Burma Rings Resolution

I made a resolution to finish all the projects I had on the needles.  The Burma Rings sweater from The Best of Interweave Knits was my oldest project that had been started and stopped over and over.  This slightly oversized sweater was easy to knit up in Plymouth Encore Worsted Yarn.  The heathered colorway gave it a great textured look.  I finished this project in October 2019 and proudly wore it to the New York State Sheep and Wool Fetival in Rhinebeck, NY.  I was happy to receive many compliments and get some wooly love.

Short Row Ombre Fun

I love the time I get to spend with  my sister and her husband.  They always do something special for me on my visits home.  On this particular visit, they treated me to a visit to a yarn store.  I found this Mochi Plus yarn from Crystal Palace and the Short Row Multi-Directional Scarf.  My sister was unaware that she picked this yarn as a project for her. 

This merino blend yarn is under-spun, making a super soft smooshy fabric.  Although it is aran weight yarn, the size 9 needles make for a lightweight piece.  The short-row pattern along with the ombre colorway makes for a beautiful scarf. 

Tamarix Throw

I saw this in the Fall 2010 Issue of Interweave Knits, and had to knit it up.  When I started this project in 2012, it was intended to be a wedding gift for a friend.  However, the intended recipient changed again and again.  When I finally finished it in 2018, it was given to my sister as a "wedding/birthday/christmas/anniversary" gift.

The Tamarix Quilt is a 36" x 36" quilt is perfect for either a throw or baby blanket.  This piece is made up of 100 mitered squares.  I was especially intrigued with the "knit as you go" rather than seaming the pieces together.  This method is quite easy once you get the hang of it, but I wish the pattern had given more guidance in where to begin in the pattern.  I chose to go left to right, bottom to top.  It did become problematic in some parts, but I made do.  When I do this project again, I would start from the center squares and work my way out.

I used Brava Worsted from Knit Picks.  This is a top product with great value.  I have had success using this yarn for several projects.  It was the perfect weight for this project.
 

(Not So) Vanilla Latte Socks

 

I've been wanting to make a pair of socks for my cousin for a while, but never had her foot size.  On a recent trip back home, I was able to take proper foot measurements and get started.  Hannah was more than happy to be the recipient of one of my creations, but had one condition.  She didn't want me to spend too much on the yarn.  I assured her that I had tons in my stash, but she insisted that we take a trip to Joanne's to pick out something for her.  

I have always admired Paton's Kroy Sock Yarn.  An inexpensive, but extremely durable yarn is such a great value.  They also have a great selection of colors as well.  The colorway that Hannah chose was "Meadow Stripes."  It turned out to be a great choice for the Vanilla Latte Sock pattern by Virginia Rose-Jeanes I chose for her. 

As you can see, Hannah was more than happy with the results.

Mason Dixon Kimono

Lately, I've been doing a lot of baby knitting.  Three cousins, a co-worker, and my landlady were blessed with little bundles over the past year.  When my friend Rosalie told me she was expecting her third child, I wanted to make something really special.  I had always wanted to knit up  the Baby Kimono from Mason Dixon Knitting.  

While the pattern seems complex, it's really simple to follow.  It was knit up in Lion Brand Cotton Ease which, unfortunately, is discontinued.  You can use almost any cotton yarn,  but I liked the softness of the fabric that this yarn knit up. 

I discovered the patterns from Mason Dixon Knitting quite some time ago..  You'll see in earlier posts that I have completed three Modern Log Cabin blankets; one adult size and two baby.  I love their selection of everyday knitted patterns.  

Fawke's Tail Scarf

 

Another great design from Yarn over New York!!  I was flattered to be invited to test knit one of her new creations.  The Fawke's Tail Scarf was knit up in Rain City Knits Supersock in the Steel Gray colorway.  Everyone else participating in the test was using variegated colorways and I wanted to do the same.  However, I just couldn't make up my mind from the many colorways I had in my stash.  Additionally, I wanted to do something a little different than everyone else.  I feel that the gray colorway really makes the pattern pop out.  I also discovered that, depending on the light, the yarn gave off different hues.  Love the way it knitted up and can't wait to wear it this fall.

Is that a Family Name?

