NaBloPoMo

National Blog Posting Month - its a really cool idea, an alternative to national novel writing month. So I had better get my thinking hat on, as I am going to post everyday in Novemeber. For more info go here.

Your Birthdate: November 1

You are a natural born leader, even if those leadership talents haven't been developed yet. You have the power and self confidence to succeed in life, and your power grows daily. Besides power, you also have a great deal of creativity that enables you to innovate instead of fail. You are a visionary, seeing the big picture instead of all of the trivial little details. Your strength: Your supreme genius Your weakness: Your inappropriate sensitivity Your power color: Gold Your power symbol: Star Your power month: January

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

I saw this over on Caught Knitting and it seemed kind of relevant.

I received yet another parcel the other day, a birthday parcel from my SP9. Being the dap that I am a deleted my inbox the other day and don't have her e-mail, so SP9 if you're there please e-mail me and thank-you for my birthday present!

I received two balls of sock yarn in lovely deep autumnal colours. The photo doesn't do them justice they are deep burgendy/brown with pinky highlights in one and multicoloured highlights in the other. I also got two Yankee Candles, one cranberry and one pumpkin and some Lindt Lindor Halloween ltd edition - not in photo as I ate them. They were very yummy!

So, I posted about all the parcels i've received not really about the knitting i've been doing so I guess now is time for a WIP/FO update.
I completed my first toe-ups last night. I am really pleased with them.

Pattern:
Plain Toe-Up Socks
Yarn: Lana Grossa Cotton Fantasy 4ply Sock (shade 813)
Needles: Bamboo 2.5mm dpns
Modifications: I made these into short ankle socks

I also completed Denmark from Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road. I love this pattern and will definetly be making more. The pattern is pretty easy but looks fab!

Pattern: Denmark from Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

Needles: Brittany Birch 3.25mm

I finished my scarf to send to my ISE 3 pal. This took longer than I expected to knit but once I was over half way it seemed to go quicker. The worst thing about this was blocking, as I had never blocked lace before.

My Mum kept asked for a matching scarf, hat and gloves set for xmas. I have completed the scarf and have cast on for the hat. I am using Twilleys Freedom Spirit and pattern book that goes with it.

Pattern: Multi-directional Scarf from Twilleys Freedom SpiritYarn: Twilleys Freedom Spirit - AirNeedles: Bamboo 4mm

As can be seen I've been pretty busy, I have three projects on the needles at the moment.

Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl

Whitewater wristwarmers
Jaywalkers

I'm hoping this post looks ok as blogger was playing up and I had upload my photos to photobucket and them link to them. I'm not sure how much knitting is going to be happening over the next few days as it will be my birthday. I am off to my friends tomorrow who is holding a birthday/halloween party for me so expect some bizare photos of us all dressed up in our fancy dress.

Swap Parcels

International Scarf Exchange 3

I received a gorgeous red and navy alpaca scarf along with some yummy chocolates. I am eagerly awaiting the colder weather now so I can wear this oh-so-soft scarf. Thank-you!!!

Knitters Tea Swap 2

Where to being...I was spoiled by Miss Priss Knits and spoiled I was with both tea and knitting content. Thank you. the parcel was perfect!

The tea content

Adagio Ingenuitea, Mug, Adagio teas (golden monkey, oriental spice & vanilla), tropical tea bags. I have very quickly become dependent on the Adagio Ingeuitea and wonder how I managed without one. I have tried the teas and they are really nice, esp the Oriental Spice. I will defintely being ordering from their website.

The knitting content

knitting magazine, stitich makers, sugar n cream yarn ( 4 balls, 2 pink variagated and two green), bamboo needles, (pics of later to follow). To make it even more perfect one of the sugar n cream ballband patterns was for a tea cozy, so I think I have to make one.

and legendary Jelly Bellys, I love these but they are just soooo expensive in the UK.

Hot Socks

As you can tell my postie has been very busy. I received another gorgeous parcel in the Hot Socks swap which was Laura's first time as hostess. Well done Laura and thanks for a great swap.

This parcel reminds me of autumn, the lovely deep jewel tones of the yarn and the sublime warming smell of the tea. I have yet to try it as there is only so mcuh tea one girl can drink and recently i've been inundated. But if it tastes as good as it smells i'll be in heaven. I just love cinnamon.

more sp9 questions

I came across these whilst reading Needleplay (but believe they originated here) so thought i'd play along...

