So much to blog about, so little time...

This has ended up being a week with a lot to talk about. First of all, did I finish Sahara? NO. I knitted all weekend. It was wonderful. However, a couple of design issues meant I had to frog, which has slowed me down no end. First of all, I decided to go with the cap sleeve version of Sahara, but when I tried it on the sleeve was much to loose round the top of my arm. So out it had to come. I was going to figure out some decreasing but as the sleeve is knitted from the shoulder down in short rows, I didn't really want to start messing with what was supposed to be a pain free project, so I'm now doing the sleeveless version. All I now have left to do is the sleeve edging.

The other problem I had was with the hem edging at the bottom of the garment. I initially cast off loosely as suggested on the pattern but still found the edge didn't have enough give - especially for those of us with shapely bottoms! So I frogged again. I have now knit the edging on 3.75mm needles and cast off with a 5mm needle and it sits so much better.



This is how it looks at the moment, modelled by the lovely, new Dita Von Dummy, not replacing Marilyn Mannequin, just offering a different look.



I was worried the front might have been too low, but it has worked out beautifully.



I am really pleased with the finished result. The fit is exquisite. This is one I think I will definately knit again. I may even try and stretch to the original Tilli Thomas yarn.

I also received a lovely, lovely, parcel from my lovely, lovely SP10 friend. The photos I have taken of the yarn have come out all blurred, but I received 2 beautiful hanks of yarn from the Natural Dye Studio in the most glorious shade of GREEN - my favorite. My SP10 tells me that all the dyes used are completely natural, so I'm going to investigate this company further. I also received a hank of Lorna's Laces yarn in a beautiful colourway, which I will try and photograph again to do it justice. I then also received a tin box of buttons. Fantastic. Not only do I collect buttons, but unbeknownst to my SP10 I collect tin boxes. It couldn't have been better.



It goes on. I also got a fab mug, which also wouldn't photograph with the words 'life is nothing without friendship' How true. Friends make the world go round. Thank you Emma, my SP10 you made my day.

OOh, she also sent me a recipe for the best cup cakes ever so I am going to have a go this weekend and shall let you all know.

for now

Ruby x

The Sahara, my back garden & chocolate from my SP10

Sahara continued in fits and bursts over the weekend. By Saturday evening she looked like this -



The fit is obviously a little difficult to gauge with no front panel in place but the shaping seems to have worked beautifully.



And the back shaping looks like its going to give an absolutely gorgeous fit.



She has actually grown quite considerably since these photos but will wait now until body is cast off before taking any more pics.

If you don't know where to find the pattern this is the page link http://www.stitchdiva.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=SDS-031

I received a lovely present of chocolate ladybirds from my SP10 aswell which are so lovely I don't want to eat them. Photos to follow. Talking of SP10's I am packing up my first parcel today to send to my pal. I hope she likes her goodies.

And finally, in between knitting, we started on our house extension at the weekend, which is extremely exciting. We did lots of ground work and preparations and the extension size and shape is now all pegged out in the garden. I'll post some pics of progress when there's actually something worth seeing, but the first step has been taken. I've currently got the smallest kitchen in the world, which for a cook is very depressing. So I will have a bigger kitchen and room for a kitchen table which is so important to family life I think. I've got so many ideas as this is the start of the whole house renovation and THEN studio in the garden!!!!!! can't wait.

We are going to our caravan in the lake district at the weekend so won't be posting till I come back but intend to knit and knit and knit, so we shall see if Sahara is finished on my return.

for now,
have a lovely weekend

Ruby xxx