Posh Knits

W.I.P. Wednesday: A Christmas Present

2012-02-01T10:41:00.000-08:00

I didn't get much knitting done for Christmas. I was kinda busy with other things. I feel really bad because my mom wanted me to knit her a hat. Now that all the craziness of the holidays is behind me, the twins have turned a corner, come out of their newborn stage and settled down into a schedule, and I don't have a Brooklyn Tweed sample deadline looming in front of me, I have finally had a chance to start knitting a hat for my mom. It's only a little late.

Yipes! Striped F.O.'s!

2012-01-27T06:12:00.000-08:00

Apparently I am crazypants because I thought I would go all 40 weeks in my pregnancy with the twins. It just goes to show I know nothing about twins whatsoever. Then at the end, I was so huge, I mean really, really huge, that when I scheduled my induction for 38 weeks I was relieved that I didn't have to wait until 40 weeks to deliver. Then when I went into the hospital at 35 weeks and I was told I needed to deliver now, I was jumping for joy (in my mind, of course, because I was so big that there wasn't any actual jumping) because I was sooo ready. The babies were tiny compared to my son when he was born at a whopping 9 lbs. 9 oz. but people tell me all the time that they are very big for twins. I had planned on knitting up some hats and sweaters for them before they were born because I thought that I had a few extra weeks to go but I managed to squeeze in a few projects right after they were born and they were sleeping a lot.

The first is little Striped Hats.

Pattern: Striped Baby Hat by Sirdar
Yarn: Quince and Co. Chickadee in Peacoat, Egret, and Bark
Needles: size US 5

And I couldn't resist knitting up a pair of Puerperium Cardigans after I saw this on the Yarn Harlot's blog.

I used some leftover Cascade 220 wool that I had in my stash for both of these sweaters and they are so small that they really took me no time to knit up. They are knit on a size US 6 needle.

I absolutely love these little sweaters. I have gotten so many compliments on them everywhere I went with the twins. They are a must-knit for a newborn baby. I squeezed the babies into these up until they were almost three months old and they kept them warm through the chilly Fall months. I am so sad that they don't fit into them any longer. The babies have already gotten so big - it is crazy how fast they grow! Time for some new wooly sweaters I guess.

W.I.P. Wednesday: Aidez

2012-01-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

Yes! I have hopped on the bandwagon and I am in the middle of knitting myself an Aidez!

I started knitting this over the summer when I was in between knitting baby blankets. I was hoping to have this finished so that I would have a comfy open cardigan to wear post-pregnancy. Time got away with me and I am still working on it. Right now, I have one of the fronts done and I am halfway done with the back. It goes really fast when I actually have time to knit on it. I would love to have this done to wear this winter. I love how it is turning out so far.

Samples

2012-01-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

This past summer, as I mentioned before, I started doing some sample knitting for Brooklyn Tweed.The projects I knit were fun and challenging to do. They turned up in the BT Fall 11 collection and I would (finally) like to share them with you. First up is the Muir Hat, a garter stitch hat that is knit sideways and shaped at the crown with short rows.

Unfortunately, all I have is this iPhone work-in-progress photo. I forgot to take pictures of the finished deal before I sent it off.

I also knit the Lockhart Mitts, both the long and short versions.

It was a privilege to work on these great designs on the Brooklyn Tweed sample knitting team. And getting skeins of Shelter in the mail to knit these up was an added bonus. I am currently working on another sample this very moment in the new yarn Loft. You will have to wait and see what these gorgeous skeins are knitting up to be!

W.I.P. Wednesday: Baby Booties

2012-01-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

Since I have so many things going on, and in my effort to blog more, I am starting the weekly post of Work In Progress Wednesday. Plus, I think I have even lost track of what I have started so this will keep me reminded of what I need to finish. First up are Baby Booties.

I started these way back before the twins were born. I have one set completed and I am working on the other set now. Having to knit two of everything is proving to be a challenge. These are size 3 - 6 months so I still have a little time to get these finished before the boys will be too big to fit into them.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-06T13:36:00.000-08:00

I think I am still within the time limit to wish everyone Happy New Year! I know this blog has been silent for a long time but I should be cut a little slack - I do have two newborn babies and a five year old and I just made it through the holiday season (barely). But one of my New Year's resolutions is to blog more. I have so many projects to catch you up on and a few on the needles. Things are progressing slowly but surely. I don't have a ton of time to knit anymore but I sneak in a few rows here and there.

The twins will be 3 months old in a few days and I can't believe how quickly the time is going by. They are getting so big already!

I am looking forward to catching up in 2012!

F.O.: Alfie

2011-11-07T06:05:00.000-08:00

I usually knit my son something for his birthday every year. This year, I figured with two babies on the way I would just focus on knitting baby things. I think my son felt a little left out on the knitted goodies. My husband told me that my son asked him if I was secretly knitting something for his birthday when he wasn't home - I wasn't. I quickly changed my course. I couldn't let him down or leave him out especially when he was looking forward to getting something special from me. I had been wanting to knit him a shawl collared sweater and found a great pattern for his size.

Pattern: Alfie from the Sublime booklet 613 Children's DK
Yarn: St-Denis Nordique in Navy
Needles: sizes US 3 and US 6

This sweater was a quick, easy knit - except for the garter stitch section in the middle. It was a bit tricky sewing that in and needed to keep re-sewing it until I got it right. For some reason it wouldn't match up and the pieces were off by an inch until I fiddled around with it and finally got everything to come together. It fits my son very nicely. The yarn is a very nice wool and is very warm.

My son turned 5 in the beginning of October (I can't believe it!!!) and he loved it that I knit something for him. I am so glad he is so appreciative of my knitting. Most of the time he is a rough, tough boy, who likes to smash his toys and cars and jump around and make lots of noise but he does have that sensitive side. His next request is that I knit him a sweater with a zipper on it. I told him that I think I could manage it.

Heaven in a Blanket

2011-10-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Taking care of newborn twins is not hard. In fact, my boys are model citizens - they are completely sweet and not fussy at all. I got very lucky. Taking care of newborn twins is, however, very time consuming. It really requires a lot of patience and nothing gets done quickly. I finally have a few minutes to sneak this blog post in and I am just a little bit tired so this is going to be a quick one.

I finished the second baby blanket just in time for the twins to be born. I was working on it right up until I went to the hospital.

Pattern: Heavenly Baby Blanket by Joyce Nordstrom
Yarn: Quince and Co. Chickadee in Chanterelle
Needles: size US 5

This blanket was knit for Hayden (Baby B). I really loved the combination of the cables and the lace on this one and because this did have lace panels I chose a boyish color in my go-to yarn: Quince and Co. Chickadee (which is the same yarn I knit the other baby blanket out of.) This pattern was easy to memorize and fun to knit and I completely love the end result. I think Hayden does too!

Early Arrival

2011-10-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

The twins are here! They were born last Sunday, October 9th and they are healthy and peaceful and my heart is two times bigger now and filled with so much love. Let me introduce you to them:

On the left is Baby B: Hayden James born at 11:29 am 5 lbs. 12 oz.
On the right is Baby A: Nolan Alexander born at 11:27 am 6 lbs. 6 oz.

They were born a month early but had no worries. They are completely perfect. I developed preeclampsia and had to go into the hospital and it was decided that they needed to be born.

Here are some sweet pics of them with their older brother:

I had been knitting away before they were born and managed to get quite a few things done. I 'm hoping I will have a few moments to get to post them soon!

F.O.: Sweetheart Socks

2011-08-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting around to blogging about these lovely socks - they were finished in March! But better late than never!

Pattern: Sweetheart Socks by Chrissy Gardiner
Yarn: Schoeller + Stahl Fortissima Socka in Red
Needles: size US 1

I started these in January of 2010 and put them down for a long while, then decided to pick them up and work on them again in the beginning of the year. They took a really long time to do, not only because of the tiny needles and yarn but because of the intricate cabling. But they were well worth the effort. I really love the end result.

I want to give a shout out to my sister who modeled these for me. At this point, my feet and ankles are more than a little bit swollen. Thankfully they won't be this way when the cold weather comes around and I can actually get to wear them. I am so looking forward to that!

A New Venture

2011-08-02T07:40:00.001-07:00

I haven't just been knitting away on blankets here. I am excited to tell you that I have also been doing some sample knitting for Brooklyn Tweed! I received a message on my Ravelry account a little while ago from Brooklyn Tweed, complimenting my knitting and asking me if I would like to knit up some samples for some upcoming fall designs. I was completely stunned - and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. It has been a fun break from the stuff I have been working on - and I love getting those skeins of Shelter in the mail! And I am loving the designs I have been knitting up. I think you will too.

One Down...

2011-07-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been Boringsville here on my blog. I apologize but that is what happens when you are knitting blankets. We found out that the twins are both boys (OMG!!!! I am going to have 3 boys!!!!) and I decided to start by knitting them blankets. I have one done - Yay!

Pattern: Cable Blanket by Debbie Bliss from her book Simply Baby
Yarn: Quince & Co. Chickadee in the color Glacier
Needles: size US 3 for the border and size US 6 for the main part

Now, I have been down this road before, and I know from experience that a blanket will be the most used item that you can knit for a baby. So even though they take a little while to knit up and it gets kinda boring once you hit the middle, it is well worth it. I knit my son little sweaters when he was born - they were worn maybe twice before he grew out of them and the spit-up that got on them - Yuck! But he still uses his blankets and he is almost 5 years old. Since I need to knit 2 of everything now, I am making blankets a priority!

I enjoyed knitting this blanket. The pattern was very easy to memorize and it went pretty quickly. I love how the cables are two different types of stitches intertwined and the size is perfect. I love the yarn also. I have gushed about this yarn before when I used it to knit my Norie hat and I just had to use it again. I absolutely love the color - just lovely! And it is pretty soft for a 100% wool. I am currently waiting for some yarn to be shipped to me to start knitting a second blanket (!!!) - it won't be this same pattern - I need a little variety to tell these 2 boys apart!

F.O.: Sail Away Blanket

2011-06-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Back in March, I was lamenting on one of my blog posts how the baby blanket I knit for my son when he was born didn't turn out so great. Let's face it, it was pretty bad. I never used it once and never put any pictures of it on Ravelry. I had just started knitting at that point and knew nothing about yarn, gauge, etc. It was a plain garter stitch blanket made out of a very cheap acrylic yarn and knit with needles 2 sizes too small - it could pretty much stand up straight by itself. My son still uses his blankets from when he was a baby so I thought I would knit him a better blanket - toddler size now. We both sat down and looked at the blankets on Ravelry and chose a blanket together. He was pretty happy.

Pattern: Come Sail Away Baby Blanket by Suzanne Veta
Yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Worsted in Planetarium
Needles: size US 7
Mods: I knit an extra repeat of the sailboat pattern lengthwise to make it toddler size.

