Shamefully I have to admit to starting this project in August 2009. I had been knitting about eighteen months by then and although I had knit up a fair few socks, I had only knitted up a couple of adult sized garments. Though I had managed to finish them with some degree of competency, my confidence deserted me with this garment. I really wanted it to be special not least because the yarn was very beautiful and I loved the pattern. This is Surface by Norah Gaughan published for free in Knitty, Winter 2008 and the yarn is Toft Alpaca DK in brown which I had splurged on at The Royal Show. I can still remember the giddy feeling I had as I walked away from Toft’s mobile shop, deliriously happy with my new found yarn, or was that the 1/2 pint of dry cider that I’d consumed with lunch!
This year I am finishing up garments that have been started and cast to one side for whatever reason, or they are to be frogged. This is the most glamorous, the rest are socks, gloves etc, that are started and then casually cast to one side in favour of another project that I simply have to start.
Today, we tootled off to Hanbury Hall which was very pretty, but oh so cold. But like a true professional, I cast aside my heavy outdoors coat, hat and very thick scarf to show you all my newly completed Surface. I finished it on Valentines day and hubby was so pleased with the way I looked in it that he took me out to dinner. (must remember that little trick!)
Trying not to feel the cold.
Hanbury Hall looking very pretty.
I love the depth of colours in this yarn. It is not dyed, it comes straight from the Alpaca and if you look carefully at the yarn you see rusts and golds interwoven with browns and reds and blacks and the odd fleck of white hair that has gotten into the mix. I love it, it is just so me.
blossom and sunshine 
That looks really great! Is it popcorn stitch on the collar? That one takes a lot of patience!Well done xxx
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I'm impressed by your dedication to getting good photos on a chilly chilly day – you look like you've wandered off the set of Victorian lace today! Lovely lovely knit too – so very you 🙂
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Gorgeous sweater!! It looks lovely on you too, you are a perfect model for it!I need to start finishing things too. I did finally finish my 'Wild Apples' and now have to finish a couple of cardigans for my young granddaughters.
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Well worth the wait, it really suits you and you have my permission to look very pleased with yourself.
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