L+D is finished {Knitting}

The L+D cowl was actually finished a couple of weeks ago, but my personal photographer, Mr MiH, has not had the time to take pictures. To be fair it has been fairly grey over the last week. So an hour of sunshine on Sunday was the perfect excuse for a photoshoot. 

This is the project I started on my way to the maternity ward - pre-Baby MiH (cannot remember what that was like anymore). Of course, I got a chance to make some progress out there helped by the fact that I stayed in hospital 5 days in total (3 days waiting for Baby MiH to finally make an appearance and 2 to recover). And then the project stagnated a bit ... But it is finished, and I am actually really happy with it. I was surprised as the idea was to get me occupied rather than actually get something I would wear for real. 

 Pattern: Adapted from  the Celandine pattern, from Marianne Kinzel, First Book of Modern Lace Knitting

Yarn: Rowan Creative Focus Worsted in True Purple

Needle size: Circular 4.5mm
Modifications: This is a table mat pattern. However the actual modifications to use the pattern for a cowl are minimum. I used the middle section of the pattern. I cast on 208 stitches - and made a few repeats of the main pattern (to use up 3 skeins in the end). And that is it. 

I love the colour! It is called True Purple for a reason. Look at how it pops in the pictures! The colour works well with the pattern too. It is not so dark that you cannot see the lace pattern. 

The yarn is not too chunky so I could really play with the width of the cowl. I wanted the cowl to be quite chunky around my neck but not too long. I think I managed to get the right balance - I had to try it on a couple of times nearing the end to make sure I got the right size. 

The only negative is that I find the yarn quite scratchy. So far it has not stopped me wearing it, but it may stop be knitting a jumper out of it. It is a real shame because the colours of the collection are really amazing. I do have a sensitive skin, so you may not have the same issue. 

On a side note, these are the first pictures of me on this blog not pregnant - and I am not even wearing maternity jeans or T-shirts! Whoohoo!

L+D {knitting}

Before Baby MiH was there, Mr MiH and I had a chat of what I would need at the hospital. Mr MiH was adamant that I needed a knitting project to focus on - in case things took longer - 3 days maybe? - for instance. This was one of the most difficult project to choose, I wanted it to be easy but also complicated so that I had to concentrate. Also I wanted it to be something I actually needed and that I would wear - I did not think I would have been able to frog the project afterwards whatever it would look like.

I wanted a cowl to go with my Zara army green jacket that I wear now all the time. I decided it should be knitted in a worsted yarn and in purple - I chose a yarn I had not come across before, Rowan Creative Focus Worsted in True Purple. A simple lace pattern would do the trick. 

I bought the First Book of Modern (first published in 1958) Lace Knitting by Marianne Kinzel ages ago - I am sure at the time there was a specific project I liked. The projects are rather old fashioned for my taste, however the actual patterns remain modern and simple. 

I chose to follow one of the table mats pattern (the 'Celandine' one) for the cowl. I really like the Mosaic pattern too, but felt that the Celandine added a softer touch to the cowl pattern. 

 Pattern: Adapted from  the Celandine pattern, from Marianne Kinzel, First Book of Modern Lace Knitting

Yarn: Rowan Creative Focus Worsted in True Purple

Needle size: Circular 4.5mm

I did do some knitting in my first and second days at the hospital. It was a welcome distraction, and I was really happy to see how the pattern was going to suit a cowl - it also meant I met a fellow Ravelrer! As soon as I was on gaz and air though all I wanted to do were crosswords - I am not making this up, I was that gone. I used to breathe in and out, stop, offer an answer and carry on with the breathing. Let's be thankful there is no video evidence of this... 

I am hoping to finish it soon, to wear when I can start walking again and take Baby MiH on strolls! 

Many thanks for all your lovely comments yesterday! It will take time for me to go back into blogging in earnest, but be sure that I read every single comment - show them to Mr MiH as well - and  I will love catching up with your blogs when things settle down a bit!