14 projects for 2014- Part 1- knitting

This next year I'm going to try and focus on actually completing projects in my queue. I've got way too much yarn for my own good, all bought for specific projects, that have obviously not been knit.

So here's my countdown:

Image taken from the Brooklyn Tweed Website

1. Y really wants a new sweater, and he's more into knit items this past year than before.
I let him look through Brooklyn Tweeds mens collection, and he really liked Hugo by Veronik Avery.
It's a favorite of mine as well. I can't wait for Y to wear it.

 

Image taken from the Brooklyn Tweed Website

2. My hands are usually cold, like, freezing cold. This is new this year, I don't ever remember my hands being this cold. It's the worst in the morning when I'm driving to work, last year Y drove us both to work, so I had my hands wrapped around my coffee. I have gloves, but isn't a handmade pair much better?
I've had my eye on Shipyard Mittens by Carrie Bostick Hoge since it came out. I just need to find the 2 perfect colors to go together. Maybe a nice gold with cream.
Carrie has such beautiful patterns, I've made both her immie blanket and Imogen Cowl (which I'm wearing right now!) and I've got so many more in my favorites.

 

Sheepish, by Alana Dakos, Imageby Alana Dakos

3. This just might be the first project I favorited when joining Ravelry.
I don't think I need to say anything else about it but CUTENESS!!!

 

Image taken from the Ravelry Project page

4. Wee Austin Hoodie by Connie Chang Chinchio. And of course anything else by Connie. I loved the adult version of this hoodie, but the little one is way too cute. It's got a little pointed hood, and it's made with fingering- awesome for our warmer weather.

Image by DavidWhitfield, Taken from the Ravelry project page

5. My sister "gently" hinted that she's like a new knitted garment for her little girl.
Her kids are picky about their clothes, and I would like them to have something they can use over and over again, and not just this winter. We use our blankets all the time, and Y has asked me to make more, they are so warm and cozy, and so homey.
I think a blanket would be best. Plus, I love knitting blankets. And you cannot ever go wrong with Anne Hanson!
Hazard, by Anne Hanson, can also be knitted as a wrap, in either fingering or DK weight. I think I'm going to go with the small throw,  but the baby blanket just might work as well.

So these are the projects I will most definitely have knit in 2014 (hopefully!) I hope I can squeeze in some more knitting projects, I'd love to get a pair of socks done for Y, another throw for our living room, a stole for my mom, and the list goes on...
(I really want to knit this, but don't want to commit just yet!)

What are you planning on knitting in 2014?!

Tough luck

I've had a hard week. Things have been tough, but I'm starting to see the end of it.
I try and think of songs that make me happy, but usually they have some sad line hidden inside somewhere that kind of makes me break down. Inspirational quotes are a big no no. Even you're regular "Everything is going to be OK" gets me weepy. But everything will be ok. Has to be, doesn't it?

I've slowly gotten back to knitting and sewing. Last weekend I couldn't look at any project, I kind of just lay there on the couch, one skein in my right hand, one skein in my left, waiting for some sort of sign to tell me which one to knit up. Choosing a pattern was even more painful. But I'm starting to enjoy it again, and even got out to photograph an FO.

A few weeks ago I finished up my Pomme De Pin. I put off knitting it forever because I was scared of seams. I had even bought the yarn for it last year, Madelinetosh Alpaca sport, in the delicious glazed pecan.
I must admit that in the beginning I had a hard time. Following directions of course.
It got easier after I ripped it out a few times and actually READ.

I love this yarn. I love the color. I love how it knits up (except for being slightly itchy, but hey, it's wool and alpaca). I wish it was winter again to wear it, plus go back in time a few months. Sorry, I'm still a bit out of it.

This is my first seamed project, and it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be, it was actually quite fun and satisfying. I'm not sure if I did something wrong, or I just need to block it, because the shoulders are slightly falling off my shoulders.

I'm so darn happy with myself for completing this. I wish it was a bit longer, but I had just enough yarn to finish it up. I'm talking about 10 grams left. Yup, I was sweating like a marathon runner towards the end.
I made 4 button holes, just like the pattern called for, but it seems that the top button is useless. I might need to remove it, I think it looks funny high up there.
I bought the buttons on etsy a long time ago, I can't remember from where. They're coconut and I bought a whole bunch of them for all my projects. I think they're perfect, and will probably get tired of them soon :)

My next seamed project will probably be Hellebore, or maybe Peabody. I'm not afraid anymore ;) Isn't completing something you've put aside for so long completely satisfying?!

