Major FO: Heathery Back-to-School Vest

May I present to you, the first wearable garment I've completed:

I don't mean to be dramatic, but the other two garments I've made, the Two-Toned Shrug and Something Red, while they're certainly accomplishments, I really don't wear either one, because there are things I would like to change about them. But this vest, oh, how I adore it! It fits me well, it's cozy without being too ridiculous for Houston winter weather, and the heathery yarn is divine.

Details:



Back-to-School U-Neck Vest, by Stefanie Japel, from Fitted Knits
Yarn: Cascade 220, just under 2 skeins
Needle: Size 7 circular, size 5 circular for neckline
Time: 3 months
Recipient: ME!
Thoughts: I love it. The following is a list of my modifications.
I lengthened the ribbing section. I made the neckline lower, and only purled four rows of neckline trim. I didn't pick up any stitches around the armholes, and I was a little concerned that the armholes would roll, but I love the way they turned out. I decreased more for the arm straps. I didn't increase the bust very much; frankly, I don't really need the room, and the waffle stitch is pretty stretchy. Speaking of waffle stitch, I love it!! It's so fun, knits up quickly, and really makes a lovely fabric.

This is my second pattern to complete from Fitted Knits. I love the book, and find myself returning to it regularly when I think about new projects. I wouldn't mind having another of these vesties in another color. It's just my style for work.

FO: Shrug, New WIP

I finished. Finally.

Details:
Two Toned Ribbed Shrug, by Stefanie Japel
Paton's Classic Wool Merino in leaf green-1.5 skeins, Berocco Touche in dark blue-2.2 hanks
Size 8 Knit Picks Options circular, Size 4 KP Options circular
2 months
Made for me

As I've described in detail in previous blog entries, this was difficult for me, but mostly due to overconfidence with correcting a mistake. I learned a lot with this shrug, and it's my first large FO. I'm really proud of it, and I think the color combination is pretty rockin'. I cut the pattern a bit short, mainly because I liked the length of the ribbing, and didn't know how crazy I would be about the way it folded over around the neck. I haven't blocked it, but I might, as the ribbing looks a bit uneven in these pictures. We'll see.

Also, in search of an instant gratification fix, I cast on this afternoon for Stella's Hat in my Malabrigo Worsted. I wasn't sure about the colorway (it was a gift), but I'm loving it. It's so me.

It's not you, it's me

Look, Two-toned ribbed shrug, I love you. I want to make this work. You and I, we are on the same team. I'm sorry I yelled at you, cursed at you, and threw you across the room. It doesn't mean I stopped loving you. You just frustrated me so much that I had to walk away and regroup. It's perfectly natural to fight once in a while, but please, let's get through this last little bit. I know it's the hardest part, but I need you to work with me, not against me. I'm going to focus on a birthday gift, Twiggy Tweed, until the wounds heal, but I'll be back for you. Don't give up on me.

This past weekend, I needed a break from the shrug, so I knit up a quick FO, Le Slouch (pdf). It was just the remedy I needed for my stress over the shrug. I finished it Sunday while watching ridiculously stressful football. I have an "in progress photo" but no FO pic, because it's been rainy and overcast. This will have to do for now.
I used the specified yarn, Classic Elite City Lights, which I purchased for $1.99 a ball at Webs a few months ago. I liked the thick and thin texture of the yarn, and it knit up nicely. The tiny amount of nylon in the yarn gives it a good amount of stretch. I only used a little of the second skein, so I still have about 1.7 skeins left-maybe I'll make another slouch, or maybe a bag. I used size 8 dpns, and didn't switch to size 9 as the pattern recommends, mainly because I don't have any size 9 dpns.
I also cast on today at lunch for Jill's Twiggy Tweed.

On a non-knitting note, we got a bird feeder for the back porch, and the pets were very mesmerized by the birdies. We even saw a cardinal!

A good start

Monday, after I got home from work, I plucked myself down on the couch with one of my Christmas presents, Fitted Knits, by Stefanie Japel, some worsted weight yarn (Paton's Classic Wool Merino), and my new KnitPicks Options set for some New Years' Eve fun. I watched several episodes of the Law and Order marathon, had some blueberry beer (sounds weird, but it's lovely), and got through rows and rows of the Two-Toned Shrug. Since this picture, I've made some more progress, and hope to be starting on the sleeves before the weekend. I was a little apprehensive about KFB and PFB, but I feel pretty good about both now, and am currently fearing picking up stitches, but I'm hoping, it too, can be conquered!
I'm not too sure what my second tone will be,or if I'll knit it all in this snuggly green.