AYOP Update

AYOP, Knitting, Stitching

This week’s post is intended to be a wrap-up of the year, but since I haven’t been here long enough, I thought I would just do a normal blog post.

I apologise for the lack of light. It has been so dark here for the last few days. I tried several different rooms, and this was the best photo I could get.

Pattern: Mud Season Yarn: Rauma Vams Size: Medium

I came across a Floss tuber called Sullystitches_ You can also find her on Instagram. She is having a SAL called Spooky Summer SAL. Although it’s winter here and I feel like I should be stitching on a Christmas pattern,I couldn’t help myself. I am starting with Gourdness Gracious by With Thy Needle And Thread

I am using all the called for threads except for Weeks Charcoal. I only had Weeks Onyx. Also the pattern called for 36 count linen. I am using 40 count linen from Number12StitchCo.

Currently Watching: I only managed to watch the MotoGP on the weekend.

AYOP Update 

AYOP, Baking, Cooking, Knitting

I feel like I did an outstanding job of wasting my time yesterday. I finished my Mud Season top. I blocked it. It still hasn’t dried, so I will take a photo next week. I then spent the rest of the day unable to decide what to work on. I spent most of the day flipping through my cross-stitch patterns and linen, without picking a pattern to work on. I did manage to make a pot of gumbo, and I baked a banana & choc chip bread.

I did pick up an old WIP and managed to knit a few rows while my bread was baking.

The pattern is Sophie Shawl by Petite Knits. The yarn is Madelinetosh Vintage in the Black Sea colourway. I’m not sure if it will stay in my current rotation. I love the colour, but I’m not feeling it at the moment. I’m hoping that I’ll be more productive this week.

Currently watching: Just Sew Sherrie flosstube

Update Part 2

Knitting, Stitching

Although April and part of May were slow going with my craft. I managed to get two FO’s. My first was the USA/French socks for DH.

Pattern: Vanilla Sock – Toe up Yarn: Gnome Acres – Independence Day Set Needles: 2.5mm

My second FO is Primrose by Stacy Nash. The linen I used is count 40 from R&R Reproductions. I loved stitching this piece. However, I would choose a 46-count linen next time.

I also have a new start. The pattern is Mud Season by Elizabeth Smith. The yarn I’m using is new to me. It’s Rauma Vams. The colourway is Gray No:14. I cannot remember the last time I knitted with 12ply yarn. It grows so quickly. It is knit with positive ease, so I can wear a long-sleeved t-shirt/shirt under it.

I haven’t managed to crochet any squares since the end of March. I’m hoping to get back into crochet this weekend.

Currently watching: Dept. Q

Update Part 1 – Reading

Reading

I cannot believe the last time I posted was the end of March. Since my last post we have had a trip to Sydney to catch up with my family, and I hurt my right hand. I was unable to knit or crochet for the whole month of April and part of May. I did however get a little reading done. 

In order 

Book 1 – The Bronte Story by Margaret Lane PB 

Book 2 – Neon Gods by Katee Robert PB 

Book 3 – Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas Kindle 

Book 4 – Falling for Mr. Darcy by KaraLynee Mackrory PB 

Book 5 – Nemesis By Jo Nesbo PB 

Book 6 – The Silworm by Robert Galbraith PB 

Book 7 – The Measure by Nikki Erlick PB 

Book 8 – Praise by Sara Cate Kindle 

Book 9 – Zero Days by Ruth Ware PB 

Book 10 – Eyes on Me by Sara Cate Kindle 

Book 11 – The Deadly Dispute by Amanda Hampson Audio 

Currently watching- Dept. Q

Part 2 will be posted tomorrow.

AYOP Update Wk 5

AYOP, Knitting, Stitching

Although this week felt jam-packed, I feel that I have very little to show. I completed all my tasks; however, I did want to spend more time on my stitching. Unfortunately, cleaning the house got in the way yesterday. I completed my three granny squares. Bringing my total for the month to thirteen.

I also worked on the second of the USA/French socks for DH. I came very close to finishing it. I have enjoyed working with Gnome Acres yarn again. I need to go through my stash to see if I have any more skeins.

My third project for the week was Primrose by Stacy Nash. I would like to have the stitching completed by the end of the Easter weekend.

I will be out of town at the end of the week, so I won’t be setting any goals or posting on Sunday. I hope to get some crafty time in during the week, but with my short work week. I know it will be limited. I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

AYOP Update Wk 4

AYOP, Knitting, Stitching

For the fourth week in a row, I have hit my targets. I started the second sock for DH. The yarn I am using is a set from Gnome Acres. I am knitting the second sock with a blue foot and changing to red & white stripes. I also completed another three granny squares for my blanket.

