Scarf update

Well the scarf arrived at Ma and Pa Fox's doorstep yesterday and it has been unwrapped. So now I can show the finished result. I blogged about this snuggly scarf here when I first started it. What a lovely project to work on. The wool is easy to knit with and slides on and off the needle well. I'm pleased with the end result and I think Ma. Fox is too.

Just needing a little something to finish off

The stripes are pretty cute I think but needed something more to make it special. So into the button collection and with a lot of sifting, placing, replacing and rearranging the buttons were chosen and sewn into place.

Opening a button tin, letting the buttons catch the light and run through your fingers is such a simple delight. Isn't it amazing how quickly time can pass when a button tin is open.  My lovely button tin is from a sweet friend and is all the way from England. The buttons are a collection of thrifty finds, gifts and passed on to me by my family.

The gorgeous button tin and it's treasure

Here is the final arrangement I settled on...the buttons looked so sweet when sewn on and helped scarf sit better when worn. It is a small scarf that I though would be perfect to tuck into the collar of a jacket without being too bulky.



Buttons!

I have already cast on a pink and cream scarf for sister Fox.....one can never have too many crafty projects at once. Right?!!

Stash-busting continues...

Stash-busting dishcloths

So the stash busting continues....the stash is shrinking ever so slowly and the pile of dishcloths is growing! The plans for new stash additions is growing too! Have probably made enough dishcloths for now I think...for about ten years!. The scarf I started for Ma. Fox is in the post, heading its way down south. When she gets the parcel I will put up the photos. So snuggly, was rather tempted to 'forget' to post it for a week so I could enjoy it (Just kidding)

As an early birthday present Mr. Fox ordered a set of circular needles for me....I am in LOVE! oh knitting is such bliss with these needles. Goodbye achy arms. What a joy it is to have the weight of the garment in my lap rather than on the needles. I got the 'Knit Pro Nova Metal Interchangeable Needles - Deluxe Set ' and I think they are marvellous. Smooth and light needles, the stitches just seem to fly off the needles. Would recommend 'The Yarn Queen' website for great service and super quick postage. What a great Mr. Fox I have...I do rather fancy him too.

I have started a shawl with some gorgeous rainbow yarn Ma. Fox had generously added to my stash, so inspired by blog 'Crochet with Raymond' and her bold use of colour I cast on a shawl. I chose a simple pattern in order to get used to my new needles. The 'Insignia Shawl' from the Knitscene Summer 2011 issue.




My gorgeous new circular needles and the beginnings of a rainbow shawl.

 

So far I can't stop knitting whenever I have a minute. Love that the colours are so different when knitted compared to the lovely ball of yarn. It's like watching a magic trick. The yarn is from 'BJ's Colourways & Collectibles' in Invercargill, Southland, NZ.  I can't find a website for this business but have found the contact details here. The yarn is lovely to knit with and the colours are amazing. Can't wait to wrap my self in a rainbow. Will be definately adding some more of these yarns to my stash one day soon.

Don't you want to dive into those colours!

I hope that everyone reading is snug and warm. Be back soon, I'm off to my shawl and the heater.

Simple things

The stash busting has become so much fun. I have been making a big hole in my cotton, cotton blend and linen yarn collection. The count thus far is four facecloths and two (plus a few rows!!) dishcloths. Having great fun with the small size, the bright colours and no need for concentrating. Quite soothing really. I think that this little phase will take some time to pass. Its ever so nice to be able to start and finish a project (or two) in one day.

Cotton stash-busting face cloths

I have been using two strands, one of candy coloured cotton and the other a soft, undyed, fluffy cotton. The cream cotton added so much softness and texture, as well as toning down the candy colours somewhat.
Some of these are to be gifted, some already have and some may just stay with me I think







Oh garter stitch, how I love thee! What is it with this simple wiggly little stitch? I can't get enough of it. It is so soft and has such a nice smushy feeling...plus its so darn fast.
Some 80% merino wool and 20% possum yarn have found there way into my stash lately (prior to the stash-busting commmenced of course). It is so soft and such a pleasure to knit with. Love it. It is 8ply 'Possum Wool' from Shepard. Just perfect for a scarf........or three. Hehe one for Ma Fox (on the needles now), on for Sister Fox and one for me. Two rows of cream and then a pop of colour for two rows, all garter stitch and knitted on no.9 needles.

Scarf starting to form

I thought I would include a photo of the log cabin knitted blanket so that you can see the whole finished project. Excuse the heavy cropping (wasnt sure if my mates wanted to be internet stars just yet!) and the extremely cheesy grin on my face. Having lots of fun catching up with friends at that baby shower.

Happy Fox and her log cabin blanket