Off the needles

I had a lovely week in Plymouth last week staying with my Grandma. I basically wedged myself into an armchair for the week and knitted constantly. It seems to be the time of year when babies are being born and those that are already here are having birthdays.

I've finished all the knitting for the suprise baby present I'd started in the last post. I don't think it'll surprise her if I tell you it's for Nic's peanut, due in the not-too-distant future. The day after Katherine's first bithday in fact. 5 weeks after Leila's 2nd birthday. That's a lot of knitting. Eek. Well, the knitting for Nic's peanut is done, I just need to sew up and sew on the buttons. I finished Leila's cosy tank in Plymouth. I'm so pleased with this, and really happy that everyone who has seen it has commented on what a nice colour combination it is.Here's a close up showing the detail:
When I got back home at the weekend I wanted to cast on something small, as amazingly I have very little on the needles other than the Forest Canopy Shawl and I wanted something that requires little concentration. I've had these bootees in mind for a while now, and finally cast them on. At the moment they aren't being given to anyone, I might just keep them I love them. Well, I say 'them', there is actually only one at the moment.
I think I'd better go and cast on the second one before I suffer from second boottee syndrome.

9 er, random 'projects'

A week or so ago, Jeni tagged me with the 7 random facts meme. I kept meaning to write my 7 random facts but I never got around to it. I've been busy and a bit strung out trying to get things done during my last week in my current job. Only 2 days left!

I've kept meaning to blog, but I've felt like I had nothing to post. Turns out I was wrong! I took some photos of various finished objects, recent er, acquisitions, and projects on the needles. And so, I present to you, 'Nine Random Projects':

1. It's Leila's second birthday in July. Time flies! This is the back of the 'Cosy Tank' in 'And So To Bed' by Lucinda. I've knitted about an inch of the front and it's going fairly quickly. It's two simple but very pretty stitch patterns. I'm going to visit my Grandma in Devon next week and I'm hoping to get this finished while I'm away.2. Also for Leila, intended for her birthday, but I don't think these will be finished in time. The hat needs a crochet edging and the jumper needs an edging, as well as a front and two sleeves. Not sure I'll finish this by July but I'll try. If not it'll be an 'Autumn Present'!3. My first lace! This is the 'Forest Canopy Shawl' knitted in the most beautiful Koigu ever made! It's going pretty well, although I have to be on my own in my bedroom, in silence, while I can't knit this, or I make mistakes. Slow progress, but I'm also taking this to Devon, so hopefully I'll get lots done next week.4. A finished tank top for Pumpkin's 'nephew in situ' (her words, not mine!)5. Aha, now the new purchases! I had a trip to Get Knitted a few weekends ago. It's a great shop and Sue and the staff there are lovely and really welcoming. I bought one skein of yarn and lots of fabric and patterns. First, this 'coriander' fabric and a skirt pattern. 6. ...followed by the 'Swing Bag Pattern and two fabrics for the outside and lining. *note to self: the sewing mashine needs to be taken out of the box before sewing can take place* Hmmm... they're so pretty!!
7. My favourite purchase ever! A 600g skein of Handmaiden Sea Silk. It's a grey/black/bronze beautiful and smells of the sea. I bought it at Stash a few weeks ago as a congratulatory presnt for myself after accepting my new job offer. Woo-hoo! That's an Addi lace needle next to it, ordered from Purl SoHo in New York. It arrived the day before Get Knitted started selling them. Oops. The Sea Silk is destined to be Amy Singer's 'Tuscany' shawl from the book 'No Sheep for You', but I'm going to knit at least two other shawls first, so it'll be a while before this beauty is on the needles.
8. A new project for a new baby, currently in the development stages...both the project and the baby. A bit of a suprise so no details on this yet.9. And finally, a skein of Mountain Colours Weavers' Wool, given to me in a swap last year. I'm blogging it because it's going to be my Woolfest knitting. A simple trinagular garter stitch shawl. Woolfest is only a few weeks away....I can't wait.

There now, I did have some things to show afterall!