Finished Stevenson Sweater...

Hurray! I made my deadline of the end of the month to finish this sweater. And much to my surprise I've knit something that fits and that I will actually wear! The pattern was very well written and easy to follow. I made a couple of changes to the neckline - the original is quite high and round, which doesn't suit me, so I lowered it and made it more angular by continuing with the decreases into the ribbed section.

I've also discovered how hard it is to take a photo of yourself without a great big phone obscuring the view! This was the best I could manage. 

I'm pleased with the overall fit of this sweater but I would have liked it to be a bit longer - I did extend the middle section but if I were to do this again I think I would knit the ribbing straight and not begin the waist decreasing rounds until the patterned section. This would lengthen the body and also prevent the slight flare of the ribbing. I think these issues are more to do with my body shape than the pattern itself.

I have now well and truly got the knitting bug, and working in Marmalade Yarns one day a week is proving very dangerous - so many yarns, so little time! I have already lined up two sock projects, a
crocheted scarf, and a cardigan, only to find out this week that good friends are expecting twin girls in the Spring! At last a reason to knit cute baby-sized clothes and crochet some more baby blankets.  I feel a lowering of housework standards may be on the cards!

Circles bag...

...finished at last! I ended up not using the zip, but I may insert it at a later date.  I made stripy sides and used a spotty fabric for the lining. I had toyed with the idea of coloured handles but went with simple black ones in the end. I'm pleased with the density of the crocheted panels, and having used it a few times now, it seems quite robust.

I used the same Rowan Fine Tweed that I used for my Fairisle Tam, so I only need to make a scarf and I shall be completely coordinated for Winter!

Next up is completion of the Stevenson sweater and then I have a polystyrene wreath base that is crying out for a tasteful crocheted covering! Before that, though, is a lovely commission for a painting of British wild flowers which I hope to start tomorrow.

Knitting like a woman possessed...

One of the many reasons I love to crochet is because it grows so quickly. I also tend not to make things to wear, so fit and tension are not an issue. However, ever since getting my mitts on Colours of Shetland by Kate Davies I've had a growing desire to knit one of her fabulous patterns. I am a very slow knitter so my choice of the Stevenson Sweater was due, in part, to the fact that it has very short sleeves! Nevertheless I finally started it this week with a sense of trepidation. One week in and I am absolutely obsessed with seeing it grow. My index fingers are developing callouses and I've lost the power of speech but I'm loving it! I've still a long, long way to go but I'm optimistic that I'll finish it before my target of the end of October!

I haven't forgotten about my little crocheted bag - the crochet is done, the lining and handles chosen and the zip bought. I have finally set up my sewing machine and plan to finish it this weekend, if only I can be dragged away from my knitting needles!