Thursday, September 23, 2010

Lace Ribbon Scarf


I finished the Lace Ribbon Scarf about a week ago, but I haven't had time to block it properly.  The pattern can be found on Ravelry, and the instructions are pretty straight forward.  After ripping it back three times, I decided to use a 'lifeline' ; something I rarely do, and that helped considerably.  



The pattern is full of yarn-overs and just one mistake is quite noticeable.  I came THIS close to frogging the whole thing, and re-winding the yarn for another purpose.  The yarn is from my stash, Knitpicks, fingering weight.  It's obviously a variegated yarn color, but the band was lost long ago, so that's all I know.  I think it's quite pretty, even though the above picture is the 'wrong side' of the scarf.  Sheesh!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Cinnamon Rolls


There's something about the aroma of cinnamon that just knocks me out!



Saturday, after pampering a mild cold that kept me sleepless at night, and sleepy during the day, I decided to do some baking.  Baking always makes me feel better.  Maybe it's the sweet aroma and warmth surrounding the kitchen, creating a homey atmosphere.  Whatever the reason, it works for me.



Oh my!  My husband was close by, cup of hot coffee in hand, waiting patiently.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Harry a la carte


It's hard to believe that I haven't read every single Harry Potter book, right?  Having read the last three books, "Order of the Phoenix", "Half Blood Prince", and "Deathly Hallows", I've decided to begin at the beginning, and read the first four books. 

I think most people agree that reading the book is almost always better than the movie, so I can hardly wait to see what I've missed.  The movies have been super, but die hard Harry Potter fans can always find something they wished were done differently. 

Nursing a bit of a cold is a good excuse to set down my knitting for a couple of days, make a cup of tea, and read "Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone".

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Progress


This is the first time I've ever constructed a cardigan from the bottom up.  As you can see, I've held both underarm sections from the sleeve and the body of the sweater on waste yarn.



The area above the 'hole' needs to be about 3 inches, before I start decreasing for the yoke. 

This has been quite the challenge.  Fingering weight yarn with a size 2-3 needle. 

My head is bursting with so many pretty cardigans waiting in line.   Does anyone feel the same way?  I can hardly wait to finish, just so I can start another. 

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Friday, September 10, 2010

Not Pink


New yarn from Madelinetosh is perfect for a new fall cardi.  This is a DK weight yarn in the color Moss.  It looks more like a snake, the way it's curled itself up.  The edge of the sweater won't be stockinette, so I'm hoping the 'snake' will unwind and pose in a more flattering picture, eventually.




I'm using a pattern from this magazine, KnitSimple.  How simple this new little cardigan will be, remains to be seen.  This is my first time using Madelinetosh, and the DK is working more like a worsted weight, in my view, but time will tell.  The color is scrumptious, in person.  Details are for another day.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Oh, Brother!


Last night, my brother came over to wish me a Happy Birthday.  He brought me these beautiful flowers, and a much appreciated gift certificate to Michael's.  After the hugs, he took me to one of my favorite restaurants for a yummy dinner.


I'm the luckiest girl on the planet, to have a brother that's not only thoughtful and sweet, but so much fun to be around.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

September Blues


A box was waiting patiently for me at my front door, last week.  Inside was some beautiful yarn from The Woolen Rabbit.  It is called 'Essence', in the color Pussywillow.  The color is very soft, very muted, and I want whatever I knit to show off the color in the very best way.



I decided to work some plain socks, with only a bit of twisted rib for the cuff.  I've never used this yarn before, and it has such a lovely hand, I know the lucky recipient's feet will jump for joy.



So far, so good.

I know, it's Tuesday, but my Ruby Tuesday will have to wait until next week.  The holiday totally screws with me.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Labor Day, Hoorah!






Strawberry Shortcake, for breakfast?  It's Labor Day, after all, and finding a reason to have strawberries has never been a problem for me.  Strawberries are fruit, and full of anti-oxidants, and the biscuit (leftover from last night's dinner) is a grain, right?  Tie it all together with calcium from the whipped cream and we have a winner!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Holey Sleeve, Batman!



My first cardigan sleeve is getting closer to completion, at least to the underarm section, where it joins the rest of the cardi and I begin working the yoke.



Notice anything?  I began the increases every 7 rows, and lo and behold, there are holes, everywhere!  I wasn't paying close enough attention to the directions, as written.


Here's the portion of the sleeve where my brain kicked in, and I can hardly notice the increases. 

This can happen when I put down a project for a time, and pick it up again, re-reading the directions.  I suppose I could rip out the mistake, and re-knit, but I think I'll leave in the holes.

This will be a little reminder that if my knitting doesn't look right, it probably isn't, and watching Top Chef is not a good excuse for sloppy knitting.....sigh.

PS:  The top photo is a clearer representation of the Knitpicks yarn color, Burgundy.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Sunday Swing, on Thursday


Sunday Swing.  I'm not sure why these cute little socks bear that name, but thanks to Ravelry, and the designer, Kristel Nyberg, this pattern is free, and it's fun too!


I used Cherry Tree Hill, in the color 'Old Rose'.  Not being sure the pattern would show very well with this rather stripey yarn, I hesitated using it.  Not to worry.  After checking the project pages on Ravelry, I knew it would be a winner.



This is an easy pattern to memorize, and I will definitely use it again, and again.  I love the yarn over lacy aspect, without it being too cutesy.  These can be knit using any fingering weight yarn, whether fancy or plain. 


Love the look.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Tea Time


My afternoon tea, complimented by orange flavored butter, with just a touch of honey.  What could be better?



Homemade scones, with a sprinkle of cranberries....now, that's better.