Monday 27 August 2012

HOLIDAY KNITS......


Hello again! It's good to be back. We had a lovely relaxing time in Yorkshire, walking, talking, playing, drinking and way too much eating. There was also just a little time for some knitting, you'll be pleased to hear. This gorgeous little sweater was started way back last December and desperately needed finishing before it was too small for Sophie to wear. It's from the Rowan book 'Designs for Kids' by Lucinda Guy. I am a big fan of her quirky designs for children.


It's a relaxing, easy knit, with the little cables being made by knitting the second stitch before knitting the first stitch. No need for a cable needle. I used Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 ply, which is a lovely soft merino.


The cute little Scottie dog pocket was just enough colourwork for me. I love the outcome, but am not keen on the organising and de-tangling of the various coloured yarns.


The finished garment is lovely and stretchy and will be a comfy wear hopefully. There is a super cute little Dougie Dog hat and scarf to go with it. Just look! Hmmm.............


Just before we went away, I found a  new child's cardi pattern on Ravelry that took my fancy. I noticed the yarn was on half-price offer at Stash Yarns.



What more incentive could I need! I quickly stashed two skeins of the Noro Taio and cast on 'Patches Child' by Christianne Burkhard. After casting on and knitting the ruffle, the garment is constructed in strips, which are knit together as you work.



I have to say, I love the pattern but am not quite so enamoured with the yarn. It's a mix of 40% cotton, 30% silk, 15% wool and 15% nylon and is pretty expensive. It feels rather stiff and is pretty fragile, breaking with minimal pressure being put upon it. There are numerous unspun lengths that need even more careful handling and several knots. Very annoying! However, the colour changes are lovely and will make this a very jolly little jacket for Sophie. Here's progress so far....


...... the gap is the left armhole!


I cast on another rather lovely piece too, whilst we were away, but I think I'll save that for next time. We only arrived home on Friday and after loading up the washing machine several times on saturday, Sunday saw me driving my younger daughter to her new house in London.  She has just begun her two-year training contract with an international Law firm in the City. I have to say, it was a very pleasant day out, driving past the Olympic stadium and velodrome, over Tower Bridge and through the lovely Clapham to her gorgeous new abode in Balham. Happy days my lovely!

So, I am in need of some recuperation time now ................. in other words, I NEED to KNIT!!!!!!!! I also HAVE to do some school preparation, as sadly the hols are drawing to a close much too speedily for my liking ;-).

I'll leave you with photos of Oscar, looking very sea-soaked and sand speckled, on his holidays. The lovely boy just adores the beach.



12 comments:

Lyn said...

wow lovely!
the summer holiday is fast coming to an end and thought of school are creeping in.
Glad you have a lovely time in Yorkshire.
xxx

busybusybeejay said...

I love the little jumper.I bought some Noro "sock " yarn but it was impossible.It just kept breaking.Why is it still being stocked?I am going to Stash on Wednesday to join their knitting group so I shall ask some questions!sealide

Sarah said...

Love the knits this week Ros! That little jumper is so sweet and perfect for autumn and winter. The colours of the noro yarn are beautiful. I saw some of that for the first time in a posh wool shop in Dulwich recently, and left it on the shelf as it was just so expensive! It is annoying that the quality is suspect.
Yes, the holidays have gone really quickly, just as they always do. Each day next week is taken up with something so it will go really quick and then, the dreaded 4th! I did do some work last week, but have a bit more to do-I may just leave it as it is fairly basic planning for the first week, having done the medium term planning.
I have just been reading about doing colour work in crochet, and how to make it neat on the back, but have not tried it yet. Must do soon!
Love the Oscar pictures-he looks so noble!
Enjoy the rest of your holiday!

melissa said...

oh goodness - that red sweater is the cutest thing ever! i love the puppy pocket! fantastic work!!

and speaking of puppies... oh that oscar at the beach! what could be sweeter?!?

have a good week!!

josiekitten said...

I just love that red jumper, so cute. You know that you'll have to knit the scarf and hat to go with it don't you?!! Great photos of Oscar on the beach! Glad you had a good holiday. Enjoy the last few days!! xx

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Ros and Oscar! Oscar looks so beautiful with the sand on his nose! The red pullover is so perfect and I love the dog! When I used to knit all the time (years ago in Finland) I loved to knit jumper with pictures!
I have heard to much about that Noro yarn, but never tried. Coulours are amazing and your pattern so beautiful - lovely for princess Sophie! x Teje

Scented Sweetpeas said...

Loving your knitted creations and that book looks fab! Aahh and look at your cutie dog with his sandy nose, i wish i lived nearer a beach as our dogs would love to get sandy nosed too x

Unknown said...

Another pretty little creation. Love that lil dog, especially his tail...Cute:O)

I was thinking of you the other day, September's almost here and I remember U were telling us bout the new Head teacher.

Oscar, You look JUST SO HANDSOME:O)
What was it that was so intriguing?You have that look of complete concentration!
Wish we could all come over and play together at the beach....

Molly the Airedale said...

The Scottie sweater is just adorable!
We just love you with sand all over your nose, Oscar!

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

Lynne said...

The little jumper is gorgeous! I love the wee dog on it. The construction on the second top is very interesting, and it looks great. I have read quite a lot of reviews of Noro yarn, and most people seem to have problems with it - not good for something so pricey!

sajuki said...

so cute !
Greetings from Poland,
Katarzyna
sajuki.blogspot.com

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Oscar looks like he's been digging for clams.
The Noro yarns are one of my favourites.
That jumper sure is cute.
Susan x