Finished just in time

Here are my two projects for the Ravelympics. I finished the socks two hours before the flame went out so it was a close thing. I'm glad I decided to redo them in plain stocking stitch as I definately prefer that look. They fit but are a bit loose on the foot so that has made my mind up that I am a cuff down girl. I enjoy turning a heel more than a short row heel and I quite like kitchener stitch.
The little bug was a really quick and easy knit. It was meant as a pincushion for me but E has decided it belongs to her so who am I to argue.
This is the first time in ages I have only had one thing on the needles and its quite strange. I haven't got far to go on my Juno now and am not sure what to cast on for next. There a few things in my queue that are calling to me. In the meantime I have started a plastic canvas bag in the hope that inspiration will hit. Its either going to be a Spring Garden shawl in midnight blue Posh Cecilia with silver beads, or a top in Pure bamboo. The other thing I want to do is Arwen, basically too many things and too little time!

Thank you for lycra!

Just a quick update on the Ravelympics socks. I have frogged them and restarted. I wasn't happy that the yarn and pattern went together. The bit I liked best was the stocking stitch bit on the sole and I was getting big ladders because the first stitch on each needle was a purl stitch. So in frustration I frogged and am doing a plain unpatterned pair. The positive side to this is that I have now had a bit of practice doing a short row heel, so it should be a bit neater second time round. I have to say I'm not really enjoying knitting toe up. I definately prefer to do cuff down. It will be interesting to see how these socks fit compared to all my others. I have actually found myself watching bits of the Olympics and am so pleased that we have a few gold medals. The star of the show has to be Michael Phelps, the swimming genius from the USA. He is so good its scary, and looks rather good in lycra too.
I received my Iknit ticket yesterday and am really excited about seeing the Yarn Harlot. They are doing a competition to make a knitted alien as well and last night, (while not sleeping again) I had an idea. I will let you know if it works at a later date.
I have no relevant pictures today but I don't like a pictureless post so heres a random bunny nose for you.

Ravelympics are go.

I have started my Ravelympics sock. The opening ceremony was at 1pm on the 8th August and I had to be at work at two, so I literally just cast it on and then went to work. But at least that was during the opening so I am following the rules. This is how far I am at the moment. The yarn is scrummy, its Posh Yarn helena and is lovely and soft. The colours remind me of Bedgebury Forest where we took the girls for a walk last week. It was lovely, we walked for miles and enjoyed every minute. We also went to Longleat Safari Park, which was truly awesome. I was amazed at how close we were to tigers and lions. The monkeys climbing on the car were the girls favourite but they were little buggers for ripping bits off. We were lucky and survived intact. Photos will follow at the end of this post.
I had a nice day out with the beading group last Saturday, we went to The Bead Merchant for one of their Saturday open days. I have been neglecting my beads recently so this was a much needed reinjection of inspiration. On the Sunday D and R went to Brands Hatch for the day and E went to her friends so I had the house to myself and was able to spread the beads and my tools out all over the table and play. I made a necklace for myself which came out brilliantly. I am so pleased with it.
It was a complete bugger to photograph though. This is the best I could get and it took several attempts. I just wish that I had somewhere I could leave my beads out, its an absolute nightmare to get all the boxes, tools and lights out of the cupboard and then have to put them away because we need to have dinner. I love making beautiful sparkly things and just need the time and space. I can hear crafters all over the place agreeing with me. I know my Mum was only able to make the most of her crafts once my brother and I had moved out so I'll just have to wait and hope that the girls don't want to stay here forever. Lol.
Anyway on with the photos of our days out last week and I'll update you on the Ravelympics next time.