Mittens
My knitting-fu is still off. I got the mittens done which are for a one-year old and being handed over today. I knit the largest size in the pattern so the kid could wear them for some time. It’s a really simple pattern, but actually having never knit an entire project in garter stitch, I struggled to get good row gauge. Now the pattern didn’t actually indicate row gauge, but did indicate the length of the finished mitt… I was over 2″ off! I had already started the second mitt on the same needles, but hadn’t got very far so it wasn’t too painful to rip. I ended up going up two needle sizes in order to get the correct finished dimensions lengthwise — I hope the width isn’t too enormous! I added an icord to them for stringing through coats.
The pattern is the Lobster Claw Mitts from Morehouse Merino Farms and came as part of a kit (yarn and pattern). I would never knit with this yarn again; it is awful. It breaks so easily and when you are trying to make sure there aren’t holes in your ‘make one’ increases, it’s difficult since a tug snaps the yarn. If you’re after something to felt, well I suspect that this yarn will do a fantastic job because it is sticky hence the slight pain in ripping out the gloves, but otherwise a big thumbs down from me. No doubt these mittens will become felted mittens in no time.
I ran out of yarn when knitting the second Little Cables hat and I’m debating whether I buy another ball or rip it out and do it the same way I did the first. Very annoying as it sort of leaves me without something to give as a gift today since the mittens are sort of half a gift since I didn’t purchase the kit (not to devalue my time).
I got the yarn for the C. It is very soft. The colours are a bit paler than I expected (not that you can tell from the picture — it’s just been so dark here already!), but I haven’t started knitting yet so we’ll see what happens. Otherwise, no other knitting has gone on. The cardigan still waits to have the second sleeve added and the bottom of the waist. I started the second ball of yarn on My-so called scarf last night, but was obviously too tired to be doing so since I managed to knit two rows and lose half my stitches. I plan to actually focus on getting the scarf and cardigan done, but I will cast-on for the C probably tomorrow night. I’d like to get it done by the end of November, but it might just have to wait until Christmas.
In other news, I’m looking at getting another cat in December. I saw a very nice looking cat on one of the local rescue sites, but haven’t rang yet since I can’t adopt until December. I should ring as they may be willing to hold on to him. Obviously I need to meet him and find out for sure if he’s okay with other cats. He’s not the ginger cat I always dream of getting, but I know that when it comes down to it, I will take any cat that I take a liking to regardless of its markings.
I’ve managed to destash a handful of skeins of sock yarn and hopefully some bulky yarn (my first luxury yarn purchase). I’ve signed up for a secret santa swap (UK-only) to destash a skein and receive a skein. I’ve also signed up for the Socktopus sock club — my first ever club sign up. She’s offering three levels of subscription depending on how many extras you want to receive. It runs for a year with six mailings. She’s also offering a Stitch Marker club if anyone is interested in handmade stitch markers.
Also, The Boy and I split up. No condolences necessary (or whatever it is you give people when they break up). It’s something I’ve been struggling with for a couple of months now and finally came to a decision. He’s a good guy — kind and generous — but at the end of the day we really didn’t have much in common which makes it difficult to maintain a relationship. We’re hoping to come out of it as friends.
Now I’m off to shower and get ready to head to London for a one-year old’s birthday party — Doctor Who themed! Sadly, I don’t think David Tennant will be making an appearance, but there will be Tardis cake.
Trigger is vicious. Or maybe doing an imitation of me laughing at her w/ lobster claw mittens.