Okay, I'm a cabling fiend at the moment. The Fenimore is perfect for knitting on the go, since the cables are much less complicated than they appear. My newest knit on the needles isn't quite so simple though... and I'm loving it.
I cast on the Beatnik last week with the Sweatshop of Love Selfish Knitting Sweater KAL. It's fulfilling every desire I want from a knitting project at the moment. A sweater that I plan to keep all for myself? Check. Crazy, complex charts that are engaging and challenging? Check. Loads of texture? Check. I cannot complain one bit.
Charts, post-its, and tallies... you know, all the good stuff.
I'm knitting the sweater in the round to eliminate as much seaming as possible, which took a bit of work to wrap my mind around it, but now I'm feeling in the swing of things. I'm using the KnitPicks Wool of the Andes yarn for the first time and I think it will suit the pattern well - the yarn is lofty and light, but will certainly be cozy. And it's stash yarn, to boot! I'm just about to begin the waist shaping now, so I suspect a good bit of progress to be made in the coming weeks.
So... what are you crafting, reading, cooking, sewing, and making this week?
Happy knitting!
xx
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
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?
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
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.
