Off the needles!

I have had a very succesful weekend when it comes to finishing projects. Two projects have come off the needles this weekend and two more were started (but more about that later). The first project that came off the needles was my Organic Merino Shawl, which doesn't have a name yet. I finished it on Friday evening and blocked it immediately so I could wear it when I went to Bovey Tracey on Saturday afternoon. I love it! It's so soft and warm and felt really cosy worn as a scarf.

I quickly did some photos this afternoon, they're not brilliant but I'll try and do another photo shot tomorrow but doesn't it look pretty:
Here's a close up of the border which is knitted at the same time as the body.

This shawl took 2 skeins and was knitted in two havles. I also have matching handwarmers but forgot to photograph those.

Recently I finished a new version of the Scrolls Cowl. I included some shaping to make it sit better on the shoulders. The original version was knitted in Luscious Lace but this one is knitted in Fantasy sock yarn which is gorgeous to knit with. I also knitted some cuffs which I've not photographed. It was actually the cuffs I finished this weekend. I was nearly finished wiht the first one on Friday night and by Sunday afternoon the second one was off the needles. I'll try to get a photo of both tomorrow.

After getting these two projects finished I hadn't planned to start anything new apart from my next secret project. But last night i needed to wind some yarn for my Granny Square blanket and got a bit carried away and wound up one skein of Fantasy sock yarn and a skein of cashmere 4ply. Having wound the yarn I had to start something with it. So with the cashmere 4ply I started a shawl which is gorgeous. I have decided to keep this as a secret project as I may submit it somewhere - not quite decided yet.

With the Fantasy sock yarn I cast on for a pair of socks using my square needles. I'm not sure about these needles yet, I've not used them much yet. I've started a new pattern featuring gorgeous cables. This design suddenly popped in to my head last night and I just had to start. I actually had a different idea for my next pair of socks but never mind. I'm thinking this pattern may be used for the March Sock Variety Club, I don't think I'll have time to finish them for the FEbruary club.

Tonight I need to start a new secret project for Let's Knit. I've done the grading today and just need to draw it up on graph paper then I'm ready to start. I'd better hide the two projects I started this weekend for the time being. they're too tempting.

I had a great afternoon in Bovey Tracey on Saturday afternoon, I spent a while in Spin A Yarn looking at yarns and choosing some yarns to swatch for autumn designs. I got some more purple Silk Blend for my Giant Granny Square. Also spent a while looking at patterns for dog coats and berets with my friend, Marianne. I couldn't believe how busy the shop was when we were there. It's great to see a thriving yarn shop. Afterwards we met Marianne's friend, Barbara, at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen and had a lovely lunch at their cafe.

On Sunday afternoon we went to a lake up on the moors, Siblyback Lake, about 10 mins drive from us. We walked a 1/4 way around the lake then back again. Afterward we went over to the club house and I sat down knitting and Simon and Emily were doing a bit of bird watching and duck spotting. Lots of birdlife around the lake.

Here's a view of the lake with hte club house in the distance:

Emily, wearing my King Cole Alpaca Sweater from Let's Knit January issue, birdwatching:

Wonder who she's spotted here?

I've done a yarn update now, only a few skeins of Silky Merino, Supreme Lace and two skeins of the brand new Supreme Sock, which is the same merino/silk blend as Supreme Lace. I also dyed some grey Falkland Merino for myself. I'm spinning some natural grey merino but I've only got 100gr. I thought about plying it with some natural grey alpaca but I've decided to spin the second bobbin of singles with the grey Falkland Merino instead. I think I'll try to make some time for spinning tonight.

I went to see a friend this afternoon. She's been given an old Louet spinning wheel and was having problems and wasn't sure whether it was her technique or the wheel. I had a play with it. Can't say I was too keen on it. Adjusting the tension was a bit awkward but we got it right in the end and Claire had another go and managed to spin some quite nice looking yarn in the end. It made me want to make more time for spinning so this week I may try to spin for 30 mins every evening before I go to bed.