag had made a typo and forgotten to leave out a potential yarn sponsor. Just use all KidSilk Haze with the Mal lace and you're good to go.

The next designer has a section all to her little self. Anna Sui. Again with the obsession with one designer. The first offering is #10 Flower Hat:

Size: 21" head circumference
Yarn: Cascade Heritage 75% merino, 25% nylon 437yds/100g, 6 skeins
Cascade New Kid Seta 70% merino, 30% silk 300yds/25g, 6 skeins
Weight: Fingering and lace
Cost to knit: $141.60 or €96.92

WTF. I mean, seriously. I know you could make this for peanuts by using up leftover sock scraps but would you really want to? This takes hideous to a whole other level imo. *Shudder* Sub with leftovers, or use Schoppel Wolle Solid Sock for €41.70 and Lang Mohair Luxe for €69.50.

Next is #11 Flower Vest:

Size: 2 sizes (!) 30 & 36"
Yarn: As above
Weight: as above
Cost to knit: $153.60 or €105.13

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, there's a top to match the hat. So, you can look like a hippy all over! I reckon those flowers would catch in everything too. Your heart would be broken picking jewellery, door handles, zippers and small children out of them. You could sub with the same yarns as above, for a total of €118.15. Yarn scraps might be preferable.

Skipping along nicely to the pick of the issue for me, #12 Granny Square Vest:

Size: One Size. Yes. ONE.
Yarn: Filatura Di Crosa Zarina Chine 100% merino 181yds/50g, 3 skeins
Filatura Di Crosa Zarina 100% merino 181yds/50g, 13 skeins
Weight: Sport
Cost to knit: $163.92 or €112.21

Oh my, where do I start? I love musicals. One of my favourites is Joseph and the amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. I don't love it enough to wear the dreamcoat though. This would look perfect on one of the Brady Bunch, maybe the one who hates Marsha, I forget her name. Perhaps I'm being a tad cruel. I do like the granny squares on the front, they could be salvaged into something slightly less horrific perhaps. If you are a fan of both the Brady Bunch & Joseph, you could sub with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, for a total of €130.90. You'd have to really love those shows for that though, yarn scraps might be preferable. Also, why the two different yarns? I don't know what the difference between them is. Either way, this is going on my mood board under the heading good for a laugh.

A new section now, Easy Knits, Easy Fits. The first offering is #13 Cowl by Faith Hale:

Size: One size
Yarn: Bergere de France Mohair and acrylic, polyamide, mohair blend. 98yds/50g 2 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: This yarn is discontinued

Seriously. Discontinued yarn? Ugh, sloppy. Not much to be said about this, it's a nice cowl, with an easy stitch pattern that looks well. Sub with Lang Mille Colori for €7.90 or Malabrigo Merino worsted for €11.50.

Onwards to #14 Scoop Neck Top by Faith Hale again:

Size: 4 sizes 51 - 63" (!)
Yarn: Bergere de France Origin Bambou 100% bamboo 87yds/50g, 14 skeins
Weight: Sport
Cost to knit: $154 or €105.48

hahaha. What a price. The more observant of you will notice it's the same picture as the cowl above. Nice. So, you can't see the neck coz of the cowl and you can't see the body coz of the monster handbag. Hmm. Looks fishy to me. If you like knitting in the dark and the surprise of how the garment will actually look at the end, sub with Artesano Alpaca 4 ply for €38.50. Go on. I dare you.

Next we have #15 Cropped Pullover by Lori Steinberg:

Size: 4 sizes 33 - 45"
Yarn: Berroco Bonsai 97% bamboo 3% nylon, 77yds/50g, 16 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $104 or €71.23

I love the models facial expression in the pic on the right, she channels the voice of Zsa Xsa Gabor in my head. "Dahlings, don't I look simply splendid? Achieving this level of beauty takes a looong time. With one pout I can have all the men under my spellllllll". I like the jumper, but the sleeves are mad stuff. Too short and too wide at the bottom. If I were to knit this, I'd rectify the sleeves and add several inches to the length. Subbing was difficult, as this is a tape yarn. I thought perhaps Rowan Pure Wool for €66.50 or Drops Bomull Lin for €58.80 could work.

