It’s definitely springing out there, and I’ve fetched some of it indoors
It’s taken me long enough, but I have finally finished a few things, so a new month seems a good time to show them.
Firstly, spring socks in Jawoll Magic – very cheering (and they matched my magazine)!
Then Ysolda Teague’s brand new pattern from Whimsical Knits 3, the Not-so-tiny Slippers, in Lang’s Carpe Diem merino/alpaca, lovely and soft and chunky.
Ysolda is an amazing young Scottish designer whose mind seems to work in mysterious ways, since her projects very often present new and challenging methods of construction that I see nowhere else. These slippers, for instance, begin with the i-cord edging and incorporate the final button loop, then stitches are picked up and knit downwards, using short-row technique for shaping, then a plain garter sole that is Kitchenered – et voilà! Very quick and easy (once you know how, for goodness sake REALLY read the instructions!), next time I would go down from 6mm to 5mm needles for a tighter finish in whichever size I use; these will be lovely and warm but I think the tension is a bit too loose, even with a chunky wool (the four lace holes along the front scoop are intentional!).
The highlight of my FOs has been a special birthday present for my friend, who asked for the very popular Central Park Hoodie design by Heather Lodinsky, a 2006 Knitscene pattern – and according to Ravelry, nearly 4500 people have made this so far. I was one of them a couple of years ago, but mine turned out too big and too warm (!) so I frogged it. This time round, I had the pleasure of using Lana Grossa Cardato, which is mainly merino but also alpaca and cashmere. Chocolate was one of the colours suggested so I went with this very slightly heathered chocolate brown for a really nice, snug hoodie that turned out an absolute perfect fit – for which I am exceedingly grateful, especially after it took me so long to finish!
I was very pleased how neatly the sleeves fitted in: 
The original pattern doesn’t have any fastening, just a suggestion for optional crocheted button loops, but a zip was requested here, so that was what I did – another first!
A very satisfactory finish!
I apologise for the poor quality of the photos – I have yet to dig my camera out from among my teenage daughter’s possessions so am having to rely on iphone photos!!
The Little Wash-House 
The hoodie looks great! I bet she loved it!!
She did – which is gratifying in itself! 🙂
The socks and slippers look really sweet – and are very cosy!
Tell your “blonde model” she looks great (so does the hoodie) – this could be the start of a whole new career for her!
I agree! Her hair is beautiful- love the bangs!
WOW! I am impressed. Your knitting is wonderful!! I just spent a weekend with my mother, my mother-in-law, and my aunt. The three of them are great knitters and they taught me a lot. I finished a headband and started a cowl, which is about 1/4 done now. I still have lots to learn, but I’m off to a good start. 🙂 Your flowers are beautiful, too! I can’t wait for the daffodils to bloom here…
Thank you again for the beautiful hoodie , I do love it !!!! and thanks to everybody about the nice comments on my hair . Hey, I think Hollywood is calling ;))