bond jumper

I started knitting a jumper for me in November, hoping I would get in done in time to wear it before the winter is out.  I got the pattern out of an old Rowan knitting magazine and liked its simplicity.  Its called 'Bond' and was designed by Kim Hargreaves.  Since finishing it a week or two ago I have worn it almost constantly, its sooo warm and cosy!   Here it is, the finished item...

The pattern called for Rowan DK soft, which I think has now been discontinued.  I had found some soft wool in Hobbycraft of all places - Eco wool by Sirdar - which is an undyed 100% wool.  Not sure what the breed is (they helpfully just describe it as 'earth'), but it might be something like Castlemilk.  Its thicker than the DK soft, and, as I later out, only has around half the yardage - so I kept having to go back and buy a couple more balls, and then a couple more!  The pattern called for 5 50g balls, I used nearly 11 - so let that be a warning!!

It has a simple slash neck and set in sleeves, so was a good beginner jumper project.

Here is is on, photo taken on a sunny morning this weekend - excuse my double chin!

I guess I will probably get more wear out of it next winter (though I could have done with it a few weeks ago!)... its getting a little bit tooo warm out there now.

new twirly socks!

I got my pair of 'nine-to-five' socks finished last night - as ever I ended up sitting up in bed doing the grafting... can never wait till the morning! Here is a link to the Ravelry page for the pattern info - and here is my Ravelry page.

The spiral twisty pattern was a lot simpler than I thought it was going to be - no cable needles in sight, fortunately.

Here are the finished socks:

Heel detail (half linen stitch):

I like the way the twirls come down as part of the clock:

Toe:

All in all I'm very pleased with how they've come out.  Next project is to knit some to my own pattern - wish me luck!