Knitwit

Monday, August 27, 2007

SP Extra questions

1. What is the one knitting accessory you could not live without?
measuring tape
2. If you're heading on vacation, do you take knitting with you? If
so, how much and what type of project?
I always take knitting everywhere I go... Depends what kind of holiday, but probably some socks as they are very portable
3. Where have you travelled to that you'd consider your favourite spot?
I did Egypt a few years ago and was bowled over by The Valley of the Kings. Another favourite place is Thailand as the people are so friendly.
4. What is your favorite knitting book at the moment? Do you own it?
I don't tend to buy knitting books as I like to buy patterns as and when I need them. Saying that, I would love some books on lace knitting.
5. Do you listen to podcasts? Which is your favorite(s)?
I listen to Cast-On very occasionally - I never seem to have enough hours in th eday to casually listen to my i-Pod.

Baby Blanket update



I have finished the main part of my Debbie Bliss Entrelac baby blanket. It's not yet blocked, hence the wavy edges. I've got about 14 border patterns still to do before I am able to attach it.

Been up to Glasgow at the weekend and had a very successful wedding shopping trip. Managed to find my dress (not yet ordered as I can't decide on colour) but will be ordering on Saturday. Also managed to buy a flower girl dress in the sale at John Lewis which just needs the ribbon replacing and a bit of extra net to make it perfect AND also got the idea for my invites. Planning to have a pencil sketch of Alnwick Castle (decided on venue and therefore date - 10th May next year) on the front of my invites and since my father-in-law-to-be was an art teacher, he has very kindly agreed to draw me some samples.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Lots of news

I haven't blogged for a while and there has been a good reason for this - my boyfriend finally proposed! It happened about 3 weeks ago and we have been caught up in a whirlwind ever since, trying to let friends and family know and looking at venues for a wedding next year. We have narrowed it down to 2 venues (both with Harry Potter themes - although that wasn't deliberate). The venue is either going to be Alnwick Castle (where the scenes of the Great Hall were filmed) or Glenfinnan House Hotel which is near the Glenfinnan viaduct which is where the Hogwarts express travels over. Alnwick is looking likely to be favourite as it is closer to home and logistically an easier place to get everyone to stay over. Going to see Glenfinnan House hotel this weekend which has a stunning location and which I love but fear its not going to be right. Will keep you posted.

On the knitting side of things, I have managed to finish the main part of my entrelac baby blanket although I got a bit confused on the last corners (they turned out smaller than the start corners but I followed the pattern and think its a quirk of finishing off he entrelac). I'm now onto the border and have abother 14 pattern repeats before it is finished. This wasn't planned for anyone in particular, I just like having a stash of baby thiings to give to friends and family when the new arrivals are born. So once this is finished, it'll be joining some others bits and bobs in my baby stash.

Promise to do some photos after the weekend of my progress.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I like most natural fibres, love anything by Noro as the colour changes keep me interested. I also love anything that feels silky smooth and soft like alpaca. Don't like Chenille as I had a bad experience with it many moons ago where the fluffy bits had fallen off and all I was left with was a bald thread.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
a very full and very large knitting needle fabric holder.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for over 20 years and my aunt taught me when I was a little girl. I started off by knitting clothes for my Sindy doll. I would consider myself to be an internediate knitter.


4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Amazon wish list


5. What's your favorite scent?
anything citrus and zingy,

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
chocolate

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I've recently learned to crochet but knitting is my first love.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like a whole variety of music, Favourites at the moment are Killers, Muse and Kaiser Chiefs. I do have an iPod for which I regularly download music.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like most colours apart from anything really bright like dayglo orange, yellow, acid green, etc

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I just got engaged and live with my fiancee - we don't have any pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear scarves, hats and gloves but not ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Anything that doesn't require sewing up - its the worst part of knitting. I also love lace knitting - its such a surprise to see how lovely it looks when blocked.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Sorrel from Rowan 40 (have been doing this since before SP10 started!!)
socks from "socks soar on 2 circular needles
Debbie Bliss Entrelac baby blanket

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
of course!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
straight aluminium needles although my bofriend prefers bamboo as they don't disturb him when he is trying to watch football.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
own both - thanks to Ruth on SP10 for my yarn winder.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
It was 18 years but I've finished that now so everything else is currently only a few months old - although if the sorrel goes on much longer, I'll have to start measuring the time in years.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
anywhere far away as I love to explore. I'm off to Peru in October to do the Inca Trail and visit the Amazon rainforest.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
no

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to Interweave Knits and occasionally buy Simply Knitting and Knitting magazines in the UK.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
no, would just like to clear out some of my stash.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I do knit socks and am a UK size 5.

23. When is your birthday?
5th April

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
not ventured onto this yet.