The Big Project is Finished--Go Blue!

Finished my daughter's University of Michigan Afghan with over a month to go before she leaves for college! I am very pleased with it and hope that it brings her good luck and lots of love in college. I used almost 2,000 yards of yarn in this afghan and enjoyed the pattern very much. Making it in strips of two squares (as recommended on Ravelry) was great, and I liked the mitered garter border I added.
So now it's on to some new projects, particularly in advance of a vacation where I'll need some big and small projects to occupy me. I'm going to try my luck at getting knitting needles on a transatlantic flight too!
I'm working on the Cauchy Socks from Cookie A's Sock Innovation for my husband;
The Uisce scarf/shawl from Carol Feller's Stolen Stitches booklet-- a good way to use up my lovely Brooks Farm Mas Acero;
and the Transverse Cardigan from Interweave Knits, which I've always wanted to make and will be a nice use for my Autumn House Farm's Finnean's Rainbow yarn, purchased at Rhinebeck last fall.
Lots to do before I leave, but at least all of these projects are on the needles and ready to go!

The Big Project is Finished--Go Blue!

Finished my daughter's University of Michigan Afghan with over a month to go before she leaves for college! I am very pleased with it and hope that it brings her good luck and lots of love in college. I used almost 2,000 yards of yarn in this afghan and enjoyed the pattern very much. Making it in strips of two squares (as recommended on Ravelry) was great, and I liked the mitered garter border I added.
So now it's on to some new projects, particularly in advance of a vacation where I'll need some big and small projects to occupy me. I'm going to try my luck at getting knitting needles on a transatlantic flight too!
I'm working on the Cauchy Socks from Cookie A's Sock Innovation for my husband;
The Uisce scarf/shawl from Carol Feller's Stolen Stitches booklet-- a good way to use up my lovely Brooks Farm Mas Acero;
and the Transverse Cardigan from Interweave Knits, which I've always wanted to make and will be a nice use for my Autumn House Farm's Finnean's Rainbow yarn, purchased at Rhinebeck last fall.
Lots to do before I leave, but at least all of these projects are on the needles and ready to go!

Socks IMO A Dear Friend

First, Happy 4th of July to all--watching the fireworks displays in Washington, DC and New York City tonight makes me feel very patriotic. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
But on to knitting. Sorry it's been so long since I've posted--we've had a lot of big occasions in our household, most notably my DD's graduation from high school. So while the knitting (particularly her college afghan) has gone on, the blogging has taken a back seat. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Prior to the holiday weekend I finished the socks I have been knitting for quite some time--in between projects--from the “Egg-Stra” Special Sock Kit by Skacel; all proceeds went to Ovarian Cancer research, and I wanted to support this cause in memory of my dear friend who passed away from a form of this disease. However, the pattern looked a bit too complicated. I decided “On http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifHold”, from Wendy Johnson's "Socks from the Toe Up," was also a fitting pattern to honor Mimi’s memory, as she did hold on for so long, fighting as hard as she could.
I learned a lot while making these socks, including more experience at toe-up socks (although I just couldn’t get Wendy’s short-row heel, and ended up going back to my old stand-by, Sensational Knitted Socks, and used an Eye of Partridge heel). The kit had come with beads, and I worked them into this pattern in a pretty design. I also tried the dental-floss-threader method of adding the beads, and I think I like it much better than the crochet hook method. Good to know both ways.
Finally, I used the sewn bind-off to ensure stretchiness at the cuff. Very pleased with these socks.
Immediately cast on Cauchy, from Cookie A's Sock Innovation, for my DH, using the very pretty, but very thin, Swanky Sock BFL Yarn in Navy Blue from Evermore Studios. We'll see how I do with an 80-stitch sock (at a gauge of 9 stitches/inch)!

