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.

FO: Citadel

I love this hat.

I love knitted hats in general, but this is one of my two favorite hat patterns that I've tried over the past seven years (the other is Facets). The texture is beautiful, and in this Colour Adventures Stunning DK, a semi-solid single-ply merino (very similar to Malabrigo, but less pilling so far), it's so happy. The pattern is Citadel, by Hedgehog Fibres (free!).

My awesome sister took some pictures over Thanksgiving. I love the touch of fall you can see in this one, and how it compliments the hat. I've been wearing this one constantly.

I also started a sweater back in September, which is getting most of my knitting attention these days. It's Backshore, by Alicia Plummer, but as you can see, I'm modifying the stripe width as I go. I thought some skinnier stripes would be more flattering, and I decided to add a second stripe color, because why not?
I hope to finish the body of this by the end of the year.

Fi and her twins

My friend Fi is amazing. I met her through the Houston MQG, and I just adore her. When she shared that she was pregnant with twins, I wanted to do something special for her. During her shower, I asked guests to sign fabric squares, and I added them to another pile of 8" squares, cut from Fi's favorite colors (which she used to decorate the nursery).

It's a simple quilt, and it's big enough for the family to share as the girls grow.

The back is scrappy as per my usual. I really love making quilt backs (I can't believe I just said that). I don't entirely love sewing long seams, but I do love choosing fabrics to match the front. That counts, I guess.

I also gave Fi two knitted sweaters for her girls. You already saw Hoot, and I finished a Yoked Cardigan last week.

The pattern is by Knitbot, and I knit the 6 month size on smaller needles. I'm hoping the girls can wear them at least a few times before they grow.

They are super adorable little ones. I know I will love them as much as I love Fi.

FO: Hoot

Oh, this sweater is cute.

I mean, aren't all baby sweaters? I think the owls make it extra cute, though. I can count four friends who have babies in the oven, so I decided to knit a few wee sweaters. Here's the first:

Olias is shown for scale (and added cuteness).

I knit the free Hoot Cardigan by Brenda Lotar, and used some stash KnitPicks Wool of the Andes (color is Iris Heather). I knit the 3 month size, and although ravelry tells me it took 3 months, the knitting went pretty quickly; I just procrastinated on the sleeves. Yes, even baby sleeves are boring to knit.

Up next, the Yoked Cardigan, by Knitbot.

How about some socks?

After knitting for FIVE years now, I can proudly say I just finished my THIRD pair of socks. As in, one, two, THREE.

Is it cheating that these are knit in sport weight instead of fingering weight?

Is it cheating that they are knit in the decadent Plucky Knitter Primo Sport?

Knitted socks are a luxury, because they just take so long to knit. I'm amazed at knitters that can quickly zip through them. I guess I'm just a slow knitter.

The pattern is by my friend Sam. It's a free pattern called Duckies, which is the cutest name ever.

I feel a sense of accomplishment, and upon finishing the second sock, I immediately cast on for a sweater.

In a very similar shade of red.

WIPs to finish

Like most of you crafters, I want to make all of the things! I tweeted the other day that I feel directionally challenged when it comes to crafting.
I feel pulled to several projects and crafts. To find some direction, I first want to document my list of outstanding WIPs.

There are a few I'm not listing, but these are the items I most desire to finish.

Knitting

First up, the embarrassing 3.5-year-old Central Park Hoodie. I'm so painfully close to finishing. All it needs is for me to finish picking up the second side of stitches and knit that button band. Then, seaming.

Second, the Gray Skies Cardigan. This one is another nearly-finished sweater. I think I have one partial sleeve to finish and seaming.
COME ON.

I've also got two single socks that need buddies.

I'm also close to finishing my Stripe Study shawl.

Quilting

I have four quilts-in-progress at the moment.

There's Single Girl, which I haven't touched since April.

There's Bottled Rainbows. I've completed four of the sixteen blocks, and this is a long-term project. I like to do a block every now and then, but it would be rad to finish this before the end of the year. The bright side is that it's quilt as you go, so, once the top is complete, the rest should go really quickly.

