Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!

Three more hats complete....

A request for a black hat with red stripe...



Also, a plain black version.
A request for a blue and red striped hat...



I am done knitting hats for a while!!!!

I also finished the pair of dashing fingerless mitts.



Not the best photo, I was packaging them up when I realized I didn't do a photo! I also forgot to take a photo of the finished mens shooting stockings! I will get a photo of the recipient wearing them!

All packed up and already delivered...



I will be awaiting photos of everyone wearing their knits!

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve everyone!

Warming hands.

It's not just about hats this christmas. I will be warming some hands as well.

My nephew put in a request for fingerless gloves. It seems he is up pretty late doing homework...when the heat in the house goes down. He puts on his moms fetchings I made for her last year...so that he stays warm as he types.
I decided he needed a pair of Dashings!



I am using Patons classic merino - the yarn of the season for me! They are knitting up quite quickly. It really is an easy pattern, great for those learning to cable.

Next up are more hand warmers...a new adventure for me. I have unsucessfully attempted fingered gloves before...but I am giving it a go again.



So far so good (well, I haven't go to the fingers yet!) I am a little worried about having enough yarn (the pattern calls for 3 balls of DB Baby Cashmerino...and that is all I have). I am also a little worried about the christmas deadline...I have these to finish and 3 hats...and how many days? I better check if I have any sick days left at work;)

I am going to finish that coffee...do some laundry...decorate the tree...get the kids off to school...and head to work...oh AND try to finish that hand chart inbetween all of that!

The Cabled Beanie.

The Cabled beanie...what Matteo likes to call his "spy hat"




It's so simple. I have used Patons Classic Merino ( you can get 2 hats from I ball) but it would look great in a cashmere...tweed...whatever!
My guage is 20 sts and 28 rows in 4 inches. Using US#6 needles. (I used US#3 needles for the ribbing)
C8B: Slip next 4 sts to cable needle (or spare double-point needle) and hold to back of work; k4, k4 from cable needle. (this would be a great project to learn how to cable without a cable needle!)

Using smaller needles, cast on 108 sts. (use whatever cast on you like...the tubular works nicely)
work 1x1 ribbing for 1 inch. Change to larger needles and knit the set up row.


Set up row:
(K8, P1) 12 times.
repeat set up row 3 more times.


pattern:
row 1: (k8, p1, C8B, p1) 6 times.

row 2-8: (k8, p1) 12 times.
repeat rows 1-8 until you have 6 inches from the cast on row (approximately 5 cabled rows are completed)

decreases:
row 1: (ssk, k4, k2tog, p1, keep next 8 sts in cable pattern, p1) repeat around. 12 sts decreased.

row 2 and 3: (k6, p1, keep next 8 sts in cable pattern, p1) repeat around.

row 4: (ssk, k2, k2tog, p1 keep next 8 sts in cable pattern, p1) repeat around. 12sts decreased

row 5 and 6: (k4, p1, keep next 8 sts in cable pattern, p1) repeat around.

row 7: (ssk, ktog, p1, keep next 8 sts in cable pattern, p1) repeat around. 12 sts decreased

row 8 and 9: (k2, p1, keep next 8 sts in cable pattern, p1) repeat around.

row 10: (k2, p2tog, k6 (now a 6 st cable), p2tog) repeat around.

row 11 and 12: (k2, p1, keep next 6 sts in cable, p1) repeat around.

row 13: (k2, p2tog, k4 (now a 4 sts cable), p2tog) repeat around.

row 14 and 15: (k2, p1, keep next 4 sts cable, p1) repeat around.

row 16: (k2tog, p1, ssk, ktog, p1) repeat around.

row 17: (k1, p1, k2tog, p1) repeat around.

row 18: k2tog around.
Break yarn and thread through remaining sts. Pull tight to close the top and sew in ends. Voila!
A couple of days...and you have a couple of spy hats!

Go up a needle size and increase the length for an adult size or use an aran or worsted weight yarn.Get knitting some hats!

Making a list, and checking it twice.

So I am trying to knit every moment I have...a couple rows here, a couple rows there...and all the while staring at that list.
My boys see me knitting these hats and keep asking..."mommy...is that one for me?"
OH man.
So I knit them two hats (which they are called the spy hats...not sure why...because they are black?) The hat was actually intended to be for S.S. so I had to knit three in order to cross one off the list.



Started: November 20, 2007
Finished: November 24, 2007
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino in Black (one ball will make two)
Pattern: my own...I will write up for you. I knit it in a junior size but a change of gauge would make it adult size...and it is definitely unisex.
It is a simple pattern. An easy cable. A little one by one ribbing. I actually used a tubular cast on...well, for two of them.



This is My fashionable Life's version. I have done this one as well...and this one I have yet to try!
I think it would look cool with the tubular cast on in a different colour as well.

oh...I also finished another koolhaas...in Patons classic merino purple...



and



My version of the snowball hat.

I was going to use the pattern from IK fall 2007 snowball hat...and mis read the chart...but whatever I just went with it!
A couple days for each hat...I am on a roll.

No more close ups!

The manly mittens are complete...well, they have been for a few days, and there has been a flurry of knitting going on here...with no blogging (as many of you could tell by the lack of bandwith for my photos. Oh...am I using that much...I don't think so...please stop stealing my bandwith whomever you are)



Started: November 11, 2007
Finished: I don't know...a week ago?
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino in green and black (one ball of each)
Pattern: Manly Mittens
This is a great beginners project for colourwork. A really simple pattern, and there is no yarn twisting, only floats. Give it a go!
My DH actually expressed an interest in these...hmmm...and another gets added to the list!
(yeah, I am stopping with the close up photos...never before have I noticed so many wrinkles. I am aging people...and I am noticing it...it is a sad day)

Any who...Hats...prepare yourselves for more hats...
I've actually got a simple little hat pattern to share with you. I knit one...that my son had to have...so I knit another...that my other son claimed...then I knit the one from the list that I had intended to do...so let's say it has been test knitted a couple times. I actually am going to make another! Hopefully I will have it for you by next week...this weekend is a little crazy.

Manly Mittens

Instead of a hat this year, one nephew requested mittens.
Lime green and black.

Hmmmm...lime green is not easy to find. I found "leaf green" which looked like a wearable lime to me!!



I am using patons classic merino. It is a good basic yarn...not too expensive incase a mitt gets lost or ends up in the wash (this stuff felts!)! I think I will go get some more of this yarn...it is one sale this week 50% off at Michaels craft store. This manly mittens pattern is quite easy to knit. You could really make a mitt in a night...it took me a couple nights to complete one.

Hats on parade!

I love the Koolhaas pattern. It is really pretty easy to knit...well, I could never remember if I was on the row that you change the beginning stitch...whatever..."just knit the pattern" I kept telling myself.

Here is the pink one...I am pretty sure it was cashsoft by rowan.



This yarn was suppose to be an Odessa...but I could never find beads in the shade of pink to match. The Odessa was for Maia, a friends daughter...so this Koolhaas has been sent to her. '

Next up is the Zara in purple Koolhaas.



I actually just started knitting on needles I thought were appropriate. No swatching here. And for that reason, this is for my youngest niece G. She is the only one who it will fit! (well, except my little "David" model!)

Lastly in this here hat parade is another Zeebee.



I knit it in black Jo sharp silk road tweed a few weeks ago but never got around to grafting it. (yes I know I promised a garter stitch grafting how to...but in black tweed...it is near impossible to see...I will do that for you...soon)
I am pretty sure I can cross B.K. off the list for this one!

What's up next...mitts!

Prepare yourselves for hats.

Let's just face the facts here.

You are going to be seeing a lot of hats.

They're easy to knit...yet you can make them complicated...a great way to use up yarn, or try out a new yarn...most people wear them...they knit up fairly quickly...and of course, they make a great gift.

So, I present to you...a couple of koolhaas!



The pink is Rowan cashsoft and the purple is Zara. So far, so good.

Now, more hats.
I was reading the lastest issue of one of my favourite magazines and came across a knit hat...which I loved....and which looked really familiar.

Here's a little split screen of the magazine feature and the pattern I found (vogue knitting winter 05/06)...




Hmmmm.

You could buy the brown hat for a mere $250....or how about knitting that in one night with some great chunky yarn?

We both know the answer.

FYI the labels for sweaters I ordered from here. I don't remember why I choose this place...the font...the size of the label...the price...whatever the reason, they were the best for what I needed. You don't break the bank, and they are a great touch on a finished knit!

Oh...one last thing...
I was in Walmart yesterday...and they were playing jingle bells.
The Christmas decorations are all out.
There was frost on the grass this morning.
Let's face the facts...it is officially hat wearing weather.

Ribbon Edged Cardigan

The never ending sweater is finally complete!




Started: July 29th, 2007
Finished: October 26th, 2007
Yarn: Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino 2 balls in pale yellow and a bit of cream for the stuffed heart.
Pattern: Ribbon Edged Cardigan from Debbie Bliss Special Knits and a stuffed heart based on the heart mobile from Debbie Bliss Essential Baby (someone stop me from buying the baby knit books!)
Adjustments: The obvious, no ribbon. I looked for one but couldn't find anything I liked.

Here's a look at the heart and the perfect little buttons I found...I think 8 buttons cost me 50cents!



Sew in a label, put it all in a cute little box...and it's ready to go.



Just waiting for that baby!

Noro Scarf.

Simple.
Beautiful.
This was really a beginner project, but when you let the yarn do the work, the outcome is just gorgeous.



Started: October 14, 2007
Finished: October 20, 2007
Pattern: One by one ribbing. Inspired by Jared's, of course.
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden. 2x 245 and 2x 251. Knit on US#6 needles.

This was mindless knitting, but it did keep my interest watching the colour change. I really had a hard time putting it down...I just couldn't wait to put it on!
I am not the only one who wanted to wear it...



Ok, so this was for me...now on with the Christmas knits.

Shooting stocking heel.

I am really starting to get my knitting mojo back with this sock. I love this yarn...the feel of it as you knit is just perfect. The yarn slides so nicely across the needles and the pattern definition is outstanding.

I have been working away on the leg and then the heel flap



Of course, I couldn't put it down until I finished the entire heel...



When stretch out on the leg, the pattern is quite nice. I actually could pull the leg up to my knee...and immediately wanted an pair of knee socks in this yarn...for myself!

Must make knee socks.

Ampersand socks for Socktoberfest.

I finished my first (and probably only completed pair) pair of socks for Socktoberfest!
This also marks the first official Christmas knit...complete!



Started: October 1, 2007
Finished: October 16, 2007
Pattern: Ampersand socks
Yarn: Koigu 2 skeins knit on knitpicks #2 needles. 14sts 18rows/2inches unstretched
Adjustments: None to speak of, just foot length.

This pattern is great for variegated yarn. I am just glad to have completed something...especially a Christmas Knit.

What are the planned Christmas Knits you ask?

A pair of socks or two...the Ampersand and possible knee socks.
A pair of socks...gentlemen's shooting stockings...and possibly mittens and hat
A major knit...sweater possibly or a vest (even more possible...you know the whole 4 ply issue).
A hat for K.R.
A hat for N.R.
A hat for B.K. black tweed Zeebee. (it's been done for a couple weeks...awaiting grafting)
A pair of mitts for L.K. (possibly with pattern...maybe skulls?)
A hat for C.A.
A hat for C.A.
A hat for C.
A hat for S.S.
A hat for A.S. (possibly the koolhaas hat)
A hat for F.M. (koolhaas again)
A hat for C.M. (koolhaas)
A hat and possible a coat like sweater for G.M. (yes the youngest is always spoiled)
Something for my boys...hats, mitts, stuffed animals they seem to be interested in.

Those are definite...but if time permits....the list, of course, grows!

He's not a hunter...

He's not a hunter, but I'm knitting him the "Gentleman's Shooting Stockings".



The pattern is from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. The yarn of choice, one of my favourite fingering weight sock yarns, Regia Silk.
This yarn knits up very nicely. It has a very similar feel to Debbie Bliss's Baby Cashmerino and it really shows the pattern nicely...I am a very happy knitter today!

These are going to be some big socks...so they will take a little while, although they are the only things on the needles right now! I am officially into the Christmas knits!

Look for some FO's this week;)

Catching up.

I bought my niece a little dress to wear next summer for her birthday in September. I have yet to send it off...I wanted to knit something to go with it.

I love stuffed knits...especially those made of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (I think it would be safe to say that it is my all time favourite yarn!)



Started: October 1, 2007
Finished: October 19, 2007
Pattern: Rabbit from Debbie Bliss Special Knits
Yarn: DB Baby Cashmerino 1+ ball (I dipped into the second ball for one ear) in Duck Egg blue. Scrap cream for the pom pom tail and embroidering thread (or scrap 4 ply) for the facial features.
Gauge: 24sts and 36 rows on knit picks US #3 needles. (a little smaller than recommended gauge...but what does it matter?!)

I love knitting little stuffed creatures. They really don't take long, they are quite finicky with knitting the little pieces, all the seaming and assembling...but the outcome is quite satisfying. Plus, she didn't get a doll last year;)

FYI I am considering all of your recommendations for my sisters gift. Some facts:

• She brought the knitting to me before I knew I had her name for Christmas.
• I don't think she expects me to knit her either sweater...well at least not for Christmas.
• I love knitting the Christmas gifts and usually make one major project for the sibling who's name I have.
• Knitting a st st sweater on US#2's may kill me (death by st st) and I would dread knitting it.
• She choose that sweater because of the knitting level she is at and the wear-ablility of it for work.
• I do have an idea in mind and did pose the question so that at least one of you would recommend doing it, thus justifying my decision in some way;)

A little bundle of joy was out on my door step!?

Dear knitting friends.

Something horrible has happened.

A knitter has surrendered.







I found this on my door step.

Two wonderful pattern books...some freedom cotton yarn (enough for a sweater), some 4ply rowanspun...needles...notations....even a fabulous knitting bag.



I know who left it...my sister.

You see, her work (law) consumes her time. She had attempted to knit, but was never really hooked...let's say as I "could" possibly be hooked (the first step to addiction recovery is recognizing the problem...I have no problem...)

I had discouraged this "occasional" knitter from attempting a sweater of 4 ply yarn...CRAZY! I also tried to sway her from purchasing cotton for a sweater (not so easy to knit with, sometimes painful...literally).

She surrendered her knitting to me.



Now, here is the problem. (yes, there is a problem...not just free knitting stuff!)

Lets say hypothetically that a certain family draws names for christmas gifts. Let's say that a certain person from said family...a knitter, lets say...drew the name of another person...a knitter who just surrendered. Does that knitter knit one of the sweaters that the knitter who surrendered had wanted to knit for herself???



Are you following me here...are you picking up what I am putting down?



Here are the sweaters in question:



Isla by Kim Hargreaves. It is a st st pattern for a raglan pullover knit with 4 ply yarn on US#1 and #2 needles!!!! Can you imagine knitting that?!

the second choice

Monika in freedom cotton DK. A zippered cardigan (I prefer buttoned up) in an interesting rib pattern with some moss st...but knit in cotton.



OR



Do I do something else with the yarn...maybe double up the 4 ply and knit a vest or something.

HELP.

It's all I've been thinking about...

The more I thought about that noro scarf....the more I couldn't stop thinking about it.
I left work the other day and went straight to the LYS...



I know it was on my gift giving list....but...I really love it....

(notice the fire....I LOVE that it is finally fall!!!!)

Oh, I started another project a couple weeks ago that has been sitting on the back burner. It doesn't look like much now. It actually looks a little over stuffed...



