FO - Coo & Coy Test Knit

Whenever I get the chance to test knit for Anna of Mochimochiland I jump at it, and this time was no exception! Her patterns are not only simple and easy to knit, but so adorable!!! I just cannot resist the cuteness, what can I say?

I really enjoy using leftover yarn for most of my Mochimochiland toys. Both of these yarns were from projects I made my niece, and I'm glad to finally use them again! The lavender is Lorna's Laces Shepard Worsted, and the grey is Berroco something or other, hehe. I went down to size 4 needles (pattern calls for US sz5,) one because I couldn't find my 5's and two because I tend to stuff the crap out of my toys, and tighter stitches are better for that.

The bodies knitted up super quickly, but I found the smaller pieces were much tougher on my fingers (could've been the tiny 4" wood needles I was using, too!) Also, I didn't use safety eyes, but I just don't love them on all toys. For my eyes, I used black yarn and simply embroidered them on. I rather like the effect, what do you think?

They were a bit difficult to pose, but I was expecting that. Aren't they cute together though? I really enjoyed knitting this pattern, and I love my finished lovebirds! Hahaha!

Project Specs... see them on Ravelry!

• Pattern: Coo & Coy by Anna Hrachovic of Mochimochiland
• Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepard Worsted in Lilac for MC, Berroco mystery yarn for CC
• Needles: Us sz 5 3.5mm Knit Picks Harmony wood 4" DPN's
• Cast on: January 5th, 2011
• Cast off: January 15th, 2011
• Completed: January 16th, 2011

FO Fri - Plucky Mushrooms

When I made Anna's test list, I was so excited. And then, I realized just how fast you have to be, to become one of her testers! LOL So, I was very excited when I made it as an alternate tester of these cute Plucky Mushrooms. Aren't they adorable?

They work up super fast, too. (Even though I had to wait to post about them! Hahaha!) Just leftover fingering weight yarn in your color choices, stuffing and seaming. It was a little tough to get used to size 1 needles, though - as I'm used to working a little bigger scale than this. (It's alright though, these were SO much fun!)

I used yarn I received in a Swap themed for women named Kari; the aqua and purple alpaca actually came from Norway! How cool is that?!? (It's where my family's from originally.) So, those two are both Tynn Alpakka, and the grey "grass" is Knit Picks Gloss (leftovers from June's Dolphin Shorty Shrug!)

Project Specs: see it on Ravelry!

Pattern: Plucky Mushrooms, Knitting Mochimochi by Anna Hrachovic

Yarn: Tynn Alpakka in aqua and purple; Knit Picks Gloss in Dolphin

Needles: Knit Picks Metal DPN's size 1 (2.25mm)

Cast on: Monday, June 8th, 09

Cast off: Tuesday, June 9th, 09

Completed: Wednesday, June 10, 09

FO Fri - Lagoon Hemlock Ring Blanket

I can hardly believe how fast this project finished up (that is, except for the blocking part!) I was complaining last time, saying it would take forever, and then the edges sucked up all that end yarn! Hehe.

Oh, and then it took me forever to block it, because I'm a lazy procrastinator! I wish I'd added the garter ridge on this blanket, but I started it before the other one. Ah well, just another reason to knit one more for myself! :)



Specs - see this blanket on Ravelry!

• Yarn: Malabrigo Silky Merino in Turquoise - 435 (8.75 skeins)
• Pattern: Hemlock Ring Blanket by Jared Flood
• Needles: Knit Picks Nickel Plated Interchangeable needles, US size 9, 5.5mm
• Cast on: October 15th, 2009
• Cast off: June 1, 2010
• Completed: July 5th, 2010
  

FO - Cliff Diving @ La Push Cowl

After I'd finished my Solitude scarf, I wanted to work with another single ball of Malabrigo Lace yarn. It's so yummy soft, and very enjoyable to work with - but I wanted to design something for myself, not follow a set pattern.

