July 2009

July.... life has been a little crazy, so I have to think back. I don't think July was a very productive month knitting wise. I caught a bug at the beginning of the month and it lasted 3 weeks, so I didn't feel well for a lot of the month and a still trying to get caught up.
I feel like I started things (with all the best intentions), then got side tracked on to other things and so not much got done. Ever have one of those months?
So, here's what I did and am doing.

I finished my beautiful pink sweater made with Superior, the Cashmere and Silk yarn from Filatura di Crosa. I really love it and can't wait for a special occasion to wear it. In the meantime it is at the shop, so you can see it.

I also made a funny little earflap hat with a new yarn that we got in from Berroco, Sundae. It uses 4 different colors and different stitches. It is cute and fun. I think teenagers would love it.

Sadly, I also had to make a couple of Chemo Caps that I gave away, and forgot to take pictures first. They were sent off with love and prayers to the recipients.

I think that's it for actual accomplishments.
I worked on my beaded sweater and made some progress (I am ready to break for the armholes), then new yarn came in and I thought I should make a sample....

So, I started a Cape made with Debbie Bliss' new yarn Luxury Tweed Chunky. Of course you can't tell from the brown glob on the left, but it will soon look like the beautiful cape on the right. Soon... As soon as I get back to it.

I read that Berroco was having a contest featuring their sock yarns, but not necessarily for socks. So, I decided to enter. They will pick the top 20 entries and have their customers (you) vote for the top 8. They will publish the booklet this spring with the winning designs. The dead line to submit is August 31. So, that is where this mess of sock yarn fits in. I am frantically knitting to get my shawl knit and pattern written to submit for the contest. Fingers crossed, it is selected and I will ask you all to vote for me (if you like it,of course).

So, that was my month, a month of getting started and getting distracted.

June 2009

Well, June was a busy month, but not necessarily for knitting. I didn't accomplish as much as I usually do.

We were on family vacation for the 2 weeks in the beginning of June and though I took lots of knitting with me I only knit on the way there and the way back. So I guess I took a vacation from knitting too.

But, I did accomplish a few things and probably added a few more to my list.

I showed you the Curilcue Coverlet that I wanted to turn into a shawl. Well, I did and I am very pleased with the results. I used Mini Mochi, a sock yarn from Crystal Palace. It is a fingering weight yarn and I knit the shawl on 7's to give it more drape. This really turned out pretty and it's fun to do. I am going to offer it in a class this fall and you can make either the coverlet or the shawl.

When I got back to the shop we had gotten in a new book from Noro, Mini Knits Two and there is an adorable baby sweater in it made with Silk Garden Sock. I had a sample vest that the company had sent me and I never really liked it or thought it made a good sample, so I ripped it out and made this cute little sweater.

Also awaiting me was a new yarn from Lang, Mille Colori Big. Big. It is a big ball of big yarn it great colors and there is a scarf pattern on the label. One "big" ball makes a beautiful scarf. The only thing I did differently from the pattern on the label was the needle size. I used and 10.5 instead of a 10. I think the 10 would have made it too tight nad I think the yarn could even handle an 11. The colors are very pretty. It was had to choose which one to make.

Now, on my needles....

I am making progress in the sweater out of Ella Rae's Lace Merino, that was just a swatch last month. I have about 8" done and I don't know if you can see it but there is a bead in the center of each little lace pattern. It will be a cardigan, someday soon.

I also started a sweater out of Superior from Filatura di Crosa . It is a silk and cashmere blend and it doesn't get much better than that. About 5" and counting so far. It is a pullover, has a bottom ruffle and a cabled top. Next month you will see the finished sweater. It is light, airy and like a dream. (yes, you see two balls of yarn attached. I have two different dye lots and I am alternating them every 2 rows, so you'll never know, unless you read this of course.)

And in my head, (well not much, somedays), but knittingwise, still the argyle vest for my son and a few other ideas swirling around. And then the new Berroco books and yarn came in for fall..... I need more time!!!

Happy Knitting, hope to see you soon. Until next month, Nancy