Laced Bolero (finishing touches)

Sharing with you what I've just taken off the needles. This is a knitted lace bolero made with light, pretty and soft Rowan Kidsilk Haze Eclipse with added beads to the bottom edges of both the body and the sleeves.

Yesterday it has been washed and blocked.
Today is all set to be sewed up and finished with some nice crochet edge. Then is just pack it and mail it to its new home.
I'm hoping the new owner will love it as much as I did doing it.

The pattern is free and can be accessed here. I won't be adding the large beads or the flowers as per the owner's request.

Blog logo

So here it is the new logo designed by Isabel Gomes (my sweet mom).

Isn't it absolutely adorable?
Would like to hear your opinions about it :)

MKAL/MCALs

What is it with Mystery Knit/Crochet-A-Longs that attract so much?

As I said previously, my knitting journey started only about 2 years ago and my "obsession" around last September/October. When I started making more things for the bug I got more into Ravelry, I also noticed how much more than just a database for knit and crochet patterns it was and how well it worked as a community. Different artists got they're own spaces where they can share they're products and some offers and where doubts about their products can be asked.

First finished Mystery toy by
Melissa Crochet Patterns

 It was in one of these groups I found my first MCAL, apparently a new toy for the little bug, though what it was exactly was a mystery, so I decided to go for it.
BIIIIG mistake it was!!!!
Now I feel there's more mysteries than time to do them.
I'm currently doing a lace cowl MKAL and a toy. And a mystery shawl from Fiddle Knits is about to begin this month.

January MKAL by Melissa Crochet Patterns

Mystery toy byJustyna Kacprzak
of Cute and Kaboodle

I like to do toys as you can't really go wrong, you can use whatever you like and it probably won't be problematic. Either you use what is suggested or go up or down on needle size (and yarn), can use variegated yarn with little trouble, or even put to use those rogue scraps of yarn. You don't have to worry with fitting or measurements, and it's usually quick to make. Even if you do make a visible mistake you can either leave it as a design feature or redo the piece with the mistake as it should be small enough.

Mystery toy by Stana D.Sortor from Stana's Critters

First finished pair of socks and Mystery
by Jeannie Cartmel

The other great thing about mysteries (for me) is taking you out of your safe zone, enabling you to learn new features, stitches or ways of working.
In October I decided to go for a MOCK, a sock mystery. This was a cabled design from cuff down and it was suggested to be done TAAT - Two At A Time. It was my first pair of socks ever.and I've learnt a lot while doing them. They're now the most comfortable pair of socks I own.

MOCK by KnittyMelissa

It took a while for my family to get into the idea of a mystery and were regularly asking what I was doing (which I had no idea). Now they not only understand the concept better as I got my mum and middle sister into doing one with me.
And what about you do you like a good mystery? Or do you prefer to know what you are doing?

Mystery fingerless mitts by Clare Hacker

Firsts

Life is full of firsts!
And usually it's the first time you do something the one you'll remember the best, either because the event was full of happiness, stress or a good combination of both.
Last 3 years were specially enriched of firsts for me: 3 years ago I first moved from Portugal to Scotland to live and work, I started my first job, I had my first winter with snow and ice (and sore backside)  without having to go on holiday. 2 years ago I subscribed for the first time to a magazine (Knit & Stitch) and had my first attempt at knitting and crocheting, married and got pregnant for the first time. Last year I was mum for the first time of a very cheeky lovebug and with him came a huge amount of firsts. This year I've had my first attempt at spinning, finished my first yarn this week (on photo) and if all goes according to plan will by dyeing for the first time my yarn soon.

So today there's another first, my first post on this blog. I'll share with you in here some of my works and achievements.

Why the name of the blog? Easy, when I found out I was pregnant I focus my crafts towards what was coming and with it my knitting gave a leap, I passed from simple squares to more elaborated patterns, a wee cardigan, a tiny blanket with a lace edge, ... My boy is my bug or lovebug as me and my beloved hubby like to call him. And the little bug loves to play with mama's yarn, either before or after finishing the projects (anywhere in between is fine as well for him). His favourite toy for months was a scrap of bulky thread I gave him, we even took it on holidays!!!
So in a way it ends up being more his yarn than mine, also it's his entire fault that I got so into it. I am at the moment waiting for a wee logo to come to life, after some ideas spoken and sketches, with the brilliant artwork of my mum.

I invite you to also pass by my Ravelry account so you can have a look at what I've been doing craftwise and say hi if you dare :)
Some of the crafts I'll be able to make as custom order, so if you would like some more info just pop a question.