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Pattern: On the Go-veralls (Ravelry link)Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted Needles: #7 DPN's and Circulars
Notes:
This pattern is BEYOND adorable. It is lightning quick to knit and a real joy to complete. I only struggled when I joined the legs to knit the body, it was very tight, but once I switched to DPN's, I was OK. The pattern took just over two balls of the Swish, so I had to do the straps in a coordinating chocolate brown...which is fine, it actually looks quite cute.
I think I"ll be knitting another pair of these in the green color I used to make the Gift Wrap Romper, I have a feeling my little man will get lots of use out of these. :)More pics and details on Ravelry.
Notes: When I saw this pattern I fell in love. It cleared me of the "dry spell" of creativity that hit the moment I found out I was pregnant. After months of looking at my knitting needles and piles of yarn with disinterest, I saw this, cast on with a fury, and I haven't looked back since.
This pattern is easy as can be, VERY well written, and fun at the same time. It's the perfect storm of knitting. I chose to do the stripes (as you can see) but I think this would be equally adorable in a solid yarn. I think this will be a nice warm piece of clothing for my little baby to lounge around in all Winter long. I will probably be knitting several more of these...so look for a few more here and there over the next few months.
My favorite feature of this finished romper are the little vintage buttons I used. These were given to me by my husbands Grandmother, so they are an extra special addition to her grandchild's knitted garment.
The only place I ran into any issues was the short row shaping...and it was completely my fault. I was thinking of short rows in terms of sock toes and heels, and not in terms of, well, shaping. So, I knit several sock toes onto the back of my romper before I stopped, read the instructions again, smacked myself on the forehead, and started over for the last time. Once I scaled that mountain of stupidity, it was smooth sailing. I highly recommend this pattern for anyone who has a baby, is expecting a baby, or wants to knit for a baby. I've also recently completed the matching hat...so stay tuned for a run down on that project!
You may have noticed a lack of projects going on around here lately, and I can tell you why. I haven't been knitting. At all. Since I finished the Clementine Scarf, I've knit nary a stitch. I just haven't felt like it.
I think it's due to another project I'm working on...our first baby! I'm due November 9th and I'm sure that once this severe exhaustion lets up, you'll be seeing lots of little baby things show up on the blog.
Until then, stay tuned...and have a beer for me. :)
Pattern: Clementine ShawletteYarn: Malabrigo Merino Lace, "Glazed Carrot" Needles: #3 Takumi Straights
The yarn/needle combination was perfect...just tight enough to keep it a solid fabric, but the needles weren't to tiny that I wanted to kill myself halfway through. The yarn itself was amazing, as all Malabrigo is. The colors are amazing and I'm convinced that I'll never be able to capture it accurately on film...deep, luxurious, and amazingly carroty. 
This scarf is a gift for my cousin Kelly (Grace and Natalie's Mom). She's my very best friend, is basically my sister, and I owe so much to her (she taught me my multiplication tables, sent me Disney movies and candy when I was sick in college, traded stickers, jelly bracelets, and charm necklace charms when were were kids) that I could never possibly knit enough to show her how much I love and appreciate her...but that's not going to stop me from trying.
It's been a while, but I have some finished items to share with you! I've been quiet because work has been busy and the Holiday season was hectic (as I'm sure it was for everyone), but now I'm back and I have a little FO parade for anyone who may drop by...
First up is a little cardigan I made for my boss Holly's new baby; Eliza Jane. I didn't know Miss Eliza was going to be a "miss" until she was born, hence the green yarn. I didn't use a pattern for this...I just winged it. It's a perfect newborn size and Holly loves it. The yarn for this was Debbie Mumm Traditions in "Pine Needle" and I used a #6 circular needle and #6 DPN's. 
I attached little snaps inside the button band so that it could be more easily taken off or put on by the parents. Also, buttons are a choking hazard (though I admit I wasn't thinking of that when I made the choice). 
Next up is the beautiful Mara:
Pattern: Mara by Madeline ToshYarn: Debbie Bliss Merino AranNeedles: #7 circulars
Notes: I liked this pattern, but I was a bit short of the yardage for it...so I improvised by doing a stockinette ruffle at the edge instead of the ribs. I'm happy with it, but honestly would have preferred the ribs. It needs a good soak and block, and maybe then I'll be more pleased. We shall see. The color is versatile and that is a blessing. The wool is warm and comfy, and the pattern couldn't have been easier.
Third in line is a matched pairing of EZ's Ganomy and Mitered Mittens: 
Patterns: Ganomy and Mitered Mittens by Elizabeth ZimmermanYarn: Noro Silver Thaw, #1Needles: #9 circular and #9 DPN's
Notes: I loved knitting both of these patterns. EZ is a genius and I love to be reminded of that when I come back to one of her patterns. The hat is wonderful because of the ear flaps and the mittens are lovely because they conform to the shape of ones hands. If I were to change anything it would be to make the mittens shorter (I have very short hands) and to give the hat a tassel. I think this hat just screams for a tassel. Next time I will likely knit this set out of a sturdier yarn as well...for though the silver thaw is beautiful and luxurious, it doesn't stand up the way I'd like it to.
Finally I have the bird infested baby knit that everyone has been working on:
Pattern: Owl Baby Vest by Jodi Haraldson Yarn: Jaeger Baby Merino DK, butterNeedles: #4 circulars
Notes: This was really fun to knit. It took only a few days and then was complete. I wasn't able to join the circulars (it would have been too tight, even on my smallest set) so there is a seam up the back of this...however, you really can't tell. I've used tiny red vintage buttons from my husbands grandmother, and I think they stand out nicely against the butter yellow of the yarn. All in all, this is one of the cutest things I've ever knit and I'm sure to make more!
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...
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...
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.
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.
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 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...
Pattern: KateYarn: Zitron PoloNeedles: #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.
Pattern: Tangled Yoke Cardigan, Interweave KnitsYarn: Jaeger Baby Merino DKNeedles: #4 and #2 Addi Turbos
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!
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!".
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.
Pattern: On the Go-veralls (Ravelry link)
