What’s On Your Workdesk this Wednesday?
A great sense of achievement this week – two projects completed, and another one started!
Kitty Throw
Working on the border
I was very thrilled to find the pattern for this border online. I think it works very well with the solid squares of this blanket, and it has a lovely texture. My goodness, it certainly used a lot of yarn! It was a bit like an all-in wrestling match with the blanket, working my way through ten rounds of border pattern , because it is so large and bulky! This wasn’t helped by the fact that either one or both kitties would insist on sitting on it while I was working, and I had to keep disturbing them in order to keep moving it around.
You may remember that last week I was working on round 2. Here is round 3 being worked. The treble-stitch bars would be used to work the diagonal pattern into later on.
Round 4:
Round 5, showing a corner:
Unfortunately most of this part of the pattern was covered by round 6, which they recommended you worked with a larger hook in order to prevent the border from puckering. The diagonal bars are worked with two double-trebles (US trebles) together, and with looser tension, they are quite bold and textural. You can see that the bottom tips of the zig-zags are worked into the treble bars on round 3.
Round 7 was easy-peasy (just double [US single] crochets into every stitch all around) after round 6 which took a very long time – even though I tried to count my stitches accurately, I found I did have to fudge the corners of round 6 a bit to get the pattern to fit.
Round 8:
Round 9, again showing a corner:
and finally, round 10.
With the final stitch of round 10 of the border, the blanket was completed at last! I finished it on Monday night, two days ahead of my hubby’s birthday. I was pleased that the border came out so well, and that it was lying nice and flat, so I didn’t think it was necessary to block the blanket, which saved me some time.
Here it is in all its glory!
Now for some details.
It is my hubby’s birthday today. I am posting this in the small hours of Wednesday morning, so I shall try and photograph his reaction later, and post final photos next week! I wanted to photograph the blanket in situ on the chair, but both kitties were cuddled up together there, and I hadn’t the heart to disturb them.
Birthday card
Here is his card. It is a simple watercolour sketch of our garden (including the kitties) with some added die-cut flowers and leaves. Not one of my best efforts but my paper-based mojo has taken a major walkabout lately!
Purple Circles jumper
This is now completed as well! Here are the sleeves being blocked.
I had a terrible time making this up. First of all I got one row of circles out on the first sleeve and had to undo most of the sleeve seam. Then I forgot the the cuffs are designed to be turned back, and there was an ugly seam showing on the outside, which also had to be unpicked in order to redo it. It was pretty lumpy because I had run the ends of the pink and purple stripes into the edge. This meant it was very hard indeed to unpick, and I decided to cut one thread, which unfortunately turned out to be knitting and not seam… I ended up unravelling the whole cuff and re-knitting it, which was rather frustrating, but I was happy with the result in the end. It’s really no good doing things when you are too tired! I took a lot more care over the second sleeve.
When I tried the jumper on, the body was too long and narrow, as sometimes happens when I knit two colours because it tends to tighten up, so I re-blocked that as well, stretching it well on the blocking mats, damping it down and leaving it for 24 hours. It is much better now. I think the basic shape of the pattern needs some slight adjustment, which I shall do in readiness for the next one I shall knit – this pattern will serve as a basic block to adapt as required.
Yours Truly modelling the finished jumper.
Persian Tiles throw
I have made a start on the second throw for our new furniture – the Persian Tiles one which will go over the back of the settee.
Here are the yarns I have chosen.
I have completed about half of the first octagon:
This is a really fun pattern to do, although it does involve sewing in quite a lot of ends!
I have decided to simplify the pattern somewhat. In the original, the fans, of which I have made the first in the photo above, are worked in two alternate colours. I really don’t like this effect because it gives the illusion that the octagons are off-set and spinning, causing the design to be too busy, which I think this example shows quite well:
so for my throw, I am working all the fans in a single colour. Also, in the original pattern, there are X-shaped embellishments in white which you work as you complete each motif; I am not keen on these because I think they make the whole thing too busy as well, so I’m omitting them. There’s enough going on already and I don’t think they contribute anything.
