#48 - FRIDAY KNITSPIRATION

I occasionally find myself poring over the interwebs late at night, going through Ravelry and knitwear designers and yarn shops and blogs to see what sorts of things are inspirational to me in my crafty process. This week, it has to be all of the gorgeous stuff going on at Quince and Company yarns. Founded by several self-proclaimed yarnophiles, Quince focuses on natural fibers and American sourced wool, in a variety of stunning colors.


On my holiday wish list this year? A few skeins of Quince Chickadee sport weight yarn in a moss green for their Kilkenny Cowl pattern. It's the perfect time of year for cozy cables and textured knits, and I love the ease of tucking a cowl into a jacket at this time of year without worrying about the extra bulk of a scarf.

As for next week on {bmore crafty}, expect to see some knitty progress on the next Brambles beret, a review of Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2010, and some handmade holiday ideas.

Happy knitting this weekend!
xx

I was in no way compensated for this post, and do not endorse products in exchange for money (or even copious amounts of yarn). Photos credited to the Quince and Company website.

#47 - FO: MAMA SUE'S READING MITTS

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Mama Sue's Reading Mitts are off the needles!

I'll keep it brief, but I have to give my praise to both this yarn and this pattern. My illustrious mum picked the yarn, Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds DK in brown bluefaced leicester, and she has simply impeccable taste. The undyed yarn has a great neutral shade that will go with all of her winter coats and a really wonderful feel on the skin.


As for the pattern, it's simple enough to knit up in a few days, yet looks very clean and well made for the amount of time required to make them. As well, this pattern includes two features that set it ahead of many basic fingerless mitts patterns - a thumb gusset and a sewn edge. I hate fingerless gloves that don't include a thumb gusset, and although they're easy to add to a stockinette mitt, this is excellent for beginners and much more comfortable for the wearer in the long run. Since the edges of the mitts are folded under and sewn down, it gives them a much more professional look, which is perfect for holiday gifting.

I'm not much on knitting patterns more than once, but I can definitely see myself making up a pair or two of these for some last minute holiday gifts.

Up next - I just cast on another Brambles, this time with several mods - a wider brim with a buttonband and a slouchier body. Of course, I'll be sharing my progress soon. Happy knitting!

#46 - ON THE NEEDLES

Just thought I'd share a quick post with what's on my needles at the moment, especially since I'm in a major bout of startitis. Between holiday knitting and commissions, I need to get my needles moving! In the meantime, I have a few little projects that I'm actively working on:

First off, Mama Sue's Reading Mitts, which I'm knitting for my brilliant mom. She picked the yarn, Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds DK in Bluefaced Leicester. And wow, that lady has good taste. I'm in love with this yarn. I'm finished with the thumb gusset increases for mitt #2, so these should be off the needles in no time.

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Next, the Crazy Vanilla Socks, formerly the Nutkin Socks, in Crazy Zauberball, which I frogged because the pattern was (for reasons unknown to me) boring me to death. Keeping these in my bag at all times.

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I recently frogged yet another WIP to cast on the Mara Shawl in LB Collection Superwash Merino. Super simple and I foresee great stitch definition on this one.

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And finally... I swatched for the Beatnik sweater! This is Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Dove Heather and it's going to be so lovely in cabled goodness. I can feel it already.

I've been knitting up a storm, so I suspect there will be much more to share quite soon. What crafty shenanigans have you been up to lately?

#45 - BRAMBLES

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I knitted the Brambles beret from the deep fall 2010 issue of Knitty, and oh how I loved making it! First of all, I used Angel's Kiss Alpaca/Merino worsted weight yarn, which was a birthday gift from lovely A. This yarn is just incredibly. Soft and squishy and bouncy and I could go on and on. The kettle dyeing makes for some wonderful, subtle variegation in shade. And it feels wonderful in your hands while knitting away.


As for the pattern, the Knitmore Girls always refer to working cables as potato chip knitting. And they're right. I found myself wanting to turn just one more cable, or to get to the next round, or to the next chart. Before you know it, you're finished and stretching this little baby over a dinner plate.

This pattern has already been suggested, but is so perfect for all of you #stashbustarmy knitters looking to use up a single skein of worsted weight yarn. I am a bit tight on tension, and used less than my 220yd skein for the medium size. And because it's such a breeze to knit, you'll feel like an ace when it's complete and will get to watch the compliments roll in - just don't let your head get too big to fit into your new, cozy beret.


And ps, take a look at my owl-o-lantern! Hope you had some fun festivities on All Hallows Eve, too.