Pattern: Charm from RYC Classic Style Book 16
Yarn: Phildar Brisants (discontinued)

There's one thing that you can guarantee when you take an indoor shot using the automatic timer - it'll be out of focus. I thought this cardigan looked ok in the mirror but I should have waited until it had been washed and pressed before making it's debut on the blog. I predict lot of wear for this one.
This pattern was not my favourite from this book but I had enough yarn in the stash for it and it also didn't need buttons. I always have problems finding buttons that I like.

It's not even the middle of November and I have an overwhelming desire to make of list of what I want to knit during 2007. This year has been the year of the cardigan - I've got two more on the go that should be finished by the end of the year. I was going to write how the only jumper I knitted this year is in the process of being ripped back when I thought I'd better look back at what I've knitted this year and realised that I have knitted 3 jumpers this year. Does anyone else forget what they have knitted? So should I have a theme for next year - like knit all the patterns I like from Rowan 28, or broaden it to knit only Rowan patterns or only RYC patterns or only Interweave Knits or Vogue. One thing is for sure I am going to have a great time going through my patterns!

Here's the other cardigan I knitted during my 6 month blogging break:



click here for full size image - it removes the squiggles

Pattern: Onza from Rowan Magazine No 28
Yarn: Patons Gold Diploma DK


This was more stash yarn and is the same shade as my Must Have Cardigan which btw now has much better buttons.

Onza has been on my 'To Do' List for the last 4 years and I'm glad I finally got around to knitting. If it wasn't in garter stitch I would easily knit this again. I forgot how long a garter stitch garment can take to knit. I keep on meaning to to put a couple of stitches to anchor the collar down. I know I could tryingpressing them with a steam iron but I don't want to 'kill' the acrylic content of the yarn. I've worn this cardigan lots since I knitted it.

Rowan 28 is definitely my most used knitting book/magazine issue. I've knitted 4 projects from it and there are still some more that I want to knit. What's your most used knitting book/magazine issue?

Everyone else seems to have done so why not me?

48 things you could care less about

1. First Name Linda

2. Were you named after anyone?
No. I'm the first and only Linda on both sides of the family.

3. When did you last cry?
Can't remember which is amazing as I'm terrible for blubbing at things on the TV. Obviously I'm not empathising with the wannabees on Americas Next Top Model. I've been watching re-runs of the first 4 seasons but luckily I've lost interest during season 5.

4. Do you like your handwriting?
It's not too bad. Like everyone else it used to be better.

5. What is your favourite lunchmeat?
Smoked ham

6. If you were another person would you be friends with you?
Why not.

7. Do you have a journal?
No. I've never lasted more than a month at writing one.

8. Do you still have your tonsils?
Yes.

9. Would you bungee jump?
Definitely not though I would consider abseiling

10. What is your favourite cereal?
Porridge made with soya milk and with a handful of currants stirred in.

11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?
Yes.

12. Do you think you are strong?
Yes I'm fairly self-reliant.

13. What is your favourite ice-cream flavour?
Vanilla

14. Shoe size?
5.5/6 and that's a UK size

15. Red or pink?
Both.

16. What is the least favourite thing about yourself?
Physical or character wise? My eyes are too small and I'm way too reserved.

17. Who do you miss most?
This is going to sound terrible but I don't really miss anyone. Every so often I'll think about someone I've lost contact and wonder what they are doing but not enough to make me want to contact them.

18. Do you want everyone to send this back to you?
I think just about everyone has already done this.

19. What colour pants, shirt and shoes are you wearing?
Block top, black trousers and navy blue slippers

20. Last thing you ate?
Packet of ready salted crisps

21. What are you listening to right now?
Tapping of my keyboard

22. If you were a crayon what colour would you be?
Navy blue

23. Favourite smell?
Lavender or cinnamon

24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Karen C.

25. The first thing you notice about people you are attracted to?
Eyes and smile

26. Do you like who you stole this off?
I've read countless versions of this meme

27. Favourite drink?
Gin and tonic

28. Favourite sport?
Does hill walking count?

29. Eye colour?
Blue

30. Hat size?
No idea

31. Do you wear contacts?
Yes.

32. Favourite food?
Pizza

33. Scary movies or happy endings?
Happy endings - I'm just a romantic at heart underneath this cold exterior

34. If you could live anywhere in the world where would that be?
Mull is slightly ahead at the moment

35. Summer or winter?
Either as long as it's not raining

36. Hugs or kisses?
Bring them on!

37. Favourite dessert?
Bread & Butter pudding

38. Who is most likely to respond?
Don't know

39. Least likely to respond?
Don't know

40. What books are you currently reading?
"Alone" by Admiral Richard E Byrd

41. What's on your mouse pad?
It's a Cat Protection one with a brown tabby holding a computer mouse in it's mouth

42. What did you watch on TV last night?
The Maltese Falcon

43. Favourite sounds?
The sea

44. Rolling Stones or Beatles?
Can i pass on this I'd rather not listen to them

45. The furthest you have been from home?
Hong Kong.

46. What's your special talent?
No party tricks here.

47. Where were you born?
Ayr

48. Who sent this to you?
Absolutely no-one.

Just because I happened to be wearing it this morning:



Didn't realise the sun was directly behind me but you can still see the pattern.

Pattern: Sirdar Pattern Booklet 289 Design G
Yarn: Yarn Warehouse Aran

This was a real p.i.t.a to knit.It wasn't mindless stocking stitch that I could zone out on and rattle through while watching tv. I had to concentrate but the cable was not complicated enough to engage the brain so it turned out a rather boring knit. I would knit once piece and then take a break of a couple of weeks and then knit another. Each piece was slow going as I was so bored. Another thing I didn't like about the pattern was that the collar seems to start too far from the neck - I prefer mine a bit snugger.
If you haven't used Yarn Warehouse wool before it grows in the wash. I should have known this from experience and knitted the size down from the one I selected then I would be happy wearing it over a t-shirt.
Overall, I thing it turned out alright. I wanted it to be worn as a jacket rather than a cardigan.

So I've had 6 months away from blogging you would think I had a pile of knits to show off. Well, the sum total was 2 cardigans and 2 pairs of socks. I'll show the other cardigan next time I blog.

I've been enjoying myself over the summer with weekends away. I was away on holiday last week. The weather was pants but I had a great time. Here's where I stayed - nice and remote: