Alive and Well

I am alive and have actually been insanely busy these past few weeks. I have been doing lots of dyeing for the store and the sock club. I started working at a different yarn store and had my mom out visiting for a week. I also now have a wedding dress and am getting ready for a quick trip out to Colorado on Saturday to meet with some vendors. Pretty.darn.crazy!

This is what is going with me to the post office today:



I have been able to get a small amount of knitting done these past few weeks. I really want to finish the Jo Sharp vest. Its on US3's and I just stalled on it for too long. I've made alot of progress and am nearing completion!



A few weeks ago I, along with half the knitting world, started a pair of Anemoi mittens. I got all the way through the thumb gusset before I realized I made a booboo back in row 24. Rip, rip, rip! I'll pick these up again soon, since its finally winter in Boston and I could really use these!



I'll try to be a better blogger these next few weeks. Here is a pretty picture to make up for my absence :)

Little White Lie

So, I really have been very busy these past few weeks.. but, not busy enough to keep the needles away! Behold, completed surprise project #1. You'll have to go check out Alison's blog for more information on the special occassion. But, here it is, The Babykid Ruffles Shawl:




And, a blocking picture just so you can see what it really looks like...



Pattern: Babykid Shawl by Lana Grossa
Yarn: 6 balls Lana Grossa Babykid in pale pink
Measurements: Approx. 25" by 60", excluding ruffle
Started: December 3, 2006
Finished: January 8, 2007
Other Details: This was a nice project and I loved making the ruffles believe it or not! This project is knit on a US9 FYI.

Here is completed surprise project #2. Yes, its a monkey! This is the only picture I took of Lola (I had to name it, right?!), before it was gifted, so it will have to make do...



Pattern: Cheeky Monkey from Zoe Moeller's Knitted Toys
Yarn: Cascade 220 SW in #808 and #831, Rowan Cashsoft DK in a pale champagne pink color, Dale Baby Ull (used doubled) in white, Black felt
Measurements: This is a huge ass monkey! I didn't measure it before I gave it away, but it definitely came out a bigger than the pattern measurements. I used a US3 rather than a US2.
Started: December 25, 2006
Finished: January 13, 2007
Other Details: This was super fun to knit and came out so cute in the end. There was alot of face shaping that was easliy noticed with the peachy pink colored yarn I used, but its just too cute to care! I am so done knitting with pink and red for a while!

Old And New

Life has been rather crazy this past week or so between starting my taxes, dyeing yarn, some major wedding planning, yada, yada. The only major thing that I have managed to work on was a frogging job on the double knit hat... Ever since my one kitty managed to pull a few stitches down a gazillion rows, I have had little desire to knit this. So, it will be something else someday. I really do love the concept of double knitting and am excited that I learned the technique. Another time, another place, another project...



And, Malabrigo! *Jumping up and down* The pefect yarn for my latest scarf project. A Knitsmiths pal, Nancy, brought some of this back from her latest trip to Halcyon. Since I was ooing and ahhing over the color, she offered it up to me. Um, yeah! After toying with a few other patterns, I ended up with the Here and there Scarf from Scarf Style. Perfect!



Now I just need to get knitt'in!

Happy 2007!

HAPPY 2007!!! This is the first picture of the year for us...



And for the yarn as well! Go check out today's update.




**The colors posted above (for those who were asking) are Costa Rica and Sweet Pea (top row), and Tundra and XOXO (bottom row). Tundra is sold out, but I'll be doing more in the near future :)

And, if you haven't signed up already and are still interested in the Sunshine Yarns Sock club, please email me! There are still a few spots left, but sign-ups are most likely going to close within the next few days!

2007 Gallery

Pattern: Babykid Shawl by Lana Grossa
Yarn: 6 balls Lana Grossa Babykid in pale pink
Measurements: Approx. 25" by 60", excluding ruffle
Started: December 3, 2006
Finished: January 8, 2007
Other Details: This was a nice project and I loved making the ruffles believe it or not! This project is knit on a US9 FYI.
Blog Entry: Little White Lie!