There's Rain or Shine, which is probably the closest to being finished. I only have six more blocks to make for the top. I've actually been working on this one for the past few days. I'll have an updated progress photo to share soon.

And of course, there is Swoon.

I've made six out of nine blocks, which you can see in my Swoon flickr set. Lucky for me (and you!), Katy has assembled a group of (300+) quilters for a Swoon-along! Feel free to join in on the fun and make your own Swoon!

In the next few days, I'm going to share my additional goals for 2012. But you can surely expect to see progress on these nine projects in the upcoming months!

You know what they say

I named the test-knit project (for Rue) "Put a baby in it", and my first best friend ever just let me know she is having a boy early next year. So all of a sudden, this sweater has a recipient.

I'm much further along than the picture shows (which is good, because my deadline is fast approaching!). I finished the body up to the armhole joining this weekend, and cast on for the second sleeve. I'm hoping to get some more quality knitting time this weekend, and I should be able to wrap this up next week. Rue is releasing the free pattern very soon, so stay tuned for that on her blog!

Also on the to-do list?

A pair of foxy pajama pants, of course! I bought some Monaluna Anika to make myself a pair of fun PJ pants for the Sewing Summit. Let's just see if I can whip those up in time. I sure hope so!

I'd also love to make a laptop case like Jeni's, but that may be pushing it.

And don't even get me started on the rest of the to-do list. There is always too much to do, but I like it that way.

I was able to resist the Pretty Little Pouch sign-ups, but it was hard! If you have never done a swap, it's a great way to get your feet wet!

I hate you, DST

Yeah, I'm not a big fan of daylight savings time. Despite the hour lost today, I managed to do some fun things this weekend. Dinner with Elliott and his parents Friday, followed by drinks with friends and an impromptu slumber party, and plenty of crafting yesterday and today.

I finished my March blocks for do.Good Stitches. Jennifer asked for these stacked blocks using aqua, blue yellow and gold. I really enjoyed making them. I could see myself making a larger project like this.

I've also done some knitting!

I'm working on the second front piece for my Gray Skies Cardigan. it's been two months since I've worked on this project, and it feels good to come back to it.

This afternoon, my Single Girl quilt is also getting some attention.

I hope your weekend has treated you well.

My heart and thoughts have been (and will continue to be) with the people of Japan.

xo, Jacey

P.S. The giveaway is almost closed. Thanks to those who have entered!

Blogging Platform Thoughts?

I've been considering switching my blogging platform to Wordpress. I'd like to ask you about the pros and cons that you have experienced with Blogger and Wordpress, to help me make a decision.

So, thoughts?

And I'd also like to share that I'm actually knitting! Here is some proof:

My Central Park Hoodie now has one button band and is pinned together. I hope to finish this up in the next few weeks!

Happy Friday, and thanks in advance for your feedback.

xo.

Progress: Mourning Marlene

As previously mentioned, I started a sock several weeks ago using some Madeline Tosh sock yarn in the Mourning Dove colorway. I haven't had much time to work on it lately, but I did manage to snap a progress photo.

I'm hoping to work on it over the holiday weekend. The only mod I've made is to decrease a few border stitches. The sock seemed like it was going to be a little too loose on me, but that will mean a heel modification as well, since those extra stitches are needed. I'll figure it out as I go along, I suppose.

In other progress news, I managed to finish the back of my Gray Skies Cardigan and I've started a sleeve. The sleeve seems very wide to me, but I'm going to check my gauge and trust the pattern. I can always give it a wider seam if it's not to my liking.

I've also been working on some holiday potholders for coworker gifts (and a few extra). I just need to finish the quilting and bind them. Pictures to follow soon!

What's on the Needles?

Before I show you what I've been working on lately, I wanted to let you know I'm celebrating a third blogibirthday this week, and assembling a giveaway package for one of you. I'll have details at some point this week.

My attention has been divided between several projects lately, but I enjoy it, even if it means it takes me longer to finish.

