FO: Ron Burgundy

Did I tell you I have a new nephew? It's true.
He is my sister's first child, and it is really awesome to see her in this new role.

This was taken at her baby shower a few months ago, when Jill opened this knitted sweater that I made for her.

I used the free pattern Baby Sophisticate, which I would definitely knit again. I chose to knit the 6-12 month size, since you never know how big a baby will be!

The yarn was intended for some felted slippers last year, but it seemed like the perfect color (Malabrigo Worsted in marron oscuro).

I especially love these buttons, which I found on etsy (here!)

As much as I would love to share pictures of my nephew, my sister has decided not to post any online photos of him for the time being. If that changes, I'll be sure to share!

My project is here on ravelry. Oh, and obviously, I named this sweater for the famous anchorman.

A yarny giveaway - Project Spectrum style

As part of my efforts to reduce stash, I have decided to share some items with you. So, in August, I will have three giveaways. Each will be related to a different craft, so hopefully, there will be something for everyone!

Giveaway one is all about the knitting.

One winner will receive this skein of Malabrigo Sock in Eggplant (here's where Project Spectrum comes to light, since August's color focus is pink and purple). The winner will also receive an electronic sock or shawl pattern of his or her choosing.
I think the easiest way to do this will be a gift on ravelry for the pattern. If the winner doesn't have a ravelry account, we'll work something out to make it fair.

How does that sound? Any takers? I've sung the praises of Malabrigo before. It's lovely, squishy stuff.

International entries are welcome.
One entry per person.

I'll take entries until Monday, August 1st, 8:00 PM CST.
If you are a no-reply blogger, PLEASE leave your email address so I can contact you.

ETA: Comments are now closed.

A really tiny amount of knitting

Green is abundant in my stash, but apparently, time to knit this month was not. I cast on for this scarf the first week of June, and this is as far as I got.

Luckily, there's no stress of me needing to finish a wool scarf for many months, but I hope to work on this more soon. I absolutely love the color. It's close to the perfect green, in my opinion.

And the texture? I can't get enough of it. Malabrigo is a great choice for defined stitches.

Coming soon, some thank yous, and come back tomorrow for a return of Food Friday!

FO: Cable Car Hat

One last FO for the year:

I cast on for this hat at the airport in Dallas on a Saturday, and finished the following Wednesday in San Francisco. I've dubbed it the Cable Car Hat. The pattern is Relm by Brooklyn Tweed, from the Fall/Winter 2008 issue of Knit1. I used less than a skein of Malabrigo in the lovely Sealing Wax colorway. I made some modifications, mostly to conserve yarn and to make the hat less slouchy.

I used a size 7 circular throughout, instead of switching needles after the brim.

Then, at the decrease section, I did the following:
Worked Row 1
Skipped rows 2 and 3
Worked rows 4-7
Skipped rows 8 and 9
Worked rows 10-11
Then:
(p2, ssk) repeat to end
(p2tog, k1) repeat to end
k2tog repeat to end
k next row
k2tog, k1 repeat to end
k next row
k2tog repeat to end
Seam 10 remaining stitches

Although it's pretty cute on me (modest, I know!), I gifted it to Beth, Elliott's sister (and mother of the adorable Oliver) this weekend. She'll get better wear out of it in DC this winter. And besides, I can always make another hat. That's the beauty of being a knitter, right?

Raveled here

By the way, it's my birthday today! I'm 29, for the first time.

Double FO Post!

On the agenda today, sharing my latest completed projects: the Mariposa Mitts and my Sundara Milkweed Shawl. As I said last week, the first mitt was finished months ago. I immediately cast on for the second, and then, well, I moved on to other knits. It sat unfinished until I picked it up last week and finished in two hours. So silly.

This is the second pair I've made, the first being a gift for my mom in her favorite color.I may keep these for myself. The Mariposa colorway is one of my favorites in the Malabrigo line. The pattern, here on Ravelry, is straight-forward and really lets the variegated Malabrigo shine.

As for the Milkweed Shawl, it took three weeks to knit.

I used Sundara Sock Yarn, a splurge, in the Delphiniums colorway.

I was a little disappointed that I couldn't finish the pattern. I'm not sure of the reason, but the pattern called for 350 yards, which is exactly what I had.

I debated using a second color for the edging, but in the end, I just cast off early, omitting the last six rows.

