Allons-y Scarf

I've finished my Allons-y scarf!  I know, a scarf in the middle of summer - what am I thinking?  I'm thinking that I'm not the hugest fan of cotton, and I am a sucker for both themed things and sequins yarn.  I based the scarf off Lisa Gentry's Sparkle Scarf pattern, published in Knit Simple.

My scarf is a bit skinnier than the original (details on ravelry).  The lace pattern was nice and simple, nothing too daunting but still an interesting knit.

I love the sequins on the yarn, and I love the way the colors gently change as the scarf progresses.

I called it my Allons-y scarf because I am still obsessively watching Doctor Who.  So this scarf is my take on the quintessential Doctor Who scarf: tonal color instead of stripes, 6 feet instead of....10 (12?), and lace instead of garter stitch.  And of course, it's blue.

I love it.  And now, come Fall, when my doctor says, "Should we take Little Miss to the park?" I can grab my blue scarf and say, "Allons-y!"

Spacey Lace Cowl

Sometimes my daughter and I find ourselves in Hobby Lobby, just for something to do.  I can't imagine how that happens.  Well one day I happened upon this pretty yarn by Patons.  And hanging right next to the yarn was this lovely pattern.  Well it only called for one ball.  So of course I bought the yarn, took the free pattern, and started myself a lovely cowl in the middle of summer. 

I'm calling it my Spacey Lace Cowl because I knit most of it while watching Doctor Who, my new obsession.  I'd like to say it's the new show I've discovered, but let's be honest and call it what it is, the new obsession.  The best part about this pattern is that the lace pattern was easy to memorize, even for me.  So it was good late at night, watching tv knitting.  I also like the way the cowl looks good on both sides.

And the absolute best part, besides the lovely blue color, is the sequins.  I'm a sucker for sparkly things.

This is the first cowl I've knit, and I definitely don't think it will the the last.  Next up, my Allons-y scarf.  Told you it was an obsession.

Iced

Ok so this has been completed for a wee bit now.  But I could never seem to find the time to put the dang thing on while Kev was home and have him take a photo.  We finally managed to today!

Not my best picture...

This was a great first sweater.  I should clarify, I've been making baby sweaters for years, so this was a great first adult sweater.  But I think it would be a perfect project for someone looking to progress past the easy stage of scarves.

I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in a beautiful blackberry color.  Very courageous for someone who always wears shades of gray.  And it goes very nicely with an old Gap scarf I had lying around.  Works nicely as a belt.

As for modifications, I added a bit of length to the sleeves, and to the bottom so it would hit right at my hips.  But I have a real issue with row gauge, so I am not surprised that I had to knit a bit more.  Luckily, I had plenty of yarn.  I have some left over, so I'm thinking of Bella's Mittens.  I do so enjoy themed things!

Next up, a pretty lace cowl in Patons Lace Sequin .  I know it may be out of season, but couldn't resist the sparkle!

Spring Softie

Psst...I've finished Iced.  But we have to wait for photos for that post.  Here instead is Granny Bunny:

Granny Bunny is one of Nana's Bunnies from Vintage Knits for Modern Babies, one of my favorite books for baby knits.  Evy calls her Granny Bunny to distinguish her from the two other bunnies we have in the house (all stuffed).  Turns out, Evy has a thing for bunnies.

I used some left over Frog Tree Alpaca yarn and knit this cutie up in an evening.  She looked lovely and refined in the Easter basket next to the wooden eggs and hand kite we bought from apple n amos.

Sidetracked

I'm still working on Iced, and it's coming along quite nicely, but I got a little sidetracked by these:

Fingerless Mitts from Weekend Knitting.  They are a super easy, quick knit, which make them perfect for gift giving.  These are for my Aunt Mary, who has been very supportive of my parents these past few months (there have been some difficulties, to say the least), and who has been very supportive of my little shop.

I made a pair of these for my mother years ago, and the aforementioned aunt has dropped hints about wanting a pair ever since.  So here they are, in a nice soft, brown heathered wool.

First FO of 2012

Some dear friends of ours are having a baby in February, so of course it was time to bust out the baby knitting!  I started this cardigan in August, as soon as I found out it was baby time.  After hours of searching through baby patterns, I chose Puerperium because of the side buttons.  The sweater is designed for newborns, and the side buttons make dressing baby so much easier.  The sleeves were supposed to be knit using the magic loop method.  I didn't have the needles required to pull off magic loop, so I stashed the sweater in my works-in-progress box, thinking that I would buy the needles at a later date.  Then of course, it was baby shower time and I was without a finished sweater!  I took another look at the pattern and realized that I could easily complete the sleeves using two circulars. 

 I actually had 6 shank buttons that fit the button holes.  Amazing.

Now back to Iced!

Goals...Old & New

Just ignore our red eyes!

Wow.  2012.  Time for my annual New Year's goal setting post.  I set five goals last year, so I'll stick with five this year.

Goal #1: Knit myself a sweater.  I've already started this lovely sweater, so I think I could succeed at this in 2012.

Goal #2:  Be happier.  This will be a goal every year I think.

Goal #3:  Be a more patient mom, and a more patient partner.  This will also most likely reappear next year.

Goal #4:  Knit myself a lace shawl.  I already know which one!  This gorgeous piece from Jane Austen Knits 2011.  Perfect.

Goal #5:  Get fit.  Which for me means being able to do 5 pull-ups, 50 squats, 20 push-ups, and a 2 minute plank.  Phew!

Wondering how I did on last year's goals?  Well, I made two out of five.  I knit a pair of socks, and I knit Kev something (the aforementioned socks).  Two out of five....hmm... 

Here's to five out of five this year!  And I hope all of your goals and dreams come true in this new year :)