Monday 11 April 2011

Well, I've been THINKING about knitting....

This weekend saw Londoners shedding their raincoats and frantically dusting off and firing up the barbecue as temperatures soared to the mid 20s. Greenwich Park was packed with family picnics and friendly games of football.

Now I don't want to rain on anyone's parade (or picnic) but this crazy (but welcome) summer weather in April isn't doing anything to get me into the knitting groove. But I won't wish the sunshine away - this is London and I know from experience that before long I'll be moaning about the grey skies and drizzle. 

Although I haven't actually been knitting I have thought a little about knitting which is I guess the first step. I've also been admiring the great knitterly gifts I got from my family this year and maybe that's the second step!

I got some beautiful yarn, a set of Harmony Options 5 inch sock needles (which as I discussed in my last post have had quite a workout already!) and two gorgeous books.


The yarns are a lovely wool from Briggs and Little (a NB mill!!), a Merino/Mohair blend in  gorgeous blues and pinks and black from Fleece Artist (Nova Scotia!), and a laceweight Ella Rae merino in my favourite greens.  

I have my eye on the green laceweight at the moment - it's 420m so should be good for a small shawl/scarf. It'll probably another of the crescent shaped patterns that are popular at the moment - I just can't decide how lacey I want it to be.

I so enjoyed making the Great Canadian British American Aran Afghan that I am considering another similar project -- and there are some gorgeous squares in the Nicky Epstein book, and of course some amazing patterns in the Alice Starmore one. My younger sister hinted strongly (errr declared outright) that she wants a throw, and I fancy making one for my Dad so I think a throw or two are in my future.

But of course what I really want is a crazy lace project that will take months and have no real purpose in life other than to make me feel clever when I block it. I've got some lovely Fleegle yarn and I think it's time to tackle the Princess shawl.

5 comments:

Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours said...

I have no idea what to knit at the moment, my heart is thinking a doily blanket or two, but my head knows that this could be madness with the warmer weather.

I suspect it will be a blanket. Although I have some laceweight I would like to break out....

fleegle said...

I am knitting a boring shawl, and can't think of what I really want to do. Sigh.

LittleBerry said...

err what's knitting ;o) why don't you see if some crochet inspires you...

lovely birthday gifts :o)

Joan said...

Ooh-a Princess shawl? That will earn you a place alongside the knitterati! And knowing how fast you knit, I suspect you'll have finished it within a month or two....

Rosemarie said...

Princess shawl! What a challenge it will be...such a great feeling to be able to master such an epic pattern. I've always admired your doing battle with some of the most challenging patterns out there and I can assure you that I will enjoy following your progress on this most remarkable shawl.. It'll be like climbing Everest- you do it because it's there!