Pattern: Cheeky Monkey from Zoe Moeller's Knitted Toys
Yarn: Cascade 220 SW in #808 and #831, Rowan Cashsoft DK in a pale champagne pink color, Dale Baby Ull (used doubled) in white, Black felt
Measurements: This is a huge ass monkey! I didn't measure it before I gave it away, but it definitely came out a bigger than the pattern measurements. I used a US3 rather than a US2.
Started: December 25, 2006
Finished: January 13, 2007
Other Details: See post for details!
Blog Entry: Little White Lie!




Pattern: V-Neck Vest from Jo Sharp Knit 1
Yarn: 6 balls Alpaca Silk Georgette in Kelp
Measurements: I started off with the smallest size for the rib, and then increased up to the 36" chest size
Started: August 26, 2006
Finished: February 18, 2007
Other Details: I changed a few things about this pattern. First off, I started out with the smallest size and increased up to the medium size. I added about 1.5" in length to the body after the rib ends. I also did a three needle bind off for the shoulders and picked up less stitches around the neck (I ended up with about 180 instead of 210).
Blog Entry: See My Vest




Pattern: Anemoi Mittens by Eunny Jang
Yarn: Matchmaker 4 ply in 661 and 754
Measurements: Medium
Started: January 3, 2007
Finished: February 19, 2007
Other Details: I absolutely loved knitting these! I learned how to properly knit Fair Isle and how to do a tubular cast on.
Blog Entry: Spread The Warmth




Pattern: Just a basic 3x1 rib sock with a short-row heel
Yarn: Colinette Cadenza
Measurements: Made to fit a women's US8.5
Started: January 8, 2007
Finished: March 12, 2007
Other Details: I CO 44 stitches on a US4 (Inox 40" for magic loop). If I did these again, I would have started with 40 stitches.
Blog Entry: And Finally




Pattern: Sunday Brunch Jacket from the Sublime Little Handknit Book
Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft dk #506
Measurements: 1 year old size
Started: March 9, 2007
Finished: March 21, 2007
Other Details: See post!
Blog Entry: Brunch It In Style




Yarn: Blue Sky Organic Cotton
Measurements: 3-4 year old size
Started: March 24, 2007
Finished: March 28, 2007
Other Details: See post!
Blog Entry: A Quickie




Pattern: Football from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Debbie Bliss cashmerino dk in light blue, Premiere cotton in tahki color and leftovers of DB cashmerino dk in white
Measurements: 6-12 month size
Started: April 2, 2007
Finished: April 3, 2007
Other Details: I didn't understand the instructions for the top loopy sprout thing, so I just made my own "tassle pom pom". I also went down to a US6 since I used a slightly thinner yarn.
Blog Entry: My New Obsession




Pattern: Cherry-o! from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Rowan Handknit cotton in white and green, Debbie Bliss cotton dk in red
Measurements: I think I did the 6-12 month size
Started: April 3, 2007
Finished: April 4, 2007
Other Details: The Handknit cotton has some sweet ass row gauge, so this hat took only about an hour to knit (not including the top details).
Blog Entry: My New Obsession




Pattern: Basic Hat from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Artful Yarns Candy #9352
Measurements: 6 month size
Started: April 4, 2007
Finished: April 5, 2007
Other Details: I was never too intrigued by this yarn until I found this vintage looking colorway at the Fabric Place last week. Who knew that the Fabric Place had yarn?!
Blog Entry: My New Obsession




Pattern: Ribbons from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: The brown is Zara #1663, the green is Rowan Cashsoft dk
Measurements: The green is a 0-6 month size, the brown is 6-12 month
Started: April 5, 2007
Finished: April 9, 2007
Other Details: See post!
Blog Entry: My New Obsession