I'm going to finish that...but after the noro scarf!!

The sock creature thanks you.

I am a knitter.
I am not a seamstress.
I know a fair amount about yarn and knitterly things.
I don't know a whole lot about sewing, but I can do it.

This being said...thank you to a couple of my readers for delurking and letting me know that it is not a bobbin problem but a top thread problem. All I had to do was rethread the machine! I owe you $50!

The sock creature thanks you.



Now...a little inspiration for Christmas knits.

Firstly, check out the Holiday Issue of Interweave, if you haven't already. Gifts...yes. For me...yes. Love many of the patterns featured!

Some socks that are possibilities...spiral boot socks, clessidra knee socks, father and son socks, diamond and waffle socks and winding cable socks.

Hat patterns I have been eyeing...short row hat, cap karma (brooklyntweed...he could knit a garter stitch swatch out of crappy yarn and his photo will make me want to knit it!), foliage hat, and the shedir cap.

Have you seen these snugs? I must make them!

I know it is the most simple scarf (Jared again...just go look at the photos!) but I really love this noro scarf. If not for a gift, then for myself!

Lastly, some mittens.

Do you have any great accessory patterns to share?

Socks for Socktober

I have been flipping through old knitting mags/patterns/books and spent a good part of the day yesterday reading many of your blogs....looking for Christmas knits inspiration.
I found some ideas...but also decided I would benefit from a trip to the bookstore.
Nothing there.
I brought my 5yr old who spotted this book...mistakenly placed in with the knitting books. Fate? Who knows. He had to have it so that I could make him one.
It came in a kit, missing pieces...but it was 50% off.

Once home, we searched through daddy's socks to find the perfect pair! I read it through...pretty simple. I took out the sewing machine and....did a little test sew...



Yeah, this isn't the first time I have had bobbin problems. I KNOW that I have recently had this repaired...and have used it maybe 3 times since. The machine is a fairly good one...I bought about 12 years ago for around $200. I have also spent a good $150 on repairs for the bobbin...$50 each time. I can't do it again.

I think it is time.

So the sock creatures will have to wait, because my attempt at hand sewing just won't do.

In other sock news....



One is complete now and I am part way down the leg of the other...second sock syndrome is starting to set in.
I need to start another project...

Zeebee Hat

What do you think...to "matchy, matchy"??



Started: October 5, 2007
Finished: October 6, 2007
Pattern: Zeebee hat
Yarn: Jo sharp silkroad tweed dk 1 ball (2 balls for the set)
Gauge: 20sts 40 rows/4 inches using US#6 needles (the great thing about this pattern is you can use any yarn and any gauge...it generates the pattern for you!)
adjustments: None. the next hat I will make longer. Because I decided to go with a 2" negative ease...I didn't take into account that it would shrink up in length as it stretched to fit.
It JUST fits. I would prefer another inch I think.
What a great pattern. It is great for handspuns or varigated yarns as well.
I seem to be rekindling my love for tweed lately.
Fingerless mitts info found here.

Here is a view from the top.



And speaking of tweed...we were speaking of it, right?



I gave in to the yarn diet...it was 1/2 off...how could one resist?
(please ignore the box of tissue...the sun was putting a glare on the camera window...and hey, I have a cold.)

Christmas? Yes..it's coming...

So this is the thing...I know that it is 86 degrees out today...but...you can't avoid the fact that Christmas is a mere 2 1/2 months away!
Seriously.
The snow, the music, the lights, that man in the sleigh...it's all on it's way.

(On a side note...for those of you that are parents of "believers" Santa threats are now fair game...i.e. "Know that Santa is watching you do that...and he is marking things OFF your list..." or my favourite "That's it! Get me the phone...I need to make a call...1800CALL SANTA". These are both great...but remember,use the power of Santa wisely;))

I am quite troubled with Christmas knits this year. I am so busy...work...kids...house...very little knitting time. No...no...there is knitting time but not so much planning and designing time this year. The WOW factor may not be in this years knits. I don't have time to really think about my knitting, I only have time to actually knit.

