New York Cardigan...Take Two

When I started knitting this cardigan, I had decided for the sleeve increases, I would do my favourite increase method as found in Elizabeth Zimmermanns' book 'Knitting Without Tears'. However, once I was well into the cardigan, I just wasn't happy with how they looked, so I frogged it, and started again. I'm doing the yarn over increases as described in the pattern, and I'm much happier with how it is looking. I'm also loving the colour...it is nice and neutral.

On the reading front, I am just getting my teeth into 'My Cousin Rachel' by Daphne du Maurier. It's the story of Philip Ashley, who, after being orphaned at a young age, is adopted and raised by his Uncle Ambrose. While travelling abroad, Ambrose marries and dies suspiciously. His widow arrives in England, and Philip isn't sure if she was responsible for his Uncles death.  I have become quite a fan of du Maruiers' work, and this will be the fourth book that I have read (the others are: 'Rebecca',  'Frenchman's Creek', 'Jamaica Inn'. She is a first class story-teller. Her characters are well written, and the stories are well paced.

The other book I have is 'A Life In Stitches' by Rachael Herron. I knew as soon as I read a review of this book that I would have to buy it. What could be better than 20 essays written by a knitter ;)

Joining Ginny this week for Yarn Along.

Yarn Along

Joining Ginny again this week for Yarn Along.

There are new things galore in this weeks picture! New book, yarn, needles and pattern...and, of course, a new WIP :) I cast on for the 'New York Cardigan' tonight, using my new yarn from Bendigo Woollen Mills. It's Rustic, 8 ply in the Bluegrey colourway. I think it's going to knit up beautifully, I'm also very drawn to greys, especially the lighter ones. The needles are some I bought last month to add to my ever expanding Knit Pro collection. I have the Harmony set, and some of the Nova metal, now I've added these cute pink Spectra Flair tips. This is the first time I've used them, and they are wonderful to knit with. I had been worried they might grab the yarn too much, but the stitches glide along them very smoothly.

The book arrived in the mail on Tuesday, and I started it that night. It's 'The Clockwork Prince', which is the second book in The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare. I recently finished the first, The Clockwork Angel, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The setting is Victorian London, and the main characters are Tessa, Will and Jem. The latter two are shadowhunters (warriors who seek to destroy demons)...I won't say much more, as it could spoil the books for those who have yet to read them. There are a few warlocks, demons and vampires in the mix. The last of the trilogy is to be published later this year.The books are marketed as young adult, but like the Twilight and Harry Potter series, seem to be popular with all ages.