Happy New Year

Austria is a stunning place - the views are magical. This is what I saw out of the bedroom window the morning after we arrived at my parents (it was pitch black when we arrived the night before).

There are actually too many stunning views than I could shake a stick at, even just the walk into town had views like this:


this:


and this:


you can go to my flickr set for more.

As for other things about the trip, the beer and food were plentiful. And over the holidays the neighbors bring home-made cookies and highly alcoholic orange punch.



I managed to bag myself the cutest slippers ever.


I gave gifts of socks to my parents and a hat to little brother (never got a picture of the hat, sadly).

Childs first Socks for Mum (Lazy ravelry link - sorry)


Dads Earl Grey Socks (another lazy ravelry link)


All were well appreciated.

I even made some mitten ornaments for the parents:


The trip was a lovely and relaxing one, we saw Salzburg and even got a half day in Munich. I had no idea how stressed I'd become before we went away, with work being full on, and all the sewing during my free moments. I'm still on wind down right now, it's great!

I did a bit of knitting while away as well, but that's for another post.

Froche Weihnachten

From Austria...

I'm Back

Mr B and I had a phenomenal trip in San Fran. I'm amazed at how much we fit into a week (well 6 days). Highlights include: the Bridge (of course), having my fortune told by a mechanical wizard, the sea-lions on Pier 39, Muir woods, wine tasting, knitting on various modes of transportation (love public transport in SF), Uncle Vito's Pizza, Artfibers and ImagiKnits - both wonderful, friendly experiences, North Shore Jazz festival going up Coit Tower (what great views) among other things. Here's some random shots from the trip.

One downer was that when we got back our mailbox was empty, I called USPS to find out what happened, finally got a call back from the local office. After some 'discussion' it turns out that they don't know where my mail is, they think that the postman just took it all out when he thought the mailbox was too full and he may have kept it, or just returned to sender. We were away for a week, a WEEK people!! So now I have to go in on Monday to see if they have my mail. I don't know if they have my Netflix movies (LOST - Goddammit!), any cards and/or gifts for my birthday. I'm pissed! I've never had this happen before, I've never had my mail confiscated for going away on vacation for a week - WTF!?

The upper is that I had a nearly finished top to finish off waiting for me when I got home. I finished it this morning, and here it is, please excuse my San Fran t-shirt tan (yes, for me, this is tanned).


Yarn: Suss Cotton in Chamois
Needles: Denise's in US 9 and 10.5
Pattern: Lelah Top modified. By Knitting for Boozehags.
Mods/thoughts: The most obvious was the straps I added, I did them in a ribbing pattern. I did a single crochet edging. The top feels a tad too big, but I still love it!


I've had a test knitter (thanks Harriet!) give me excellent feedback on the twisted tweed socks and just have to tweak the pattern a little. Trouble is, I have to go out for dinner this evening, then Mr B has a gig tonight - technically tomorrow since it's at 1am! So I hope I get a chance to get it out in a few days. Thanks for your patience.

I - Just - Couldn't - Resist

Having a wonderful time :)

A handmade sweater? That fits? Never!

I don't want to make this post long - I don't really want to be reading or posting blogs right now - I've got THE BOOK (which already has 177 reviews on Amazon) and that's all I really want to think about and read. Yesterday was the Spider summer gala, which was even more fun than I could have anticipated. Virginia was a most gracious, imaginative and fun hostess, the weather was fantastic and the company, as always, was wonderful.

So, just here to show off my recently finished hourglass sweater:

Only one pictures because it's not blocked yet, and I was having some timer/colour issues - plus, there's THE BOOK.

Pattern: Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.
Yarn: Jaeger Trinity in colour #439 - this is a vibrant orange/flamingo colour that seems to vary in intensity, and is a bugger to photograph :) I love this yarn, it is perfectly light-weight and makes for a perfect fall/spring sweater, and has a slight 'distressed' look.
Needles: Denises US #8 and #5 - various cable lengths.
Mods: I made the sweater longer. I also did 4 more decrease rounds at the neckline. my size is also between 2 sizes, however the gauge was off with the trinity, so I knit the larger of the two sizes, and i feel the fit is perfect. I'm thinking this is probably more luck than judgment.
Thoughts: This is just what I needed after the first sweater disaster. Had it not worked out, I'm not sure I would ever try another sweater. But it did, and it's nice to know that I *am* capable of wearable clothing, besides socks and tanks :)

Stay tuned, when I get back - a free sock pattern to be released. AND a blog contest (it's about time). Speaking of contests, you should totally check out knitting sutra has a great little contest of her own going on with fantastic prizes up for grabs - she wants help finding a non-pooling sock pattern, and don't forget to tell her I sent you :)

Have a wonderful Sunday/week, I'll see you all when I get back from San Fran.