The pattern, Milkweed Shawl, by Cosmicpluto, is extremely easy to knit.

Many have already said this, but I love the inclusion of a written number to indicate how many knit stitches are in an uninterrupted run.

It makes it so much easier to follow.

This is my third completed shawl of the year. I cast on yesterday for a fourth (the previously discussed Waves of Leaves in my kool-aid yarn).

Lace was something that always intimidated me, so it's gratifying to feel more confident with it.

Raveled here

FO: Pauline in Green

You may not know this, but it's incredibly hard to take a picture of the side of your head. Well, at least, if you don't have a tripod (or you have one, but have been too lazy to set one up during the few minutes of sunshine that I get after work each night (if it's not raining, of course).
The above is my excuse for not previously showing pictures of the very lovely Pauline in Green that I finished knitting over a month ago.

Evidence that taking a picture of the side of your head is a wee bit complicated.

The hat is a super quick knit, and the little garter stitch ties are just adorable. The hat formation is rather ingenious, in my opinion (although Knitting Kninja may not be the first to do this; I don't know): you knit back and forth on what will eventually by the front of the hat, and then the back is formed through a short row. Next, you knit the garter-stitch ties, which are so fast and lovely, especially in Malabrigo!

You use applied i-cord for the hem (if you haven't tried this before, the pattern gives clear instructions!), and i-cord for the flowers. The leaves are knit separately, and then the flowers and leaves are sewn on.

I chose to sew on only one flower, as I thought having three of them was a little much.

As I mentioned above, I used Malabrigo Worsted, about half a skein of Verde Esperanza. The flower is made from a sample skein I purchased on Etsy from Zen Yarn Garden. It is the Superwash Sock Yarn in Rosy Pink, and I thought it was a nice compliment to the vibrant green Malabrigo.

I haven't decided if I will keep this, or gift it, but for now, it's lovely to look at.

FO: Vaa Cabled Hat for Nancy

I love this FO so much, I almost kept it for myself and knit something else for Nancy. Nancy is my dear cousin, and I wanted to make her something special; something she could use for the approximately one month of cold weather we get here in Houston. Her only requests were: a dark and rich color, and no stripes. Other than that, I was free to knit what I wanted.

And so I did.

Pattern: Swirl Cable Hat, by SmarieK
Yarn: Malabrigo in Vaa, less than one skein (probably a little more than 120 yards used)
Needles: KnitPicks Circular, Size 7
Time: Five days.
Recipient: Nancy

Thoughts/mods/notes: No mods. The pattern was well written and easy to follow. I do have to say, this went much faster cabling without a needle, so if you're going to knit this, check out Grumperina's helpful guide.
You already know I love Malabrigo, but this colorway is so gorgeous. Love it!

I won something!

Peter had a contest for his birthday in mid-November, and I won! Peter sent me a lovely package, including a gorgeous skein of Malabrigo Sock.

The colorway is Persia. I can't wait to use it. Somehow, I'd previously avoided obtaining any Sock version Malabrigo. I'm not sure how that happened.

He also included a cute card, some decedent chocolates, and some neat notions (and I LOVE the tissue paper).

Thanks, Peter!

Sometimes, a little indulgence is necessary

Give yourself permission. Give in. Just a little.

Cast on for projects with disdain for those projects that have long been on the needles.

Use yarn that you've been hoarding and thinking about when you're knitting other things.

After finishing several items in the last few weeks (two of which I still need to share with you!), I cast on vigorously this weekend.
For two things. That's right, folks. I have two new WIPs to share.

First up, Pauline, a bonnet by Knitting Kninja (the link is for ravelry-it's a free pattern!).

I'm knitting this in Malabrigo Worsted. The color is Verde Esperanza and it is divine. I already knit my little i-cord flowers, using some Zen Yarn Garden sock yarn that I bought as part of a sample pack on Etsy several months back. It was only $5, and it had five sample skeins of their various sock yarns in a lovely berry shade. I think the color will go nicely with this green bonnet.

After a few hours of knitting, I'm ready to start the short row shaping. I'm curious to try the applied i-cord edging technique in this pattern. Sounds weird, but neat!

So, since that wasn't enough Malabrigo in my life (along with my Malabrigo Mitts that I need to finish!), I cast on with some Malabrigo Lace for a second Ishbel.

