Lucky Lotto Sweater

Last year, my life took a huge u-turn which has brought about many changes.

Lovely SunnyJim felt I could do with a pick-me-up and bought me a Lotto ticket, which went on to win $70. (BTW, this is the first and last ticket for me. I personally frown on gambling, and figure this is the only winnings I will ever have, so get out while I'm ahead.)

I wanted to use this money for something meaningful. Countrywide Mandala variegated wool had caught my eye while buying thread in Sewing Direct sometime earlier, and the winnings covered the cost of yarn for a new sweater. The pattern is the same one I always use, with a few personal adjustments.

The fit is perfect, it's so soft and warm, I wear it often.

Love it, love it love it.

Lockdown berets

Crafting during the recent lockdown. Using up left over bits and pieces.

Free beret pattern on ravelry.

The Nirvana Sweater

If there was one thing I was determined to finish during lockdown, it was this sweater for SunnyJim.

It's been knocking around since last year, picked up and abandoned several times in favour of "newer, shiny things". To be honest, I disliked working with the yarn (from Spotlight), even though it's a lovely colour and 100% wool, it was heavy, and not particlarly soft to handle.

I made the pattern up as I went along, and decided on the basket weave front to stop me dying of boredom while knitting. So much knitting!

However, once I handed it over, he loved it immediately and nicknamed it his "Kurt Cobain sweater" (even pulled out his guitar and had a noodle). He puts it on almost every evening shortly after walking in the door, these nights have been so chilly.

Must admit, it's not my best work, but it's DONE.

Raspberry wool sweater - I knit!

Recently, while provided post-op care to an out-of-town relative, I turned my hand to a craft I've overlooked for many years.

I learnt to knit as a child but always favoured sewing, and was admittedly rusty. However, YouTube provides a wealth of tutorials, and I quickly found my footing, as well as pick up many new tricks and tips.

The pattern and pure NZ wool yarn are both from KnitWorld. Of course, I couldn't just follow the pattern, could I?! Straight away, I changed from single to double rib for all the cuffs and bands, then, when the back was finished, I decided to mix it up a little and add a cable twist at centre front. (5/5 stitch instead of usual 3/3 stitch, hence the 10 rows mentioned in a moment...)

Unfortunately, I made the rookie mistake of not buying enough yarn (especially as I was altering the pattern), which I realised while knitting the sleeves. So I unravelled 10 rows from the front and back - I'd much rather the sleeves be a good length with a slightly too short body than the other way around.

(Looking a little rumpled, photos taken before a good press and steam!)

Even though I made many, many mistakes, I'm pleased I persevered because I love the result, which has already been worn several times. I've already started on the next project - a sweater for SunnyJim. Should be finished in time for next winter (hee, hee).