1. Where is your fave knitting spot? On (or in) my bed, watching TV or a good film
2. If you could suddenly never knit again, what would you do instead? You mean apart from going insane, probably learn to spin or leanr to play an instrument.
3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? This is a tricky one as it is a tie between Russia and Kenya. I'd love to go out to Kenya and work with the wild animals on the nature reserves, but i'd also love to visit Russia as I studied Russian History for my history A level and would love to visit the places I learnt about.
4. When you were little, what did you want to do when you grew up? Are you doing it? I knew I wanted to go to university and (eventually) I got there. I didn't have one specific thing, which is probably why I have drifted around in my employment. At the moment I refuse to make plans and will just see where I drift.
5. What is your fave flavour of ice-cream? cookies and cream

SP9 contest answers

Shelby has set a little contest and asked us to list some favourites, so here goes

Actor - Matt Damon
Actress - Audrey Hepburn
Animal - Polar Bear
Band - don't have one but fave singer is Beth Orton
Book - Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Bubble Bath - Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, used as bubble bath
Candy - Cadburys Whole Nut
Color - Pink
Drink - Diet Coke
Flower - Lavender
Food - Roast beef, yorkshire pudding, roast pots etc
Lip Balm - Liz Earle Superbalm
Lotion - Liz Earle Botanical Body Cream
Movie - Breakfast at Tiffany's
Place - my bed
Song - Beautiful - Christina Aguilera
TV Show - Medium
Yarn - Cherry Tree Hill Supersock merino
Vacation Spot - Ireland

My life as I knew it has completely gone. I split from my boyf last friday and am still coming to terms with it. We remain friends which is a good thing as we are still living together at the moment. I am on a mission to find a new home but three weeks into the academic year is not the best time to find decent student accomodation. Since this bombshell, knitting has been miminal. I have nearly completed my ISE3 scarf, it should be done in the next few days, and I have frogged my first toe-ups once and after finding another mistake last night they will frogged again. I think I will change to widdershins as I am finding Baudealaire a bit tricky and with all that has happened my brain really needs a simplet knit. I turned the heel on my first jaywalker last night so that should be finished by the end of the weekend.

I recieved my SP9 spoliee and have made contact. I am really looking forward to spoiling them and have plenty of treats in mind. I am really pleased with who I have been given as I am aware of her blog and she seems really nice. My SP9 spolier has made contact so things are going well. I am just awaiting one more thing for my KTS2 pal to arrive then it's off to the post office with that. I recieved my ISE3 scarf the other day and it is so lovely. The softest I've ever felt. Pics to follow.

I had better get back to work as I have an assignment to finish for uni.

Socktoberfest Questions

So, everyone joining in with Socktoberfest is posting the questions set by Lolly, so I will too.

When did you start knitting socks? Did you tech yourself or were you taught by friend or relative or in a class?
I started knitting socks at the beginning of this year. I had re-learnt to knit at xmas and after looking on web discovered sock knitting and thought I'd have a go. I got yarn, dpns and pattern and the rest is history as they say

What was your first pair? How have they 'held' over time?
My first pair were knitted using 2.5mm dpns, Opal Dreamcatcher yarn and a basic top-down stockinette stitch pattern with a heel flap and grafted toe.
I nearly wore them today but could only find one. I will take a photo to post later (at uni at the mo')

What would you have done differently?
Nothing really, they fit well and I do wear them so as a first sock they are fine.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
I really enjoyed knitting with Cherry Tree Hill Supersock. It has such a lovely texture and is so comfy to wear. My fave socks at the mo are my DB Cashmerino socks knitted using Denmark from Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush, they are my bed socks so so squishy and warm.

Do you like to knit or crochet your sock?
Knit

Do you knit on DPNs, 2 circs or magic loop?
DPNs, I taught myself on these and get on fine with this method so haven't seen the point in learning something new. Maybe at some point I will learn the other techniques but I'm fine with DPNs at the moment.

What heel do you prefer?
I've only knitted socks with a heel flap and although I do find picking up the stitched tedious, I like the way it looks and fits. I don't avoid other methods it just seems the patterns I use have a heel flap heel.

