Revenge of the UFO

....... aka stashdiving is dangerous for your health.

It seemed such a good idea at the time, evaluating my stash. I definately have enough yarn to keep me in knitting and crochet projects for at least the next year. (My wallet is definately breathing a sigh of relief) The only thing is, I discovered a whole new group of UFO's lurking at the bottom of the pile! Some of which I'd completely forgotten actually starting. So here to shame myself into actually doing something about them are the new batch. The question now is, frog or finish?
Afghan squares in assorted leftover blues. The motif is "Willow" from Jan Eaton's 200 Crochet Blocks book.Stripey stashbusting jumper for the Mighty Midget.Pale blue stole using motif from Hip to Crochet. (If I remember right the original pattern was for a scarf.)Pink (fake) mohair lace wrap cardigan. (What on earth was I thinking with this one?!)oh, and a crochet shawl.These are of course on top of my unfinished bayerische socks, Ivy, Komi mittens and that hairy felted tote. Not to mention various design ideas that I'm playing with. Gulp, I'd better get busy!

Elephant feet?

Elephant feet?
Originally uploaded by Bearium

With success there often comes a failure to balance it out and I have to say this pattern (Fireside Footies) wasn't an unmitigated success. In fact, as a pair of slippers for the MM, they're pretty near useless. I've felted them as hard as I could but while they're the right length, they're far too big. They remind me of elephant feet - short and stumpy!

Now felting is not an exact science but I knew they were never going to be a perfect fit even before washing them. In hindsight, I'd have reduced the number of stitches to make them narrower but hey, it's a little too late now! Still in this household, nothing is wasted. Well, almost nothing anyhow. I'm going to soak them and reshape them and when next you see them they will have evolved!

FO - Clogs

Clogs
Originally uploaded by Bearium

This is the first pair of clogs from the Fiber Trends childrens clog pattern and it definately won't be the last. I think they're great and more importantly, the Mighty Midget actually wears them! I was thinking about adding a non slip sole to the bottom but he seems to be doing ok without one - most of the house is carpeted anyway so it's not really an issue.

The yarn is aran weight out of my own dye pots held double as per the pattern on 9mm Denises. Roll on the next pair, I've got something in the stash that'll be just the ticket :D

Do you make my day?

Give the award to up to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel so happy about Blogland! Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so that they can pass it on. Beware! You may get the award several times!

Apparently I make someone's because I've been voted for an award! Thanks to Jessica (and also Kai who voted for everyone ;p) for thinking of me, I am actually very touched. I'm just sharing the things that I love doing and if my enthusiasm is passed onto someone else well, that's an absolute bonus. I know this blog can be a bit intermittent from time to time but thanks for coming back for another read :D

So, who in our little "blogiverse" inspires me? Well, several people who I would have put forward have already been awarded these but here are my nominations anyway:

Diane and Kate who have dared to say in the last year "knitting does happen in the UK too you know!" and are beavering away on their new knitting mag. Their designs aren't half bad too.
Soo who's lace projects continue to amaze me.
Kay who knits and knits and knits and still finds the time to go to college.
and while I could name a few more, lastly I'm going to nominate Fiona as she probably knows more about knitting than anyone else I know and generously takes the time to share it.

Thanks girls, you make my day!

Cool kitty

Cool kitty
Originally uploaded by Bearium

This is one cool dude isn't he? Sat there lolling nonchalantly on my sofa. Not unlike my real kitties actually, they loll a lot too.
I finally decided Nadia was right, it is probably a he after all, notwithstanding the pink shade of course. I can't call him Miss Pink Cat anymore, even if I gave him a bow, I think he'd still be a boy. There's something definitely masculine about him.
He's pink and he has attitude. I'm just going to have to think of something better to call him.

How much is too much?

Stash
Originally uploaded by Bearium

It got me thinking this birthday business, could I justify buying myself some new and pretty yarn with my freshly acquired pennies? Hmm, I think looking at this little lot, the answer is probably no! That stash along that I've been trying to avoid for so long just jumped up and bit me on the bum. Ouch.

Must knit faster!

I must be stranding!

Nordic Sweetheart Hat
Originally uploaded by Bearium

This is by far the most challenging fair isle project I've tackled so far but I'm loving it. Maybe it's just the vibrancy of the red colour but the pattern has a real zing to it. It's the Nordic Sweetheart Hat by Anne Featonby from She Ewe Knits.

I did get off to a bit of a slow start with it but now I'm zooming along - although I did unravel 2 inches of it last night! It's been a bit of a rough week and I didn't read the pattern properly (oops). Well actually I did, it just didn't sink it. The bit where it says, med/large size dec 6 stitches. I though that's ok, I'm doing the small size.

It wasn't until I'd reached the end of the next pattern repeat and it dawned that it's only written for two sizes. Doh! Anyhow, I'm knitting it quickly enough that it felt right to unpick and put in the decreases where they were supposed to be. The good thing is, I'm almost back to where I was last night so I'll be starting the decreasing for the top tonight. Yay.