knitting socks on two needles done!

I made a start knitting socks on 2 needles few months ago. 

Once I found my knitting groove they started to grow quickly. I am now loving my stitch counter- makes counting so much easier!!

I had to change needle sizes after I turned the heel (figured this out once  I have finished one sock- had it stitched together and it was way to tight around the foot- argh!!!!) Turns out I knit with tight tension. The rib and all the way to the heel were perfect in the size 2 3/4mm needle and after the heel I changed to a size 3 1/4mm needle.

I have also adjusted my knitting technique (the way I hold my needles while knitting/purling) thanks Nana! who would have thought a simple adjustment of technique would make such a difference in my speed and efficiency.

I'm so glad I made the adjustment and finished the socks cause they fit and they are both exactly the same size!

Master B wouldn't adjust the socks and pull one up for the photo.  They are just adorable with one not quite pulled up.

I've now made a start on Master W's socks and have started them on the 3 1/4mm needles from the beginning. Off to knit one row, purl one row.

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knitting socks on 2 needles

I am attempting my first pair of knitted socks on two needles. 

I am using 4ply merino in navy blue and will make them to fit Master B. 

I'm feeling rather proud having successfully followed the pattern so far.

They are growing quickly with all my knit one row purl one row. They will be identical when I finish with me doing them both at the same time and it means i'm more likely to finish the pair. Now to figure out the heel on the socks.

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Hello New year!

With the new year here- hello 2012 we ask for a safe, un eventful, less grumpy, family filled, more patient, less shaky, happier year!!

With a new year I have started a list a 30 before 30 list- note my list is lacking things (I only have 15 things on my list at the moment) I will post it once I actually have 30 things on my list.
Here are a few blogs I have taken inspiration from larakate.blogspot.com and dayinthelifeofacreativemummy.blogspot.com

I also went through my Google reader and have un-starred a huge stack (1000+) of things I had liked over the past year and never done anything with SO I went and put them into a document with a label and the link and its now organised for the new year.

• Things to make in 2012
• Things to make for Christmas
• Inspiration

This will also make things easier to go back and find the link- even when I make things from Pinterest I can add them to my document and mark them off when I make them (or delete when I dont want them)

I am starting the year being organised and with a LONG list of things to make. And to start off the new year I just ordered these Hexagon template/paper templates from kiwiquilts. Excited to start!!!

Also if you can think of anything to add to my 30 before 30 list please post a comment.

Happy 2012!! And on a side note- what one word would you use to sum up your 2011? Mine would be - eventful!

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Its November!

I got to do some knitting while away on holiday

Baby Blanket in 9ly wool

 I also brought some felted wool from Fine Wools Wanaka- this one ball will apparently be enough for one adult sized crochet hat. Just need to track down the pattern!

Felted Wool Grey

The Book of Needlecraft- $10 from an op shop!

I have also finished another lap quilt front for a friend- just needs batting and to be quilted together

Front 

Backing Fabric

And since Christmas is fast approaching - I have seen a friend making a non chocolate Advent for her family, I wanted to do one for us as well. My pinterest has a few things pinned for advent. Just purchased 25 mini terracotta pots today!

Getting excited about Christmas and also enjoying this beautiful weather and my garden flowering!

Iris's

Vegetable Garden

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Holiday photos

We are home!! LOVED our holiday. Master B and Master W enjoyed it and were really settled considering the distance we traveled and also not being in their own beds but the wonders of routine is that its the same no matter where you are.

I was amazed at how much more I got to see of New Zealand and of course how beautiful it all is (if you get a chance to travel to see it- do it!!) and thankfully the weather was awesome the whole time for use and even got to visit and stay with some of Mr B's family.

Here are some photos of our travels and here is a map of the south island - photos are in no particular order of our travels

Bluff

View from Bluff

Catlins walk to Nugget Point Light House 

Nugget Point lighthouse

Master B in Alexandra

Shaky Bridge Alexandra (clock in background)

View from the top of Alexandra's clock

Clyde Dam

Arrowtown

Me and Master W on the Gondola Queenstown

View from top of Gondola Queenstown

Wanaka

Dunedin Botanical Gardens

Dunedin Train Station

Caroline Bay Park Timaru

Invercargill- view of Stewart Island

Queens Park Invercargill

Oreti Beach Invercargill

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Productive weekend

I did get to get out to the Dunkleys craft show here in Christchurch. It was really nice to go alone.

I brought some fabric from SewPretty Amy butler print, fat quarter of circles, new bamboo knitting needles and circular knitting needles (I just now need to learn how to use circular needles) from Artisan Fibres and of course a new Christmas decoration to add to our collection from NZ Folk Art Guild- Christchurch.

This is Sunday afternoons productive work (after I hemmed my brothers jeans and fixed his shorts). 4 new blocks for another quilt I have started

Red Block

Purple Block

Green Block

Blue Block

Feeling inspired now to do some knitting with my new needles, Christmas decoration making and of course working on my quilts I have started :D

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