Woolfest 2016

Finally after missing out the previous two years I was able to attend the Woolfest event out at Corban's Estate. Mum came with me and we both agreed it was an event for serious wool enthusiastics. From spinning to dying to knitting it was all there.

I'll be going back next year, even more prepped.

I was hopping to pick up some wool for a jumper I have been eyeing up for the last year. But as we arrived at lunch I missed out on the double knit from Outlaw Yarns that I was considering. I'm going to have to order it online, alas.

But I did make a few purchases.

As soon as I spotted this blocking set I knew it was for me. Admittedly I spotted them last year sometime at knit'nstitch out in Taupaki and have been pondering them, and without any luck hunting for them online.

I also couldn't resist these two hanks of wool from Happy go Knitty. I've been wanting to have some socks on the go for sometime. And after a few successful pairs last year I thought I would give it a go.

Mum ended up buying some yummy 10ply from Outlaw Yarns, that maybe I slightly peer pressured her into. But it was a good price and a lovely colour, so I don't think she can go wrong.

 

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It's 2016 and I'm inspired again

It's 2016 and after slow knitting year in 2015 and early 2016, I'm feeling the passion beginning to go again... Well enough to start blogging again.

The other week I finally finish this for my best friend's newest little one. I love the colour and buttons

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duffle-coat

And so I'm back trying to work on this.

I'm knitting it up in some gorgeous wool from outlaw yarn. http://www.outlawyarn.com/store/p2/Vanitas_DK.html

 

This weekend mum and I are off to Woolfest and I'm excited. This is its third year or running, but the first time We've been in Auckland for this weekend. The plan is to purchase wool for this http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jean-3

 

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The other great love

I had an epiphany this morning while walking to the car.... This blog should have board games too. 

Over the last year or so I've fallen head over heels in love with board games. This has been enhanced by Tabletop on the Geek & Sundry channel on YouTube. Wil Wheaton, one of my favourite actors while in high school hosts a game every couple of weeks. I review  the video, decide if I can't live another day without it  ( If this proves to be the case, I place an order ASAP, before stocks in NZ diminish) or otherwise if goes on my list of maybe one day and I start watching the prices. 

This love of board games isn't completely new. I've always found enjoyment from them. But I'm an only child and my mother is not a great fan of them. So my extensive  collection, my favourites being of connect 4 and pictionary, gathered dust over the years. 

Now I have a network of friends that share this enjoyment, and even a guy who will play with me :). 

Any way last night we played Star Fluxx, the game where the playing parameters are constantly on "flux".  I managed to win 2 of the 3 rounds played. It's the first time I've won the game, and it shows all the practice I've had playing on my iPad has been worth it :). 

Oh and has anyone tried the ice cream from McDonalds lately? It's amazing. 

Central Park Hoodie... With no hood and Celtic design.

After the best part of 7 months I'm almost finished. Just one more side seem to sew up and a zip to put in.

Initially I was planning on making a oversized jumper (Rowan Hamilton) put of the wool, I frogged that's as the gauge was out. 

I decided to try out cubic (square) needles on this pattern. And I'm a fan, the tension turns out very even. 

The wool is 10ply Rowan Aran. Which is lovely and warm, but is useless to sew with, but ok for knitting. 

It's my first time blocking correctly too. I'm very pleased with the results. 

I've made so many changes to the pattern, I'm rather pleased with myself that it's all actually turned out. 

I still want to make a jumper, but that can wait I think the next sizeable project is going to be the Kate Davies Fair-isle cardigan. But before that I have a hat to finish off and  a scarf to knit.  

Back into it...

After months  if no blogging I figured I had better start blogging again. If nothing else I can use this to fill in time while I wait for my (perpetually late) date to turn up. 

I think I'll just post a few random pictures to catch up on completed projects 

These were for my nephew. Too cute. 

And some more projects for Flynn, as modelled by Flynn. 

The bunny is one of my favourite go up gifts for babies

Another gift has been this Tardis tea cosy 

And it's reversible dalek on the other side. 

Too cool for words

I've made a couple of things for myself too. 

And I've almost finished my cardigan that I started over 6 months ago. The end is in sight. 

I think this covers the bulk of my projects, just a few hats that I haven't taken photos of yet. 

My mission to update this blog weekly at least, and perhaps include my new love of baking. 

Too much yummy food consumed... Probable explosion imminent.

I just had too much lunch. I met my lovely and talented brother for lunch to talk about our lives and dreams and about going to the movies next weekend. (Indiana Jones and Raiders of the lost Ark for $15, including coke, popcorn and a choc top, Awesome) But now I'm struggling.

Last night I tried to finish the last sleeve of the aforementioned baby cardigan, but I think I made an error, so tonight may invoke some unravelling. Also tonight, I'm going to attempt to win a Facebook auction to purchase some wool. It's been dyed in my home town of Tauranga and the colors are amazing. Fingers crossed, competition is strong apparently. I'm not sure what I'll do with the wool, scarf?maybe... but I must have it.

Off to Wellington on Saturday to meet my Step Niece, Jessica. I knitted her a pretty raspberry coloured cardigan complete with bobbles and cable stitch. I just hope she fits it.

The current project

So finally a post about knitting. My latest effort is a cardigan for my Sister's (Lucy) soon to be baby boy. I'm tackling a Sirdar pattern, my second. Their patterns for babies are gorgeous and are for ages from 0 to 7yrs. But they sometimes lack instructions and I wouldn't recommend them for a complete beginner. The wool is Bamboo 8ply. It's taken a bit to get used to it as their isn't much of a twist. It's all a bit gorgeous.

Hopefully I can get it finished in the next few days and I can make a hat and booties for Lucy's baby shower next month.

 

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