Ravelympic progress

I'm participating in the cable steeplechase in the Ravelympics. I managed to cast on my Rogue on Saturday morning and ever since I've been snatching knitting time wherever possible.

Here is a side view:



Last night I got to this point:



I've almost finished the left side of the neck and I'm about to rejoin for the right side.

This jumper is knitting up really quickly. Maybe it only feels that way to me because it's been a long time since I've knitted a larger project on large needles and a chunky yarn. For this project I'm using 4 mm needles and Bendigo Woollen Mills Rustic 12 ply.

We are experiencing a really cold spell of weather at the moment so with any luck I'll get the jumper done in time to ward of the chill.

All a question of balance

So there I was knitting away at Joy's socks feeling mildly frustrated because the Cocoon hasn't gone well (still hanging over my head like the Sword of Damocles) and the socks aren't for me and then it occurred to me that I can fix the situation. All I need to do is to cast on whatever takes my fancy. What I need is a variety of WIPs that I can pick up depending on my mood.

So that it what I have done.

I've knitted a swatch for the Secret of the Stole III. The first clue will only appear on 15 August so I have the pleasure of anticipating another piece of lace which will require beads.



I've knittied this using Bendigo Woollen Mills Classic 2ply in Almond on 3.5 mm circs. I'm wondering whether I should go up a needle size to make it lacier? What do you think?

Then, still in my quest for balance, I signed up for the Ravelympics 2008. I've entered the Cable Steeplechase for Team Oz. I intend to knit the Rogue Hoodie. I've had this pattern in my queue for ages and now is the time. For my training I will have to knit a swatch as I'm substituting the yarn and have no idea as yet how it will perform. In addition the weather is still pretty cold here (had snow again yesterday morning) so some cable knitting in front of the fire will be just the ticket.

And then last, but by no means least, I've finally cast on for the Anniversary Mystery shawl by the Goddessknits. This KAL started ages ago but firstly, I didn't have the time to knit it and secondly, I wasn't happy with the yarn I had set aside for it. But the Touch Yarn I bought the other day is ideal for this shawl.



This is the first circular shawl I've knitted. I used the magic loop method for the first time and found I had to fudge things a little because I can't quite see what I'm doing. I've decided I'd rather use two circs before I go any further. Unfortunately that meant ordering another set of tips. So now I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of the tips sometime this week.