Wednesday, 11 May 2011

On Feeling Lucky

You know, I have been feeling mighty lucky of late. I have a wonderful son, a job I love, great friends and I am part of a fantastic online community which is a great source of inspiration to me. In fact, if it wasn't for this community I would not have the job I love, or as many friends or even be writing this. Of course you know I mean Ravelry.

Since joining Ravelry I discovered a whole new world. I learnt lots of new techniques, have access to loads more fantastic patterns from independent designers and I wouldn't have discovered the joys of hand dyed yarn. It's been almost two years and I have learnt so much.

In September last year I started selling hand dyed fibre and soon after hand dyed yarn on my etsy shop. Since then things have been on the up and up. And I have been fortunate enough to have some amazing designers create patterns using my yarn. First there was Veera Valimaki with Stripe Study (see this post). Then Lisa Mutch (who has become a great friend and sounding board - thanks Lisa!) has brought out some fantastic designs:

Ensomme, which uses one skein of Alpaca/BFL Fingering (shown in Twig)

Askew, which uses one skein of BFL Sock (shown in Squirrel Nutkin)

And Exposed, which requires 2-4 skeins of BFL Sock, depending on size (shown in Anthracite Brown)

Just yesterday she's also finished a prototype for a shawl (Van Doesburg), which uses a skein of BFL Sock (shown in Zitouni). Have a peek:


And look out for Dani Sunshine! She's written a pattern for a lovely girl's cardigan (using BFL Sock in Squirrel Nutkin), which is currently being tested:


Thanks guys! I feel so lucky...

Photos by individual designers, used with permission.

Monday, 2 May 2011

Vanadium on Fire

I haven't posted for ages and have been a bit behind with photographing my FOs, but here's one for you! It was a test knit for Lisa Mutch, for her upcoming pattern Vanadium.

It was a super fun knit. I couldn't get gauge, so had to adapt the numbers a bit. Details are on the Ravelry project page.

I used my Organic Merino Fingering in Debauchery.

I'm really chuffed with the result. I love the colour and the fit!