slow
It seems like it's been forever since I last knit a sweater. In the last three months, only one sweater came off my needles, that is a second Ellen knit for a friend, who was sweet enough to let me take a photo. Sounds pathetic of me but, I have been really focusing on small projects that I usually don't do much of throughout the year; learning more about stranded/colour knitting and hence my recent book purchases below to add to my knitting library.
I haven't started any projects from the books yet, that's one thing I struggle with buying books or resources that I don't get much use out of. But, hopefully, I will learn a lot from them as I pursue my knitting goal.
From the kindness of a friend who noticed my passion for colour knitting and mittens, I received a generous parcel from Maarja all the way from Estonia! Thank you so much!
The books have tremendous amount of Estonian patterns with historical background information in English translation.
Currently, I am working on my first smallest needle project ever - a Hanne Falkenberg design Diva, a treat to myself as an early birthday gift. I have kept an eye on the designs for a while but wasn't brave enough to take one such a slow project , until Leslie assured me it's doable. She has knit a few of HF designs.
Between that and the socks, things are a bit slow but good. I guess for now am more of a process knitter and enjoying every few rows knit on my projects.
oh lucy!
i would so like to sit with you and drink coffee, look at your books, knit a slow row and chat.
i love your hanne SO much!
i can't wait to see your progress
Posted by: leslie | April 07, 2008 at 12:01 AM
Another gorgeous Ellen! I totally will have to copy you at some point, and I may beg for pointers on the yoke part.
All those wonderful books! Good luck with your stranding, I'm sure you'll make some amazing things. :)
Posted by: aquaknits | April 02, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I know about just wanting to do mini knit projects! I have become the Queen and need to practice longevity with my knitting! ;op
How is the Fair Isle Knitting book? 3rd from the bottom??
Posted by: Stacey_CrimsonPurl | April 02, 2008 at 06:53 AM
That sweater looks great. Doesn't matter how much time something like that takes... it looks like it was worth the time and effort.
Posted by: LizKnits | April 01, 2008 at 10:02 AM
What a gorgeous sweater!
Posted by: carla | April 01, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Great post! Love the books, the sweater for your friend (lucky, lucky girl) and like everyone else I LOVE Diva and can't wait to see you start.
Posted by: Nicole | April 01, 2008 at 08:32 AM
I can't wait to see how you get on with Diva, I love the look of the HF patterns. The colours you have chosen will look lovely on you.
Posted by: Lin | April 01, 2008 at 05:45 AM
That looks like such a lovely pile of books, the sort of thing that it would be such a treat to curl up with on a quiet afternoon, cake and coffee to hand, perfect.
Ellen is stunning, again, the colour is beautiful.
Posted by: Rebecca | April 01, 2008 at 04:48 AM
Oh, that Diva pattern looks divine! Love the colours you've chosen and can't wait to see your progress.
Posted by: kerry | April 01, 2008 at 02:10 AM
That HF Kit is gorgeous! I can't wait to see how it turns out :)
Posted by: Stacey | March 31, 2008 at 11:55 AM
the HF kits are so beautiful! i really like the looks of this one! beautiful sweater too. what a lovely color!
i have several of these same books, and i have not used them yet either... i hope to very soon!
Posted by: lolly | March 31, 2008 at 09:05 AM
That's a nice library of books you have going there!
Your second Ellen is stunning!
Posted by: Cheryl | March 31, 2008 at 08:39 AM
I so love the colour of that sweater. Good luck with your smaller projects.
Posted by: lynne | March 31, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Ellen is absolutely beautiful, and the color is my favorite. Wow, you have a lot of inspirational books to get through. No chance of finding yourself without anything to knit! :)
Posted by: Heidi | March 31, 2008 at 03:48 AM
I was telling a friend the other day that I want to knit one of the Hanne Falkenberg kits. I think Diva will be gorgeous.
Posted by: Wanda | March 30, 2008 at 08:32 PM
The sweater looks perfect on your friend. The books look great and I always feel guilty if I never knit anything from some of mine too. I love the kit too, the jacket looks beautiful.
Posted by: sue | March 30, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Looking forward to seeing your finished Diva and your new colorwork projects.
That's a beautiful green in your Ellen sweater.
Posted by: Lisa | March 30, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Great books! I've been eyeballing a few of those for awhile - Would you let me know how you like Traditional Scandinavian Knitting? My local bookshop usually has it and I went looking for it this weekend for reference on a specific technique and sadly it was gone. I hope that means it's a good reference though!
I've been lusting after one of those Hanne Falkenberg kits since I started knitting - I love your chosen color combo, and have faith from what I've seen of your knitting, you'll be fine - it will be gorgeous.
Posted by: mel | March 30, 2008 at 04:55 PM
beautiful Ellen, and gorgeous colour choice for your Diva. I´m sure you will find that HF designs are fun and easy to knit in spite of the small needles. her patterns are extremely well written and thoroughly test-knit. I have never heard of errors in her patterns, and I know a LOT of people who have knit them.
best wishes from Iceland
Frida
Posted by: Fríða | March 30, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Hi Lucy,
I knitted a Diva last year, you can see it here http://www.flickr.com/photos/stellaspotlight/1570283125/in/set-72157602400236615/.
It is a very easy and enjoyable piece of knitting, as well as a wearable garment. One advice, though: use smaller needles(2,5mm for me) if you don't want a too roomy Diva.
Thanks for your inspiring blog and your elegant photos.
Posted by: Stella | March 30, 2008 at 04:06 PM
It all looks gorgeous. Can't wait to see some photos of your Diva :)
Posted by: Lise | March 30, 2008 at 02:36 PM