coraline

We are back from our short vacation in Wales, and I've started my new job this week so I haven't had time to select from the hundreds of photos a few to show you, but I promise I will soon. We had a great time, the weather even cooperated in the end, and my only regret is that I only managed to visit one yarn shop during the whole week !

In the meantime here's my finished Coraline, which I still can not believe it took me almost 3 years to complete. Not sure why it took so long, it was on stand-by for most of that time, I guess I was discouraged by all that stockinette in such small needles. When I finally got to the fun part (the smocking) it went really fast though. The yarn was a great choice for this, because with all the interruptions I had while knitting it my tension was quite uneven, and it really showed, but a bit of blocking in the end did wonders. The yarn does stretch quite a bit, and in my case I probably gained an inch or so in length which turned out perfect.



Pattern: Coraline, by Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Artesano Inca Mist (8 skeins)
Size: 32''
Needles: 3.25 mm

check-in

You've probably imagined I'd never be showing any more craft related items on this blog ... but this week I've actually managed to finish not one but two handknit items - a cardigan for myself and another one for S. Of course I must say they are long overdue, since I started one last year and the other more than 2.5 years ago. They were properly blocked and dry this morning but I couldn't find any suitable buttons so any proper photos will only be taken when we come back from vacation.

We're taking a short holiday in North Wales this next week, and are staying in beautiful Snowdonia, with some quick stops along the way in Shrewsbury, Chester and York. We badly need a break, and since I'm starting a new job the week after I intend to make the most of it.

With little S. to take care of I doubt I'll have much reading time, but nevertheless I've picked a few titles I'm planning to read. I won't be carrying any books though (which is great, since S. needs a whole bag just for herself ...) - I've owned a Kindle since last Christmas and I must say it's been a lifesaver when it comes to traveling. Anyway, here's what I selected:

- Clara and Mr Tiffany, by Susan Vreeland. I've been a fan of Ms Vreeland since  Girl in Hyacinth Blue and Passion of Artemisia, but recently I read Life Studies which I enjoyed less.
- The invisible bridge, by Julie Orringer
- Girl in translation, by Jean Kwok
- Every last one, by Anna Quindlen

9 meses :: 9 months

E a um dia de fazer os 9 meses começou a gatinhar ... ainda não consegue ir muito longe, e ainda se cansa depressa, mas não tarda nada vamos ter de re-arranjar as prateleiras da sala.







Dentes ainda nem vê-los, as refeições às vezes correm bem ... outras vezes nem por isso ... Adora a piscina, por vezes já faz beicinho quando a deixo na creche, mas de resto continua sorridente e alegre como sempre :)

Nem acredito que já se passaram 9 meses ♥

8 meses :: 8 months

Azenhas do Mar