I have a love/hate relationship with this blanket. First, I love it because it is for my son, who really loves it. It also goes well with his nautical room, which is a big reason why we chose this pattern. When I first started knitting this, I didn't know I was pregnant yet - and I was feeling just fine. I was getting a lot done and then the morning sickness and nausea set in really badly. I would try to pick this up and knit on it here and there but it would just make me sicker. Pretty soon just the mere sight of it would have me running to the bathroom - so I put it away and put down my knitting. Lately, I have been feeling much better so I picked it up again and just tried to finish it as quickly as possible because I feel like it had been lingering for quite a while.

In the end, I like how this turned out. The yarn is so soft and is perfect for my son to snuggle under. I am really glad I got the chance to knit this for him because he really does use his blankets a lot and I wanted him to have one hand knit by me.

Two Special W.I.P.'s

2011-06-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hello there! I know that I have been absent from this blog for a long time - but I do have a good reason!

Andrew and I are very excited to announce that we are expecting again! Oh - and here's the kicker - it is TWINS! I am still trying to get used that idea. It was a total shocker when we found out and I think I passed out for a few seconds at the doctors office. I am about 17 weeks along now and they are due in early November. Needless to say, I haven't gotten much knitting done lately - I have been extremely nauseous for the entire first trimester. In the very few moments when I was feeling halfway decent, I tried to pick up my needles but the motion of knitting made me sick all over again. I have been starting to feel much better lately - which is good because now I have double the knitting to do!!! I am so very excited about my two special W.I.P.'s!!

New Spring

2011-03-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

The weather has started to warm up a little bit around here and I am very happy about that. I know that as a knitter, I should like the winter and cold, snowy weather - but I just don't. Give me a warm sunny day and put me on the beach and I am truly a happy camper. Needless to say, I am looking forward to spring and I have more than a few knitting projects lined up which i am very excited about..

I recently purchased this book:

This is Kim Hargreaves book from last spring and I absolutely LOVE it. I am not lying when I tell you that I want to knit every single thing in it. And I have already started on this:

This is the beginnings of Starr. A lovely cable and lace hat pattern. I have been on quite a hat kick lately. I know.

I have also purchased some lovely blue silk yarn for a little shrug, which I cannot wait to cast on for.

.....and I have more yarn on the way. I will have to keep you posted!

FO: Norie

2011-03-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

After my last hat mishap (the cabled one that turned out too small), I still needed a new hat. I decided to knit Norie, a very slouchy hat pattern - but very pretty with cat's paw lace panels.

Pattern: Norie by Gudrun Johnston
Yarn: Quince & Co. Chickadee in the colorway Frank's Plum
Needles: size US 5
Mods: I only knit 3 repeats of the lace panels instead of 4. It turned out slouchy enough for me at this length.

I really like the way this turned out - I think it is really cute. I absolutely love the yarn and I have been looking for an excuse to try out Quince & Co. It was a dream to knit with, the color is so vibrant and saturated and for a yarn that is 100% wool it is so soft. The price is amazing as well. I think that this is going to become my go-to yarn. I really enjoyed knitting this hat.

FO: Cabled Cardigan

2011-03-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to knit this sweater since I bought the Fall 2006 issue of Vogue Knitting. I was a newbie knitter and at that point, I pretty much knew how to knit and how to purl and I had never even attempted something as big as a sweater. I was 8 months pregnant and I was knitting away on a garter stitch baby blanket (which turned out really terrible - I feel so bad for my little boy). Cue to 5 years later - I finally did it!

Pattern: #19 Cabled Cardigan by Margaret O'Leary from the Fall 2006 issue of Vogue Knitting
Yarn: Berroco Peruvia in Gris Claro
Needles: size US 8 and 10
Mods: added 3 inches to the length and added an extra buttonhole

I absolutely love the way this turned out. It fits really well. It is so wearable and so warm. It was a relatively quick knit because of the chunky yarn. I finished the back, fronts, and sleeves pretty quickly and sewed them all together and the collar/button bands were knit on last. I figured that they would go quickly as well (its only the collar, right?) but they took forever and they also took up 2 skeins of yarn! Isn't that always the way things work out? The only thing that I don't love about this sweater is that the button bands are double thickness of chunky yarn and then doubled again when buttoned and I think that it makes me look like I had a double cheeseburger for lunch.

The yarn is wonderful. It is 100% wool and I can officially say that this is the warmest sweater that I own. It blocked out beautifully and has worn pretty well so far with very minimal pilling. I would definitely use this yarn again. I am so glad that I waited to knit this sweater because it turned out just perfectly.

Big UGH! Hat

2011-02-24T08:59:00.000-08:00

Although this blog has been silent, I have been knitting away. I finished a sweater (Yay!) that I need to take pictures of and I am trying to finish up a pair of socks that I started a year ago (Yikes!). I also decided that I was deficient in the hat department and decided to knit up a hat that I have had in my queue for a long time and have had the yarn in my stash.

Pattern: Cabled Watchcap by Karen Kendrick-Hands
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky in White
Needles: size US 7 and 8

This hat turned out to be a big UGH! It turned out really small and it just looks ridiculous on me. I knew that it was looking too small when I cast on so I ripped out and added 15 more stitches and knit one more pattern repeat lengthwise than the pattern called for and it still turned out too small! In this age of slouchy hats and big berets I cannot put this thing on my head. I am going to donate this to a hat charity for kids. At least the yarn is nice and soft for a little head.

FO: Aran Scarf

2011-01-18T10:07:00.000-08:00

I present to you the one and only gift that I knit this past Christmas. It was knit for my husband upon his request for a scarf.

Pattern: Cashmere Aran Scarf from Simple 1-2-3 Knitting
Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in Soot
Needles: size US 7

I. Love. This. Scarf. I would steal it from my husband except for the fact that he is always wearing it. I first saw this blogged on Brooklyn Tweed and I fell in love with it so when my husband asked for a scarf for Christmas this had to be it. I am extremely proud of myself for managing to keep it a total secret until it was opened on Christmas morning - something that is very hard to do when you are knitting something for the person you live with. I only worked on it when he wasn't home and when I blocked it I slid it all the way under the middle of our bed - after clearing out all of the dust bunnies, of course. It was a total surprise.

I really enjoyed knitting with Shelter. It was unlike any yarn that I have knit with before. It was very sheepy - maybe like a handspun. It even smelled like a sheep. And I really like the flecks in it. It blocked out beautifully and it keeps its shape really well after wear. I definitely want to knit with it again. One thing that did bother me a little bit was that because it is a minimally processed wool, I had to keep pulling little bits of straw, hay, etc. out of it while I was knitting.

I am really happy that my husband loves this scarf. He wears it every day. It turned out perfectly.

FO: Marled Hat, Scarf, and Mitten Set

2011-01-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

Ever since last year I have been wanting to knit a hat, scarf and mitten set for my son. As a knitter, I find that there are patterns for each separately but never as a collection and I wanted his things to match. So I decided to keep it simple and take basic patterns and knit them all in the same yarns. Back in October I took him to the yarn store so that he could pick out some yarn with me and we both decided on a very cool marled yarn with a bright orange as a contrast color. (Yes - he's pretty good about that as a 4 year old for about 2 minutes and then he likes to get into things like buttons and baskets of yarn balls and I am running around the yarn store after him and telling him not to touch anything while still trying to look at yarn for myself.)

Pattern: Watch Cap by Melinda Goodfellow of Yankee Knitter Designs

Pattern: 2 x 2 Rib Scarf by Me (no pattern needed)

Pattern: Mittens by Melinda Goodfellow of Yankee Knitter Designs - I customized this pattern by adding the stripes!
Notice how there is only one mitten - I did knit two of them. A couple of days after I finished these , my son lost both of them on the street outside of our apartment. I was pretty upset about this as you can imagine. A few days later I happened to find one of them on the sidewalk and I searched up and down the block for the other one without any luck. I still need to knit him another mitten - good thing I have extra yarn! I have been looking for those little clips that will attach the mittens to his coat but I cannot find them anywhere!

The yarn used for this set is Cascade 220 Wool in the colors Charcoal Twist and Tangerine Heather and all were knit on size US 7 needles. I love how these turned out. This is a nice, basic set that I think he can get at least a few years of wear before he grows out of them.

Happy Happy!

2011-01-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

First off, Happy New Year to all and here's to looking to the bright horizon of 2011. I have been unplugged for the month of December (by choice), only popping into blogs here and there, but I have some serious catching up to do. Ever since having my son 4 years ago I try to make Christmastime special for him. I feel that there is so much to do at this time of year so I put aside any unnecessary distractions and focus on spending time with my family and include my son in any traditional holiday activities. I really think it is important for him to grow up appreciating the meaning and traditions behind the holiday and not just thinking about the material aspects of getting presents. We did have a good Christmas here and I am so excited to share a couple of presents that my husband gave to me.

I have been knitting for 5 years now and I have never invested in a swift and ball winder, preferring to spend any extra money on yarn, and complaining any time I had to roll up a ball of yarn by hand. I think my husband had heard me complain one too many times and got me these for Christmas:

And these make pretty little yarn cakes like this in 2 minutes flat:

Very happy indeed!

FO: Lacy Kerchief Scarf

2010-11-17T06:43:00.000-08:00

I actually finished this scarf back in April and didn't get around to taking pictures of it until last week! It was spring and I was in the mood to knit something pretty. I am not really a shawl person and I was looking for more of a draped scarf and this fit the bill.

Pattern: Lacy Kerchief Scarf by Lisa Daehlin
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light in the color Admiral Mix
Needles: Size US 6

This is, by far, my most favorite thing I have knit. I love absolutely everything about it! It was so much fun to knit - it definitely kept my interest and was a great pattern. I really like how long it is so that it is a true scarf. I can wrap it around my neck in the winter to keep me warm or just drape it over my shoulders when the weather is warmer. The yarn is lovely also. The pattern called for a cotton yarn, but I wanted something that would drape a little bit better so I went with alpaca. It is hard to see from the pictures but the navy is mixed with tiny red and light blue hairs that give the color a whole other dimension.

I have worn this a lot since I finished it (months ago!). It is definitely a versatile, all-seasons scarf!

F.O.: Cassavetes

2010-11-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you have seen the movie There Will Be Blood, but it is one of my husband's favorite movies. In the last scene of the movie, also known as "the milkshake scene", Daniel Day-Lewis is sporting a charcoal gray shawl collar cardigan - the classic grandpa sweater - and my husband quickly put in his order for me to knit one for him. I finally found a pattern for the perfect sweater for him.

Pattern: Cassavetes by Veronik Avery from the St-Denis Magazine Spring/Summer 2010
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Fez in Charcoal Gray
Needles: Size US 7

I really liked this pattern. It was amazingly detailed and professional from the dropped shoulder seams to the hemmed edges. There was a lot of finishing on this sweater but the end product is well worth it. I must admit that I cursed every buttonhole that I had to graft together (I hate grafting!!!!) but they do look very polished.

The yarn is gorgeous! I really loved knitting with Fez. It is very soft and very warm. I think my only complaint about it would be that it got a slight halo after I blocked it and it doesn't show off the stitches as well as before it was blocked - and I am hoping that it doesn't fuzz up anymore than it already has. I originally ordered the St-Denis Boreale, which is the yarn called for in the pattern, but the color was completely off so I needed to go in search for an alternative.