Socks IMO A Dear Friend

First, Happy 4th of July to all--watching the fireworks displays in Washington, DC and New York City tonight makes me feel very patriotic. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
But on to knitting. Sorry it's been so long since I've posted--we've had a lot of big occasions in our household, most notably my DD's graduation from high school. So while the knitting (particularly her college afghan) has gone on, the blogging has taken a back seat. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Prior to the holiday weekend I finished the socks I have been knitting for quite some time--in between projects--from the “Egg-Stra” Special Sock Kit by Skacel; all proceeds went to Ovarian Cancer research, and I wanted to support this cause in memory of my dear friend who passed away from a form of this disease. However, the pattern looked a bit too complicated. I decided “On http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifHold”, from Wendy Johnson's "Socks from the Toe Up," was also a fitting pattern to honor Mimi’s memory, as she did hold on for so long, fighting as hard as she could.
I learned a lot while making these socks, including more experience at toe-up socks (although I just couldn’t get Wendy’s short-row heel, and ended up going back to my old stand-by, Sensational Knitted Socks, and used an Eye of Partridge heel). The kit had come with beads, and I worked them into this pattern in a pretty design. I also tried the dental-floss-threader method of adding the beads, and I think I like it much better than the crochet hook method. Good to know both ways.
Finally, I used the sewn bind-off to ensure stretchiness at the cuff. Very pleased with these socks.
Immediately cast on Cauchy, from Cookie A's Sock Innovation, for my DH, using the very pretty, but very thin, Swanky Sock BFL Yarn in Navy Blue from Evermore Studios. We'll see how I do with an 80-stitch sock (at a gauge of 9 stitches/inch)!

Roxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxanne!

I know a lot of people have been talking about the fact that whenever they mention the name of the Roxanne Mystery Shawl, the Police song of the late 1970's-early 1980's comes into their head and won't leave! I've been having the same thoughts as I've sprinted toward the finish line of this cute shawl.
I really enjoyed making it, but now that it's done and blocked, I'm not sure if I will wear it all that much. It is a little short, but since it is somewhat rounded in the back versus triangular, it is not appropriate to wear with the point in the front and the ends draped forward. I think I would prefer that type of shawl as my next attempt. If anyone can recommend a good pattern that fits these requirements, please leave a comment!http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
The pattern was a lot of fun, and was my first experience with a true lace shawl. I loved the tab cast-on and I love the cables surrounded by lace. In addition, this was the first shawl that I really blocked out from the "blob" stage to a beautiful, opened-up lace garment, and it WAS magical to see how the shawl changed as many others have described.
Now I return to the University of Michigan afghan for my daughter. I am slightly ahead of schedule, and plan to finish the third of the four panels tonight and hopefully block it tonight--I have a lot of evening activities this week and tonight is probably my only chance to take the time I need with the blocking wires to get a nice, straight panel.
Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend!

Roxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxanne!

I know a lot of people have been talking about the fact that whenever they mention the name of the Roxanne Mystery Shawl, the Police song of the late 1970's-early 1980's comes into their head and won't leave! I've been having the same thoughts as I've sprinted toward the finish line of this cute shawl.
I really enjoyed making it, but now that it's done and blocked, I'm not sure if I will wear it all that much. It is a little short, but since it is somewhat rounded in the back versus triangular, it is not appropriate to wear with the point in the front and the ends draped forward. I think I would prefer that type of shawl as my next attempt. If anyone can recommend a good pattern that fits these requirements, please leave a comment!http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
The pattern was a lot of fun, and was my first experience with a true lace shawl. I loved the tab cast-on and I love the cables surrounded by lace. In addition, this was the first shawl that I really blocked out from the "blob" stage to a beautiful, opened-up lace garment, and it WAS magical to see how the shawl changed as many others have described.
Now I return to the University of Michigan afghan for my daughter. I am slightly ahead of schedule, and plan to finish the third of the four panels tonight and hopefully block it tonight--I have a lot of evening activities this week and tonight is probably my only chance to take the time I need with the blocking wires to get a nice, straight panel.
Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend!