How many pairs have you made?
I have 6 pairs completed
2 pairs on the needles - one being Baudelaire (my first toe-up) the other Jaywalkers

SP9 questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I love knitting with natural fibres (wool, alpaca). I love the feel of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino.
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I don't like acrylic as I find it makes my hands itch and i am allergic to mohair and angora
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a couple of needle holder but don't have one for my dpns or circs.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
I was originally taught to knit, by my Mum 20 years ago but was awful and didn't pick up needles again until xmas 2005 when I was bought a 'knit your own scarf kit' the rest they say is history.
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I suppose I would say I was internediate. I still haven't ventured into colourwork but am competent with cables and intermediate lace.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes a few, at amazon.co.uk (search lyndsey-jane copeman, the hobbies list has my knitting/crochet wishlist) I also have a wishlist I put together for my birthday so this can be e-mailed if requested.
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
I love most smells, but this time of year (autumn/fall) I especially like spicy scents like cinnamon, clove etc. Warming deep scents as opposed to fresh clean summer scents.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Oh yes!!!!
Favorite candy?
Anything that doesn't have dried fruit (sultanas etc) in it. I'm also not that fond of mints or mint flavoured things. I love coffee flavours, nuts and marzipan, all the better if covered in chocolate.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I make card and scrap-book but do this a lot less these days due to time constrants I would love to learn to crochet.
Do you spin? Alas no.
8. What kind of music do you like?
Most I have a very eclectic music taste. Rock, metal, folk, indie, classical etc
Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Yes
9. What's your favorite color(s)?
I love pinks and purples, the brighter the better and have a very pink bedroom but my wardrobe this season is based around chocolate brown and khaki green.
Any colors you just can't stand?
Not a great fan of yellows and oranges
10. What is your family situation?
I live my boyfriend Karl
Do you have any pets?
We have 7 hamsters
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
scarves -alot
hats - occasionally when it gets really cold
mittens - I'm more of a glove person
ponchos - no
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I am addicted to sock knitting as it is portable, quick and cheap
13. What are you knitting right now?
ISE 3 scarf
Freedom Spirit Scarf (for my Mum)
Denmark Socks (from Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush)
Rowan Plaid Scarf
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Most definetely
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I've only used circs a few times, so am more accustomed to straights but I do want to branch out into knitting top-down tops.
Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Most definetely bamboo or wood. I am a BIG fan of Brittany Birch. I suffer from joint pain and find aluminium/plastic painful after a short while.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No, (not unless you include a clothes horse and a boyfriend) but would love one.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
About 2 weeks. I took part in UFO august so managed to erridicate the UFO pile.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
I suppose it would be Xmas/New Year as I love cooking and this is a great time be practice my domestic goddess skills. I am also a big fan of winter so love the weather at this time.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
I don't collect anything.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
I would love a copy of the Stitch Diva Simple Knitted Bodice pattern as I really really want to knit it. I would love to get a chance to knit some socks with Socks That Rock yarn. I also love Sugar n Cream cotton.
What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don't suscribe to any.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I am taking part in My First Toe-Up for Socktoberfest to learn toe-up socks. I really want to pluckup the courage to do some colourwork but the idea scares me.
22. Are you a sock knitter?
Oh yes, yes, yes.
What are your foot measurements?
tbc
23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
November 1st (i'll be 30 this year which I am finding quite traumatic!)

Socktoberfest

So Socktoberfest officially begins today. I have joined a KAL set up by OzKnitter and Socks for Mum called My First Toe-Ups. I am really looking forward to venturing into this area of sock knitting that I have so far avoided like the plague, for no other reason than it is something new. I have decided on my first two toe-up patterns Baudelaire and Love Me Knot. I have yet to decide on yarn but will prob do that later today.

I have goals for Socktoberfest which are:

• complete said two toe-up patterns
• start (and maybe complete) KOTR kal oct/nov sock - Travellers Stocking
• knit sock with cascade fixation from stash

I am aware that I owe you two FO's, I had planned to take some nice photos today but the weather is so so bad that the lighting just won't do them justice. I promise they are worth the wait.

