Sake San

Project: Sake San (no pattern...made it up as I went along)

Yarn: Vulcan's Rest Superfine Alpaca (charcoal)
and Misty Mountain Superfine Alpaca (tan)
Needles: #4 Circulars and DPN's

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!

Lady E is almost done!

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...

Prima Foster

Pattern: Mr. Foster
Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll
Needles: #1 DPN's and Circular (for tutu)

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...

Progress on Prima Foster

I've been busy knitting the annual birthday gift for Grace. I decided that a child who is commonly referred to as "the monkey" needed a stuffed monkey. Well, another stuffed monkey. So I'm knitting her the Mr. Foster pattern, but changing it up slightly to make it more appealing to Miss Grace.

This is going to be Prima Foster. She's a Prima Ballerina at the American Ballet Company, and she attended the American Ballet Academy right out of high school. She's beautiful, and graceful (pun intended), and has a tutu and ballet slippers with silk ribbons to tie them with.

Miss Grace is getting a 5-year-old sized tutu as well...so they'll match. Here's hoping I can finish her in time for the party tomorrow! Photo with head and other appendages coming...

Progress on Sake San

The Sake San sweater is moving along quite well. I've finished the body, and done the button bands and the neck band, and have even sewn on buttons (in a bright cherry red from the vintage button collection).

Additionally, the first sleeve it to the elbow, and is knitting up very fast as I'm decreasing every 6th charcoal stripe. I have to finish up the Mr. Foster I'm working on (who will actually be a Ms. Foster and she will be a ballerina, not a Doctor) and then I'll finish up this sweater.

I've enjoyed knitting it. It is very low stress, and since it's not a pattern, it's easy to take from place to place and not worry...the nice part is that it looks like it will be very snug for the Winter months here in Baltimore.

Whisper

Project: Whisper Cardigan
Yarn: Unknown Green Laceweight
Needles: #6 Addi Turbos, #6 Addi DPN's, #4 Addi Turbos

Notes: I love this cardigan. It's warn, but not heavy. It's airy, but it doesn't flit around the body so much that you are always adjusting it. It's a lovely green color...and it's so soft! In short, it's a winner.

The pattern is easy to follow and well written. I didn't have a single question along the way, and only made one tiny alteration. Once the back reached 8", I did a row of purl stitches on the knit site, and then knit 3 more rows in stockinette and then bound off. I wanted the bottom not to curl very much, and this seems to do the trick.

You may also notice my new shorter hair...I just cut it all off on Saturday, and as we speak 11" is winding its way to Locks of Love in Florida. If you've never donated, I encourage you to, it's a great feeling.

Grand Plans

I'm almost finished with my Whisper Cardigan, and I love it. I'll finish it up tonight, which is good. Once I'm done with that I'll be left with a decision; finish up some existing projects or cast on something new.

I'm tempted to cast on for something new. I mean, there are so many cool things in my queue, and I have tons of yarn around the house that I'd love to knit into pretty little things. I'd love to use the Malabrigo Lace I have in "Glazed Carrot" to make another Clementine Shawlette. I'd also really like to use the new Noro Taiyo I picked up with in New Orleans to make a Counterpane Carpet Bag. Or even the beautiful Silky Wool I got in this deep rose color to make a Silk Cocoon Cardigan or Kingscot. So many possibilities, and my fingers are itching for a new project.

But...

I should be good and finish what I've started. I should take some time and complete the Selbu Modern hat that I began working on in the Winter. I should knit the mate to my husbands socks, so that he can start wearing them. Then, maybe then, I'd feel OK with casting on something new. I could work on the new project (whatever it ends up being) while also knitting on Lady E or even Sake San. I would feel no knitters guilt.

Let's see if I can stick to these grand plans...

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.

Bubble and Squeak

Bubble and Squeak is a traditional English Pub food...consisting of whatever veg and root veg is on hand all par-cooked and then fried up in a shallow pan. Mmmm Mmmm Good.

