This just in!

Ladies and gents, we interrupt this series of knitting flashbacks to bring you something current! Yep, hot off the needles, here is my most recent creation:

OOOooo...Ahhhh!

Pattern: Emerald Mitts
Designer: Lucy Sweetland
Yarn: Knit Picks Palette - AshNeedles: US # 4Time to Knit: 8 days here and there--a fun little project!Made for: What's that you say? A supreeez??Modifications: The most noticeable modification I made was knitting the rows following the bobbles tbl instead of through the front. Also, I decreased one stitch on row 16 of the chart by p2tog in the first stitch, then doing a P2K2 ribbing around the mitten except in the design in the front. Lastly, I must have misread the directions for the thumb gusset on the left mitt, because it looks completely different than the right. Regardless of the change, they both fit perfectly.

How about a close-up obligatory "mitts holding tea" shot? Oh look, here it is:

Huzzah! It was a fun and speedy project--I'm pleased with the final result and excited to get them to their mystery owner. Muaha. I love knitting surprises!
Oh, and here it is Raveled!

Next Up: Scottish Habitat!

Moving right along in the series of unreported FO's from this summer, we have a burly wool hat! A wool hat you say? Rachel, what possessed you to knit a wool hat in the middle of summer? I'll give you a hint: It might have had something to do with this man...

The Scottish Highlander

Okay, so, the man pictured above was the phenomenal highland tour guide from a 3-day bus excursion we took in northern Scotland. Graeme did everything possible to make sure we had a good time. Before the end of the trip, he commissioned a 'manly' wool hat so he wouldn't have to steal mine before leaving. Fast forward seven days later? Meet Habitat:

Pattern: Habitat by Jared Flood
Needles: US #7 Addi Turbos
Yarn: New Lanark Donegal Aran - 100% [Scottish] Wool
Time to Knit: One glorious week
Recipient: Graeme, the Highlander!
Level of Love: Cable swoonage took (and is still taking) place.
Modifications: zippo!

Here some shots of it finished on me. The great thing about the hat is that the more he wears it, the warmer it will become. I chose this design because the coarse fibers of the wool (when wet from the frequent rain) will felt themselves together making a denser material better at blocking out wind. Who doesn't like a hat that does that?
The intricate cables and starburst design near the crown were a bonus because (I can say from experience) the weekend bus ride was spent looking at nothing but the back of his head. I figured the future tour members might appreciate something interesting to look at (besides the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, of course!).
Lastly, I'll leave you with this video of me [intentionally] sliding down a hill in the Isle of Skye. The filming is a tad shaky toward the end (motion-sickness prone be warned), but that's because the guy filming saved my DSLR from crashing to its almost certain doom. Egads.

Great memories in Scotland. Great memories. More knitting to come soon!

Meet Ishbel

Welcome to round two of my belated project sharing! This one is a little on the larger side. With that said, let me introduce you to Ishbel:

Hello, I almost caused Rachel's fingers to fall off.

The details:

Pattern: Ishbel
Designer: Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Misti Alpaca Lace 2 ply
Needles: US #7 Addi Turbos
Time to knit: 6 days(...?!)
Made for: Mrs. P
Level of love: Total adoration (and exhaustion)

A closeup of the vine detail.

In short, Ishbel was a deadline project knit for a close friend's mother. She initially asked if I'd be able to complete this shawl back in July explaining that it would be needed for an event on February 20th. "February?", I thought--that's AGES away, of COURSE I'll have time by then! Well, leave it to me and my knack for procrastination to wait until the absolute last possible moment to start this project. It was begun on Sunday, February 8th and completed late Saturday, February 14th. Yikes. Over 40 hours of knitting was put into making this wonder, and I must say, it gave me quite a sense of accomplishment. My roommate verified that it was the most she'd ever seen me knitting in a 6-day span of time. That's a lot of knitting.

I had never worked with Misti Alpaca Lace before, but I had heard lots of swooning over it by other knitters (always a good sign). The project was requested in a neutral color-- Ivory, grey, or black. Since I'd already completed an ivory shawl, black won hands down. Until this project, fingering weight yarn was the lightest yarn I'd used, and I couldn't really imagine knitting with anything any lighter. Right. At many times I had to adjust my tension due to fear of breaking the yarn mid stitch (that never happened) -- a tad on the nervewracking side.

Looking back, I'm certainly glad I have the experience of 2 ply under my belt, but boy did it slow things down! The end fabric was absolutely to die for--one of the softest materials I've ever felt. How so much warmth can come from something so lightweight and dainty, I'll never fully understand.

