Knits and Beads

Knitting has been really slow nowadays but it wasn't lack of interest but rather an issue of concentrating in a project. I wanted to knit violet super fast but ended up reknitting the sleeves over and over. Now, I finally got a matching pair with perfect pattern. The diamonds are relatively easy but it's not one of those that flow logically for me to memorize. So I think I've lost track of the pattern a few times and just realized the mistakes later on.
I only got indoor pictures this time as this week, we have only cloudy and foggy days.




Here is curly Violet , in unblocked pieces, the back is also done.
I am just concerned about the neckline, it seems way too low, though it's just as in the pattern. Need to rethink about the problem before the mending job takes place.




So I decided that it was time to start another project. And how about some Japanese chocolate and rose tea to make things more pleasant?

I wanted to knit a vintage top that Erin and Siow Chin knitted last year from World Knitting magazine but somehow the pattern has very strange measurements, it's way too small. And I am just not in mood to decipher or recalculate anything at this moment.
Before things got unpleasant I turned the rib part to this:

I found a new Japanese yarn at a LYS, the brand name is Kanebo and the price is more attractive compared to other brands I have used before. It's also a bit thicker than most of my cotton yarn stash though not as soft as my Italian ones. I think it's going to be good for the Japanese Needle 6 (3.9mm) projects.
The design is a short sleeve from Keitodama Spring 2005. It looks quite simple but I had to follow the diagram for the diamonds again. Strange, I feel that I am having diagrams phobia lately! :D

Past Sunday, I was nearby the Jade market in Taipei and decided to just browse a little bit but I walked out with a heavier purse and less money in my wallet . The cause was these green things
Growing up in a western culture has not given me a chance to enjoy and appreciate jade. Now, I kind started to like it, so they are going to be part of my bead collection. They look green boring but with pearls and coral I fell it will look nice. Buying beads has a similar gratifying feeling as adding yarns to your stash! ;)