princessdeia

June 29th 2007
Filed under Finished Projects 2007, Sockapalooza, Socks

Yarn: Natural Dye Studio Sock Yarn in Lilac Sun
Pattern: Lacy Scallops (pdf)
Needles: 2.5mm DPNs.
Notes: My main alteration to this pattern was after the picot edging, I thought it looked a little bulky going straight from the joining row into the pattern, so I added an extra purl line (row 12 from the repeat). As well as stopping the bulkiness, I think it frames the lace. The lace part of this sock is very easy to knit. I had a few problems with heel, I didn’t really understand the pattern, I soon realized as long as you knitted the last stitch on each line and slipped alternative stitches you will get there.

I had quite a lot of yarn left over from this project and what does one do with leftover sock yarn?
You make a Lacy Scallops Pouch!

After row 8, I did an eyelet row and this continued in stocking stitch, until I ran out of wool. (I did leave a small amount to make a crochet chain cord). Unfortunately, the pouch is a little too small to hold the socks, but I think it will be perfect vessel to sent a little something extra to my pal.

October 26th 2006
Filed under General, Socks, Swaps

As October is all about the Sock – I had to sign-up for the Hot Socks Swap! This exchange teamed up two of my favourite things, sock yarn and coffee – without sounding too much like a Gilmore Girl – I love my morning cuppa coffee.

My swappee Anja, sent my two bags of Tchibo coffee, one Kenya Dark Roast and one mild, as a treat they was a mountain of chocolate – one with macadamia nuts (I think she has been reading my blog). 

When I realised my swappee lived in Germany, I was a little excited as I was hoping for some Opal yarn in an different colourway - and I was not disappointed.

For a while now I have this dream that in Germany they have a secret stash of Opal Yarn not designed for the export market and that all sock yarn is a pound or something – yes I have silly dreams about sock yarn!

Even the card, Anja sent had coffee on it.
She also include this amazing Cross Stitched Scissor Keeper, now I just need to get some decent scissor to attach it too.

September 26th 2006
Filed under General, Swaps

Over the last three months, I have received several amazing gifts from Hawaii from my One Skein Secret Pal. This weekend, when I returned from dog-sitting I found my final parcel complete with her identity, Emily from mlesnapshot.

She made the Spiral Rib bag from the One Skein book – I am not sure what the yarn is – but if feels amazing and has the most amazing colorway, an aqua blue, the purple and a golden yellow.

Included with the bag was several lovely goodies including yet more macadamia nuts.

August 30th 2006
Filed under General, Swaps

I have been away for a few days – and since getting back have been suffering with a cold – so tonight is the first time I have been able to get near the laptop.

When I got home, I found a huge grey bag awaiting me – the kind you get with yarn in – only I knew I hadn’t ordered any yarn. I hadn’t checked my mail in while so didn’t realise my Secret Pal had sent out a parcel.

Once I ripped open the bag, I found the handmade box, adorning each of the sides and top are images from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Tiffany & Co. Including a diamond ring with the Tiffany’s setting (I am not obsessed with Tiffany’s honest). You can see them better in the close-ups of the box.

Within the gifts was a little card – with my Secret Pal’s identity – Thank you Helen at Helishlyknitting.

Amongst the goodies, where some Kidsilk Night – she caught on to my obsession with KSH – I am not sure what to make with it – but am thinking a top.

Also some SW Trading Company’s Bamboo. I have never used with yarn – or any SW yarns for that matter and can’t wait to try it.

There was also some scrap-booking/card-making supplies – I really should get on and make some cards, just to try out all these new toys.

Finally, there was a mini hand-made box to match the bigger one – which currently is holding my stitch-markers.

Thank you once again Helen, I look forward to reading your blog and finding out more about you.

August 9th 2006
Filed under General, Project Spectrum, Swaps

Yesterday started off well, I received a parcel from my Secret Pal – unfortunately the postmark was smugged so I have no idea where she lives, her address is on the back but I don’t recognise the postcode – I will have to google it to find out.

She got me New Knits, this book has been on my wish list for over a year, I always over look it buying the newest knitting book. It’s a great book to put on the coffee table to let non-knitters flick through to show them knitting is more than just chunky scarves and baggy jumpers. In fact my sister as already requested the boudoir slippers.

Also, the perfect t-shirt for my blog – I am thinking of changing the colours to pink to match this shirt – Miss Golightly looking fabulous as always. And an assortment of sweets, I really need to rent some DVD’s to eat all these snacks.

After the excitement of opening presents, Jason and I met his mum and nephew at the Science Museum for a quick educational and fun day out, I hadn’t been there for a few years and it has been brought up to date with exhibits on DNA and global warming.

After Lunch we had time for a quick trip to the Natural History Museum, to see the dinosaurs - just enough time to take some photos. I pass this building numerous times and I never really noticed it, now it become my favourite building in London, it has some amazing architecture, hidden monkey, dinosaur and fish gargoyles around the doorways and windows. 

August 7th 2006
Filed under General, Swaps

I know everyone love receiving parcels, isn’t that the whole reason for signing up for Secret Pal exchanges, and this time around I get twice the fun. On Thursday, I got on of those “we tried to deliver a parcelâ€? cards on the doorstep and I had to wait until Saturday to go and pick it up because of their silly opening times – don’t you just hate it when that happens.

