Gloves and a Cloud

Every year I end up buying Oriana gloves, hat and scarf. I used by all of the kids cheap but cute from Primark or H&M but as Inigo has got older the cute available for boys dwindled. Then about four years ago I saw some lovely ones in monsoon for both boys and girls and I splurged. It was definately a worth while investment for Inigo, the hat went missing last year but the scarf and gloves(now a bit holey are still with us).Oriana's disappeared as a collection virtually as soon as she got them having to be replaced several times a season. Last year I decided enough was enough and bought a pattern. Ready to knit for this year. I hadn't till last week made a pair of gloves since I was about 12 (which is a very long time ago!) We are going for a pirate theme(girl and boy)hopefully they are so unique that everyone will know who they belong to and they won't disappear.
I made all four at the same time alternating the colours so I wouldn't get confused as to right or left and I have to say that worked really well. The gloves were really quick but the fairisle slowed me right down managing only two flaps an evening.

Fairisle is my nemesis , I am an impatient knitter and the yarn knows. It usually puckers when I am not looking or leaves a stitch too loose It hasn't really been a problem as I haven't ever seen much in the way of fairisle that I have wanted to own but Ravelry is changing all that and I am determined that I am going to Conquer it as I tackle the pirate hat I have seen several tutorials online for two handed and I am going to give it go


Ysolda's cloud has been in my queue since I first joined Ravelry but finding the perfect yarn has been a bit of a problem. Last time I went to Coldspring mill there were four balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino chunky cellophane wrapped just crying out to be a little cloud. I got home with it and added it to my stash for things to do later. Then last Saturday when I was procrasting about scull and cross bone glove flaps my 8 mm needle just fell into my hands. A couple of rows in and I was unhappy about how the fabric was looking and was busy convincing myself that I would have to by more yarn when I remembered this beautiful yarn that Carla had sent me. I started my cloud on sunday and finished it monday morning a seriously quick knit. Ysolda had suggested fastening with a brooch but as I am really short on jewellry since a ratbag broke into my house last year I decided to make my own a five minute crochet flower.
I am very pleased with the results of my cloud. It is warm and cosy just the thing for summer evenings. It was immediate gratifcation and it was stash busting...well almost!.