So I’d like to say that life is back on track, and I’ve been knitting up a storm, but I’d be lying.
It’s still school holidays, and that’s had a bit of an impact. And I’m w-a-a-a-y behind on my sewing, so I’ve been working on that over the past two days.
Twinkie’s helped.
This is what we’ve made.
Another costume for Em. The pic is a bit deceptive, the bodice is only pinned to the skirt, and I can’t get her to try it on for a pic, because she has a friend here, and that is apparently the height of dorkiness. Of course that means I can’t do anymore work on it yet, because I need to check the fit.
That’s not to say that there hasn’t been any knitting going on. I finally started my “Shetland Lace Shawl” by Hazel Carter from “A Gathering of Lace”.
I haven’t got very far yet.
Cobweb is harder than I thought. I’m using Jamieson & Smith cobweb weight in white on 2.5mm needles.
It’s a single ply, and it seems to get very thin in places. If anyone who has used it can reassure me, I’d be eternally grateful.
I am a little concerned about this pattern. I did a google search, and I didn’t come up with a single finished version of this shawl on any blogs anywhere. Am I insane for attempting it, or are people just not blogging about it?
My artistic director was on hand for all these photos. Are you getting the impression that she’s been a little needy of late?
Finally, I’ve just finished reading this book.
It was a light, fun read. I’m not really into murder mysteries usually, but this was good fun.
However, now that it’s read, I’m going to give it away. If you’d like to receive it, just leave a comment ont his entry. It’s Wednesday lunchtime here now, and I’ll leave it open until Saturday morning my time, when I’ll randomly pick a winner. I’m happy to send it anywhere in the world!
The costume is adorable…. I’d never be able to sew like that! that lace sure looks complicated, well for me anyway… the only lace I mastered is the branching out scarf… I started the swallowtail shawl, but with the small yarn and needles I got upset as it wasn’t getting very far very fast… it’s in the ufo pile.. and may just be ripped apart.
That costume is so cute!! My daughter would hate it though, sigh.
I haven’t tried knitting lace yet so I can’t help you there, sorry.
Count me in for the book giveaway, thanks 🙂
That shawl is incredible – I didn’t have the confidence to work on that one, but I am working on the Shetland Tea Shawl from the same book. So far, I am very impressed with the pattern – it’s very well written.
Just as a precaution, check for errata on the pattern-apparently, in the first editions of the book, there were quite a few mistakes in the printing of the charts that were corrected in later editions.
Good luck, and keep us posted!
Me please! I can swap you for another one in the same series! (or maybe you can loan it to me, and I can send it to the winner after I have read it?) Is that cheating?
I was going to comment anyway, but hey, who can resist the lure of possible free stuff??!!I think the shawl pattern is just lovely and that you probably are just slightly mad for trying it…no, I’m sure it will work out beautifully (just be careful blocking it…)
I love sparkly, shiny, frilly things. I don’t suppose your daughter and I are the same size, though, or else I’d offer to try it on for you. Of course, if it *did* fit, your daughter would be out a cute dress, so it’s probably for the best anyway.
Count me in for the book giveaway, please. I’m a big fan of cozies, which it looks like this would qualify as.
Love the shawl. coming along nicely.
Count me in for the book even thou thats the only pic I cant get up so I have no idea what book it is… But I just bought needled to death by Maggie Sefton so maybe its not that one mmmm
ohhhh I’m another that was going to comment anyway and then I scroll down and see a freebie…great idea!
love the costume….I hope keira does dancing but I don’t look forward to costumes…knowing I have to do something would not be so good…I’m still coming to grips with my overlocker
I can’t believe I’m doing another lace scarf for ISE4 but I’m more realistic this year and no lace weight for me I’ve gone 5ply and so glad I did!!!! lace =stress=requires concentration!
Corrie:)
The costume is lovely, just like a fairy. I can’t imagine sewing something like that! I loved all your exhibition photos, so fun to see the before and after. The scarf wall was glorious. You are lucky to have such a big group of knitters in your area.
I just love that little fluff ball!
Put my name in the hat.
The shawl is beautiful. If anyone can get through it, you can.
I love Twinkie and her ‘help’, she looks like she needs a lot of love!!!! Beautiful costume, and how could you even think of asking Em to try it on in front of a friend???!!! Love the Exhibition photos!!!
I love the tulle with the bits of color. Are those flowers? The costumes for dance is great! I’m sure Emily will look awesome in it. You’re so brave on that cobweb weight! Have you worked on anything so tiny before?
ooh, that shawl is going to be fabulous! 😀 i can’t wait to try lace…but i’m going to try socks first, heh. one thing at a time, right?
that costume is super pretty!
also, count me in for the book giveaway? 😀 looks like fun!
Is it hard to sew with Twinkie on your lap? lol
The costume is gorgeous, and your shawl is going to be stunning. If I lived closer, I’d be your official bunny snuggler.
That’s a beautiful shawl. I’m not sure why some patterns don’t make into the blogging world.
