Anonymous scarf

I loved how elegant that scarf looked, so I decided to knit one. 

My enthusiasm on the project faded quickly. It was a slow and boring knit. The temptation to frog and run away was enormous. I did not quit; it was too cold for running away. Over the next several months, I wore a “product knitter” hat, poured some beers and finished a very long scarf. 

My lack of interest was not the pattern’s fault. As a matter of fact, I do not even remember what pattern I worked. No idea! What I do know is that I poorly picked my materials. I do not have the patience for knitting on small needles holding together two thin yarns.

I do love the drape of the finished scarf. This will be a nice winter accessory!

Have you continued a project that you now think should had been frogged? Have you gone blank on a pattern name and spent two hours looking for it on Ravelry? Tell me about it in the comment section… 

Project Details

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Feeling content…

I have been going with the flow lately; starting as many projects as I want. Being inspired by materials and feeling content with all my WIPs.

This week I started the Reyna shawl in my own handspun. I don’t know the exact yardage on hand but my gut tells me it will be enough for a decent size shawl. This free pattern is perfect for variegated yarns. Mine is creating some stripes which I am enjoying while they last. If it starts pooling in a way I dislike, I plan to alternate balls of yarn.

Note: the following are Ravelry links – do not click on them if the website causes any discomfort or sickness.

• Pattern: Reyna by Noora Backlund (free on Ravelry)
• Yarn: Handspun Merino | Light fingering | Spun in 2014
• Project page: here

There are almost 14,000 Reyna shawls posted on Ravelry and over 4,500 Instagram entries with the hashtag #reynashawl. The pattern deserves its popularity and more. It is easy and enjoyable to knit.

Handspun Scarf

Who would have thought I would enjoy knitting a very long scarf so much? Perhaps the success was due to a nice match of yarn and pattern. 

Ravelry project details: here.

What a great feeling it is to have this scarf that I love  — after so much time and effort spinning and plying the singles and finally knitting the yarn. I used almost 500 yards on this project. I cannot wait for winter to wear this over and over.

 

Back where I left

A finished object makes me feel like a Knitter (with capital K). This cowl has seen lots of wear since I finished it.  It was my first time knitting with Dream in Color Smooshy and I really enjoyed its rich color and high twist.

Ravelry Project page: here.

The pattern is from the book Scarf Style 2. Totally recommend this book even when it was published back in 2013. It has twenty six patterns from renowned designers like Jarred Flood, Pam Allen, Laura Nelking, Veronica Avery and Romi Hill. Even Brioche made it to the book! I do not regret buying it used at a real bargain and see myself casting on another pattern in the future.

My Quiet Journey

Here is a finished object!

The pattern, Quiet Journey, was a gift from a dear friend, Andi of My Sister’s Kniter. I would love to knit this again in Fingering weight.

The shawl used three skeins of O-Wool DK Legacy, base that is apparently discontinued. Luckly,  O-Wool still carries Classic Worsted. Project page: here.

Let’s cast on 2017

I am ready for washing and blocking my last knit of 2016. 

Nothing beats the excitement of planning the first projects for a new year. What would that be? Perhaps it is spinning a gradient. 

 Let’s cast on 2017.

Forget FOs, think WIPs

Today is my first of a few days off work. I want nothing but to have a joyful time with my family, spinning wheel and knitting.

First project on the needles is this scarf inspired by a free pattern from Jane Richmond, Mustard Scarf. I plan on using up all the yarn, making it longer than instructed. I am almost decided on seaming the ends and converting into an infinity scarf.

Also in progress are the Maine mittens from Carrie Bostick Hoge’s Swoon Maine book. They are very easy and quick to knit. One done, one to go.

Finally, I have been spending quality time with my spinning wheel and some Pigeonroof Superwash BFL. The colors are spectacular!

The colorful the better

Knitting with handspun is a truly gratifying experience.

This cowl was inspired by the “Totally biased” pattern. I used a Mixed Bluefaced Leicester handspun.

Modifications: my version does not have purl rows. I followed this “recipe” until all the yarn was used up:

• cast on 40 stitches for handspun sport to aran weight
• row 1: k1, k1fb, k to last there stitches, k2tog, k1
• row 2: k2, p36, k2
• finish with a three needle bind off

Time for FOs

I finished my Oaklet shawl just in time to keep me warm during the last weeks of cold weather. This free pattern is not too complicated, yet beautiful. Love it! Details on the project page.