So, I went to my stitch dictionaries and found this pretty Fishtail Lace pattern; and knew instantly that it would be perfect with the yarn colorway I chose, Whale's Road. Blues and indigo with hints of green and purple, this particular colorway really captured my attention - even over the internet! (I love Eat.Sleep.Knit for Malabrigo Lace.) The color is more accurate in the first photo, but I wanted to post a closeup of the lace pattern, too.

I picked a cowl shape because really, they're all the rage right now, and I've knit a butt-load of scarves with ends already and I wanted something new! I started with a provisional cast on, so I could use Kitchener stitch  to graft the ends together when I (almost) ran out of yarn. That meant I could make a long cowl, capable of doubling or tripling to a warm, cuddly neck-warmer. God knows, we still need them here in Chicago - it's cold again this week!

Specs - see this cowl on Ravelry!

• Pattern: my own based on Fishtail Lace pattern (found in Harmony Lace & Eyelets Stitch Dictionary)
• Yarn: Malabrigo Lace in Whale's Road - 247 (one skein 50gr)
• Needles: Knit Picks Zephyr Interchangeables US sz 5 3.75mm
• Cast on: March 10th, 2010
• Cast off: April 4th, 2010
• Completed: April 5th, 2010

Soft Chains - Cashmere I-cord Chain Link Bracelet

I've been thinking of using super soft materials for chains well, for a while... I guess basically since the spring fashion shows. I die for these Chanel's temporary tatoo chains, but they're also 75$ - so you know, I have to be content to covet and not own these, I fear. I wish I had the cash, though!

So anyhoosals - my brain was kicking around the thought of using soft and otherwise relatively unsuitable materials to create a series of chains this month. Leather, suede and even cashmere, I find the textures delectable, and because I used some leftover Handmaiden 4-ply Cashmere for this one - even the colors are yummy! Yeay!

This is just a basic I-cord chain link*, but I've got designs in the works for much more complex pieces. I just have to get working, and find out what actually works for me (and what fails miserably, as any good artist knows!) If anyone's interested, I'm toying with the thought of making this into a pdf. Please let me know if you'd like that, and thanks for stopping by! *Here's a link to the Ravelry page for it!

FO Friday - Yet Another Hemlock Ring Blanket

I can't believe I've got another Hemlock Ring to show off this week, as I wasn't planning on posting this one til next week, but such is life!

I really, really enjoyed knitting this blanket, both because I added the traditional garter ridge found in the feather & fan pattern (not found on the original Hemlock pattern,) and because this yarn was like butter to knit with! So soft, and just the right amount of stretch to it. I almost wish I'd made it bigger, but I hate blocking these buggers when they're done - it's always such a chore!

Specs - see this blanket on Ravelry!

• Yarn: Adrienne Vittadini Martina in Sand x8 400grams (actually purchased at Webs)
• Pattern: Hemlock Ring Blanket by Jared Flood
• Needles: Knit Picks Nickel Plated Interchangeable needles, US size 8, 5.mm
• Cast on: December 1st, 2009
• Cast off: February 2010 (blocked at the end of Feb.)

WIP Wednesday - Lagoon Hemlock Ring Blanket

I've been wanting to knit a Hemlock Ring blanket for myself, for what seems like forever... It's a pattern I've knit several times, although not for myself until now! I love it to begin with, but in Malabrigo Silky Merino - it's positively delicious! The turquoise color did transfer a bit more color onto my hands than my Clapotis, ok a LOT more, but I hope since I won't be laundering it often that it will end up being a minor concern about the finished object.

I got a ridiculously good deal on this yarn at Webs, and although I do enjoy supporting the smaller yarn shops - you can't beat a great deal on yummy yarn! And this yarn is soooo yummy! Soft and really enjoyable to knit with, much less the amazing fabric it makes knitted up!

This blanket sat on the needles (is still kinda sitting!) for a long time, but I get bored with this pattern once it starts getting big, plus I got so distracted with gift knits! I just hope I can finish it soon, even though the colder weather is finally starting to leave Chicago, (just wait, it'll snow again! Haha!)

Specs - see this blanket on Ravelry!

