FO: Earth & Sky

I totally got sucked into the this project. Loved the color pairings that everyone was coming up with and I had hoped that this would be something I could wear come Stitches Midwest.



Pattern: Earth and Sky by Stephen West

Yarn: 1 skein Cosmic Fibers Nefarious Silky Sock in yellow, 1 skein of Dream in Color Smooshy in green and 1 skein of Malabrigo Yarn Sock in red

Needles: US 5 circular needle

Started: August 1, 2011

Finished: August 31, 2011

The first couple of clues in the very beginning did give much progress and that left me scrambling to even finish before September 1st. In the end I love it. I would have liked to have added another color repeat, but I'm happy with the results. It also leaves me with plenty of bits for my left over sock yarn blanket. Whoo-hoo for stash busting!

FO: Every Way Wrap

Pattern: Every Way Wrap by Okmin Park

Yarn: 7 skeins Aussi Worsted - Oasis Yarn

Needles: US 7 circular needle

Started: January 10, 2010

Finished: September 14, 2010



The day I finished this was very memorable. It was my birthday and my refrigerator had just died. I spent hours trying to save what little food I had and threw away tons of condiments that no one person should conceivably have on hand. At least the day ended on a bright note with this beautiful wrap.



I did modify this a little as my gauge was a little off. The pattern is adjustable in that way to accommodate chest differences, so it wasn't really a stretch.

I did notice that about half way through the wrap I hadn't done the little 2-stitch cable twist on the outside border. I then figured if I hadn't noticed in all this time, it really didn't matter in the end.

There was a bit of a lag with on getting this project posted... really it was me trying to find the right shawl pin. It's not easy finding the right one. Do I go for metal, wood, bone. sigh. In the end the best value and design was a rosewood pin from Pattern Works. Hey... and you know what? I can use this as a sword in a pinch;)

FO: Kauni Magic Shawl

Pattern: Oakland Shawl by Sally Brandl

Yarn: 2 skeins Kauni (EP & EZ colorways)

Needles: US 5 circular needle

Started: August 20, 2010

Finished: October 13, 2010

I was enchanted when I spotted this shawl at Stitches Midwest this past August. I bought the yarn right there and headed over to the Signature booth to buy a circular needle. I was determined to cast-on that night!



The pattern is very easy but the main attraction for this project is the yarn. The colors fade from one to the other in this slow cycle that it leaves you wondering how the next set of colors will play off of each other.



The yarn is rustic, rich with color and just pure magic.

A Loss for Words

Do you realize how hard it is to be a knitwear designer and a blogger at the same time? It seems for me it's nearly impossible. I think, Oh I want to talk about... no can't talk about that one. Hummmm, how about, nope. Not that one either. sigh.

I want to blog and I'm trying to come up with a plan to keep up with it while venture out and design too.

My latest non-designing project is the Citron. Since I've finished two other projects. Don't start. I plan to blog those very soon. I hope. I've picked up the Citron and started away and then realized that I don't remember which repeat I was on and I think I made a critical mistake. Some how I ended up with 25 more stitches then what the pattern claims I should have.

You see this is where I say to my self. Hey Self, you have a mistake, you know you do. Are you going to rip back to the life line and start again?

But the big question isn't if I should rip back, it's more Do you even what to knit this damn thing anyway. To be honest, I'm a bit bored with it. Plus, my urges these days are leaning towards warm woollies verses lacy-airy-don't-help-keep-you-warm things.



So fellow reader, do I rip back to life line and mark the pattern so I remember where to jump start when I do want to knit this thing, or rip it all together and plan to use the yarn a more intricate pattern?



In other news, Miss Mac has successfully picked a pumpkin and looking forward to this weekends activities where she plans to go trick-or-treating as Queen Victoria.

Our home has also changed in dynamics recently with my Father-In-Law living with us. His medical issues have been of such that he needs to be near someone at all times and our house fits best for him. Family takes care of family and we wouldn't have it any other way, but to say this puts a bit of stress onto our daily lives is an understatement. Thank goodness I have my knitting;)

The new word for Magic is Kauni

When I said I was going to use all the Kauni I could to get the wrap done. I wasn't kidding.



This is all that is left of the two 150g balls of Kauni. I was seriously cutting it close with the bind off. phew.



Kauni is just pure magic. I've tossed the wrap into a lovely lavender soak and it's blocking away on the guest bed. It is much larger after blocking. So much so that it could easily be considered lab blanket size. I. Love. It.

It's Finally Fall

This weather makes me want to knit sweaters, hats, scarfs in preparation of the winter that is approaching.

Fall is my favorite time of year. The morning air is crisp and the leaves crunch under your feet. The smell of burning wood just sweeps those childhood memories back and it puts a smile on my face.

It is officially fall, but the last two days it's be unseasonable HOT. It irritates me to think I'm getting jipped out of my fall weather. It's not suppose to be 88 degrees outside!! It's suppose to be 72. I want my 72 G** Damn it!!



The Kauni Magic Shawl is growing at a tremendous rate. One row takes approximately 40 min and I like to think of my self as a fast knitter, yet this shawl is super slow right now.

