FO: Craving Cables Bag

This FO was a long time comin'.
Like, one year and four months. Yeah. Sixteen months of being on the needles.
Then, it sat in waiting to be revealed for another month.

Shame on me.

Look how pretty!

Pattern: Ganiggle's Celtic Memories
Yarn: KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in Tidepool Heather, 1.5 skeins
Needles: KnitPicks Circular, Size 2
Time: Sixteen effin' months (a few rows here, a few rows there; you know how it goes)
Recipient: Not sure. I will save it for now, but maybe it will be a gift at some point.
Thoughts/mods/notes: I didn't make any mods, and the pattern is really straightforward. There was so much time in between sessions of knitting on this that I never really memorized the cabled section (but the lace portions on either side were easy to remember). I love this, and I'm proud to finish it, as the cabling is really gorgeous in the heathered yarn. I like the three buttons I had in my stash, and how they match the yarn so perfectly. I did my first i-cord for the strap (now I've even done applied i-cord on Pauline!).

The end. Whew. Glad to have this one complete.

FO: Starry Night Shawl

It's been almost two months since my Boston trip. And that's how long I've had this shawl done. Seriously. Two months, and I haven't shared it yet.
This is the shawl I cast on while working on my Boston Marine Cardigan (I needed something to work on while I was waiting to start the button band-you know how those can go!). I finished it the morning I flew home.

My blog friend Peter recently wrote about vacationing and knitting, and the connections you can make while working on something in a certain place. I definitely think of Boston every time I see this shawl. The colors are perfect, too; they make me think of Boston Harbor, and our fun ferry ride.

Details:

Pattern: HelloKnitty's Multnomah Shawl
Yarn: The Unique Sheep Verve in Dusk Dark, 1 skein (I have just a couple of yards left!)
Needles: KnitPicks Circular, Size 3
Time: Just under a month. I could have finished it faster (see above to remember this was a procrastination WIP), but there was no rush.

Recipient: Not sure. I will save it for now, but maybe it will be a gift at some point.

Thoughts/mods/notes: The pattern is well written, and easy to follow. I'm really a big fan of the sock yarn shawl. It's easy to see why they're so popular these days. I'm sure there will be more in my future. No mods to the pattern. The yarn is awesome; my Ishbel was knit in the same yarn. I'm a big fan of The Unique Sheep.

As you can tell, there is some pooling, since the yarn is predominantly blue and yellow (although there is a lot more subtle variation than that). I like it, though. I dig it.

Hat Trick KAL

Although I don't watch much hockey (nothing against it, but come on, I live in Houston), I found a knit-along I think I can actually complete. Over on Lolly's blog, one I enjoy reading thoroughly, I found mention of a Puck This! KAL for the month of January, in which you knit three hats.
I can knit hats like there's no tomorrow. I haven't officially signed up, especially since, like I said, I'm not at all knowledgeable about hockey. But unofficially, I'm in.

My first hat is the Slouch for All Seasons, by Knitting School Dropout. I printed this pattern as soon as it came out last summer, and I've been trying to figure out what yarn to use.

I had this gorgeous, vibrant skein of Malabrigo in Vermillion staring at me, and you don't really have to twist my arm to get me to use Malabrigo. I worked on it a bit more last night at my knitting group (which actually only consisted of me and Amanda!), so I imagine I can have it finished this weekend. Then, on to hat #2!

FO: Ibiza Blues Hat

Instant. gratification.



Details:

Checking on the Colonel, by Kimberly Lewis
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Ibiza, approx. 130 yards
Needle: Size 7 circular
Time: 10 days
Recipient: possibly, my very sweet neighbor (or possibly me if it's not her style)
Thoughts: Upon first glance, the FOs on ravelry did not sell me on making this pattern. However, I decided to try it with the variegated yarn. I love the result. The hat is larger than most of the ones I've made, and it works well. It fits differently, as it's not a "skullcap" (Dean refers to most of my hats in this way; I don't think he means it in a complimentary way). I probably won't make this pattern again, but it was a fast knit and is easy to follow.

FO: Sunnyside Cowl

Talk about instant gratification.

Details:

Darkside Cowl, by Sarah Fama (free pattern on Ravelry)
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Snow Bird, approx. 170 yards
Needle: Size 7, KP circular
Time: 3 weeks
Recipient: my grandmother
Thoughts: I finished this cowl in two knitting sessions. It's very cozy, and the variegated Malabrigo is a great complement to the rib and welt stitch design. I would use this again for another gift, although I don't think I'm really the cowl type. I'm pleased to have a nice offering for my grandmother at Christmas. I believe she'll really enjoy it.
As for the yarn, I don't really have to repeat myself on the joys of Malabrigo, do I? Even my boyfriend now knows the name of my favorite yarn, and that's saying something.

FO: Sendoff Scarf

Jenny is moving to China for a year. She got an awesome job, a really amazing opportunity, and I will miss her like crazy. She's my favorite sushi buddy, and a wonderful friend. I made her this scarf to keep her warm, as she's used to our lovely Houston climate.

Details:
ScWiNoNa, by Weezalana
Yarn: Knitpicks, Wool of the Andes, Black Cherry Heather, 2 skeins
Needle: Size 7, straight
Time: 1 month
Recipient: Jenny
Thoughts: The pattern is easy to memorize, and really looks lovely. Both sides are attractive. I don't know if I'd make this again, though, as scarves aren't really my thing. This is a great and FREE pattern, though-highly recommended.

I frequent Weezalana's blog, and always enjoy her content.

Bella is such a good helper-look how she blocks!

Raveled

Celebratory giveaway

This month marks a milestone for me. A year ago, I finished my first knitting project. I also started this blog. In honor of my impending blogibirthday, I've decided to have a little contest.

You can win some yarn or fabric if you're an addict like me.
If you don't knit or sew, you can still win! I will make you a little crafty item (like a hat, tote bag, pouch, etc.) in your favorite color(s).
I will also include a few random treats/trinkets in either prize.

Here's how you can win:
by 8:00 PM CST on October 25th (my blogibirthday), leave a comment on this post with an interesting random fact about yourself. I'd also love to know about your favorite etsy shop. I will randomly select a winner, or maybe two.

I really enjoy the hobbies I've picked up in the last year. Here's to many more years of crafting!