I also have some new arrivals to introduce (we have 3 new hamsters, 2 russian dwarves and 1 syrian) they should be settled in well enough to take photos at the beginning of next week. They are so sweet and are already showing there little personalities.

I am off to finish the Denmark socks (from Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush) otn so I can start on Socktoberfest.

My fave tea cup

For part of the Knitters Tea Swap 2 we have been asked by our hostess to post a picture of our fave tea cup on our blogs. Well here is mine!


It is a one-cup teacup/pot. It is from Whittards and they do them in various colours/designs. I has a lid and a cup shaped filter then goes inside. This means I can make one cup of whatever tea I choose with less washing up. The filter is removed when brewing is completed so there is no need for tea strainers etc. I used to have a matching tile coaster but it seems to have disappeared.

Sock Wars

I have finished my pair of socks, so I believe I have officially taken out my target. I am now awaiting a reply from her with her mailing address so I can send them to her. I hope she likes bright colours coz boy are these bright! I used Regia 6ply in Crazy Colours, I used just over 50g on 3.25mm dpns.
I wasn't planning on staying up to finish them but it is soo hot that I couldn't sleep and then I got so close to finishing I decided to keep at it and of course once they were finished I had to run downstairs and tell the entire blogsphere.
I really should be asleep as I have to be up for Uni in 4 hours - oh well not to worry.
Good Luck to all the other sockwars warriors out there!

Bubble (01/04-09/06)

Unfortunately we have lost another hamster. Please don't think we are bad hamster keepers, it is just we have/had some old ones. It appears she passed peacefully in her sleep as we found her in her house.
Bubble was a Winter White hamster, a breed of dwarf hamsters. Her colouring is known as pearl. Bubble was bought for Karl as a birthday present along with her sister Squeak. They are social animals and can normally live together, however after around 6 weeks they began to fight and we had to seperate them.
Bubble was a feisty little girl and very determined. She was not loved by everyone as she was prone to bite. However, she had a special relationship with Karl as she would not bite him and she seemed to like being handled only by him.
We had noticed over the past couple of weeks that she was getting skinny and last week we noticed that it looked as if she had gone blind in one eye. Despite this she was still active and used her wheel regularly, but with the intenstity as before. When she was young she was very very fast.
She was very very houseproud and the neatest hamster I've ever known. She kept all her bedding in her house, and if it is was disturbed by one of us she quickly went to work rearranging it. Because of her girly housekeeping personality when she was split from Squeak we housed her in the girliest cage we could find. Its called the Pink Palace and she soon become known as Karls Princess.

I really love keeping hamsters but their short life expectancy can be hard espcecially when you loose them very close together. I lost Jenson just before starting my blog, and since then Pepper has gone and now Bubble. We still have the Robovoski's (they are only a year old) and Squeak, but she is slowly down and I don't think she will be with us alot longer.

On a positive note they have all given so much fun and happiness and I like to think that we have given them the same that in the end it is worth it.

Holiday

We had a great time staying the lighthouse and enjoyed various outings. We weren't able to goto see the seals unfortunately as the weather was too windy and the trip was cancelled. We did however go to the Sea Life Sanctuary and saw some seals there along with lots of other sealife.

My other faves were the Rays and the Terripins.

There was not alot of knitting carried out during the holiday so I have to get crackinh now I am back. I have Sock Wars going on aswell as needing to concentrate on my ISE3 scarf and ontop of all that Uni start tomorrow. ARRGGGHHHH!!!!

I have received my swap pal for Knitters Tea Swap 2 and my pal for the Mystery Ball Swap. I can a see a very busy time ahead.

My new fave yarn..

... Freedom Spirit by Twilleys of Stamford. It is just adorable. The colours are beautiful and the yarn is so so soft. I purchased six balls in total the other day, 3 of Earth (a khaki green, with brown and orange) and Air (blues and greys). I am going to be using the Air as my Sock Wars arsenal, and the Earth is going to turn into multi-directional scarf, (i will then get another 4 balls to make matching hat and gloves). I received the pattern support book today and have fallen in love with all 14 patterns. The upside is that the yarn is a basic DK weight so will be easy to sub for some of the patterns - if desired. This yarn is reasonably new but I am truely in love. It is reasonably prices to - around £3 per 50g.

