Kimono shawl

Kimono shawl
Originally uploaded by nigelpcat

Believe it or not I have lost the book with the pattern of the Kimono Shawl. Half way through.
What's more 'Folk Shawls' published by Interweave is one of my all time favourite books (and somewhat overlooked by the knitting community I feel).
Anyway, confession is good for the soul and I have told my friends on the knitting forum that I can't find the book anywhere. A very kind person is willing to send me her copy so that I can use the pattern. Cyber friends are wonderful, so a big thanks to the knitter's friend.

Natural Dye Studio

Naturala Dye Studio
Originally uploaded by nigelpcat

I'm catching up with this blogging lark.
This is the sock yarn bought from the Natural Dye Studio near
Shingle Street in Suffolk. This was an outing organised by Lois of the Ipswich Stitch and Bitch to see Amanda perform her wizardry with dyes from plants - we were amazed as the colours developed before our eyes after being dunked in a vat of indigo.
We had plenty of time to marvel at the range of yarn and as well as tea and cake there was a chance to buy some to take home too.

more socks

more socks
Originally uploaded by nigelpcat

I must admit that I like my kettle dyed sock yarn more than the sort they sell in shops. The colours in the photo are a bit washed out compared to the sock in the flesh.

Diamond Fantasy Shawl

Diamond Fantasy
Originally uploaded by nigelpcat

One skein of Cherry tree Hill supersock in 'Quarry Hill' , a down loadable pattern from Sivia Harding and a pair of US7's - the result is my favourite shawl.
The pattern wasn't very exciting to knit but is well written and has some very nice features - I particularly like the way the border is worked with the main body and the i - cord cast off.
But, the finished result is fabulous, best of all is the yarn - way too good for socks - this is the softest possible merino and feels totally luxurious .
All with 420 yards of sock yarn.
The colours are dark and rich and I've worn this a lot.
I will make many more of these in the future I am sure as it is a lace shawl which really isn't at all granny-ish!