More photos next week when I hope to have made significant progress.
Kitties
Sitting comfortably together on the arm of my hubby’s chair. The arms of the new furniture are wider and flatter than on the old furniture, which has proved quite useful, and not just for the kitties!
Lily being a trolley dolly again, with Ruby standing guard.
Ruby sitting on my big cloth bag. This bag was originally for my Honiton lace pillow (when I attempted to do this many years ago – too fiddly and too much work and not enough scope for designing myself so I gave it up) – I got rid of all of my materials apart from this bag, and some special lace bobbins which Dad made for me. I thought the bag, which unzips completely on both sides, would be ideal for keeping the kitty throw in, out of sight of my hubby, and each time I’ve got the kitty throw out and left the bag on the floor, guess who just had to sit in it…
Pictures taken on Monday night. You can understand why I didn’t want to disturb them, just to spread the kitty throw on the chair for the sake of a couple of photos!
Ruby loves to lie on top of her sister, and I’m not surprised, because Lily is the softest thing in this world. It must be like lying on a feather-bed.
Health update
I was originally supposed to go to the breast unit for my investigations tomorrow (20th) but I had a phone call from them a few days ago asking if I could come on the 24th (next Monday) instead – apparently with the heavy rain, a lot of water had flooded in and they had a great deal of mess to clear up and had to reschedule a lot of appointments. I am quite glad really, because the original appointment was at 9 a.m. which is pretty early for me, and the revised one is at 2 p.m. which is a much more civilised hour! The whole thing is due to take half a day, to give them time to do all their investigations. With the letter came a questionnaire for me to fill in in advance of the appointment.
I’ll let you know how I got on next week.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2.)
Happy 12th WOYWW!! It’s always fun to see what you’re working on evert week and this one is no different – the border really suits the blanket but I can tell how yarn hungry it must have been…worth it though! I like your card for your hubby too. The jumper looks awesome on you, the colour really suits you, it was worth finishing!!
Hugs LLJ 3 xxx
LOL! You make me laugh! No sooner do you finish an amazing project, you dive right in to another big project rather than doing something quick and easy as a palette cleanser! The kitty throw is honestly amazing, and the jumper looks good on you! Fab Fab Fab.
Happy 12th Anniversary to all my desk-hopping mates!
Mary Anne (7)
I am in LOVE with that kitty blanket. What a treat for your husband to receive on his birthday. I loved how you shared the close-ups, too. And of course, the real kitties always make me smile. They are so durned cute (don’t tell Bleubeard or he’ll be jealous). Happy 12th Anniversary from # 10.
Oh Shoshi! It looks fabulous! I love the little white kitty that looks almost curly. I can’t wait to see his reaction. Best wishes for next week. Happy 12th anniversary, Lisa-Jane #2
Bet you’re pleased those projects are completed and they look great too. Nice to see the kitties doing well. Wishing you a very happy and creative woyww Anniversary, Angela x25x
Wow! The finished throw is incredible! Your hubby will love it. The card is lovely as well. Got to love your kitties, those little faces looking up at you and that soft fur – give them a cuddle for me! I love that quote from Hebrews, and will be thinking of you next week. Happy 12th WOYWW Anniversary. Take care and stay safe. With love & God Bless, Caro xxx (#15)
Huge congratulations on finishing the kitty throw – hope the reaction was worth it! can’t wait to see next week. The reworked jumper also looks lovely. Good luck for the rescheduled appointment – it could only happen to you – but 2pm is a much better time if you’re not a morning person!! Happy WOYWW Helen #11
Hi Shoshi. Happy anniversary. Well done – 2 finished projects! And just n time, too for hubby’s birthday. Do hope he likes it and that he is having a really precious day today. All the best with the next project. Hope the appointment next Monday goes well – as you say – a far more civilized time of day.
