Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Gray Skies and Gardening

It's Yarn Along Wednesday and I have some lovely things to show you!

First up, my knitting is something new.  After finishing my Miette cardigan I fancied a smaller project that was more portable and immediately thought of some grey German sock yarn that I picked up just before Christmas at a local shop.  Then a quick scan of my Ravelry queue showed me Karen's lovely (free!) pattern called (hence the spelling in my title) Gray Skies Above and so I cast on.

The pattern is really easy to follow so far and I love the sort of waffle/seersucker textured effect of it.  I'm not sure yet if I'm going to keep or gift them, I'll see how neatly I turn the heel before deciding, I suspect.

I'm taking my time with these socks as I'm not very good at knitting with thinner yarn and needles but I love them already.

Gray Skies and Gardening


This week I read Tasha Tudor's Garden following on from reading The Private World of Tasha Tudor (these books are expensive but if you keep an eye on the second hand ones you can get lucky!).  
Tasha's world famous garden is/was quite incredible and I wish the book had been longer and in more detail.
As with all books about Tasha's life, I have been inspired to get out into the garden, too - in between the snow flurries we have had some lovely Spring-like days.

What are you knitting and/or reading this week?

P.S. Don't forget to enter my (international) giveaway for February!

35 comments:

  1. Aw, you are sweet! Thanks for knitting the pattern :) Love the yarn! I love to flip through Tasha Tudor books and haven't in years. Thanks for the reminder :)

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    1. Thanks for the pattern, Karen :o)

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  2. Two new things to check out! The knit is lovely so far. Happy Knitting!

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  3. I'm knitting my first gansey, using the Whitby pattern. It's knitted in the round (which I love) but until I hit the pattern bit at the top it is rather dull. On the other hand it is perfect to knit in front of the tv or over cups of tea with friends as all I do is knit in circles!

    I'm reading Elegance by Genevieve Antoine-Dariux. I read it every couple of years to remind me to sit up straight and so on!

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    1. I'm new to knitting in circles but you're right - a simpler project is what's required.

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  4. I LOVE Tasha Tudor, she lived in such a peaceful manor that I always was quite envious of her. I must find the book that you are currently reading. Love the socks and what a great color!

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  5. I just love anything Tasha! I have this book and know how wonderful it is. I am so longing for spring and to get out in the garden again.

    Those are socks? Oh wow! I love handmade socks and these are beautiful. I only crochet though. I keep resisting the temptations to try and learn to knit. :-)

    Hugs from Holland ~
    Heidi

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    1. You should definitely give knitting a go, Heidi!

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  6. Lovely looking sock pattern. I have been thinking about treating myself to some Tasha Tudor books for a while now.

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    1. All the Tasha Tudor books I've read have been enchanting!

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  7. What a beautiful pattern for the socks and yes, a blessing to own a Tasha Tudor book - I am always keeping my eyes open for any in the thrift shops.

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  8. The sweater looks great on you! Nice job.

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  9. That looks like a nice sock pattern. I always find that I'm slower at the beginning of a sock and I pick up speed the more I knit.

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    1. The pattern is wonderful, it's just slow because I'm used to chunkier yarn and needles.

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  10. Don't you just adore everything Tasha Tudor? We're painting the inside of our house right now, which meant i had to move ALL the books----and when I got to my Tasha Tudors, I spent far too much time browsing again; i just never get tired of looking at them. I think the Gardening one is my favorite.
    (Love the socks!!!)

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  12. Hmmm, I love the waffle-y texture of the socks! The color is lovely, too. And I also enjoy reading about Tasha Tudor...what a fascinating lady.
    Blessings,
    Kelli

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  13. The cardigan turned out great and I really like the sock pattern. Since I have 5 pairs of socks to knit for a neighbor, I think I'm going to look that one up.

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  14. Your socks look lovely - keep them for yourself!

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  15. i collect her books too, it's so exciting coming across one at a flea market! your socks are looking lovely!

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  16. what a nice blog!!!

    I have a knitting-cooking-baking-crocheting blog too, would you like to change recipes?

    have a nice week!

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    1. Thank you, Maria. I'd love to exchange recipes!

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  17. Very interesting texture and the color is so lovely!

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  18. I really like your socks, the pattern is interesting enough to hold your attention, but not so difficult to get tedious. I'm also waiting for gardening time. The snow has to leave sometime, right?

    Blessings,
    Betsy
    http://www.betsy-thesimplelifeofaqueen.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Betsy. I hope you get a break from the snow soon!

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