Intro: Dreap

Another inside look at the second pair of designs of the Enchanted Garden ebook:

Dreap  (Gaelic meaning: climb)

The ivy trellis stranded colorwork pattern is fun and playful. As the ivy climbs along one side, the trellis climbs the other. The infinity scarf starts with a provisional cast-on. The stranded color is worked in the round with purl edge to allow the scarf tube to lay flat. Ivy shows on one side and trellis on the other. The mittens fall in line with the same theme. The cuff is a simple one-by-one rib, but the yellow is introduced to give a little pop of color and for the budding flowers that grow. These buds are applied to both pieces after completion with modified embroidery technique called the French knot.

Sketching for my patterns has become a true passion for me. My ideal photo shoot will be to mimic this pose. Although It wont happen because while in the middle designing this pattern I came to harsh reality that a double thick color work infinity scarf would set the wearer on fire and also make it too bulky to actually wear comfortably. So, ultimately the pattern became a cowl instead. Yes, the knitter can customize the pattern by adding more length, if they so choose.

FO: Hills of Ireland

Pattern: Bermuda Scarf by Ilga Leja

Yarn: 1 skeins Kauni Wool 8/2 Effektgarn in the EK colorway

Needles: US 5 circular needle

Started: October 29, 2010

Finished: November 27, 2010



The only modification I made with the pattern was using a smaller needle. I love my signature needle and figured that I could get away with using it for a scarf. It has left my scarf on bit on the smaller side.



I was a little on the fence about whether or not to purchase another skein and just add more to this scarf, but I've reached that point where I'm done and moving on to something else.

Heading to the Rolling Hills of Ireland

The pattern might be called Bermuda Scarf, but I'm dubbing this project the Rolling Hills of Ireland.

The night that I cast-on for the Kauni Shawl at Stitches Midwest, I knew I had to go back to that booth and pick out another colorway. This one in particular caught my eye. Those greens.. oh yeah baby, talk about sensory overload.



The scarf is designed in such a way that you sway back and forth with short rows and eyelets to create this wave effect.

FO: Willoughby

Pattern: Willoughby by Jared Flood

Yarn: 2.25 skeins of Sunday Knits, Nirvana

Needles: US 7 circular

Started: September 14, 2009

Finished: November 11, 2009



This little number was a Must Knit on my list. I feel in love with the pattern from day one, except the yarn I chose was not working with the design. So, after hours of scouring the isles of Stitches Midwest this year I located this beautiful yarn. I couldn't resist the added blend of cashmere. Oh Yeah Baby!



The only modification was to add 5 more repeats to each end to have a very long scarf. The pattern is well written and the chart easy to read. The bobbles were actually my favorite section of all. They're not overly dramatic and gives nice texture to this piece.

And the scarf goes on...

The Willoughby scarf is still on the needles, but folks we're talking really close. I've not allowed myself to knit on anything else because I want this done.

Although that doesn't mean I haven't been busy. I was going thru my sweater stash to see what would need washing and just checking the condition of my hand knits. I was quite surprised to see so many sweaters.



Do you remember this? It's the Ogee Tunic. I finished this last October and in that years time I've worn this in public twice. I don't like it. It's way to big and it grows with wear. The sleeves are bell shaped and I like bell shaped sleeves, but not when they measure 14 inches of growing fabric.



I frogged it. That sweater no longer exists and let me tell you it was a pain in the ass. I have learned that I certainly know how to weave my ends in so good they don't come undone;)

I unwound the entire sweater with the help of my niddy noddy. Then secured each skein and plopped them into a hot bath with a little sweater soap. I then let them air dry on hangers.



Now that it's dry I've started to swatch. I'm in the designer mood and I've been wanting to get this idea down on paper for some time now.

On another note, I'm signed up to teach my sock class again at Nana's Knitting Shop. If your interested toe-up two-at-a-time on Saturday afternoons let Trish know!

What Else Would I Be Doing...

In the mists of carving pumpkins and Marking. Each. Day. Off. The. Calendar. Because we're so close to Halloween the kids can practically smell the candy. I'm a glutton for punishment. I finished the Ishbel scarf and had to immediately cast-on for the Ishbel Beret.




See the lifeline? Oh yeah, I've already ripped back twice and I'm still loving it. I'm kinda sick that way;)



I've been making some good progress on my Willoughby as well. I had reached the end of the required amount of repeats for the pattern when I noticed that I was only at the end of a one skein. I have three set aside for this project.

What do I do? Do I go as the pattern suggests and be left with a practically full skein? What would I do with it? Fingerless mitts? Nope... I really wanted to just use up all this loveliness in one scarf. I decided to add a few more repeats and that way I'm not left with a dilemma of too much left overs and the scarf will be all the more lovely with the added length.

FO: Ishbel

Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda

Yarn: 1.25 skeins of Isager Strik Alpaca 2

Needles: US 6 circular

Started: October 14, 2009

Finished: October 23, 2009



This is one very popular pattern and you'd think it would be a fairly easy knit if so many people have made it. Well, I was wrong. It was very difficult for me. There is something about that darn yarn-over move that just makes my life hell. This is not to say that it isn't easy for someone else and I certainly don't want anyone to think I didn't like doing it. Granted NOBODY likes having to rip out anything, but this was an obsessed challenge that was I was not going to lose at.

Ishbel = 0 / Me = 1



The only modification that I did was knitting the larger size lace pattern on my smaller stockinette beginning. I did have to dip into a second skein which makes me ponder... Could I get a small version out of just one skein?

