Monday, December 29, 2014

Christmas Knitting

Now that Christmas is past, I can finally post about my knitted gifts! I only did two knitted gifts this year, and that was a good thing, because one of them I finished at 8:30 PM Christmas Eve. Talk about a close call! Both of the projects were pillows, from patterns I found on Ravelry.

The first one was an Aran Pillow for my sis and brother-in law. I've had this lovely Shetland wool sitting around for a long time, and it kept telling me it wanted to be made into something with cables. So I did! ;)  I was really pleased with how this turned out. I ended up sewing a pillow cover out of brown cotton to go under it, because at first, I could see the white pillow through the knitting. I didn't like that look, so I whipped up a pillow cover, and voila! it worked perfectly.






The second one (that was such a close call), was a Knit & Weave Pillow. I had never seen a technique like this before, so I decided to give it a try. I LOVE it! It's so unique compared to most knitted pillows. It gave me so many ideas on how to use this technique elsewhere! It was a much smaller pillow than I've done before (12"x12"), but it was the perfect size for this pattern. It made such a lovely little pillow to curl up with on a snowy night! ;)


Close-ups of the weaving.



So those were my Christmas knitting projects! I'm already thinking up gifts to start making for next year.... maybe I'll do a post about it soon.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Winter Knitting

I admit.... I'm already looking forward to fall and winter. Part of that might have to do with the high temperatures and extreme smoke we've had this summer. And part of it is because I'm one of those weird people who actually enjoy school, and I'm looking forward to starting my second year of college. But a big part of it is that I LOVE winter knitting. When I think about knitting in the winter, I imagine myself curling up with a latte and a blanket, and working on a nice chunky sweater. Or maybe I'm watching a movie with the family and knitting something for my little niece. Either way, winter knitting always makes me think of nice rich, dark shades of yarn, and projects that are filled with cables, seed stitch, and other lovely knitted textures. 

I'm already trying to plan what I'll knit this winter, and thought I'd share a few of my ideas with you.

I think my first choice would be DownEast. I love how chunky it is, the off-center cabling, the cowl-neck. Yep, I pretty much love everything about this sweater.

I just discovered Tinder on Ravelry today, and immediately favorited it. I love the texture of the pattern, and how cozy it looks.


Ease is a pattern that I've had in my favorites for a long time. I love sporty-looking patterns, and this one looks perfect for taking a run or hike in.



The color scheme of the Hollywell Cardigan were what made me fall in love with it. It looks super comfy, while looking trendy, too.



And last of all is the Mielie Vest. I love layering vests over my t-shirts in winter for extra warmth, and I love the style of this one.



So these are what I'm thinking about knitting right now. This list will probably change a dozen times before winter arrives, though, so I'll keep you all posted on what I decide!

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Three Sisters Cowl

Three Sisters Cowl




Materials:

~8 mm 24” circular needle

~1 skein Blue Sky Alpacas Brushed Suri in Candied Apple

Gauge: 3 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch


NOTE: Remember when working in the round, you knit every row for stockinette stitch, and alternate knit and purl rows for garter stitch.


CO 85

Twist stitches once, before joining in the round.

Work 4 rows of garter stitch.

Work 8 rows of stockinette stitch.

Work 4 rows of garter stitch.

Work 8 rows of stockinette stitch.

Work 4 rows of garter stitch.

BO