There they are, the early signs. I know it still will be a while but the roses are curiously experimenting with the first warmer days already. Always a good sign.
I already mentioned the new sweater which is now finished. The light was ugly (a dull gray), the true colours are leaning more to the brown than gray. The yarn is Blue Faced Leicester Humbug (which means a mix of different natural colours) with silk, spun about 3 years ago. The pattern is one of those generic top down raglans with 7/8 arms. Nothing fancy. It wears well, which is the most important thing. And this time, I even remembered to add a true round neck by adding some short rows to the back. This I learned from another top down raglan I knit about a year ago. Same style with the same turtleneck and it puckers a lot in front because I didn't add the short rows.
Its name comes from the actual necessity I had for a new sweater. My old one are beginning to fray around the edges. They are still well and warm for every day, outdoors and the woods but I wouldn't want to wear them anywhere else.
Like DebG I'm thinking about what a basic wardrobe should contain and how the single items should be made. Since I'm not really good at planning or sticking to a plan, I like top down patterns. I can try it on any time and I actually see how far the yarn will go and if I might add some other yarn for the bottom. Which usually looks better than adding some at the top.
I have no actual length but the yarn worked well in needle size 2.5 (which is about US 1 or UK 13) and I have to admit, I got a taste for it. Right now, I'm swatching for a tank top in size 2 (US 0 or UK 14). Up to now, my prefered needle size was around 3 or 3.5. 2.5 was reserved for socks. But I like the different drape of the thinner yarn very much.There is lots of potential.
Since yesterday, this gentle giant is staying with us. His owner is a friend of mine and I had to take her to the hospital yesterday morning with a ruptured appendix. Thankfully, a few hours of emergency surgery later and she was (almost) fine again. But her DH is on business trip on the other side of the world so our already slightly cramped house became a bit more stuffed. As you can see, one of his favourite spots is the kitchen. Works well for me and the others so I don't complain. At least we only have this one hospital so I can visit her and mum in one go ;o)