| Archive for Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns The Friendly UK Board that invites Knitters, Crocheters, Dressmakers, Quilters, Patchworkers, Jewellery makers and Paper Crafters to join in our chat about Craft |
| FatCat |
Monkey-a-longFollowing on from discussions HERE we thought we'd have another Monkeyalong. Who's up for it?The pattern is MONKEY, the purl or no-purl version, or indeed any variation 
No deadlines, join in if and when. Post your thoughts, yarn choices, questions, advice, progress pics etc 
I'm thinking of doing the purl version, in Colinette Jitterbug in Toscana. Although it's entirely possible that I might change my mind ....  
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| pictish |
I'm in I'm going to make the purl version I think with Shelridge Farm Soft Touch Ultra in the yellow/green shade which you can see here
Am going to finish my LL socks first then I will start  .
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| loobyj |
I'm part way through a Shepherd sock pair in Shadow. Purl version, but only four repeats in the leg, not six. Am on the third repeat of the five I need for the foot on the first sock.
This is the only patterned sock I've ever done 
Has anyone altered the patterned so there are less knit only rows to each repeat? lj |
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| Aknita |
I think I might be - but not for about a week until I've finished my current socks. | ||||
| KnittingLadybird |
I asked a question over on the other purl v no purl thread...when a yarn choice is made i'm in (and they will be for meeeee )
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| pjmck |
I've got a pair of monkey socks underway in soft touch ultra shade T which is rainbow coloured. I do fancy another pair of no purl monkeys too, not sure in which yarn or shade yet.
Paula |
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| FatCat |
hurrah, there's a few of us! And ones that are already OTN can still count, I don't see that it'll have to be a new pair. And of course no limit on the number of pairs any one person can make
loobyj, I don't know  I don't see why not though, are you going to be the first to try it? I think you should.
Here's my yarn: 
Lots of colours and rapid colour changes so I think the pattern will mix them up nicely. (And yes, I have just been sad enough to take a ball of yarn out to the balcony and photograph it solely to post it here )
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| Auntie Noo |
ooooh fatcat I like your yarn!
Here's mine so far - started May 18th (according to Rav!!! )
They're no purls, 5 pattern repeats to the leg and a short row heel, in opal neon. |
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| FatCat |
oh, wow, Noo - that's a fab sock! I love those colours! Gorgeous!
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| pictish |
Ooooh I love them in the Neon!!! And I love your yarn too FC  Nothing sad about doing that
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| slowasasnail |
Ooooo! I love the Monkey pattern. I've done 3 pairs of purl ones but quite fancy trying a no purl pair. I might be in. | ||||
| KnittingLadybird |
I'm in and i've cast on
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| Aknita |
Show off! I'm a one WIP at a time girl remember, so I have to finish what I've started
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| KnittingLadybird |
oh i'm just being naughty lol...i've a FCS on the go, one sock finished for sis, a lace weight 'something' and a crocheted square effort that may end up as a cushion cover. All the I can't see from here, I haven't counted
But I need me some socks lol |
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| Aknita |
I know you do - I'm really please you're making some too
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| gilraen |
If anyone had posh Emily or SkeinQueen Plushness or Hipknits Desdemona you only need 56 stitches and a 14 stitch pattern instead of 16 stitches with a findering weight. These socks just fly off the needles!! 
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| KnittingLadybird |
how do you work out the 14st pattern?...I have some desdemona and some emily left (I think) | ||||
| Nevisknitter |
I was planning on knitting some no purl monkeys for my next pair of socks, going to delve into the sock stash next week to choose the yarn | ||||
| KnittingLadybird |
i've completed 2 patterns...piccys tomorrow.
I sort of like the purl bits but not the 'jog' although you probably wont really notice... |
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| ygymraes |
Count me in. I've just ordered some Shelridge Farm Soft Touch Ultra from Socktopus - I totally blame Pictish. After seeing her gorgeous yarn (I love the colour of the top brown/grey one) I just *had* to go and have a look and a skein or two just "fell" into my basket. It should be here tomorrow with any luck and I'll be finished with my current socks then, so what better time to start on a new pair?
I haven't made a pair of monkeys yet, although I'll be doing these toe up if I can work out how. Not sure yet if I'll do no-purl or original .......