• Yarn: Malabrigo Silky Merino in Turquoise - 435 (x10 skeins 500gr)
• Pattern: Hemlock Ring Blanket by Jared Flood
• Needles: Knit Picks Nickel Plated Interchangeable needles, US size 9, 5.5mm
• Cast on: October 15th, 2009
• Approximately 65% done - working on it!

FO Friday - Caribeño Clapotis

When I saw this yarn on sale at WEBS, I knew I had to have it. 51/49 silk & merino means it's super soft, and the colors are just gorgeous! It transferred just a bit of blue dye to my fingers while I was knitting it, but not excessively so.

So, normally, the yarn this pattern calls for would cost you 120$ (maybe more plus shipping...) I KNEW I didn't want to spend that much, even though I love the Lorna's Laces Lion & Lamb. So, I waited. And waited some more... A few years later, this wonderful substitute comes onto the market, with even more colors than the recommended yarn. Yeay! So, I bought 5 balls - for a grand total of 45$ and I got the shipping free (because of course I had to order more yarn than THAT! Hahaha!)

I was hoping to have it done in two weeks instead of three, but sometimes you just don't feel like a smurf. Hehe. It was fun to knit, though; and even though I'm onto more complicated projects now - I wish I still had something simpler like this one, going at the same time.



The only changes I made to the pattern were adding one extra width repeat, and 5 extra length repeats. The third ball striped really nicely through the middle, but all of the other ones flashed and pooled like I expected a hand-painted yarn would. Huh?! I like it, though - and that's all that matters!

Specs: see it on Ravelry!

• Pattern: Clapotis by Kate Gilbert, Knitty Fall '04
• Yarn: Malabrigo Silky Merino in Caribeño - 474 (5 balls, Xgr)
• Needles: sz 7 Knit Picks Interchangeable (metal tips)
• Cast on: Friday, July 24th 09
• Cast off: Friday, August 7th 09
• Completed: Monday, August 10th 09

FO Friday - Solitude Scarf

... aka Yet Another Malabrigo Montego Bay Scarf, this time with fringe! (Here's the first MalaMontego Bay I made, for my MIL!)

For the last bunch of months this yarn was half of a Flutter Scarf, but I just wasn't feeling the ruffle end out of this yarn - 100% merino wool. The ruffles demand a drapier fiber content, something like silk, bamboo or alpaca; and to be truthful, they looked a little awkward. They just hung there, instead of draping nicely; so I never finished the second half.

The reason I picked Solitude for the name was two-fold. First, my husband and I'd just received a Peter Lik photo of the same name* we'd bought for his new home office, and the colors are to-die-for gorgeous! Secondly, I've been a fan of Nina Simone for a very long time, and the song Solitude seemed to really fit with what I felt at the time I knit it.

When I started this scarf, I was really hoping to get the job at Lorna's Laces. It didn't work out for me this time, and so I decided it was okay to be selfish, and knit something just for myself. (I have a bunch of gift knits going right now.)

And then, the Ravelympics hit me, or rather I got obsessive and couldn't hold myself back from them. Fast forward a couple weeks, and here I am now - with a finished scarf and a blanket that's a quarter done. Hahaha...  
That's how I roll, folks - always unpredictable, even to myself!

Specifications - see this scarf on Ravelry!

• Pattern: Montego Bay Scarf by Amy Singer (from Interweave Knits Summer 07)
• Yarn: Malabrigo Lace in Brisa (one skein, including fringe)
• Needles: Knit Picks Interchangeable Zephyr needles, US size 5 (3.75mm)
• Date started: Thursday, January 28th 2010
• Date cast off: Tuesday, February 23rd 2010
• Date completed: Thursday, February 25th 2010

*To see Solitude on Peter Lik's site, you'll need to visit the horizontal panoramic gallery (linked above and here - and click on the piece 5th from the left and all the way at the bottom (Wg197 Solitude) - be careful! His photos are a total time suck, even more so in person! Don't say I didn't warn you when you end up finding an amazing photo you totally love! LOL

FO - Little Niece's Dress V2.0

I had to work a lot of math to size this up to 2-years, but I think it was worth it! I love the simplicity, it shows off the colors beautifully. My niece isn't really 2 yet, but I wanted to ensure this one fit her longer than the first version! Haha!