Next we have #16 Boucle Vest by Lori Steinberg:

Size: 3 sizes, 18 - 22" back with. (I know, weird, huh?)
Yarn: Be Sweet Boucle 100% merino, 120yds/50g, 20 skeins
Weight: Bulky
Cost to knit: $320 or €219.11

OMG. I'm in shock at the price. So much so I think I need a drink to recover. Seriously? I know Be Sweet have a great ethical policy, but sadly I can't afford to agree with it. That's mad money. Plus, I can sub with Irish spun Cushendale Boucle Mohair for €76.45. Not that I would, though. Look at how big the models hips look. Yeah. I probably wouldn't fit through a door wearing that.

The last pattern in this section is #17 Tapered Pullover by Renee Lorion:

Size: 5 sizes, 36 - 52"
Yarn: AslanTrends Artesanal 40% cotton, 30% nylon, 30% alpaca 218yds/100g, 6 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: $61.14 or €41.88

I like this jumper. It's a pity the model is clutching herself and hiding the bustline though. It's simple and pretty, possibly one I would make. This yarn is great stuff too. It's not the first time I've noticed how keenly priced AslanTrends are. I might seek some out when I head to the States. In the meantime, I'd probably sub with Artesano Aran for €99.50, or maybe not. How about Drops Nepal for €41.60? That's more like it.

Our next section is Inversion Therapy. Sounds like a torture technique. The onlyoffering is #18 Cable Rib Jacket by Vladimir Teriokhin:

Size: 3 sizes 46 - 54"
Yarn: Schulana Sumerino 100% merino, 93yds/50g, 27 skeins (!)
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: $348.30 or €238.60

Now I'm angry. Seriously, wtf is that price. That's absolutely outrageous. Shame on you Vogue for that kind of shitty yarn sponsorship. No way in hell will I ever spend that on a garment. I like the cable pattern and the front collar, but the drop shoulders enormous sleeves are awful. You'd probably save a ton of yarn by making them actually fit. Sub with Drops Alaska for a far more reasonable €77.50. I bet it will look better too. Sheesh. What a rip off Vogue.

Moving on swiftly to more pleasant (hopefully) offerings, another section called Lace Noir. Very French. First we have #19 Lace Pat Cardigan by Lisa Hoffman:

Size: 4 sizes 37 - 50.5"
Yarn: Koigu Mori 50% silk, 50% merino 185yds/50g, 12 skeins
Weight: Fingering
Cost to knit: $180 (on sale) or €123.37

Another expensive knit. It's pretty though without being too busy. I like it. You could sub any sock yarn you like, I don't think the silk is a must ingredient. In fact, it'd probably wear better without it. If you do want to go fancy, how about Sublime Baby Cashmere Silk 4 ply for €75 or Artesano Alpaca 4 ply for €60.50.

#20 Lace Vest by Kristin Omdahl is next:

Size: 2 sizes (tut tut) 35 & 38.5"
Yarn: Tilli Thomas Symphony 63% mohair, 18% nylon, 10% silk and 9% wool 345yds/85g, 3 skeins
Weight: Lace
Cost to knit: $117 or €80.10

Hmm. Not my kind of garment I confess. I really don't like gaping fronts like that, as I'm sure you're sick of me saying. The stitch pattern is pretty though. Sub Tilli Thomas Beaded Lace for an crazy expensive €167.65 or save a bundle and add your own beads to some Einband Lopi Laceweight for a ridiculously cheap $19.75. What a bargain.

