Thanks for the suggestions to go to Get Knitted and John Lewis in Bristol! I did try to go to Get Knitted, but every time we were going past it, it was closed, or we were already running quite late for something else. But John Lewis did yield some treasure! More Rowan than you can shake a stick at, that goes without saying. but I was on the hunt for something that I hadn't heard of, something special.....
... and then I found them.
The skein on the left is
Marisol Sulka, in Black Pepper, and the skein on the right is
Marisol Hacho, in Purple Peacock. It's been a while since I was seriously interested in sock yarn, and this Marisol Hacho did it for me. As for the Sulka, I couldn't resist- it is the cuddliest, softest merino, and the black is amazing- it has the softest halo colour combination of golden brown and bright blue over the basic black. Have a look:
And then this photo pretty much sums up my feelings on the subject:
It was a good day for yarn.
And books. I love checking out books in other native English speaking countries, to see which authors they are showcasing, what's new, and what simply doesn't always make it across the pond. I'm on a bit of a non-fiction kick at the moment, and bought
this and
this. I haven't started either of them yet. I'm still reeling from the novel I read on the flight over:
Utterly amazing novel, I read it all in one sitting, it is that compelling.
But back to the yarn...I did some resesarch on the yarn afterwards, and found that the
Marisol Project works on developing sustainable income and social programs for the communities in Peru where the yarn is made. So naturally I felt even happier about my yarn purchase- it's kind of like saving the world, via knitting. At least that's what I tell myself.
I was so busy having an amazing time in the UK, that I didn't do any knitting on the eyelet ribbed bandeau, except on the flight back (I slept on the flight there, or at least tried):
And I was lucky enough to have an empty seat next to me:
Knitting and an extra seat? That's luxurious flying.
I have to give props to my boyfriend, he took most of these photos. For someone who doesn't knit, he certianly knows how to photograph yarn!
And we knitted....
and knitted....
and I finally got some FO shots of the mini bulky cardigan, thanks to Jen. 
Pattern: Mini Bulky Cardigan
Size: small, but an altered small- the small is a 38 bust, and I'm a 32. I came in under gauge, and followed pattern as normal.
Yarn: Marisol Sulka, 4 skeins, colourway is black pepper
Needle Sizes:9mm, 6.5 mm, 5 mm
Mods: None, except that I didn't do the contrasting colour trim. Which I think is pretty obvious.
Notes: I LOVE THIS YARN. I swear I'm a martini away from running off to Las Vegas and marrying it in an Elvis chapel.
Here's a shot of the back, I love the decreases. Stephanie Japel is brilliant.
And then the neckline. I really like the garter trim. 
I'm a bit late on Self Portrait Sunday, but I was a bit under the weather:
As honest as it gets, really. I'm in bed, in a bathrobe. I forgot about the chicken pox scar on my forehead. I've had it since I was three years old, but it's been ages since I noticed it. And why yes, I do display my handbags as wall art. They are too pretty to be chucked in a drawer.
