Strawberry Cap to go with a Strawberry Cardigan

Finally finishing the Animal Magic Cardigan which has been a real struggle. Should have been really simple as garter stitch but found changing colours every 2 rows tiring. Worked body seamless which was OK , sleeves fit perfectly. Wasn't happy with neck shaping so crocheted around edge down to strips to stiffen it. Even without this button holes were too far in. Was also unhappy with finish of edge on the outside where had carried yarns up. Actually ended up folding edge over and sewing it, only way to neaten it and solved problem of button holes being too far in. Really disappointed had to go to this measure, tried doing a crochet edge but didn't work at all. Now have to re-do the matching cat hat which I had completed but not in the round as thought would be safer to follow pattern , was really unhappy with the seam so tried undo destroying the hat in the process. Have tried a few different patterns from Simply Knitting Magazines and always given up on them, would have done the same with this if it wasn't an order.

After finishing this on Friday woke up Saturday  inspired for a matching cap for my strawberry cardigan. Originally was just going to do the pattern I used for previous beanies. But woke thinking more of a beret design would go better , searched for pattern to work out roughly how many stitches I would need and just went from there creating this

to make  this set, so now have 2 of my own designs

Was after a bit more of a beret effect but happy with this. Aim to finish the cat hat to in next day or so can get on something I really want to do. Just the ears will be an issue following the pattern just didn't so have go something of Ravelry that hopefully will help

This arrived in the mail today complete with DVD

Have borrowed it from the library a couple of times and really loved it. I do online surveys and one of the companies now issue Fishpond vouchers for rewards, so this cost me just over $6 so bought without guilt as budget is really tight at the moment.

Back to Normality

and work tomorrow... urghhhh

The R & R I was hoping for during the break didn't come to fruition and any knitting planned was not done due to previously explained circumstances, so not looking forward to work, but then I always find in hard to go back after a break.

Feeling much better and back to cooking proper meals , all the Christmas leftovers are gone. Just have to try and get to bed at a decent hour. Back to surfing Ravelry and thinking of new things to cast on. But have to finish some baby clothes first, not enjoying it , but must be done.

Happy New Year Everyone

Sad

Sad.......

RIP Carmello

Have edited post as very emotional at time of writing. Money has been returned, foster Mum has said sorry and explained that she truly thought he would do better with individual care, still doesn't excuse breaking policy. I suppose I thought he would do better with us as well.

Wow

Published my Strawberry Cardigan on Ravelry even without a pattern has been favourited 15 times in two days. Must write out at least a basic pattern for people

My First Design - The Strawberry Cardigan

Since Last Post

The twins arrived yesterday at 32 weeks, not sure how all is going. Called the hospital today and said best wait till the weekend before talking to my BF, obviously they can't disclose anything and I don't want to hassle her hubby as I'm sure his plate is full. So just waiting anxiously for hopefully good news

Getting Knitting priorities in order

I've been a bit over the place with projects (and generally I suppose) , Annis has been cast on 5 times without success. So have decided to start a pumpkin hat I have a request for. Another lady at work had previously requested I knit some baby stuff for a friend of hers. So last weekend dug out some baby patterns for her to peruse and took them to work. She then announced she was having her own little unexpected surprise. So more baby stuff to knit. She has inspired me to design something though, so excited about that , just in my head at the moment.

In addition my best friend is expecting twins at 47, so I think she has been on my mind a lot as very worried for her. She has to keep them cooking for another 5 weeks or so and has really had enough now. Given they will be a few weeks premmie and small thought I'd better get cracking on something for them as well. One little cardigan down and have started another, then will do some beanies  they might need in the hospital.

Spoilt myself with a Knitpro Interchangeable needle set, so now have to do some stuff to pay for them. Was originally going to get some Addi Lace Set. My LYS owner pointed out that Knitpro were cheaper and easier  to get parts for and this particular set had sizes 3mm to 6mm with all the sizes in between with 4 cords and cord ends and a few other extras. The tips should be sharp enough for lace. So it's pretty much what l will need for most projects I will do. I do love the symphonie wood and love my sock needle set. Did have a problem with one of the cords but no problem to exchange it straight away.

So that's me with my brain a bit in order for now