I think it will also work nicely in the coming colder months, as my sis can put her in a long-sleeved jumper/romper underneath. Then, it will hopefully still fit her in the spring! (I know, I know, a longshot - but we'll see!)



It's nice to have such a selection of washable wool on the market, especially at Knit Picks prices! (This yarn was a sale score! Yeay!) I wanted to make sure it was washable, as babies can get so messy!

I have to apologize to my sister, because I just took it over!!! Sorry, Jenn (and Elinor! I really didn't mean to take so long photographing it!!!)


Specs - see it on Ravelry!

• Pattern: Little Sister's Dress by Tora Frøseth Design
• Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in Martinique x4
• Needles: sz3 Addi Lace (magic loop for the beginning,) sz5 dpn for extra-stretchy cast off
• Cast on: September 4th, '09
• Cast off: September 30th, '09
• Completed: October 13th,'09
• Delivered: Dec 1st, '09
  

Finishing Frenzy! (W/O Pics - Sorry!)

Yesterday, I went on a fanatical finishing frenzy on my knitting. Four FO's got their ends woven in; and I took a much more honest inventory of the WIP's I still have going. Some I'll finish knitting, but others need to be ripped back, or out entirely. It's the nature of the universe, I guess - that you can't get everything right all of the time.

I wish I could share more pictures today, but so many are gifts; and I want them to reach their recipients first - before I post pictures. And, to be honest, a few of them are SUPER EARLY - so I was super sure not to be late finishing them. (A fate more than one of my gifts have suffered from. And, one I want to avoid as much as possible! Hahaha!)

It feels good to have them really, finally finished - and wearable. But, if I'm really feeling honest, some have waited nearly a YEAR to have their ends woven in. Poor FO's!

Oh yeah, and how the hell is it June already? I know time marches on, but DAMN man! This year it's feeling a little ridiculous. Rant over.

FO - Lilac Hemlock Ring Blanket

As soon as I saw it on Brooklyn Tweed's blog, I knew I had to make one. The tricky part is, I wasn't sure whether I should keep it for myself, of give it to my baby niece (as her belated Christmas present. More on that later...) But, as soon as I got through the doily section with the flower petals, I knew it would be better for her than me. It's lilac, and although I love the color, I thought a blanket for my own home might need to be a bit more neutral.

Plus, this means I had an actual handknit for her first Christmas, which I'm super pleased with! (See, I was sick during most of my Christmas plans, so I've just made most of them up this week! Bad Kari, baaad!) I was super nervous that I'd transmit my sinus infection to my gift recipients, but I'm all better now - so hopefully just the wash and blocking will nix that as a possibility.

Specs:

• Pattern: Hemlock Ring Throw adapted by Jared Flood, I found the pattern here.
• Yarn: Lorna's Lace's Sheperd Worsted, Lilac x3 balls, plus 5% of the 4th
• Needles: sz8 Clover Bamboo DPN's, Knit Pick Harmony Interchangeable's (sz8)
• Notions: sz H Susan Bates crochet hook (for the cast off, same size as knitting needles, 5mm)
• Started: January 5th, 2009
• Finished: January 15th, 2009
• Size: Fan sections, about 42" wide, feather sections appx. 36"
  

FO - Lavanda Lace Ribbon Stole

Project specs - see it on Ravelry!

• Pattern - Lace Ribbon Scarf by Veronik Avery, from Spring 08 Knitty
  
• Yarn - Malabrigo Lace in Lavanda, 470yds 50g (2 skeins)
  
• Needles - Knit Picks Interchangeable Circulars, sz6 & 24" cable
• Size - 14" wide by 60" long, unblocked
  

This was a super impulsive cast on, and after I started I really wondered to myself why I would knit another lace ribbon project. I was happy to finish it up before the Ravelympics, though - even though I'm only posting it now.