With the leftover yarn I'm going to cast-on for the Ishbel beret. I foresee tons more cussing;)

Switcheroo

Do you remember me showing you this:



Well... I didn't like it. Great Yarn. Awesome Pattern. They just don't work well together. So! I'm doing a Switcheroo!!

While perusing the isles of Stitches Midwest I was looking for a certain something that would work with the Awesome Pattern. Then lone behold I landed in the Sunday Knits booth. They had the most lovely of lovelies... Nirvana. How can you say no to Merino and Cashmere??? I know I didn't and now I've switched over and have restarted on my new Willoughby.



The yarn has a great feel and the pattern is just enough lace that I'm not going mad. Now, you've got to understand.... I don't do lace. I love the look of it and am amazed by anyone who can knit it. I would rather cross my stitches then produce holes in it:P Yet this pattern was calling to me from the moment I laid eyes on it.




And looky there!!! BOBBLES! I swore I would never, but in actuality they're kinda fun. Don't go tellin anyone please... who knows what people will think of me when they find that out.

I also don't want you to freak out about the lovely Orange Alpaca yarn... it is currently finding a new assignment.

FO: Noro Striped Scarf

Pattern: Noro Striped Scarf

Yarn: 4 skeins of Noro Silk Garden (color numbers: 84 and 284)

Needles: US 7

Started: November 17, 2008

Finished: December 2, 2008

Comments: Loved making this. Quick, fun and wish I could afford to make another. It's about that time of year to think of others...damn how many days left until Christmas?

The pattern is a basic 1x1 rib and you keep knitting until you don't want to do it any more. If you happen to pick up and touch the Noro Silk Garden and were a little concerned...don't be. The yarn softens up fantastically.

Final dimensions for this was 6 inch wide by 6 feet long. I could totally see this done up skinnier/shorter/longer what ever floats that boat;)

I might have jumped in the Noro Scarf line with everyone else, but I'm glad for it because temperatures in Chicago are unbelievably cold... freeze the nose hairs cold.

FO: Neckwarmer

Another one bits the dust. I can't express how wonderful it feels to crank these little projects out. I mean. come. on. you gotta love it!!

I know you want to see more then just a peek from under my thick winter coat...okay.



Pattern: Woven Slip Stitch*

Yarn: one skein of Cascade Dolce

Needles: US 6

Started: November 28, 2008

Finished: December 1, 2008

Dimensions: 4 inch wide by 23 inch long

Comments: The pattern is easy to remember and becomes blind knitting for me after a couple of repeats. The alpaca content did make this stretch to a loose fit, but I think works well as I don't like the feeling of being choked.



*Here is the stitch pattern in case your curious:
Cast on odd number of stitches. In this case it was 21.
R1: k1, * yf, slip stitch, yb, k1 * repeat from * end with a k1
R2: purl
R3: k2, * yf, slip stitch, yb, k1 * repeat from * end with a k2
R4: purl

Evenly spaced 2 button holes one inch before bind-off.

FO: Holiday Fetchings

You know I had told myself that I wasn't going to do this, but alas here I am doing it again. Christmas Knitting! Yes, with having NO idea what to get people, but somehow finding interesting knits is easy to conjure up.



A pair of Fetchings are so quick and an easy no-brainer. It will become part of a set with the neckwarmer, which I'm hoping will be a winner.



I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was successful and filling. We had a blast with unexpected guests, but with this family you can't help but smile.

Oh Cheese and Crackers!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. Mine was full of sleep, cleaning and knitting. Thanksgiving is practically on top of me... last minute runs to the store and I should have everything I need.

Does anyone have a clue how much it takes to put on a dinner like this, besides the ones hosting the event? My son asked me Sunday morning what was for breakfast. I gave him "the look" and said I was resting for my day of food slavery. I could tell he was puzzled, so I told him I would be cooking ALL DAY on Thursday and if I wanted to skip a couple of meals in the mean time then so be it. He is such a sweet boy... he then got up and made eggs and bacon for the whole family without burning down the house. I think I've done good.

In the knitting department, the Noro Scarf is coming along fantastically.

Such a Follower...

Hello, I'm Knifty Red and I'm a follower, a sheep that is following the rest of the knitting herd down the Noro Scarf path.



I don't quite mind, as the journey is fun;)

FO: Anne Wave Scarf

Pattern: Misty Garden by Jo Sharp from Scarf Style

Yarn: Anne Schaefer

Needles: US 7

Start Date: January 12, 2007

End Date: January 27, 2007

Comments: The pattern says to knit with a worsted yarn, and I'm sure if I did I could have knit this sucker in one weekend... need to remember that one, for those quick gift projects.




I was looking for more of a lacy version and it turned out fantastic. It's light enough to drape over the shoulders, do the one flip over or double up and keep it close to the neck.

Clapotis is Stupendous

I got to show off my latest project this week to my Stich 'n Bitch group. Talk about perfect timing, the weather is turning a bit chilly when that sun is behind those clouds.

You'll have to forgive my hubby for taking a bad-blurry picture of me when I got home.

Not sure if this photo will post well either, but let me just say "Oh Yeah!" I'm in love with this. The yarn is a lovely Silk Wool that was shown to me from a lovely woman at My Sister Knits. This yarn was some of the new stuff for fall...soft and easy to knit.

I would definately recommend this project to any knitter. Pattern is on Knitty.com and can be located under shawls. The name of this pattern is Clapotis, which I believe is french...and makes the whole project even more memorable.