Cardigan complete!

Whee, it's finished at last! And it fits, and the colour is fantastic. :)

I actually finished knitting it last month, shortly after writing this post, but I ordered buttons from overseas and they took a while to arrive. I also really dislike sewing on buttons (disproportionately to other finishing-off tasks - I quite like seaming for example), so procrastination also took its toll.

Anyway, here are the stats...

Pattern: Cria by Ysolda Teague (short-sleeved version),
Yarn: Little Wool Company 4-Ply in 'Lime', 1171 yards (1.3 skeins),
Buttons: vintage ones from this Etsy store.
Things I love about it:

• the subtle contrast between the garter-stitch top and the rest of it (in stockinette)
• these simple stitch patterns don't look too 'busy' with the variegated yarn
• the little details that make it look polished, e.g. the tidy transitions between the garter-stitch front to the sleeve, and the slipped stitches which stop the button bands 'flipping'
• the stealth pockets are seamless - only the top opening shows
• the buttons are shaped a bit like wine gums :)
• did I mention the colour? <3

 

The weather has cooled down a bit now with winter setting in, but being a warm-blooded creature I should still get to wear it for a little while. Time to get started on my next cardie, which will be a wintry one this time: a golden-brown Iðunn with dark-brown details. It should go a lot quicker, with the thicker yarn. We shall see!

For your viewing pleasure

First, an excellent new documentary about Bach's life and music. Really interesting, and some lovely snippets of music. It's an hour and a half long! I'm in Bach-nerd heaven.

...And here's something completely different: for an old friend's wedding present, Chloe made a very tongue-in-cheek rap video. Willie helped out with some of the dancing and filming, and I did general gofering. It was pretty much the most hilarious experience ever.
Here's a link to the video: Ra's Wedding Rap

My blog is 1 year old today!

Mum and Dad rustled up a photo of me with the correct number of candles:

(actually my christening photo, shhh...)

This was my first post on my then-brand-new blog: Adventures in cardigan knitting. My Dad (a veteran gardening blogger) helped me set it all up.

I've since finished two cardigans (nearly!), lots of smaller knitting and crochet projects, seven new designs, and two revisions of older designs. I've moved to a new country, and seen koalas and lots of new birds. I've sung in a few concerts, joined a new choir, and attended the opera twice!

It's been a very eventful year. Blogging has been excellent for keeping my writing skills in use, giving me a record of my projects and thoughts, and most of all, for keeping my family and friends back in New Zealand up to date with my doings. Here's to all the adventures to come. :)

The end is in sight!

I finally got back to work on my green Cria cardigan, which has been languishing in its project bag since December while I worked on other things. I've been powering through the 'body' of it for the last week or so, making the most of the motivation while it lasts.

Crafter's chaos!

I have another few inches to go before binding off the hem, and then I'll just need to knit the pocket inners and sleeve cuffs, find some buttons, and I'll be done! I decided to go with short sleeves in the end, because they're just so cute. If all goes well, I'll finish just in time for autumn-cardigan weather. :)

Trying it on to check the fit (several inches of knitting ago)...

...And trying it on again today. I still adore the colour!

My '3D' crocheted blanket has also grown bigger, but I'm taking a break from it right now while I get the cardie done. I still have a couple more rows of squares and a border to go.

My squares are kinda wonky, but blocking will sort it out. :)

Icy goodness

Inspired by Melissa of tiny happy, I bought some ice-block moulds and am amusing myself coming up with flavours. I'm keen to try her Piña Colada combo, next time the moulds are free!

Here are two mini 'recipes' of my own. I found they weren't overly sweet (which suits me), but you might want to add more sugar if you have a sweet tooth. Each recipe makes enough for 6 ice-blocks.

Apple Cinnamon
1 tin apple slices/chunks (unsweetened)
1/2 cup apple juice
1 Tbsp brown sugar (or more, to taste)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Coconut Rough
1 cup milk 
1/2 tin coconut cream
2 Tbsp drinking chocolate powder (or more, to taste)

Instructions: Whizz all ingredients in a blender, pour into ice-block moulds (leaving 1/2 inch at the top for expansion). Freeze for 4 hours.

Now if only I could figure out how to eat them without getting drips down my front... Obviously I have not yet outgrown the need for a bib. :p