Finishing!

I was feeling that it had been about a month since my last post, so this is a good time to catch up. The winter weather is finally behind us and we've had a stretch of glorious spring days. I've also been energized to finish a bunch of projects and am going to finish even more before starting my next "big" project. We leave tomorrow for a college tour with our high schoolers; there will be several hours in the car for knitting while others drive. Since I finished the first of my husband's Harris Tweed Socks, I immediately cast on for the second and hope that will be a good car project (assuming I don't have any lost DPN disasters in between the seats of the car!) This is a great pattern and looks fantastic in the Socks that Rock Lenore Colorway.
I will also work on my current pair of driving mitts for my daughter's friends--this one in Deep Blue Malabrigo Worsted, leftover from my daughter's cardigan. Three of these left after this pair, then this year-long labor of love for "my girls" will be complete--10 pairs in all.
I also finished the Baby Cardi that I made for the woman who does my daughter's hair. I did the "Ready, Set, Knit" Podcast Knitalong, using the book "Seven Things that Can Make or Break a Sweater." I did learn some good techniques from this book and the sweater came out cute. By far the best technique I learned was the one-row buttonhole--they come out perfect every time; I will use this technique from now on.
I used the buttonhole technique as part of yet another finishing project, putting together a drop-shoulder sweater that my mom made out of KnitPicks CotLin. It was kind of a mess when she gave it to me, but I am proud of the work I put into it to make it look lovely. This includes finding the perfect buttons! I will give it to her when I visit her next week--I hope it fits. The good news is there were 6 skeins of CotLIn left, so I'm planning on making the Lotus Blossom Tank from the Spring 2006 Interweave Knits with that, for me! It will probably be the next project for which I swatch and cast on when we get back home later this week.
Happy Spring!

Finishing!

I was feeling that it had been about a month since my last post, so this is a good time to catch up. The winter weather is finally behind us and we've had a stretch of glorious spring days. I've also been energized to finish a bunch of projects and am going to finish even more before starting my next "big" project. We leave tomorrow for a college tour with our high schoolers; there will be several hours in the car for knitting while others drive. Since I finished the first of my husband's Harris Tweed Socks, I immediately cast on for the second and hope that will be a good car project (assuming I don't have any lost DPN disasters in between the seats of the car!) This is a great pattern and looks fantastic in the Socks that Rock Lenore Colorway.
I will also work on my current pair of driving mitts for my daughter's friends--this one in Deep Blue Malabrigo Worsted, leftover from my daughter's cardigan. Three of these left after this pair, then this year-long labor of love for "my girls" will be complete--10 pairs in all.
I also finished the Baby Cardi that I made for the woman who does my daughter's hair. I did the "Ready, Set, Knit" Podcast Knitalong, using the book "Seven Things that Can Make or Break a Sweater." I did learn some good techniques from this book and the sweater came out cute. By far the best technique I learned was the one-row buttonhole--they come out perfect every time; I will use this technique from now on.
I used the buttonhole technique as part of yet another finishing project, putting together a drop-shoulder sweater that my mom made out of KnitPicks CotLin. It was kind of a mess when she gave it to me, but I am proud of the work I put into it to make it look lovely. This includes finding the perfect buttons! I will give it to her when I visit her next week--I hope it fits. The good news is there were 6 skeins of CotLIn left, so I'm planning on making the Lotus Blossom Tank from the Spring 2006 Interweave Knits with that, for me! It will probably be the next project for which I swatch and cast on when we get back home later this week.
Happy Spring!

Two Nice Finished Objects

Since I last posted, I've been pretty busy finishing a bunch of small projects. I made Just Enough Ruffles as part of the Ravelympics, and I won a medal in the Scarf Super-G event by finishing this lovely project within the time frame of the Olympics. I couldn't be happier with the soft, ruffly Malabrigo scarf I've completed. I would definitely make this pattern again!

