Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Nimbus 2009

I have officially finished all the pieces to my first ever sweater, Berroco's cropped cardigan, Nimbus! All that awaits is the seaming. Must do some research-- do I seam with the chunky yarn used in the sweater or a lighter yarn to avoid bulky seams?

Saturday, December 5, 2009

FO: Aestlight Shawl

Winter break!!!! Thank goodness. Yesterday I took one last giant exam, and now, I am blissfully embracing winter break. The Nimbus Sweater pattern is cruising out of my printer as I type.

N and I ventured on to the roof on a blustery San Francisco morning to photograph my latest FO.



FO: Starry Nights
Pattern: Aestlight Shawl by Gudrun Johnston
Yarn: Dream in Color Starry in Purple Paisley (same as the Smooshy, with 2% silver woven in for some sparkle.)
Needles: US 6 circs (knit picks options)

One of my knitting goals for 2009 was to complete a lace shawl. I have two true lace shawls in the works, but they will not be completed by the end of the year. While this shawl is not knit with lace yarn, it is a triangular shawl with two lace charts, so I am calling this one a victory.

As soon as I cast on this DIC Starry, a birthday gift from my little sister, I began scouring the web for sales on Starry. As you may remember, I used my Sonny and Shear Stash Bustin coupon to purchase a skein in a deep chocolatey color called Gothic Rose, which I hope to use on the Multnomah Shawl (free pattern available here.) That was a long roundabout way of saying that I loved working with this yarn, and look forward to working with it again. I like how subtle the silver is. The pictures of skeins online make the yarn look quite sparkly, but in person it is much more understated, which I like better.
I really loved the pattern-- giant garter triangle with a couple easy to follow charts at the end. I would certainly knit this again. A classmate requested one, so you may see another one here in the future. The second chart that comprises the triangular border absolutely flew off the needles in a couple sittings. Very satisfying way to close the project!


Gloomy day makes for dark pictures! Hope you are all enjoying lovely weekends.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Mad Cowl Disease

I got a fever! And the only cure, is more cowls!

Cowls must be the perfect knitting project. Fast, portable, warm, snazzy. They make a great gift and add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Three FO's today- two were birthday presents and one was a random project for myself.

FO: Fair-Isle Cowl
Pattern: improvised
Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy, "Spring Tickle" and Miss Babs Yummy Superwash Sock, "Sunflower"
Needles: US 2 circ's
Started: 11/17/09, Completed: 11/22/09

This was a birthday present for my good friend Sara. As always, the smooshy was AMAZING and I love the Miss Babs Sunflower colorway. This was good practice in fair-isle. I've been working on keeping the stranding looser so the stitches don't pucker. I think I succeeded!

FO: Checkerboard Cowl
Pattern: improvised
Yarn: Lily Chin Park Avenue Printed
Needles: US 6 circ's
Started: 11/13/09, Completed: 11/16/09

This cowl was a birthday present for another good friend, Savilla. It was pretty easy to make, and the results look great. The pattern, if you care to make it yourself, is simple:

CO 150 sts
Row 1-6: K5, P5 around x6 rounds
Row 7-12: P5, K5 around x6 rounds
Repeat these 12 rows for a total of 5 times or until length desired.
BO following knits and purls, weave in ends.

Last FO: Quick and Dirty
Pattern: Crofter's Cowl by Gudrun Johnston
Yarn: Catalina Yarns Baby Silk
Needles: US 8 circ's
Started and Completed: 09/26/09

I love this cowl. I think I grafted it one stitch off; it doesn't line up EXACTLY, but for me it's close enough. I pair it with a classy wool swing coat or just under a sweatshirt. I may or may not have worn it every day for the past few weeks...

It's the winter of the cowl. Time to cast on for more!