Where did you go...

June??

I can't believe how fast June flew past! There's been very little in the way of knitting outcomes. Here's my embarrassing contribution for the month!
MissBlethersTheElder renewed her mobile phone contract and, of course, got a new mobile. As soon as she had her phone, she placed her request for a new phone cover. It's the ipod cover, by Irene McKisson and can usually be rustled up in a few hours... I used the left over yarn from MissB's accidentally felted socks and replaced the rib with a knit-one-through-the-back, purl one rib. It seems to be a stretchier rib and holds the phone in the case well.

I'm still plodding my way through the Sirdar Leaf Yoke short-sleeved cotton sweater. The pattern is very easy going and presents no real challenge. Currently, I'm working on the leaf pattern and am attempting wrap stitches for the first time. So far, so good! Hopefully, it'll be finished and blocked by my next post - and, even better, the weather here will have cooled sufficiently to allow the wearing of a cotton jumper without resembling a melting blob! Having a 'Celtic' pallor (some would say, deathly white milk bottle complexion), I'm no sun worshipper;o)

ooOoo

It's a pretty busy family month for us - with mum, MrB and I all having our birthdays during the month.

June 13th is MrB, my beloved's birthday. And where would a devoted, loving partner spend time on their true love's special day? Absolutely right, I headed off to Pembroke Dock (about 100 miles away) to spend the KIP day with Angie. Angie has posted some pictures from the day. I had a lovely time meeting, amongst others, Angie, Felix, Andreweaver and taliesin. It was wonderful to meet everyone and to spend the afternoon knitting, in both glorious company and weather. I did make it up to MrB though, stopping off on the way back to buy him a steak and birthday cake.

Mum's birthday was on June 14th and, as she's still in hospital, the 'celebrations' were more muted than they would normally have been. She did enjoy the strawberry gateau my sister took in to the ward though...

When my birthday arrived later in the month, I was thoroughly spoiled too. Look what one of my lovely workmates made me! And it tasted every bit as good as it looks:o) The kids developed semi-deprived looks, asking me "Why can't you bake like that?"
It's not for the want of trying, but I know my limitations (blush). MrMarks&Spencer produces the cake in our house - and folk who've witnessed my baking deficiency will vouch the recipient has had a lucky escape!

ooOoo

MissBlethersTheYounger (otherwise known as Miss SatNav) has spread her wings too and is the cause of much parental angst and separation issues at present ... of which she remains blissfully unaware;o) She has embarked on her first ever holiday without 'parental control'. MissBTY is currently spending the week in a static caravan, with 3 friends, in Tenby (West Wales). She is obviously having a wonderful time - deduced from her distinct lack of phone contact! Tenby is in a beautiful, coastal area of Wales ... though I very much doubt they are enjoying the scenery and continue to live a nocturnal teenage existence, sleeping all day and coming out at sunset!

New year ... new projects

Happy New Year! Hoping 2009 brings health, happiness and fibrey contentment to us all:o)

We had a peaceful Christmas and a little time off work which allowed for some knitting time. These are hot off the needles:

Forest Canopy Cowl

The remainder of the skein of Fyberspates Scrumptious DK was used for this cowl. It's just the perfect texture to wear next to the skin and is beautifully soft. I gave it to my friend today (first opportunity to meet since Christmas) and it's off yomping over the Peak District with her in a couple of weeks.

DD1 asked me to knit a couple of things for her planned Secret Santa amongst her University friends. Bless her, she's not quite mastered how long it might take to produce a Finish Off! She asked for a Column of Leaves Scarf (free pattern on Ravelry ... and lovely to be repeated pattern in the future) and an Ipod Touch/Phone Sockem
I used a tiny amount from a left over sock skein - Natural Dye Studio yarn but am blowed if I can remember the colour! It seemed to fit with DD1's requirements - "nice colour that won't show dirt"!! Makes you kind of wonder about the company she keeps, eh?? I changed the rib pattern to knit into the back of the stitch and am happy with how it turned out. However, it's a strange feeling going back to work with 4 ply yarn and 2.5mm needles again ... all my recent projects have been in aran/worsted or DK.

I gave into temptation and curiosity too - not that it takes much to tempt me to get more yarn:o) Having seen so many fantastic projects on Ravelry and hearing so much enthusiasm for Manos Silk Blend, I ordered a skein from Violet Green (online store). Ohhhh, it's lovely! This thing I've got with silk content at the moment is getting a little worrying;o)

Isn't it gorgeous??