Back in July, I started this pair of Impressionist Socks, but stalled out after starting the heel too soon. The sad sock sat (say that five times fast) untouched for months, but has new life now. I've knit past the length described in the pattern, but I've decided to continue the pattern until I run out of yarn, as I want to use every inch of this Koigu (which I picked up in Boston last fall). I'm excited to actually be knitting a sock during Socktoberfest; I believe that's a first. The lace pattern keeps my interest, and the variegated Koigu doesn't hurt either.

Up next, I cast on for the Emerald Isle Cardigan a few weeks ago. I've dubbed it my Gray Skies Cardigan, and I'm using Wool of the Andes in Onyx Heather. I'm currently about mid-way through the back piece. I just love the tab sleeves; it looks so wearable.

The third knitted project getting my attention is a cast-on inspired by Kara, who's been rocking the colorwork as of late. Colorwork was a 2010 goal, so I decided to jump in with Opus Spicatum, a gorgeous hat pattern.
I'm only a few rows into the colorwork, and it feels so foreign. Part of the problem is that I hold my yarn very differently than other knitters I've seen. I think it's going to hurt me on more complicated colorwork patterns, so I'm trying to be conscious and modify my hand posture.
I picked up this RYC Cashsoft Aran in a soft red and gray this weekend in Austin.

Finally, I've been working on the table runner project, and I'm nearly done with the top (and don't worry; I haven't forgotten about the quilt!). The striped squares were so much fun to make, and two more of those is all that's missing from the top pieces.

So, to recap, a lot of projects, some progress, but nothing finished.

Progress Shot of Lila

Somehow, as busy as the weekend was, I found time to finish the body of Lila.

I did several increases after hitting my belly button, since I omitted the pattern increases past the bust.

I'm still on the fence regarding the sleeves. I've got plenty of yarn left (2.3 balls), so any length is possible. As soon as I make a decision, I'll finish this one up.

Thoughts on the sleeve length?

Progress: Lila

Buttercup has been on my to-knit list for months. I waited a long time before casting on for it, and did more ravelry research than normal.
Mainly, there were a lot of comments on ease, and recommendations to knit a size smaller than normal. I swatched with two different needle sizes before casting on, and so far, the fit seems pretty close.

It doesn't happen very often, but I'm actually using the recommended yarn, Elsebeth Lavold's Hempathy, purchased from Supercrafty back in 2008 (according to my search just now, Supercrafty closed in February), on a size 3 needle. I just didn't like how the fabric was on size 4 needles. I've made some modifications, and I'm trying to keep better notes, so that I can share them with you upon completion.
Generally, I'm eliminating the A-line increases and adding half sleeves.

It's nice to have a sweater/top on the needles (ignoring the Central Park Hoodie in my closet, of course!) again.

I've got some new sewing and knitting projects on the brain. I have made a small bit of progress on the quilt, and I'll share that once the top is finished.

FO: Muddy Maroon Cardigan

The cardigan is done. I have pictures to prove it. Pictures of me wearing it. Wanna see?

Now with 100% more smirky face!

We went to D.C. this week to meet the new baby (the squirrel sweater was well received!), and I convinced my guy to snap some photos of me while we were seeing the sights. Speaking of, I've got some vacation photos to share with you as well.

I'm really not digging the hair in this picture, but that's what new haircuts are for, and I've got one coming up soon.

The handspun yarn yoke is Mud Creek, which I received as a gift from my good friend Sarah. It's been in the stash for two years, and I just wanted to find a pattern that would really showcase it's beauty. I think this sweater accomplishes that. Elliott helped me choose the body yarn, and I think the maroon Northampton, also from the stash, is a great choice. I started this sweater in December, over my Christmas break.

I found the wood buttons at Joann's a couple of weeks ago, and finished sewing them on last week, in preparation for the trip.

The pattern is Melissa LaBarre's very famous Garter Yoke Cardigan, which can be found in the 2008 Fall/Winter Knit1 magazine. The pattern is very straightforward. I really didn't make any modifications, except that I knit the sleeves differently. The first sleeve is a little too loose around my upper arm, as I prefer more fitted sleeves. When I knit the second one, I started decreasing more rapidly to achieve that look. They don't match exactly because of this, but it's not really that noticeable. I cast on with the Northampton and knit three rows with it before switching to the Mud Creek. I'm really please with the way it turned out. I can actually see myself wearing this, and that's not the case with some of the items I've made in the past.

