1. I spent a lot of money in Dingles in Plymouth. I'm sure that I did take a photograph of the contents of the bags but it seems to have disappeared into the ether. However, here is the proof of the bags - contents will be revealed in due course.
It reminded me of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman "You're going to shut your wool department? Big mistake. Huge."
2. I struck lucky on ebay and picked up a copy of Tudor Roses. I have been searching for a copy of this for ages - was it ever actually published in the UK?
A Christmas present to myself...
Having a copy of the actual book in my sweaty hands brings me nearer to starting Elizabeth I. I'm thinking of doing it in 4-ply cotton as I'm thinking I couldn't wear the gorgeously-coloured but slightly scratchy Starmore yarn next to my skin. Any thoughts on this, anyone?
Just love the bell-shaped sleeves and cable detail
3. A quick glance through my local paper yielded a copy of this little treasure by Annabel Fox. A local lady was clearing out her book collection and I was happy to help her out! I know it's a bit nostalgic but I really like her designs.
Lots of hunky chaps wearing floral sweaters within its pages. Tee hee!
4. The Butterfly will fly this month. There, I've said it out loud.
Mysteriously, my stripes are matching up
5. I caved in and downloaded the Rogue pattern. At the same time, I ordered some vintage Rowan Magpie in coffee bean. As soon as I free up my Addi Turbo 5mm from Butterfly, I'm good to go!
The colour isn't quite as dark as the picture suggests. It's the same colour as a.....er....coffee bean. Surprisingly.
6. I finished up the minisweater. I used Rowan wool cotton for the edges and did a picot cast off.
As worn by Princess Leia. Just kidding!
I took the edging from one of my recent book purchases, Knitting On The Edge which I really like. Lots of useful ideas collected and photographed beautifully.
Love the Scarf Style book!
Elizabeth I has been in my queue for a bit now. It's a beautiful design. Currently the plan is to use Rowan Linen Drape.
Posted by: toni at January 5, 2005 08:44 PMCan't wait to see your stash! Woo hoo! (I like your top too, by the way) Elizabeth is beautiful, I'm wondering if it would be good in Linen Drape, as cotton is heavy...
Posted by: MJ at January 5, 2005 09:20 PMOoooooo,shopping ! I'm looking forward to seeing your haul.I do love a good wool sale !
Your Butterfly is looking fab.Mine needs retrieving from behind the sofa - I lost my appetite for it when the chick was ill.I just have the shoulder shaping and huge collar to do.
4ply cotton or Linen Drape would both be fab.How about Wool Cotton or Rowan's soft 4ply wool [the correct name escapes me !] ?.Some swatching needs to be done.
It's nice to see you having so much fun.
Hi ! Good shopping ! All your new books are good especially the Scarf Style. It is a must have book for knitters. Looking forward to see the Butterfly FO. The colour is gorgerous !
Posted by: Eva Shiu at January 6, 2005 02:42 AMI have a suggestion for wearing wool sweaters: I go ahead and knit them in the wool, sometimes it's just so much better for a pattern. The stretch, compression and look of wool is just different than cotton.
Then, go out and buy a long-sleeved silk undershirt. Whoo-hoo! silk undershirts! I got mine at REI, $26 when not on sale. Now when you wear the wool sweater with the oh-so-thin undershirt, the wool doesn't scratch, the undershirt doesn't even show up, and you don't have to wash the sweater as often since you're wearing the silk undershirt next to the skin. It's a good investment to stay warm, protect and wear your wonderful creations.
Posted by: Lisa Dusseault at January 6, 2005 03:15 AMThat is some serious shopping, looks like a lot of fun!
Posted by: kerrie at January 7, 2005 08:57 AMWhoa - big fun ! That looks like some serious wool shopping and I love the Tudor Roses - I saw it on ebay and nearly bid myself but now I'm glad I didn't as you're definitely going to use it, whereas I would just have been stash enhancing :0)
I got the Scarf Style book too with some Christmas cash from my Dad - isn't it fabulous ?? And Rogue - on my list too ! And Butterfly - will be finished this month too. Allegedly.
Heather x
Posted by: Heather at January 7, 2005 07:18 PMthat julia shot is cute. especially when it yarn instead. and i adore the sleeves on the elizabeth sweater. gorgeous pattern. butterfly looks fantastic and i have to whisper this (i got the rogue pattern AND magpie AND in coffee bean too. how funny, but i didn't say that out loud. that would be a dream of mine. you'll probably be done before i even cast on. can't wait to see it. and great books!
Posted by: froggy at January 7, 2005 09:03 PM