We Interrupt This Afghan

The University of Michigan Afghan for my daughter has been going along well. The Cascade 128 Superwash is just wonderful, and the big needles and easy pattern go quickly. I've finished one whole strip and blocked it, to ensure that the afghan will be as long as my daughter would like it. It is over 60 inches long blocked, so with the addition of a border, this should definitely be long enough. My goal is to finish strip 2 by the end of May, strip #3 by the end of June, strip #4 by the end of July, and do the border/finishing in August.
In the meantime, though, now that the weather is FINALLY getting a little warmer, I decided I needed an alternative project to break up the afghan a little. I heard about the Roxanne Mystery Shawl KAL on a the Work in Progress Podcast and decided to cast on with some of my leftove KnitPicks Palette in Pool. I have always wanted to knit one of Liz Abinante's shawls, so this is my chance! I don't know that I'll keep up with the weekly clues, as this will get to be a pretty large project, but I am really enjoying it so far. I'm almost halfway through Clue 2. There's something very nice about a rhythmic lace pattern...I see more shawls in my future.

We Interrupt This Afghan

The University of Michigan Afghan for my daughter has been going along well. The Cascade 128 Superwash is just wonderful, and the big needles and easy pattern go quickly. I've finished one whole strip and blocked it, to ensure that the afghan will be as long as my daughter would like it. It is over 60 inches long blocked, so with the addition of a border, this should definitely be long enough. My goal is to finish strip 2 by the end of May, strip #3 by the end of June, strip #4 by the end of July, and do the border/finishing in August.
In the meantime, though, now that the weather is FINALLY getting a little warmer, I decided I needed an alternative project to break up the afghan a little. I heard about the Roxanne Mystery Shawl KAL on a the Work in Progress Podcast and decided to cast on with some of my leftove KnitPicks Palette in Pool. I have always wanted to knit one of Liz Abinante's shawls, so this is my chance! I don't know that I'll keep up with the weekly clues, as this will get to be a pretty large project, but I am really enjoying it so far. I'm almost halfway through Clue 2. There's something very nice about a rhythmic lace pattern...I see more shawls in my future.

Happy Endings

Just back from a lovely, relaxing vacation in San Juan where there was ample beach, condo and airplane knitting time! I started and finished my very first commission project, the Royal Llama Silk Slouchy Hat, which I will mail away tomorrow. I liked doing a project on commission, but don't know how much time I will have for this when I'm not on vacation! Now that my family is ever-more enthusiastic about my projects, I'd probably rather knit for them--but it's nice to know these opportunities exist when I am able to partake of them. The hat is very cute and the yarn was nice--warm, but not wooly. A little splitty, but nothing that my Denise circulhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifars couldn't handle. I used the Denises for the first time in awhile, because the pattern called for a 16" circ. Why doesn't KnitPicks make 16" cables for their interchangeables, I wonder?http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
I also pretty much finished the Microfiber Ribbon Tank. I had traveled armed with my fusing supplies--FrayChek, Liquid Thread, regular thread. It turned out I didn't get to too many knotted ends until the very end, when I was already home. After all of the issues I had with this project, the final product is just beautiful and I think I have been enchanted with this ribbon again so that next time I'm at a fiber event where Tess Yarns is present, I'll probably buy more! I don't think I would forget how to wind it after my most recent debacle.
So now it's back to the University of Michigan afghan tonight. I ordered a yarn thimble from KnitPicks to see if that makes the Fair Isle easier--I'm determined to master it, and the stranding on these squares is so elementary (alternating one stitch in each of two colors--basically either vertical stripes or a checkerboard--that's it!), that I figure by the time I finish the entire afghan, I should be a master and ready to tackle more complicated Fair Isle (or I'll know that I don't like it!).
Also feeling a bit overloaded with all of the great new Videocasts out there...but I'm working through them. They're great company while I knit.