My Every Way Wrap is done and blocked. I need buttons and a shawl pin to wear it like I want. It's been a great item to toss over my shoulders when taking Miss Mac to the bus stop in the mornings. I am now on the hunt and I think getting one of these shawl sticks just might do the trick.

Is your knitting mojo picking up because of the cooler weather? Do you have any projects in mind?

Testing Fate

The past two times that I blogged an update on the Every Way Wrap, I noticed a mistake. I would proudly take pictures and be amazed that it's coming along so quickly. Then while I review my posts I notice a wrongly crossed cable. Not far down really, just 4-6 rows, but enough to set me back 2 days.

I had these thoughts that I wasn't going to blog about this damn thing until I was done. I'm cursed. Or at least the wrap is cursed. Well, this is no way to blog a knitting life, so I'm living on the edge and testing fate.



The wrap has grown some since my last update... 20 inches to be exact. I've checked and rechecked my cables and things seem to be okay.

Do you want to see it all stretched out...



There you go. That's 47 inches of Every Way Wrap goody-ness. It has reached the annoying stage where it's bulky and a bit cumbersome. It wont be too long now. The full length will be 59 inches and 7 inches of that will be ribbing. I'm hoping to get more completed this holiday weekend. My Labor Day will be a Labor of Love. Cookie and Kisses!

Falling Down at the Kauni Booth

We arrived at Stitches Midwest early Friday morning and were able to get checked-in first thing. We then made our way down to the market for which I had no plans besides buying buttons for a particular project. Discovering that the Ruhama's booth had Kauni yarn was just magical.

Yeah, it's crunchy yarn, but I kinda dig it. It's rustic and the colors, OH-MY-GOD, the colors!! So when I saw the Oakland Shawl hanging as a display I knew that I had Fallen and fallen hard.



The one that smacked me silly was the golden brown orange yummy one. I was then hitting a brick wall. What other color to mix it with. That is when a lovey lady attending the booth came over and helped me. She showed me this trick to seeing visually if the colors would give me the look I wanted. They have sample swatches that show off the full spectrum of colors. It's a little hard to see all the depth these balls have. You take the sample strip and start twisting it with another sample. Before long your seeing the magic happen. The colors blend and pop and BAM. You've then picked your next color and are heading to the check out.



I was so excited to get going on this project that when I made my way by the Signature booth it sealed the deal. I cast-on that afternoon and was happy to bring something pretty easy to the Pajama Party that night in the hotel lobby.

Side note: Vodka Fresca's in pineapple and coconut drinking glasses is killer fun!

Just Keep Knitting...

The Every Way Wrap is still going... and going...



The wrap has reached 27 inches in length so far and only 32 more inches to go. What's even more exciting is that I've knit 10 inches since my last post. Not bad. So if I continue at this pace I'll be done in about 3 and a half weeks.



This spider (whom I've dubbed Harry) has been hanging out my window for the past week. Some moments in time when I'm feeling a bit silly, I picture him attacking the buildings. Chicago better watch out, because Harry is not just your average spider;)

Oh, yeah... I can't forget to also mention that this time next week I'll be kickin' it at Stitches Midwest. Time to printout the project list, find my lanyard because it's about that time!!

FO: Cedar Leaf Shawlette

Pattern: Cedar Leaf Shawlette by Alana Dakos

Yarn: 2 skein of Oasis (Purplexed and Purple)

Needles: US 6 circular needle

Started: March 18, 2010

Finished: March 25, 2010

Not too much to say about this little gem. It's simple lovely and just drapes fabulously.



I chose to integrate the variegated color way with the solid and I love how it gradually flows from the pink to purple.

It's also kinda cool that I have extra yarn left over so I could make myself another;)

Kiss Me Because I'm Irish!

As I was posting up these pictures to show off all the goodies I've been picking up... I noticed a theme. Hummmm. Perhaps because it's March? Perhaps I have Spring Fever.



It all started with the bag. Namaste Laguna in lime that I picked it up at the Loopy Ewe. That website is really is a great place to just swoon. Please note that the Cedar Leaf shawlette is well under way in this photo, but currently I can say it is blocking!! Dude. Under a week from start to block. Not even enough time to fully get the project on my Ravelry page.



Then on one awesome day I stalked the site to see if I could. and. I. did. SCORE some Wollmeise. If your not familiar with the yarn... it is very sought after. To the point where it's become a controversy. I don't plan on selling this yarn on ebay just to make a huge profit. No, I've got some plans with this little awesome bundle of greenness.



Then while outside taking Hello Daylight photos in the evening!! I glanced over to my dead patch and noticed the glorious signs of spring. Tulips. Lovely tulips that Miss Mac and I planted not that long ago in the fall. sigh. Green, green everywhere... I love it.



Then while perusing ebay, I notice this book and decided Why Not. I'm still daydreaming about which pattern to wrap my mind around. I really want to do some color work. I'm feeling the spark come back ya'll!



Last but not least is this little mug that makes me smile every time I take a sip. So then I had this dream the other night where I got a black sheep tattoo with the green clover and all! How funny would that be? Check out the Black Sheep Collection... I want it all!!!