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #25
Hello Shoshi, happy WOYWW Anniversary! Your kitty throw is a masterpiece and I think your Persian one will be as well – you don’t make things easy for yourself :). At least with this one you won’t have to keep hiding it. Beautiful kitties as usual, one of these days I shall come round so I can hold them – do you think they would mind? Still praying for you and hoping for a satisfactory answer next week. Angela #23
Ooh that is one amazing accomplishment finishing that blanket. It is fabulous 🙂 Happy Anniversary! And that is good news they have rescheduled so quickly and at a better time for you too. ~Stacy #35
Hi Shoshi! The blanket is stunning and how lucky that you got it finished just in time! Truly unique – you won’t find one like this anywhere in the world! Your hubs will love it I’m sure – and the kitties too! They look adorable – and yes, of course, they have to sit in inappropriate places – otherwise they wouldn’t be real kitties! The jumper’s looking great too – I look forward to your upcoming projects! The watercolour card is a nice personal touch! Best of luck for Monday – I agree afternoon is much better than 9 o’clock in the morning! Let us know how you get on. Happy anniversary! xx zsuzsa #17
Wow, that kitty blanket is fantastic. I love all of it but just looking at it initially I fell in love with the persian kitty with the curly tail, the other cat with the tail and the pink bottom and then the Siamese face. I guess one could spend hours finding different parts to gaze at and be amazed with. It truly is beautiful.
Love the photos of the real kitties too, especially when you show us how affectionate they are together. i love how Ruby cuddles her sister, so pretty to see.
Glad that the change of date for your appointment has been changed to something more convenient. more on that – and the photos next week.
Hugs, Neet 1 xx
Oh well done Shoshi the finished kitty throw is absolutely amazing. Hope your hubby had a great birthday yesterday and that the kitties have allowed him use of the throw lol. The finished jumper looks fab too. Keeping everything crossed for you for your appointment on Monday – we are having an inspection in school that day and I have to prep for my interview over the weekend. Meow to Lilly and Ruby. Stay safe and happy 12th anniversary WOYWW. Sarah.
Your kitty blanket looks amazing. What a lot of work you’ve put into it. Your husband will love it and I see Lily and Ruby have already laid claim! Your purple and yellow jumper looks great on you too.
I hope all works out ok with your scan. etc.
Hugs
Lynnecrafts 3
What an amazing achievement – two days before your hubby’s birthday, what incredible timing! I should imagine the more he looks at it the more he will see – there is such detail in it. I really love the finished jumper – there’s something about the colour combo that just grabs me – and it looks especially good with that aubergine coloured top underneath. Thank you for modelling it so beautifully, I think it was definitely worth all the hard work. Good luck on your next big project – at least it should be easier not having to hide it, and no I wouldn’t have chucked the kitties on the floor just for the photos – the very thought!!
Happy WOYWW anniversary,
Diana xx #18
Happy Anniversary!
Wow to that kitty blanket! The border is lovely too!
And your circles jumper looks beautiful…
But I am loving the vibrance of your next project!
Happy WOYWW!
