Still Knitting

Where do I start?
At the end of the last post? New Zealand is beautiful. Stunning. The weather sometimes left a little to be desired on one or two days, but in general, it was a wonderful holiday.

We drove up to Cape Reinga, the tip of New Zealand, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. (The seafoam you see is where the two crash into each other)

We went to the Bay of Islands, which was beautiful, but the cruise was a bit of a let down - we'd hoped to go out to the Hole In The Rock, and to see some dolphins, but the weather didn't co operate.

We went to Hobbiton.

In front of Frodo's house! I'm no LoTR geek, but Hobbiton was fun!

We saw thermal pools

And geysers

Beautiful carving everywhere

Sheep!!

I even got to feed a lamb!

And gorgeous scenery everywhere.

There are steps down to the bottom of Bridal Veil falls. Going down was great. There are viewing platforms
along the way and at the bottom, and it's just stunning.

Coming back up proved how unfit I am.

If you want to see more photos, there's an album on flickr.

The knitting? I worked on Bellevue while we were there, and finished it not long after we got back.

Love it.

Specs:
Pattern: Bellevue Cardigan (Fingering Weight) by Laura Chau
Yarn: BC Garn Silkbloom Fino in Fuchsia from Suzy Hausfrau (4 balls)
Needles: 3.25mm Dyakcraft Northern Lights
Mods: None. Well, none on purpose.

Above the lace border there should have been a garter row that I left out, because I apparently can't read. I didn't realise this until I did the sleeves, then there was no way I was ripping back!
The yarn? Gorgeous. Beautiful to knit with, beautiful stitch definition, the silk gives it a slight sheen, just stunning. Renae from Suzyhausfrau came along to one of our Guild meetings last year, and brought a bunch of stock to have a little stall at the back of the room. I need yarn like an eskimo needs a freezer, but I couldn't resist this. There'll be more in my future, I'm sure.
The pattern? Fab. It's not the first time I've knit it, I knit the Worsted version a while back with Madtosh Worsted MCN, and wear it regularly. Can't say I won't knit it again, either.

But for now, it's Wollmeise DK and Water and Stone.