This is my first time using Malabrigo Lace, and I'm using size 5 needles. The fabric is super soft, and I love the slight variations in this shade of blue (Stone Blue).

I've knit far past this picture. I'm knitting the large stockinette portion, and I'm about two-thirds through that section. This will probably be a gift.

I hope you'll find something new to cast on for soon! Live a little; you won't regret it.

And the winner is....

is #7 (omitting my comment), Crooked Knits!
Email your address to parandroid7 at gmail dot com and I'll send you the two skeins of Malabrigo and some extra goodies! Thanks to everyone who participated.

*randomly selected (I asked my bf to pick a number between 1 and 10)

FO: Boston Marine Cardigan

When setting what seems like an impossible goal for yourself, make sure it is not too impossible. I don't think I could have knit just any sweater in a month, but my choice of the Favorite Cardigan was achievable. Here's the proof:

Details:

Favorite Cardigan, from Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard (my second pattern to knit from this book)
Yarn: duh. my favorite, Malabrigo Worsted, in Marine, 3.6 skeins
Needles: Size 7
Time: Just at one month, buttons were sewed on two days before the trip
Recipient: made for me!!

Thoughts/mods/notes:
I knit the 34.5" size. I separated the sleeves on the first round of the sixth repeat (with three fewer increases than called for), and added additional increase on front panels only as follows: a set on row three of round six, and row one of eighth round. I finished my first skein of yarn after row two of round seven.

I added my first waist decrease at the first row of round ten (about 4 1/4” past sleeve separation. Ribbing was started after eleven repeats. I picked up less stitches than called for on the button band, 76 per side.

The body, unblocked, is 21 inches long. Sleeves were just under sixteen repeats (sleeves ended on row four of round sixteen).

I love this sweater. The buttons, color and shape are lovely. You probably notice that I didn't wear it fully buttoned while in Boston. I think I need to block it once more, as the buttons kept coming undone when I tried to, which is why most of the pictures have just the first few buttons done. I've even considered tightening the button holes. Any thoughts on the best way to fix this? It really may be that I just need to stretch it slightly. It's a small problem, though, and all things considered, I love this sweater.

Tiny stash enhancement

I've been really good lately. I've sold some yarn on ravelry, and have tried to abstain from buying. Of course, I'm not perfect and don't claim to be, so here's what I bought lately.
On ravelry, I purchased this from Weetsie:

Funky Carolina Sock, which I intend to use for a shawl.

Additionally, I took Rhonda to Yarns 2 Ewe for her first visit, and I, of course, succumbed to Malabrigo's power. I bought 2 skeins of Sapphire Green. I just love this shade, and am still trying to decide what this will be. I may make a shrug, or use it along with another shade of Malabrigo for a striped vest.

I'm a realist, so I do expect to have some Boston stash to show you upon my return!

What a difference a week makes

Here's a picture of my Favorite Cardigan progress as of Monday afternoon.

I'm about five inches past the sleeve separation.

How is that even possible? I'm amazed at how fast I'm knitting this baby up. I don't want to jinx myself, but I guess I've just been really motivated by the deadline. Sometimes, deadlines are a good thing.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that I'm using Malabrigo. I love the slight variation in color. The Marine ranges from dark purple to a slightly lighter blue. I'm a little less than halfway done with the second skein.

I'm still contemplating sleeve length. I think I'll have plenty of yarn to do full sleeves, but it may get more wear if I do 3/4 sleeves. I'm pretty sure I'll do the button band before the sleeves for two reasons: 1) the button band is always the biggest pain in the ass, so I'll get it out of the way and 2) I can then use as much as I have left for the sleeves.

Boston Marine Cardigan

For my vacation sweater, I chose Wendy Bernard's Favorite Cardigan. I cast on Wednesday, and I'm just a few rounds away from separating for the sleeves. It's going fast. I still plan to make the others on my list, but I'm betting that this simple cabled cardigan can be knit the fastest, since it is one piece, and is mostly stockinette. Plus, now that I can cable without a needle, the cables are a breeze. And of course, working in Malabrigo doesn't hurt with the speed and enjoyment.

I took these pictures after a few hours of work. I love the color, although it's hard to photograph. The color is more of a navy/dark purple than what the pictures show.

I think this second photo is a bit closer to the true color.

I'm hoping to separate for the sleeves before the end of the evening, but I'll definitely be through them by the end of the weekend. I'm not even done with the first skein of yarn yet!

