Baby sweaters

I may be quiet, but I'm still here!! I've been knitting some baby items, for my husband's friend at work. She is expecting a much anticipated grand child, and so I got busy with my needles. Plus, knitting baby clothes is so much fun!

I made the above with stash yarn and free patterns (yay!), so not only am I gifting, but I'm technically cleaning too. The cardigan is Puerperium cardigan, and the booties are Baby Uggs. Those baby things were so fun, I made a few more:

It is called the Little Seedling Soaker. I used Deborah Norville Serenity Baby yarn for it. And lastly, one more sweater and a hat, also from stash yarn (that I think I've had for about 10 years, just waiting for a project). The set is called Star Bright, and in hindsight I should have knit the hat in the round, but live and learn I guess. The yarn is Sidar Supersoft Aran, and the picture doesn't really do the color justice, it is more of a pale grey blue.

All of those projects I finished by June, and then I started knitting Isla a sweater for this winter. I'll post about that next, because I'm really rather proud of how it turned out. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Summer is for socks

As if I don't have enough projects on my needles, I cast on a new one. I got an incredible urge to knit socks--so I did (one anyway).

The pattern is My Cup of Tea free on Ravelry. I love tea, these socks, and things that are free. I'm using the Cascade 220 fingering from my Roxborough Dolman that I didn't like. I know, I know, there is no nylon in this yarn but I don't really like the feeling of it for a top. So far, I'm happy with it for socks. Which is good, since I have plenty. I'm working on the second one right now, and finding them rather compulsive!

Happy knitting friends!

Sewing

I am, by no stretch of the imagination, a seamstress. In fact, I think I'm rather terrible at sewing. And yet. And yet I just keep on doing it. In the last few weeks I've had two sewing projects, some pillow covers, and a basket liner.

I bought those blue pillows in Australia......for very little money. They were great, until they were worn out. I used the previous covers as a guide, and I did put zippers in so they would look neater than an envelope pillow. They got better as I went along, so that by #3 I was rather pleased with how the pillow looked. I bought this fabric at JoAnn's on sale, and I really wish they had the exact same but with a different color flower pattern. I've got a few more pillows to recover (yes, we have a ridiculous amount of pillow on our huge couch). I'm also toying with the idea of knitting a few. Like I don't have enough to knit right now!

So this is my computer desk--covered in two different knitting patterns, a tape measure, and a knitting project on the left that is currently hibernating. I barely turn the computer on it seems.

Speaking of knitting, the next project was a basket liner--specifically for knitting. I have quite a few baskets for my WIP's. I do love baskets. This one in particular isn't a very nice one, I bought it on clearance at Michael's for a Christmas present that didn't happen. It is sort of rough and I don't want it snagging any of my projects. I did an internet search for a pattern, and then sort of cobbled it together.

I couldn't be bothered sewing a tie, I just hate to turn them right-side out. So I used ribbon instead, and it works just fine. I used some stash fabric from when the girls were little. They haven't seen it yet, but I'm sure when they do they will try to steal this. I should have known better than to use pink........

And that's all for now. I've cast on yet another knitting project (socks!), which is ridiculous but such is life. One day, I'll finish one of the projects I'm working on. I'm still loving the Grandpa Cardigan (in the picture above), but I've got a while yet to get to 15" in length. Take care, happy crafting!

WIP's

Hello all. What's up with this May Michigan weather? It is June 1st and I'm worried it might freeze tonight. Not cool Mother Nature, not cool. I got a little excited and planted a bit too early, and now I've got to be an eagle eye on the weather. I can't lose another tomatillo plant, I just can't.

I've got several WIP's right now, and I'm feeling pretty good about them all. First, I'm chugging along on my Grandpa Cardigan. It is my first pattern by Joji Locatelli, and I'm excited because I like so many of her patterns.