I have finally finished Flood, but it is just too hot to wear to take pics at the mo. I promise pics after the holiday. It fits great and so warm and snug. I had 3 balls left over (I purchased more than needed as the yarn is now discontinued) and knit a matching cable hat last night.

My yarn has arrived for my ISE3 scarf and I hope to start and complete it whilst on holiday. We are leaving for Hunstanton on Saturday and will be gone for a week. I am quite excited about it only I have developed a sore throat over the past two days and am praying that is doesn't get worse - esp as my (8 months) pregnant stepsister is coming with us and I don't want to pass anything on to her. We are staying in an old converted lighthouse in Hunstanton.
I think I am most looking forward to going on a seal trip. It should be fantastic and I am hoping to get some great photos. The other day out I am looking forward to is visiting Norfolk Lavender.
This is prob be last post until I get back as I have be pack my bags and get organised tomorrow.
See you all soon.

is it too early to think of xmas?

I have decided to to be totally organised this year with xmas presents. Myself and Karl have pretty big familes so it can get very expensive (and with only one income, we often opt out of present giving) but last night I had a (minor) brainwave. Use my stash to knit the females presents and then buy the males presents. The problem I have with Xmas is that I never think about it until the middle of November. There is a really good reason for this - my birthday is at the beginning of November, so as a child Xmas was never thought of until the 'fuss' of my birthday died down. As you can imagine this can cause issues if I'm going to can knit presents. So I made a concious decision last night to organise the presents to be knit. On reflection I could just be trying to avoid the fact that my birthday is soon and trying to pretend that it has been and gone with out trauma. There will be trauma this year - i'm 30.
After contemplating my patterns and stash I decided on socks for everyone (portable, quick and reasonably priced). I am hoping to make small tubular bags with a picot cast off in the left over yarn to put the socks in to give them a professional look. The bag can them be filled with lavender etc and placed in an underwear draw. I also want to design some tags to attach to the bag with washing instruction etc.
I even plan to use a fair amount of my stash up.
Before Xmas I have to knit:

1. Jaywalkers (x2)
2. Baby Jaywalkers
3. Butterfly Bow Anklets
4. Slouch Socks
5. Love Me Knot socks
6. Reverse Psockology
7. Tropicana
8. Petticoat socks

and I have yarn in my stash to make 4 of these with yarn that is prefect for the recipients.

I cast on the Butterfly Bow Anklets last night using Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Spring Frost and have knit one 24row pattern repeat and am really pleased with them. I will post photos in a couple of days when there is more to see.

My Mum is taking me to The Knitting and Stiching Show at Ally Pally for my birthday. I am really excited about it already esp as we are going to book in to a colourwork workshop. So hopefully I can learn the basics of colourwork. It should be a good day.

I am still plodding on with the Plaid sweater. I still that last sleeve to finish - its really dragging on, esp as the weather has taken an up turn so knitting in a chunky wool blend is not ideal. i WILL get it finsihed by the end of the week.

Saturday Sky

If you think that this photo is of higher quality than normal then that is because I got boyf to take it as I wasn't feeling up to going outside (read: I was still in my PJs in the afternoon and didn't want to stand in the front garden in them as there was people put there) but as he did such a good job I may have to employ him in future weeks. He doesn't really get why he took the photo he just decided it was easier not to ask.

I will cast on for my last sleeve tonight - had a rest from it yesterday as my wrists were beginning to hurt from knitting with such chunky yarn.

I have almost decided on my yarn and pattern for the ISE 3. I will be using either Artesano Alpaca Inca Cloud-Damson or Artesano Alpaca Opulencia Amethyst - this is there handpainted yarn and very nice. I will be using either the Ripple scarf pattern or the Bertie scarf pattern. When the yarn arrives I will swatch and see what works best. Both pattern were designed with this yarn in mind.

WIP progress

I only have a few wips at the moment but I have been working on Flood pretty exclusively. In the past 10 days I have managed to complete the front, back and one sleeve. All going well it looks like it will be finished in time for my holiday. I'm loving the way it is looking and it feels so cuddly.
There is one thing that is bothering me, what is the best way to block it. It isn't ribbed at the cuffs and bottom, but the first few rows are knit in a size smaller, is supposed to naturally curl up a little so do i just leave it? I'm not really that informed on blocking so any comments greatly received.

