GGH Java ... Apricot Jacket - Rebecca #27

I'm searching the net for 4 balls of GGH Java, colour 03. The original colour the Apricot Jacket from Rebecca magazine #27 was knitted in.

If anyone anywhere has 4 balls they would like to trade or swap, please leave a comment.

There is a pack available on the De-stash site, but the seller wants to sell the whole pack and I only require 4 balls at most - 3 would even do.

THANK YOU for the contacts for the yarn - much appreciated comments.

Kim Hargreaves - Light and Shade

A new collection of lovely knits from my favourite designer.

Is anyone tempted from either of her latest collections?

Touching Elegance and Light and Shade

When you're on a roll ...

I've just discovered this gorgeous yarn! (I know, I know, I think almost all yarns are gorgeous - what can I say - I'm addicted!). Anyway, to get back to the subject .... AYMARA ECO collection - 50% merino wool fine and 50% alpaca super fine. Just look at that chain reaction (the strand)! Recommended needle size 5-5.5mm - I think it could be knit on a larger size - so will fiddle before knitting up. Feels as light as a feather, three beautiful colours, white, beige and stone. Just what we need heading into an Australian summer - right!

I'll spend the next couple of hours sorting out a pattern for this one. How fast can I knit? Will the Sydney weather stay cool for the next couple of weeks for me to knit this one and wear it at least once? I think I'm out of luck, but will give it a go anyway.

I'm excited!

SWTC Karaoke

Here's a surprise in the yarn. A length of roving along the strand - there are a few more in different colours thoughout the ball. I don't mind this - it knits into the fabric of the piece adding to the character of this delightful yarn. I'm enjoying the gradual changing of the colours too. A lot more subtle than the Noro yarns and did I mention how ever so soft this yarn is.

Looks like my knitting mood has changed from blue to purple.













A lacy summer cardi I'm putting together with some lilac coloured Cleckheaton Remo I found hanging about (you know how it is!).

More Stash - no cash!

A familiar lament to anyone who visits a craft show no-doubt, or would "I just couldn't help myself" be more in tune! Whatever your excuse - it's a great show this year and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

The Sydney Stitches and Craft Show is on at Rosehill - started today if anyone is interested. I have never seen so many arriving at 10.30am in all the years I've been going. We were lined up way down the road from the main entrance, but it didn't take too long before we were parked and on our way. For those that know the area and event, I was parked right over by the race track! I'm usually along the first four lines as you drive in, but not today.

There were not a lot of yarns stores, as usual, but my main reason for going was to visit the Ecoyarns stand to see what the bamboo yarns were like. The bamboo was too expensive for me, but I did get a ball each of the 100% Soy Silk in Perfect Pink and Karaoke 50% soy silk and wool in purple variegated (dye lot 0509) to try.

Also purchased 2 bags of the 100% organic peruvian cotton, colour Sage V010 (knitted sample above) - it's gorgeous. I've knitted a sample of the cotton on a 5mm and loving the fabric it's giving. There may be another Apricot Jacket in the pipeline, as this yarn is very similar to the GGH Java, which is no longer in production. The soysilk and wool mix is also lovely to knit with and I might just have to thrash the plastic a little more and order some from Ecoyarns site in this colourway for a winter 2007 sweater - it's gorgeous. Both yarns are super easy to knit with.

I don't know how either of these yarns wear or wash, but I'm willing to take the chance as on first impressions, they are very appealing.

Unfortunately Eco do not have a lot of stock with them at the show, which I found very disappointing.

The Stitches show has lots of beads and stones, the usual stamping and patchwork places (but not as many as last year), covers three floors plus basement (I didn't go down there), a couple of good books places, but if you didn't go today, hope they have plenty of stock with them as the books were walking away.

All in all I think it is a good show this year, but perhaps that is because I was on the shopping side for once and thorougly enjoyed myself!

If anyone else has gone or is going, drop me a line and let me know what you have enhanced your stash with.

A quick note ...

to let you all know I've finally had time to upload more stock to my eBay Store

Thanks to those who have dropped by for a peek.

Tomorrow will be spent with the 2.5 year old, so nothing computer or knitting related will be done. I've told her we will go button shopping, which she loves doing, except every button she chooses is PINK! I don't think the DB cardi I've just completed will look too good with pink buttons... but, you never know! Anywhichway, we'll have lots of fun and will probably have to stop off at a cafe for chocolate muffins, strawberry milk shake (is there any other flavour!) and a coffee for gran (who will probably need a coffee after shopping for pink buttons for a grape coloured cardi).

Enjoy your weekend everyone.

PS: 2paw- as you are green, the 2.5 year old is pink!

Knit Sock Knit Swap - Secret Pal revealed

My Knit Sock Kit Swap package from my Secret Pal arrived a week ago, but was unable to post photos (dont' ask!).

Luckily she has been away, so this is good timing, as my Secret Pal is due back today.... Hi KSKS Pal, hope you enjoyed your holiday!

Meghan from Knit and Sip Blog has put together a fabulous kit for me and also included a packet of Greenies for Chloe. Talk about being spoilt. Meghan's Mom helped make the gorgeous bag... look at the beautiful little trinkets she has included - a ball of yarn and needles on one side and the other has a little sweater on knitting needles (oops, can't find the little sweater picture, believe me it's there).

We haven't opened the tea as yet, but husband is looking forward to that little treat. The card Meghan included is called Cherries by the Bay and is significant to her area - Michigan, the cherry capital of the world.

There's a set of Brittany bamboo dpns, jumbo Chibi, gorgeous little Ms Manicure set, sock pattern of course and a ball of Trekking XXL yarn. Meghan also included a few personal tips on knitting the sock pattern.

Thank you Meghan for sending such a lovely kit, I know I'm going to enjoy knitting up these socks.

The KSKS kit I sent to my secret pal is here.

GREENIES ... purrrrrrr

Mum was given Greenies for me in a swap with her secret KSKS pal! mmmmmm they are soooo good. I rolled and rolled and rolled around on the carpet, then stretched out and had a good nap. Ahhhh what a life ... purrrrrrrrr.

Debbie Bliss - Rib Detail Jacket

... not quite dusted, needs sewing together and buttons attached, but I'm not in too much of a hurry to do either.

The picture looks a little fuzzy, doesn't it. It's not the camera, or the person behind the camera, it's the yarn! The garment looks as though it's been worn for months without a wash (or a good shave!). The yarn is unfortunately hiding behind a well known designer's name - Debbie Bliss, and the yarn is Cashmerino Aran. I'll never use this yarn again.

It's fabulous to knit with - the stitches fly off the needles and the stitch definition is pretty good too, but the fuzziness, especially on the ribbing, is terrible. The yarn is also unevenly spun and dyed in places, giving an overall worn and not cared for appearance to the finished garment.

I could have frogged the lot, but was determined to finish the project, as what would I do with the yarn. I'm not going to throw it away, so it will obviously become a housebound knit.

Oh well, live and learn ... now, onto the next project knit!

Another Debbie Bliss - Tailored Jacket from the Cashmerino DK book, but definitely substituting the yarn.