The Winter Holidays

We're on winter break here in New Zealand. It's delightful to have time to knit, time to cook, and time to think again! I'm cozy, knitting a shawl, under a crocheted blanket that I found years ago in an antique store. It is a beautifully hand made wool throw.  This shawl pattern is really weird. Can you see the way the pattern is not symmetrical?  The stripes go straight up and down on the right, but angular on the left? I don't know whether to keep going or not? Any thoughts?

Naturally Sensation Yarn 70% merino/30% angora

Quick update since I've been so slack!

Slippers made by Elizabeth Todd.

I have been a bit slack with my blogging lately.  I've been tied up with all sorts of odd ball creations.  I know that I'm schizo when it comes to crafts but I'm actually quilting again so my niece's quilt is getting finished.  I've been collecting fabrics for my next quilt project which is very exciting.  

Today, I thought I would tell you about a present that my sister sent me.  It was goodies for my knitting personality (a reference to my schizo state of mind these days).  Thanks, Cheryl, for the great gift! I can see socks, mittens, or maybe a pair of slippers? What can I make with two skeins of my favorite Koigu KPPPM?  That's a tube of lipstick called "Sexy mother Pucker." (Yes, I spelled it correctly and it's hard to actually type that!) And last but not least, a fabulous magazine called "A Needle Pulling Thread" because she knows how much I love my magazines! Do you see the iPhone cover and the fabulous knitted dishcloth? You're awesome!

Another thing I've been doing lately is scouring the Trademe.co.nz site for furniture. I came accross this gorgeous table for my craft room.  It needs a little TLC but I love it!

Tahki Stacy Charles

It's still so hot and muggy but I'm starting a new summer project for the winter!  It's a spanish style shawl that was given to me for my birthday.  It's found on the Tahki Stacy Charles website and is made in the red Filatura di Crosa cashmere, silk and extra fine merino.  This will be knit on a 4mm circular needle.  It looks harder than it is. The fancy ribbon yarn is called Operadarte and is made in Italy.  It has a black picot trim and it is simply knit onto the shawl through every other eyelet square space.  I can't wait to get it done! 

Speaking of Italy, welcome back Braden, Andrea and Kaira!  There's no place like home.