Sunday, June 10, 2012

Feeling knitty

On the drive up to Sydney last week, I stopped for a rest in Wangaratta, and (...ahem..) chanced across Sackville & Lane's delicious shop.  I'd only ever seen their luscious yarn and fabric range at quilt shows, so it was a bit exciting to visit the source. 

It was particularly nice to snap up a couple of "last ball" bargains (Jo Sharp et al) at $3 a pop.  Ok, so it was THIRTEEN balls at $3 a pop ....and ...ahem...4 balls at $16 each.  Oh, and some new needles (since I'd only packed crochet and wanted to get knitting IMMEDIATELY).
 
 It only then occurred to me that I'm more in love with kitting than with crochet.  I'd packed enough yarn and hooks to see me through the several crochet projects I had planned, but I saw great yarn and wanted to knit it.  So I did. 

This one is absolutely living up to its name.  Baby cashmere, silk, merino... mmmmm.  Sublime.  As my ex-silk-lingerie-designer friend Sarah said, as she dug it out from the overflowing yarny shopping bag, "I want UNDERWEAR made from that!"
Last night, the knitting machine made an appearance.  Three strands of red lace-weight wool (one darker than the others) were wound together and three rectangles of stockingette were brought into being (all in one evening... I LOVE that!).  They are yet to be sewn into something garment-esque.
There were two knitty finishes the week before I left for Sydney, and they are currently winging their way to the USA for two special little girls.  They were all wrapped and ready to post when I remembered - just as I was walking out the door to drive interstate - that I hadn't photographed them.  They had to wait until I got home and took some blog shots. 
This is a teeny-tiny In-Threes Cardi and a Toddler Jumper (dress), made in Bamboozle varigated yarn.  I just adore the way that bamboo yarn looks and feels. 
Of course, I haven't abandoned the hook altogether.  Crochet is still mighty handy when a few strategically-placed flowers are needed on the knitting.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

That Jo Sharp yarn looks delicious. The little cardigan and dress set look lovely. How lucky is the recipient going to feel?

Karen said...

Oh Nikki they are adorable, lucky little recipients.
You are quite the wool master aren't you.
I thout of you yesterday when I was swooning over alpaca at Addicted to Fabric in Canberra.

poppykettle said...

Drool. That yarn is yummy.

Midge said...

Small world Nikki. My Mum sold her shop to Sackville & Lane, and it is wonderful.

A Peppermint Penguin said...

Considering how short a time you've been knitting... well I'd say it's amazing but it's you, so it about par for the course ;-)

I'm knitting a revontuli in zauberball laceweight - it's skinny!

Katy Cameron said...

Isn't it awful how we just have to stop in towns with these shops full of temptations, especially when they have sales on...

Sally said...

Noice! What a lucky break you got scoring all that delicious yarn. And I must remember the carefully placed crochet flower trick... the knitting bug is starting to bite me too!!!

Fer said...

"chanced upon"?? I'm sure there were magnetic/Jedi/Tardis etc etc forces propelling you towards the shop. And I can't blame you, what a score!!

Lynne said...

What lovely yarns and knitting projects.