Dear Jan,
Work is keeping me quite busy, unable to buckle down and get much of anything in particular accomplished. Hence, you get some dribs and drabs of knitting related things in this post.
I’m working on a new design, the sweater pattern I was seeking to use up the worsted weight yarn from Nora. I couldn’t find what I wanted, so I’m designing it myself. As I may submit it for publication somewhere, I’m not able to post photos of the work in progress (about 8 inches of the body so far), but here is a swatch to give you an idea of the rustic nature of the yarn and sweater.
I did spend a Saturday last month testing a new wheel at StevenBe’s. I gave a Schacht Matchless a good work out spinning up 5 oz of singles from Lorna’s Laces Zombie Barbeque colorway. I’ll likely chain ply these to maintain the clear colors - one wouldn’t want to lose a bit of this gory goodness by blending it together. (No purchase planned yet, just test drives.)
And finally, a recent Ikea find - the Socktopus. I don’t think that is what they called him as it doesn’t sound Swedish enough, but how could he be called anything else? (What is octopus in Swedish, anyway?)
Edited to add the link to the Ikea item HERE.
I hope your weekend is filled with more than a smattering of fun.
Love,
Ellen
Jan and Ellen are identical twins who have always had an innate fashion sense. Crafting is an integral part of their lives and they stay stitched together sharing their love of knitting, family and community.
November 5th, 2011 at 6:34 am
Bläckfisk. And, he is black. But black socks are boring.
Cheers!
Laura
November 5th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
I love the socktopus! That is very very cool. The sweater swatch is also wonderful - the cables and yarn go perfectly together. I know what you mean about work - nine and ten (and more) hour days are knocking my knitting time for a loop, too!
November 5th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
I like the socktopus almost as much as the mini-giraffe on the Direct TV commercials. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=f0fa_BaljjQ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=jBOq-skoi1c) It would be perfect in the dog shower.
And I’ll look forward to seeing completed sweater!
November 5th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
I’m singing the blues here. And a bit of the browns. Very nice socks, and I can’t wait to see the sweater! And I love that not only the octopus but the word for it in stashmuffin’s comments have eyes.
November 5th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
DYING for a linky…must have and can’t find on ikea site with Bläckfisk
I know about busy, too…
but good luck with the design process - it looks great so far!
(((hugs)))
November 5th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Jabba Pressa is what it’s called on ebay…just bought myself one!
November 11th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Clearly, that is a Socktopus. Could be nothing else (no matter what Ikea might say).
Hope you’ve found time for more than a smattering of knitting lately!