Next we have #21 Lace Trimmed Top by Shiri Mor:

Size: 4 sizes 33 - 38.5" (boo)
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino 55% merino, 33% microfibre, 12% cashmere 137yds/50g, 13 skeins
Debbie Bliss Angel 70% mohair, 24% silk 220yds/25g, 3 skeins
Weight: Sport & Lace
Cost to knit: Both are available here, for €104.20

I love this. It reminds me of Victorian costume dramas like Cranford or Bleak House. I think it's the waistband that does it. It's fab. I wish I could make this, but alas, it's only offered in wee-people sizes. *sigh* I might see if I can deconstruct the waistband and add it to a plain seater or cardi though, I think it's a great detail. If it will fit you, please make it so I can see it & poke it in real life!

On to #22 Lace Jacket by Iris Schreier:

Size: One size. They say it fits "most" Yeah. Boo.
Yarn: Artyarns Beaded Mohair 73% silk, 27% mohair 114yds/50g, 2 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $76 or €52

Another nice lace top that's sod all use to me. One size fits most. Mumble, grumble. Lazy if you ask me. Like before, I'd use a plain yarn and add my own beads to it. Cushendale Mohair is only €13.90 fer Gawds sake. That's a gift price.

Our final section (Yay! I hear you say) is Knit Construction. No, there are no naked sweaty builders, alas. The first pattern is #23 Welted Pullover by John Brinegar. Another VK regular:

Size: 3 sizes 35 - 41"
Yarn: Trendsetter Victory 77% nylon 23% cotton, 85yds/50g, 18 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $171 or €117

Another discontinued yarn as far as I can see. Sheesh.
€117 for acrylic? No thank you. But, what the eff is the model wearing on her legs? Are they some sort of industrial suspenders, leg braces or heavy metal rocker type chaps? God alone knows. As for the pattern, I like the v neck and the sleeves. I think if I were to knit it, I'd a) wear normal person trousers, and b) make it into a waist length jumper. Sub for natural fibres for a fraction of the price with Kerry Woollen Mills Aran for €48.75 if you agree. Otherwise, knit with an acrylic blend to avoid the dreaded derriere sag.

#24 Drop Shoulder Top by Rosemary Drysedale is next:

Size: 6 sizes, 43 - 58"
Yarn: Prism Tencel Tape 100% tencel 10yds/50g, 13 skeins
Weight: DK
Cost to knit: $193.05 or €132.10

Prism yarns are something else when it comes to pricing. Really and truly. All their stuff seems like mad money. For tencel? Nah. As far as I can see, this pattern is a plain ol sweater with a "design feature" that looks like a rip in the rib with some shaping above it. If it were me, I'd be afraid people would think I'd put on some weight and had to cut the rib in order to make it fit. but then I'm weird like that. Maybe you like it. If so, sub with Drops Safran for a mere €27 or King Cole Bamboo Cotton for €34.65.

On to #25 Cabled Poncho by Daniela Nii:

Size: 3 sizes, 66 - 77" (I kid you not. It must be a length measurement)
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Melange 100% Alpaca 110yds/5og, 19 skeins
Weight: Sport
Cost to knit: $182.40 or €124.86

Another mental price. And another poncho/cape thingy. Did we not have enough earlier on? Apparently not. I like the cable pattern, it could be a nice sweater if you cut out the plain bits on the side & sewed it up! Sub with Artesano Alpaca for €60.50 or Drops Alpaca for a nicer €42.35. I won't be.

On to the final 5 patterns! Yay!
#26 Boatneck Top by Sinje Ollen:

Size: 3 sizes, 50 - 67" (?)
Yarn: Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace 70% Alpaca 30% silk, 440yd/50g, 8 skeins
Weight: Lace
Cost to knit: $87.60 or €59.93

I love this. I wish I could wear it. It's a gorgeous stitch pattern, and sits beautifully. Over a white summer dress I think this would be fab. I love the detail on the arms, too:

It's just great. What a shame I can't make it. Although, those bananas measurements are stated to be bust measurements. Hmm. Dare I? I could sub Manos Lace for €80, Malabrigo Lace for €76, or maybe make it in sock weight yarn for a larger, drapier look?

