#61 - INSTANT GRATIFICATION

I'm skipping the Knit & Crochet Blog Week post for today. Feels like I'm copping out, but to be perfectly honest, today's topic wasn't striking a chord with me for whatever reason. Nonetheless, I'll be stopping by to read many of your KCBW posts and see all of the creative things you came up with!

Simple Buttoned Baby Pullover and Swirl Baby Cap

Instead, I just wanted to write a quick post sharing the items I finished up this week. I've been in a knitting drought lately and not feeling the urge to knit. But when my sister-in-law requested that I make some baby knits for a friend of her's, I was back in action. Maybe I just needed a change of pace from sweater knitting, but there's something about baby knits that makes them so pleasurable - the instant gratification. With just a couple skeins of yarn and a few days time, you can crank out a few tiny little knits and feel impossibly clever without breaking a sweat. Not to mention, baby knitting is a perfect way to try out new techniques without feeling incredibly overwhelmed.

In less than a week's time, I had a cozy sweater and cap off the needles, and that kind of turn-around got me back in the groove. I suspect my Effortless Cardigan will be finished before I know it. About time, isn't it?

Happy knitting!!
xx

#54 - FINISHED OBJECT FRIDAY: FENIMORE AND MORE

Fenimore Hat - Ravel it!

Last week, I excitedly bound off my Fenimore Hat and I've shared this already with the yarnies on Twitter and Ravelry, but I am completely in love. It's no surprise that Jared Flood has done it again with an entrancing and engaging pattern. The cables intertwine in a basketweave fashion that leads into pretty little star patterns at the crown. The cables are much less challenging to execute than they appear, and the texture shows off the subtle tonal variegation in the yarn. I'm in love and can see myself knitting more of these in the future.

Crazy Vanilla Sock - Ravel it!

And last night, I finished something that I've had much less love for - my first sock. I can't explain it. I can't blame the pattern, and I did feel like a bit of a magician when I turned my first heel. I think the yarn and I aren't getting along too well - it has no spring and tends to be a little splitty for me, as I'm a pretty tight knitter. Nonetheless, my sock ennui vanished when I realized I had to simply close the toe to bind off this vanilla sock. Let's hope I'm inspired to knit the second one, so my poor mother will finally have the pair of socks I promised her months ago.

The loveliness that is Madelinetosh yarn

Now, I'm fighting a tiny bout of startitis so I can make more progress on two sweaters on the needles. And I'll be starting a third in a few day with this gorgeous Madelinetosh yarn, which unfortunately is photographing more purple than blue in the skein.

Have you finished any new crafty projects this week? Don't forget to check out more yarny bloggers participating in FO Friday.

Happy knitting!!
xx

#52 - WORK IN PROGRESS WEDNESDAY (UNDER THE WIRE)

Fenimore Hat - Ravel it!

I wanted to sneak in a WIP Wednesday post since I've been busily knitting on so many projects this week. The one that's furthest along thus far is my Fenimore beret, another incredible pattern by Jared Flood, aka Brooklyn Tweed.

What I most love about his patterns is that he constantly plays with texture and cables, which are the most appealing aspects of knitting, to me anyway. This hat is a pretty addictive pattern, I must admit. These are the most challenging cables I've attempted to date, but the charts are clear and directions are well-written, so I've had no major problems... yet.


And I should note that this is yet another Stash Bust Army project, keeping to my word (thus far!) to knit from the stash. I am completely obsessed with this yarn. I'm using Angel's Kiss Alpaca-Merino Worsted, which couples the softness of alpaca with the sturdy, springiness of merino. Basically the best of both worlds, for me! The yarn is kettle dyed which creates a really subtle and lovely tonal variegation.

What crafty works-in-progress do you have going on this week?

Happy knitting!!
xx

#51 - NEW YEAR, NEW KNITS

Finishing Christmas knitting is so relieving and exciting for me. What to knit next? After very little contemplation, it has been decided - 2011 is the YEAR OF SELFISH KNITTING. It's less about knitting solely for myself (although that's definitely on the horizon), and more about knitting whatever I want, whenever I want. No deadlines, no obligations, just enjoyment. Who's joining me?

Ravel it!