I have also been working on Rosalind. I am about half way through. I guessed at doing three chart repeats and I have done about one and half and I think I my guess was right. I have two balls of each colour so I should even have enough yarn left over to put tassels on it. I love the colour combination - perfect for autumn. I am aiming to get this done in time for the start of uni (two weeks away). Maybe I'll get into my genetics lecturer's good books if turn up to the first lecture wearing it ;)

I have been given my pal for ISE3 and will be hoping to knit the majority of her scarf whilst on holiday in a couple of weeks. If possible it would be great to have it finished before the start of Sock Wars. Sock Wars starts whilst I am away, but I have located an internet cafe nearby so will be popping in there to get the pattern - even being a day behind could be fatal.

Although the date says Saturday it is only 2am and as i haven't slept yet still feels like friday. Saturday sky will come later - unless you want a picture of black?

How lucky am I?

I received my parcel from my fave colour swap pal this morning. This was a pleasant surprise as I wasn't expecting it until the end of the week. My pal was none other than the hostess of the swap Nicole who revealed herself on a gorgeous postcard.
My parcel was full to bursting with a myriad of purple and even though I was still half asleep when it arrived I managed to grab the camara before ripping it open.

Before...

and after...

In my parcel was:

• chocolates (mmm)
• Purple & pink notepads
• Purple pen
• Pink buttons (from Nicole's vintage collection)
• Pink & purple pot (which will be used as a make-up brush holder)
• Purple sitich markers
• Wool wash - which smells divine and will be perfect to wash my Rowan Plaid sweater in (when it gets finished)
• 3, yes 3 balls of Sugar n Cream cotton
• Knitpicks Memories 100% merino yarn - in a colourway that is just so me, which I am probably going to make into a felted pencil case for uni, decorated with the pink vintage buttons.

The pink and purple notepads, pen and stitch markers

and a close up of those stitch markers...

Sugar n Cream in Jewel, Grape & Patio Pink

and finally the Knitpicks Memories in Rocky Mountain Dusk

This was the first swap that I have participated in and I have really really enjoyed it. It has however made me realise how nice the Sugar n Cream cotton is and I just the love the Knitpicks yarn that I am beginning to wish we could get both in the UK. It is possible to ship SnC over from various websites but Knitpicks don't ship internationally which I think is just so unfair. I think all us UK (and Europe) knitters should petition Knitpicks to get shipping over here.

A big THANK YOU goes to Nicole for being such a great swap pal!

I'm now waiting my pal receiving here parcel...I only hope she is a happy as I am with mine.

No camara at the moment

I'm afraid I have no progress photos of Flood (cable jumper), Wind (cable scarf) or Rosalind as dear dear boyf decided that he would use my camara batteries to put in his Minidisc player to listen to on the bus to work this morning. I am not a happy soul about this as they are pretty expensive batteries esp for digital camara and other battery draining devices, not minidisc players. Why he couldn't have just taken the rechargable battery from mine (which was sitting on my desk next to the camara) i don't know. (sorry rant over)
I finally plucked up the courage to cast on Flood yesterday evening and have completed two of the 14 row pattern repeats. Not sure why I had jitters about this sweater as its not my first. I am hoping to get this finished in 2 weeks time to take on holiday with me. The yarn is pretty chunky so knits up quite fast.
Rosalind is going really well and i'm loving the colour combination. I estimated that I would need about 3 pattern repeats and have just started the second. It is such a nice knit, not too simple the boredom sets in but still easy enought to watch tv whilst knitting.
I have knit one pattern repeat for Wind but have put it aside to get Rosalind finished as this is a autumn/spring scarf and Wind is definetely a winter scarf.

I have my Fave Colour Swap pals parcel all wrapped up and ready to post tomorrow. I hope she likes the things I have chosen. Fingers crossed!

Sign ups for Secret Pal 9 begun to today, I have been so intrigued reading blogs of participants of SP8 that I signed up right away. I seem to have enough swaps etc on the go at the moment,
International Scarf Exchange 3, Hot Socks, Sock Wars and I am hoping that Knitters Tea Swap starts up again soon.
I am promised new batteries tomorrow so as long they are bought I will show pics of wips.