I was trying to decide if I wanted to block it or not, I think it's got great texture unblocked - and I really like it this way. I love in that first photo, that you can see the art. It's a piece by Christian Lassen of a purple Hawaiian sunset, and it's one of my favorite pieces.

I don't know why I've been so interested in knitting scarves and wraps lately, maybe because gauge doesn't matter quite as much. Maybe because if I don't like it for myself, I can always hang onto it and gift it to someone later (who'd do that with a sweater, hehehe?!?!?!)

See what I mean about the texture? It's kind of nice this way, I'm leaning towards not blocking it. Any thoughts?

FO - Elinor's Dress

...or tunic, I'm not really quite sure yet! Haha!

I only had a bit of finishing left on this for the Ravelympics, but it was kicking my butt! Thankfully it's all finished now, I just hope my new niece and her mom like it!

I used single crochet around just the opening, and for the button loops, but didn't carry it all the way around the edging. I just didn't think it needed it, (plus, it's easier to weave the ends in on the long tail cast on for me, at least!)

If you'd like more details you can see my previous post about it, or just ask! Yeay! I got my medal for it! Woo-hoo!

FO - Dolphin Shorty Shrug

I love this pattern, even though I didn't get "it" exactly, the first time through! Hehehe, anyway it's pretty easy, and went fairly quickly for the Ravelympics - yeay!

Specs. - see it on Ravelry!

• Pattern: Shetland Shorty Shrug by Gudrun Johnston
• Yarn: Knit Picks Gloss in Dolphin
• Needles: sz4 & 5 interchangeable needles, 32" & 60" cables, sz6 dpn (to bind off - all Knit Picks)

I picked up the stitches and knit them from the wrong side around the collar, but I did it correctly for the armholes. It doesn't seem to make too much of a difference, such a cute finished object!

Yeay! I finally got my medal for this! Hooray!

FO - Glacier Diamonds Scarf

It was fast (and probably not-so dirty,) but here's my Glacier Diamonds Scarf ready to block. (It needs a wet-blocking baaaad!!!) Proof that I've completed my second Ravelympic entry! Can you tell how happy & excited I am! Yeay! Anyhoo, now it's onto the Dophin Shorty Shrug, with lots of garter stitch and a few short rows (eek!) but I'm really looking forward to it.

And then there's the Maui Waters Stole... my final Ravelympic task. Which, of course I've left it to last... bad Kari! Lace-weight design.... and beads! Eeak!

Project Specs - see it on Ravelry!

• Pattern: Bernadette Scarf by Jae Koscierzynski
• Yarn: Handmaiden's Great Big Seasilk in Glacier, 273yds 100g
• Needles: Knit Picks Nickel-plated dpn's size 7

Now, it just needs to sit in a bath and be blocked out nice and straight. In about 14 days... hehehe

Woo-hoo! I picked up another medal for this one, for WIP Wrestling. I was hoping to finish another project, and win another few medals for it, but oh well, you can only do so much in 17 days, right?

And..... GO!

Well, there 'ya go. I thought I was going to start with my Glacier Diamonds Scarf, and instead I went with a lilac hand-towel in 100% Bamboo. It's soooo soft! It only took about 3+ hours to knit, and a few more minutes to sew the ends in and photograph it (badly, but for proof!)

Specs - see it on Ravelry!

• Pattern - my own, a simple stockinette body with seed stitch bands at the ends.
• Yarn - Habu Bamboo XS-32 20/18, color 9 Lilac, 100% bamboo 85g 156yds
  
• Needles - Knit Picks Interchangeable Circulars US size 6 & 32" cable
• Finished - 1:11 CST (Have no clue what that is in Beijing time!)

I've entered this item in the Home Stuff Hammer Throw and Designer's Discus, and and I'm knitting for Teams Chicago, Cellular Peptide Cake (despite my lurkiness,) and Hopelessly Over-Committed. (I've signed up to design and knit a lace-weight stole!) One down, four more to go!

It's official - I'm a medal winner! Woo-hoo! I get another one for designing it myself, too! It's not that complex a design, but I'm glad I did something of my own! Especially since I have such a low chance of finishing my other design!!!