I still have a few more gifts to knit for friends and family here in NZ so my needles are still hot. Like most knitters I also have a queue a mile long so I will never run out of things to knit.
When I decided to start my year long challenge at the end of August I remembered that I had signed up for Sweet Georgia's fibre club - after consultation with a few of those who had encouraged (almost dared!) me to start my challenge, they decided that as I had paid for it well before the idea of the challenge was formed that I was safe and wouldn't have to feel I had broken any of my own rules. Phew!
So I thought I would share the first two months. Bearing in mind I love brights and peacock colours I have to confess to being a little disappointed in the first colour way. Autumn colours, while lovely, are not really my thing. The fibre itself is a beautiful soft merino/nylon (85/15) and it is beautifully dyed, I'm sure it will have someone's name on it. If not, I take part in a few fibre swaps over the course of a year and having a stash of fibre that isn't only in my favourite colours makes it a lot easier.
The November fibre arrived today and it is much more 'me'. The teal in it is intense and I think the rust will spin out to be a lovely soft orange - although I am a fairly new spinner so, it may not! It's also a gorgeous mix of BFL and Tussah silk.
It's really interesting to see and feel the difference between different fibres. It fascinates me that the different breeds of sheep and the addition, or not, of other fibres can have such different properties. I have decided that I am far too impatient to wait 20 years to gain the experience of working with different fibres and finding out how and why they are suitable for different projects, so I am going to take the Creative Fibre spinning course next year. A couple of friends have also decided to take part so we will have our own little support group to bounce ideas off.
I almost forgot to show you my new summer dressing gown! I have quite a lot of quilt fabrics that I have collected over the years (owning a quilt shop for 7 years may have something to do with that!) and I know I don't want to make loads more quilts. I have needed a summer dressing gown for years and decided this was the perfect time to make it. I used various fabrics for each piece and I'm thrilled with the results!
The fabric on the back is the same as the sleeve bands and the belt is actually the border from the bright pink fabric which is an Amy Butler fabric reminiscent of a Sari. I popped on one of my new labels for good measure :-)
My challenge is going really well and I have only once missed not being able to buy new yarn. In reality I have used very little of my stash and will be very picky about my purchases at KAN next year now I realise how much I have and how long it would take me to knit and sew it all up!
I have also been enjoying our amazing spring weather and getting out in the garden. There is always something to do, even if it's sitting on the deck with my knitting - if you look carefully you can just see my project bag and drink on the table ;-) We have made a few changes in the few weeks since this was taken and I will share them next time.
