New Project

This weekend hasn't been too bad for my knitting - i had thought that the no knitting needle rule on the plane would enforce a no knitting ban on myself.. However, Quan and I discovered a little craft store here in Kalgoorlie and although the yarn is limited in selection to acrylics, cleckheaton and sirdar, I did manage to pick up some Cleckheaton Pure Wool 12ply in a heathered grey to knit this pretty thing up:

This is my first time knitting a top down raglan, and it started nicely at first with my 64 stitches. However, with the increases, it has now ballooned to 214 stitches per row, so now it's taking me so very long to complete one row *woe is me*. Unfortunately I dont have a camera with me, but I'll post progress pics when I get back to Perth!

Also picked up some grey and black yarn as I'm planning to knit a little houndstooth scarf for winter...

Now i'm off to catch the plane back to Perth! I'm flying Skywest instead of Qantas this time and I haven't yet come across any "no knitting needle" clause so hopefully I'll be right :)

In love

*squeals in delight*. I have discovered that the Australian distributor for Rowan has agreed to renegotiated prices for Rowan yarns and books. Instead of the almost $50 books, Rowan books are now available for just a bit over $35 depending on where you get them from.

Having a look at The Wool Shack, I have come across Rowan 41 - unfortunately, there aren't too many things I love, but i ABSOLUTELY love this pattern :


However, reading the pattern notes, I have discovered that it is crochet :( I've never really tried crochet, and this might be completely in my mindset, but I always thought crochet = doilies and the like. But this pattern might just be enough to convince me to learn to crochet...

OR (*lightbulb*), does anyone know whether it is possible to convert crochet patterns to knitting patterns? I would love you for life!

Twinkled by Twinkle

I know I blogged about this before, but I'm so excited because when I came home this evening after my tragic day at the hairdressers (don't ask!!), the book was waiting for me. I'm so impressed by the projects - there are just so many I want to knit!!

I think my first project will be the Groovy Sweater Dress. I can't wait to knit it up, put on a pair of black tights and wear it out and about (and maybe a hat to hide that terrible haircut of mine...).

My sister has also been drooling over a fair few of the projects, so I think i'll make her something too. Maybe the little hat though, because she's not usually a fan of bulky knits so I'll start off with something small and see how she likes that.

Oh and I've discovered that on Twinkle's website, you can submit your knits. What a fantastic site for inspiration!! I'm so impressed, and so desperate to buy my yarn but it will have to wait :(

Anyways, I wish I could knit this weekend, but i'm off to see the significant other and am flying out tomorrow night. I doubt there will be much knitting done, but I will bring my Phildar Swing Jacket with me anyway. Have a great weekend :)

Alive and (almost) knitting!

*Phew* It has been a rather crazy three weeks. Nepal was a fantastic, albeit very very tiring, trip (I refrain from using the word "holiday" because it wasn't really one hehe).

The trip officially started in kathmandu, where the scenes of chaos, dirt and poverty sent me into culture shock for a day or so and the occasional thoughts of "I want to go home". However, once we left the city, the views to Everest Base Camp were second to none and the 10 other individuals that were in my trekking group turned out to be absolutely amazing each in their own ways.

[ On our way up to Everest Base Camp]

The journey to Base Camp was physically and mentally draining (moreso mentally I think), with very early starts, 6-8 hour treks per day, and the constant battle with the ever increasing altitude. Luckily for me, I didnt suffer from altitude sickness although I did end up with a cold/flu which severely hampered my ability to breath the already thin air.

[After 9 hours on Day 10, we made it to Everest Base Camp. Those forced smiles on our faces hide the extent of our exhaustion and for some, the effects of altitude sickness. There are 3 people missing from this photo. Although they made it to Base Camp, they couldn't stay because they were so affected by altitude sickness, staying up there would have only made it worse.]

10 days without hot running showers also meant that we all had to live outside our comfort zones, as did the lack of water, lack of heat, lack of electricity, and of course, the lack of my now very beloved western style sit down toilets.

All in all, a fantastic experience and one that I am glad to have done at a young age. However, in all honesty, a trip that I probably won't repeat (although I might be inclined to do the Annapurna Circuit).

Anyways, coming back home, I attempted to pick up my knitting only to forget where I was up to and what I was doing. So, instead of fuddling my mind up with details, I've decided to tackle the dpns and the mini socks that my SP10 got me. But looking at the yarn and touching it makes me want to refrain from my "attempt" (which I'm hoping wont end in failure, ruined yarn, and dispair !!!) because it's so soft and the colours are just perfect.

Besides knitting, another thing I haven't done for ages is cupcake baking which is something I'd LOVE to do today (Maybe I can bake them for Jess' Birthday tomorrow?). Chockylit's Cherry Vanilla Cupcakes look delish.

But who knows? Perhaps everything has to be put on hold until another weekend. I unfortunately neglected my Law assignment due yesterday while I was away (I promise that I DID bring it up though, just didnt get a chance to do anything on it). Long day it is :(