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| gilraen |
You just leave off the first and last stitch off the pattern. for example knit 2, k2 tog, knit 3, YOx2, Knit 3, SSK, Knit 2 |
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| blueadt |
But surely that depends upon your stitch gauge & foot width? |
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| gilraen |
Yes, although the yarn has a lot of stretch though so knitting ordinary stitch counts with this yarn will mean too big socks for most ordinary feet. For my feet I use 64 of KPPPM/Wollmeise etc etc but for the Emily type base I use 56.
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| terri |
I'm in!!!!!!! I love this pattern will fondle through stash and pick a ball this afternoon
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| ygymraes |
This is what I'm using -
Shelridge Farm Ultra Soft Touch from Socktopus - shamelessly copied when I saw Pictish's. 
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| pictish |
Oooh yes that does look familiar I'm starting with the yellowy one tho so we won't be twins for a while
It's gorgeous isn't it
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| ygymraes |
I started knitting it in the car earlier and it's extremely soft - lovely to work with.
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| pictish |
It feels so squishy
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| slowasasnail |
Well i've cast on this afternoon. Couldn't resist. Will probably have 2 socks without partners by the end of the week. I'm using a Lana Grossa from stash and doing the no purl version. I've done 3 pattern repeats so far. | ||||
| ygymraes |
Hmm, I'm not loving this pattern at the moment. I tried reversing the pattern for toe up but after 11+ rows, something just wasn't right. One search on Ravelry later and a few people have mentioned that this pattern just doesn't reverse well. So it looks like I'll be ripping out said 11+ rows and re-knitting. I think my Monkeys may end up being up-side down.
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| blueadt |
That's me out then  I wanted to go toe up.
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| gilraen |
Here is the link for Toe up
You do need to reverse the pattern but it looks good.
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| blueadt |
Thank you
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| ygymraes |
Thanks. I found that (late) last night so have just started again. The pattern is upside down but I quite like that.
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| pjmck |
This is my current 1st monkey in progress. Its Shelridge farm soft touch ultra in shade T
Paula |
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| gilraen |
Beautiful yarn!! The sock looks great.
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| pictish |
That is gorgeous!!! | ||||
| ygymraes |
Lovely colour - I was just looking at that colourway on the Socktopus website earlier .....
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| KnittingLadybird |
I made a button for this (just for fun - no need to add it if don't want to) but if ya do just snag it from my siggy or here 
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| ygymraes |
Oh he's fab - thanks.
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| pictish |
Oooh lovely Linz
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| FatCat |
Cor, great button - thanks Linz! And what yarn did you go for in the end on yours? That's a fab looking sock Paula, lovely colours!
I haven't cast on yet, want to finish something else first, but hopefully in the next few days. And I hadn't seen the toe-up version before so I might give that a go - thanks for the link Gilraen!
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| KnittingLadybird |
FC I went for the purple and infact i've finished one whilst waiting for DD to upload my progress pics....i've gone for short row heels though. Hopefully an update tonight when DD gets home
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| craftylady |
Well, I think I'll join in with this - along as I have only to sew my picot edging on the socks I started when FIL went into hospital back in Feb and they'll be done.
Will be good to get knitting again. Haven't decided which version I'll do or what yarn but will let you know the details once they're decided. |
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| Auntie Noo |
I've nearly finished mine! - They're a really quick knit. Should finish them tonight so piccies soon (when I've bought new batteries for my camera - even my rechargeables are knackered!) | ||||
| FatCat |
wow, you lot don't hang around do you? I'd better get a shift on and cast mine on otherwise you'll all have finished before I've started!
Looking forward to all the pics! |
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| GrannySmith |
Not possible FC, you will be fine as 'Miss How long does it take to knit a pair of socks' is looking to join in
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| minniemoll |
I've just found this thread at a very appropriate time - I cast on for my first pair of Monkeys yesterday. I was intending to do a plain pair of stocking stitch socks as usual but the yarn (Fyberspates Merino/Tencel sock yarn) demanded a pattern, so off I went.
I may now be a convert to patterned socks - I thought they'd be slower than plain ones, but it seems to be knitting up more quickly! I've done the heel (a short row one) since I took this photo a couple of hours ago. 
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| pictish |
Beautiful!!! | ||||
| FatCat |
Helen, that is just beautiful! What fab yarn
And GS ... are you talking about yourself? Really? YOU might be joining in? You know it involves making socks, yes? C'mon, join in - you know you want to!