I've started the year off on the right foot. My brother and sister-in-law got me some gorgeous yarn for the holidays, including Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk aran in a hunter green shade. It is soft and squishy and lovely, so I knitted myself a hat with it. I am a self-proclaimed hat junkie, and this one is a simple, slouchy, all-around hat that has been my go-to lately.

My other knitting plans for the new year? My two overall goals are to KNIT THE STASH and START TRYING SWEATERS. I think sweaters will be a good platform to get me trying new techniques and learning about garment construction. As for the stash knitting? My stockpile of yarn is becoming an embarrassment, so I figure that's reason enough.

I'm on the ground running - cast on 2 sweaters with stash yarn (Whaaat?!) this week, and another hat for myself with stash as well. What's on your needles at the moment?

Happy knitting!
xx

#50 - CHRISTMAS KNITS (OR, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER)

No, my Christmas knits were not late... but this post certainly is. Blogging was interrupted by knitting and holidaying and family and friends. I hope you all had a magnificent end to 2010 and are setting out plans for the year ahead. I have some big ones in mind, but in the meantime, here are the knits I've gotten off the needles since you heard from me last.

Dad's Christmas Hat: Impossibly simple and knitted in Paton's Classic Wool. I improvised a few stripes to match one of his winter jackets. Also must mention that this hat pattern, from Last Minute Knitted Gifts is best suited for gents with a big head (literally, not figuratively) - so it suits my papa perfectly. :)

Ravel it!

Best Friend Cowl: A knitted commission in Rowan Felted Tweed. I used some of my favorite vintage buttons on this to give the simple scarf pattern a fun twist. The lace pattern is easy to memorize and knits up quickly.

Ravel it!

Brother's Christmas Hat: Another easy, manly hat in Paton's Classic Wool. The Turn a Square pattern is a go-to for a deceptively impressive gift. Used solid colors this time around, but again, it matches his winter coat quite nicely.

Ravel it!

Mom's Lacy Christmas Cowl: A new #stashbustarmy project in one of my new favorite yarns, Lion Brand Nature's Choice Organic Cotton. Impossibly soft and squishy, I held the yarn doubled to equal a bulky weight. The color is lovely and I added one of my favorite vintage buttons from my stash to top it off. Mom has worn it countless times already, so I know it was a winner.

Ravel it!

Now, I'm focused on a new year of knits with some yarny resolutions, a few knit-alongs in store, stashbusting, and a something already off the needles. Lots to share in the coming days, but what has been in your crafty sights lately? I want to hear all about it.

Happy knitting!
xx

#45 - BRAMBLES

Ravel it!

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.

#44 - SOMEWHERE IN-BETWEEN

Image via Laylock

At the moment, I feel like I'm stuck somewhere in-between startitis and can't finish a thing-itis. (Yes, I'm coining it as such; my command of language being what it is.) My mind is swirling. Maybe it's the season's change or life circumstance or general frustration or whatever else plagues my brain, but I am constantly poring over patterns and looking at new yarns and sketching ideas, but little comes to fruition. I know that I'm a process knitter, and have no trouble frogging a half-finished sweater because I've decided the yarn wants to be something else entirely, but even I feel confused as to how many projects I have on the needles and how many other ideas are running about in my brain. If it weren't for the few little commissioned knits I've had to work on, I'd be completely lost! But anyway, I'll share a few WIPs with you all, and keep your fingers crossed that I develop a little knitted discipline this week. This is not the way to enter the holiday knitting season. At all.

Brambles beret in Angel's Kiss Alpaca/Merino worsted yarn


Nutkin Socks in Crazy Zauberball - psst, I am loving this colorway.


Commissioned Toque in Lamb's Pride Bulky



Aaaand... I may have bought a few buttons today, too. Just keep that one between us.

#26 - BLOG THERAPY: MY ANTISOCIAL TENDENCIES

From Knitting, etc.

Back for another round of blog therapy. So yes, my friends joke that I'm known for occasionally dropping off the radar. When things get busy or I feel overwhelmed, I'll retreat in my apartment. I start ignoring phone calls, forgetting to reply to emails, spending hours upon hours napping in bed over the weekends rather than going out.

But even when I feel like I'd prefer to be completely alone rather than dealing with the world around me, I find myself becoming more connected to the lovely crafters on Ravelry. I've found a few amazing groups of supportive people (especially in Got Friends?) who celebrate each other's triumphs and comfort one another in defeat.

From Knitting, etc.

