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Pattern: Lady EleanorYarn: Noro Silver Thaw, 5 hanksNeedles: #8 circulars
Notes:
First, let me start by saying that I'm completely in love with the finished product. It's just what I'd hoped it would be. It's very long (love that) and just wide enough. I can wear it as a scarf or as a shawl. It's very warm. The fringe is beautiful, and the knotting (though tedious) is worth all of the time it takes as it really sets this shawl apart.
I loved every minute of knitting this...and I've been knitting it for some time now! I started it three years ago this Christmas! I knew when I started it that it would be a relaxing knit to pick up when I was bored with other projects, and it was just that. It moved along at a snails pace until I learned how to knit backwards. This is an amazing technique, and I now use it whenever I'm supposed to purl (because I prefer it and because my tension requires it). If you would like to learn how to do this, I suggest this tutorial. It just takes some practice, but you'll get used to it in no time.
The yarn for this project is amazing. The white and brightly colored nubs are all tufts of angora, and I can't tell you how decadent that is against the skin. The wool itself is nice and soft because it's blended with the angora and with nylon. It did bleed when I blocked it, but it only took a few rinses to take care of that. And honestly, I'd put up with a lot for the beautiful color transitions of Noro. 
I get stares and compliments whenever I wear this, and I love telling people that I made it. If you haven't tried enterlac yet, this is an excellent project to start with. If you don't to jump in with both feet, this pattern would also be a lovely selection.
Notes:
The only part of the Retro Rib pattern that I used was the cuff ribbing, and I didn't even do that fully...as hubby wanted a very simple sock. I think that this pattern really lets the beautiful hand dyed yarn shine, I can't say enough about how subtly beautiful this yarn really is.
Hubby is happy, but now I think he expects a sweater...better get to work!
Project: Sake San (no pattern...made it up as I went along)
Notes: I loved knitting this, it was really fun. I remember when I first got the idea to blend these two yarns into a striped sweater and I'm glad I did, as they really compliment one other. Each yarn is so soft and supple, it's been a real joy to knit with them.
The pattern is a standard raglan cardigan, nothing ground-breaking. I used garter stitch on the edges, which I think looks nice. The sleeves are decreased (every 6th charcoal round) and end in a slight bell. As you can see, it has a wide neck, which I did intentionally. I carried the colors along the "seams" while knitting, so they are nice and neat inside (maybe I'll take a photo, it seems like something knitters would like to see).
The only think I am not happy with in this knit is the button choice. Don't get me wrong, I'm in love with the red, but they are too small and therefore, must go. I'm contemplating only one big red button at the top...we'll see how that looks before I commit to it.
All-in-all, a success!
Today while watching the Ravens game (that's alright guys, we'll win next week!) I finished up the knitting on Lady Eleanor. I LOVE this pattern, and knitting it has been great fun, but I'm ready to wear it after three years of knitting!
I'm going to block her tonight and then she'll get a crocheted edging and the dreaded Lady E fringe that everyone talks about.
Almost...almost...
Notes: This is Grace's fifth birthday gift (annual tradition of knitting over here, see this, this, this, and this for more) and I do believe she loved it. We call her The Monkey, and to be honest, I'm not sure why. She's not a climber, and she looks nothing like an ape, but it fits her somehow. When I saw the pattern for Mr. Foster, I knew I needed to knit her one for her birthday. However, upon request from her Mother and Grandmother, I make it a "Miss Foster" and made her a ballerina instead of a Doctor because Gracie loves ballerinas.
The only mods I did were to knit the ears flat and knit them by picking up stitches (instead of attaching them) and to knit the tail as an i-cord all in one color by picking up stitches. Both of these mods were due to a severe lack of time in the 11th hour...not due to the pattern in any way.
The tutu was super easy to make, I just knit a strip of garter and then increased severely in tiers. I made two button holes in the back and tied the two sides together with beautiful 100% silk ribbon (from Paper Source if you are looking) and I think it provided the perfect finishing touch.
This yarn is beautiful to work with. It's soft and well made, and produces a beautiful fabric. Also, it's washable, which is excellent. I'd recommend this one for sure. The pattern was fun. The legs and arms were tedious for me, but I think that's just me. Most people seem to really enjoy knitting this pattern, and I can certainly say that I was pleased with the outcome. Better pics coming soon...
