Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Knitting plans 2012

I got quite a lot of knitting done over Christmas. So my list of WIPs isn't too horrendous, only four projects currently on the go - two of which are blankets (one of which is a long-term project, on the go since August 2006!). I've nearly finished the Isabella jumper, this has been the background project for much of the year, in between working on things for all the babies born last year, and other presents. Isabella now has one sleeve attached, and the other sleeve is almost knitted. I like having a project like this on the go in the background, as it's easy to pick up and put down again, depending on other projects, and is also small enough (the yarn is 4ply, so it's quite a small project, despite being an adult jumper) to take on the train.

 We watched quite a lot of films and TV over Christmas, including the newest Harry Potter, Tamara Drewe, the adaptation of Great Expectations on BBC1 and Downton Abbey. I found the 4ply quite hard going for that much knitting time, so cast on the Essential Cardigan, from Interweave Knits summer 2010 issue, as well. The yarn is Grignasco Merino Gold DK, which I bought on honeymoon, and is gorgeous to knit with. It seems to grow so much quicker after you've been working with 4ply for a while.


For the first time ever I went into work between Christmas and New Year. Only for two days, and it was quite fun, as we only had to work short days, and the trains were blissfully quiet, and I think I only received about 5 emails at work both days! One day I popped to John Lewis on Oxford St after work and found a lovely selection of  yarn on sale. I bought 14 balls of Rowan Amy Butler Belle organic aran, intended for the Briar Rose tunic in Interweave Knits Winter 2011.


I have a few plans for knitting projects in 2012 to get on with, and I want to do more knitting from my stash - although it helps that I now try to buy yarn with a project in mind rather than just randomly buying yarn in sales. One of the girls from knitting group put together a chart of how much yarn in different weights you need for different jumper sizes, I think if I keep that in my handbag it'll be really useful next time I just happen to come across a yarn sale. Ahem.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ah, the Isabella sweater looks lovely. I don't normally like large color changes on adult garments, but the striping is so pretty on this one!

I look forward to seeing your knits in 2012!

liz h said...

I'd be interested in a copy of that card for calculating yardage for jumpers if you have a moment (and if your friend wouldn't mind you passing it on). Please?

Good idea not buying random sale items. I have some silk/cotton in a lovely dark green that I have no idea what to do with, but it was 10 balls for £20 at the Harrogate Knitting and Stitching Show 2 years ago.

Nic said...

That jumper looks lovely. The colours are amazing! I try to buy with a project in mind but then I end up with leftovers and still the residual stash that doesn't ever seem to get used up ;)

Mary Anne said...

Beautiful Isabella jumber!