Ysolda's pattern, as per usual, was absolutely fantastic and easy to follow-- I will definitely be making this again (but maybe in the smaller size). That said, however, I will NOT be doing any more crazy marathon knitting in the near future. As a knowledgeable fellow knitter said to me:

"A stopwatch is for athletes; not knitters".

Well spoken.

Straun: Too much rock for one state

Well hello! By now I'd imagine my absence for over a month is [unfortunately] seen as nothing out of the ordinary. Though no excuse is a good excuse, I can say that I've been so wrapped up in the new semester and Project 365 that my poor blog has gone by the wayside.

On the positive side? It means I have quite a bit share! These next few posts might be slightly out of order as far as finishing dates go, but I promise they all happened within the last month. First up? Straun:

Pattern: Straun
Designer: Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted - Blue graphite (.8 skeins)
Needles: US #5 Addi Turbos
Time to knit: 1/26 - 2/5
Made for: Darren aka Darius Twin
Level of love: total BAMFness

I had been itching to cast on for this hat for quite a while, but (as is often the case with knitting projects) just because I see something I love doesn't mean I'll then have a use for it upon its completion. Luckily, I was able to find an open and willing recipient who possessed the "cool factor" necessary to pull this hat off (unlike me pictured below...*ahem*).

Technique-wise, this project has added a few to the belt. First of all, the invisible loop cast-on method. It was a tad on the tricky side initially but lent itself well to the final product (plus the links in the pattern were very helpful). Because the hat was knit from the top down, it ended with the hemming of the brim portion. Mind you, that process involved grafting 105 live stitches up inside a hat that needed to be kept even vertically while also minding the hem length & brim tension. FUN!

All things considered, however, I really love how this hat turned out and am very (very) pleased with the final product. I'm not 100% certain, but from the looks of it, it would appear the recipient is too!

(Photos & artistry below are a product of Darren Pearson!)

Glad you like it Darren, you rock.

And what's to come? Looks to me like a hat, a pair of mittens, and *gasp* a lace shawl-- Hooooo boy!

A hat for Sam

Just a quick post to share a [very] quick project. I seem to be developing a trend...

Pattern: Well...it's more of a recipe, really
Gauge: 5.5 sts per 2"
Needles: US #10 Addi Turbos
Yarn: 2 half skeins of Cascade 220 Heathers held double
Made for: Sam
Time to knit: 2 discs of Arrested Development (Season 2)
Level of love: easy, peasy, & awesome

Hi, I'm Sam.

This hat was so fast and enjoyable it makes me smile. It was made to recreate a hat that he currently has in black & white and wears all the time. I took a gauge, some length measurements, did some swatching and went to town. I really am pleased with the finished product (and I'd like to think he is too)!

Hey, look, a label!

All in all, these little projects are basically all I have time for these days--I'm in the middle of taking a very condensed (and intensive) interim accounting course which leaves little to no brainpower for knitting. I do have several more challenging projects lined up for when I'm not spending every waking moment dealing with debits, credits, and posting to T accounts. That day can't come soon enough.

Wham bam

The first project of the new year is completed! Let me tell you, folks, it was a quickie. (And I said I was going to challenge myself this year? Hah! It's a garter stitch rectangle-- doesn't get much simpler than that!)

Pattern: Wham Bam Thank you Lamb (ravelry)
Designer: Insaknitty
Yarn: 75 yards of handspun, handpainted (in my favorite colors) merino wool gifted by my [wonderful] sister in law, Keri!
Needles: US #13 Addi Turbos
Time to Knit: 2 hours? really? are we serious?
Level of Love: Well considering I haven't removed it since these photos were taken, I'd say unreasonably high.

Talk about instant gratification, this project was great. Not only was it quick and easy, but it was a great piece for showcasing the beautiful yarn too. And yes, I've gone a little bit from hat happy to cowl happy, but (in my defense) I didn't actually get to keep the last two. Anyway, this pattern comes highly recommended--I'm sure I'll be making it again!


**Oh! Also, I've decided to start Project 365 on Flickr for 2009--who thinks I can do it?

2008 - A year of Knitting in Review

The obligatory FO photo mosaic:


I managed to pack in 20 finished projects for 2008. They included:

• 1 sweater
• 2 cowls
• 2 lace shawls
• 1 pair of mittens
• 3 pieces of miscellanea
• and, of course, the 11 hats

I'm feeling very good about what I was able to produce over the course of the year. In 2009, I plan to challenge myself with my knitting, test my hand at designing, and make time to knit every day (even in the depths of my semesters). I think these three things are certainly both reasonable and achievable. I'm also in the process of building myself a brand new website (a holiday present I purchased for myself this year!). The launch of that site will be seen sometime within the next year--I will obviously be keeping everyone posted!

