annarella | handmade : beaded stitch markers and original hand knits, london

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monday, 13 february 2006

It cannot be Monday already!

Super-quick, picture-less post as I'm about to shoot out to catch my train.

Update on the Olympics knit: this athlete did not get off to a very good start it must be said... during the opening ceremonies, I double checked my self-designed pattern, and was totally unsure about the neckline. The small test I had knitted the previous week was not that impressive and I finally resolved to accept that V-necks fit me best. Anything else makes me look as if I've swallowed my own neck, so calculator, pencil and paper to hand, I proceeded to redesign the neckline from round to V. Did a quick "doll-sized" test and set it in stone.

Then I went and cast on, knitted for three hours, solid, no breaks, no interruptions... and then what? I hold up the piece and realise I've mis-read my own instructions, ladies and gents, it seems I can't even read MY OWN handwriting any more... so, frogged the lot, and started again! Had a really busy weekend, but managed to fit a couple of hours in yesterday after dinner. I completed the yoke and finally separated for the sleeves, so I'm now knitting the body. I might put that on spare yarn, and do the sleeves first, they'll certainly grow more quickly: instant gratification :)

Right, gotta run, hope to post some pics tomorrow - have enjoyed rushing through other peeps' blogs, but no time to comment - you're all doing a fantastic job - will try and properly stop by tomorrow. Ciao!

friday, 10 february 2006

Knitting Olympics

I could say that as usual, I'm a little slut, but I'll go with the more romantic "both countries own my heart", so I'll knit for both teams, if I may. Until an hour ago I didn't think I'd even choose a team, coz as absurd as that sounds, I always felt don't really "belong" to one specific country, but with all the excitment mounting up over the thousands of blogs taking part, I got really excited too (about time too, you'll say!), so as with everything in my life I'll be running with the hare and hunting with the hound, as they say. No harm in that, right? I'm going to be starting in exactly 8 minutes, and haven't yet finalised the design of my sweater, I might still decide to knit something altogether different... ;)

Go Knitters, Go! Happy knitting to all, I'll be checking out blogs to see everybody's progress - and to those not partIcipating, thanks for the side cheering :)

Gotta run and cast on - good luck everybody!

sunday, 05 february 2006

My Secret Pal 6 keeps on rocking

What a wonderful weekend I'm having. Yesterday morning the buzzer rang whilst we were still deeply sleeping and a parcel from the States made its appearance! It was my third package from my Secret Pal 6! I couldn't have started the day in any better way!!

I shot out of bed and ripped open the package (sorry, no before pics!)

She sent me a pair of pretty socks (which I'm wearing today) and two gorgeous skeins of Araucania Nature Wool, which is 100% wool in my favourite purple shades. The pictures only just about capture all the nuances in the yarn, just so beautiful to look at, will have to think a bit what to make with them as I'd want to choose something to really bring out the colours. They're worsted weight (recommended needles size: 3.75mm-4.5mm; tension: 18 st x 24 rows), 200g in total, 440 metres. Any suggestions as to what I could do with them would be much appreciated. It's wonderfully soft and it doesn't itch one bit.

Then there was the cutest knitting-themed card - just look at how pretty it is!

And I can now reveal that her name is Mary and I am just so grateful to have had her as my first ever Secret Pal. She's been so thoughtful during the entire event, she's really put a lot of effort in choosing the gifts to send me and I can honestly say I've loved everything I've received - she's been absolutely super and I'm so lucky to be able to say I've been thoroughly spoiled rotten!

Thank you so much Mary, you're the best :)

Easy V-Neck sweater

Two posts in one day, don't feel like doing much today, but just veg out...

...mmm, although completed in August last year, I've only just got round to taking some decent pictures of my Easy V-Neck sweater, mainly because it's incredibly warm and therefore I couldn't bear to wear it in the summer, not even for a few minutes to quickly photograph it. But when it's been cold, I've loved having something so luxurious and warm to snuggle up in.

Made in Jaeger Shetland Aran (20% alpaca, 80% wool), it was my very first sweater and got me started on the top-down raglan construction, which I think it's wicked. Pattern adapted from the talented Stephanie.

wednesday, 01 february 2006

Never mind speed knitting, here comes snail knitting

I went to Angelknits just before 6:30pm last night and didn't leave till well after 10:00pm, so that gives me what? At least three very generous knitting hours... and all I managed to knit were 12 measly rows! 12! In 3.5 hrs! That must be a record... Yes, granted, I did chat a bit, but kept on knitting... or at least I thought I did... Anyway, this is a hat for Ferdie in Jaeger Shetland Aran which was left over from this V-neck sweater (talking of which, better pics of the sweater WILL follow at some point).

And here's a close up of my hand made stitch marker just because!