Yeah, it sort of matches the floor, sorry about that

I hit a roadblock a while back and ripped the whole thing out and started over. I'm glad I did, since when I joined the back and sides I noticed they were on different rows. I fixed that the second time around and I'm MUCH happier.

I started on Rori's Britania. I'm using Berroco Vintage DK. It is my TV knitting right now, though last night I was so tired I knit a round of the wrong row. Why is it you always figure that out at the END of the row? I'm knitting this the same as Isla's (sleeveless) but I've gone up a needle size because she is a squinch bigger than her sister. These girls are growing like weeds.  

So are the feathered girls:

Lastly, I'm working on a Sweet Summer Shawl. It was my original TV knitting until Rori asked me to get started on her Brittania. I'll admit, she had to nag me because I'm digging this shawl. It is pretty and blue and easy, I like it. I'm using Bendigo Woolen Mills 4 ply in the colorway lake.

So that's what I'm working on at the moment. I'm enjoying each of the projects. Thanks for stopping by! One last picture, taken a few days ago. 

 Gratuitous dog picture. Have a great week!

I like the cables, I really do

Hello and welcome! My FO today is near and dear to my heart--my second ever Aran jumper! It took me about 5 months to  knit (off and on) and I finished it way back in March and didn't get around to posting it (due to the move). So here she is, in all her cabled glory!

My first Aran knit was a project I finished for my Mum-in-law for my Grandma, I posted about it here. I had so much yarn left over, that I decided I'd make a sweater for myself. I call it my feed mill sweater, because I plan on it keeping me warm during work in the winter. One of the many layers I'll be wearing.

It is a free pattern, raglan aran pullover, by Hayfield. I loved knitting this, and I even liked that it was sewn. There is something so satisfying about finishing a section and starting the next. I wasn't too sure about the first at first, because it is shorter than a traditional Aran jumper, but I've grown to really like it. The yarn is Hayfield bonus tweed. I did have to buy a small amount to finish, but really, I needed less than 100g's to do so.

If you haven't ever knit an Aran jumper, I do recommend it. It is so very addictive and fun!

I like stripes, but not enough to keep this

I'm going to admit, I'm front loading blog posts today. I have a couple of FO's to talk about, and I'm trying to get the posts written while it is raining and I can't (or won't) play in the garden.

I worked off and on for months on my Roxborough Dolman, and I finished it about a month ago. It was touch and go if I'd have enough yarn to do the neck and sleeves, but I did. And I don't like it. It is supposed to be a slouchy shirt, and it is not. I think even if I washed & blocked it, it just wouldn't be roomy enough. I'm not sure what I did wrong, I thought I had gauge, but I guess not. And I'm not going to knit it all over again, because it was BORING. I thought the stripes might entice me, because I love stripes, but not even that will. I think I will frog it, and make some socks. 

The yarn is Cascade 220 fingering in silver and green. 

I won't lie, I'm pretty happy not have to weave in all those ends. I tried to carry my yarn up the side, but it wasn't working, so I ended up just doing this. Probably a big mistake, but I'll learn from it, I swear. Until I muster the energy to frog it, I'll set it in the "disappointment pile."

See you next week with another FO! 

Happy Crafting

She likes sleeveless

Hello, thanks for stopping by! I seem to be getting my knitting groove back (the rainy weather probably helps), and even though I'm getting some stuff done, I am having trouble blogging about it. It has been super busy at work, and getting the garden ready for summer, and protected from the deer. In fact, nothing is protected yet, and we've just been lucky. The chicken coop is done however, so at least the girls can sleep out there instead of in the garage.

They are such wee cuties, and they are growing so fast!

I finished Isla's Britannia a couple of weeks ago, and then never got around to weaving the ends in. Now it is chilly again, and she wants to wear it. It only took 5 minutes, I don't know why I waited so long. She's very happy with it, and wants another with long sleeves. That can wait until the autumn however.