Susan #31
Shoshi….I’ve said before and I will say it again…..you are an AMAZING woman!! The finished kitty throw is out of this world! You knocked it out of the park and I KNOW that he will (and “is” probably at the time of this writing, since I’m so late) thrilled beyond words!!! I also love the card that depicts your backyard scene with the girls!!! I am so envious of hubby, but it will be a joy for him to look at for years to come!!! In addition, the jumper turned out like a charm! It’s gorge as well, but then I don’t expect anything less!!! LOL Ok, let’s talk about the Persian throw……ohhhh my gosh! I’m in love! That thing is going to be so, so gorgeous!! The colors along with that pattern is gorgeous!! I truly wish I had that gift! I do knit, but it’s nothing like crochet, as my mother tells me! LOL Simply stunning! I will keep you lifted up for your breast investigations. I am believing for the report of the Lord! I had mine a couple of weeks ago and all is well, thank goodness!! Also, my colonoscopy turned up with a wonderful report as well! God is amazing how He looks after His children!!! Thank you for stopping by my desk last week. I never did get around to anyone due to the wedding plans!! But as always you leave such encouraging comments! By the way, I can’t imagine a cat liking the Marmite, hee hee hee, but the jury is still out as I have yet to sample. We hope to this weekend! LOLOL Thanks for the laughs on that score! I am happy to trade ATC’s if you are doing so. I am late on the draw, but if you want to trade, let me know and I’m happy to send my addy! Many blessings to you Shoshi and Happy late birthday to hubby! Felicia #34
Hi Shoshi, happy 12th Anniversary WOYWW! When I caught up with you and the kitty throw last week, I didn’t expect it to be finished this week – not with 10 rounds of border to add. My goodness you are a one-woman crochet machine, and you have started on the Persian throw. You are definitely putting me to shame. I do agree the original Persian pattern looks very busy, I would do the same and keep it simpler, less busy. I would say I’m sorry your appointment has been put back a few days, but since it’s it’s more sociable time, then it’s a good thing. I always try and get 8am appointments, but that’s so they don’t interfere with my day too much. It does mean some early mornings though. I hope all goes well for your appointment. Have a lovely week, Heather xx #20
Hi Shoshi – your kitty throw is so purrty (LOL) no really I love it – so glad you have shared it with us all – and I havent been able to get anything done again this week – stay safe & well – happy WOYWW anniversary – Maurs xxx #26
oh. my. goodness!!!!! …..the throw is an absolute WORK OF ART!!!!
….just wow, so amazing, so intricate, so beautiful – I want to look at every individual square closely for several minutes drinking in the skill and artistry and also it’s humour!! I wondered about the NS square – is it for Nicholas and Shoshi? It’s just absolutely stunning Shoshi. I really really believe you should try and share it more widely, it’s so totally unique and amazing. It should be award the greatest piece of crochet in the world it’s just so incredible. You are so talented.
The purple circles is also stunning, I LOVE it!
….so lovely to see Nicholas enjoying the blanket too, I bet he was bowled over by it. What an amazing gift.
Will be rooting for you on Monday afternoon Shoshi. Lots of love, Dawn XX
Happy Anniversary! and WOW!! your kitten cat throw looks even bigger and better! Its really amazing!
We had a lot of rain here too, so much so it was coming back up the drainpipes. Luckily The King Of Drains came this mornng and flushed out loads of moss and mud! Thinking of you for Monday Have a great week til then stay safe! Happy woyww ((Lyn)) #5
Oh my goodness – what a fabulous work of art your kitty blanket is! Hours and hours of work but so worth it – well done you. Your jumper too looks wonderful. Happy WOYWW 12th anniversary. xx Jo
Oh well done Shoshi, it’s a triumph! The border is perfect, and I think it’s marvellous that the creator worked out a stitch that wouldn’t wrinkle, ideal! I’m so late that his birthday will have been upon you already, so I hope he’s as thrilled as we all are!
Wow that throw is amazing, that is a LOT of work but wow.
Hope your appt goes ok tomorrow too.
Kyla
Hello Shoshi … thanks for popping by my blog last week and for your lovely comments. Huge apologies for the very late reply … goodness knows where time goes! Your kitty blanket is absolutely amazing! Not being one for just sitting and watching TV on an evening I crochet away making my bobble blankets so totally appreciate the work that has gone into all those kitties! I love your jumper too – very Kaffe Fassett! I hope your hospital appointment brings you good news. Take care, love Debbie xXx
The cat blanket looks amazing – well done you! The purple circles jumper is rather awesome as well, but the spinning octagons would make me dizzy and considerably motion sick!
I hope your appointment went ok yesterday, and that you have a good outcome.
Happy WOYWW 624 (bit late getting round!)
Morti
That throw!!!! It would also look lovely hanging on a wall. It’s so adorable as are your kitties! Well done on completing it on time and your jumper looks great too. Happy 12th WOYWW! Better late than never! Elle #12