Sewing and knitting

Remember this top?

The pattern (Simplicity 3893) was noted as one of the "Best Patterns of 2007" on patternreview.com and my top was one of two selected to show off the pattern. The article is only available for 7 days to non-registered users, so the link will break on Jan 23rd unless you're registered. I'm flattered it was shown in the newsletter. This is the second time I've had one of my garments shown like this - my twist top from a couple years ago was one of the "Best Patterns of 2005" and my top was chosen to show it off. Woohoo!

I made a second Simplicity 3893 as part of the outfits I sewed for our trip to Paris. I was so busy finishing everything last minute that I didn't have time to photograph it. But here it is, and it's actually on me and not my dress form.

And now for some knitting blog content. I thought I had an aversion to metal needles but when I accidentally bought some metal 16" size 2 circulars, instead of wood, for my latest project, I discovered metal needles aren't so awful. They are actually are quite good for "grippy" yarn like the Rowan Scottish Tweed I'm using. I'm still not sure I'll use them in dpns though, because I fear I will drop more stitches off the slippery metal than I do with wood.

I bought a bunch of Rowan at a LYS sale recently...as in three project's worth. One is a small project, but still. Yikes. Stitches West is next month and how can I possibly not buy yarn there? But I love this Rowan. I love the tweediness of it.

Rowan Scottish Tweed 4ply

Rowan Felted Tweed

Is there a theme here? I was thinking Fair Isle or maybe just stripes for both projects, which is why there's a variety - 4 colors of the Scottish and 3 of the Felted. Of course I've only knit a couple little swatches in the Fair Isle class I took last year at Stitches West, but then I'm always up for a challenge.

And speaking of challenges. I guess I don't have enough hobbies in my life. Look what I bought.