If Only ....

There are certainly moments in my life when I can't help but think if only ... (fill in the blank).  As my sisters will attest, I was the type of child who wanted to learn how to do everything and, as an adult, I'm no different.  Knitting is surely my passion but have you noticed how many knitters also sew?  It's like a phenomenon!

I have a sewing machine ~nothing fancy ~ and have a basic knowledge of how to use it.  I can sew a pillow case, do a bit of hemming, and hand sew buttons, but my main if only in sewing is to make these:

My incredibly talented and generous friend Gail made these two wide-mouth project bags for my birthday.  I was completely gobsmacked when I opened up her package and unwrapped them ~ she knows that I'm a huge coffee nut and that one of my all-time favorite cities in the whole wide world is London.  I knew that she was going to make me a project bag in one of these fabrics, but I didn't know that she was going to make me a large one nor did I know that she decided to spoil me and make two, one in each design.

The photographs don't show how beautifully these are made but take my word for it ~ they are the perfect project bags!

Thanks Gail, I hope I grow up to be as talented as you one day! xo

A Knitter's Christmas - Part I (Tools)

My wish list this Christmas was incredibly simple.  I wished for any and all things knitting related, and guess what?  All my wishes came true.  I'm rich in knitting goodness so will share my new stash in separate blog posts for the rest of the week.  

Today I'm starting with the gift I wanted most of all:  a complete set of ChiaGoo Twist Interchangeable needles. Second to this was Knit Picks' Pendleton Needle Case.  Can you believe that Mark, Xavier, and Miranda got me both? (hugs to them all)

ChiaGoo Twist Interchangeables & Knit Picks Pendleton Needle Case

In November, one of my all-time favorite podcasters did a review of the ChiaGoo needle set, and I immediately put the complete bamboo set at the top of my wish list.  The Knitmore Girls raved about their experience using the Twist Interchangeable needles and I was sold.

Interior of ChiaGoo Twist Interchangeables Set

Alright, I felt a little guilty putting this on my list as I already have a wonderful set of Knit Picks' nickel-plated interchangeable needles, but they're metal and Twist is bamboo.  Oh, and my new ChiaGoo set comes in needle sizes from US2 to US15!  And did I mention that they're gorgeous and so comfortable to knit with?  Oh, and did I also mention that the case is adorable and has a roomy zippered pocket on the front that comes with colorful stitch markers, keys to attach the needles to the cables, and a ruler/needle gauge?

Interior of Knit Picks Pendleton Needle Case

So that my Knit Picks' set wouldn't feel neglected, I wished for the Pendleton needle case which is perfect for storing my US4 to US11 tips.

Now that the hustle and bustle of Christmas is over, I have a few luxurious days to cast on a new project and with my new tools, I'm happy to say that I'm feeling my ennui of the last month ebb away. A new sweater is definitely on the horizon but you'll need to check in tomorrow to see what (new) yarn I'll be knitting with!