A Hedgehog For Your Thoughts?

Now that the lovely Meredith has had her baby shower, I can reveal the knitted portion of my gift.  It's another Smith by Ysolda, and yes, it is in purple again. This one is smaller than my first as it's knitted in sock yarn.  That's the beauty of this toy.  The stich count always remains the same.  The size is determined by yarn and needle choice.  This version is just the right size to be cupped in baby hands.

Hedgie takes a stroll down the street and admires the foliage.

He does his best squash imitation.

The local library offers many fine reading choices for a young hedgehog.

Chillaxin' in the grass.

Little Green Socks

Just in time for the cooler weather I've finished a a pair of socks.  In fact, I'm wearing them right now!
These lace socks are a slightly simplified version of a pattern published in the Vogue Holiday 2009 issue. I just loved this merino/nylon blend from The Black Lamb in Port Hope.  I've always wanted to visit the shop in person.  Anybody for a road trip?


And...speaking of Little Green...enjoy.

Coloured Water

The other strange purchase of this year's CNE (Canadian National Exhibition for you non-Ontarians) was a packet of these strange water beads.  They come in a tiny envelope, each ball no larger than a seed bead.  After being soaked in water they turn into these soft translucent spheres.  Completely useless yet oh so lovely. I've no idea how they work and hope they don't give me cancer. 

Haven't Done A Silly Test In A Long Time

You Are Reflective and Thoughtful

You are most comfortable when you are mixing things up a little bit. You like novelty in small doses. You are drawn to passion and emotion. You see the world as a colorful place. You seek a bit more depth in your life, but you are slowly changing. You don't like to rush anything. You believe that if you look closely enough at people, they all have worth.

The Ocean Test

Incremental Knitting Progress

My knitting has been sporadic and unfocused of late.  I cast on the Peacock Stole with yarn and pattern purchased at the most recent Frolic.  This is definitely not a TV knit.  Charts, charts, charts!  Fine lace weight and detailed stitches - the kind of knit you can really sink your teeth into.  By my calculation, there are about 800 rows in this stole and, several weeks in, I've completed only seventy-five.  It's a good thing I don't have a deadline.


I also completed Gryffindor Scarf  Number 2 and it has been gifted to The Daughter's friend.  As I mentioned before, working 8 feet of stocking stitch tube is immensely dull and I've vowed to never do another.  Naturally, those types of vows crumble easily with pleading looks from young Harry Potter fans.  One aspect of the experience I most definitely will not repeat is the use of the superwash version of Cascade 220.  Romni was out of regular in the needed colours.  I purchased the Superwash thinking only that it was more expensive but would likely knit up the same.  Wrong.  The yarn feels strangely unpleasant in the hand and blocks differently than the straight wool.  The scarf edge doesn't hold as crisply and the surface has a decidedly plastic-like texture, even after soaking.  I comfort myself knowing that the care of the scarf will be easier which is a good thing when giving a garment to a non-knitter.


I'm also slogging through a case of second sock syndrome and swatching samples for Daughter Christmas knitting.  Focus needed.