Testing Times.

The boys enjoying an Autumnal walk at Pakowhai

Whew! What a month.  It all started with the registrations for KAN opening, and I have to thank all of you who have been so supportive in making your registration.  This year has seen unprecedented numbers, so I am super excited in seeing friends old & meeting friends new.  Along with the KAN registrations opening was a new KAN website, a much better reflection of the vent & the personality of how I approach the knit business.

Some stunning urban knitting in Rotorua

It was great to get away to Rotorua whilst Dr. Phil was on conference to be able to take the boys for a wee mini break.  Rotorua is the ultimate family destination.  So much to do and see, a chance to relax and knit & have a good hot soak.

The boys love nothing more than a good soaking.

With the cooler weather well on the way I have also been getting plenty of knitting done.  I am a reluctant test knitter.  It's not that I'm not capable, but I'm not good at knitting to deadlines.  This month however I found myself in between projects as I wait for some yarn to arrive through the mill for Dr. Phil Winter project, so I thought I would knit for Louis #1 best friend Luijin.

Luijin in his Kelpie Vest

That sent me on the hunt for a vest, which is when I stumbled across a gem from Recbecca Newman (Ravelry ID tinylovely) called Kelpie. She was in the final develop stage & needed testers.  It was using multiple yarn weights, including 12ply, perfect for the vibrant Olive I had selected for Luijin.  It was thoroughly enjoyable working through the process & being able to tweak & help Rebecca add the final touches to her lovely design.  If you need a vest which will suit a variety of yarns for a variety of ages - you can purchase it here.

The Poplar Cowl in Heritage Silver Lining DK

After completing Kelpie I felt quite virtuous, I was enjoying this testing business, so i went on the hunt for another test project.  The next victim in the MacBuscke sites was the Poplar Cowl from Julia Stanfied (Ravelry ID justonewip). An extension to her Polar collection, this cowl again fit the MacBuscke bill:  Multiple yarn weights, variety of sizes.  I was on the hunt for a quick cowl for Texas & I was also itching to test our new Silver Lining yarn (which is the yarn I am waiting for Dr, Phil).  So I have completed two cowls, one in the super fast, super squishy Texas & the second in the lush Heritage Silver Lining.

A quick scraps blanket to keep the fingers busy!

Which then left me with yet another void - so to be good I have started to crochet up all the scraps left over by recent projects into a giant granny square.  It's been nice to sharpen up the crochet skill & change up the project list.  This blanket is well on the way to being completed & I hope I can cast on Dr Phil's new vest soon - haven't designed it yet, but I will!

Renly gets the last word.....