I've decided not to cast on for anything new right away. I've decided to follow in yarndude's footsteps, and tackle a looming UFO.
My Central Park Hoodie, started in June 2008 is going to get finished. Just in time for summer.

Raveled

Little baby gift

My boy's sister is having a baby in March. She's an awesome chick, and I'm excited for her growing family. I'm knitting up a quick and cute gift to send her way; she lives in Washington, D.C., so it may be awhile before I get to see her and the baby.

I'm working through the first sleeve, as you can see. I'm using Cotton Patine in Honey and blue Cotton-Ease, and I may use some chocolate Cotton Patine for the button band. Depending on how quickly I finish, I may knit a second sweater at the next size, for a longer lasting gift.

My current obsession

Over the holiday break, I cast on for this sweater.

Even though I've committed to 10 shawls this year, among other things, this is all I want to knit right now. The pattern is the super awesome Garter Yoke Cardigan, by Melissa LaBarre. I finished the handspun portion (just knit until I ran out), which is Mud Creek yarn I got as a gift from my good friend, Sarah. Now I'm using maroon Northampton for the body. I tried it on, and so far everything fits very well. I'm almost finished with the first sleeve, then I'll do the second, and finally, finish the body.

Thoughts on a button color? I don't want to distract from the handspun, which is definitely the highlight of the sweater. Hmmm. At least I have some time to figure that out.

I love a seamless sweater!

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.

Eggplant Cardigan Gift

My friend Terra is having a baby in a few weeks. I was in her wedding last year, and we've known each other since elementary school. I made her a gift for her wedding, and now I'm working on a gift for her bun in the oven, also to be known as Reese. I chose this pattern, but wanted to use stash yarn.
I chose this KnitPicks Merino Style in Eggplant, thinking it would be a good fall color for a little one. The only problem is, the pattern is written for sport yarn, and this is DK weight. I didn't make any adjustments, so my sweater is going to fit little Reese in, oh, say a couple of years. As my knitting group pointed out last night, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, as she will eventually be able to wear it. I'm still going to finish and gift it, but I'm also going to knit a (much faster) actual baby sweater to give her as well.

Here's a progress photo of the toddler cardigan (the color is truer in the stash photo above). I'm about an inch farther along in the stockinette. The pattern is really cute and easy, and it's free (see link above).

Boston Sweater Thoughts

I've narrowed down the list of potential sweaters a bit, but of course, I then added a couple as well. I'm now trying to pick between four sweater designs.

The new list of possibilities are:

Vine Yoke Cardigan (linked in post below)

Emerald Isle Cardigan (linked in post below)

Buttony Sweater

Favorite Cardigan (link to Feministy's version, which I love)

I ruled out Ms. Darcy, because it has a decent amount of seaming and finishing, and I'm looking for quick and easy on this one.

I ruled out the Garter Yoke Cardigan, because I don't feel confident that I could finish in time. Finally, I ruled out Lush and Lacy, because I'm not sure that it will look good on me, after looking at several Ravelry FOs.

I'm leaning towards the Favorite Cardigan in Malabrigo Marine

or the Emerald Isle Cardigan in Wool of the Andes Onyx Heather
.

FO: Leafy Liesl

My first FO of Project Spectrum, Leafy Liesl is done!

Details: Liesl, by Ysolda
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino, Leaf Green, 1.5 skeins (from the stash)
Needles: Size 10.5 circular
Time: Would you believe, less than two weeks???!?!?
Recipient: me!

Thoughts: I made mine with the wide neckline option, and I skipped the buttonholes. I like it as sort of open garment, although I think I could block and stretch it to close if desired. I love it.

It's my first lacy garment, and my favorite FO to date. I feel like I say that a lot, which I guess means I'm feeling more confident with each item off the needles. I would definitely make this pattern again, and maybe soon. I offered to make one for Jill and she's intrigued, so who knows?

I've already started a second item for this Project Spectrum season. It's a hat, so maybe I'll have another FO in a week or so.