Happy Endings

Just back from a lovely, relaxing vacation in San Juan where there was ample beach, condo and airplane knitting time! I started and finished my very first commission project, the Royal Llama Silk Slouchy Hat, which I will mail away tomorrow. I liked doing a project on commission, but don't know how much time I will have for this when I'm not on vacation! Now that my family is ever-more enthusiastic about my projects, I'd probably rather knit for them--but it's nice to know these opportunities exist when I am able to partake of them. The hat is very cute and the yarn was nice--warm, but not wooly. A little splitty, but nothing that my Denise circulhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifars couldn't handle. I used the Denises for the first time in awhile, because the pattern called for a 16" circ. Why doesn't KnitPicks make 16" cables for their interchangeables, I wonder?http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
I also pretty much finished the Microfiber Ribbon Tank. I had traveled armed with my fusing supplies--FrayChek, Liquid Thread, regular thread. It turned out I didn't get to too many knotted ends until the very end, when I was already home. After all of the issues I had with this project, the final product is just beautiful and I think I have been enchanted with this ribbon again so that next time I'm at a fiber event where Tess Yarns is present, I'll probably buy more! I don't think I would forget how to wind it after my most recent debacle.
So now it's back to the University of Michigan afghan tonight. I ordered a yarn thimble from KnitPicks to see if that makes the Fair Isle easier--I'm determined to master it, and the stranding on these squares is so elementary (alternating one stitch in each of two colors--basically either vertical stripes or a checkerboard--that's it!), that I figure by the time I finish the entire afghan, I should be a master and ready to tackle more complicated Fair Isle (or I'll know that I don't like it!).
Also feeling a bit overloaded with all of the great new Videocasts out there...but I'm working through them. They're great company while I knit.

Go Blue! (Despite Today's NCAA Loss)

Finished my daughter's Earflap Hat--this is a fantastic pattern, and the Cascade 128 is a dream to work with. The hat is absolutely adorable, easy to make (completed in 2-3 nights with about an hour's knitting time each night), and looks great on my girl. I am very pleased with it.
After finishing the hat, I immediately cast on for the coordinating blanket, for which I'm altering a baby blanket pattern I saw on Ravelry. About half of the blocks are one by one vertical stripes--which I realized means they are Fair Isle! Well, I hemmed and hawed and ripped this thing about five times, thinking I wasn't ready for Fair Isle and that doing a slip-stitch pattern would be easier. But I just didn't like how the slip-stitch stripes looked versus the Fair Isle ones. I read as many tutorials as I could get my hands on, and took the plunge with the Fair Isle. Since I don't know how to knit Continental, I can't really do the two-handed hold for the Fair Isle, so I'm using the right-handed hold and hoping for the best. I know I'm not doing it perfectly as far as technique goes, but the fabric is coming out very nicely and I am sure I will be more proficient by the time I finish this project.
I am also plugging away on the ribbon tank. After knitting more than 9 inches, I have only gotten to one knot from where I had to cut the tangled yarn. So I think the tangling wasn't as bad as I remember. I think I will just about have enough ribbon for this tank, but that's fine. The bottom is curling also; I may have to hem it if it doesn't steam flat.
Finally, I have been searching for a large knitting back, and finally settled on the Vera Bradley "Vera" bag. I have ordered it in the Purple Punch (now being discontinued) colorway and can't wait to receive it!

Go Blue! (Despite Today's NCAA Loss)

Finished my daughter's Earflap Hat--this is a fantastic pattern, and the Cascade 128 is a dream to work with. The hat is absolutely adorable, easy to make (completed in 2-3 nights with about an hour's knitting time each night), and looks great on my girl. I am very pleased with it.
After finishing the hat, I immediately cast on for the coordinating blanket, for which I'm altering a baby blanket pattern I saw on Ravelry. About half of the blocks are one by one vertical stripes--which I realized means they are Fair Isle! Well, I hemmed and hawed and ripped this thing about five times, thinking I wasn't ready for Fair Isle and that doing a slip-stitch pattern would be easier. But I just didn't like how the slip-stitch stripes looked versus the Fair Isle ones. I read as many tutorials as I could get my hands on, and took the plunge with the Fair Isle. Since I don't know how to knit Continental, I can't really do the two-handed hold for the Fair Isle, so I'm using the right-handed hold and hoping for the best. I know I'm not doing it perfectly as far as technique goes, but the fabric is coming out very nicely and I am sure I will be more proficient by the time I finish this project.
I am also plugging away on the ribbon tank. After knitting more than 9 inches, I have only gotten to one knot from where I had to cut the tangled yarn. So I think the tangling wasn't as bad as I remember. I think I will just about have enough ribbon for this tank, but that's fine. The bottom is curling also; I may have to hem it if it doesn't steam flat.
Finally, I have been searching for a large knitting back, and finally settled on the Vera Bradley "Vera" bag. I have ordered it in the Purple Punch (now being discontinued) colorway and can't wait to receive it!