I hope everyone has a lovely and calm weekend, and hey, one inspirational quote/poster for a better week-

Hugs to everyone ♥

Baby it's cold outside

Winter is finally here. The other day we dusted off our heater and plugged it in. I dug out my slippers and hot water bottle. My fingers are always freezing cold, and our showers are super short because we never have enough hot water.
But for some strange reason, I keep looking at people all bundled up in sweaters and think to myself, "but it's till too early for bulky sweaters!"  I think I only admit it's winter in about February. Then, it's already too late. It's almost spring!
Time flies.
I know I need to start my winter knitting/sewing early, but I'm always late. Right now I want to knit another blanket. or, in other words, a fat warmer. But it'll only get used next year. Until I get around to it.

My dream living room has a big round wicker basket, filler with hand knit blankets. Colorful and chunky. And they will always be folded neatly inside. Each family member will have their favorite fat warmer to cuddle up in and fall asleep with.
Sounds lovely.

Anne Hanson, one of my favorite designers has lovely blanket patterns. I've knit Honey Baby (gifted) and the Hourglass Throw. Both were a pleasure to knit, as are all of her patterns.

Our Fat Warmer

Another blanket I knit was from Madelinetosh, Heirloom. I loved knitting it, and think I will gift it to a co-worker who is expecting her first child any day now.

Heirloom, but I call it "The Big Green"

But the first blanket I ever tried knitting crocheting was the Babette Blanket. What a pattern! I started back in 2009, and laughed when I read that it took some 9 months to complete it. Boy, was I a beginner.

I completed most of it right away, but then things got slow. I got bored. I really should have used more than 4 colors. 

To this day it's still missing the last panel, but it's big enough to wrap up in. The yarn is pretty heavy so it's super warm. Since I hate weaving the ends in, (and I can also use the excuse that it's still not finished!) there are loose ends all over the place. Oops.

 But Y loves that old blanket. He uses it every day, and claimed it his. I have a plan to finish it and surprise him with it, maybe next year...

If I had enough patience I'd knit him a brand new one, but I think some patterns are only made to be knit once. That's how they become special ♥

A blanket for the Bub

Hope everyone has a warm weekend! 

Stay home snuggled under the covers with someone you love (Let them bring you the hot chocolate!)

Weekend FO

This Friday I finally finished my Imogen Cowl.

I cast on in May, and somehow threw it into a project bag and forgot about it.

I lost my knitting mojo back in June, and the cowl went with it.

Imogen cowl, pattern by Carrie Bostick Hoge 

Yarn used- Madelinetosh TML, 

colorway- Betty Drapers Blues

Ravelry project page

 The pattern is quite easy to remember, but took me a while to "get into it". Until I memorized it, I stopped working on it.
Knit with 3.5mm needles, I'm still not sure if I should have gone up or down a size.
I also used the three needle bind off. Could not be bothered with the Kitchener stitch.
The pattern shows through, but not as much as I'd have like it to. But it could just be the kind of pattern. When bunched up around my neck, it doesn't really matter.

 I used 1.5 skeins, 18 repeats in the end. It turned out a bit long, I was afraid it wouldn't be long enough. If I lived in a slightly cooler climate, this would be awesome to wear with a T-shirt. I'll have to wait at least another month to wear this though. Maybe in the evenings?

I think this is going to get a lot of wear this winter, even though I'm slightly "meh" about it now. I'm not sure why though. I love the color, the yarn, drape, what's not to love? It might just be our never ending summer has me dreading anything too hot.

 On another note, I LOVE madder patterns. Isn't the Immie baby blanket adorable? It looks like it's based on the imogen pattern, but knit with much heavier yarn. I think I'm going to have to make that blanket my next!

Done!

I finished my first Ravellenic project, CAF Norie, earlier this week.
Whoopie, finally, a slouchy hat that fits and looks good on me! Now, the long and hot wait for winter...

Norie, great for cooler weather, if it ever gets here!

I bought the yarn for it quite a while ago, but obviously misread the yarn requirements somewhere. I used Madelinetosh DK, in the gorgeous colorway Happiness, which has 225 yards, while the pattern calls for 260. Gulp.

I really wanted a slouchy hat.

I knit all 4 lace sections, but just before the last I decreased. Then, only knit 3 single purl ridges, instead of 3 double. I was left with enough yarn, not enough for the full pattern, but enough so I didn't have to bite my nails until the end! It's slouchy enough and I love it.