This was the first man-sweater that I knit and it actually didn't take me as long as I feared that it would. I was aiming to have this done for my husband's birthday in mid-October and I was done with the knitting by then but it was all the finishing that took me a bit longer to complete it. The only mod I made was that I added 4 inches to the length - yes, my husband is tall! I am really happy with the way this turned out and my husband really likes it.

Sunday Stroll

2010-11-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

My son and I take a walk around town together almost every day (weather permitting) but today was such a totally beautiful sunny fall day that I thought I would take my camera along. I thought I would share some of my pictures with you. I hope you enjoy!

New Yarn + New Project

2010-10-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how quickly October is passing by. I have been diligently working away on my husbands cardigan, which is almost finished. There's just an extraordinary amount of finishing involved with it and it is taking a little extra time.

This past weekend we took a little trip into NYC and of course I had to stop by Purl. This is the first time I have been to their new store location - it is a lot bigger than their last space. I just happened to nab Brooklyn Tweed's new yarn, Shelter. I got the last 3 charcoal gray skeins. And I was informed that I got lucky - the yarn is selling out quickly. I think it is destined to become a scarf for my husband.

Some very pretty Koigu just happened to catch the corner of my eye too. I couldn't resist the pretty coral/taupe/turquoise color combination.

I have been promising my son (since last year!) that I would knit him a scarf/hat/mitten set. So on Friday we visited the LYS to pick out some yarn together. We both decided on some marled Cascade 220 with a nice orange as a contrast color. He is finally at the age where he can occupy himself, so on the train ride down to the city I was able to start his scarf as he colored or played games on the iPad or just enjoyed the fall scenery of the Hudson River. I am loving the marled yarn!

The Shawl Collar

2010-09-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

It is apparent from shopping the men's department in Bloomingdale's with my husband, that the shawl collar cardigan is the "it" sweater for the fall. They were chock full of them. It is a really good thing then that I already started knitting him one - hopefully to be finished for his birthday in mid-October.

I seriously can't get enough of the shawl collar! Up next, I am going to knit myself this cardigan, which I have had my eye on since it appeared in the Fall 2006 issue of Vogue Knitting.

And I am completely in love with this cowl from Never Not Knitting. Now I just need to find a cute little shawl collar sweater pattern for my son. If any of you knitters out there know of one for a 4 year old, let me know!

FO: Draped Cardigan

2010-09-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I have finally finished this cardigan I started in April! At least I can wear it in the cooler fall weather.

Pattern: Draped Cardigan from the Spring/Summer 2010 Debbie Bliss Magazine
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 ply in Lilac
Needles: size US 3

I really like the way this turned out but I am a little disappointed that it isn't slightly more fitted. I know that it is supposed to be a little oversized but the armholes are very big and the sleeves are a little too long. Other than those minor points, this is a great stylish sweater I can throw on to run errands and still be cozy.

This sweater has an interesting construction, which intrigued me to knit it. It is knit side to side (instead of bottom up) and for this reason I did not make any mods to the pattern - I really didn't need to - the length turned out to be fine, which is usually my number one concern. The sleeves however could have used an adjustment.

I am a huge crybaby when I mess up my knitting and I shed a lot of tears over this sweater. This is part of the reason It took me so long to finish this. I messed up on the number of stitches I needed to cast on for the collar and because this is knit side to side, I ended up ripping out about 3 days worth of knitting on tiny size 3 needles. I cried - a lot. I also had to rip out an entire sleeve and re-knit it because my gauge was completely off - I have no idea how- and the sleeve was ginormous. Again with the crying. But in the end it turned out right so the do-overs were worth it. I just wish I hadn't messed up in the first place!

I am happy this is finally done. I like it - and the yarn is very nice as well. Even though it is fingering weight, it is 100% wool so it is still nice and warm. Perfect for the cooler days to come.

Nautical Stitches

2010-08-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

When my son turned 2, it was time for him to graduate out of his crib to a big boy bed. Now that he is almost 4, I still have baby decorations in his room that went with his nursery. I am finding it difficult to find stuff for his age to decorate with. I can find things for babies and things for teens but not a lot of stuff in between. So I thought I would try my hand at making things. When I got the Spring/Summer issue of the Debbie Bliss Magazine, I found a chart for an anchor for an intarsia knitted pillow and thought that I could use it for a cross stitch pattern. I check out the blog Feeling Stitchy sometimes and I am a big fan of all of the creative embroidery I see on there and I got a little bit inspired. Although I have never cross stitched before, I found it easy, quick, and fun.

So I decided on a Nautical theme, which I think is totally cute for a little boy. I had to modify the pattern a little bit so that it would translate better into cross stitch. The anchor needed to be shortened and widened a bit.

I also added "Ahoy Matey" under the anchor. Let me tell you - there are a lot of cross stitch alphabets out there. I had to look at a lot before I found the right one for this project.

I found those cute little buoys at The Shell Shop in Provincetown when we went to the Cape earlier in the summer. His room is still a work in progress - I have a few more crafty ideas so there will be more to come!

FO: Gray Lace Scarf

2010-08-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ever since my sister saw my Lace Ribbon Scarf that I knit for myself last year, she has been asking me to knit a gray scarf for her also. I didn't really want to knit her the same scarf that I had so I was looking for something unique to make for her birthday this year. This past spring I purchased the new St-Denis Magazine and I really liked the Bright Stripes Lace Scarf and decided to make it in a simple gray.

Pattern: Bright Stripes Lace Scarf by Kat Coyle from St-Denis Spring/Summer 2010
Yarn: St-Denis Nordique in Silver
Needles: Size US 7

I must confess, I was a little bit frustrated with this when I first started. I felt like mine didn't look anything like the picture of it in the magazine - I am a tight knitter but seriously, the one in the magazine looks like it was knit on size 1 needles. I was also making mistakes and because I was giving this as a gift, I wanted it to be close to perfect. Needless to say, it looks so much better after a good blocking, of course.

I really liked the yarn. This was the first time I used Nordique and it reminded me of an old fashioned wool, kind of like something my grandmother would use. I was surprised that it wasn't particularly soft when I first felt it, but when I was knitting with it it was very lofty and it blocked out beautifully and softened up a bit. And I absolutely love the color. I really like the way this scarf turned out - and my sister was so happy that I finally knit her a gray scarf!!

An impromptu hug from my son.

A Quiz

2010-07-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by Rainy Daisy to answer a few questions here. At the moment, this is saving my little blog from total boredom. Between the miles of stockinette I am knitting on size 3 needles for my cardigan and a project I cannot blog about because it is a Birthday present for my sister, I have nothing to show and tell about at present. Scratch that - I did finish the lacy scarf I was working on a looong time ago but I really don't feel like posing for pictures with it wrapped around my neck in 100 degree weather. It will just have to wait a little while longer.

So without further ado:

What is your staple meal? (i.e. what meal do you cook most often when you can't be bothered to be adventurous?)
I love to cook. I cook almost every day. But there are those days when I really don't want to spend 2 hours in the kitchen making dinner. My go to meal is pasta because it is so simple but still so good. I try to make my own sauces (quick ones like Alfredo sauce or Vodka sauce) but in a pinch I used Rao's marinara - it is soo good and the ingredient list is all natural. It is a little on the pricy side but so worth it. My son and I also love pancakes for dinner. In the fall we add apples into the batter. My husband does not like breakfast for dinner (weird, right?) so we make this when he has to work late and won't be home to eat with us.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Hmmmm, I would have to say a writer. I have so many thoughts for stories but I am not disciplined enough to sit for a long time and write them down and work them out on paper (or the computer screen). Need to work on that.

What book are you reading at the moment?
The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo by Stieg Larsson

How do you relax?
Cooking - it is very relaxing for me. That is why I love to do it every day. I love the chopping, stirring, adding ingredients, tasting, getting things just right - it is heaven.

What color are the interior walls of your home?
Boring off-white. I know, I know - but it goes with everything.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?
TV shows like Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries. Make fun all you want but they are really good.

What time is bedtime and getting-up-time?
Bedtime is at 11pm. I just can't fall asleep any earlier than that. I wake up when my son gets up - between 6:45 and 7:00. If I try to get up earlier than he does he hears my alarm and gets up too so I figure I might as well just sleep.

How long do you spend reading blogs?
Every day when I get a chance but lately I have been not spending as much time online. I'm trying to get those 2 knitting projects done! So once in a while I will check in.

So there you have it! Hopefully I will have some knitting to post here soon. Happy Summer knitting!

Back From Vacation

2010-06-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

We just made it back from our first official old skool family vacation! We packed up the car and road tripped down to the Outer Banks in North Carolina stopping for sites on the way there and back. It was so much fun! The Outer Banks were beautiful and relaxing and the weather was great all week long.

Things we did:
- Went to 2 aquariums.
- Visited Roanoke Island - site of the first colony in America.
- Drove on the beach! What an awesome experience!

- Saw wild horses on the beach!

- Climbed to the top of a very tall light house!
- Visited the spot of the first flight of the Wright Brothers.
- Went to the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station in Rodanthe.

- Went to the beach - again!
- Built sandcastles, tackled waves, collected shells.
- Flew a kite.

Things I did not do:
- Knit. I brought my knitting with me but did not even knit a stitch! I was kinda busy with other stuff. See list above.
- Read. I brought a book with me (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) but I didn't get around to reading it.
- Get online. Our internet service was very limited.
It was a true vacation! And it was great to spend so much family time together. So glad summer is here.

Happy Holiday Weekend!

2010-05-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

Our little family is off to Cape Cod for the long Memorial Day weekend and I am so excited! I am looking forward to some R & R at the beach. I can't wait to build a sandcastle with my little guy. I'm also hoping to get a good amount of knitting done on my cardigan (our cottage doesn't have a t.v.)! I hope you all have great plans for the weekend too!

The Never Ending Sweater

2010-05-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

I have a major case of the sads over one of the sweaters I knit recently. Remember this one:

I wanted this sweater for so long. The first time I wore it, I loved it. I wore it again and the yarn grew. I wore it again and it grew even more. And more. Pretty soon this sweater was so wide on me it looked ridiculous. I thought I could solve the problem by washing it again. I even threw it in the dryer. It didn't shrink one bit - superwash yarn. This sweater was so big on me I couldn't wear it any more. Luckily, it got a good home. I hope I am not embarrassing my mother by saying that she took it (gladly) and it fits her perfectly. She gave me money to buy more yarn to knit it again. I just really dislike knitting things twice, especially a sweater, but I really, really want it. So I went on the hunt for yarn. I wanted something chunkier than the original yarn I used. I found some Valley Yarn at Webs that I thought would fit the bill. When I got my order I was disappointed. The yarn was not at all what I wanted for this sweater. I swatched it anyway just to see if I would like it when it was knit up. I didn't like it any better and my gauge was off. The yarn is too chunky - and too scratchy.

Then I remembered that I had some chunky yarn stashed away somewhere. Why didn't I think of this in the first place? I was saving some Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky for something I saw a couple of years back and never knit it. I went ahead and swatched that - and it is perfect! I got gauge, the yarn is soft, it is the right color, and I know from experience using Debbie Bliss yarn that it doesn't grow.