I went on to make the Taos Chunky Vest--a project for which I bought yarn (Tahki Taos) a year and a half ago at Stitches East! I thought I might run out of yarn, but I made it. The vest is blocking now, and I am attempting to make it a bit longer and a bit wider, which I think will be no problem since the yarn is almost all wool. It knit up very quickly, the yarn is beautiful, and I am hoping to get in a few wearings before the warmer spring weather arrives.

I will now go back to my series of fingerless mitts (just delivered my fourth pair to one of my daughter's friends yesterday), and the first of my husband's socks, before moving on to the other Stitches 2008 yarn in my stash: Brooks Farm Mas-Acero. Had slated this for a shawl, but now I'm thinking a cardigan--either February Lady Sweater or Amelia...to be continued.

Two Nice Finished Objects

Since I last posted, I've been pretty busy finishing a bunch of small projects. I made Just Enough Ruffles as part of the Ravelympics, and I won a medal in the Scarf Super-G event by finishing this lovely project within the time frame of the Olympics. I couldn't be happier with the soft, ruffly Malabrigo scarf I've completed. I would definitely make this pattern again!

I went on to make the Taos Chunky Vest--a project for which I bought yarn (Tahki Taos) a year and a half ago at Stitches East! I thought I might run out of yarn, but I made it. The vest is blocking now, and I am attempting to make it a bit longer and a bit wider, which I think will be no problem since the yarn is almost all wool. It knit up very quickly, the yarn is beautiful, and I am hoping to get in a few wearings before the warmer spring weather arrives.

I will now go back to my series of fingerless mitts (just delivered my fourth pair to one of my daughter's friends yesterday), and the first of my husband's socks, before moving on to the other Stitches 2008 yarn in my stash: Brooks Farm Mas-Acero. Had slated this for a shawl, but now I'm thinking a cardigan--either February Lady Sweater or Amelia...to be continued.

A Day for Organizing!

After a snowstorm that delivered much less snow to our area than those South of us, but which nevertheless caused numerous cancellations of our weekend plans, I found myself finishing my latest sock and doing tons of preparation for new projects (winding, logging projects into Ravelry and into my binders, where I keep copious project notes, etc.). This way, when I sit down to watch the Superbowl tomorrow, I'll be ready!
My next set of projects include a baby sweater for the soon-to-be-born little boy of the woman who cuts my daughter's hair (which I'm making in a black Berroco Blackstone Tweed--I love doing baby projects in unconventional colors!); the next in my series of fingerless mitts for my daughter's friends as they get their driver's licenses; and a pair of socks for my husband, as my next-in-queue skein of sock yarn (from two years ago's Rockin Sock Club!) was a colorway that he liked.
Ironically, all of these are really meant to be "secondary" projects, and I hope to cast on my next "main" project--a cute cardigan vest in Tahki Taos--once these are all under way.
Keeping my knitting organized is hard work and time-consuming, but it's well worth it to be able to go back and reference past projects.

A Day for Organizing!

After a snowstorm that delivered much less snow to our area than those South of us, but which nevertheless caused numerous cancellations of our weekend plans, I found myself finishing my latest sock and doing tons of preparation for new projects (winding, logging projects into Ravelry and into my binders, where I keep copious project notes, etc.). This way, when I sit down to watch the Superbowl tomorrow, I'll be ready!
My next set of projects include a baby sweater for the soon-to-be-born little boy of the woman who cuts my daughter's hair (which I'm making in a black Berroco Blackstone Tweed--I love doing baby projects in unconventional colors!); the next in my series of fingerless mitts for my daughter's friends as they get their driver's licenses; and a pair of socks for my husband, as my next-in-queue skein of sock yarn (from two years ago's Rockin Sock Club!) was a colorway that he liked.
Ironically, all of these are really meant to be "secondary" projects, and I hope to cast on my next "main" project--a cute cardigan vest in Tahki Taos--once these are all under way.
Keeping my knitting organized is hard work and time-consuming, but it's well worth it to be able to go back and reference past projects.

Favorite Cardigan-Finished!

