The stash

Valentina had asked me about the patterns which snuck into the corner of a previous picture.

I may not have much of a yarn stash, but I do have quite a pattern stash, squeezed into two boxes.

The Small envelopes:


This is mostly salvaged from Mum's collection, including lots of stuff from the 60's and 70's (three different Kaftan patterns!!) generally in sizes way too small for me to use, but still a nice source of inspiration and ideas. I added a "nice" selection of 80's patterns to this when I was in highschool (I shudder at the memories). On a brighter note I've recently added one or two vintage patterns to this box, and having recently discovered that there are plenty of sites offering old gems on the web, I'd love to add more in the future. I tried to sort it chronologically but it's continually getting reshuffled.

The big envelopes:


Over the years I have almost exclusively been a Vogue designer patterns buyer, particularly DKNY and Issey Miyake (usually bought whenever there is a 2 for 1 offer on). I try to keep this collection in alphabetical order, but it's practically impossible as I'm always pulling things out to think about.

I love the design interest, cut and techniques of the designer patterns, and if I'm in the right frame of mind and have enough time, I enjoy tackling the more difficult patterns. My obsession with detail and precision helps I think. Sadly the designs on offer over the last couple of years have been so uninspiring (gee I wish they'd sign up Akira!), my purchasing has really slowed.

I think this proves that one should always stash when one has the opportunity, and I also think that nothing should ever be discarded from the stash.

Footnote: The patchwork quilt in the background is the work of my Mum. Machine pieced and hand quilted. It's a true scrap quilt, many of which date from my childhood, so it's full of memories.

Flo

I mentioned to Froggy that I've made Flo (which she is trying) in Rowan Cotton Glace- Here are the pics! I finished it earlier this year, but started it about 3 years ago. It was an impulse buy- I was looking for something green, but the glace colours are just soooooo gorgeous it became this colourful affair.

The stripes were carefully calculated so that they appear random, but over the entire project (aside from the bands) they are approximately equal quantities, and double quantities of the red and carmine. Of course, things don't necessarily go to plan, and I ran out of the green, pale yellow and bright yellow with about 4 rows to go. I'm still dreaming up something to use the healthy quanities of leftovers for, which will more than likely be some baby clothes for friends who will be giving birth next month.

and on me

Colour variations

Last week some time I read Yarn Harlot’s post about the annoyances of working with variegated yarns, which are neatly counterbalanced by the lusciousness of the yarn in the hank/skein/ball…

Indeed I have noticed that variegated colours can take over the stitch effect of lace patterns- such as with the flowers scarf I am knitting for mum (which has recently been lifted from the bottom of the wip collection so that I can attempt to finish it for Christmas).
Current progress here-

and a close up-


I think on the whole thought I’m really pleased with it- the colour changes are short enough that it gives an even all-over effect.

If you’re interested in working with variegated yarns I highly recommend reading this illustrative analysis from the Knitting Beyond the Hebredies virtual conference. (Thanks to the ever informative Kylie for the heads up!)

Forgot to mention picture in the gorgeous stitch marker, courtesty of Alison, which is very happy helping me with this project!

Mum's Needle Roll

Well, after a restful weekend away the batteries are recharged (mine and the camera's), so I offer you pics of Mum's needle roll. I'll be posting it next week, after I make a trip to Marta's for her to buy some 4ply silk mohair in assorted colours so that she can whip up some scarves as Christmas gifts. Well, at least this means I get to go to the sale that they're having right now, and spend someone else's money!

Anyway: here is the finished needle roll. Fabrics from Patchwork on Central Park, including some two Liberty cotton lawn florals in different colourways. Blues aren't really my colouring but exactly what Mum likes. This has one extra pocket than mine, and more pockets for circular needles.

Folded up:

Unfolding the right half:

And fully revealed:

Greenish thumb, fullish belly.

I took advantage of the gorgeous spring weather on Saturday to tend to my vegie plot.


I have to say overall I wasn’t very pleased with how things are growing. My silver fir tomatoes are smaller here than the ones on the kitchen window sill (who were busy getting pot bound until I replanted them on Sunday afternoon- hopefully they, and the ones now donated to my friends, will fare better) –I find myself thinking maybe I should be grateful they haven’t died yet! Aside from the tomatoes, the beetroot don't seem to have survived the transplanting very well and most of the zucchini and button squash are looking a bit pale and yellow, and havn't grown any nea leaves. I really had much higher hopes for bigger and healthier plants this year, after Robyn and I went to a bit of effort with buying manure and organic mulch, and spending some time tending to the stinking communal compost heap.

I sort of consoled myself with the crop of broad beans- the ones here my hat were podded that evening and shared with my boyfriend, served blanched and then sautéed with onion and bacon and tossed through orecchiette pasta with parmesan… Mmmmmmm. So sweet when they’re that fresh!


But my patch is always going to seem pitiful when my neighbouring plots are like this: I don’t know what Sue and Kevin feed their broad beans, but clearly it’s working! Their broad beans are about 1.5m tall- about twice the height of mine.