Working on my second Ravellenic project, the Dahlia Cardigan is a bit trickier. I'm not too good with piecing together, and this just might end up a disaster. I keep telling myself that there's no reason, and that I'm a good and neat knitter. I just can't wait to finish it to admire and pat myself on the back.

Soon, very soon :)

Late

I feel like time is passing by way too fast.
Seriously, I need about 2 more hours each day. At work. That way I could get home and not stress over all the work I still have to get done.
As a graphic designer (and part time vm) for a large clothing company, I feel as if I live from collection to collection. I simply cannot wait until August 19th. And then after that, it will be a date in September. Then the end of September early October. Squeeze in three weeks of holidays and then another collection. Is it no wonder my time just disappears?
I feel bad for Y, I don't feel like going out on weekends, but enjoy the quiet, sitting on the couch and doing absolutely nothing. He looks at me with his big brown eyes and my heart hurts.
I'm late at getting house related stuff done. Last week I finally baked the brownies I've been planning to bake for over a month :)
July 11th I finished my Driven cardigan. And only now I'm getting to write about it.

I love the collar, might be my favorite part!

I love love love it. The color, the way it looks, how it actually fits. I'm so proud of myself for the last bit. The color change is ever so subtle, so I know I'll love wearing it as well. Cannot wait for cooler weather.
When I first started it, I was still in my old office, sitting alone with the AC cranked up to freezer mode. I had plans of keeping it in my office and cuddling with it.
In the beginning of July, I was moved over to another office with three others, one who does not like the AC at all, so I'm left sweating and swearing, both at the same time.

My Driven will have to wait.

This is my first year participating in the Ravellenic games over at Ravelry. I'm watching quite a lot of the games this year. Gymnastics are my favorite.
Norie and the Dahlia cardigan are on my list, two patterns I've had my eye on for quite some time now. Knitting the Dahlia reminded me of how much I love lace. My next project will be some bad ass lace project. Leaves of Grass maybe? I miss knitting a Jared Flood pattern!

I also have a few new sewing projects on my mind. Quilting has always fascinated me, and I finally ordered some charm packs for a first. I was thinking a simple zig-zag quilt. More on that when the fabric arrives. (I'm so excited!) I'm also looking for a quilt-a-long to help me actually finish it and not abandon it somewhere.

And last, a short list of things I ♥

Dear Creatures anything. Their tumblr is such an inspiration!

Florence and the Machine is so cool. Plus, Bon Iver and Mumford and Sons? Too bad this concert never took place. Love your taste in music though! (Taken from this tumblr)

Gorgeous blog. Reminds me I need to get to Iceland ASAP.

Have a lovely weekend everyone, xoxo

Blankets in the Summer

I started to get this "thing" for knitting blankets.
I went through it with socks, then shawls, then cardigans, now it's blankets.
Really, I need to start knitting a bunch of different stuff at the same time, rather than 4 shawls all at once.

It's hot here. I don't remember it being this hot last year, or having our AC on for this long, everyday.
We drink twice the amount of water we usually do, at home. Last week we drank about 17 liters in a week. (Yay for bottled water helping us keep track).
Yes, it's HOT.

So why am I knitting blankets in the heat? I don't know, I'm just into them now.

A few months back (let's be honest, in December) I started knitting Anne Hansons ever so lovely blanket- the Hourglass Throw. We'll refer to it simply as "The Fat Warmer". I bought some local wool, ran out, so I had a pretty good excuse as to why I couldn't finish it.
I have 1.5 skeins left, which means one more repeat, and it'll be done. The thing is super huge, and I cannot wait for it to be completed.

The Big Green, It was supposed to be bigger...

But then came Camp Loopy. I didn't know what to knit, so I chose a blanket. Blankets are always good. It seems. Plus, I had a deadline, I had to finish it by June 27th. And that I did.
I would have liked it a bit wider, but it's perfect as a one-man-lap-blanket. (I had hopes it would be bigger, hence the name "The big Green") The color (Jade, Madelinetosh Sport) is amazing. Green is starting to grow on me. I still remember the days I owned zero green. What was wrong with me?

Checking out the size

The pattern, Heirloom,  is super simple (once I charted it) and went by quite fast. Would I knit it again? I don't think so, I have a long list of blankets I still need to knit!

Have  lovely weekend!