After about two months--including knitting of a bunch of projects in between, I finished the "Favorite Cardigan" for my daughter. I was so worried that it wouldn't fit her, but it seems to fit both of us perfectly! I made numerous modifications to the pattern, some of which are detailed on my Ravelry page.
Now I'm going to give it a good block, but will probably just shape it to its original dimensions and it should be good to go. I've also ordered a Sweater Stone that will help with the pilling that Malabrigo has a tendency to have.
Here's a picture of the sweater by itself--once my girl finishes her midterms and the rain stops, I'll get a nice shot of her modeling this beautiful garment.
Now, on to finish a few smaller things, including the next set of fingerless mitts for one of my daughter's posse of new drivers, and I'll be ready for something for me!

Favorite Cardigan-Finished!

After about two months--including knitting of a bunch of projects in between, I finished the "Favorite Cardigan" for my daughter. I was so worried that it wouldn't fit her, but it seems to fit both of us perfectly! I made numerous modifications to the pattern, some of which are detailed on my Ravelry page.
Now I'm going to give it a good block, but will probably just shape it to its original dimensions and it should be good to go. I've also ordered a Sweater Stone that will help with the pilling that Malabrigo has a tendency to have.
Here's a picture of the sweater by itself--once my girl finishes her midterms and the rain stops, I'll get a nice shot of her modeling this beautiful garment.
Now, on to finish a few smaller things, including the next set of fingerless mitts for one of my daughter's posse of new drivers, and I'll be ready for something for me!

Record FO Day!

I know I said I'd post just once a month, but I had to share with you that as January 2 comes to a close, I've finished two projects so far this year! Both are from my leftover Sirdar Escape Chunky: my mittens and my headband. It has been freezing here in the Northeast, so now I have a neckwarmer, an earwarmer and hand warmers to brave the elements!

I still have a tiny bit of this lovely variegated yarn left, so I'm going to use it as a small accent to a Lamb's Pride Bulky vest (also from leftovers) that I'm going to start for the next Afghans for Afghans campaign.

Then it's back to the Favorite Cardigan! My goal is to finish that by February so my daughter can wear it while it's still cold out. I may even make the end of January if I stop casting on new things!

Record FO Day!

I know I said I'd post just once a month, but I had to share with you that as January 2 comes to a close, I've finished two projects so far this year! Both are from my leftover Sirdar Escape Chunky: my mittens and my headband. It has been freezing here in the Northeast, so now I have a neckwarmer, an earwarmer and hand warmers to brave the elements!

I still have a tiny bit of this lovely variegated yarn left, so I'm going to use it as a small accent to a Lamb's Pride Bulky vest (also from leftovers) that I'm going to start for the next Afghans for Afghans campaign.

Then it's back to the Favorite Cardigan! My goal is to finish that by February so my daughter can wear it while it's still cold out. I may even make the end of January if I stop casting on new things!

Happy New Year!

It has been almost two months since I've posted. I'm sorry (if there is anyone out there reading this!)...I have been knitting, but I definitely think 2009 marked the year that I got seriously into Ravelry--the forums, categorizing my FO's and my stash, etc. I'm afraid Ravelry has really taken the place of my Blog, but I do want to keep it going so I will try to post at least once a month.
I've had the week off for the holidays, and I've gotten lots of knitting done, particularly since we had a 6-hour car trip (each way) to visit my in-laws last week. I am making good progress on my daughter's Favorite Cardigan from Custom Knits--I have been back and forth with the Malabrigo Junkies Group on Ravelry who have convinced me that the sweater will grow with blocking (even though my washed swatch didn't), so the fact that the sweater is a bit snug across the bust isn't concerning me too much. I am now about halfway down sleeve #1--I love my first knit-from-the-top-down-in-one-piece sweater! I think more will follow, particularly since this wonderful book is full of them.
I am enjoying my first Malabrigo experience and have ordered more to make a scarf to match store-bought gloves in a challenging-to-match bluish teal. Hopefully it will match when it arrives!
I have also started a series of fingerless mitts for my daughter and each of her friends as they get their drivers' licenses! This way, their hands will stay warm in these freezing temperatures we've been experience (especially when they leave for school in the morning), and they'll be able to control the wheel. Here's the latest pair, made with the lovely first yarn I ordered to match the gloves. It wasn't a perfect match as I tried a scarf, but it works wonderfully for these mitts.
Now that two pair of mitts are done and the next driver's test isn't for a month, I'll focus on the cardigan and a bunch of other small projects in the works.
As a year-end wrap-up, in 2009 I made just one cardigan for myself and one baby sweater, two tanks, three hats, two scarves, two pair of fingerless mitts, two vests, four pair of socks, and one shawl. Looking forward to more productivity in 2010 and lots of knitting from my huge stash!!!
Happy New Year, Knitters!