Lastly, special thank-yous and well wishes to the wonderful support of all the fabulous knitters, crafters, and passerbyers that have stopped by in 2008. In my opinion, the knit-blogging community is one of the most friendly and supportive groups out there; thank you for making me feel a part of it. Looks like that's a wrap for this year, I'll be back soon in the new year!

Good Luck

Hello! I just had to sneak one last project in before the new year quickly approaches. This piece was "commissioned" by a good friend as a gift for his mother [who is fantastic]. I finished it a little later than originally planned (sorry Nick!), but I'm pleased with the final product. I will say this though, it was considerably more difficult to get decent pictures of this one as opposed to the Chickadee cowl which stood at attention without me even touching it. Detail time!

Pattern: Good Luck Cowl (ravelry)
Designer: Christianne Gerstner
Yarn: 1.3 skeins of Blue Sky Alpacas, Alpaca Silk - teal
Needles: US #5 Addi Turbos
Made for: Mrs. P
Level of Love: reasonably happy camper


Modifications: I omitted one pattern repeat (for sanity's sake) and used a 2x2 ribbed edging instead of the original purled border. I like that it gave the piece a cleaner edge that wouldn't scallop.


I did enjoy this project but admittedly got bored working on it for long periods of time (which is probably why it took longer than expected). The lace pattern is fun, but it's extremely similar to the one done in the Bousta Beret which I completed not too long ago. Though I thoroughly enjoy the finished product here (and I've received word that the recipient does too), I'm not entirely sure I'd knit this again--there are just too many patterns out there to make, right?

That's all for now--travel safely for the remainder of the holiday season and have a fun-filled (and happily knit) New Year!

Christmas Chickadee

Hello everyone--Merry Christmas to those celebrating today! I wanted to drop in to show you one of the items getting delivered for holiday gifting later this afternoon. Here it is:


Pattern: Chickadee Cowl (Ravelry Link)
Designer: Kirsten Kapur
Made for: Ms. A
Yarn: Malabrigo Chunky - Velvet grapes (yum)
Needles: US #10 Addi Turbos
Dates:12/19 - 12/23
Level of Love: lots and lots

I really enjoyed this project. It was quick, it was fun, it was mindless, and the final product is very pretty. The pattern uses a linen stitch which is especially beautiful with variegated yarns (plus it breaks up pooling too!). With the linen stitch on the outside, it creates something along the line of seed stitch on steroids on the inside (shown above). The final product is a very dense (yet surprisingly flexible) fabric that is capable of standing on its own, which will effectively block out pesky winter wind. Success.

That's all for now--take care and have a wonderful holiday (tonight is night #5 here)!

Star Crossed

Hello again, I'll keep the rambling brief today! I'm busily finishing up a few pieces of holiday knitting, and I'll do my best to keep the site updated as I do so. (Often my flickr side panel is a project or two ahead of my posting...I'm trying to diminish the lag!). That said, here is a quick (we're talking 2 discs of Arrested Development quick) beret that has already been gifted and sent off to its happy recipient. Here are the details!


Pattern: Star Crossed Slouchy Beret (rav link)
Designer: Natalie Larson
Made for: Jamie (pictured)
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted - Amber Gold (less than one skein)
Needles: US #10 & #$ Addi Turbos
Dates: 12/14-12/15 (blocking included)
Level of love: *swooooon*

If you haven't picked up on it by now, I'm a hat girl. To me, they include the majority of the rewards associated with hand knitting. They are the perfect length to avoid boredom, come in an endless sea of beautiful patterns, and the slouchy kind rarely smoosh curly hair. Yes; I certainly love my hats. The 2nd grader side of me chimes in "If you love them so much, maybe you should MARRY them!"

Well? Maybe I should.

She speaks!

Hello again! As promised, more photos of the mystery cliffhanger sweater. I figured I owed everyone (the sweater included) some decent online recognition. Careful followers will note that this is my first wearable sweater. True, I made a vest that was gifted and a sweater that makes my skin crawl, but this is my first piece of clothing that I can actually wear. Three cheers to that!

Let's get to the goods, shall we?

Pattern: Juliet (rav link)
Designer: Zephyr Gals: Sarah & Rachel
Yarn: 4 skeins Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (held double) in Provincial Rose
Needles: US #10 Addi Turbos
Dates: 8/1- 9/17 (yes...3 months ago)
Level of love: are we serious?

Mods: The largest modification I made was choosing a different lace pattern for the bodice. The pattern I went with was borrowed from the Vintage Shoulderette pattern. Other than that, I decided to do a single faux button front closure instead of the two separated ones as directed. Originally when I started finishing, the button was going to be functional-- good thing I'm flexible.