I have discovered and fallen in love with the yarnbox subscription.  Every month with perfect timing I get the most wonderful packet of sock yarn and a suggested pattern.  This shipment of Louet Gems Fingering yarn in "CandyApple Red," "Flourescent Green," and "Peacock" featured the sock pattern "Tilson Socks," by Jessica K. Larson.  I couldn't wait to try this pattern for two reasons.  One, I really wanted to do a sock project to perfect my striping technique and second, the name of the pattern.  My mother's maiden name is Tilson; I thought it a remarkable coincidence.  I love how the colors blended together.  I got many compliments on these socks and plan on doing them again, but in the smaller size.  With no stitch pattern, these "vanilla socks" are better knit up in a smaller size.

Ghost Ranch Cowl

My most favorite designer I like to test for is Yarn over New York.  https://yarnovernewyork.wordpress.com/

I was very happy to participate in the test knit for the Ghost Ranch cowl.  I love the was the slipped stitches combined the colors and gave the impression of a herringbone design.  The cowl pattern was knit in the round with US Size 3 (3.25mm) needles, and have to be careful to use the shortest circular needles you can.

I used two color combinations for each cowl.  The cowl on the left was made with Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 ply in forest green, yellow green, and cream colorways.  Although the colors are neutral, the pattern made them really pop.  The cowl on the left was made with Rowan Super Fine Merino 4 ply in Sky, Lilac, and Fresh.  These contrasting colors gave me great look as well.

I look forward to the opportunity to test again for this designer

International Sock Swap

I hadn't been involved in any swaps in so long.  I find that there are very few swaps on ravelry.com these days.  Luckily, the International Sock Swap is alive and kicking.  I chose "Dither" by General Hogbuffer.  I wanted to try my luck at stranded knitting and just loved the color graduation the pattern offered.  It took me a while to find the right combination of colors.  I settled on Heritage Solids by Cascade Yarns in purple hyacinth, turquoise, and citron.  The results were fantastic.  I received several compliments on them while they were on the needles and the swap recipient loved them as well.

I plan on doing this pattern again, but I think I'll try a  more subtler color combo.

Parker's Cotton Cardi

 

I was so happy with the results of the "Little Coffee Bean" cardigan, I couldn't wait to get another one on the needles.  Because the recipient lives in Alabama, I wanted a lighter yarn.  Hobby Lobby's "I Love this Yarn" also has in a cotton blend, making it perfect for this project.  

While the pattern called for Size 7 and Size 8 needles, I felt these sizes made a fabric that was too loose.  I ended up using Size 5 and Size 6 needles.  I do recommend that you use the "super stretchy bind off" for the button bands.  It gives a more even button band, preventing the bottom from riding up.  

Check out Cat Bordhi's video instruction for the Super Stretch Bind Off.  It's super easy to follow and to learn.

Undulated Ribbed Trekking Socks

 I needed a quick and easy project to do while I was on vacation and I hadn't knit up a pair of socks in a long time.  I had this perfect ball of Deborah Norville Serenity sockweight yarn I had purchased from Joanne's.  

The hard part, though was to find the perfect pattern that would quickly knit up.  I ended up modifying a free "trekking" pattern on ravelry.com.  While the original pattern called for the two alternating ribs from the cuff down, then stockinette stitch down to the heel.  I though that was incredibly boring so I continued the rib in alternating rows.  The stripping of the yarn contributed to a nice undulating pattern.  For the heel, I used the "Fish Lips Kiss" heel which worked out well.  

I love the result of my first attempt to step out of my comfort zone by modifying a pattern.

Baby's First Ragland

The arrival of my landlord's wfirst child, gave me the perfect opportunity to complete my first top down ragland cardigan sweater on a small scale.  I took two recommendations from my friend Diana by using "I Love this Yarn," which is Hobby Lobby's own brand and her go to baby sweater pattern.  

"I Love this Yarn" is soft, inexpensive, and comes in a wide variety of colors.  The sweater pattern, "Little Coffee Bean," can be found on Ravelry as a free download.  Don't be intimidated by this stripped, top down pattern.  You can find instructions on youtube.com to eliminate the jogs that you get as a result of knitting stripes in the round.  If stripes aren't for you, you can do a solid or variegated yarn; it will still look great.

Baby, Baby, Baby.....