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

The Tess Microfiber Ribbon that gave me a lot of trouble in the winding (partly, of course, because I didn't read the very clear winding instructions on the back of the label because I thought I knew better from last time I used this yarn), has also given me a bit of trouble as I started a project with it.
I decided to make the Essential Tank from Custom Knits, but make some mods based on the new Nicky Epstein Knitting on the Edge book I bought. The first edging I tried had you rotating the needle 360 degrees to make a twisted bit every 11 stitches. That's fine if you're working flat, but kind of a scary disaster if you're working in the round! Fortunately I was able to rip back and re-cast on without much trouble, and chose a different edging pattern...a very simple scallop that I think will look nice. Then, I decided to replace the ribbing in the center with a leaf motif from the Nicky book. I must have done something wrong on one of the first few rows, so I ripped that back and started yet again. Now things are moving along; I have about 2 inches done. It looks like it will be very close-fitting, which is what I am aiming for, as this ribbon stretches like crazy. We'll see. There's just something that hasn't been perfect with this batch of Microfiber Ribbon; I'm hoping the end results will be pleasing.
Tonight I will also cast on for my daughter's U of Michigan Earflap Hat, in honor of her committing to attend the University of Michigan next year! Lots of maize and blue yarn in my future! After the hat, I have an afghan queued up!
Did finish one of my On Hold Socks--looks very pretty! Will finish the second one after the tank is done.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

The Tess Microfiber Ribbon that gave me a lot of trouble in the winding (partly, of course, because I didn't read the very clear winding instructions on the back of the label because I thought I knew better from last time I used this yarn), has also given me a bit of trouble as I started a project with it.
I decided to make the Essential Tank from Custom Knits, but make some mods based on the new Nicky Epstein Knitting on the Edge book I bought. The first edging I tried had you rotating the needle 360 degrees to make a twisted bit every 11 stitches. That's fine if you're working flat, but kind of a scary disaster if you're working in the round! Fortunately I was able to rip back and re-cast on without much trouble, and chose a different edging pattern...a very simple scallop that I think will look nice. Then, I decided to replace the ribbing in the center with a leaf motif from the Nicky book. I must have done something wrong on one of the first few rows, so I ripped that back and started yet again. Now things are moving along; I have about 2 inches done. It looks like it will be very close-fitting, which is what I am aiming for, as this ribbon stretches like crazy. We'll see. There's just something that hasn't been perfect with this batch of Microfiber Ribbon; I'm hoping the end results will be pleasing.
Tonight I will also cast on for my daughter's U of Michigan Earflap Hat, in honor of her committing to attend the University of Michigan next year! Lots of maize and blue yarn in my future! After the hat, I have an afghan queued up!
Did finish one of my On Hold Socks--looks very pretty! Will finish the second one after the tank is done.

Churning Out the FO's!

