I’m a little tardy in beginning my February Sweater, it’s so hard to squeeze in such exciting things during the work week. But I have now indeed cast on for my February Sweater which is to be Stephen West’s Painting Bricks Sweater.

I’m using the 8ply minis from my My Creative Garage advent calendar for the contrast colours, with the main colour dyed by my friend Danni of Halfbaked Hand-dyed. Since this cast-on photo, which shows the folded neckband, I have completed the short rows for the neck shaping and I’m now about the commence the exciting colour work part!

I’m still working on January’s sweater (The Paul Klee Sweater), finishing up the hem on the body (it is 8.5 inches long!) and with just the sleeves to go, I’m hoping to finish this up very soon, eek.

If I followed my own (regular) rules, I wouldn’t have dreamed of casting on for a new sweater project with one not finished. So with the new rules (!) I’ve set for myself this year, casting on a jumper a month (for at least 6 months, wouldn’t it be great if I did 12!), is so freeing and fun. February being a short month, perhaps a vest would have been a better choice!

I’ve also done a little spinning this month. This beautiful fibre by IxChel was purchased at the Coburb market last year. I only bought 100gms in total, so rather than plying each colour by itself, I’ve done a barber pole ply to make the most of the little yardage I have. It still might be a little cosy cowl.

In reading, I’ve finished listening to Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton. It was enjoyable to listen to, a great story with believable characters… gritty characters, scary characters. I liked how the book was based in Brisbane CBD, as I’ve been there a few times in the last couple of years, and I’ve wandered around some of the places mentioned, I haven’t come across Moon St though, does it even exist? I must open my eyes next time. I’m not sure I liked the ending, but I mostly don’t like how endings happen, all neat and tidy; so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Back to knitting…