So, there won't be any of this...and there is really not time for this...or any of these.
I know, I know, it is really quite disappointing. But fear not my dear knitting friends...there are so many simple knits as well as talented knit bloggers out there...the patterns are endless.

Take for instance the Zeebee hat.

Yes?

Oh yes...I will be making some of these. What a great pattern...it's simple, quick and the short rows keep your interest. In a variegated yarn, this would be great! I think the nephews in my life would really appreciate it...hint, hint...send me some colour choices.
Anyway...I gave it a go. With extra yarn in the stash, itching to be knit...I did just that in a couple of nights...



The first dozen grafted stitches didn't work out. For some reason, I was grafting like it was reverse st st. I ripped them out and studied it again...and away I went...grafting the garter stitch.



Success! It is beautiful. I wish I did this for those fingerless mitts...hmmmmm.
Fear not the garter stitch grafting! It is so satisfying.
I am thinking of a little how to lesson...on the next hat!

Happy Thanksgiving!!! You know what's next (well, besides Halloween and then the American Thanksgiving...)

It's Socktoberfest...and I am knitting a sock!

I have been searching and searching for a sock pattern I wanted to knit. I started jaywalkers...but it wasn't working out for me. (don't get me wrong...it's a great pattern, I've knit one pair...but this yarn wasn't loving it)

I missed out on sockapalooza...it just wasn't a good time for me...next one!

Now with all the Socktoberfest posting in knittingland...I had to do something.

I came across this pattern.
Great for varigated yarn...and perfect for the koigu that's been burning a hole in my stash!



It is like riding my bike again....oh socks, how I have missed knitting you! I don't know what I was thinking?!

In an ideal world, I will be knitting four pair of socks this Socktober...will that happen? We will see. This, my dear knitting friends, will be the beginning of the Christmas knits!

FYI I found the Ampersand sock pattern writer on this blog. With my life a constant "catch up", I love the idea of previewing all those great knittng blog entries out there.
Yes, I still read all those blogs that I have in my bloglines...but many I just scroll through...no real reading. I love that I can learn of some fantastic knitters...many of which are new to me, PLUS I have come across some great free patterns and some inspiration!

Fingerless Mitts.

I finished those fingerless mitts in no time! What a quick knit and they would really make a nice gift.







Started: September 26, 2007

Finished: September 27, 2007

Pattern: Fingerless Mitts from Weekend Knitting

Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad DK in Boheme.

Adjustments: None.



I am thinking my two older nephews would really like something like this for christmas. I remember them saying they liked the knucks pattern on knitty last season...this may be the beginning of the Christmas knits!



In other knitting news...I have finished the never ending sweater...well knitting and seaming it. I need to find some buttons and decide if I am putting the ribbon edging on it. I guess a trip to the notations store will determine that.

AND

I started another project!
Look who's knitting again!
Seriously...FO's, new projects, blog postings...look out!

It's Fall! (close your eyes and just imagine it is!)

Moving right along with more accessories to be knit for fall...
I recently picked up "Weekend Knittng" with a 50% off coupon. It's got some interesting designs in it. Simple, quick knits...great patterns for using up some stash.
I decided to continue with my quest of knitting the stash and make some fingerless mitts.

They are quite simple. Garter stitch with a little short row shaping and a hole for your thumb. I am using some extra Jo Sharp silkroad tweed DK in Boheme. I LOVE tweed...it's so fall!



They knit up quite quickly...like a big swatch...well, a swatch with some short row shaping and a hole for your thumb:)

AND, when you finish one...it can warm one hand as you knit the other!



Where are the socks? I know, I know...I have been looking through patterns...nothing is really grabbing me. I do want to knit atleast a couple pair for christmas gifts. I think the fact of the matter is that nothing in my stash matches any of my choices. I may have to break down and buy some yarn;)

Not so Bright Stripes!

I am thinking that this year will be the year of the scarf for me....





