Sunday 1 September 2013

A Year of Projects Update - 1st September!




Wow its the first already and its almost the start of a new term for me and Thomas.  Thomas goes back on Wednesday - year 1 already - time flies!  I go back on Tuesday but we have effectively 2 days of INSET so only 2 days this week with students - hurrah!  I think we are all ready - at least we have tomorrow to sort out the loose ends.
It is also my husbands birthday tomorrow - I was going to get him tickets to the Goodwood revival that we have been going to for a few years, but it is sold out - what is going on there!  Should have got the tickets earlier - but have instead got him a days hire of a Caterham 7.  He loves these cars and I can't afford to buy one so a day will have to do!!
Didn't post last week as we were on holiday in Somerset staying with my mum and dad again.  We had a lovely week - went to Creally Park, Clarks village (to get shoes!) and had a beautiful day at the beech - posted about these Here.

Anyway - this is not what this post should be about.
This post should really be about beads!!
I signed up for the Morticia KAL with Boo knits on Ravelry 2 weeks ago and have since been following the KAL thread.  It has become very obvious that I should be worried about beads!!  I have never done beading before so this is new to me.
I have, therefore been looking through many bead stores online - I have purchased some basic clear beads in the correct size, but since then have seen many more.  The question I have, is that if I end up purchasing millions of beads (which is wholly possible) and I can't stand beading - what am I going to do with them?!  A possible answer is coming up later!
This week I have completed a couple more hexipuffs and made a good start on both the Gradient sweater and the first crocodile scarf.
The Gradient is nearly finished as you can see here on my project page

I am really pleased with this - especially as it is my first sweater - hopefully will finish this weekend.
Pictured with the sweater is my answer to the beads issue!!
In one of the magazines I have been reading I saw an advert for row counters that were pieces of jewelry.  I had a close look and thought that I could probably do that!!  So I went to my local Hobbycraft, perused the beads and jewelry making section and came up with this.

I am very happy with this to the extent that I reckon, with more beads I could make a few more of these as presents!!

The crocodile scarf is also progressing but not as fast as I want to finish the sweater.

I have also signed up for another mystery KAL with the Amy Miller group (the designer of Little Gradient).  I have gone for 4 cowls (as opposed to 4 mitts) and hopefully these will be up sometime today.  There will be 4 patterns released each week of September - hopefully to use some of my stash - although I know I will probably find a way to invest in more!

In summary, my list now looks like this:
Firstly, gifts for Christmas


  • For Daniel and Lily -  a toy- ?dragon and rabbit using stash yarn
  • For the sisters in law - wristwarmers - finished 14/08/13 
  • For my mum and brother - pot covers 
  • For Thomas and Luke - crocodile scarf  - one started
  • For my mum and mil - dishcloths and bag - finished 3 cloths!


  • Then, there's all the projects just for me

    • Finish tote bag  - hurrah - finished 04/07

  • Hat for me - finished 09/08/13
  • Socks for me - definitely using my A Stash Addict yarn
  • Placemats - in time for Christmas I hope!
  • Scarf for the husband
  • Shawl for me - Dragonfly wings by Boo knits - will be my next project - finished 14/07
  • Winter hats for the boys

  • Additions!
  • Little Gradient for Thomas - Nearly finished
  • Hexipuffs - more made
  • Bonnet for SCBU - finished 14/08/13
  • Vanilla socks as first sock project - yarn bought from Mellifera yarns
  • MKAL  with One skein - scarflette - finished 26/07/13
  • MKAL with Boo Knits - Morticia - start 01/10/13
  • MKAL with Amy Miller group - start 01/09/13


  • 11 comments:

    1. Gradient is looking great, I love the blues you are using and looking forward to seeing your MKAL in the cowls. I to am doing the Morticia and this week have to finally settle on yarn and beads so they can be here in time. Row counters is a fab way to use up beads and they are always used and needed by knitters.

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    2. I look forward to seeing that sweater when it is finished. Looks great!

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    3. Gorgeous sweater - love your colour choices. If you find a way to go through thousands of seed beads, please let me know. I'm considering taking online tutorials for crochet rope bracelets and necklaces just to work through the bead stash!

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    4. That gradient sweater is just gorgeous, I'm impressed it's only your first!

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    5. The sweater looks great...hard to believe it's your first! Makes me think maybe I should try one! I love the "gradient" part too. What a great idea for beads! Hmmm.....another Christmas idea, thanks! The scarf is too cute! Another great project! You've gotten lots done already in this YOP!

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    6. Gosh, I love the Gradient! Perfect color choices.

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    7. Great colour choices for the sweater. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

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    8. You are busy! I am always tempted by KAL's but after doing Sarah's Pick a Boo shawl one this summer, I am going to hold out a bit before joining any others. Your sweater is very lovely and I can see why you are anxious to get it off the needles!
      *smiles*

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    9. I love the crocodile scarf! That's brilliant. I want one now...

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    10. I love that sweater! cant wait to see what the finished scarf will look like :)

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    11. The gradient jumper looks amazing! And I love the crocodile scarf, so clever!

      I have a load of beads left over from my beaded shawl, and have no idea what to do with them, so if you have some clever ideas, let me know!

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