Hot Stuff

Denim People Knit-along

Another scorcher today, but it's not too hot to knit. Actually, it's really never too hot to knit, although the heat does put me off of knitting with wool and denim. So, I'm afraid that there's still not much progress on my bomber. I'm certainly not keeping up with this 1 ball a week schedule, so those of you who have also fallen behind... don't worry. I know that Eva's completed the back (and probably most of the front by now). Anita is done. Marjorie has started but finding her needles really blue.

Did I mention that Melissa M's also joined us? She's going to work on Raspy. How's everyone else doing? Rowanette Gill... are you done already?

Baby stuff

Loads of my friends have had babies recently. It's really fabulous... and hard to believe how cute some of them are. I'm a little superstitious so I prefer not to knit for a baby before he/she is born. But if they arrive really close together, it's a bit of a race to get the gifts done. Baby things do finish quickly, even when you're working on 3mm needles.

This is a french design by Catherine Bouquerel. The designs are sold in kits, complete with the bits and pieces (needles, patterns, buttons, etc) that you would need to complete the sweater. I used the pattern as a starting point, but replaced the yarn with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. The Pingouin Yarn isn't bad at all, but I thought that the Baby Cashmerino was a nicer yarn.

I prefer to work most of the Debbie Bliss yarns, slightly tighter than the recommended gauge. The baby cashmerino is one of my favourites. The yarn is springy and really soft. Even on a tighter gauge, it only took 3 balls to make this jumper in the 9 month old size.

And for my Secret Pal ...

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high-end/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
Sadly, I think I am a yarn snob. That doesn't mean that I hate acrylic. I love yarns like Rowan Calmer, All Season's Cotton, Phildar's Coton Microfibre, Debbie Bliss's Cashmerino and they all have acrylic in them. I also like kitchen cottons, but I'm one of those people that rather spend more (and economize in other ways) and have less of something nice than save a few pennies and have the second choice.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Nope, and I'm not allowed to have any other serious hobbies, that can accumulate any more stash of any kind.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I have sensitive skin, which means that I rarely wear wools next to my skin. I can't wear scratchy material. I detest smoke... and the smell of smoke. No matter how tired I am, if I go to the pub, when I get home, I have to take a shower and get rid of that smell.

4. How long have you been knitting?
I was taught by my grandmother when I was 7, basically to keep me out of trouble. (I was a really bratty child). I picked it up again when I was about 14 and knitted on and off. My university room mate was also a knitter, so I started again when I was in college. Then about 8 years ago, (when I actually had money top buy nice yarns)

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Tuberose. Joy by Jean Patou has been my favourite scent since I was 15 year old.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
No, not really... well except for the Dorset Apple Pie from Peter Jones, Tarte Normande and extra dark chocolate.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
None other really.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if you want to make her a CD)
I like lots of different music. Anything from the 60's, 70's and 80's. I also like classical music, Handel , Pachebel and Mozart. Maria Callas sang like an angel. I love Abba but get teased a lot for admitting that one.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
I love jewel tones. Burgundy, forest greens, sapphires. I also love black. I don't like fluorescenting shades... no orange, no yellow and no to most browns

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm married and been so for 7 years. I've been thinking about adopting a cat but shudder at the responsibility. What if it like my wool more than it likes me?

12. What are your life dreams?
Hard to answer. I'll let you know, once I figure it out ;-)

Posted by atu at August 7, 2004 10:38 PM