When I returned from vacation, I couldn't wait to raid my stash yarn to make some more goodies for my new little cousin, Emily.  The center pair of socks were made from Online Supersocke, a 100% wool yarn I used to make my first pair of socks.  I love the way the striping works out with the colors, while the pink gives it the "girly girl" look.  I improvised on the pattern by gauging the size of her feet and comparing it to other baby sock patterns.  The cuff was a simple 2x2 rib, followed by the "Fish Lips Kiss" short row heel.

The booties on the right were made with Paton's Kroy sock yarn that was left over from a pair of socks I had made for myself.  The pattern "Magic Slippers," is free on Ravelry and is a very easy pattern to follow.  What attracted me to it was that it was knitted in one piece, eliminating the need to seam up the back.  It is also easy enough to make larger or in a heaver weight if desired.

The booties on the left were made from left over Plymouth Encore yarn from the "Flo the Elephant" project.  A simple "Mary Jane" booties which are also free on Ravelry.  I found many variations.  This pattern was easy to follow as well, calling a mattress stitch to sew up the back heel.  Although it was done in all garter stitch, the seaming worked out fine.  The buttons were found at Hobby Lobby.  Their light pink with a center rhinestone gives the proper amount of bling for our new little princess.

Flo the Elephant - Part II

I was thrilled when my cousin told me his wife, Tiffany was pregnant and immediately told them both that I would knit anything they wanted.  The baby's room was decorated in an animal theme and she wanted "Flo the Elephant" which I had done for a friend's daughter a while back.

The pattern is free on "knitty.com" and very simple to work up.  It took me a while to find exactly the right colors.  They were having a girl, so the color pink was a given and I wanted to find a green to make it really pop.  I knit it up on US Size 4 needles with Plymouth Encore worsted weight yarn.  While the pattern called for 100% wool, Plymouth's acrylic/wool blend did the trick.  Instead of embroidering the eyes, I chose safety eyes which worked out better and even added the daisy stitch flowers with the pink yarn.

The recipients couldn't be happier with the results.  In fact, the gift was such a big hit, I got a request for another!!!

Random Acts of Kindness

I just love the Ravelry Group "Random Acts of Kindness."  Each month, you post your wish list; it can be anything from yarns to patterns, or books.  What I love the most about this group is that the timing of these "random acts" is impeccable.  I came home from a long day at work to a package from fellow raveler "Freedom1776."  She sent me two beautiful diaries that I will use for my knitting projects and the candy which almost disappeared in an instant.

 

If you are a fellow raveler, you have to check out this group.  I love giving as well as receiving!!!!  Join this group and make someone's day......

Classic Cables

 

When my husband and I received a week's worth of groceries from co-workers, I wanted to show my eternal gratitude by knitting up something special.  A "go to" gift of a scarf wouldn't do.  I had to have an extra special pattern for these special ladies.

I found the "Zurich" scarf on ravelry.com for free.  I immediately fell in love with the cable pattern and set to work on two in their respective favorite colors.  I used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Deep Purple and Rose with a Size 8 (5.00 mm) needles.  Each scarf took three skeins each. The cable pattern was easy to follow and I soon memorized the pattern.  Additionally the seed stitch border kept the edges from rolling in.  

I was a little worried about the blocking process because of the acrylic yarn.  I wet each scarf completely in the sink, rolled them in a tower to squeeze out the excess water and laid them across the back of my sofa, slightly stretching the width.  It took them a couple days to dry, but the result was a soft fabric with a nice drape.  Can't wait to give them to the recipients.

There's no HItch

I had always wanted to do the Hitchhiker pattern ever since I had seen it at the 2013 New York Sheep and Wool Festival.  I was gifted this pattern right around the time my best friend had her 50th birthday, giving me the  perfect opportunity to produce this beautiful project.  The Hitchhiker is something simple and quick, yet gives the appearance of modern style.  Although the "saw blade" edges look complicated, it really is quite simple to accomplish.

I used two 100g balls of Berroco Boboli Lace, a sport weight wool blend with a Size 4 (3.50 mm) needle.  Though it has the appearance of being underpun, it produced a nice fabric.  I had originally purchased this for "The Age of Brass and Steel," but I'm glad I used it for this.  The blue gray colorway along with the garter stitch made for a nice texture. 

