Train Journeys and Crafting

Pattern: Peekaboo Socks by Tracie Dawkins

Yarn: Rico Designs Superba Print 4-ply (less than 0.5 of 10gram ball used)

Started: 28th November 2009

Finished: 30th April 2010

Each morning I have a 20 minute train journey into the office which is a perfect time do a little bit of crafting as I can not sit doing nothing for even 5 minutes. But I have discovered that I have to have just the right project with me. I do not like knitting on straight needles as there is always the risk of hitting those sitting around me so knitting projects have to be either on short dpns or circulars. Additionally knitting patterns have to have short rows as I do not like stopping mid-row; and an easy to remember pattern as juggling my knitting, my handbag, my laptop plus a knitting pattern is not always practicable on a busy commuter train. Stitching on the train is also out as there are too many items to juggle with. Having finished my flames scarf and got Ishbel to the start of the lace section I needed another project for the train this week so picked up a long neglected WIP, Peekaboo socks. The first sock in this pair was cast-on sometime in 2009 as I had planned to make several pairs of socks as Christmas gifts but never got around to completing them in time. But this week I have managed to complete the second sock.

These socks are now on their way to a friend of mine who is having a rough time at the moment as I thought they might cheer her up a little bit.

Knitting - Progress Being Made.

I have finished the knitting on the Flames scarf and the scarf is currently being blocked. Work has been progressing, slowly, on the cardigan that I am knitting for my niece.

I have worked out why I am not moving faster on this – I hate the edging it looks (well will) look great but is a pain to do. As my niece is coming to stay at the weekend I have set myself the task of at least getting the main parts completed; I currently have the back & right front completed so finishing the sleeves and left front should be do-able in 3 days.

As a reward for finishing a couple of projects I cast on my first project for the Knitters Anonymous KAL on Ravelry which I am participating in. My chosen project is Ishbel by Ysolda which I am knitting in Wendy Happy 4-ply yarn in the Virgo colourway. This is a pattern which I have been admiring for a long time but have never gotten the courage to start before now. It is my first attempt at a triangular shawl and I already know that it will not be my last. After a false start because I did not like the yarn I had initially chosen it is now knitting up very fast and I think if I did not get distracted by other things could easily be finished within a week of starting.

Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda
Yarn: Wendy Happy in Virgo
Started: 25th April 2010

Another Finish

I seem to be on a role at the moment and have managed to complete the short sleeved jumper I had been knitting for myself; if I had worked on it consistently it would have been a quick project but at usual I kept getting distracted by other projects. I have also very nearly finished the Flames scarf and once I have done so I think I will reward myself for having managed to complete 3 projects by casting on a new one. Over on Ravelry I have joined a group called Knitters Annoymous which is currently holding a 3 month KAL; the idea is that during April, May and June we each knit a baby item, a pair of socks, a pair of gloves and a shawl or wrap. But the twist is that the chosen pattern for each item has to start with 4 adjoining letters of the alphabet. My starting point is going to be an Ishbel shawl; once that is completed I shall decide on my other 3 patterns.

Pattern: Sider Leaflet No 9067

Yarn: James Brett Marble Chunky

Finished: 20-April-2010

Progress to Report

Easy Blur Scarf

Started: ????

Completed: 12 April 2010

Pattern One Row Lace Scarf by Turvid

Yarn: Sirdar Blur (from my stash)

Progress has been made!! I have managed to finish my blur scarf; it was knit from one ball of Sirdar Blur yarn using a free pattern I found on Ravelry called One Row Lace Scarf. The pattern is really simple yet effective and is just the right sort of project for taking with me on the train journey to / from work. The scarf was not made with any one in mind but will be added to the basket in which I keep hand crafted items which will one day be gifted to either a friend or family member. Finishing this scarf means that there is one less ball of yarn in my stash and 5 gifts in my basket.

As well as completing the blur scarf I have also made progress with the Flames scarf; WIP picture below and almost completed the sleeveless jumper which I am knitting for myself in James Brett Marble chunky. Tonight I hope to complete the jumper so that I can wear it when I go to knitting club on Saturday.

Warm & Cosy Flames
Started: 11 Jan 2010
WIP
Pattern: Winter Flame by Juliet Romeo Juliet
Yarn: The Knitting Goddess 4ply Sock Yarn in Warm & Cosy colourway

April

I can not believe how fast this year is going and I don't seem to have made much progress with all my crafting other than to start lots more projects and to buy lots more stash. So in an attempt to get more focus I have decided to set myself some goals.

In no particular order in April I would like to:

Stitching

1. Finish Monthly Musings
2. Make progress on The Big Zipper
3. Finish Knitting Goddess Needle Holder
4. Start & finish Knitting Goddess Stitch Marker Holder

Knitting

1. Finish red marble short sleeved jumper
2. Finish Mae's yellow cardigan
3. Make progress on lace long sleeved cardigan
4. Make progress on cabled jacket
5. Finish Blur Easy Lace Scarf
6. Finish Flames scarf
7. Make progress on at least on project for the Knitter's Anonymous Knit Along

Other

1. Organise my knitting; beading; stitching and sewing stash
2. Finish at least one quilting /patchwork / sewing project
3. Decorate my bathroom
4. Make at least 4 (not including this one) posts to this blog

Having made the list it looks rather long so I would be pleased to at complete at least half of them this month; the remaining goals can be carried over into May.