#27 Striped Tunic is next, by the one and only Josh Bennett! I knew he'd show up eventually!

Size: 5 sizes, 47 - 55"
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Worsted
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: Available here for €92.50

Meh. It's a bit manly for me. Plus, I hate contradictory garments. If it's cold enough to want a long sweater with a turtleneck, why the hell make it with short sleeves? If you like it, sub with Kerry Woollen Mills Aran for €58.50.

#28 Colorwork Poncho by Deborah Newton is next:

Size: 4 sizes 39 - 46.5"
Yarn: Pear Tree Yarn Supersoft 10ply 100% merino 180yds/100g, 17 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: Brace yourselves. Get a chair or a coffee or a stiff drink ready. $442 or €302.50

OH MY GOD. €302 for another effing poncho? Who the hell do you think reads this magazine, the queen or Melinda Gates? That's just tipped the crazy scales. For real. The stitch pattern is your lovely basic Norwegian style colourwork, so why the lunatic price? If it were knit with Qiviut I might understand, but merino? One thing I am thankful for is it saved me from having another poncho pattern rant. That must be 10 poncho patterns in this issue. Jesus. We'll all look like Clint Eastwood in those western movies this Autumn, a knitty posse all wearing ponchos and chewing cheroots. If you like the garment, sub with the regular sub Kerry Woollen Mills Aran for €87.75 or Drops Alaska for €95.

Our penultimate pattern is #29 Long Vest by John Brinegar again. New designers will never get a look in the way Vogue over use the same ones again & again:

Size: 6 sizes. Back measurements 15.5 - 25"
Yarn: Rowan Lima 84% alpaca, 8% merino, 8% nylon 109yds/50g, 17 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: Available here for €144.50

It's a long straight vest with a seed stitch border. Nothing else. Yawn city. And for €144? I could do WAY better myself. If you like the simplicity of it, sub with Lang Merino + for €82.65.

It's the last pattern! Hurrah! #30 Relaxed Cardigan by Mari Lynn Patrick:

Size: 6 sizes, 34 - 45"
Yarn: Zealana Heron 80% merino, 20% possum 109yds/50g, 19 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $169.67 or €116.15

This could have been so much more I feel. I like the collar and the closure method with the band of ribbing, but it's so shapeless it turns me right off. I could see that just hanging down from my boobs in a most unflattering way. An almost success. Plus the yarn price is another doozy. Sub with Drops Nepal for €67.60 if you like, but I'd be inclined to try and add some shaping to the waist.

So that's your lot! The over riding impressions for me from this issue are ponchos, really expensive yarn, poor sizing and over exposure to some designers. There are a couple of interesting garments with one I want to make but compared to the Spring/Summer issue, I think it's a bit of a let down. Here's hoping they improve for Winter.

Let me know what you think, and if you'd like to see any changes to my reviews.

Good knitting!

Green Fingers

2011-05-29T15:32:00.004+01:00

It seems Dublin knitters have become somewhat obsessed with growing your own veg, and this house is no exception. A discussion started some while ago about growing veg and a few of us decided to give it a go.
I think I posted before about what we planted, so here's an update.

We have peppers!:

I planted 4 different varieties of peppers, from sweet to spicy Jalapeno. We tried these ones before last year, and nothing grew. It seems we got a bit luckier this year. These are the ones we transplanted today, and there are loads more left over that we put into pots outside.

These are courgette and broccoli. Every single seed that we planted has germinated and thrived, so they're all over the place! I have some in this Belfast sink:

And here's just a taster of the others. There's sunflowers there too.

