I wonder whether, by the time I finish writing this post, Diane will have surfaced. After the hard work of the past few months, yesterday was a day of little writing and much drinking! I suspect there will be incriminating photos on The Inside Loop blog later today. But here at Gypsy Towers, we are far more refined and will be discussing finished projects.

Because I have a couple to share! They’re not exactly news as the photos have been about for 24 hours already, but here I can write a bit more about them here.

Matilda was totally inspired by Evelyn Clark’s Flower Basket, Leaf Lace and other triangular shawls. Since I first knit knitted one of her designs, I have found the construction of them completely fascinating. I also love that they can be made to any size without any kerfuffle. I said before how warm my Ene’s Scarf is, but Matilda is even bigger and though it was cold last night waiting for a tube, then a tram, then a bus, I was snug and warm and purple. Cashmere rocks.

Pattern: Jules, available here
Yarn: Middlearthknitter Superwash Merino
Needles: 2.25mm Susan Bates Silvalume dpns

I think this is the first time that Mr B has been on my blog in any way. It’s only his feet, but maybe I can find a way to knit him stuff that show a more recognisable part of him. Hmmmm, that didn’t sound quite right. Moving on! I’ve already mentioned my love for wizardy yarn so the Vintage Denim Superwash Merino is just more of the same lovely squishy yarn in fabulous colours. I wanted to design another men’s sock pattern as there’s definitely not enough out there, and this pattern was also simple enough to resize for smaller feet as well.

And with that lot of secret knitting done, it’s now time to return to the other lot.

Finally after months of work, knitting, eating cake and wondering if we were mad, our “baby” is ready. I’d love to know what you think.

Thank you all for the lovely comments about my Ene’s Shawl. It’s truly one of my favourite things I’ve ever knitted and I’m half scared to wear it outside in case someone takes a fancy to it. Even Diane tried to steal it today.

Anyway, as a change of pace from knitting lace, I thought I’d finish up some of my long outstanding wips. I’ve had this jacket for smallest person on my needles since last summer, so a bit of mindless stocking stitch seemed very appealing.

I spent the weekend knitting the sleeves and this evening made a start on the collar. At this point, I thought it would be a good idea to try it on the small person to see how long to make the collar. And this is where I cam unstuck. It didn’t fit. Clearly, last July, it would have fit him perfectly. But a good six months later, he was taller and wider and not the size he should have been. Only one thing to do. Frog the yarn, put it away for a loooong time til I can look at it again. And cast on with a completely different yarn instead.

Ene’s done!

Pattern: Ene’s Scarf by Nancy Bush, from Scarf Style
Yarn: Live 2 Knit Claudette, 1½ skeins, Moss colourway
Needles: 3.25mm Addi bamboo circulars

What can I say? I adored knitting this. Even with having to cast on over 300 stitches, it’s one of my favourite shawl projects ever. The pattern is easy to follow, knits up quickly and Nancy Bush is a genius.

The gorgeous cashmere yarn was perfect for the pattern. The variegation was very subtle, so didn’t overpower the design, but made it more interesting than having a block of solid colour. The stitches show up clearly and despite only using about 600 metres of yarn, it blocked out to a fair size. Not as big as a shawl, but will keep my neck warm.

See how happy I am with my scarf?

With freezing weather promised next week, I’m going to get a few chances to wear it before Spring arrives.

After my last post about how half my knitting never gets blogged about, I got to thinking. I get tired of never being able to write about the progress of some of my projects. By the time they’re done, any sticky moments are forgotten with and I just have my lovely finished object to pet. So with the help of a handy jump, I am going to write about everything, and give fair warning to anyone who might spoil a surprise for themselves if they read on. That way, I can write about every stage of a project and, hopefully, there’ll still be a surprise at the end of it.

So today’s post is not for viewing by Australian designers who are called Diane. For the rest of you, click on the link below for more!

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It’s very hard writing a knitting blog when so much of the content has to be hidden in case the person it’s intended for sees it!

In this instance, it’s Kai’s birthday today and I sneakily knit her a scarf in one of my favourite patterns.

Pattern: Leaf Lace Scarf from Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2005
Yarn: Rowan Pure Wool DK, 2 x 50g, Damson colourway
Needles: 4mm bamboo Addi circulars
Modifications: I had two squidgy balls of yarn to use, so to get the maximum length of scarf, I only did two pattern repeats per row instead of three. And it worked!

I didn’t take a photo of it, but unlike the last time I knit this scarf, I managed to graft the two pieces together pretty much invisibly, so am very pleased with myself.

I have read that people have had issues with Rowan Pure Wool DK, but I have to say I’ve used this and the aran weight and have been perfectly happy with the results. It’s a pleasure to knit with, has a lovely sproigy-ness and the end result is cuddly and soft. What more could you ask for?!

Almost halfway there now. It’s easier to see how it’s constructed now, and spread out like that, it looks pretty impressive. The centre pattern is very simple, so it’s just a case of plugging on with it until I’m done.