I just don't have enough for the sweater. I decided to order some more just to be on the safe side. Well, it is discontinued. Luckily, I found some at a yarn store online, oh about six pages into Google after finding out everyone else is sold out. They had 7 balls left and I took all of them. Phew! I am crossing my fingers that will be enough.

On a much happier note, I just got the new St. Denis Magazine for Spring/Summer 2010.

Love. Love. Love. There are some really beautiful pieces in here that I cannot wait to knit up!

Lilac

2010-05-06T09:32:00.001-07:00

My newest project (a cardigan). Knitting up in such a lovely spring color. This was the color my husband and I chose for our wedding which was by the seashore. I have very fond memories of this color.

Savoring the Scarf

2010-04-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have been slowly knitting away on this very pretty scarf. It is such a pleasure to knit that I have been taking my time with it and have actually been savoring my knitting time. It is kind of like a very good book that you are enjoying reading so much that you don't want to get to the end too quickly because then the story will be over.

FO: Spring Hoodie

2010-04-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

I have been finished with the hoodie sweater I had been knitting for my son for a few days now but it has been so dreary outside - definitely not weather to be taking pictures of a little spring sweater in. We were so happy that the sun finally came out for us today!

Pattern: Design D Plain Sweater with Hood from Sirdar booklet 318 Lazy Days and Holidays
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in colors in Putty and Navy
Needles: size US 3, 5, and 6

I made quite a few mods to this sweater because the original design was very plain. I wanted to make this a little more sporty - give it a little something. To start with, I added an inch and a half to the length but shortened the sleeves by an inch. I added 1x1 ribbing to the hem and cuffs. The original design had rolled edges but 1x1 ribbing for the trim on the hood. I wanted all of the trim to match. I also added a pouch pocket and trimmed that with the 1x1 rib. I lined the pocket with the blue yarn. I added the blue varsity stripes on the left sleeve and I also lined the hood in blue. I knit the hood lining separately on a size smaller needle. To attach it, I picked up the stitches for the trim on the hood through both thicknesses of the hood and then tacked the bottom edge of the lining to the inside.

I feel like I have been working on this sweater for so long that I was really getting tired of it. But as soon as I finished, I loved the way it turned out. The biggest reward though, is that my son really loves it. He is a great little dude! He was so excited to put it on and was super patient being my model while I snapped his picture.

Almost There

2010-03-16T09:02:00.001-07:00

Well, it is almost spring (yay!) and I am almost finished with my son's sweater. I am this close to finishing and I ran out of yarn. Don't you just hate when that happens? The yarn store that I bought the yarn from is also out. So now I am on the hunt.

I'm not really sure why, but I feel like it takes me longer to knit a little sweater for my son than it takes me to knit one for myself. Why is that? Maybe its the extra amount of love and attention I put into it. I would like to think that but I think I'm just slow.

RL 2010 Olympic Ski Cap

2010-03-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

I am finished with my 2010 Olympic Ski Cap! And here it is:

Pattern: Olympic Reindeer Hat by Helena Bristow (originally Ralph Lauren)
Yarn: RYC Cashsoft 4 Ply in Navy, White, and Red
Needles: size US 2 and 3

I modified this hat from the original pattern written up by Helena Bristow because after viewing quite a few of these on Ravelry, it looked like it was turning out too large and too wide. So here are some of the changes I made: I used fingering weight yarn instead of worsted weight and used size 3 needles (size 2 for the inside of the brim). I also increased the number of stitches I cast on from 110 to 130 and I added another tree motif. I also made the trees bigger so that they were more like the original Ralph Lauren hat. I cut out a lot of the white rows above and below the moose. I also knit the moose and trees in intarsia (in the round) and stranded the rest. I found a great tutorial here on how to knit intarsia in the round and then I used this source for the top decreases. They were both very helpful. And after all that.... it fits perfectly!

I love the way this hat turned out! I think it is so cute..... and it matches my vintage Ralph Lauren duffle coat! Bonus!

Inspirational Stitches

2010-03-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

Last week I caught that terrible 24-hour stomach bug that has been going around. While recovering in bed, I streamed Valentino: The Last Emperor on Netflix, about the fashion designer, Valentino. It was inspirational, no matter what kind of stitches you make. Just to watch those seamstresses hand stitch every little sequin and ruffle and get every detail just perfect.

It also made me think of the time we were in Rome and went to the Valentino retrospective at the Ara Pacis, which is featured in the film.

This is one of my favorite pictures from that visit. My husband took this of me and my son as I was descending the steps. I can't tell you how unglamorous I felt wearing jeans and a plain white shirt and carrying a barefoot 11 month old and being surrounded by all of those gorgeous couture gowns. Quite a contrast.

Going Crazy

2010-02-22T05:12:00.000-08:00

Am I completely crazy? Judging by this photo, I am:

My theory has always been that you should do things right or not at all. Ralph Lauren's description of this hat is "intarsia knit" so it is intarsia I am knitting - instead of stranding. Why would I want all of those pesky navy blue strands poking out of my white stitches? OK - I admit, I had my doubts when I first started attaching all of these bobbins of yarn to my hat, but it is actually turning out alright. Crossing fingers.

Showing Some Team Spirit

2010-02-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

I am not a Knitting Olympian. There is just no way. I knit for leisure, not for sport, but I found the perfect way to show my team colors through knitting. Anyone who knows me, knows that I looooove Ralph Lauren. I have gushed over the US Olympic Teams' outfits in China and now in Vancouver. It was actually my husband's idea that I knit the Moose Ski Cap that the US Olympians wore during the opening ceremonies. Lo and behold, someone has already come up with the pattern.

A quick trip to the yarn shop and I am ready to go. I am going to try out a few modifications - like intarsia knitting in the round, and I have chosen a sport weight yarn as opposed to the worsted that is called for in the pattern so I need to work out a little math.

We have had our own mini Olympics going on around here (which is why I haven't gotten much knitting done in the past week). My son started pre-school back in the fall and this week is his winter break. My nieces are also on break so they have come to stay with us for the week. Yesterday, we finally got a significant amount of snow so the four of us spent the better part of the afternoon sledding. So much fun! Today I took them to a local ski area and we went tubing. We had a total blast!

I have been impatiently waiting until my son was old enough to get him on a snowboard, so we might try that later on this week. I think the girls might want to squeeze in a little ice skating as well. The Olympic activities continue! Go Team USA!

Better Late Than Never

2010-02-16T06:10:00.000-08:00

This post was intended for Valentine's Day. Time got away from me just a little. I started these sweetheart socks back in the beginning of January hoping to be finished by V-Day.

Yeeeeah - Not Happening. Lovely, intricate pattern - just not easy to memorize. I have to keep looking at the charts on every round. Not to mention they are knit on toothpick size needles. Ravelers have commented that they take a long time to complete. They were not joking. But I will keep on keepin' on. I manage to knit a round here and there.

View of the back

Thinking Ahead

2010-02-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

Snow dusts the ground and the temperatures sit below freezing. It is the time of year when I can't help but to think of warmer days and sunshine. I am wishing for spring to come speedily. Winter just seems to last too long these days. Thinking ahead, I've started on a spring knit for my son.

That's the back of a little hoodie. It is coming along pretty quickly and I'm making a few mods which I hope will turn out OK in the end. Fingers crossed. And here's hoping for that warmer weather!

My Holiday Sweater

2010-01-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

The first time I saw the movie "The Holiday", I fell in love... with a sweater. I absolutely loved the white cabled sweater that Cameron Diaz wore and from then on it was "Jude who??". I searched and I Googled, looking high and low for who made this sweater and where I could purchase it. I found out that it was made by TSE Cashmere and it could be purchased on their website here. YAY! For $995.00!!!! NOOO! Now, I used to work in fashion so I am not shocked by the high price tag, but that price is a little too steep for me. But I am a knitter and I just knew if I could find a pattern that is close to this, I could knit it up. So I went to Ravelry (seriously, Thank God for Ravelry) and I found the exact pattern for the sweater!!

Pattern: Fireside Sweater by Amber Allison
Yarn: Schachenmayr nomotta Extra Merino Big in color 102
Needles: size US 9

I made a few mods which are all in the construction. I added an inch to the length. I shortened the sleeves by 2 inches and knit them flat instead of in the round. I also switched the buttons from the right side of the sweater to the left side. I think the fit is pretty good - I have a little extra room but the sweater is so nice and cozy.

I really love the yarn. It shows off the cables really well and it was nice to knit with. It was a bit less bulky than I thought it was going to be so I had to go down one needle size to get a denser fabric. I absolutely love this sweater!

Hats

2010-01-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

The only other finished object I have as far as Christmas knitting goes is a hat for my brother-in-law.

Pattern: Turn A Square by Brooklyn Tweed a.k.a. Jared Flood
Yarn: Cascade 220 in Greystone Heather and Noro Kureyon in color 149
Needles: size US 6 & 7

I also finished this hat for myself a long while ago. I just needed a simple hat to throw on when it is cold and I had some yarn left over from another project.

Pattern: Ribby Hat by Tiennie
Yarn: Cascade 220 in white
Needles: size US 7
Mods: Only knit 50 rounds instead of 70.

Slipper Socks

2009-12-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over - and we have all been catching up on our sleep here. Even my 3 year old son has been sleeping in. All of the decorating, shopping, baking, cooking, wrapping, knitting, attending events, etc. has left us exhausted. We had a great holiday season but, truthfully, I am glad it is coming to an end. And now I am free to show and tell about my few knits I have managed to get done.

When my sister was little, she got a pair of red slipper socks from L. L. Bean for Christmas one year. They almost never left her feet. She absolutely loved them. So when I saw this pattern for slipper socks in the latest Debbie Bliss Magazine, I knew that I had to knit these for her.

Pattern: Cabled Slipper Socks from Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine Fall/Winter 2009
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease in Grey Heather
Needles: size US 7 and US 8

The pattern for these is great. I was completely intrigued to see how they came together and I had a hard time putting them down. Needless to say, the knitting went fast. I had completely no idea how to knit the welt around the toe and foot and the magazine offered up no instructions other than to knit the next stitch with the corresponding stitch 5 rows below. That seems easier than it really is. I went to my knitting instruction books but they had no instructions for this and I was completely at a loss. I finally found instructions on this web page: http://charisa-martin.livejournal.com/24489.html It was an Ah-hah! moment.

I knew that I wanted real leather for the soles and I ended up finding leather working materials at Michael's craft store. They sell single squares of leather for around $8.00 which worked out perfectly for this project. I also found special needles for sewing leather and I used some heat-n-bond just to be sure that the leather stayed in place. I blanket stitched the edges to the bottom of the slipper.

I really love how these turned out and I think my sister loves them too.

A Little Christmas Knitting

2009-12-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

I tend to not knit very much as far as Christmas presents are concerned for one very big reason - I have a 3 year old son who demands a lot of my attention. And let's face it, I would rather be doing special things with him around the holidays than spend my time behind a pair of knitting needles. I am managing to get one thing knit up because I saw this and it is very cool and because the recipient would totally appreciate it. Here is a sneak peek:

.....To be blogged about in full after Christmas.