Happy New Year!

It has been almost two months since I've posted. I'm sorry (if there is anyone out there reading this!)...I have been knitting, but I definitely think 2009 marked the year that I got seriously into Ravelry--the forums, categorizing my FO's and my stash, etc. I'm afraid Ravelry has really taken the place of my Blog, but I do want to keep it going so I will try to post at least once a month.
I've had the week off for the holidays, and I've gotten lots of knitting done, particularly since we had a 6-hour car trip (each way) to visit my in-laws last week. I am making good progress on my daughter's Favorite Cardigan from Custom Knits--I have been back and forth with the Malabrigo Junkies Group on Ravelry who have convinced me that the sweater will grow with blocking (even though my washed swatch didn't), so the fact that the sweater is a bit snug across the bust isn't concerning me too much. I am now about halfway down sleeve #1--I love my first knit-from-the-top-down-in-one-piece sweater! I think more will follow, particularly since this wonderful book is full of them.
I am enjoying my first Malabrigo experience and have ordered more to make a scarf to match store-bought gloves in a challenging-to-match bluish teal. Hopefully it will match when it arrives!
I have also started a series of fingerless mitts for my daughter and each of her friends as they get their drivers' licenses! This way, their hands will stay warm in these freezing temperatures we've been experience (especially when they leave for school in the morning), and they'll be able to control the wheel. Here's the latest pair, made with the lovely first yarn I ordered to match the gloves. It wasn't a perfect match as I tried a scarf, but it works wonderfully for these mitts.
Now that two pair of mitts are done and the next driver's test isn't for a month, I'll focus on the cardigan and a bunch of other small projects in the works.
As a year-end wrap-up, in 2009 I made just one cardigan for myself and one baby sweater, two tanks, three hats, two scarves, two pair of fingerless mitts, two vests, four pair of socks, and one shawl. Looking forward to more productivity in 2010 and lots of knitting from my huge stash!!!
Happy New Year, Knitters!

The Big Chunky Cowl

I really enjoyed knitting this thick, chunky cowl--mindless knitting that was much needed during a busy, stressful week at work with lots of late nights. I was able to do my knit 2, purl 2 ribbbing for a few rounds before crashing each night, and I finished this cushy project in about 3 nights of knitting.

Looking forward to wearing it at a cool Midwest Big 10 Football game this weekend!

The Big Chunky Cowl

I really enjoyed knitting this thick, chunky cowl--mindless knitting that was much needed during a busy, stressful week at work with lots of late nights. I was able to do my knit 2, purl 2 ribbbing for a few rounds before crashing each night, and I finished this cushy project in about 3 nights of knitting.

Looking forward to wearing it at a cool Midwest Big 10 Football game this weekend!

Oh, Baby!

I struggled with the baby sweater I just finished for my cousin; it is from one of the books I've used the most in my library--OneSkein, by Leigh Radford. The pattern, calling for five different colors of bulky weight yarn, was so adorable and I took care in picking out some great, gender-neutral colors as I don't know the gender of the yet-to-be-born baby.