We also planted a herb pot of coriander, parsley, chives and something else I can't remember now. I'm too lazy to get up & go find out. :)

There was a sad discovery made in the garden:

Aww. A whole birds egg. I think it's a robin egg? I wonder what happened to it. Poor little thing.

While hubby & Alice were busy in the garden, I got busy in the kitchen. I'm sure I've mentioned it loads of times before, but I love this man:

We discovered him several years ago when in the States on holidays, and have since acquired every single episode of his show, Good Eats (recently ended, BOO). He's a brilliantly witty chef, who disects a different ingredient each episode and comes up with the most amazing recipes.

I made an apple pie:

Yep. No-one could wait long enough for me to get a photo of the whole one. ;)
I'm also making his southern fried chicken for dinner, with buttermilk biscuits. Biscuits in the States are like scones, but lighter and way more NOM. I can't wait! The chicken takes ages (soak for 12 hours in buttermilk before cooking) but Oh. My. God. it is so worth it. I'm drooling just thinking about dinner tonght!

Just so you don't think I've lost my knitty marbles altogether, I started on a sock:

I posted previously that Mam had picked out a pattern and I was going to make it, but that fell by the wayside. I was out meeting a lovely knitter from Australia with some Irish knitters and also CosmicPluto recently. We went for dinner, and of course all took out our knitting. Not having the pattern with me, I just cast on a foolproof 64 sts and ribbed a bit. So, I had to go back to the book and find a pattern that matched! I came up with this one. Waving Lace Socks by Evelyn A. Clark from Interwave Favourite Socks. That'll do nicely.

I recently downloaded the Vogue Knitting App onto my iPad. You can download issues of the magazine there, so I nabbed the Early Fall issue that came out last week. It was only €3.99! Great stuff. I'll still get the print issue though, I think. I like keeping the print mag. We'll see. Anyway, you know what that means! I hope to get the review done this week.

Good knitting!

Not so Granny

2011-05-25T19:31:00.004+01:00

I'm almost finished my granny square experiment:

I think it's gone really well, I'm delighted with it! I've used up all my acrylic bits & bobs. I enjoyed making this so much, I just kept going & going! It's really hypnotic. Definitely not the last one of these I'll be making, and the next one will be more colour co-ordinated :) This one is a bit mis-matched, I just grabbed whatever I had lying around and used it up, from the smallest quantity upwards as the blanket got bigger & bigger.

One thing I would like to do, though, is a nice edging on it. It's not lying flat for me. Anyone have any ideas? I don't know what do do with the blanket once finished, either. Should I gift it? Hmm, but who to?

It's been a busy week here, as you can tell from my dismal lack of posting. We had the Queen last week, and Barack Obama on Monday. This resulted in road closures all over the city and made my life hell trying to get in & out of work. Plus, Alice's school is in the city centre and they were forced to close for two days by the police for "safety reasons". Great. I didn't get the same luxury, even though I'm in Government Buildings! It meant I was stuck with no-one to mind her. Mother in law to the rescue! Maybe I should give her the blanket as a thank you?

I did get to see both of our distinguished guests. The Queen visited the Dáil (Government Chamber) one of the days, and my office overlooks the courtyard into it so I had a good view out the window. No pics, sadly, I was a bit of a dunce and didn't think about it until it was too late.

I did, however, get some pictures of Barack Obama. He made a stop in a hotel directly across the street from my office, and I was practically hanging out of the window taking pictures on my phone as the secret service snipers watched me through binoculars :)

Not the greatest picture, I know, but my phone is as old as the hills, and it was taken through a window. It was great to see him, if you remember I'm a big fan & made sure I was in the States for his election in 2008.

So, now that our esteemed visitors have left, hopefully things will get back to normal.

Oh, I almost forgot! I was in the Dáil today monitoring a debate and I made sure to bring my sheep folder with me :) I held it in front of me so I could be sure it made itnto the tv! One of the Ministers was looking at it quite intently during the debate. Maybe he likes sheep too?

Good knitting!