This is actually going pretty quickly. I might even have a chance to knit up one more little thing.

Hoodie Sweater

2009-11-17T06:43:00.000-08:00

My son's 3rd birthday was in October and I always like to knit him a little special something for his birthdays. This year it was a hoodie sweater.

Pattern: Child Hooded Jacket by Sirdar from their booklet number 318, Lazy Days and Holidays
Yarn: RYC Cashsoft DK in the color Mist
Needles: size US 6 (size US 3 for the trim)

I made only a few modifications and they were really only in the construction of the sweater. I added full fashioned shaping at the raglan sleeves. The pattern gave instructions to make the decreases right at the edge and there was no way I was going to try to seam that up. Also the pattern gave instructions to bind off the stitches at the neckline only to pick up and knit the same amount of stitches for the hood. I was seriously like, "huh????" so I just kept the stitches on a holder and joined them all together for the hood. Ingenious, I know.

I am really happy with the way this turned out. The closures kind of disappoint me because they are so stretchy that they don't keep the sweater closed all the way and I feel like they look a bit wonky. Other than that, the fit is great and the yarn is a dream. It is so soft and drapes very nicely.

I must say, my son has finally become a good little model for me. I used to have to chase him around and pray for one good shot but now he actually poses for me. I guess he just got used to modeling the sweaters I knit for him. This time around, I would say "turn a little to the left, ok, hold it there" and it was done. "Now give me your best leaf face. Work it, work it."

See, he's a total pro.

Check This Out: Hortensia

2009-11-13T18:30:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely loving these knits by Hortensia.

These unique designs are all hand knit by skilled artisans in Peru and they are made out of Peruvian alpaca. Check them out at www.hortensiahandmade.com. Enjoy!

Fairisle Yoked Sweater

2009-11-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

Last year, my husband and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary and the gift for your 7th is wool. (Maybe that's why they call it the 7 year itch. Wool. Get it?) Anyway, moving on. My husband said he would really like to see me knit a fairisle sweater and to pick out a pattern and he would buy the yarn for my anniversary gift. Perfect. One year later, I have a finished fairisle sweater. (It didn't take me a year to knit. I had to get a few projects out of the way before I could start this.)

The pattern is Fairisle Yoked Sweater by Debbie Bliss from her booklet called "The Cashmere Collection." I also used Debbie Bliss Yarn - Cashmerino DK in seven different colors. The original color of the sweater is in a light blue with a darker blue as a contrast color. I wanted a white sweater with navy as a secondary color and then I chose the other colors to compliment the white/navy combination. Neddles were a size 5.

The only mods I made were to add an inch and a half to the length and two inches to the sleeves. I am so happy with the way this sweater turned out and it fits me perfectly. I made sure to measure everything this time around and I feel like I finally got it right.

One of the reasons I chose this sweater over other fairisle patterns was because of the cuff and collar detail. I love how the cuffs turn up. Overall, a great pattern and a fun knit.

Check This Out: Lutz & Patmos

2009-11-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

As I was perusing my October issue of Vogue (not Knitting), I came across a lovely picture of Charlize Theron in a totally gorgeous, chunky, cable-y handknit twinset. And I am a huge sucker for cables. It was a write up on the brand Lutz & Patmos, whose eco-friendly, timeless knits are making a big splash.

Then, I got the latest West Elm catalog, and there they were again, with thick knit cabled throws and pillows. Don't you just want to wrap yourself up in this:

I love when knits go mainstream. You can check them out at www.lutzandpatmos.com and you can find that cozy throw at www.westelm.com. Enjoy!

Blink

2009-11-04T05:53:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems that if I blink, months fly by! I have been off the radar (again!) and not really meaning to do so. I can tell you exactly what happened - besides life being incredibly busy and all that. I had finished my sweater way back in the end of August after finally weaving in all of those pesky ends, I had my husband take pics out in the park on a very sunny morning - and they came out bad. The sun was too bright, the shadows were too dark, the colors came out all wrong, etc., etc. So I never posted them here and I have been meaning to schedule another photo shoot but have never had the chance. Crazy, I know, that in the past two months I haven't had a few minutes to take pictures of my sweater, but it is true. They are coming - soon. I hope. No, they are, they are.

In the mean time I have other things I am working on, and that I have completed, so I will get on with those. Here's what's on my needles:

A simple ribbed hat - almost done.

My "Holiday" sweater. Can not wait to finish this one. Can. Not. Wait.

I will be back, hopefully with some pictures of my finished fair isle sweater that are good enough to post.

Really?

2009-08-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

Well, the knitting part of my sweater is finally complete. Yay! Now I am just left to deal with this:

Do I really have to weave in all of these ends?
OK, I know the answer to that. Better get started.....

Catching Up

2009-08-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

The second half of my summer got really busy. Between a two week getaway, visitors, and other summer activities, I haven't had a chance to sit down catch up. I have finished a project, started a new one, and continue on (and on) with the sweater. I left for vacation in the end of July, but before I left I finished up the pair of socks for Oliver.

Pattern: Classic Socks for the Family by Melissa Goodfellow
Yarn: Classic Elite Alpaca Sox in Gray
Needles: size US 2 dpns

He really likes his socks and has been wanting to wear them. I told him he's just going to have to wait until the weather gets cooler. Hot summer weather plus alpaca socks plus sweaty toddler feet do not mix well.

When we went out of town, I decided not to bring the sweater to work on it. It was getting too big to carry and I didn't want to put it in my suitcase - I'm always afraid that my luggage is going to get lost and then there goes all that work and yarn. So I started a simple project that I could knit on the plane and here and there on my vacation. I have been eyeing the Baktus scarf recently and went for that.

I am not sure I love it so far. It is made out of worsted weight cheapy yarn from a box store but I liked the color combo. We'll see.

Progress on the sweater is being made. I am close to being finished with it and I'm trying to get it done as quickly as possible. I'm feeling the crunch with fall approaching quickly. Oliver's 3rd birthday is also coming up for which I have a sweater planned so I need to get my butt in high gear!

Ripple Weave Socks

2009-07-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

I liked these socks the moment I saw them in the Fall 2006 issue of Vogue Knitting (aka the best issue of Vogue Knitting evah! Seriously - I love almost everything in this issue.) It was the kind of pattern that made me go Hmmmm.... and part of the reason I knit these was just to figure out how it was done.

Pattern: Ripple Weave Socks by Charlene Schurch
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock in Quilla
Needles: size US 1 dpn's

I had a little bit of a slow start with these. There is an error in the third line of the chart that is not reported so I had to figure it out myself after my sock did not look like the one in the picture. I ripped out and started again. From there on it was smooth sailing.

These were really enjoyable to knit and I really like the small details of them, like how the cuff and the toe blend into the pattern, and the Eye of Partridge heel, and the all over twisted rib. These are going to get a lot of play once the colder weather comes around.

Scarf Love

2009-06-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

I love scarves! As a knitter, I should really knit more of them. Surprisingly, this is the first scarf I knit for myself. And there is no wonder that there are currently 3,643 of them on Ravelry and it is in 6,069 queues. I totally love it! It is a pretty darn good first scarf to have.

Pattern: Lace Ribbon Scarf by Veronik Avery from Knitty Spring 2008
Yarn: Classic Elite Alpaca Sox in gray
Needles: size US 3 straights

There it is, kids. All 80 inches of it. I like that it is really long but I feel like it took forevah to knit. It was well worth it in the end. With the cooler weather this summer, I have already worn this a few times. It is so stylish and so easy to dress up a plain t-shirt when I throw it on as I walk out the door. Did I already mention that I love this scarf?

This is also my first time knitting lace. I made a ton of mistakes but this pattern is so forgiving that only I can tell where they are. It is even harder to tell after blocking.

I used the recommended yarn and I am so glad that I did. The alpaca is so soft and the scarf drapes beautifully. It is a little bit hairy, which gives the scarf a nice look. I only used around 1/4 of the second skein that I have enough left over for another project. I already started a pair of socks for Oliver - because he asked me so sweetly. I just can't say no to that.

Getting a Head Start

2009-06-18T04:52:00.000-07:00

I know it is only June, but I thought I would get a head start on my fall knitting. I usually tend to wait until the appropriate season rolls around to knit for that season - and I never have enough time to finish everything, especially if I actually want to wear my finished objects in that season. Seeing as I didn't have anything queued up for summer, I dove straight into fall with a fairisle sweater.

I have had this yarn sitting around for quite some time. Look at how pretty these colors are. I couldn't resist starting this.

Birthday Socks

2009-06-10T05:47:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, on a trip into NYC, I paid a visit to String Yarns and purchased a skein of Colinette Jitterbug. I stopped at my mom's house afterward and showed her my purchase and she fell in love with it and proceeded to tell me how much she loved that particular yarn no less than a thousand times after that. She also complained that I never knit her anything. She is not too subtle with her hinting. So for her recent birthday I knit her a pair of socks with that skein that she loved so much.

Pattern: Par 5 Socks by Ingrid Hiddessen
Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug in Velvet Olive
Needles: size US 2

These were a relatively quick knit and I love the cables. The yarn is so soft and squishy, it is a really great sock yarn. After putting them on my feet I debated keeping them for myself. In the end, I reluctantly wrapped them up for my mom - and she loves them!

Sachets

2009-06-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

I saw these in the Holiday issue of Knit Simple magazine and they were actually the only reason I purchased this issue. I thought they would be a great Christmas present for my grandmother. I started knitting these back in December and then decided I had too much to do during the holidays so I put my knitting aside. I picked them back up again after the holidays to finish them in time for my grandmother's birthday in March.

Pattern: Sachets by Rosemary Drysdale from Knit Simple Holiday 2008
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas, Alpaca Silk in cream and lavender
Needles: size US 3 and US 4

I must tell you, I did not enjoy knitting these - at all. They are very pretty, but sooo fiddly to construct. There were so many pieces not to mention the lace border - and then seaming it all together. Ugh! I really dragged my heels on these. I rarely complain about knitting but these were a total pain in the butt! My grandmother loved them so I guess that is all that matters.

The yarn was a dream to work with. It is lovely - maybe the softest yarn I have ever felt. I am planning on using this in a sweater. I had also found a very nice lavender scent to fill the sachets with.

Hello There!

2009-05-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

I have been ignoring this blog. Big time. I am still knitting - I just got a little lazy about blogging about my projects. I have some catching up to do. Besides having three finished projects, I have a few more sitting on needles. So... let's get started!

FO: Aran Tee

PATTERN: Cabled Tee by Michael Kors from Vogue Knitting
YARN: Cascade 220 in white
NEEDLE SIZE: Size US 8
MODS: I added an inch and a half to the length

I believe I finished this back in February. It was a fun knit and it kept my interest. Besides, this was sweater love at first sight - and I was excited to be knitting it up! It came out a little bit big width-wise, but other than that, it is perfect. I love it!

The yarn turned out to be a good choice (even though the yarn called for in the pattern was cashmere). I really like the choice of a good workhorse wool for an aran sweater.