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| slowasasnail |
I've finished my first one... | ||||
| FatCat |
oh have you now? What yarn are you using? There's a distinct lack of photos  ...... Bet it's gorgeous though, looking forward to the pics
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| minniemoll |
It is lovely, isn't it? I've been saving it for ages, but in the end I couldn't resist using it The colours are gorgeous, and I think that merino/tencel could be my new favourite sock yarn - it's got a gorgeous sheen, and it's easy to knit with. And it's very soft and the stitch definition is good - what more could you ask?
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| gilraen |
A finished pair
Squee Sock Club yarn. Plushness: Sweet Peas. No Purl Monkey cuff and plain foot. 2.75mm dpns and 20 grams left over on UK 6 socks.
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| Aknita |
Oh those are fab! The yarn is everything a sock yarn should be - gorgeous I am not not not going to click the club yarn link or I shall be forever lost.........
There is going to be a delay of about a week with my monkey casting on. I have a sock to finish, then I have a special project to make for someone on another forum then I can get going. I have had an email from Alice to tell me my yarn has been posted though. |
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| pjmck |
Lovely socks Gilraen. I love the colour.
Paula |
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| minniemoll |
They're very pretty! Love the way the yarn has pooled
Mine are coming on so fast it's amazing me! I've just been to our fortnightly knitting meeting in the pub, and I've nearly finished the first one - just about an inch of foot, and then the toe to do, I've never known a sock knit up so quickly! |
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| gilraen |
Thank you! The yarn is the same base as Posh Emily, my favourite sock yarn.
I personally find this the quickest sock pattern I've tried yet
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| loobyj |
Lovely sockies everyone - and the promise of more to come
I find this pattern much quicker than plain socks and I don't have to stop to count the little v's so it doesn't matter if the train goes over a bump
GS - when will we see the colour of your yarn....
lj |
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| slowasasnail |
I wish I could find my sock blockers...then I could take a photo. I'm back on my second fluffty sock now. Hope to finish the 2nd monkey this week. | ||||
| pictish |
They are just gorgeous!!! Fantastic colours
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| GrannySmith |
Ok I cast on last night you want more, don't be silly as I have said "I have cast on"
gilrean you have finished - how did you do that, well I know how you did it, but so fast
Loobyj - first clue, it's Trekking - well thats all I can remember from the ball band
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| Auntie Noo |
Mine are done
(not the best photo but the camera batteries are on reserve so I have to get my pose ready turn on camera and press button before it realises it doesn't have the power to do it!!!! )
Started on May 18th - so 10 days, Knit in Opal Neon (which is bright). |
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| GrannySmith |
Noo you have finished to, well done I think you should have taken a picture with them and your new skirt on (very well done by the way), as they look to be similiar colours (or is that my screen, playing tricks)
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| Auntie Noo |
There is a certain similarity in colours GS - the very darkest part of the socks is not too far off the skirt................ it would make quite an outfit wouldn't it!?!
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| pictish |
Wow!! Isn't everyone finishing fast They are gorgeous Noo!!
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| FatCat |
Gilraen and Noo, they are just wonderful socks! Absolutely beautiful, both pairs
GS, you've cast on? Wow! 
Joy, I won't be casting mine on for a while either, so we can bring up the rear together. And I'm having a yarn crisis, I don't think the Jitterbug I'd planned to use is right, too busy Will have to think on
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| KnittingLadybird |
Noo and Gilraen, fab socks! This is a great pattern and I am kicking myself for trying it earlier....
I've finished quicker than DD can (be bothered to) upload...photos as soon as
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| slowasasnail |
Lovely Noo and I love that colour! | ||||
| loobyj |
Lovely Noo - and I've chuckled away imagining you getting into position to take the piccy
GS - I'm impressed
I must get a wriggle on - and work out how to upload pics onto the puter
lj |
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| pictish |
Just wondering a) does the twisted rib make the cuffs tighter? and b) is it essential??
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| FatCat |
IMHO and experience a) haven't noticed that it does and b) definitely not
Are you about to cast on then ....? I'm hoping to tonight. After much dithering over yarn no doubt
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| minniemoll |
I did my usual 2x2 rib, and it seems to be fine. |
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| gilraen |
I found that it it hard on the wrists to knit the twisted ribs (considering all the Monkeys I have knit mind you) and the 2x2 rib just as good if not better looking and easier to knit. I'm all about easier
Noo they are lovely socks.