(Click to enlarge)

I enjoy this top very much, especially the A-line shape. I have already worn it out several times which I believe makes it feel loved and happy. Often I wonder if I'm the only one that imagines knit items having feelings. Knit items that are shoved into drawers would naturally be sad, and conversely happy if worn frequently. More finished goodness to come soon!

**Special thanks to my fantastic photographer friend that agreed to take the time to shoot [and edit] these photos just because he's awesome. Won't you pay him a visit?

I love my job.

case in point.

I started my internship about one month ago, and I can say wholeheartedly that I do indeed love my job. Every day is something different and every day I come home smiling. The ladies you see above are truly a priceless bunch--each of them has specific strengths that they bring to the office each day, and together I think that our office is pretty much unstoppable. This is true "girl power".

So at our work, we each take turns leading our weekly staff meetings--the beginning is usually something fun and applicable that serves as an icebreaker of some kind. Long story short, this past Monday was my turn to run the meeting, and I thought of no better icebreaker than inflicting my love of knitting onto a captive audience (wouldn't you?). I provided yarn, needles, and instructions to each, along with this article which I find to be 100% accurate. Some initially were hesitant but warmed toward the end. There are now several of the ladies who knit during the day to unwind. Even the diehard crocheter of the bunch agreed to put down her hook and picked up two needles as a gesture of inter-crafting sisterhood.

Now, knitting for work doesn't just end there- let me introduce you to a speedy little project:

Pattern: The Beer Sweater
Designer: Melissa Martinsen
Yarn: Heart & Sole (A new self-striping sock yarn with Aloe!)
Needles: US #3 Addi Turbos
Time to knit: obscenely short

This week our staff was taking turns leaving fun surprises on our director's (lower center above) desk. I thought it would be only fitting to knit up something up for her.

I love the self-striping sock yarn for this pattern-- It made a fun looking fair isle-ish yoke that I think is really unique. I also think that the cozie looks like a miniature version of the sweaters found all too commonly buried in local thrift stores waiting for someone to love them. It has that "so ugly it's cute" quality about it, which I think is why I love it so much. In my opinion, this pattern was again a success.

So in conclusion, I have established that crafting in the workplace not only makes sense, but it makes for happiness too--three cheers for that! I love my job.

Instant Gratification

In reference to my last post, I will try to post more photos once I can have a proper photoshoot with my mom modeling her new shawl--we've both just been crazy busy lately. In the mean time, cast your eyes on a glorious piece of instant gratification knitting -boy did it feel good!Pattern: Jenny Cloche [rav]
Designer: Julia Madill
Yarn of Choice: 1.1 skeins Malabrigo Bulky in Bobby Blue
Needles: US 10 Addi Turbos
Time to knit: probably about 2 hours
Level of love: high

I seriously can't handle how in love with this hat I am. I was taken by the pattern since the day it was introduced, and boy- it pains me that I waited as long as I did to make it. And yes, the side bow really is that huge (Put it this way, it's sized a la Carrie Bradshaw). The cool thing is, it can be removed easily and worn with decorative pins or a knitted buckle-like option that Julia included in the pattern. This hat will be a staple among staples for holiday knitting in the upcoming years--bravo Julia!

Oh, and...

Puppy in T minus 13 hours (!)

Bittersweet

Let me tell you, this week has been unbelievably hectic. I know I'm not alone in feeling this way, almost every person I know here is feeling the end of the year crunch. But guess WHAT? Despite everything I have going on all at once, I have an FO to show you! No second mitten syndrome for this gal, I count two!The second mitten went significantly faster than the first; that certainly was a pleasant surprise. I'm very happy to have them finished (just in time for 60-degree weather!).
Are any of you being drawn to that gorgeous pink peony in the back? You're in luck! My fabulous roommate, Jamie (pictured below), recently purchased a crepe paper peony set a la Martha Stewart. It was such a cool process to watch--the kits are highly recommended!

Lastly, I have a sad bit of news that has added to the stress of this past week. Do you remember when I said I knit the special side thumbs on my mittens in order to be conducive to biking? Apparently, I spoke too soon...Last week Thursday, my vintage blue bike was stolen and I'm still mourning its loss. I recently remembered these photos which were taken last fall for my friend Kevin's product line (he sews a fantastic line of messenger bags and accessories). I wanted to share them with you in an attempt to help me grieve. Sigh. You will be missed bicycle, I hope we meet again.**Afterthought: I did knit the hat I'm wearing in the picture--it's my chevron newsie hat. I've never written the pattern for it, but it certainly wouldn't be that hard to do. Thoughts?**