organising my circulars

Remember I once said I didn't have a good solution for storing my circular knitting needles ? Well, a few weeks ago my needle bag (a small necessaire where I would throw in all my circulars and other assorted needles) was such a tangled mess I couldn't find anything inside. And when I did, it was hell to untangle the needles I wanted. So I decided something had to be done. I went online and researched several needlecase designs, and I really liked this one by the wonderful people at purlbee, but unfortunately I couldn't find a suitable binder (although I'm still looking for one, and will eventually make that). So I opted for making a larger pocket version of the normal needlecase, and it actually doesn't work so bad. I can store all my circulars inside it (and I own quite a few) and quickly find the one I'm looking for, which was what I needed. And now I'm off to enjoy the weekend, which promises to be a sunny one for a change !

shop update

The first batch of notebook sleeves flew out of the shop so quickly I decided to make another one. There are more available here now





and here's a custom order, a taller version for the bigger moleskines and suitable for A5 notebooks as well

storm

Storm is done and I love it.



I ended up choosing the reverse stockinette side, as in the pattern, and it turned out quite nice after I seamed it. Because I knit this with a smaller needle size it's more fitted and shorter than the original design, and if I were to do it again I'd probably add an inch or two to the length, but otherwise it's perfect.




Pattern: Storm, by Kim Hargreaves (from the Heartfelt book)
Yarn: Brancal Manchester
Needles: 8mm
Size: L (to account for the difference in needle size)




The pattern itself is quite easy, and this is knit in once piece so there's only seaming on the sides and a bit on the collar. However, there are a few minor mistakes (like in the buttonholes) and the chart is only useful for the first 18 rows or so of the pattern, so I had to make a few notes in order not to get lost. That said, I love most of Kim Hargreaves designs so I'm sure I'll be making more of them in the future.



Changes I made on this one: different needle size, because I really wanted to use this yarn so I used 8mm instead of 12 but knit a larger size than my usual; added 2 sts to the collar rib and 2 sts to the sleeve rib; changed the position of the second buttonhole to be a bit higher.



I've now started on Tilted Duster and Gathered Pullover, two popular Interweave items I had on my wish list since the beginning of winter.

weekend wip

some more notebook sleeves will be coming soon ...

inspiration .. mci spring 08

Just picked up the new spring issue of Marie Claire Idées. It's still grey and rainy outside, so this is just the thing to make me think of sunnier days to come.

A few details that I loved, like this obi style belt, and the Orla Kiely rain boots.



This crocheted clock and an article on watering cans



These are lovely too, especially the patchwork abat-jour



there's an article on cabbage related crafts ... kind of peculiar, if you ask me, but this one was cute



But my favorite article must be the kitchen one, I love everything about it



Most especially this refrigerator



... and the recycling corner



And last, some quilting inspiration (which I really need, if I'm ever going to start working on one for myself)