As part of my break after completing the Argyle Vest, I finished the Vanessa Headband. I really love how it looks on and off my head! This particular color (Swan Lake) of the Misti Alpaca Handpaint Chunky is cool, soothing and gorgeous, but it sheds quite a bit, and I ended up knitting this project with a pillowcase on my lap. But the shedding may ease with time. Now that the weather is warming up a bit, I hope I still have a chance to wear this at least once this season!
The headband was easy and fun to make, and I think I really have the cabling without a cable needle down. I started out using Grumperina's method, but ended up using the method detailed in Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting, a book I am really enjoying. I am also working on a Cables Dishcloth now, so I can continue to practice this method. Cable needles, be gone!
Now it's back to my On Hold socks, and my usual process of knitting one sock monogamously, then doing a bigger project (probably a tank with my latest Tess Microfiber Ribbon), then sock #2. These will incorporate beads, and I've been playing around with where to place them. More fun ahead!

Churning Out the FO's!

As part of my break after completing the Argyle Vest, I finished the Vanessa Headband. I really love how it looks on and off my head! This particular color (Swan Lake) of the Misti Alpaca Handpaint Chunky is cool, soothing and gorgeous, but it sheds quite a bit, and I ended up knitting this project with a pillowcase on my lap. But the shedding may ease with time. Now that the weather is warming up a bit, I hope I still have a chance to wear this at least once this season!
The headband was easy and fun to make, and I think I really have the cabling without a cable needle down. I started out using Grumperina's method, but ended up using the method detailed in Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting, a book I am really enjoying. I am also working on a Cables Dishcloth now, so I can continue to practice this method. Cable needles, be gone!
Now it's back to my On Hold socks, and my usual process of knitting one sock monogamously, then doing a bigger project (probably a tank with my latest Tess Microfiber Ribbon), then sock #2. These will incorporate beads, and I've been playing around with where to place them. More fun ahead!

My Masterpiece!

I finished my son's argyle vest! This was definitely one of the most challenging projects I've completed, and one through which I've learned a great deal. I learned intarsia, duplicate stitch, and how to modify a pattern that includes a chart. I feel like my seaming/finishing skills also continue to improve with each project I make. I actually thought about paying a yarn shop to do the finishing on the vest, but it turned out to be very easy and enjoyable--the short-rows and three-needle bind-off for the shoulders worked beautifully, the picking up stitches for the V-neck was great (I used my terrific new book, Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book for that), and the mattress stitch seams look very good. I loved the KnitPicks Palette (which is a good thing, as I have almost 3 skeins of each color left!!), and I'm looking forward to making something with that, perhaps more colorwork.
Now I'm moving on to finish up a bunch of small WIP's and work on my On-Hold Socks before starting my next "major" project. I've already finished my Linoleum Dishcloth and will start another as "purse/train knitting." Also cleaned up my notions bag within my larger knitting bag; am thinking of getting another Della Q tote and two small Della zip bags for easier organization of tools. We'll see.
I went to our Borders, which is one of the casualties of the chain's bankruptcy, over the weekend, looking for knitting book bargains. All books were 20% off, which isn't as big of a discount as can be had online, so I didn't buy anything. Considering that I am in the midst of reading the 5-6 knitting books I bought around the holidays, it's probably a blessing in disguise. I did, however, have a 55% off coupon for A.C. Moore, which is in the same shopping center, so I rewarded myself with Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge, now in paperback, instead. I've wanted that book for a long time and look forward to getting creative with my edgings.

My Masterpiece!

I finished my son's argyle vest! This was definitely one of the most challenging projects I've completed, and one through which I've learned a great deal. I learned intarsia, duplicate stitch, and how to modify a pattern that includes a chart. I feel like my seaming/finishing skills also continue to improve with each project I make. I actually thought about paying a yarn shop to do the finishing on the vest, but it turned out to be very easy and enjoyable--the short-rows and three-needle bind-off for the shoulders worked beautifully, the picking up stitches for the V-neck was great (I used my terrific new book, Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book for that), and the mattress stitch seams look very good. I loved the KnitPicks Palette (which is a good thing, as I have almost 3 skeins of each color left!!), and I'm looking forward to making something with that, perhaps more colorwork.
Now I'm moving on to finish up a bunch of small WIP's and work on my On-Hold Socks before starting my next "major" project. I've already finished my Linoleum Dishcloth and will start another as "purse/train knitting." Also cleaned up my notions bag within my larger knitting bag; am thinking of getting another Della Q tote and two small Della zip bags for easier organization of tools. We'll see.
I went to our Borders, which is one of the casualties of the chain's bankruptcy, over the weekend, looking for knitting book bargains. All books were 20% off, which isn't as big of a discount as can be had online, so I didn't buy anything. Considering that I am in the midst of reading the 5-6 knitting books I bought around the holidays, it's probably a blessing in disguise. I did, however, have a 55% off coupon for A.C. Moore, which is in the same shopping center, so I rewarded myself with Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge, now in paperback, instead. I've wanted that book for a long time and look forward to getting creative with my edgings.

