Two-Toned Shell

I thought I'd add the latest shots of the Two-Toned Shell as it fits me. And fit perfectly it does! Can't wait to wear it.


Now that I'm into the Lotus Blossom Tank, also knit from the bottom up, I am once again stressing about how it will fit. I think I will relax and enjoy it and if it doesn't fit, I'll rip!

Two-Toned Shell

I thought I'd add the latest shots of the Two-Toned Shell as it fits me. And fit perfectly it does! Can't wait to wear it.


Now that I'm into the Lotus Blossom Tank, also knit from the bottom up, I am once again stressing about how it will fit. I think I will relax and enjoy it and if it doesn't fit, I'll rip!

Lots of Progress!

Finished two projects this weekend while hubby was out of town!
First, my LAST pair of fingerless mitts for one of my daughter's friends. I have now made 10 pair of fingerless mitts for this lovely bunch of new drivers. I hope they all think of me and my wishes for their safety when they continue to wear them next winter.

These last two pairs (for a set of twins) were the Maine Morning Mitts from The Knitter's Book of Yarn, knit from leftover Malabrigo Worsted. I love this stuff! I now have bits left in three colors of Mal worsted, but I know EXACTLY how many yards of each thanks to my nifty new Eat Smart Precision Pro Kitchen Scale! I had been wanting one of these for some time, but when Clara Parkes wrote about hers in Knitter's Review a few weeks ago, I just clicked on the link and ordered it from amazon.com. It is really helpful to know how many yards of yarn I have left for planning stash projects. I know it will also come in handy in dividing sock yarn as I make more toe-up socks. And, I used it today to weigh a letter to determine whether it needed a second stamp (it did).

I also finished the Two-Toned Shell from Vogue Knitting. After much angst about how it would fit, I think (it is blocking as we speak) it will fit perfectly. And, as with most of the cotton projects I've made, it really smoothed out from a nice blocking. Here it is on the blocking board; I hope to be able to try it on later this week.

Next up--I will cast on for the Lotus Blossom Tank from an older issue of Interweave. I'll be using some KnitPicks CotLIn leftover from the sweater my mom knit and I put together for her about a month ago. I swatched tonight and figured out that some of my KnitPicks Options needles were in the wrong sleeves and I had swatched with needles that were too big! I think I have them all straightened out now and will cast on with #5's by tomorrow.

Lots of Progress!

Finished two projects this weekend while hubby was out of town!
First, my LAST pair of fingerless mitts for one of my daughter's friends. I have now made 10 pair of fingerless mitts for this lovely bunch of new drivers. I hope they all think of me and my wishes for their safety when they continue to wear them next winter.

These last two pairs (for a set of twins) were the Maine Morning Mitts from The Knitter's Book of Yarn, knit from leftover Malabrigo Worsted. I love this stuff! I now have bits left in three colors of Mal worsted, but I know EXACTLY how many yards of each thanks to my nifty new Eat Smart Precision Pro Kitchen Scale! I had been wanting one of these for some time, but when Clara Parkes wrote about hers in Knitter's Review a few weeks ago, I just clicked on the link and ordered it from amazon.com. It is really helpful to know how many yards of yarn I have left for planning stash projects. I know it will also come in handy in dividing sock yarn as I make more toe-up socks. And, I used it today to weigh a letter to determine whether it needed a second stamp (it did).

I also finished the Two-Toned Shell from Vogue Knitting. After much angst about how it would fit, I think (it is blocking as we speak) it will fit perfectly. And, as with most of the cotton projects I've made, it really smoothed out from a nice blocking. Here it is on the blocking board; I hope to be able to try it on later this week.

Next up--I will cast on for the Lotus Blossom Tank from an older issue of Interweave. I'll be using some KnitPicks CotLIn leftover from the sweater my mom knit and I put together for her about a month ago. I swatched tonight and figured out that some of my KnitPicks Options needles were in the wrong sleeves and I had swatched with needles that were too big! I think I have them all straightened out now and will cast on with #5's by tomorrow.

A Great New Pattern

As I work diligently on my Two-Toned Shell (about halfway done and so far looking good); my LAST pair of driving mitts for my daughter's friend, and my first pair of toe-up socks (more on those later), I had the opportunity to take a look at a great new pattern from SweaterBabe.com!

The Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan will be available for purchase shortly from Sweaterbabe, but she kindly allowed me to take an advance look.
I have made SweaterBabe patterns before (my favorite is the Talia Vest, which appeared on Knitty.com--I liked it so much that I made it twice, onceT for me and once for my daughter) and I can't recommend her careful directions and unique designs enough.

The Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan is a top-down design with, as SweaterBabe describes it, "a kimono-like air," featuring 3/4 sleeves, and lacy, drapy front panels that can be wrapped around your waist, "pinned creatively," or left hanging in an elegant drape.
The back also features the big, lacy leafy design.

The pattern features sizing from XS (28-30" Bust) through 3x (52-54"), so your perfect fit should be achievable. As usual, there are also detailed explanations of all stitches featured in the pattern and large, clear charts. The yarn is knit in worsted merino (the sample used KnitPicks Swish Worsted, but the possibilities seem endless here) and can really serve as an all-season piece to layer over anything from a tank to a base layer sweater.

I can't wait to make the Dramatic Lace Leaf Wrap! For more information about this pattern, go to www.SweaterBabe.com. Photos here courtesy of SweaterBabe.

A Great New Pattern

As I work diligently on my Two-Toned Shell (about halfway done and so far looking good); my LAST pair of driving mitts for my daughter's friend, and my first pair of toe-up socks (more on those later), I had the opportunity to take a look at a great new pattern from SweaterBabe.com!

The Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan will be available for purchase shortly from Sweaterbabe, but she kindly allowed me to take an advance look.
I have made SweaterBabe patterns before (my favorite is the Talia Vest, which appeared on Knitty.com--I liked it so much that I made it twice, onceT for me and once for my daughter) and I can't recommend her careful directions and unique designs enough.

The Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan is a top-down design with, as SweaterBabe describes it, "a kimono-like air," featuring 3/4 sleeves, and lacy, drapy front panels that can be wrapped around your waist, "pinned creatively," or left hanging in an elegant drape.
The back also features the big, lacy leafy design.

The pattern features sizing from XS (28-30" Bust) through 3x (52-54"), so your perfect fit should be achievable. As usual, there are also detailed explanations of all stitches featured in the pattern and large, clear charts. The yarn is knit in worsted merino (the sample used KnitPicks Swish Worsted, but the possibilities seem endless here) and can really serve as an all-season piece to layer over anything from a tank to a base layer sweater.

I can't wait to make the Dramatic Lace Leaf Wrap! For more information about this pattern, go to www.SweaterBabe.com. Photos here courtesy of SweaterBabe.

Just Made It!!!

I had talked about the Harris Tweed Socks I was making for my husband in my last post. Today I was down to the wire...and actually had to break into the "Emergency Skein" that the Rockin' Sock Club sends (or at least used to send when I was a member) with each installment. I have a teeny, tiny bit left. I am SO relieved! I just didn't want to have to order another skein for a few rows, but I wanted the socks to fit him and be symmetrical too.

Now that these are done, I'm going to keep on with my latest driving mitts--the wonderful Bodhi Mitts pattern that I found on Ravelry. Here's a pic of the first one; these are really fun to make but will definitely need a nice blocking.

I just placed a big KnitPicks order with several sizes of 40" circulars--I will now make socks Magic Loop as I've been doing my driving mitts. I've been reading a couple of toe-up books and I'm READY!

More to come.

Just Made It!!!

I had talked about the Harris Tweed Socks I was making for my husband in my last post. Today I was down to the wire...and actually had to break into the "Emergency Skein" that the Rockin' Sock Club sends (or at least used to send when I was a member) with each installment. I have a teeny, tiny bit left. I am SO relieved! I just didn't want to have to order another skein for a few rows, but I wanted the socks to fit him and be symmetrical too.

Now that these are done, I'm going to keep on with my latest driving mitts--the wonderful Bodhi Mitts pattern that I found on Ravelry. Here's a pic of the first one; these are really fun to make but will definitely need a nice blocking.

I just placed a big KnitPicks order with several sizes of 40" circulars--I will now make socks Magic Loop as I've been doing my driving mitts. I've been reading a couple of toe-up books and I'm READY!

More to come.

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!