Rethinking a Sweater

Last week I had the good intentions of knitting sweaters for the twins. I thought I needed something easy and fast. When I have to knit 2 of the same thing, the quicker the better. What could be easier and faster than a top down sweater? Everything gets knit at the same time and there aren't and seams and the finishing touches are minimal. So I started the top down sweater and everything was going along fine. After I got past the armholes and started knitting the body, I tried it on one of the boys. It fit well but something about it just wasn't right. I looked at it and tried to put my finger on what wasn't right about it. It was just so... boring. Too easy and too quick maybe.

It was then that I decided to scrap that project. I had a different idea for the yarn. Looking around Ravelry to see if I could find exactly what I was looking for, I came up with nothing. So now I'm designing something. Not so easy or so quick but I think I will be a lot happier with the results. I started swatching to get gauge. I am excited to see how this goes.

Finished: Larch Cardigan

I have been in desperate need of a navy cardigan. I wanted something simple and easy to throw on. I looked through a lot of patterns and I was going back and forth between the Farmers Market Cardigan and the Larch Cardigan. I ultimately chose Larch because it seemed more my style and a little bit more versatile. I am completely happy with my choice. I love it!

The pattern is Larch Cardigan by Amy Christoffers. The yarn I used is Cloudborn Highland Sport in Navy which I stumbled upon while perusing the Craftsy site. It is a relatively new yarn and I thought I would try it out. I am so glad I did because it is really nice. I highly recommend it. It is 100% wool so even though it is a sport weight, it is nice and warm. The stitches are nicely defined and so far it is wearing well - very minimal pilling. My gauge came in slightly under what was recommended but I just went with it. The sweater has more of a fitted, tailored look. I didn't want it to turn out too big. I used a size US 5 needle.

I really like the ribbed shawl collar and the one button closure. I also appreciate the small detail at the bottom ribbing and cuffs - after the ribbing is knit it is bound off and then the stitches are picked up from the wrong side. This sweater is easy to grab and throw on to walk the dog on a chilly morning or to head out to the store. I am glad I went with something so classic - it really goes with everything!

Bake of the Week: Apple Cider Donuts

I know this is a knitting blog but I LOVE to bake. I am an avid baker. I am in my kitchen almost every day whipping something up for me and my family. So I thought I would start this weekly blog post and share my bakes with you!

This week I am starting the series off with Apple Cider Donuts. Last weekend, we had a little Halloween party to attend and I thought "What would be more perfect to bring to the party than Apple Cider Donuts?" I have this donut pan from Williams-Sonoma and I set about to find the perfect recipe.

I had to test a few recipes before I found the perfect one. I needed to find the right donut texture and that awesome apple cider taste. One of the recipes I made tasted so awful that all of the donuts went directly into the trash. Finally I tried this recipe and it was "the one." I followed it almost exactly except that I didn't have any whole wheat flour so I just used all white all-purpose flour.

These donuts were the hit of the party. I can't tell you how many people came up to me and raved about how great they were. They were gone in no time! Best of all is that I can make these now any time I get a craving! Enjoy!

My End of Year Knitting List

When it comes to knitting, I think I have completely unrealistic expectations of how much I can get done in a certain amount of time. Is it just me, or are all knitters like this? Honestly, I want to knit so many things and I forget just how long it takes (especially me) to complete a project. Even bearing this in mind, I have made a end-of-year list and I am hoping it isn't too ambitious.

Sweaters for the Twins:

This is the Knit for Kids Top Down Pullover by Diane Soucy. I haven't knit my boys anything in the longest time. I decided on a top down raglan - with no stripes. Just a simple, quick knit. Nolan, especially, has been requesting a blue sweater.

A Sweater for My Husband:

This is Hugo by Veronik Avery for Brooklyn Tweed. My husband has also been requesting that I knit him another sweater and really liked this design. This might just be his Christmas present this year.

My oldest son is at an age where I am not so sure he would wear a sweater if I knit one for him. He is really into sports and wears nothing but athletic pants and t-shirts. I bought him a pair of jeans recently and he looked at me and said "I am NOT wearing those." Kids - amiright? He will wear a hat/scarf/mittens if they are cool enough so I am throwing those on the list too.

I'm hoping that this list isn't too much for the next two months. I was going to throw a sweater on there for me too but I'm thinking that would be over the top!