She's just like me, and can't stand having anything tight on her neck. The first time I did the neck opening it was too tight, so I ripped it back and then went up several needle sizes. It looks a wee bit floppy in the pics, but I haven't washed it yet, as I can't get it off of her. The yarn is Berroco Vintage DK in ruby. I like the yarn (currently using it for a cardigan for myself). I like the pattern, and I like that I can make an adult size too. Bonus!

That's it for me, happy crafting!

 

It's all for me

Why, what is all this sunshine and spring weather? I just don't know what to do with all the energy this sun instils in me. Tonight when I got home from work I took a bike ride before I made dinner. Then after dinner I took a walk in our woods. Yup, we have woods, and I love it.

I'm still trying to recover from this move, and I have the feeling my Dad is right and it might take 6 months for things to settle down. I still get friendly (and not so friendly) reminders to close out old accounts, change addresses, return internet equipment (OK Charter, so I forgot for a week, stop pestering me). I know I will get there though, so I'm trying not to get too stressed out. I lost my knitting mojo for a while there too, and it took all my concentration to finish something, but I did.

I finished Isla's Britannia, mostly because she loves it sleeveless and that saved a ton of time. I still have to weave in the ends, but it is 99% done! Maybe I can get it finished for a Friday post! And while I know I should start Rori's instead I started something for myself. In pumpkin. It is such beautiful yarn!

I know it is a bit hard to see against the wood floor, but I did my best late at night. It is called the Grandpa Cardigan, and the yarn is Berroco Vintage DK.

That's all I've got for now, I hope everyone with spring weather is enjoying it. Happy Crafting.

2015, finding balance

Hello! I has been months and months since last I wrote on the blog. I'd like to feel bad about it, and maybe a small part of me does, but man oh man, we've been busy. 

We bought a house!!

I guess because of my history with international moves, I should state that we are still in MI--for good. This will be the last move for a long time, if we have our way!

The first week of April we moved in to our new house on 11.6 acres. I am so very excited/tired that I almost stopped knitting for a few weeks. It felt so good to pick up my needles the other night! My parents have been here to help, and we still have a few boxes to unpack, and life swirls on as normal. I did finish a few things before we started packing (and bought a wee bit of yarn), like this Aran jumper:

But more on that later.


We have big plans for the new house and land of ours. We started on it yesterday, with the purchase of 15 chicks. They are darling, and I'm pleased the girls get to watch them grow (the last time we had chickens, in Scotland, we bought them almost full grown).

So while I get unpacked, and help Dave build/finish the chicken coop, keep on knitting. I may not be posting, but I most certainly am reading. I'll be back one of these days, unless the sun stays out and then I'll be playing in the garden.  I've got this patch of ground to fill with veggies:

And Sally, if you are reading this, this dog, she loves the country.

Girl's Knits

This will be one fast post. We are off down the road to try find a commuter car for Dave. We've been a one car family for as long as we can, and now we really need that second car. Dance class, soccer, you know how it goes.

I finished Rori's Alchemist. She seems to like it, and both her and Isla have been taking turns wearing it. I should have knit the armholes one needle down, but I didn't, and that's ok. The yarn is Plymouth Encore.

Lastly, here is a long-overdue picture of Isla in her Tiny Tea Leaves. We forgot for ages to take a picture, and then the day we chose was freezing cold. We ran onto the porch, grabbed a couple of pictures, and then ran inside again. Brrrrrr, winter is here.

We definitely got the most from this pattern. Two pullover sweaters and two cardigan. Brilliant.

That's all from me for now. Happy New Year everyone, I hope that 2015 treats you right!

and the winner is......red

Hello everyone. I have been a bit negligent in my blogging, that is true, but I have not slowed down in my knitting. In fact, I've been rather productive, and have a few FO's to share.

First, just a wee bit of a back story. I work in Michigan, and my department divides the state up into three regions. My region (1) is comprised of 17 individuals that work out of their homes, and one supervisor that lives in Traverse City. Every three months we meet up in the north for a staff meeting. Every Christmas there is a themed contest, and this year it was red. The person with the most items of red worn, and the best dressed red. I decided I wanted to WIN. I threw myself into it wholeheartedly.

