I've been holding off posting this project because it's a gift for a friend. Two of my college roommates are expecting and one lives in Virginia Beach. I received an invitation to her shower a couple weeks ago and seriously considered trying to attend. Though that did not work out, I did want to make a special gift for the new addition.
I've been going to the local yarn shop pretty frequently. What's really cool is that there are knitted projects all over the place with the pattern and yarn right next to the project. I hoped to find a quick, but cute, baby blanket to whip up over a weekend since I also wanted to mail the gift in time for the shower.
I found exactly what I was looking for. I should have reviewed the registry to I knew what color scheme my friend was doing in the nursery, but instead I made my best guess with what I thought was a beautiful green color. My grandma informed me the color was "gross". I think it's awesome.
I knit most of the blanket in the car while traveling to my parent's house for Thanksgiving and finished it quickly thereafter. The name of the blanket was something like "The 8-hour Blanket". I should have timed myself but I'm sure it didn't take me much longer than the 8 hours suggested in the title.
The pattern book I bought had 6 or 7 other patterns available so I'm excited to try others in the future. The yarn was beautiful and very reasonable considered it required 4 skeins. Here's a look at the finished product:
It's a pretty simple ribbing pattern but I think it will be just right for my new little friend :)
I joined a group on Ravelry to knit an Advent Scarf starting tomorrow and running through Christmas. The goal is to keep up and do the required knitting each day to finish it on time. It's a lace pattern and each day is released one at a time. This will be my first time knitting lace so we'll see how it goes!
Happy December, Everyone!
The other day I went to the yarn store to purchase some lace yarn for an upcoming project. While waiting for my yarn to be wound I started wandering around and came across a large basket with bags of yarns. In each bag was five skeins of yarn and a simple pattern labeled "Mystery Scarf." I was totally intrigued..."so, you just do this easy pattern with the yarns?" Someone had put together each of the bags selecting yarns that went together, more or less. The samples looked awesome so I decided to get one. It took me a long time to decide between the one I picked and another more colorful one. I may have to go back...
Here are the yarns that came in my packet placed in the order I wanted to knit them. They were also all different textures and thickness. The pattern was simply to cast on 140 stitches (I increased to 170) and then knit each row. I did five rows of each yarn and came out to a pretty good width. Any other scarf I've ever done has knit the width back and forth, but this one knit the length.
This is a picture of my scarf all scrunched onto one of my circular needles. You can start to see the stripes as I worked up and down the length of the scarf.
I like how different this scarf is - it's a little ugly, but that's what makes it cool. I said to my husband: What do you think of my scarf?! His response: Oh yeah, that's...different... Interpretation - he doesn't like it.
I think I'll wear it mostly with black. The yarns were actually a steal - the pack was $35 for the five yarns and I probably have enough leftover to make one more with what I have. Plus, the yarn is beautiful, unique and from a local shop. I'm sure I would struggle attempting to recreate on my own, those I have surprised myself recently with my creative genius. Overall, a successful weekend of knitting projects!
Here's a closer look at the different yarns used:
We had a pretty open weekend so I decided to make Miss Ava's birthday owl while I had the time. Third time's a charm! When I made my Duffers several weeks ago I learned a new cast on method that joins the yarn together. I decided to use that for the owls as it then reduces the finish time. Instead of having to sew up a whole side hoping the stitches match up, I just have to bind off the needles with the kitchener stitch.
This method also allows me to use just one needle instead of two. A while back I ordered new cables. The one I used was 60 inches and worked out just right for being able to utilize the magic loop method with the number of stitches I had to work with.
The more owls I make, the easier and better they become. I was also able to make better eyes more easily - which is the hardest part on my hands - with my longer cable needles.
It was a bit of a challenge to sew up the side of the owl while also trying to stuff and shape it. I've gotten a lot better with the kitchener stitch so that looks nice and didn't take me as long as in the past. Here's the finished product:
These guys are so silly I look at them and just laugh! Now that I've made three of them, there was definitely something amiss with Miss Abigail's owl. That one ended up much taller than the other two and the only thing I can think is that I cast on extra stitches. Check out the differences:
Obviously not a huge deal, but still puzzling to figure out what went on there! Oh man, these are too awesome...
I have a long list of other projects to be working on. I also signed up to do a Christmas Advent scarf for myself which I am very excited about. The pattern releases a "clue" each day starting December 1. I only hope I can keep up and figure out the lace patterns!
Yes, it's been a while. I was a knitting machine and then there was a lull there for a bit but I'm back! Here's what I've been up to...
I went to another class on knitting socks on two circular needles. So fun! I just finished the first one so when I have time I'll complete the set.
Here's the look after class one. I have previously knit using two circular needles so I was familiar with the technique. We cast on and I completed my cuff then began working on the leg portion. What's fun about making your own socks is that you can design them for yourself. I prefer longer socks so I was able to make these to my liking. I tried them on a few times to be sure they would fit me...
Looking good! Sometimes my cats help me knit...today it was Mr. Oktoberfest.
Just getting ready to tie off the toe...let's see if it's a fit -
AWESOME! And what a fun design the yarn I selected made :) After finishing this one I absolutely want to work on the mate so I can start wearing my hand-knit socks.
I also finished up on a scarf for my mom this morning. What else is in queue? I received 6 button scarf orders (completed one below) and a back ordered beer cozy. I also have a few Christmas gift ideas brewing...