But I took it one step further and started swapping. I didn't realize how much fun I'd have choosing and making knitty gifts for a total stranger. And the friendships that form after makes swaps all the more rewarding. Above is my first ever swap package - I knitted up a Robin's Egg Blue hat in Cascade Venezia bulky, which was so soft with a subtle sheen to it. With it, I sent pattern markers and stitch markers from Andrea Jene Designs, and a skein of Claudia's Hand Painted Yarns in Eat Your Veggies. My awesome swapette said she's thinking of knitting up the yarn into a Reverie beret, and I think it's the perfect choice.

Even though I'm working on getting myself out a little more often and returning those phone calls a little more promptly, I know I can stop by Ravelry and always feel at home with some people I feel honored to refer to as friends.

#11 - MAKING PROGRESS

From Knitting, etc.

The Cousteau hat is complete!  Excuse the poorly-framed photograph, but it's hard to get good shots when no one is around to help.  It looks a little awkward, mainly because it's a little too big for my head, but I'm pretty happy with the way this one turned out.  The Cascade Heritage sock yarn doesn't halo, stretches nicely, and has a good sheen to it.  Hopefully I'll get a few additional photos (especially to detail the crown of the hat, which is my favorite part) when it is received by its rightful owner.

Now, I feel like there's so much more to make.  I admit that my progress on that tiny, stripey, baby sweater has been a little pathetic... but I think my enthusiasm is returning.

From Knitting, etc.

Plus, the upcoming holiday season has me in the mood to get knitting, especially after getting my hands on this year's Interweave Holiday Gifts issue!  Some major stashbusting is in the works.  And I finally have plans for some of that magnificent Turkish cashmere-bamboo yarn.  My friends and family will be on the receiving end of some swell goods if all goes according to plan.  Keep high hopes for me, folks.

#10 - LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT MY BOAT.

From Blogger Pictures

If you know me, then you know my love for all things Wes Anderson. So in between studying and researching and PhD application-ing (oh yes, pity is appreciated), I started work on a fun, little hybrid project inspired by one of my favorites. I'm mixing the aptly named Jacques Cousteau hat with a braided cable trim to create a classic winter knit for someone who shares my fondness for both Anderson's films and Bill Murray's charm.

From Knitting, etc.

Fingers crossed, this will be completed in the coming days, so keep a look out.

#9 - OH, BABY

From Knitting, etc.

Hello, good people of the interweb. I told you all that I was busy knitting, and now I'm here to deliver the goods.

First off, congrats to Kerry for being the only participant in, and therefore the winner of the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival ticket giveaway. I hope you had a great time!

From Knitting, etc.

Anyway, I've been staying up late to work on piles of baby knits for a very important little niece-to-be. I started work on some of that Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino that we bought in Charlottesville, and knitted up two classic Debbie Bliss patterns. First off, the striped hat which is too cute in cream and dusty lavender. I love the sprout on top!

From Knitting, etc.

With the leftover yarn from the hat, instead of diving right into the sweater, I opted to make the baby sandals instead. These are my first booties, and I think they came out relatively well. To mix it up a bit, I made the strap contrast to match the hat and future sweater. Now, I just need to find the perfect buttons. Any ideas?

From Knitting, etc.

I took a break from the baby cashmerino to make a pattern from the fantastic folks at Purl, Whit's Bulky Baby Blanket. On our weekend in New York, I insisted that we stop at Purl after the most delicious brunch at Hundred Acres in Soho to pick up yarn for this project (as well as to geek out in one of my favorite yarn shops ever). I fell in love with the Spud & Chloe line from the start - super soft, squishy yarns that are machine washable - perfect for baby or child knits. I picked the bulky Outer in soapstone for the seed-stitched body of the blanket, and Sweater in popsicle for the trim.

From Knitting, etc.

I admit that I didn't love knitting this pattern - I get bored easily, so making the body required some extra coffee and motivation on my part, and my circular needle was a little too short, which added to my crankiness when I started the border. Nonetheless, this turned out to be an adorable blanket that's so soft and full of texture for little hands.

From Knitting, etc.

It seems that this baby will be the recipient of all of my metropolitan yarn purchases... lucky girl. Now, I need to crack the whip on the striped hooded pullover (the work-in-progress above)... not to mention maybe finishing up the Clapotis for myself! :)