However--and this is something that I don't think I've ever done--I didn't pay attention to the yardage on the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky versus the yarn called for (Louet Gems Sapphire Chunky, evidently discontinued now according to Ravelry). My yarn arrived and was gorgeous--I just adore the Cashmerino in all of its weights--but when I got near the end of the sweater back, I ran out of the gold that I was using! I figured I'd have enough of most of the other colors, and I didn't want to order another ball of the gold, so I ripped back and got creative, using some of my Twisted Sisters leftovers to make stripes on the back and each front. I think the finished sweater is ADORABLE and I am really pleased at how I improvised. I can't wait until the baby is born so I can see the reaction of my cousin, the mom.

When I went to a LYS, Down Cellar in Basking Ridge, NJ, to pick out buttons, I ALMOST made it out of the store without buying yarn--but I didn't. There was a chunky, simple ribbed cowl on display, and it was a cold day, and I wanted to buy yarn since I hadn't been able to go to Rhinebeck ) OR Stitches East...so I bought the Sirdar Escape Chunky that the shop sample was knit in, and I'm almost done with this warm ribbed cowl after 3 brief knitting sessions over a few nights. We are going to a COLD football game in Michigan this weekend, so my goal is to finish the cowl tonight to have it to wear at the game.

The other project I started is a beret for one of my daughter's friends. I'm using the Valley Yarns Northampton that has become one of my workhorse yarns, in "Bright Blue Heather." I'm probably almost halfway done--I'm looking forward to giving it to her and seeing how many of the other 16-year-old girls asks for one!

Oh, Baby!

I struggled with the baby sweater I just finished for my cousin; it is from one of the books I've used the most in my library--OneSkein, by Leigh Radford. The pattern, calling for five different colors of bulky weight yarn, was so adorable and I took care in picking out some great, gender-neutral colors as I don't know the gender of the yet-to-be-born baby.

However--and this is something that I don't think I've ever done--I didn't pay attention to the yardage on the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky versus the yarn called for (Louet Gems Sapphire Chunky, evidently discontinued now according to Ravelry). My yarn arrived and was gorgeous--I just adore the Cashmerino in all of its weights--but when I got near the end of the sweater back, I ran out of the gold that I was using! I figured I'd have enough of most of the other colors, and I didn't want to order another ball of the gold, so I ripped back and got creative, using some of my Twisted Sisters leftovers to make stripes on the back and each front. I think the finished sweater is ADORABLE and I am really pleased at how I improvised. I can't wait until the baby is born so I can see the reaction of my cousin, the mom.

When I went to a LYS, Down Cellar in Basking Ridge, NJ, to pick out buttons, I ALMOST made it out of the store without buying yarn--but I didn't. There was a chunky, simple ribbed cowl on display, and it was a cold day, and I wanted to buy yarn since I hadn't been able to go to Rhinebeck ) OR Stitches East...so I bought the Sirdar Escape Chunky that the shop sample was knit in, and I'm almost done with this warm ribbed cowl after 3 brief knitting sessions over a few nights. We are going to a COLD football game in Michigan this weekend, so my goal is to finish the cowl tonight to have it to wear at the game.

The other project I started is a beret for one of my daughter's friends. I'm using the Valley Yarns Northampton that has become one of my workhorse yarns, in "Bright Blue Heather." I'm probably almost halfway done--I'm looking forward to giving it to her and seeing how many of the other 16-year-old girls asks for one!

Mittens!

As I mentioned in my last post, the timing of the finishing of my Clapotis (which has come in very handy in my cold office during this unseasonably cold snap!) coincided with my receiving a notice about the Youth Campaign for Afghans for Afghans.

So, these mittens, straight out of Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns, became my next project, and I finished them in 3 nights. The Noro will be nice and warm and they fit pretty well on my 14-year-old son. The colors are vibrant and interesting. I will now continue to knit for Afghans for Afghans--on this, the coldest night of the year so far on the East Coast, it feels good to be contributing something warm for a child who has so little.

Next up: back to work on my Spring Forward Socks, and a baby sweater for my cousin's soon-to-be-born baby!

Mittens!

As I mentioned in my last post, the timing of the finishing of my Clapotis (which has come in very handy in my cold office during this unseasonably cold snap!) coincided with my receiving a notice about the Youth Campaign for Afghans for Afghans.

