Image is Everything

Or perhaps in the plural: images are everything. I know I’m just an amateur photographer but I’ve really wished I was a little better this week. I took a load of shots of my hand-dyed yarn for the launch of my Etsy shop, and I can’t say they’re going to help sell the product! Never mind, though, there are a few skeins which I’d quite like to keep. This one, for instance:

It’s a burgundy/pink mix, although – since the photography isn’t marvellous – you probably have to take my word for it. But, if it sells, then I can always dye another for myself!

Making Hay

I’ve been making hay while the sun shines. Not literally of course, but I’ve been packing plenty into these unusually hot and sunny days. Since the heat is so late in the season there’s an obvious urgency to make the most of it. All those housework jobs which I’d put off, waiting for fine weather, have been done. Curtains are washed, cleaning is finished, and now I’m set for whatever winter wants to throw at us this year.

I went along to my second Knit’n'Natter at the Blind and Partially Sighted Society earlier in the week, and enjoyed every minute. It’s really inspiring to discover how knitters are so determined and inventive. To compensate for my lacklustre performance last time, I took a couple of hats, a handful of smartphone socks and my Royal Orchid shawl to sell on the Open Day.

Well, I'll never wear it

I’d asked a neighbour to act as a referee for my work with the Society and she let me know that she’d done the necessary. As a thank you I want to knit her an Ishbel in some hand-dyed merino-silk. She’s a wonderful person and she’s been very supportive.

But I want to do it as soon as possible, so how quickly can you knit an Ishbel?

I’ll just make a cake …

and cast on …

Can I finish it by Sunday?

Seven day Sweater

Well, not quite. I started a sweater in gorgeous baby alpaca last Saturday afternoon.

I wanted to get it done as quickly as possible so I knitted flat out all week. Seven days later four pieces are finished and blocking.

So it’s ready for the fiddly bits.

In the meantime I rushed into using my Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, picking another one skein wonder.

Most of the designs on Ravelry call for US size 1 needles, ie 2.25 mm. I’ve two sets of 2.5 mm and, although I’m sure the difference would be minimal, I’d rather use the suggested needle. Looks like I need to go shopping …

I’ve dyed some more sock yarn this week using blues and pink, so here’s my stash so far.

I’m cooking up a nice violet/fuchsia mix right now and I’ll post pictures soon.

And did I go for a run this morning? Er, felt a bit tired really, thought I’d do some dyeing instead … I am so BAD!

Scarf and Socks

I finished two one skeiners this week:  a scarf and a pair of socks. So, after a run (yes, I did it again), a coffee and a custard cream, here they are.

The scarf took nearly all of some bamboo/cotton blend left over from a summer sweater project. I like to buy extra, so I feel good if I use up remainders.

Such a clever design (Winter Wonders Silk Scarf by Margaret Radcliffe, a one skein wonder). I don’t have silk, but bamboo works just as well.

The socks are the first for several years and I used Kate Atherley’s Basic Ribbed Socks:

Nice and simple, although I prefer a grafted toe. Hopefully the yarn will soften with washing, otherwise these socks won’t get worn.

Now to choose the next sock design.  And the next sock yarn. From my stash or hand dyed? So difficult!