To Die For

I finally found what I'd been on the lookout for for ages and was beginning to think they didn't exist in the UK - Birch cable needles - to be honest I would have been delighted with bamboo, but these Brittany cable needles are just to die for! And did I mention the glorious oh so smooth and beautiful 12mm Brittany Birch needles?? Oh my, I am in knitting needle heaven......

I have a pair of wooden 12mm needles that I use, but they're not exactly the smoothest needles I've ever used and compared to the Brittany ones, are as rough as old boots. Well, that is a 'slight' exaggeration of course. I am just so happy with them. I can see a present list for Xmas consisting of lovely luxurious Brittany needles. DH loves the top of the Brittany's so I'm sure will be more than happy to oblige;)



And this sweet harmless looking halterneck top is the cause of all my arm ache trouble. Hard to believe really that something so small can be so awkward. I have learned a valuable lesson. Don't knit 4ply cotton in one piece on straight needles! I've also a developed a peculiar workaround which involved slouching on the sofa so that my elbows are supported by the sofa. Bad for the back no doubt but better for my arm. Doing just 2 rows max a day isn't going to get it finished now is it?

My Big It Up arrived the other day and I'm a little disappointed. I wanted MORE designs it in. Perhaps last years bumper Big Just Got Bigger spoilt me a little. It was like, oh, is that it then? Hmmm. I do love the Laura cardigan and will probably put that on my Xmas pressie list.



And the Berber Bag is just gorgeous, however will wait till I've finished some Big Wool projects I've got waiting so I can see what leftovers I can use for it.



The Lilla bag will be my next Big Wool bag project. It's gorgeous and only uses a few balls. Aren't those bobbles on it just the cutest?



I also liked Elsa but changed my mind after seeing the diagram and realising it had batwings. Not sure that design will stand the test of time......



And finally we have the lovely Shingle who gave me a bit of a challenge at the weekend as the right front decreases didn't match the left front. I eventually found out a way of mirroring the increase and redid it and now it looks fabulous. I used short row shaping with the 3 needle bind off for the first time and it is seriously good. No, amazing is more like it. The shoulder seams are just perfect! Many thanks to Knitty.com for their brilliant instructions. I'd been meaning to do the 3 needle bind off for ages, but just kept forgetting and casting off as usual. Now I know it's practically the next best thing to sliced bread I won't be forgetting again!