Something for the neck















some wool
some linen
some leftover
some more wool
some silver
some indulgence
something for the neck

[I had an afternoon to myself yesterday, and took full advantage of it.]

Easily modified





























Soft black merino wool made up on large needles to create a fine, light fabric with a gentle A-line flared hem. Simple and understated, it will be worn layered over winter skirts and trousers. Accessorise with a soft, cashmere scarf and black hummingbird brooch, or lovely button.

[An updated version of Ink.]

Pretty posies















2 little flower buttons

1 dusty pink swing jacket*

1 very sweet halter top in Liberty Babycord

1 matching baby cowl

1 gorgeous little recipient in a land far, far away…

1 more cowl on the needles


* Swing jacket based loosely on this one.

Almost















I truly believe that knitted items rarely turn out as expected. I also believe that I may be asking for too much.
I think I should just show this piece and accept the fact that I hardly wear what I make. I also think I should stop adjusting and altering, trying to find different buttons or make it something it isn’t.
In reality, it’s a beautifully understated cardigan, designed to envelop the body with a simple wrap closure. It has drape. It has texture. It looks fantastic worn open with only a couple of buttons done up at the neckline. [For the record, the neckline is amazingly good – better than good.] The colour is stunning - a light, silvery grey that I’ve only ever come across once and have often wished I could get again.
By some standards, this jacket could even be considered perfect. Almost.

Call of the hummingbird

Dare I show you another cowl? Oh, it’s a little different than the last two, but a cowl just the same. How about if I adorn it with a hummingbird brooch and tell you that it’s made from Habu Lamb Linen? Ok, I’ll even go so far as to admit that I may be slightly… addicted. Mind you, I’m not the only one. Surely not. No, others have indeed succumbed to the simple texture and patterning that make up this little project. I have seen various modifications all over Blogland, ranging from buttons to brooches to just worn loose and carefree.

Last year I made one with ties. This time, the lighter coloured canvas was beckoning for something more dramatic. After searching through my buttons, the Elk brooch called to me - a lovely bold detail against the warm softness of silvery grey.

[Although Lamb Linen has a tendency to shed, I love the feel of it through my fingers as I knit - just remind me not to wear dark clothing.]

Easily distracted

This feels a little dishonest.
Quick.
Mindless.
Lacking in need of concentration.

Actually, this feels very dishonest.
Stolen moments here and there. Easy to pick up and knit a few rows without having to think about gauge or whether it will fit. Perfect for when you just want to get something made or to use up that gorgeous sock yarn considered too special and beautiful to hide away under winter boots. To be truthful, I made the first one purely to try out some new needles.

And oh-so-distracting.

I’m feeling a little guilty about the Habu jackets and the mere glimpses I’ve been showing you here and over at Flickr - abstract peeks that leave a lot to the imagination. I really should get into them and finish them up. In my defence, I ran out of cotton and it was on backorder at Habu for one month. The same with the antler buttons. Then I ran out of the silk stainless steel and held off ordering more. In the end, one thing led to another and both projects have been put away, out of sight. I’ll get to them another day, right?
Right.

[Click on photos for details.]

Today I:



















: Bought flowers
: Altered my Habu jkt - again
: Read a Japanese sewing book
: Tried origami - with fabric

All to detract from telling you about the finished Habu piece.
Maybe tomorrow.

NSYNC











Sometimes things align perfectly.
Sometimes the balance is effortless.
Sometimes unexpected outcomes produce wonderful results.
Sometimes.

This weekend I relaxed. I made lists, took stock of what needs to be done and started the week with a clean slate. I caught up on my email and spent time with someone who I wish lived closer. I took a lot of photos and made headway on a few things.
Today, I managed a quick lunch with my husband [he was working all weekend].
I also sewed the buttons on my Habu jacket, unpicked them, sewed them back on and unpicked them again.

I think I need new buttons.

Simple beauty

A collection of alpaca and cashmere in winter white.
Japanese linen tape casting long shadows across a pure white gift box.
Taking a moment to enjoy a relaxing Saturday afternoon surrounded by natural beauty, good food, wine and friends.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.

There are : There is















There are little Habu pieces waiting to be finished: A button here, a seam there.
There are three neck-warmers at the end of my desk waiting for their ends to be woven and pressed.
There are linen pieces waiting to be cut and sewn: A baby quilt; Some drawstring pants and a top.
There are two parcels downstairs waiting to be wrapped and posted.
There are emails waiting to be written and phone calls to be made.
There are knitting patterns waiting to be released.
There is wool to be wound.
There is a knitting magazine and the new Jo Sharp pattern book to leaf through.
There is a never-ending queue of knits to start.
There is chocolate. And chai. And the best homemade Greek almond biscuits.
And there is a beautiful swatch just waiting to become something special.

Some















Some green : Some mindless knitting : Some heavenly colours, combined : Some picot scallops : Some variegation : Some pleasing results : Some socks to add to the collection.

It’s time for some words.

Tilted

Sent : Received

Last night










1 : 2