What's On The Needles?

What am I working on at the moment?  Well, I've started quite a few new items, here they are. 

Firstly, I needed some plain knitting for the journeys on Eurostar recently, so I have revisited an old favourite pattern.  It's called Bond and it's by Kim Hargreaves and it was featured in Rowan 28 magazine way back in 2001. 

I've made this pattern twice before (2001 and 2002) - it's a very comfortable, easy to wear sweater and it's so simple to make - just plain stocking stitch and very little concentration needed. 

My previous versions of this sweater (in Rowan Felted Tweed) shrank in the wash - this new one is in a more washable yarn.

The yarn is Sirdar Escape and is a lovely mix of reds, plums and greens - not that you can tell from the work-in-progress photo. 

I've recently bought the latest Rowan magazine (number 50) - I only buy it these days if there are at least 5 patterns I would definitely knit.  Some of Rowans patterns can be a bit shapeless.

One of the patterns I liked is called Loretta.

I'm not sure about the collar though - it has a look of Harry Hill about it.

Any way, I've started knitted it but I'll probably do a plain round neck and skip the collar.

Lastly, I've been trying to find a pattern for some yarn I bought cheaply - 20 balls of it.  The yarn is James C Brett's ripple. 

The colouring is lovely, delicate greens and pastels but when I tried knitting it up, it just tangled and twisted.  When I had a go at crocheting with it, there wasn't a probelm, in fact it's wonderful to crochet with.  So I found this free pattern from Garn Studio.

I've nearly finished the main body - it grows very quickly.

There was a Formula 1 race this weekend, so plenty of crocheting time. 

I've seen some more patterns I'd like to make - so I may yet start some of these.  Beginnings are always fun - it's making sure you finish that's the difficult part!