This triangle shawlette begins with a two stitch cast on, and increasing almost every row.  Short rows are created by turning the work before you get to the end of a row.  It is very simple to follow, even though it is worked in short rows.  Make sure you have extra yarn and count your stitches.  While most projects pages called for a 100g ball, I ran out of yarn.  Thank goodness I was able to find the same colorway to finish the project.  This classic design is definitely a repeat project. 

Magic Mirror

I finally got around to finishing a project that I started quite a while ago.  I belong to the group "Sock Knitter Anonymous" on ravelry.com and took up the "Sockdown September '13" challenge.  I don't know what made me think I could possibly do this with all my schoolwork and other obligations.  I put the project on hold and didn't pick it up again until the fall of 2014.

The parameters were to use one of Jennie Cartmel's patterns in a tropical colored theme.  I was anxious to try something new, since I had never seen any of Jennie Cartmel's designs.  I chose her Magic Mirror Socks, a "toe up" construction.  I had only knit one other "toe up" pair of socks and was looking to hone my skills and get a change of routine.  The pattern offered easy to follow directions with large charts and helpful links.  I used a Size 1 (2.25mm) needle instead of the recommended Size 0 (2.00mm).  The Chroma doesn't give much stretch and I felt that a the 2.00mm needles wouldn't be large enough, even if I make the largest size.

For the yarn, I chose Knit Picks Chroma Fingering weight yarn in the Lollipop colorway.  I instantly fell in love with this colorway and felt it was a perfect match for the tropical theme.  Knit Picks Chroma Fingering is a soft, smooshy, under-spun yarn and one 100g ball will easily make two socks with room to spare.  I was able to get a nice tight fabric, but because the yarn is underspun, you must be very careful as it's not easily unraveled.  Unfortunately I had to do this several times when I got to the heel portion of the sock. I ripped out the heel of the first sock more than I wanted, but I refused to give up.  After trying many different methods, I reverted back to the instructions of the pattern.  The cuff was ten rows of ribbing, finishing with Jeny's "Super Stretchy Bind Off" which you can easily find on you tube.

I would love to do this pattern again with a completely different yarn to see what result I get. 

Christmas Kerchief

Armed with a Christmas gift card from my son, I picked up this yarn at "A Stitch in Time" in Bethel, Connecticut.  I instantly fell in love with a display of this pattern in the store.  I had seen the pattern here on ravelry, but a heaver weight of yarn was used. 


The pattern, called for Size 6 (4mm needles) was very easy to follow and was a quick project to knit up.  The Boboli Lace is a light weight, slightly under-spun yarn.  It give the perfect texture and fabric for the shawlette/scarf.  You do, however, need to be careful with dropped stitches.
 
I was a little discouraged with the finished size, but I was able to block it out to the proper size with my new blocking mats.  I was delighted to see how far the kerchief stretched out.

This is the perfect project for a quick knit gift and I can see making it again and again.

Wallenbatkus

I have been on a scarf kick.  I recently made a hat and scarf for my coworker; it was such a big hit that another coworker asked me to make a scarf to give as a gift.  She saw the pattern for the "Batkus" scarf and asked for that.  The Batkus is a scarf knitted "side to side," beginning with 4 cast on stitches.  You increase every fourth row until you get the desired length, then decrease accordingly.

I used a 100g ball of Jojoland Melody Superwash wool on a Size 3 needle.  I loved the wide array of fall colors, which is what the recipient wanted.  This project had a lot of trial and error on my part.  I had started out with a Size 4 and didn't like the drape; I started over with the smaller needle and casted on again.  Again, I didn't like the fabric it produced.  I then casted-on for the Lacy Batkus, but still wasn't satisfied.  I went back to Ravelry and found the pattern for the "Wallenbatkus" (wavy batkus).  I did an eight row knit and purl rib and increased the width of the scarf until I reached the end of the first 50g ball.  I wanted to keep the same "gradient" with no obvious color changes, so I rewound the 2nd 50g ball to get to the center.

As I was decreasing, I held my breath, praying that I wouldn't run out of yarn before I reached the end.  I did run out, but not until I was down to six stitches.  I had to do some creative decreases at the very end.  To block, I simply hand washed the scarf and laid flat to dry.  As I dried, I gently pulled up the ends so the ribbing would stand out.  

The scarf was a big hit with the recipient and I was happy to have a coworker be the model for this blog post.