Field Trip with Rhonda

Rhonda's been on vacation for a week, and since I'm infecting her with the desire to knit, I decided she should see a few more yarn shops. I took her to Yarntopia a few weeks ago, and she's already visited a second time. I've been dying to check out Twisted Yarns, so I thought a quick drive up to Spring might be fun, especially since that meant we could also stop by The Hen House, Spring's other yarn (and fabric) shop.

We had a a fun time, especially with my super navigational skills. I got a little turned around, but we eventually found both shops.

Twisted Yarns is really nice, and the selection is great.

I scored a skein of Malabrigo in the Vaa colorway. I have plenty of Malabrigo (not enough, though. You can NEVER have enough Malabrigo!), but I've been coveting this colorway, so I snatched some up.

I love this colorway.

I also purchase these two skeins of Shibui Sock in Mulberry.

I've been wanting some semi-solid sock yarn for a shawl (maybe Ysolda's Damson, or Hello Knitty's Multnomah)

We had a great field trip, and we both showed decent restraint.

Stashy goodness

I've been relatively good lately. I haven't spent that much on yarn, and I've refrained from clicking add to cart on more than one occasion in the last few months. There have been a few missteps, but I've also sold/traded a bit on ravelry, so I guess it all evens out (by the way, lots of stuff still available here on ravelry. I still have entirely too much, but it's not the worst vice I could have.

Here are a few of the newest stash items:

Lorna's Laces, traded on ravelry (for my Cherry Tree Hill)

Knit Picks Gloss Lace in Sterling

My biggest weakness, Malabrigo

This is one of about 5 Malabrigo skeins that have been added to the stash lately.
I'm a bad girl.

My first Noro, Chirimen

Enjoy the eye candy, folks!

Next up: a once-(nearly) perfect FO, botched by trouble cat and Ishbel revealed!

FO: Prismatic Solymar Scarf

I haven't shared a knitting FO in over two months.
I have one finished, waiting to be blocked, but I can't post it yet anyway.
It's a seeee-cret.
However, I finished up this dazzling little number last weekend.

I love it. It's Malabrigo, so of course, squishy soft, vibrant and fanciful. Love.it. Olias loves it too. He told me, plus you can see it in his eyes:

See? Told you.

So, here's the skinny on this scarf:

Details: The Prismatic Scarf by Huan-Hua Chye
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, in Solymar, one skein (every inch!!)
Needles: Size 8
Time: One month
Recipient: perhaps a gift, not sure yet
Thoughts: Ask me how dumb I felt finishing off this baby while it's almost 100 degrees outside. Yeah, incredibly dumb. Even while sitting in the air conditioning, my fingers were a little toasty. I love the way this turned out. This is such a great pattern for variegated yarn. I love the i-cord edging, and both sides of the fabric are lovely. I didn't make any modifications, and it was so gratifying using up all of my yarn.

Progress: Prismatic Solymar Scarf

I started this a few weeks ago, set it down to finish a gift, and have since made serious progress. I was excited to make yet another Malabrigo project. I cannot sing enough praises for this, my favorite of yarns. This colorway, Solymar, is one I picked up at Yarns 2 Ewe. I love the stormy sky mix of yellow, blue, gray and black. It's perfect for the current Project Spectrum phase of air.

I'm knitting Orata's Prismatic Scarf pattern.

I'm about halfway through the skein now, so I hope to finish it in the next week or so.

I've been thinking about other projects I'd like to start, as well as several I'd like to finish. Ah, I really love the planning aspect of crafting.

FO: Vermillion Slouch

Hat trick #1 is complete (see post below for details on the KAL I've joined)

Details:

A Slouch for All Seasons, by Melissa Lynn
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Vermillion approx. 190 yards
Needle: Size 4 dpns, size 5 circular
Time: 5 days
Recipient: unsure

Thoughts: I actually botched the pattern a bit, but luckily, I knew how to modify the reminder to match my mistake, so it's not at all noticeable. You are supposed to have two sets of k2tog, yo in each repeat, but I only did one per repeat. So when I got to the decreases, I only did one set there as well. It turned out nicely, and I'm pleased that it used up almost an entire ball of Malabrigo. I would definitely recommend this pattern, and I'll probably make it again at some point, maybe the right way!

I've already started hat trick #2, in some purchased handspun.