ThreeSixFive Challenge - June Pt 1

My contribution so far for the month of June. I'm going away for a couple of days so am really looking forward to taking some cameras with me and photographing different areas. I think I have well and truly photographed where I live and surrounding areas. Time for a change....

My Vampire Boyfriend Socks

I finally finished knitting My Vampire Boyfriend cable socks (KAL on Ravelry and pattern from Knitty http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/PATTvampireboyfriend.php). These are the first top down socks I have knitted, and first cable socks too, so they were quite challenging. The yarn is Colinette Jitterbug http://www.sarahdurrant.com/yarns1_jitterbug.htm which I just adore - surprisingly there is no nylon in the socks, but I am sure they are tough enough to last the distance. I enjoy knitting socks, particularly using the magic loop method, two on one needle; no single sock problems for me....

Piece de resistance

Ta da................ Here is my latest, and last, spinning wheel; my gorgeous Majacraft Little Gem, named "Gaia". She is everything I have ever wanted and more. How easy it is to use a double treadle, it is a breeze and oh so comfortable. I recommend that all spinners at least have one spin on a Majacraft to get a better understanding of what the fuss is all about; it took me a while, but I am now converted.

My spinning life is now complete.

Orchids

Yesterday we visited some dear friends who live near the beach. We had a lovely lunch with them, and I just couldn't help myself and had to take some photos of the gorgeous orchid table centrepiece; one is a Singapore orchid and the other a home-grown variety. It was an eventful day because my friends bestowed me a SLR, zoom lens, flash and a sturdy camera case. I really can't wait to have some time to play with my new acuiqistion.

Merino/Alpaca/Silk

I purchased some gorgeous merino/alpaca/silk blend from First Editions. It looked gorgeous in the packet, with the silk adding some stunning highlights, but unfortunately when it is spun and plied, it just looks like plain mud!

Pom Poms

I admit the one thing I am absolutely useless at is making Pompoms; I have never ever been able to make them and I have tried numerous times using the cardboard circles and also a newish plastic contraption which was also unsuccessful. What the hell am I doing wrong? They just fall apart or are not fluffy enough.

I did see a totally different Pompom maker on a website so I might buy that one and have a go.

I need over 20 Pompoms for a felted teacozy; at this rate it will be a plain, boring teacozy without the Pompoms.

ThreeSixFive Challenge May Pt2