Suns out

May 17, 2018

Well hello.

The sun is shining here in Suffolk, still a tad chilly in the shade but otherwise Im loving it. Its been a busy time since I last post. Ive been on a knitting retreat which as always was great and I attended Edinbrugh Yarn Festival which was amazing. Ive even fiinished projects using yarn that I purchased there and Ive cast on another.

My first FO was a lovely pair of fingerless mitts using yarn and a pattern from The Knitting Gift Shop, I wanted to cast these on straight away. Id been harbouring the idea of buying a set of Lykke needles and this seemed like the ideal time to buy some and try them out. The mitts were cast on that night in my hotel room, a quick ish knit and one I can recommend. I have a problem with this statement 'a quick knit' Its often used when descibing and promoting patterns that more often than not cost an arm and a leg to knit. If im spending a hefty sum on yarn I want that knit to take a while. I guess that makes me a process knitter.

The Lykke needles were a joy to knit with. I didnt buy a set in the end as 60% of the sizes in the set I wouldnt use. My perfect kit would be a pick and mix choice. Id love the case but would want it full of 2.5mm ,3mm, 3.25mm and 3.50mm which seem to be the sizes I mostly use. I hold my hand up and admit that Im so messy when it comes to the storage of my needles. Part of the blame lies at the feet of the needle manufacturers themselves, why dont the put the needles in a good quality sleeve that will last rather than some feeble cheap cellophane cover that gets ripped and is thrown out almost immediatly. I would rather pay a fraction more for this. It might even stop me buying multiple quantities and repeats of sizes I already have because I cant fiqure out the size of said needle that lies abandoned in a tupperware tub. Obviously I should be more disciplined be tidy and all of that stuff but with a bag of needles covering over 45 years of knitting I dont think Im going to change anytime soon.

My 2nd FO is the fabulous Vinterfjell Sweater formally named Blafjell, a design from Ellie, Skeindeerknits. This was a delight to knit from the first stitch knit to the last cast off. Its Ellies first sweater design and I cant wait to see what else she comes out with. The pattern was really well written and easy to follow. The yarn I used was Rauma PT2 purchased from Ysolda teagues stand at EYF. The stand was a rainbow of colour and took me and age to decide but I went with what I had on my list and chose all neutrals and I love it. I also got another jumpers worth in grey to knit a cardigan with but Ive lost the pattern, then Jonathan my husband said,..... yes he actually said that he'd quite fancy a Vinterfjell so hes having a grey one. Perfect.

My 3rd EYF project thats just met its needles is Blink, a LOOP london patern and kit that I got. I was completely enabled by Emma, it didnt take much mind but Im so thrilled I got it as I know I would have regretted goin home without it. Its going to be a garter stitch slog is this one, but oh so worth it.

Obviously there was a little bit more purchased but Im happy to say whislt I strayed from the list I didnt go off budget. My other buys were a slection of mitts from The knitting Gift shop and the Pin Wheel fingerless mitts from Loop London

Ignoring the bright pink Ive gone for mostly neutrals and I didnt buy one skein of sock yarn.

Ive been busy behind the scenes here at Suffolk Socks. I released a sock design "Lets go fly a kite' you can find it over on Ravelry. Its an easy to remember 10 stitch, 12 row pattern repeat and Im thrilled with it.

Shop Update.

I have a few kits in the shop,

The yarn Tart kit to celebrate its 2 year birthday contents 1 x 100gms of 4 ply Mamma J colourway, a handmade project bag and stitch markers.

This shade knits up beautifully,I knit Fragment sock with this yarn. a design for Curious Handmade available in the latest laine magazine

Our other kit 2 Colour sox contents 1 x 100gms of speckled Mondim 4ply, 1 x 100gms of plain Mondim 4ply and a set of F&B stitch markers come in a sock size calico drawstring bag

Ive updated the shop with yarn from The Yarn Tart , 100% Corriedale Non superwash, they are gorgeous.

WIPS

There are plenty but the one getting my attention tonight is Merrie Dancers Toorie by Elizabeth Johnston. Im knitting this to take to Shetland wool week in September which Im super excited about. The rib was tweaked slightly to use up the wool

TAKE CARE, HAPPY KNITTING

Julie x