What I picked up was a parcel from Hawaii. Jason and I are planning our trip to Hawaii for our honeymoon so I am obsessed with the islands, which has been enhanced since discovering my One Skein Secret Pal lives there.

The yarn OSSP sent me was a hank of Araucania Patagonia Nature Cotton in purple shades, and as she pointed out three of my favourite things for yarn, the colour, cotton and hand-dyed. I can’t wait to use it.

Even Jason commented that the parcel was very me, as it also included some Honey Roasted Macadamias, I am always snacking on peanuts, pistachios or cashews nuts – they are my dieting downfall. My favourites nuts are the honey roasted kind – which these where. I am waiting for a good t.v. night to open the packet.

Speaking of one skein secret pal, I have sent out my yarn for June and July and am half way through their knitted gift, I spent the majority of the weekend on it, as well as sorting out my UFO’s, expect a lot of completed projects soon.

July 24th 2006
Filed under General

Our hostess from SP8 has emailed this extra questionnaire.

1. What is your favorite season of the year?
I do love the summer even this amazing weather we are having now

2. Where is your favorite vacation spot?
I guess Miami – I had an amazing time there.

3. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
Peru.

4. If you could pick any job, and be paid well, what would it be?
I loved being a barmaid apart from the pay – so that is the obvious choice. But my dream job is to open a funky little cinema, showing old films.

5. If you were going on vacation for 1 week, and had to take ONLY one project with you, what would it be?
Socks – as they don’t take up too much room in the suitcase. 

6. If you won a shopping spree to your favorite Yarn shop, what would you get??
A lot of funky sock yarn, oh and some more books for inspiration.

July 3rd 2006
Filed under General, Swaps

Without a doubt the best thing about this weekend was the arrival of my One Skein Secret Pal Package, from the moment I saw the parcel with the Hawaii postmark I was smiling.

Inside, was a ball of Mohair Premier, I have never seen this yarn before, it seems to be a thicker version of KSH, and is amazingly soft. My pal informs me it is from Japan and pretty hard to get hold. As soon as I saw the colour, I thought of our bedroom walls, as it the shade I am hoping to paint our room later this year. So obviously, this yarn will have to become something for the room, I am thinking a cushion cover.

Also in the package was some Burt Bee’s Hand Salve, as a fan of their lip balm, I couldn’t wait to try this (The yarn also smells on this which adds to it’s yumminess). The yarn was also gift-wrapped with a lovely knitted flower, which I am going to add to my felted clutch (when I finally get around to making it).

In World Cup News, not only was this weekend a bad time for the England team, it was also a bad weekend for my knitting. I am still on the second sleeve and am pretty sure I will not met the deadline . But I am going to keep trying.

June 22nd 2006
Filed under General, Project Spectrum, Swaps

Yesterday we went to Royal Ascot and we finally got to see the new grandstand, unfortunately I had dead batteries in my camera and was unable to buy replacements. here should be photos of my in my hat, drinking Pimms and losing money!

Also whilst I was out the postman delivered my first package from my Secret Pal. So this morning, after a quick trip to the post office and shop to buy some batteries, I got to examine my goodies.

Inside was two skeins of this amazing Colinette Point 5 yarn – I have never seen it before and it is amazing! I think it will make a luscious scarf for the autumn.

Also was a collection of scrap-booking supplies all in shades of blue – just in time for me to make my Postcard for June’s Project Spectrum.

Finally, a Su Duko book for some brain training and candles.

May 16th 2006
Filed under General

1. Which yarn is most like your personality (you can be specific or general with your answer- brand, type, color, fiber, whatever)?
This is a tough question – I am not keen on acrylic, but they have the place. I love unusual yarn like Louisa Harding Glisten, but tend to only knit scarves with them – rather than a full garment that would be expensive (I guess I like a bargain when looking for yarn). I love cotton and use a lot of it all times of the year.
2. What is your favorite color yarn to knit/crochet with?
I love blues, but have been using a lot of pinks and wines this year.
3. Have you ever used variegated, or magic, yarns?
Yes, Hipknit’s Silk, KSH Spray and Opal sock yarn.
4. Do you tend to favor certain fibers when choosing yarns?
Cotton, but I am drawn towards merino at the moment.
5. Do you prefer to work with center-pull or traditionally wound balls of yarn?
I tend to use traditional, but I am not fussed.
6. Have you ever worked with organic yarns or are you interested in trying them?
No, and yes!
7. How many and what projects have you made in the last year?
Scarves, jumpers, mini-sweaters and even a pair of socks (all here).
8. Will you be knitting any gifts this year?
Yes, I am currently knitting a secret present for my sister’s birthday and I should be knitting some stuff for Xmas (again).
9. What is your favorite one skein project?
Confession time, I have yet to knit anything from the book – but am looking forward to starting the clutch and some cupcakes.
General one skein projects, it would have to be KSH scarves (having made 10 last year).
10. How much yarn do you have in your stash and how do you store it?
Not a lot really, at the moment, I have a box with odd bits and three small bags -all containing blue wool, all ear-marked for projects over the next few months.
11. Do you have a yarn in your stash that you love so much you can never use it or part with it?
No. I often buy a nice yarn because I like the colour or feel, but end up wanted to knit with it and then knitting a quick scarf of hat.
12. Do you knit less or differently in the summer?
I tend to knit lots of little cotton jumpers.
13. Do you belong to any knitting groups (online or offline)?
Just a few online groups, see my sidebar.