I'm a Cowl Girl!

With the cold, snowy, blustery weather we've been having for the past month and a half, I've wanted nothing more than warm, toasty and cuddly knitwear. Having bought the Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Chunky yarn at Vogue Knitting LIVE, I promptly knit the Loop of Luxury from CowlGirls. I finished it last night and wore it to the Super Bowl Sale at Down Cellar, my new favorite LYS. I've been there before, but never to their new location and I must say, the women that run the shop are warm, personable, fun, and eager to help--qualities that are not always found at Local Yarn Shops. I got lots of compliments on my cowl as I browsed the shop, and since I have a half skein of the luxe Misti Alpaca left over, I decided to buy another skein to make coordinating mitts. The cowl's colors look perfect with my winter ski jacket and the yarn feels so luscious that I want it on my hands as well as around my neck! They were out of the Falstaff colorway, so I bought a beautiful coordinating icy blue called Swan Lake. Combining this with the Falstaff, I'll be able to make the mitts and most likely at least a headband too.
I also bought 3 skeins of Malabrigo Chunky at Down Cellar, in the beautiful Velvet Grapes colorway, to make the Gap-tastic Cowl that is going viral! I was in NYC last weekend and noticed that these loopy cowls, or infinity scarves, are everywhere. I hope they are still everywhere next winter, as my queue is so full of cowls now that I will certainly be making them--and hopefully wearing them--for years to come.
Still making good progress on my son's argyle vest too--the front is done, other than a few duplicate stitch lines, and the solid back is moving along at great speed. It will be good mindless knitting for tomorrow's big event--THE SUPER BOWL--GO, STEELERS!!!

I'm a Cowl Girl!

With the cold, snowy, blustery weather we've been having for the past month and a half, I've wanted nothing more than warm, toasty and cuddly knitwear. Having bought the Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Chunky yarn at Vogue Knitting LIVE, I promptly knit the Loop of Luxury from CowlGirls. I finished it last night and wore it to the Super Bowl Sale at Down Cellar, my new favorite LYS. I've been there before, but never to their new location and I must say, the women that run the shop are warm, personable, fun, and eager to help--qualities that are not always found at Local Yarn Shops. I got lots of compliments on my cowl as I browsed the shop, and since I have a half skein of the luxe Misti Alpaca left over, I decided to buy another skein to make coordinating mitts. The cowl's colors look perfect with my winter ski jacket and the yarn feels so luscious that I want it on my hands as well as around my neck! They were out of the Falstaff colorway, so I bought a beautiful coordinating icy blue called Swan Lake. Combining this with the Falstaff, I'll be able to make the mitts and most likely at least a headband too.
I also bought 3 skeins of Malabrigo Chunky at Down Cellar, in the beautiful Velvet Grapes colorway, to make the Gap-tastic Cowl that is going viral! I was in NYC last weekend and noticed that these loopy cowls, or infinity scarves, are everywhere. I hope they are still everywhere next winter, as my queue is so full of cowls now that I will certainly be making them--and hopefully wearing them--for years to come.
Still making good progress on my son's argyle vest too--the front is done, other than a few duplicate stitch lines, and the solid back is moving along at great speed. It will be good mindless knitting for tomorrow's big event--THE SUPER BOWL--GO, STEELERS!!!