Totally Distracted

This weekend happened so quickly that I'm glad I took some pictures, because I could have easily thought it was based off of a hallucination from the drugs for my teeth... damn root canal.

The last we meet, I was contemplating a new project.



I ended up taking the Oasis yarn. The soy yarn is interesting to work with and it feels softer in the ball then actually knitting with it. It has a tendency to lay flat like a ribbon yarn, but I don't think it will stay that way once it's blocked.

I had two skeins in solid purple and one that was variegated with a blend of pinks. I decided that I would ultimately do the boarder leafs in the solid, but wanted this blend effect to happen along the way. To get this effect I switched yarns every two rows then added more rows of the solid as I got closer to end.



Isn't it lovely? I really enjoyed my trip and I'm hoping to sort through all the photos soon. The view was such a distraction that I left my pattern on the plane and didn't realize it until my Mom asked about my project. sigh. At least I knew the pattern well enough that I didn't need it.



This lovely tulip was a gift from Miss Mac (she made Daddy buy it). Too cute!

Random Monday

Just popping in to give some random updates. Lets see...



Linda and Eric got married. Congratulations! and how can you not love the lacey-loveliness she has draped over her shoulders.



Took advantage of the sunny day and made our way to the pumpkin patch.



And this piece of evil has been driving me bonkers. Yes, I love it and I want to burn it at the same time. Why-oh-why do I feel this driving force... I will conquer over this Ishbel.

I've Got News...

I've been anticipating this next week for months. It is filled with huge plannings, endless worries and a rush of excitement.

I start my vacation tomorrow and for the next 7 days I will be visited by family and I can't wait to see them. My dearest daughter will turn the ripe old age of 5 this weekend and the following week she'll be off to kindergarten. Someone please give me a glass of wine... or two.



In the knitting department I've been making my way along on the Faery Ring. It is growing very nicely. I'm almost to the point where I bind off for armholes. Note To Self: Look for button while at Stitches.

The Tapestry Cowl is done...yes, I did it. I bound off all 220 stitches kitchener style. I think I deserve a metal, or at least a cookie. My finished object post will be coming soon. With all that has been going on I haven't had time to block it and knowing how humid it's been I don't know how long it will take to dry.



The newest project on the needles is Willoughby, designed by Jared Flood. His newest patterns have just been released and you can purchase them individually or in one sweet book, which I chose to do. This was my find when we had our field trip last week to Wool and Company out in Geneva, IL.

I'm still up in the air about the real heft of the yarn. I was looking for something with a little more body to it and I just don't know if this yarn will work.

In Other Knitting Related News...

Nana's Knitting Shop has there September Class schedule up and if you scroll down you'll see a class on Two Socks on Two Circs Toe Up! Guess who's teaching the class?

Oh yeah baby, it's me! I can hardly believe it myself, but hell it's starting to hit and I've got to step-up my game if I'm to have everything ready in time.

So, if your interested in learning socks toe-up, two-at-time and you happen to be free on Saturday mornings, sign-up!

FO: Noro Wrap

Pattern: Ponchette by Bonnie Knits from the Knitting Pattern A Day Calendar 2007

Yarn: Noro Silk Garden

Needles: US 10

Start Date: October 12, 2007

End Date: November 6, 2007

Comments: The pattern called for Noro Iro, which is a bulky weight yarn. I feel in love with the Silk Garden and figured I'd go with that instead. The pattern had first caught my interest because it recommended only 2 balls. I ended up dipping into a 4th ball and in general would recommend 4 balls for this project. The results of picking a different yarn and needle size also adjusted the cast-on...trickle effect. I recommend doing a quick gauge swatch just to get a ball park figure. The rib allows for plenty of give, but you don't want this sucker to be to tight or too loose. I then measured the area around my shoulders and came up with my cast-on from there.

The pattern is easy and fast, the yarn is super yummy...can't lose.

Oh My Yoga

Have you ever let your body get so far out of shape that when you start to get back into the groove...and do something as easy and non-stressful as yoga...you're whole body goes into shock? Today people...my toes hurt. How the hell does every muscle ache even down in my toes?

When I got home... I discovered the Interweave Knits had arrived, so of course I had to snuggle in bed with my new socks and the newest Winter magazine. I'm not exactly thrilled with the selection of patterns, but some big highlights are the Ivy League Vest (designed by Eunny Jang - well, duh!), the Celtic Tote (cuz' I love cables), the Bonbon Pullover is growing on me.



I knew I needed to get some pictures taken of my works in progress and without any daylight in the evenings and Miss Mac all underfoot...it' slightly difficult. She is such a big helper, gosh I love this age.



With her holding the Fulmar it looks so much bigger. I have know idea what she's doing, but she found this photo shoot hilarious. I guess sticking your tongue out in pictures is the coolest thing to a 3-year old.

One of my other on going projects is this very simple Noro Wrap. It's my mindless knitting project for TV watching...yeah, speaking of TV shows...did you watch Heroes last night...OMG!!! I love this show! moving on...here is Miss Mac showing off the wrap...I'm on the decreases now, so soon I'll have a finished object to show off.



That's all for now...go knit.

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.