I would like to make the Swedish Heartwarmer Shawl from the book Handknit Holidays but I can’t find any finished ones on any knitting blogs either. Maybe the need for a 60 inch 2.5 mm circular needle puts people off – – or maybe knitting a shawl on that size needles discourages people.
The costume is gorgous. Em is one lucky dancer.
Now tell us the truth……. it’s really you helping Twinkie all this time ;p
A book give away….. I’m in.
Holiday/ routine disruption time happening over here too.
Twinkie is so cute. I will enjoy watching the shawl grow. I’ve knit lace, but not one like that.
I’m always open to reading a new book.
Em is very lucky to have a very talented sewer for a mother.
The dress looks beautiful – and I’m afraid I can’t help you on the Shetland Lace front (which looks just stunning)… perhaps most of the people who knit this pattern don’t Blog or do online stuff?
As a huge fan of murder mysteries, I’d love to read the “Knit One, Kill Two” book – these knitting mysteries aren’t readily available in Australia. I could then pass it around our Stitch’n Bitch group here in Canberra – so please put my name in the hat 🙂 Thank you!
Duh, just realised that YOU are in Oz too! Too early – no tea in system yet 0_o
Your artistic director looks quite a lot like my two, only whiter. Raddits, it’s not widely known, are the epitome of tasteful associates. House raddits are naturally interested in all things fabric related, and quite good at keeping dust bunnies in line 😉
You’ve peaked my intrest in the book, is it one of a series?
Thank you for the warm welcome over on the knit from stash a long :0)
Would you like to do a swap instead. I have just finished reading The Friday Night Knitting Club if you would like to read it. Maybe us knitters should start a little bookswap club. Love the shawl too, maybe nobody has finished one yet as it might take a while to knit up.
i just love twinkie…she always looks so cuddly ^^ let us know how the cobweb lace turns out…i’ve been thinking about knitting the mediterranean shawl for the longest time.
and i’m never one to resist draws. put me in too, please!
wow. that costume is really pretty!! cant wait to see the finished product!!
knitting and murder mystery combined?? ooh…hands up!!!
Oh I love a good murder mystery, count me in please!
And that shawl looks amazing! Good luck!
I can’t wait to see the newest costume completed. It looks really good now, already. That shawl looks like a daunting task… And using Cobweb? Wow.
I think Twinkie would welcome a cuddle 🙂 sure does look needy!
I’m interested in the book. Will read and pass it on to the next interested person.
celia
Wow, what a gorgeous costume (just like all the ones you’ve made!).
The shawl will be amazing…no experience with the cobweb but I’ll cross my fingers for you!
Wow I think the lace shawl is going to be fantastic and the dress is very impressive – as I said, wow! I’ve just found your blog through clicking people’s links – it seems you have a serious lace talent.
Knit one, kill two sounds fun so please count me in the book draw!
Carie
The costume is cute. And your shawl..superb.
I love that little Twinkie to bits. What kinda bunny? I wants to get me one!
The costume is lovely – Em’s a lucky girl to have a mother who is prepared to tackle these. They are not everyone’s cup of tea (coming from someone who has both worn and made them). Twinkie is adorable as always. Shame they are outlawed here in Qld. Some people keep them just the same though and at the vets they are referred to as ‘long eared guinea pigs’. (wink) You are a brave woman making that shawl. It is gorgeous, but such very fine yarn!! That really looks like ‘reading the phone book’ sort of work. I’ll watch the progress with fascination!!
I love the rabbit in the pics. We had a house rabbit too. They are sweet animals. I like your site too. I’m a knitter, but I’ve never tried the cobweb thing. It looks tough!
Hi Twinkie! You’re soo cute! I want to hug you!!
The shawl is looking good! Happy knitting!
Bunny slipper…or toe warmer.
Summer break…is it really a break?
D
Hi Donna, I am using the Jamieson & Smith cobweb weight and it is extremely thin in places so much so that I’ve had to re join it and at parts I’ve been extremely careful with it to make sure it didn’t come apart. It’s like all things you do get use to using it and it just becomes second nature. And you are very talented so I don’t think you would have any trouble getting use to it.
Love the costume you’ve made and Twinkie looks soooo very very cuddly.
The book is fairly decent–but DON’T ENTER ME in the drawing. I have a copy sitting on the bookcase in the bathroom even as we speak. Love the costume, though.
Oh congratulations on taking over the Campbelltown Show this year!! Poor cranky old women losing their grip on the title – I feel a little sorry for them actually.
And that tea cosy is seriously gorgeous. You can tell me about the yarn you used for felting when next we meet. You could easily get that pattern published you know.
Poor icarus, that was the most popular item at the exhi last week. Still, fern garden is spectacular.
And if someone had made that shetland shawl they’d be blogging it fersure. You’re a trailblazer.
IS it to late to enter the comp?
I LOVE that costume you are making Em! Gorgeous and girlie!
Katt
When is Saturday morning your time? Timezones confuse the heck out of me and I’m probably late. LOL
That costume for Em is gorgeous. She’ll look like a living doll in it I’m sure.
Yet another lace shawl, you are doing so well. I really do have to get around to making one…..when I’ve finished with all the things I need to make for the swaps I’m involved in….