Nighshift – Finished Version

I finished this shawl last week but have been too busy to write any posts.

I am pleased with the way it has turned out.  In the end I did decide to extend it by knitting another half section and then another full section of the pattern.  It is now almost the same size as the original.  The reason it turned out smaller is because I have used thinner yarn.

The following is the back view of me modelling my Gossington shawl for Karen Draisey of Oxford Yarn Store.  

I am pleased how this shawl has turned out as well. While I was in the shop – I bought some more yarn to knit yet another shawl.  They are quite therapeutic.  They are the right size – not too large, not too small and fiddly and it doesn’t really matter what size they turn out to be.

I am still trying to finish a little baby coat that I started in January.  I have unravelled the sleeves several times.  I couldn’t seem to get them to look the same – so I started again knitting them both at the same time.  This seems to have worked and I have now got to the sewing up stage.  This is something I am not keen on – so I had better get on with it before I put the project on one side and start on something else.

Actually I have already started on the “Brick bag” that I have wanted to knit for a few years – but it is the kind of project that – you do a bit and then stop and think about it – so I can leave it and go back to the sewing up.  I am hoping that I will be able to write more frequent posts but I know I have said that before and it didn’t happen.  I seem to be better at knitting than writing about it.

Nightshift by Andrea Mowry

I received this pattern for Christmas after seeing it advertised in the Tangled Yarn newsletter. You are supposed to use Spincycle Yarns but these are not easy to find and very expensive.  I decided to visit Oxford Yarn Store and find an alternative.  I chose a mixture of yarns.  

They are mainly Malabrigo Arroyo which is superwash merino wool, but also Isager Jensen, Rowan Island Blend and Fibre Co Acadia.  It was the colours that were important to me not the yarn thickness.  I wanted to choose a mixture of brown, orange and turquoise.  I added a bit of green – because I often wear this colour.  I originally intended to include a pink colour of Malabrigo Arroyo – one I have used before fairly recently, but on my last visit to Oxford Yarn store – I noticed a new colour which was more chestnut brown, so I changed my mind and have used this instead of the pink.

I have almost finished knitting the shawl.  I started with a plan of which colours to use – and then as I knitted I changed it.  That is the best way – it is not a good idea to be too rigid. There are 10 pattern sections.  I am on the last one.  I think my shawl will be smaller than the original because the yarns are finer.  When I have finished Section Ten – I will decide whether I have finished or whether I want to knit another section to make the shawl larger.

Finished Version of Gossington by Brian Smith

This weekend I managed to finish something.  I have finished this shawl.

I used the pattern called Gossington by Brian Smith which is supposed to be knitted in 2 shades of Debbie Bliss Rialto luxury sock yarn but instead I used one shade of Fibre Fox sock yarn.  I used 2 skeins and have a small amount left over.

I fell in love with the vibrant red colour. In the photos it looks pink.  In reality it is definitely bright red.  It is very cheerful. It will go well with my brick inspired bag – when I get around to knitting it!  I have a selection of yarns laid out on the floor – but I haven’t cast on yet.

I have actually nearly finished something else – a little pink jacket for a baby.  I started this in January and have picked it up and put it down a lot.  All I have left to do now is sew on the buttons – which I intend to do later today.  I then intend to start something new and exciting!