New shiny handspun! I am really pleased with my 464 yards of deliciously spongy BFL. I spun very thin singles and navajo-ply them to end up with fingering weight yarn. 

Long term shawl

This is a modified version of the 22.5 degrees shawl pattern by Martina Behm. Details and mods on the project page.

Project History

• 2012: bought variegated yarn during the Eat. Knit. Sleep Black Friday’s sale
• 2013: cast on during Christmas vacation
• 2014: forgot project as soon as I got home from said vacation. Cast off mid year.
• 2015: decided it was about time to block & wear the shawl.

FO: Gris de lin

Week one of Pre-kindergarten is gone. Her tears are still present on the second week. I know this will pass but is painful to see my baby having trouble adjusting to her new environment. As with other difficult times, knitting is my therapy.

Modifications & sanity checks:

• Cast on 84 stitches as I used DK instead of the recommended fingering weight yarn
• Placed a stitch maker after every 12 stitches
• Put in a safe line after every pattern repeat (12 rows)
• Project page: here

FO: Cassis Shawlette

This is my Cassis shawl that I bound off months ago.

Working with The Fibre Company Canopy Fingering Alpaca, Merino and Bamboo blend is a dream!

Cassis is a great free pattern by Collete Audrey. My only modification was to knit many more rows to use most of the yarn. Project page: here

WIPS: Soay and 22.5 Degrees Progress

I made good progress on my Soay cardigan. This little project is teaching me so much! From practicing short rows to neck shaping.

If Martina Behm loves variegated yarn in garter stitch, I do as well. I bought this yarn from Eat.Knit.Sleep on a Black Friday. Count me as another victim of the “it’s on sale, let me buy it” syndrome.

Project page: here

 

WIP: Cassis

Here is my current WIP. The details:

• Pattern: Cassis Shawlette by Collette Audrey
• Yarn: The Fibre Company Canopy Fingering (Fingering / 4 ply, 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 20% Bamboo)
• Needles: Hiya-Hiya US4, 3.5mm
• Project page: here

WIP: Checkerboard Lace Scarf

This is my “Checkerboard Lace Scarf“. The project is not difficult but the twenty row repeats require attention. Mess up one stitch and forget about checkerboards. 

The details

• Pattern: Checkerboard Lace Scarf by Purl Soho
• Yarn: Jojoland Melody, 3-ply, light fingering
• Needles: Addi’s US 7 – 4.5 mm

FO: Sweet Summer Rays

This is the Sweet Summer Rays shawl designed by Holly Priestley. I went for a color out of my comfort zone and cannot be happier about my choice. 

Have a great week! We are heading north to DC in a couple of days. See you next time!

FO: Honey Cowl

Honey cowl…two years in the making.

Project details, with actual started date, here.

My first Knitalong

My Gills Rock is close to be an FO. Technically, I am thirteen rows away from the finish line. However, my plan is to knit an additional pattern repeat.

FO: Seafoam

This scarf has been in the “almost done” basket for too long. I finally weaved the ends and steam blocked it. The yarn is Lion Brand Wool Ease.

As a FO, the scarf has nice drape, color and stitch definition. This pattern can be a bit addictive as you see the waves forming. Additional details on my ravelry.

FO: Madeleine (finally!)

This is my Madeleine shawl. I have finished it sometime ago but did not manage to take pictures until now. Did I tell I’m in love with this shawl? Love the color, yarn and its drape. I can wear it as a shawl or as a scarf. Details on my raverly.

Christmas gifts countdown

I am working on the second and last Christmas gift! 

Pattern: One Row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool in Natural Mix

 

 

 

 

One Love One Row

On my needles is my version of A One Row Scarf. The yarn is Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Candy Blue.

Almost done

The blueberry waffle scarf is almost done. A couple of rows, some unraveling, more rows, blocking and voila!

Blueberry waffle

The waffle scarf is my current work in progress.

• Pattern: Malabrigo Waffles Scarf by Sarah Florent (via Raverly)
• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Dark Rose Heather
• Needles: Size 8 straight needles