It isn't getting much wear now but this should be perfect for the fall weather. I'm all set!

My other finished projects will be blogged about soon...........

If At First You Don't Succeed......

2009-01-14T11:34:00.000-08:00

Back in November, before the holiday craziness set in, I had the grandiose idea of knitting Oliver a matching hat/scarf/mitten set for the winter. I found the pattern for the Norwegian Star Earflap Hat by Tiennie and loved it. I cast on for it right away and I was going to adapt the star pattern to a scarf and some mittens. I followed the pattern for the child's size, measured Oliver's head, was spot on for gauge, and it came out way too big. He was swimming in it.

Now that the holidays are over and things have settled down and we are stuck inside due to freezing temperatures, I figured it was a good time to revisit the hat. I cast on again for another hat and I made some modifications which worked out well because now it fits my son perfectly.

Pattern: Norwegian Star Earflap Hat by Tiennie
Yarn: Cascade 220 Wool in Natural and Ella Rae Classic in Blue
Needles: Size US 7
Mods: only knit 5 rows below the pattern (eliminated 8 rows) and eliminated 2 knit rows at the decreases, added a pompom

This was my first try at Fair Isle and its not that difficult. Oliver really likes his new hat and he was the one that insisted on the pompom because his other hat has one. So picky. I have no idea where he gets it from.

Mmmmm...mittens

2009-01-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a while since I have blogged. Then again, it has been quite a while since I have knit anything. I took the Christmas season off from knitting. I had too many other things to do and I had to prioritize. It was the first Christmas that my 2 year old could really understand and I wanted it to be extra special. But as soon as the holiday was over, I was more than ready to get my needles moving again and the first thing on my list was to finish the mate to the mitten I had finished way back in November.

Pattern: Green Autumn by Jared Flood from the Fall 2008 issue of Vogue Knitting
Yarn: Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift in color #130 Sky
Needles: size US 1 dpn's
Mods: Knit the mitered pattern on the cuff of the right mitten to go in the opposite direction than the cuff of the left mitten

These mittens were a tour de force. The chart alone was daunting but to actually knit them required my full attention and they were not a quick knit. I have not, so far, had second sock syndrome but I was pretty close to second mitten syndrome with these. Luckily, I am not someone who likes to leave my projects unfinished. The end result was well worth the effort. It is quite a stunning design and they are mittens you will not likely find anywhere else.

I had a little trouble with needle size when I first started. I used the recommended size 3 and the stitches were way too loose. I ripped it all out and started again on the size 3's but tried to knit much tighter with pretty much the same result. Thank goodness for Ravelry - I checked there to find many people having the same issue and they all suggested to move down to size 1. After that, things moved along.

I used the yarn that was recommended and I love the wooliness of it. I also love the different colors that run through it but it still looks solid. This was my first time knitting mittens and I love them! They are nice and warm - and very pretty!

Like Magic

2008-11-26T09:59:00.000-08:00

When I first started knitting, I got a few how-to books and looked over the basics, and when I came across the suggestion that my knits should be blocked I had no idea what on earth they were talking about. So I looked into it a little bit further and when I found out I had to immerse my newly hand knit object into water, I was like "What???? You mean I have to put this into water? This thing that I just spent hours and hours knitting by hand." I called my grandmother, who is a veteran knitter, and asked her. Her reply was "Yes. Definitely." So I did it. And it worked. Of course. I was amazed at how lovely my stitches looked after blocking and I have been a firm believer and blocker ever since.

Remember that lumpy, bumpy aran sweater I've been working on? Well, I finally finished the back and this is what it looked like:

And then I blocked it and now it looks like this:

I am still amazed everytime. Its like magic. Now, I'm excited to finish this!

One Down....

2008-11-20T11:08:00.001-08:00

.... and one to go!

Obsessed Much?

2008-11-12T06:09:00.000-08:00

Last week we flew out to Chicago and I needed a small project for the flight and the trip. I decided on the Green Autumn/Druid Mittens from the Fall issue of Vogue Knitting.

I cannot put these down. This pattern is so detailed - it is definitely not mindless, knit-in-front-of-the-TV knitting. I have less than an inch to knit on the back of the aran sweater and I cannot seem to tear myself away from these mittens long enough to finish it. I was hoping to have that sweater finished by Thanksgiving but it looks like there has been a change in plans.

Askew

2008-11-09T04:34:00.000-08:00

Last year, I totally dropped the ball when it came to my husband's birthday. He was so disappointed that I didn't knit anything for him, which took me by complete surprise because he never expressed any interest in me knitting anything for him before that. He wanted a scarf so this year that is what he got.

Pattern: A Scarf Askew by emilyelizabethknits
Yarn: Laines Du Nord, Korall in Charcoal Gray
Needles: size US 10 1/2

It is a challenge to knit for my husband, first of all, because he is very picky, and secondly, we live in the same house and if I want it to be a surprise that cuts out a lot of knitting time when he is home. I did manage to get it finished by his birthday, unblocked of course because there was just nowhere for me to block a 6 ft. long scarf in our apartment without him seeing it.

I love the yarn - I picked it up in a yarn store in Florence when we were in Italy last year. It is 100% merino wool and it is so soft, which is key for a scarf.

I am so happy he loved it! I blocked it and pinned it down only to find him pulling the pins out of it himself when it dried so that he could wear it. And he comes home from work every day and tells me how much he loves his scarf. Yay!

Simple Ribbed Hat

2008-10-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

I saw a bright orange ribbed hat in a Ralph Lauren Children's ad and thought "ooooh, I love the color," and then I thought "hey, I could knit one of those right up!"

Pattern: my own - easy peasy lemon squeezy
Yarn: Jil Eaton Minnow Merino in Orangini - 2 skeins
Needles: size US 8

This was the perfect project to work on in between all those cables on the aran sweater I've got going on. It was a nice break and the color is so cheerful!

I am absolutely in love with the yarn. It is soooo soft for my little guy's head. And he loves to wear it! Especially on this chilly autumn morning at the lake.

If anyone is interested in this very simple pattern, please let me know and I will pass it along!

Questionable

2008-09-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

I started knitting this aran sweater and have hesitated posting about it for lack of any good pictures of what I have knit so far. It is lumpy, bumpy, and the stitches are quite uneven and I wasn't sure what the problem is - the yarn, the needles, my knitting (gasp!) - and have had thoughts of scrapping it altogether. But I have soldiered on and the longer the piece gets, the more it is starting to shape up. I think that it just might be the nature of the cable patterns and with some major blocking it might just turn out alright. I was so excited to start this Fall knit, too. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Striped Sweater

2008-09-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the striped sweater I have been knitting for Oliver. I have been working on this sweater since April - it was intended for the spring and suddenly the weather turned too hot for sweaters so I put it away to work on other projects. Looks like I finished it just in time for the cooler weather.

Pattern: Design F from Sirdar #318 Lazy Days and Holidays
Yarn: Rowan Handknit Cotton in the colors Ice Blue and Linen
Needles: size US 6 and size US 3 for the neck

It is a bit big on him - It is a size 3-4 years and he is just shy of 2. I intentionally sized up because I was tired of knitting stuff for him that juuuuust fit and then he grew out of a week later. So big is good.

I had a slight problem with the neckline. It is knit with a size 3 needle and when I went to try the sweater on him it wouldn't fit over his big toddler noggin! I had to rip out the cast off stitches and cast off again, extremely loose, with a size 6 needle.

I am really happy with the way this turned out and I love the stripes!

Happy 7!

2008-09-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day. It is mine and my husband's 7th wedding anniversary. I cannot believe time has flown by so fast that we have already been married for seven years! I'll take that as a good sign. My in-laws came to town to visit last week and I sat here today to download the pictures that I took of their trip and I started going through the older photos on my computer and it really hit home all of the wonderful memories that my husband and I share - all of the trips we have taken together, all of the family gatherings, the parties, people, and places, the birth of our son, our life abroad in Rome - every single good moment. I love my husband, I love my life, and I am so filled with happiness today. Happy Anniversary Andrew!

On another note - the 7th Anniversary gift is wool. What kind of knitter am I? I had no idea! I had to buy my husband a wool sweater because I just didn't have any time to knit him anything. On the other hand, my husband got me a whole fair isle sweater's worth of yarn!

Scallop Edge Tee

2008-08-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

So here it is, 2 days before September, and I just finished my one and only summer knit. I'm pretty sure that there are a few warm days left so that I have an opportunity to wear it.

Pattern: Scallop Edge Pullover by Lauren Lax from the Spring/Summer 2008 issue of Knit Simple Magazine
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Dyed Cotton in the Mallard colorway
Needles: size US 3 circs for the body and US 2 for the placket and neckline
Mods: I added and inch to the length and made a garter stitch necline to match the placket instead of the scallop edge the pattern called for

I like it! It is a cute sweater option for the warmer weather. Even though I added an inch to the length, it still could have been longer by about 2 inches. I am wondering who they make these measurements for - I am average and I always have to add to the length and it is never enough.

I really like the broken rib detail on the front and I love the yarn. It knit up really well. It took a little getting used to at first because it is very splitty but I really like the finished product.

Good!

2008-08-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

While perusing my latest issue of Martha Stewart Living, my son spied the page with the "Cookie of the Month", pointed to it and said "Good!" I was like "Ya, those totally look good!" So we just had to make them!

And they are really good! They are the No-Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars. They were really easy to make and they are no-bake so that means no hot oven on those hot summer days. Bonus- they have oatmeal in them so they are good for your cholesterol. Uh huh.

As for the sweater....... the front is coming right along. The sleeves are short so they shouldn't take too long to knit up. I will hopefully have this done soon.

Time Flies

2008-08-08T04:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! I really cannot believe it is August already. Where has the summer gone? I am just now getting around to one of the many summer knits I had planned. It is going to be a cotton tee with a scallop edge. I have the back done and it is currently being blocked.

I am racing to finish this so that I can at least get some wear out of it before the cooler weather sets in. Its funny - now that fall is getting closer, my knitting is picking up speed.

Birthday Socks

2008-07-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

My latest pet project has been a pair of socks knit for my sister for her birthday. As with most people I know who know that I knit, she has asked me "Why don't you ever knit anything for me?" So I asked her what she wanted and it turned out that she wanted socks. Great! Good choice - not a sweater that would take me a really long time. Her birthday has come around and with her choice of yarn I decided on the BFF Socks by Cookie A.

On a little note that I snuck in with the socks, I wrote her: These socks are called BFF socks and I knit them for you because not only are you my sister but you are my best friend. Now stop complaining that I never knit anything for you. :-) Love, M

The yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Mediumweight in the color Thraven, which looks really cool when knit up. It is mainly black with spurts of dark green throughout and it gives off the appearance of a raven's feathers. Needle size is US2.

