no time for me

soft pair
Originally uploaded by baprime

I knew the last couple months before Christmas would be a busy time for me, but I still hate that I have no time to knit anything for myself. I started a pair of socks, but felt so guilty about knitting them I put them away over a week ago. The greenish yarn in the photo is some hand-spun BFL a friend gave me for my birthday. The bluish yarn is some amazingly soft hand-spun I picked up In Nova Scotia on my honeymoon. I plan to use them together in a neck warmer of my own design. I am itching to get started with this stuff, but I am strong enough to put it aside and make the toys on order.

But come the middle of December, it's all about me! I plan to give myself two months of just knitting what I want. This may include the twin to the sock I knit for my husband last year. If the sweet, soft yarns for my socks and sweater don't tempt me too much ;)

a bit of scenery

My sweetie took almost 600 photos during our 12 day honeymoon, so it's going to be a while before he gets through them all and posts the best ones. I thought I would share a few from our first full day in Nova Scotia, during which we visited Peggy's Cove.



A typical small town along the shore south of Halifax.


I couldn't resist the wild blueberries that you could still find in open, rocky places.


The lighthouse at Peggy's Cove (taken from an angle that cleverly hides the hordes of tourists).


Looking back towards Peggy's Cove - you an just barely make out the lighthouse through the fog. We had stopped about 10km down the road from the town, to take pictures of the beautiful tundra-like landscape, and found a trail through the hills. It was so lovely and quiet. We sat on a boulder high above the surf, and just enjoyed the peacefulness for a while.

the whole magic-loop thing

I know I didn't mean to do any "work" knitting while I was away, but I couldn't help myself. Honestly, just ask my sweetie :) Of course, it had something to do with cursing and swearing at my attempted socks, which just wouldn't let me get them started. Usually I am equal to teaching myself new techniques, but I think I may need to ask for help with the whole magic-loop thing. It seemed straight-forward enough, and I did manage to get about an inch done before realizing my gauge was too tight. On my second try, despite being so careful, one sock ended up twisted and I tore it all apart in disgust.

Then I convinced myself that people out there must be dying to see new toys in my shop, which has been barren for some time. Strudel hung in there for a while, but it was too lonely for him, so he is staying with me now. Too bad for you ;)

I am in the process of knitting a little white lamb with curly locks. I tend to knit bits at a time - so far she has a head, body, and one leg. Tonight I decided to start her sweater, and pulled out a nice wool yarn in pumpkin orange. I meant to make another hooded cardi, but was lazy and didn't feel like knitting the hood. Instead it's just a cardigan with some pretty twisted stitches up the front. If I can manage to not procrastinate too badly tomorrow, I might get her done.

After that, I really need to concentrate on my new, top-secret pattern. It's been waiting for my attention far too long, even though I am really excited about it. But it's a project that takes a lot of energy and concentration, and my wedding was taking up all of that for the last month.

I think it's time to head for bed now, and give my kitties some much-needed attention.

bride and groom

IMG_1733
Originally uploaded by mricon

One photo to tease you :)

I'll post a few more from the honeymoon once I get back. I'm so looking forward to spending the next 2 weeks relaxing with my sweetie. No set plans, just go where the mood takes us. I'm hoping for lots of walks on the beach and in the woods, with a little bit of yarn shopping, and good music in cozy pubs.

short break

The weather yesterday was beautiful, and the backdrop to a perfect day. I am now a very happily married woman.

Today a bunch of our friends are coming by to help us celebrate (there will be knitting involved, knowing some of my friends). Tomorrow we're off on our honeymoon for 2 weeks, so there will be a short break here. If I have a chance, I will post a few pictures for you to enjoy.

learning sometimes hurts

I'm taking a break from knitting toys for a while. I started a lovely tuque, knit from alpaca/silk/merino tweed in green, white, and orange. I even used a lacy leaf pattern to make it more autumnish. But after nearly finishing it twice, I have come to the conclusion that I may not have enough yarn. It is waiting for me to decide how to proceed.

I was planning to take only a single pair of socks on my honeymoon - using the wyvern pattern with my sail-away yarn. Waves and ocean colours seemed appropriate for a trip to Nova Scotia. I thought a head start couldn't hurt, so made a start last night and knit a little this morning. I am trying the magic loop method with one circular needle, for the first time. For good or ill, I am the type of person who likes to figure things out for herself, even when I have access to lots of useful information. After a bout of cursing and grumbling, I managed to figure out the hang of it. Now I have two very pretty socks (although they are only 1 inch long so far). Unfortunately (who didn't see that coming?) this method makes me knit in a tighter gauge, and the socks are too small.

Time to frog the knitting, and try not to curse and grumble about my faults.