This is a different bubble and squeak all together...the pattern is "Bubble Pullover" by Norah Gaughan, and the squeak is me having a ball knitting it. I'm using the ever-delicious Malabrigo Merino Worsted in "Lettuce" and size 9 needles to create this puppy and let me just say, I'm smitten. The pattern consists of 8 pentagons which are knit onto each other to form a sweater. You have to see it to believe it, the way Norah's mind works is amazing!

I'm thoroughly enjoying the process, but I'm scared about fit. I actually did a swatch in the medium size (which is rare for me) and found that my initial pentagon was HUGE at 13.5". Which when multiplied by 4 (I was told that was the secret to determining the bust circumfrence) came in at a whopping 54" bust. There was just no way.

So, I ripped back and have re-swatched at the smallest size (not just one swatch people, but TWO SWATCHES!) and now have a pentagon width of 11.5 inches, which will result in a 46" bust, which sounds just right based on the amount of ease recommended in the pattern. I'm more concerned about my hips though (as usual) and there isn't a great way to determine what that measurement will be since it's the ribbing portion of the sweater. I'm looking at it from the perspective that ribbing is stretchy, and therefore, forgiving. Let's all hope I'm right.

Another WIP

I haven't updated the sidebar in a while, so you may not know all of the projects I've been working on. However, this one has been up there for quite some time, and I've never shown you a photo...so I'm doing that now. It's the Selbu Modern beret, and I really like how it's coming out. The colors are so vibrant and Spring-like, I almost think that the weather outside should be nicer before this sees the light of day.

It's not a hard pattern at all, especially for a novice colorwork knitter like myself. But it is very enjoyable to watch the two colors make a picture...I'm hooked. It's taking forever to knit though because I've had it at the office. My hope is that having it at home means I'll get work done on it a little faster. Fingers Crossed.

In other news, I've finished "Hef", but haven't done a proper photoshoot yet. So, you'll need to wait for photos of that to be posted. If you get antsy, you can check out my Ravelry page for an iPhone shot. :)

In Progress

Sometimes I'm completely stalled with a project, but rarely two at the same time. However, that's the case right now, my Tangled Yoke and my Hef. The rub is, they are both the projects I want to finish most. C'est la vie...

In the meantime, I'm working on these lovelies...

A pair of the legwarmers from Last Minute Knitted Gifts in Malabrigo's Azul Profundo.

And a pair of simple stockinette socks for my husband in Blue Moon's Korrpi from the Raven Clan.

They are both relaxing and beautiful knits, and will likely fly off the needs due to their simplicity, but I am enjoying them. I'm waiting on pins and needles until finally get my set of Knit Picks Options needles in the mail and can finish my two sweaters.

Pretty Pictures

of Hef in progress...

the sleeve hem...

the raglan shaping...

it's coming along!

Hefilicious

So, I don't have a photo...but, I worked on Hef all day yesterday! I completed the entire body, and one whole sleeve, complete with ends wound in. I'm going to cast on for the second sleeve tonight, and then I'll have only the shawl collar to complete...which is actually a large part of the sweater and may very well take a while.

I've run into issues lately with not having enough flexibility with my needle sizes/lengths. So, my husband and I have decided to invest in this:


I'm really looking forward to having it, and I'll need it to complete this shawl collar, as well as the yoke on my lovely butter cardigan. I'll be ordering soon. In the meantime, I'll probably work on the Lady Eleanor to keep things moving in the knitting universe.

Hef in progress

I've cast on for yet another sweater...'Indigo Playmate' from Custom Knits (lovely book, by the way). It's a nice ribbed shawl neck cardigan in worsted weight yarn...what's better than that!? I'm using Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool, and it's been a real pleasure to knit with. It's a bit scratchy, but I plan on wearing this as a layering piece, so I'm not mad at it. So far I'm loving the knit, and I plan to put a few personal touches on it here and there...so stay tuned for those.

Here is the front, not too exciting so far. I had to hold the fronts together for the photo because without the shawl collar, it doesn't overlap yet.

And the back, which I think is looking nice. I like the placement of the decreases...flattering line, even if I do say so myself.

Yes I really am that pale, and no I have no progress on the Tangled Yoke Cardigan...until next time.