Music To Knit To
To quote the O'Jays, "I love music, any kind of music." This is true of me - I love any kind of music - except Country. And I pretty much have music playing all of the time. When dinner time rolls around , I pop my iPod into the speakers, start the music, and Oliver and I dance around the kitchen while we make dinner. Whenever we take a road trip, I can always be found on my computer the night before we leave, downloading new songs and whipping up mixes for the car. Since I was a child of the 70's and 80's, I have a soft spot for that era of music, more on the rock side, not so much pop. My favorite type of music by far is alternative rock. I really like to find those gems that are left-of-center and out of the mainstream. It is only fitting that I put a mix together to listen to while knitting "Socks that Rock". So these are the songs that have been in my ears while knitting up these socks, taking my mind off of the time and making my fingers fly a little faster:
- Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - VAMPIRE WEEKEND
- Shake It - METRO STATION
- The Curse of Curves - CUTE IS WHAT WE AIM FOR
- The Pedestrian - FOXBORO HOTTUBS
- Shut Up and Let Me Go - THE TING TINGS
- My Moon My Man - FEIST
- Good to Sea - PINBACK
- Do You Wanna - THE KOOKS
- Believe - THE BRAVERY
- Fight Song - THE REPUBLIC TIGERS
- Keep the Car Running - ARCADE FIRE
- Running Up That Hill - PLACEBO
- A Bad Dream - KEANE
- The Gift - ANGELS AND AIRWAVES

So... take a listen! Hope you enjoy!

Faux Rib Socks

2008-07-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

I have been a really bad blogger lately, but these days I would rather be knitting than blogging. I am knitting up a birthday present for someone who shall remain nameless and I have very little knitting time these days - I only have two free hours during the day when Oliver is down for his nap. So blogging is taking a back seat.

My latest FO is the pair of socks I was working on.

These are my Faux Rib Socks. I found this stitch pattern in Debbie Bliss's book "Baby Knits for Beginners" for the Ribbed Pillow. The first row is K3 P1 and then knit all stitches on the second row. The finished fabric lies a little flatter than a true rib. I thought this would be perfect applied to a pair of socks. The yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Mediumweight in Blue Moonstone. I loved knitting with this yarn, although it was a lot heavier than I expected it to be. Come winter I am going to have one warm pair of feet. Needle size is US 2.

Summer Vacation

2008-07-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

We've been away for a little while - ok, a long while - almost three weeks. Oliver and I headed off to Dallas, TX in the middle of June to visit the grandparents and Andy joined us when he got a break from work. We were also joined by my sister and her two girls. It was fun, exhausting, and very, very hot.

My dad took us to the Fort Worth Zoo. The kids had such a great time and I had fun watching Oliver get excited about all of the animals. What was his favorite thing to see at the zoo? All of the rocks! - of course - he is such a guy!

One evening, my Mother-In-Law took us to the Nasher Sculpture Gallery in downtown Dallas.

We also paid a visit to the Dallas World Aquarium with my In-Laws.

And then we took Oliver to his very first Major League Baseball game to see the Texas Rangers play. (So sad his first game wasn't to see the Red Sox, but that's the way it goes.) He had a fun time and his favorite part of the game was the fireworks when the Rangers hit a home run.

Then it was on to Connecticut for a week to stay with my sister until the 4th of July where we celebrated with a picnic at the beach.

After all of this time away from home, it felt really good to get back and sleep in my own bed again! I did manage to get some knitting done while I was away and I even finished a project! I will have to save the knitting for another post...........

Summa, Summa, SummaTime

2008-06-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

Time to sit back and unwind - ummmm, not with my 20 month old toddler! Now that summer is here and the days are sunny and hot, Oliver and I have seriously been on the go! What have we been up to? Let's see, playing on the big slides at the playground, walking to the library to get some books, strolling around the park, taking walks around town, buying a bike seat, installing the bike seat (thanks Dada), and taking rides on the bike (you should see how cute Ollie looks in his helmet) and taking a few trips here and there (we had a blast at the Central Park Zoo and FAO Schwarz in NYC). Phew! All of this activity has left me exhausted at the end of every day. Most of the time I have been just glancing over at my knitting, way too tired to pick it up. I have slowly been working along on a few projects:

I started this striped sweater for Oliver back in April when the days were much cooler, and now just have the sleeves left to do. I am hoping to finish this up soon even though he won't be wearing it in the sweltering heat we have been hit with lately. Good thing I sized way up on this!

I was getting a teensy bit bored with all the stockinette on the sweater so I thought I would change things up and I started a pair of socks.

I am hoping to finish both of these soon - I am knitting way too slow for all of the summer projects I have planned!

FO: Cropped Cardigan

2008-05-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Cropped Raglan Sweater from Lion Brand (can be found here)
Yarn: Misti International Pima Cotton/Silk in Pink - 3 skeins
Needles: size 7 and 8 circs
Modifications: I made the body longer by 1 inch and lengthened the sleeves by 20 rows for more of an elbow sleeve

This yarn was actually meant to be another sweater which I lost interest in. I'm really glad that I did because I really love this one! The yarn is so soft and this style is so versatile - I can see myself getting a lot of wear out of this cute little sweater. It is so great for the spring weather. It took me a lot of searching but worked out well in the end.

The construction of this sweater is worked from the top down with the raglan sleeves incorporated. It was my first time knitting a top down sweater and it knit up very quickly because everything is knit at the same time and it had very little seaming in the end - which is perfect for those knitters who loathe seaming. I don't mind it but it was nice to not have to do it!

Stripes

2008-05-07T18:42:00.001-07:00

The latest project on my needles and my first foray into color knitting.

On The Block Where We Live

2008-05-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

In our city, there is a beautiful gated park and only the residents that live on the perimeter have a key to get into the park. We happen to be lucky enough to be one of those residents. We have this lovely park as out "front yard" and are of only a few that have access into it. Now that spring has sprung, it is so nice to take Oliver out for a stroll and wander around the park, taking in all of the new growth. I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as we enjoy these sights everyday.

Roar!

2008-04-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Anny Purls' blog (she always has the best ideas! :-) ) and thought it was just too cute to pass up. So I knit one up for Oliver. A lion washcloth for the tubby. What a great idea!

The pattern is Grrr by Alice Bell and can be found on the Summer '07 Knitty. The yarn I used was Lion Brand Cotton Ease on size US 7 needles. I thought the pattern dimensions were a bit too small so I increased it by 8 stitches and 8 rows. I wanted it a little bigger just in case I wanted to test it out myself - ya know, like how I test out his Legos when he is taking a nap. I can build an awesome airplane and a pretty mean dream house.

The real question is: How does it hold up in the water? Well, let's go to our little product tester and find out.

Looks pretty good to me. I think he really likes it! Oh yeah - the back side is pretty cool too. It is nubby for a gentle massage on baby's skin.

What's funny is the quote from the washcloth description on the Knitty site: "Perfect for kids (of any age) who need some encouragement into the tub." Uh huh - like this little monkey needs any encouragement.

Socks!

2008-04-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

I just finished my very first pair of socks! Ya Baby! They came out pretty darn good if I do say so myself, seeing that it was my first time. They fit perfectly and they are so cozy. Love them! I used just your basic sock pattern- I didn't want to get too fancy or complicated my first time out of the gate.

Pattern: Classic Socks by Yankee Knitter Designs
Yarn: JaWoll Color by Lang Yarns
Needles: US 2
Mods: I shortened the ribbing at the top and shortened the leg by 2 inches for a more feminine look.

Crazy thing is, whenever someone came to visit and saw that I was knitting socks, they wanted a pair too. It must be my mad sock knitting skillz.

Now, I am totally on the sock bandwagon! I had so much fun with this pair, I ordered up some more (and better) sock yarn so that I can keep on keepin' on. My latest additions to the stash are some pretty handpainted wool from Socks That Rock:

That second one there is for my sister. A personal request.

Thinking Spring

2008-04-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Rain, rain, go away!

Even though it has still been chilly (very chilly) and quite dreary and grey around here, I have been thinking ahead to the warmer, sunnier days of Spring. They have to come sometime, right? I just cast on a cute cropped cardigan in anticipation of the warmer weather.

This wasn't my first choice. I originally cast on a sweater that I had my eye on in Vogue Knitting since last Spring. It was one of those things that because I sat on it for so long, the sweater lost its appeal. But I cast on for it anyway, ignoring my intuition. About a quarter of the way up the back I realized I made a mistake a few rows back and because the entire thing was yarn overs and knit 2 togethers I decided to knit backwards to correct the problem instead of ripping it back. Hassle. Big hassle. Somehow during the process my needle snapped and broke. I would usually get a little bit upset about something like that, but felt that it was the universe telling me that this sweater wasn't meant to be.

Now, I had this beautiful yarn and no sweater to knit. After searching (and searching) I finally found the perfect match. All I need now are those warm sunny days.

FO: Sweater Vest

2008-03-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

I have been working away on a few projects and now I finally have one off the needles! This was a really quick knit and took me no time at all to knit up.

The pattern is "Tank Top" by Erika Knight in her book "Classic Knits". The yarn is Rowan Big Wool in Smokey and I used size US 15 and US 17 needles.

I like this - but I don't love it. The pattern has some flaws. And it is too short. I should have listened to the complaints on Ravelry and knit this at least an inch to an inch and a half longer. I feel like I am always pulling it down. Also, the shoulders are a bit too bulky - the pattern bind off was really weird. I should have used a 3 needle bind off and disregarded the pattern. Other than those little complaints, I think it is cute. I will definitely get some wear out of it.

Just Knitting Away

2008-03-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

I figured that while the temps around these parts are still freezing, I would knit myself a hat before it is too late. I loved the Koolhaas that I knit for my husband so much that I just had to knit one up for myself.

I love it! The pattern is Koolhaas by Jared Flood and I used some more of my Italian wool - Grignasco Australia - on size US 6 and US 8 needles. This hat is so warm - and the pattern is so cool.

I have a couple of other projects on the needles that I have been knitting away on these quiet winter days but I am really looking forward to the warmer weather. I have quite a few summer knitting projects lined up that I am so excited to start!

Times Two

2008-02-20T17:13:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished the second cable sweater after a lot of procrastination when it came to the seaming and finishing. But it is done!

Again, this pattern is Child's Nashawena by Penny Straker and I made this one in a child's size 8. I used Lion Brand Cotton in purple, size 2 needles on the cuffs and collar and size 6 needles on the rest.

My cute little nieces just so happen to be visiting us for a couple of days for their February break. Here they are - all smiles, of course - in their sweaters:

Vintage

2008-02-15T17:19:00.000-08:00

We received a Valentine's package today from my mother-in-law and she sent along handknits that Andy and his brother wore when they were little. Their grandmother knit them for them and they are absolutely gorgeous - and still wearable! Oliver loves them - and they still look good after all of these years. Thanks!

This rust colored v-neck is so classic:

And how cute are these owls!:

And I am sure this hat will keep him warm in this cold weather:

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T09:27:00.001-08:00

Cookies compliments of Oliver and me. Oliver was a big help making them - Really.

I happen to love Valentine's Day! What is better than an entire day dedicated to love? I also happen to love giving gifts on Valentine's Day, even more so than receiving them. So I knit up a secret little sumthin' sumthin' for my husband.

