One hundred

Hello there. I'm celebrating today - I'm making my 100th post! I can't quite believe it. I really enjoy my little escapes into Blogworld; Mr Josiekitten thinks me most odd that I want to share all my knitty goings on with people I don't 'know'. But you and I know that it's not like that, don't we? I get so much pleasure making posts, reading your messages, and visiting other blogs. So to celebrate, I'm having a little giveaway. Anyone leaving me a message between now and next Sunday 6pm will be entered into a draw to win some lovely, squishy yarn. It's a skein of HipKnits Merino sock yarn in lovely bright shades of pink and orange, perfect for brightening up these dull days. So what are you waiting for!

I've finished my wrist warmers, despite Henrycat lending a paw! He was most insistent that he sat on my lap for cuddles as you can see! He doesn't take no for an answer, and stays there, looking most uncomfortable, until he's had enough, and then moves alongside to sit on a piece of newspaper! It usually goes something like this........

Hey, make room for me here!

This is comfy! I think I'll just settle down for a snoozle.

Oh look, I think you've dropped a stitch!

Anyway, here are the aforementioned wrist warmers in all their glory. I do like the pattern, even though I had to concentrate all the time with the cables, and could see me knitting them as presents for next Christmas. (Gasp! Have I really said that?!)

I'm haven't started my Ripple crochet blanket yet, the main reason being that I can't decide how big I want to make it! I'd love to make a really big one, to wrap round me and snuggle in, but can't quite get my head around a starting chain of over 200, with each row taking almost an hour to hook!!!! I'm going to just think about it this week, and get on with other projects. I've done a little bit more on my Katerina shawl (started way back last summer), and have got to the 'easy' 4 row main lace pattern. It's looking good, and I'm hoping to get it finished this year! I sing in a choir, and we often give concerts in extremely cold churches, so this is ideal for wrapping round me, whilst still looking elegant! (Elegant, me? That'll be the day! )

I hadn't realised until I looked at the photo quite how much the yarn has pooled. You can see it clearly with the pale pink colour near the bottom. I hope that pooling isn't going to become an issue, because I do love the pattern and the yarn. I'll keep you posted.

I've just signed up to take part in a Valentine's swap on the Phoenix Knitting Forums, so I'm off to take a browse through patterns on Ravelry to look for some 'hearty' inspiration. See you next time!