So, these mittens, straight out of Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns, became my next project, and I finished them in 3 nights. The Noro will be nice and warm and they fit pretty well on my 14-year-old son. The colors are vibrant and interesting. I will now continue to knit for Afghans for Afghans--on this, the coldest night of the year so far on the East Coast, it feels good to be contributing something warm for a child who has so little.

Next up: back to work on my Spring Forward Socks, and a baby sweater for my cousin's soon-to-be-born baby!

Clapotis Complete!

I had been wanting to make the Clapotis for the longest time; I started this one with the intent of giving it to my friend who is going through chemo. However, the Noro Silk Garden that I had added to after making my Lizzy cardigan is both a little rough and a little too dark in coloring for the effect I want my prayer shawl to have. So....I bought some cheerfully colored Homespun and will probably make a cuddly shawl for my friend out of that.

Meanwhile, I LOVE the finished Clapotis as something I will keep in my office for those chilly days (of which there are many, all year round!) The colors are deep and neutral so it will look good thrown over almost anything I'll be wearing at work. The Clapotis blocked out bigger than I had been anticipating--I just laid it down gently on the blocking board after softening it in a bath of Eucalan and hair conditioner--so it is about 23 inches wide by about 70 inches long. I think it will actually be fine--I'd rather have it be a bit big than a bit small.

I really think I'd like to make another of these in a different yarn. There are so many wonderful examples on Ravelry and in the Clapotis groups, with so much information about amount of yarn needed, needle size, etc. The spreadsheet form soulknitting.com was also invaluable in helping me keep my place in this pattern--it was great "mindless" knitting as the pattern was easily memorized.

I couldn't recommend the Clapotis enough--don't wait years to make it like I did!

Now, with my 1.5 leftover skeins of Noro, I've decided to make some children's mittens for the current Afghans for Afghans Youth Campaign. I always want to contribute to this very worthy organization and have only done so once before. Having this small amount of good wool left just as the Youth Campaign is in full swing is a sign that this is meant to be. I'm using the basic mitten pattern from Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns. The first mitten looks a bit big (I'm making the 8-year-old size), but I think it will be OK--they are looking for things for ages 7-14,, and my own 14-year old is pretty much adult size. We'll see.

Clapotis Complete!

I had been wanting to make the Clapotis for the longest time; I started this one with the intent of giving it to my friend who is going through chemo. However, the Noro Silk Garden that I had added to after making my Lizzy cardigan is both a little rough and a little too dark in coloring for the effect I want my prayer shawl to have. So....I bought some cheerfully colored Homespun and will probably make a cuddly shawl for my friend out of that.

Meanwhile, I LOVE the finished Clapotis as something I will keep in my office for those chilly days (of which there are many, all year round!) The colors are deep and neutral so it will look good thrown over almost anything I'll be wearing at work. The Clapotis blocked out bigger than I had been anticipating--I just laid it down gently on the blocking board after softening it in a bath of Eucalan and hair conditioner--so it is about 23 inches wide by about 70 inches long. I think it will actually be fine--I'd rather have it be a bit big than a bit small.

I really think I'd like to make another of these in a different yarn. There are so many wonderful examples on Ravelry and in the Clapotis groups, with so much information about amount of yarn needed, needle size, etc. The spreadsheet form soulknitting.com was also invaluable in helping me keep my place in this pattern--it was great "mindless" knitting as the pattern was easily memorized.

I couldn't recommend the Clapotis enough--don't wait years to make it like I did!

Now, with my 1.5 leftover skeins of Noro, I've decided to make some children's mittens for the current Afghans for Afghans Youth Campaign. I always want to contribute to this very worthy organization and have only done so once before. Having this small amount of good wool left just as the Youth Campaign is in full swing is a sign that this is meant to be. I'm using the basic mitten pattern from Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns. The first mitten looks a bit big (I'm making the 8-year-old size), but I think it will be OK--they are looking for things for ages 7-14,, and my own 14-year old is pretty much adult size. We'll see.