The pattern is Koolhaas by Jared Flood and I got to use some of the wool I picked up over in Italy - Grignasco Australia, which was perfect for this hat. So warm! Andy was so surprised and so excited that I finally got around to knitting something for him. He loves it!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Pick-Me-Up

2008-01-28T12:19:00.000-08:00

It has been Sick City around here lately. Both Oliver and I came down with something - fever, congestion, coughing. It really has been no fun for the both of us. My Mom-In-Law was so sweet and sent us packages of goodies - I think the hot chocolate really helped! Pick-Me-Up number one!

Being sick has not deterred me from the knitting, however, but I am still stuck on the cable sweater. It is like the sweater that never ends! I think part of the problem is that I knit the same exact one before this one so it seems like I have been knitting the same thing for months - for FOREVER! Anyway, progress is being made and I am determined to finish it even though I seriously want to cast on something new.

Pick-Me-Up number 2 came in the form of a flyer in the mail. My LYS is having a winter sale and everything is on sale - needles, yarn, books, etc. I couldn't pass this up! Excitement has been restored! I love getting new things - especially yarn and the possibilities for new projects.

I am feeling better already!

I Resolve To......

2008-01-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

It has been a whirlwind month! From our last visitors in Rome, to tying things up, packing up, and flying home, then the holidays and everything that goes with them. After the first of the year, we moved into our new apartment, which I absolutely love! Then its been unpacking a sea of boxes (which still isn't done), hanging things, moving things, deciding where things are going to go, and shopping for new things. Because of all of this, the knitting has fallen by the wayside. I know - so sad. I have been sneaking it in here and there but I am looking forward to settling in and getting back into the swing.

As a fairly new knitter, I take advantage of the new year by making resolutions for what I would like to learn and accomplish in the coming year. Last year, as a real newbie, it was basic stuff like yarn overs, buttonholes, picking up stitches, and cables, all which I accomplished. Here are this year's resolutions:
1. I will knit for me. So far, I haven't knit anything for myself. I am so ready to benefit from all my hard work and care. And pick up some really cute sweaters in the process.
2. I will knit socks. Besides a pair of two needle baby socks, I haven't tackled this. At first, I had the premonition that hand knit socks were more for the crunchy granola type - which I am totally not. But I have found some really cute sock patterns that I think I can handle.
3. I will try color knitting - fairisle, intarsia, etc. Totally scared of this. But I was scared of cables too until I tried them and found out that they were completely easy.

So these are resolutions that I know I will keep!

More Cables

2007-12-19T14:09:00.000-08:00

Because I had so much love for this pattern the first time around......

This version is for my other niece. I don't think I will have enough time to finish this one by Christmas. Today was my last day in Rome. Andy's parents have been in town to visit and we have literally covered every square inch of this city to make sure we haven't missed anything. Tomorrow we get on a plane and head for home. I am sad and happy at the same time. Needless to say, I haven't had much time to sit and knit.

I just had to stop by the yarn store today and pick up my last purchase of Italian yarn. Arrividerci Roma! I will miss you!

Finito!

2007-12-06T03:45:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished the cable sweater. I feel like this sweater took me forever to knit. I mean, it has a lot of cables. I did take a few weeks off for travel and my dad came into town for a week where there was very little knitting going on. But I am completely proud of this sweater. It is the largest sweater I have knit so far and I really like the way it came out.

I really liked this pattern. It is Child's Nashawena by Penny Straker and I knit it in a child's size 10 for my niece Hailey. She has blonde hair and blue eyes so I think the color will be perfect for her. The yarn is Lion Brand Cotton in turquoise. (Bonus - I found it on sale for 97 cents a ball and it only took 5 balls for this sweater!) I used size 2 needles for the cuffs and collar and size 6 needles for the rest of the sweater. Love it!

Just one question: Can I put a "Made in Italy" label on this?

Home Soon

2007-12-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

Our time in Rome is winding down. We have less than three weeks left here. I will be very sad to leave, but at the same time I am ready to go home. There really is no place like home. I have missed so many things about home while I was here - mostly food items. Believe me when I tell you that the selection is limited to Italian food here in Italy. That might sound OK to some of you, but I really miss having a diverse selection of food to eat. It is pretty much pasta, pasta, and more pasta. And knitters - yarn stores are few and far between. Knitting is not really as big here as it is in other countries. Knitting here is something the grandmothers do. In Rome, there are only two yarn stores that I know of. I have only been to one. Lana Della Vecchia:

It is a tiny little yarn store near the Campo De Fiori. Not like the stores back home. They do have a pretty good selection of Italian yarns, though, and among other things..... undergarments!

Yes - those are Playtex bras in the window. Very weird.

Cables!

2007-11-25T01:33:00.000-08:00

Definite progress is being made on the sweater I am knitting for one of my neices for Christmas. This is in between visitors, traveling Italy and sightseeing (still!), and spending time with Oliver. He definitely keeps me busy these days!

So, not much more to do - a sleeve and a half, neck, and seams. Oh yeah - and another one of these sweaters for my other niece. Not much. I can do it. One month. Uh huh.

Yummy Italian Yarn

2007-10-26T00:13:00.000-07:00

My husband's birthday was last week and he told me he was disappointed that I didn't knit anything for him. I was sort of surprised about this because he has never really expressed interest in me knitting something for him - not that he doesn't express interest in my knitting - I just didn't think he wanted something "home made". He is worse than me when it comes to designer shopping. Trust. Sooo, we were in Florence this past weekend and I found another great yarn store - Beatrice Galli Yarn Shop - and I picked up some yummy yarn to knit him a scarf. Its 100% Italian Merino Wool and it just so happens to match his new coat.

I saw this scarf in Furla and I am using it as inspiration.

I know that it is chunkier than the yarn I have but I like the simplicity of the two ribs on either side.

I was also thinking, since my husband is an architect, that this hat would be an appropriate knit to go along with his scarf. I also like it for myself, so I went to my LRYS (Local Roman Yarn Store), Lana Della Vecchia, near the Campo de Fiori and picked up some yarn for the both of us - the charcoal for my husband to match his scarf and the chocolate for myself.

My dad is coming over to visit next week and I already have him picking up a copy of the Interweave Knits Holiday Gift Issue so that I can have the pattern for this hat.

Sweater Vest

2007-10-24T04:48:00.000-07:00

I have finally gotten around to taking pictures of the sweater vest and internet finally came to our apartment (how long have we been in Rome? Ya, it really took that long to get internet!) so without further waiting......

Pattern: Cable Tank Top by Debbie Bliss in Simply Baby
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK in Pale Blue

It was virtually impossible to get Oliver to sit still to take his picture while he modeled his little vest, so these are the best shots I could get.

And becuse I forgot to give credit where credit is due for the Teddy Bear on my last post:
Pattern: Teddy Bear by Debbie Bliss in Simply Baby
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK in Stone

Birthday FO's

2007-10-13T04:15:00.000-07:00

I have been away for a long time - but I have still been knitting! Rome (and traveling Italy) has been keeping me very busy but I have definitely found the time to break out the needles and yarn and knit away - especially since there are no English speaking television shows to distract me at night.
My little babe's first birthday was great and I finished the teddy bear and the sweater vest with time to spare! He loved the teddy bear! It was the first present he opened and he gave me a big hug! I was so happy and I hope he keeps it for years to come.

We had a big party for Oliver's Birthday and he wore his new vest. He looked so cute - and he had a great time! I have no close-ups yet of the finished product but here is a picture of the litte man sporting it:

I have yet to take pictures of the details and better photos of Oliver wearing it - but they will come!

In Italian yarn news: I found the cutest yarn store when we were in Venice. It is called Lellabella and it carried beautiful yarns. I just had to pick up some even though I have no projects for these yet - but I'm sure I can find some. The first is a merino wool cashmere blend. It is a gorgeous cream color with flecks of tan running through it:

And the second is pure Italian cashmere. It is so soft I just had to have it despite the pricetag, which is why I didn't puchase too many balls. I'm thinking I can knit some beautiful gloves with this.

I have also started on one of the sweaters for my nieces for Christmas. I am hoping that I will be able to get two of these done before December 25th. I know it seems like it is a long way off and I have plenty of time but with everything going on here coming up in the next couple of months, my time is limited. I will have pictures of my progress on this sweater next time as well.
If anyone (I hope I still have readers here) wants to check out my other blog about our stay in Rome and our travels in Italy you can go to: saundersromanholiday.blogspot.com

Ciao, From Roma

2007-08-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

We made it to Rome! The yarn stash made it to Rome! I have been a happy knitter. Rome is great. We have been spending a lot of our time sightseeing so far. And doing a little shopping. I haven't seen any yarn stores so far (it might be a good thing I brought all of those projects and yarn with me) but a lot of the shops are closed for the last half of the month of August for holiday, so we will have to see in September. I finished the back of Oliver's sweater vest and held it up to him - it looks like it is going to fit him a lot sooner than I thought. I need to finish this soon.

I just cast on for the teddy bear I am knitting for Oliver's first birthday. It is a very quick knit. I have finished the front of the body and now I am on to the back.

I did happen to pick up the Fall issue of Vogue Knitting before I left the States. There are some cute sweaters here and there. I didn't really care for the Top 10 Hits - all the sweaters seemed outdated. The articles seem pretty good. Haven't had time to get through the whole thing yet.

Packing and Choosing

2007-07-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

We started packing everything up. We are moving out of our apartment and will be living in Rome until December. I will be living out of 2 suitcases for 5 months - and I am thinking one of those suitcases is going to be for shoes. I am not a light packer. This means I need to choose a select few knitting projects to bring with me. I think I have narrowed it down. Oliver's first birthday is in October and I thought this teddy bear would be cute and fast:

Also, the cable sweaters for my neices for Christmas. One in turquoise, one in purple. Very Ralph Lauren. I'm also pondering the idea of embroidering their initials on the chest.

I really need an adult project. I was thinking I would buy some sock yarn and knit some socks - that wouldn't take up too much room in the suitcase. I also came across this sweater in the Summer issue of Vogue Knitting that I am seriously taking into consideration:

As far as any actual knitting going on around here - it is unfortunately really, really slow what with all of the packing going on. I am still working on the cable vest for Oliver. I am still working on the back but I have made it to the armhole shaping. Yay! I chose this project because it has no sleeves - I thought "wow, I could knit this really fast." Uh huh. It's areally good thing I am knitting this in the 18-24 mo. size range. He is 9 months old.

Inching Along

2007-06-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

First things first: Since I abandoned the idea of finishing a sweater for my neice for her birthday and moved the due date to Christmas, I revisited the cable sweater vest I had begun knitting for my son. It is slow going where knitting is concerned in the summer time. Oliver and I are quite busy every day taking walks, going here and there, visiting family, and he is so active it is impossible to knit in his presence. But I am persevering.

Next: The family is moving to Rome (yes, in Italy) for four months in the middle of August. My husband, Andrew, Is a Professor of Architecture and he is teaching the Fall semester there. How fun and exciting! I will be taking some knitting with me (of course!) and the sweaters for my neices are on the top of the list. I needed to make sure that the turquoise yarn I picked up will work so I knit up a gauge swatch - and it is perfect! Love it! Love the color too.

I won't be bringing too much with me though. Hmmmm..... Italy - isn't that where merino wool comes from?