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| Aknita |
My yarn from Socktopus has arrived
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| pictish |
Well I was thinking of casting on FC - in fact I DID cast on - but I'm not sure - I've gone back to my original yarn (I toyed with some CTH for a while) but I've got a bit distracted by some Bordello Socks in Fleece Artist Seawool
ETA thanks folks - will just do my normal 2 by 2 then!! |
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| terri |
I did twisted rib on my first pair, but haven't bothered since
I'm going to cast on tonight in that grey glittery opal I got from Debs in Paula's charity auction No purl monkeys for me this time!!!!
Everybody's are looking great so far!!!! |
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| pictish |
Oooh yes - that will be nice
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| pictish |
What have you got for the monkeys Joy? |
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| Aknita |
I'm going to use the Sheldridge Farm in #S Ali although the Kiogu is very pretty. |
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| pictish |
Lovely!! I have seen some monkeys made in Koigu IRL and they were stunning!! | ||||
| gilraen |
I got some KPPPM for a pair too
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| pjmck |
Lovely socks Noo.
Paula |
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| FatCat |
I cast on last night! I finally decided on which yarn to use Here's my effort so far
Sorry, it's a bit blurry It's Middlearthknitter BFL sock yarn in Foamy Seas that I bought from CJ a while back. I did the twisted rib (am I the only person that actually enjoys doing twisted rib? ) and I'm doing the purl version of the pattern.
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| loobyj |
Lovely!
I like the twisted rib too! lj |
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| GrannySmith |
Look I am (was) at the same stage as FC - unheard off
I am doing the purl version with twisted rib and I am really enjoying knitting this pattern. 
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| KnittingLadybird |
lovely monkeys!!
FC love the blues and GS...way to go you! the colours are fabbo. I've done the twisted rib too but I think they ought to be blocked as the purl bits seem to bunch together (iyswim). and yes I know I still haven't posted my pics yet |
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| Aknita |
I want to start!!!!!!!
I love the blues in yours FatCat, and I love GS's Autumnal tones too
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| blueadt |
I've got some Evolution in Flamingo Sunrise & am thinking about using it to go toe up for my next pair. However I'm not sure how the stripes will work with the pattern.
Also from those who have used it before (Gilraen!) how hard wearing is it? I know it's 100% wool but is it bedsocks material or can they be worn in shoes? |
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| FatCat |
LOL! Well go on then! What's stopping you?
Cor, yours looks lovely GS! What yarn is that? Did you say it was a Trekking ? It's gorgeous
Yeah Linz, I had noticed the distinct lack of photos .....
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| Aknita |
One thing at a time - it's the new me
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| loobyj |
GS - I am truly amazed Lovely colours too
Linz (at least I think you said about blocking) I blocked my first pair - and it does make the purl unbunch! lj |
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| FatCat |
I tried that for a while. I realised very quickly that it wasn't for me .... I hope you get your current One Thing finished soon so you can start on the next One Thing
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| Aknita |
I wish it applied to buying yarn too. As usual it's "last in, first out" and I'm just about to cast on the One Thing with yarn that arrived this morning
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| pictish |
Now c'mon you've got to tell us what the One Thing is I don't suppose it's a ............ youknowwhat??
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| gilraen |
It is lovely worn, I knit a 2x2 ribbed sock pair for my aunt and she has worn them a lot and machine washed them on a wool cycle with no ill effect. Evolution is a Sport weight yarn so you would have a problem doing a 16 stitch pattern with the Evolution, if you adjusted it to a 14 stitch pattern it would work better, unless you have very large/wide feet that is......
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| Auntie Noo |
GS and FC they both look lovely - great colours... and possibly the most knitting i've ever seen from GS !!! tee hee!!!!
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| blueadt |
Doh I didn't even think that it's not a 4ply yarn. My feet are 8 1/4" wide (I've lost 1/2" due to losing weight ) Oh well I'll do something else with it. I'm trying to be good & use up yarns that I've already balled up from a skein so my pick & mix as it were will be from the following:
Lorna's Laces Solid in Poppy, Koigu KPPPM in a beautiful greeny blue mix or Knit Pick's Gloss in Concord Grape (all Ravelry links). I'll do a gauge swatch when I've finished my current pair but which yarn to do first. The first to hit gauge will stay on the needles but which do I try first?
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| KnittingLadybird |
i've looked at all of your links blue and I REALLY like the poppy (LL) I think a totally plain colour would make the pattern sing! | ||||
| pictish |
I like them all but prefer the Koigu!! | ||||