Thewallinna and a new creature

Let me introduce you my new neighbor flatmate: Totoro! In fact, there are 13 Totoros sitting on the yoke of my jumper.

It all started from Ravelry: I was searching for a new pattern of something warm and cuddly. First I saw the original Paper Dolls by Kate Davies, Scottish knitwear designer. But then my eyes caught one of the jumper's variations: TOTORO! On the same day, I ran to the yarn shop. Thus began two weeks of Totoro-mania, because not only did I knit Totoro, but I also watched the movie and sang karaoke Totoro songs.

If you don't know Kate Davies and if you are into knitting or pictures of gorgeous Scottish scenarios,  I would tell you: go check out her site! Several more of Kate's designs are on my knitting list; seriously, who can resist?????

I knitted size 5 without major changes. But I should've done 4 for the lower body and 6 for the upper body to accommodate my swimmer's shoulders. Well, it's not that bad after all. I also decided to go for the long sleeves

From doing this project, I've acquired three new techniques: knitting i-cord cast on and bind off, stranded color work and wrap & turn technique, which considerably improved not only the knitting experience but also the look of the finished garment

The thread for this jumper is an amazing mix of 80% wool and 20% LAMB LINEN from Avril: 1200m of the main color,  and less than 100m of the two contrasting colors.

NO, no, I did not forget about sewing! Yesterday I even accepted a sewing dare from Gillian which is to finish my Matthew Williamson dress by the end of next week!