Even though summer is well and truly here I've been thinking a lot about knitting this week. First of all, I found this gorgeous hat pattern on Soulemama. I think it would be great to make for friends in Europe over the winter. Isn't it beautiful? I hope to do some spinning this weekend, if I get the time. A friend who I lived with in Korea is having a baby soon and I need to knit her something! I think I will bust out my absolute favourite baby jacket pattern: The bulky baby asymmetrical cardigan (you need to scroll down) from Kristi Porter's blog Domestic Sphere. I adore this pattern, and must have made it for at least 5 babies since I found it. There are just so many good things about it- it's quick and super-easy to make, there's minimal sewing-up to do... (I hate seaming my knitted things, and yet I can't get used to circular needles!) Here's the last one I made- it was for Keira although she's pretty much outgrown it now. I used a thick merino yarn and size 5.5mm needles. When my three balls of merino ran out (I'm such a loose knitter!) I joined in a ball of thick wool handspun and dyed by my Mum, which blended in fine, I think. And I found some old native Manuka-wood buttons on Trademe to fasten the front with.

 

In other knitting news, I finally finished a pattern I'm submitting to Magknits for their next issue. I found it so much harder than I had originally thought, to work out the different sizes and all that mathematical stuff. Boy, am I bad at maths. I really hope it turns out okay- I'm told the Magknits technical editor Alexandra is amazing and will be able to check my pattern thoroughly- phew! And I was very relieved to post off that pattern last night!
Speaking of Magknits, the new December issue is out today. There's some beautiful bags in there, my favourite being this one. I just love that little twig the designer has used to do the bag up with! I think it would make an excellent Christmas present for someone, if only I can find time to start knitting it...!