The Dexter

It's hard to get things done when I have so many hobbies.
Do I knit? Do I sew? Do I bake? Do I make marshmallows? Do I just sit in front of the TV with a bowl of Ice cream?
Decisions.
Everyday I walk past my fabric stash and I swear it gives me "that look".
Usually weekends I pull it out and sew something. But I always find new fabric, and my stash just grows and grows and grows. Instead of keeping some balance of I buy to refill. I know that stash actually means to grow larger and larger until it completely takes over your house, but my house is not that big.
Plus, I need to fill up my shop.
My dear husband loves my needle organizer. Of course he does though, finally my needles aren't ALL over the place.
But he also likes it because it reminds him of one of our favorite shows. Dexter :)

Dexters Kill Bag, Custom Prop Replica. Very cool. Taken from here

He calls it the Dexter because of Dexters, well, as google calls it, a "Kill Bag". I thought I'd skip the name and just go with "Organizer". I know there are a lot of Dexter fans out there, but not sure how well a "kill bag" would go.

 Enough pockets for all the needles you need to take with you

It took me quite a while to perfect this baby. How to divide the pockets so that all kinds of needles fit in. Perfecting sewing on a zipper (finally, awesome!) I have quite a lot of funky looking organizers at home, and not enough needles for them all (another kind of stash?)

A little zippered pocket, great for all those notions that always get lost

So, this weekend I pulled out my stash and started sewing another Dexter needle organizer. I love these two fabrics, gorgeous blueish herringbone and a dirty yellow flower pattern (Both Joel Dewberry). I think my favorite is pairing two fabrics up together. Might be why I have such a hard time finding the perfect fabrics for a quilt. they need to match EXACTLY. More on that later. When I have more time to sew.

* I'm having a quickie sale this weekend, 15% off everything in the shop, with the code "JUNE012" at checkout. Making room for some new stuff!

Time

This month seems like it's dragging on. The heat has finally hit us, and I know it's just the beginning of the summer. Longer and hotter days are still up ahead.

I'm pretty much too hot to do anything. In the Winter I'm too cold, in the Summer I'm too cold, and in the Spring and Fall, the seasons I love most, well, I don't have anything weather appropriate to wear.
May sneaked up on me (I just found out "snuck" isn't even a word) and it's going by FAST.  I have so many things I need to do. I need another day in the week, another hour each day will just not do.

I cast on for Driven, a pattern by Veera Välimäki, little while ago for MadMay. I'm using Madelinetosh Chunky, but unlike it's name, it's Aran weight. I was excited about this pattern, I thought it would be a quick knit, and it is. The yarn knits up beautifully, and I'm so happy with the color- Nightbloom. It reminds me of Grape Kool Aid stain.
And why, may you ask am I knitting an Aran Weight cardigan in the middle of a heat wave? Good question. I have no answer. I just know that if I wait until cooler weather, it will already be too late. Besides, now I'll have a reason to crank up the AC in my office. And still be snuggly warm.

I'm also in the midst of trying to somehow redecorate. Martha Stewarts "Organization" is my new Bible. I'm not doing too good at it.

I've been combing through etsy to find some cool home stuff. Anything really. 

I totally covet this pillow. In a K please!

I have always wanted an Abacus. 

And I'm thinking this fabric could make some great throw pillows. 

And of course, I always need more time.

A gift for my Mom

Ever since my Mom laid eyes on my Topiary, she wanted it. I tried to convince her a lighter stole would be great for summer, and she would have use for it in our winter weather. Seriously, we spent 2 hours combing through Ravelry patterns. I kept steering her back to Celes, a gorgeous pattern by Jared Flood, because I've wanted to knit it the second I laid eyes on it. She finally agreed.

The yarn I used was Madelinetosh, Tosh Merino Light, in the lovely colorway Luster. I remember the first time I used it, it was not love at first sight. But after quite a few projects, it might be my favorite shawl yarn. I think I may have started a bit late, as her birthday was April 1st. I didn't get it done on time. No worries though, she'll be getting it next weekend.

I loved knitting this, as I do all of Jared Floods patterns. The knit on edging, which I expected much harder, was a breeze. Of course only after blocking you see how beautiful it really is. The drape is amazing, and it's super soft. It will be hard to give, but I know I'll see it often.

Project notes here 

Now that another big project is finished, I only have our Fat Warmer (AKA Hourglass Throw) to complete. I have 3 more skeins left, so I'm guessing it's only a matter of weeks. I'm in no rush though. Only that it be ready for next winter!