Float'n'purl

Photo Update

I've finally taken the time to update my "Finished Objects" photo album. It seems that I have actually finished some things...........don't feel so bad about my U.F.Os now!

Head Full of Stuff!

Back from a lovely week in the Lakes and I was planning on a long blog about our holiday but my head is too full of "stuff". I've been trying to learn a new computer programme for my new job and now my head hurts so this will be a short post.

Firstly, a F.O to report. Its the hooded sweater for my friend Liz who had a little girl named Rose on 6th of April so I'm not too far behind. Its soooo soft in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. I knitted both the sleeves together on the same needle from two balls of wool so that a) they would be the same and b) more importantly I wouldn't get bored! I suppose I'm not unique in doing this but I wondered how many other people do this and if you can do it with baby garments why not adult ones? I guess you might need circular needles to fit in the stitches but it would be worth it to avoid sleeve island (is that the correct term - I'm not sure?).

Since we got back I've been on a spring cleaning frenzy and sorted out my stash. I took everything out of plastic bags and put balls and skeins into two plastic tubs on wheels which sit under my desk for ease of access. Here it all is prior to going into the tubs (note there was so much I had to take two photographs to fit it all in!).

I tried to take the photos quickly before DH saw the sheer extent of my hording but I was too slow! I can't repeat his reaction and I would say that he's right. This is a ridiculous amount of yarn for someone who's only been knitting again since January 2005! And since this photo was taken I found a couple more balls hidden that I'd completely forgotten about!!

Now for my next picture of shame - the unfinished project pile. From left to right:

1. 1. "Olive" bag from Emma King's "25 Bags to Knit". Only sewing in ends and sewing up required plus the dreaded lining (I HATE sewing with a sewing machine). Started in February 2005.
2. One side of cushion cover knitted in some hand spun natural aran bought on holiday on Islay several years ago awaiting another side!
3. Another half a cushion cover (ribbed) this time in Jaeger Matchmaker double knitting. Started years ago and one of the main reasons why I never finished anything because I had no confidence to knit anything other than squares but got bored half way through. This has to be frogged as the yarn is way too nice to waste on a cushion I'll never finish!!
4. "Swan" from Collinette Tagliatelli pattern book. This has to be finished soon so I can wear it while turquoise is still fashionable!!
5. "Clementine" bag also from Emma King's "25 Bags to Knit".
6. 3/4 of 2nd sock of my first pair of socks.
7. Pair of Jaywalkers - barely started for the Knitting Olympics (less said about that the better).
8. "Tropical Sunset" by Jen in HipKnits pink silk, 3/4 finished but to be frogged as I can't get the arm holes to work no matter what so I want to start something else with this gorgeous silk (maybe another Clapotis?).
9. My "Greek Pullover" from Interweave Knits Fall 05. Front and back almost completed.

So only 2 of 9 items will be frogged that means 7 to complete before starting anything else...........well with the exception of the cushion cover which is not a priority!

I also made a list of my spinning fiber which is also ridiculously long! I won't bore you with that but needless to say this is also now organised and I discovered a few bits and pieces I'd forgotten about. I did add to my stash while on holiday but more on that another day.

So what is the solution to my hording..............knit more? I would if my right shoulder didn't still give my jip so I'd like to learn to crochet and weave for two main reasons (well the ones I tell DH): 1. both use more yarn than knitting (apparently?) 2. both are quicker therefore my stash will diminish (ha, ha).

With the birthday money I got last week I'm hoping to buy one of these after listening to this inspirational podcast. More on this when it arrives!!!

One Year On.......

I can't believe that I missed my first year blogiversary on 3rd of April! It's not that I didn't know that it was coming up but I've been busy decorating my study for my new job which will involve home working. When I say study I actually mean the cupboard in the bow of the boat under the deck, where the roof is so low you can paint it from kneeling on the floor (no joke). So my computer has been packed away until now. At last I'm back on-line - and ready for action!!!

Last day in my current job on Friday (hooray) then its off to the Lakes for a week on Saturday before starting my new job and a chance to celebrate my 35th Birthday on Monday (feeling old now I'm no longer officially in my early thirties). I promise to catch up on my return.

Happy Easter!!