Shortly after my last post, Auckland returned to Covid Level 1. It feels so good to be able to live normally again. The only differences between level 1 and level none being we should scan the QR code when entering any businesses/shops using the Covid tracker and hand sanitiser being everywhere. As cases rocket internationally, we are so blessed to be here in New Zealand. We have had no community cases for a few weeks now, only those being picked up at the border when in the quarantine hotels.
In some ways it feels like we are dodging a bullet. How long can we stay covid free. However I will enjoy and make the most of it while it lasts.
New Zealand also had its election. In large part due to the way our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern handled the pandemic, she was returned in record breaking numbers. Her party, the Labour Party won by their biggest margin in 60 years. We have had an MMP parliament since either 1993 or 1995 and this is the first time since then that a party has had enough numbers to not need to enter into coalition with any other parties.
October saw the second of my mystery subscription with Vintage Purls. This month it was a beautiful pale green 4 ply sock yarn in the colour Liberty.
Also in the parcel was some fudge, 12 wooden buttons and a pattern to download on ravely for socks, the pattern is by Vintage Purls
Sock knitting for me is fairly mindless, but this is meant to be an easy to remember pattern and I do like it, so am tempted to try it.
Prosper Yarns is a Kiwi yarn dyer and has a studio in my suburb. A few weeks ago she had a studio open day. I bought this beautiful pink 4 ply from her in the colourway PS I love you
Look how well it goes with the green from Vintage Purls. I love this and want to make something, but don't know what. I could do two pairs of socks with contrasting heels and toes. However it seems a shame to hide such lovely colours on my feet where no one will see them.
This month saw the start of the Stephen West Mystery Knit Along: The Slipstravaganza shawl.
Here is my progress so far
Clue 1
Clue 2
I am nearly finished clue 3. Clue 4, the final clue, came out last night and Stephen showed the finished shawl - it looks incredible.
This is all I have knitted on this month. I am loving doing it.
I've even thought that Vintage Purls Liberty, Prosper Yarns PS I Love You and Kiwiyarna Sweet Sixteen, paired with a pale grey would make a lovely slipstravaganza. However as I will probably want to do another Stephen West MKAL next year I may hold onto those and see if they can be used next year. I wear jumpers and cardigans more than shawls.
In sewing I made the Vivace Dolman blouse by Love Notions. It started off as a dress, however I didn't check the length and I know I always have to lengthen dresses. For some reason this time I didn't. When I tried the dress on it was too short for my preference, so I shortened it to a top. I'm happy with this, it was quite an easy make but doesn't look it, with the pleat and V neck. It took around 3 1/2 hours sewing time, and that was with having to cut down to a top.
