Days like this...

Days Like This - Van MorrisonWhen it's not always raining
there'll be days like this
When there's noone complaining
there'll be days like this
Everything falls into phase
like the flick of a switch
Well my momma told me
there'll be days like this

Project Specifications:
Pattern:  Buttercup by Kim Hargreaves, Scent of Summer Collection
Yarn:  Rowan 4ply Cotton - colour Bloom.  Available only in kit form
Needles:  2.75 & 2.25 cheapo aluminium straights  (I found knitting this on circular needles to be really difficult for reasons too long to explain here - email me if you are interested).
Project started: 20th December 2006
Project completed:  3rd November 2007

To be honest there were times when I didn't actually believe that I would finish this project.  It had gotten to the point where the thought of knitting it actually made my stomach churn.  I've decided that this is partially because I'm not very good with WIPs that drag on and on and when you consider that I first cast on for this project in May 2006, with the intention of finishing it before I left for my European holiday, it definitely fits into the 'took wayyyy too long basket'.

That said, now that it is finished I absolutely love it.  As conceited as this sounds, how cute does it look?!  I've already worn it out a couple of times and had compliments each and every time from that other race of human beings called 'non-knitters'.  I just know that Buttercup is going to get trotted out quite a few times over the coming Australian summer and I think there is nothing quite so special as getting a lot of use out of one of your handknits.  I have so many handknits that I barely wear so finishing something that I have already worn twice in a week is very satisfying.

A couple of patterns notes.  Steph from Craftoholic extensively documented her notes and changes to the pattern and mine were pretty much are the same, except as you can see I actually knitted and attached the garter stitch ties.   I knew I would never wear the shrug open and I quite like the ties however I didn't do any of the pattern's picot bits at all.  Even though I quite enjoy seaming and am relatively good at it, like Steph I threw Buttercup under my new Bernina (I think I forgot to mention I bought a Bernina back in June) because getting the lace pattern of Buttercup to match up was near on impossible by hand.  When I first tried Buttercup on I couldn't get the sleeve garter stitch bands to close around my arms.  Now, I don't have super skinny skinny arms but they are definitely not fat.  I quickly worked out that the lack of picot edge had eliminated the stretch in my traditional long tail cast on edge so I cut (yes with scissors) off the garter stitch band, picked up the stitches, knitted downwards and then cast off loosely.  It was a bit scary at the time but it turned our perfectly.  I have nothing more to add other than for all the heartache and bitching (and there was much bitching), I seriously love love love this little top!  In fact I'm already planning my next little lacy top from Kim Hargreaves. 

In other knitting news I am also very close to finishing my alpaca drops cardigan, just one more sleeve to seam and buttons to attach.  I have started two new projects but unfortunately you will have to wait until my next post to see them,  (unless you are on ravelry of course) as I have to acknowledge a couple of lovely hand knitted gifts which I received for my birthday ....ermmm ummm back in sheesh August!

You may have already seen these socks showcased on Amelia's blog, however I have promised Amelia a thousand times over to post photos of myself wearing these and since she put in all the hard work and I am a slack, albeit incredibly grateful friend, here they are.

 

Made with Rowan 4ply Soft no less, in the colour Victoria with a green ribbon to symbolise the colours of a passionfruit which as you know I am very fond of, these socks are absolutely divine!

As I am indeed a completely spoilt lass, Kris being the sock knitting extraordinaire that she is also knitted me a pair of socks for my birthday. 

I have coveted Anna's Elfine socks for a long time now and since I was too damn lazy to knit them myself, I am lucky I have someone like Kris!  The yarn which reminds me of the colour of Autumn leaves, is from Spirit Trail Fiberworks when they used to post internationally (which they don't anymore).  I think it was the year of socks for Jac's birthday because I also received socks from some of my Melbourne knitting girlfriends.  Tam gave me a lovely pair of Cookie's Baudelaire socks in a glittery pink colour and Maree knitted me a pair of Regia Patch Antik socks, however you will have to use your imagination as I won't be posting these pics.    

What can i say?  I am one lucky and spoilt girl. Well my momma told me, there'll be days like this...    

Comments

[Nubiancraftster]

wow you are one lucky chica!!

[Donna]

Oooh, it's gorgeous! Now I want to cast mine on. All mods gratefully noted, too, thankyouverymuch!! Must finish what I'm working on first. (But I don't want to!)

[Michelle]

Wow, this top is sooooo cute. Good job getting through all the lacey-ness...I know how those sorts of projects go.

[Lin]

Well done for sticking it out, it looks absolutely fab on so was definatly worth the pain! I like your next kit choice too. I have ordered her new book :)

[Janette]

Just love Buttercup! So worth finishing it. Blossom is another gorgeous knit and will look fabulous on you too.

Great socks and happy birthday!

[hege]

Congratulations on finishing Buttercup! It was all worth it, because it looks wonderful! Enjoy it and the summer. Those are some awesome socks you got. Lucky you!

[Melinda]

I love your buttercup! An your long socks! Well done!

[elise]

love your purple socks! absolutely gorgeous.

how do you like the alpaca drops yarn? i bought some in norway this summer, hoping to make a scarf for my dad in time for christmas (ha ha).

[gleek]

ooooh, i love buttercup!! it turned out perfect despite all the heartache (which i can totally understand.) and perfect timing too seeing as you're coming up on summer down under :)

[Sue]

Buttercup turned out so beautifully. I love the gorgeous socks you received for your birthday too, and a belated happy birthday to you.

[polly]

lucky you! i've seen those Rowan socks and they are indeed a work of art... and buttercup and elfine are both so cute. lucky lucky you!

[Ann]

Buttercup looks gorgeous on you & the long socks too! Great work.

[Karma]

What a post! You are so cute in that little sweater. I'm glad you stuck with it, even though it took so long. And those socks! :)

[Erin]

What an action packed post. First, I love your Buttercup. It really is so cute. And your socks...you are SO lucky. I particularly like the purple Anna socks with the green ribbon...gorgeous!

[Vicki P]

That's just gorgeous! Mate, you must be proud. You've inspired me to go to my 'way too long' basket :-)

[margaux]

beautiful buttercup!! good job!! :-) and those black knee highs are great, are those the Anna socks from Rowan??

[Meredith]

Buttercup is so cute! Glad you stuck with it, as it's such a great FO!

[yaiAnn]

So cute! Love the swing photo! And socks from Kris? Lucky girl!

[Amelia]

Please enlighted me with regard to the straight vs circular needles - I am sure you haven't mentioned this to date. x

[Steph]

Girlfriend, you made it! Buttercup looks so cute on you! Happy happy Birthday! You got such lovely presents. And I'm a just a little envious about that Bernina ;-)

[Melissa]

Wow, that looks fabulous!!! And I love the socks, too.

[Kylie]

I like your socks - did you realise they are also suffragette colours too?