Whisper

Whisper is moving along really well. Since this photo I've also completed the collar and started the back portion (actually I'm about 2" into it). I'm really excited to get this one off the needles and into my weekly rotation of outfits...but as I'm increasing on each side of the back piece on every row it's taking longer and longer to complete a knit and purl repeat.

Soon this will be finished. After that I plan to revisit either my hubby's socks, Lady Eleanor, or the Selbu hat. We'll see. I'll also be knitting some hats and booties for a friend of mine who has some upcoming babies in her life. It will be nice to work with the cashmerino again. That's all for now...

Kate

Pattern: Kate
Yarn: Zitron Polo
Needles: #4 Brittany DPN's

Notes: I knit this for my niece for her 1st birthday, and I think she's going to love it.

The pattern is very simple to follow, and it was a joy to knit. Obviously I chose to knit a cat with no trousers (or a sweater for that matter), and I think the result is just as cute.

The yarn was a joy to work with. It had more elasticity than full cotton (which is better on my hands) and it's so soft and smooth that I just know she will love to rub her face up against it.

Tangled Yoke

Pattern: Tangled Yoke Cardigan, Interweave Knits
Yarn: Jaeger Baby Merino DK
Needles: #4 and #2 Addi Turbos

Notes: This sweater was my Everest. It took over 6 months to knit, and I learned a ton along the way. The construction was fun, I haven't done a yoked sweater since my very first project as a knitter. I like seamless knitting from the bottom, through, admitidly, it allows for less control over the fit than seamless knitting from the top.
The components of this sweater are very nice. I like the way the garter rib looks with the yoke cable...and the sea of stockinette really calls attention to the cable as well.

Speaking of the cable (because I know that's what you've been waiting for)...it was a beast. I was so scared of it, and rightfully so. Honestly, I can say that it is the hardest thing I've ever done as a knitter. There were rows when I was completing over 80 cables, and that was trying. However, as you can see, the finished result is amazing and well worth the trouble. My 1 into 5 increases never smoothed out though, so there are tiny holes at the base of my cable. This doesn't bother me too much, as they are placed perfectly and look intentional.

Although I am incredibly pleased with this sweater, I will say that I'm not thrilled with the fit. It's a little larger than I expected it to be, and I don't know if that's a product of my gauge being off or if I should have knit the smaller size. However, I would have preferred a snugger fit.

The project was challenging, and therefore, it's an accomplishment for me that it's complete. I'm working on some more sweaters, I seem to be on a kick, and can't wait to show you all some more finished items!

Bubbles

Pattern: Bubble Pullover, Knitting Nature
Yarn: Mmmmalabrigo in "Lettuce"
Needles: #9 and #7 Circulars and DPN's

Notes: I started this project on a whim. I was in the library looking for a good book to read (I settled on My Life in France by Julia Child, by the way) and meandered over to the knitting section to see if there was anything new to peruse. I picked up Knitting Nature, even though I'd read through it before, and was struck by the beauty and ingenuity of each and every pattern. I think what was missing when I looked at these before was a specific skill level that left me in awe of the design process associated with the beautiful finished pieces I was looking at, and at the same time made me confident that I could achieve finished pieces like the ones in the book. It was a pivotal moment for me in my knitting career.

I was especially struck by the Bubble Pullover. It's construction was fun and challenging, and the finished product was something I knew I would wear. Additionally, I had seen versions of it knit with Malabrigo, and I'd been looking for the perfect pattern to set of the 6 skeins I'd purchased at Stitches. It was a serendipitous moment.

Though the construction took some getting used to, it really is as simple as can be. It's also fun to watch the piece grow, and really only gets cumbersome after you add the sleeves. The only modification I had was to pick up fewer stitches around the waistband because I couldn't pick them up consistently or attractively, and I wanted it to look clean. I think I achieved that.

I'm 100% thrilled with this sweater. It's warm, it's soft, it's in a color I adore, and it fits like a dream. Also, I love the feeling I get when people ask where I got it, and then get the look of complete and utter respect on their face when I unabashedly say "I made it!".

Hef

Pattern: Indigo Playmate
Yarn: Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool
Needles: #7 Circular and DPN

Notes: I really enjoyed knitting this sweater, and it was just about as easy as possible - simple stockinette to soothe the soul. My favorite "feature" if you want to call it that, is the short row shaping on the collar. It's nice and saves it from being bulky, while ensuring that it will fold over nicely. The other thing I think was done well was the increase and decrease placement. I think it makes for a nice line in such a simple pattern.


The yarn is admittedly scratchy, but a is a good solid wool, which I really like. I like that the colors that this comes in are natural, like this brown. It makes for a nice staple piece in my wardrobe and has already gotten lots of compliments.

This is a classic piece, nice with jeans and a tee shirt, and perfect with a little black dress (I think that wearing black and brown together is chic now...at least I hope so because I did it last week when these photos were taken!) If you are looking for a simple knit that will get a lot of mileage, this is the sweater for you.

Raven-y

The Baltimore Ravens are our hometown football team, and during football season my husband and I are hopelessly devoted to the team and it's colors.

When I saw that Blue Moon came out with a Raven Clan Collection I just about dropped out of my seat and was determined to buy some to make garments galore for me and my man. So far I've only gotten this one hank (it's Korrpi, in case you were wondering), but it's been super popular, so I'm sure more is in my future.

With one sock down and one to go, I'm making good progress on these. My husband loves them, and they fit like a dream - as you can see.

Simple stockinette to sooth the soul.

Super Easy Leg Warmers

Pattern: Super Easy Leg Warmers by Joelle Hoverson
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted in "Azul Profundo"
Needles: #9 Clover DPN's

Notes: This project was fast and furious. It's not complicated, in fact it's dead simple. It's really all about the yarn that you choose, so I would suggest something in a super-squishy wool.



The 1x1 ribbing is mindless and relaxing, and the legwarmers seem to grow without much work at all. I made mine a little longer than they needed to be so that they could creep up over my knees, or wrap over my heels, and I'm happy I did.

This was a fun project and I would heartily recommend it to anyone in need of warm legs.