I also finished my first rowan Felted Tweed ball and knit half of the second ball for my poncho. It is now 45cm long.

For the first time since January, I got a little stitching time in. The pattern is Primrose in the Animal Crackers series. The linen is R&R Reproductions – 40 count in the Sleeping Bear colourway.

My plan for this week is to crochet another three squares, work on my sock and stitch on Primrose this Saturday for the Lindy Stitches Nash Stash.

Currently watching – The Bridge series 2

AYOP Update Week 3

AYOP, Crochet, Knitting

Although I marked everything off my to-do list this week, I feel like my first sock is an epic fail. The yarn I’m using is an Independence Day set, so it’s red, white, and blue. I didn’t want any white on the foot. And I always knit socks for DH toe up. So I just thought of block socks. I would knit red for the foot and then change to white and then blue.

As you can see. They look like the French flag. I have no issues with the French or their flag. It just wasn’t the look I was going for. Also, I do not like how I cut the red off halfway through the heel. For the second sock, I am thinking of a blue foot and the red & white stripes for the leg. Thank goodness, DH doesn’t care what his socks look like. I also completed my three granny squares for my blanket.

The third project I had on my list was my Poncho. I managed just under 15cm. Unfortunately, I did not finish the first ball. At the rate I’m knitting this there is no way I will have it finished this month.

Work has been quite busy, so I haven’t had much free time to do much else. The weather has also been unseasonably warm, so little time has been spent in the garden. I’m looking forward to a few cool days this week.

My list for this week is much the same. I would like to start the second sock for DH, crochet another three squares, finish the first ball and knit at least half of the second ball on my poncho. I would also like to get a little stitching done on the weekend.

Currently watching – Silent Witness series 28

AYOP Update

AYOP, Crochet, Knitting

My update is for the week ending March 8th. I was out of action for two days, thanks to a migraine. However, I did manage to complete my to do list.

I was excited to get my new project on the needles. The pattern is Easy Folded Poncho by Churchmouse Yarns & Teas. I’m using Rowan Felted Tweed in Black. I did purchase six balls, so I have the option to knit the poncho with the cowl.

I also cast on another pair of Vanilla socks for DH. The yarn I picked was a deep stash dive. It is from Gnomes Acres. I believe it has been in my stash for at least ten years. It is the Independence Day set.

The red is a true red IRL. I am almost ready to start the heel. It makes for great TV knitting. I also crocheted my four granny squares for my blanket. Most of the yarn I’m using is left overs from previous projects.

My plans for this week are to complete one sock, crochet three squares, and continue knitting on my poncho. If possible, I would like to complete my poncho by the end of March. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Reading through February

Reading

I feel like I let myself down this month when it came to reading. I read five books. One was on the Kindle, and the other four were physical books. The Good Wife of Bath was by far the stand-out book. I purchased this when it was first published back in 2021. Again, I don’t know why I let it sit on my shelf for so long before reading it. I do feel that I now need to read The Canterbury Tales.

I also continued with the Read Christie Challenge for 2025. This month, my book was The Thirteen Problems. Which is thirteen short stories. This Agatha Christie book isn’t one of my favourites, but it’s always enjoyable to read any Miss Marple book. For March, the official book is Three Act Tragedy, and the alternative book is The Body in the Library. Of course, I have to go with Miss Marple again. Apart from The Body in the Library, I have no real reading plans for March.

  • Book 1 – The Christmas Book Hunt by Jenny Colgan Kindle
  • Book 2- The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks PB
  • Book 3 – The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie PB
  • Book 4 – Lucky’s by Andrew Pippos PB
  • Book 5 – Runt by Craig Silvey HC

Happy Reading!

A year of projects update

AYOP, Crochet, Knitting

This is my first update for A Year of Projects. It is for the week ending March 1st. I hope that’s correct. I did finish my third pair of socks for the year. It’s another pair for DH. They are a basic rib sock with the fish-lips kiss heel. I knit them with The Plucky Knitter yarn in the Primo fingering base. I lost the skein band, so I don’t know the colourway.

I also continued working on my granny square blanket. I completed twelve squares. My goal is still to finish it this calendar year.

I cast on the Small Fry Scarf that I mentioned last week. The project was for a Stash Buster Kal/Cal on Ravelry. I know I had no chance to complete this as I only cast-on, but it’s great to get the scarf on the needles.

My goals for this week are to cast on another pair of socks for DH, crochet at least four squares. And I cannot stop thinking about the Easy Folded Poncho. I may have to cast that on, too.

Currently watching – Shetland Series 9