I've been infected

It's the Sockbug (from Sockbug :) - and guess what, my first pair of socks is emerging right now !

Can't wait to finish this pair - I'm so excited how easy it was to figure out 'the sock technology'. For the next pair I think I'll move into creating my own design.

The only problem with knitting socks is that I spend A LOT OF TIME trying them on every other row. Just can't resist.

Obviously the black and white background is my cat - she is fascinated, as always, by any new thing WE are doing.

Yarn : Colinette Jitterbug (one skein)
Pattern: Rapid Rivers Socks - basic and easy to follow - I like this approach.
Modifications to the pattern : one repeat less for the leg - mostly due to yardage constrains.
Overall experience : priceless. For everything else there's Mastercard.

Japanese lace top finished

I discovered a few Japanese knitting books on different blogs few months ago, and since than, my own Japanese collection of patterns is growing.

I started knitting this top in April I think, based on a chart from this great stitch dictionary:

250 Knitting Patterns, book which I can't recommend enough.

In the meantime I joined KnittinginJapan group and even started a KAL for these books - so for more details and photos you'll have to move on the Knitting Elegance KAL.

One more photo here, from a great weekend in London : the Tour de France started in England this year and it was just spectacular to watch. I was so impressed I might even decide to go on my bike again :).