What is it?

 A while ago, in a garage sale, A. bought me this:

He thought it might be a spindle....

Before I get too excited, buy tons of fiber and books....

I know it doesn't really look like an usual spindle but I know nothing about spinning....

Do you think it might be ?

Improvisation on the Raindance Pattern

Pattern: Raindance from Heidi Kirrmaier

Yarn: Rowan, Felted Tweed DK, 4 balls (Avocado), tainted mother of pearl buttons.
         Both from Le Comptoir, Paris.

Needles: Addi Turbo, 4mm, 80 cm, 60 cm & 40 cm

Mods: I tried the original version twice before giving up. The construction was very interesting, but difficult (for me) to understand, and I wasn't sure this shape would suit me. Worked from the top-down, with raglan increases, (began flat for the split neckline, then joined in the round) and a shaped body. The sleeves are worked the same way. (in the round at first, then flat, then casted-on a few stitches for the seed stitch part) I wanted 3/4 leeves, but I was too lazy, and after a few inches of sleeves, I ripped back and made short sleeves instead. (which is a shame because I bought and extra ball of yarn just in this purpose) Now I have yarn left, probably worth a beret.

Verdict: I'm not sure I like Rowan, Felted Tweed. I love the color, I love it's slightly itchyness, but it's too fuzzy in my taste (and expensive). I hate when you take off a garment and find lots of small yarn fuzz all around on your T-Shirt and your place. It's like having a green cat....

Photos by A.

I'm working....

....on the sweater pattern! Sorry it's taking so long....Fortunately, I kept all my notes, thanks to my knitting journal! I hope to be able to send the pattern to the test knitters as soon as possible.

How about you dear Readers? Do you keep a knitting diary? Do you write down all your knitting experiences and thoughts? I have this Moleskine notebook since a few months now, and I must admit it's very very useful and fun to use. I guess in a few years, I'll be happy to read these notes and remember.

One last question: How should I name this pattern? I absolutely have no idea.... For the moment, "My Sweater" is how I name it.... :(

Granny Circle Placemats

Of course you know www.purlbee.com aren't you? Beautiful pictures, delightful patterns, this site is a gold mine!

Yarn: Fonty, Cotton Club 2 (bought at le Comptoir) and a few yards of Bergère de France, Coton Fifty and Esterelle in various colors.

Hook: Clover Crochet, 3mm

Mods: I wanted small placemats so I stopped at the 11th row before adding the contrasted border. Each placemats took approximately 22 grams of main color yarn.

Verdict: Very simple and fast project. Perfect for a last minute gift. I gave them to my mum when I went to Paris last week. I may crochet some assorted coasters with the left over yarn.

Octobre/October: Monkey Socks

I had this yarn forever. This skein is my very first true sock yarn, and I bought it more than 18 months ago. I tried several patterns, but each time, I thought it deserved something better. The Monkey pattern, is a must, and I really wonder why I haven't tried it before. After all, more than 14000 Ravelrers have a pair of Monkey Socks, so why resist?

Pattern: Monkey Socks, by Cookie A.

Yarn: Lorna's Laces, Shepherd Sock Multi, Amy's Vintage Office, bought at L'Oisivethé, Paris.

Needles: Addi Turbo, 2.5 mm, 80 cm.

Mods: I chose the "no purl" version. I enjoyed knitting these so much, that I'll certainly knit more of them, both, original and "no purl" versions.

Verdict: I really loved knitting this pattern. Very easy to knit and to memorize. Perfect to bring everywhere. I understand why this pattern is so famous! They are a little bit tighter than my usual 64 stitches socks (despite a deep heel), so next time, I might use my 2.75 mm Addis. I'm just a little bit disapointed by how the yarn pools (slightly, but still) on only one sock. 

 Photos by A.