I did win, and would have taken both categories if that was allowed. This picture doesn't even show half of my other red.......including a few things I knit.

 
The hat (pardon the bad pictures, I blame the winter) is a free pattern, flower bud beanie. I cannot say enough good things about the pattern. Fast, pretty, fun. 

The fingerless gloves are also wonderful, and a free pattern, 75-yard-malabrigo-fingerless-mitts.
The yarn I used for both is Lion Brand Heartland. I had a 50% off coupon at Joann's, and one skein was enough for both projects. Bargain!

I've got one project I'm almost done with (I hope), and three more on the go. Ok, maybe four. I can't wait for the extra time I'll have over the Christmas holiday. Take care, I'll see you in 2015!

If you are happy, I am happy

Hello Friday!! I love the weekend, even though I've had a pretty great week. I have two FO's to share today. 

The first, a headband, I made over a month ago and forgot about. It was one of those, "I really need a quick project so I can feel like I'm accomplishing something" deals. Also excellent stash-busting. I ended up gifting it to my co-worker, because I'm just not a headband kind of girl. I guess. I keep trying.

The pattern is Winter Morning, and it is free. The yarn is from my stash, absolutely lovely soft stuff, Wendy Viva.

The latest project I've finished is a hat for fellow blogger Anke's friend. She had a shout out a few weeks ago asking for hats for her friend who is facing some health issues. The idea grabbed hold of me at once, and I cast on that day. I wobbled for a while, thinking the yarn didn't match the pattern. And maybe it doesn't, but let me tell you, I think it is lovely in person. The yarn is super soft and I think it will feel lovely against her skin.   

Pattern: Foliage Hat
Yarn: King Cole Inspire 

Mindless knits are essential

Well, I cannot deny the truth of it--I have castonitis. In a BIG way. First (weeks ago now), I cast on some fingerless gloves. Then I got to the finger portion and

they were abandoned. I cast on a cabled sweater with the yarn I have left over from this

that was abandoned because I cast on a vest with this gorgeous yarn. It is Wool of the Andes Tweed. 

 
then that was abandoned and I cast on a vest for my daughter

Ok, that isn't all true, not everything has been abandoned. I am knitting the Mielie vest while the kids and I watch TV at night, since it is mainly stockinette. 

I  had to cast on the vest for Isla because all this beautiful yarn arrived in the mail. I also discovered something wonderful--yarn really does cheer me up! We've been having just a wee bit of family worry/drama, and the pumpkin yarn in particular make me feel ever so much better, just by looking at it. So I've left it and a red skein out on my desk, in case I need a quick pick me up. Another nice thing is that the kids saw all the pink (which they had picked) and decided in the future maybe they should pick some other colors. Wouldn't that be wonderful, if they threw in some greens and blues! Rori at least picked that lovely purple on the right, and Isla picked the red. 



So all that should keep me out of trouble for a little while. But I'm not going to lie, for some reason the cold weather is making me want to knit socks. We will see where the season takes me!

Sewing with the kids

Hello! Lately, my kids have been very crafty. First, they asked me to teach them how to knit. Oh, yes, with pleasure I will teach them to knit. They are (slowly) working on some garter stitch squares.

Then, somehow (none of us can remember how it came up) they decided they wanted to learn to sew. A pillow, to be precise. So I taught them, because sewing a square and stuffing it with fluff is just about the easiest thing to learn. They were super excited, because it was fast. And don't we all like instant gratification?

So they made themselves some pillows. And then, they each made me one. And their Dad. And then they made their grandparents each one for Christmas.   

We used stash fabric, except for two pillows (the grandparents pillows), and we did buy fluff. But otherwise, quite an affordable and enjoyable project. Plus, now I have a perfect pillow to use when we are travelling in the car! Next up, they are making themselves fleece ponchos!