Pattern: Bright Stripes from Scarfstyle
Started: Sept 11, 2007
Finished: Sept 22, 2007
Yarn: Malabrigo...from way back when...left overs from this...this...and this!
Adjustments: None really...while casting on I lost count...not that it matters how many stitches you cast on, but this scarf has 285 stitches...making it nice and LONG! I wasn't really sure about the pom poms. I was actually going to just make a fringe...but decided to go with the pom poms...I am glad I did, I really like it! The actual pattern calls for 5 on each end, but I felt 3 was enough.

There is nothing special here...just a nice simple knit. I used the crochet cast on so that I wouldn't have two different edges on the scarf. The crochet one seems to match the cast off nicely.

This is perfect for fall and winter...if it ever arrives.



I am trying to wait patiently for fall...at least now I am ready with a great scarf!

Shifting sands complete!

Finally...a finished knit!



Pattern: Shifting Sands by grumperina
started: July 22, 2007
finished: Sept 13, 2007
yarn: knit picks merino style...around 5 balls in "moss".
adjustments: none. I did play with needles sizes...never paying any attention to guage...and then I just knit the pattern until I was out of yarn!

It is a great scarf! Simple and interesting. I am not sure if I am keeping this for myself or put it in the Christmas knits...yeah, we'll talk about that soon...the pressure this year!

Now...there is this other project I was really unsure of...but...now...ohhhlala!

Just for fun...

Ok...shifting sands is DONE! Yes, I have completed something...amazing! It has finished blocking and I need to sew in 2 ends. Patience please. That could take a while.



In the mean time, I have managed to finish knitting a sleeve to the baby sweater...one sleeve to go;)



Now...have you noticed the lack of yarn on this blog. I know you have noticed the lack of knitting, and the lack of blogging...but there has been very little yarn bought. My stash is embarassing...seriously...what was I thinking?! I am attempting to knit it...all.

I know, I know, that's impossible...but how much yarn does one need? It is hard matching up yarn to projects...but this attempt is "ok" so far...


We are talking accessories here...not sweaters and such...hats, scarves...you know the drill...something just for fun!

Just when you were approaching the finish line...

I found one more ball! I thought I was on the home stretch with the last ball...but found a partial ball. So NOW I am on the home stretch!

Today...the boys BOTH start school! I will have 3 hours to myself for the first time in 5 years!

What shall I do? I thought of exercising...or cleaning...or having a nap!!! But I think I will be finishing "shifting sands!"

I also have that never ending baby sweater...and I really need to knit another toddler sweater to mail out for the end of the week;0

I better search the stash and find a pattern!

I will be knitting many scarves, hats and mits this winter. I do have similiar feelings to grumperina...but I just can't NOT knit a sweater! I must knit this!

The never ending sweater...

Ok, lets be serious...this is like knitting a big swatch. I just don't seem to want to finish it!

Maybe it is because it is like knitting a big swatch...who really enjoys knitting swatches? I still have the sleeves to knit and find some cute little buttons, then I will finally have a finished project.

A reader asked about the debbie bliss Baby Cashmerino and blocking. I steamed these pieces with a steam iron inorder to join the shoulders and knit the neckband. A good blocking will take out the puckering at the decreases (I hope!). I haven't experienced any problems with "flattening" of the stitches. I find this yarn really springs back to life. It is actually one of my most favourite yarns to knit with. Maybe another reader has had a problem with blocking this yarn?

Vacation Baby!

Finally...a vacation from work! 10 days in a row! I can't wait...although, if you're a mom, you know it's not really a vacation;)

What do I have planned you ask...

Well, there are two family reunions...one of which takes place over an entire weekend...and here in Windsor...so I will have a house full.

There will also be camping...yes, restful camping with the children...for four...yes FOUR nights...if I can survive it!

Possibly a trip to the states for some back to school shopping for the nephews...and maybe some fall shoes for these 10 1/2's!

Other than that, I am hoping to complete one of the two knitting projects I have on the go.

That is an update photo of the ribbon edged cardigan....if I just put my mind to it I could easily finish this in one night!