Pattern: Rosebud from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Rowan Handknit cotton in #263, various leftovers for flowers and leaves
Measurements: 0-6 month size
Started: April 8, 2007
Finished: April 15, 2007
Other Details: Absolutely adorable! LOTS of extras for this one, and believe it or not, I did it all myself! It took a few movies to get it all done, but it is really worth it in the end
Blog Entry: Hats - Take 2




Pattern: Bunny Tail from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Debbie Bliss cashmerino dk in natural, some beautiful buttery colored organza ribbon from the Paper Source
Measurements: 0-6 month size
Started: April 8, 2007
Finished: April 9, 2007
Other Details: Such a cute one! I was thinking about changing up the colors, but am glad I stuck with the off-white. I did not add the pom pom to the back.
Blog Entry: Hats - Take 2




Pattern: Cotton Stria Stripes from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Manos Cotton Stria in various leftover shades of blues, greens and white
Measurements: 6-12 month size
Started: April 8, 2007
Finished: April 10, 2007
Other Details: My gauge came out a bit bigger (4.5 sts/1" rather than 5 sts/1"), so the hat is really more like a 1-2 year old size. No problem though since this hat was for no one in particular.
Blog Entry: Hats - Take 2




Pattern: Olive You! from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Rowan Kid Classic #828, leftovers in DB cotton dk (red) and Rowan Cashsoft dk in green (leftover from the ribbons hat)
Measurements: 0-6 month size
Started: April 11, 2007
Finished: April 12, 2007
Other Details: So super cute, but lots of details! I made some real full pompoms rather than the little sprouts
Blog Entry: Hats - Take 2




Pattern: Little Pumpkin from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Rowan cashsoft dk #510, Premiere cotton in brown and Rowan handknit cotton in green
Measurements: 0-6 month size
Started: April 12, 2007
Finished: April 14, 2007
Other Details: Very cute! I'm made the Ann Norling pumpkins before, and this one was a nice change!
Blog Entry: Hats - Take 2




Pattern: Upside-down Daisy from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Debbie Bliss cotton dk in periwinkle, Rowan handknit cotton in white and green
Measurements: 0-6 month size
Started: April 15, 2007
Finished: April 17, 2007
Other Details: One of my favorites! This took no time at all :)
Blog Entry: The Final Chapter




Pattern: Painted Turtle from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Manos Cotton Stria in #206 orange, other cotton stria leftovers used for turtles and embroidery
Measurements: 6-12 month size
Started: April 13, 2007
Finished: April 19, 2007
Other Details: Scott and I are a bit obsessed with turtles. I think this one is going to have to wait it out in "the drawer" for our little ones someday :)
Blog Entry: The Final Chapter




Pattern: Candy Cane from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic in red and white
Measurements: Newborn size
Started: April 17, 2007
Finished: April 21, 2007
Other Details: I think I liked this one more in the book than in person. Its cute, but I think I would use wool yarn next time.
Blog Entry: The Final Chapter




Pattern: Marshmallow Bonnet from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft dk #800, some leftovers in pink
Measurements: 0-6 month size
Started: April 15, 2007
Finished: April 22, 2007
Other Details: Very cute, but a little too girly for me. This will make a great gift, even though I sewed the turning row to the wrong side. I ended up adding a crocheted chain to the eyelets to make it all better :) Thanks to my elephant, Ellie, I had something to model it on!
Blog Entry: The Final Chapter




Pattern: Ribbons from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft dk #809
Measurements: 0-6 month size
Started: April 25, 2007
Finished: April 26, 2007
Other Details: I can't get enough of these ribbon hats!
Blog Entry: The Final Chapter




Pattern: Bonbon from RYC Mother and Baby
Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft in #809
Measurements: 3-6 month size
Started: April 15, 2007
Finished: April 29, 2007
Other Details: So super cute and a very quick knit! Less than 2 balls of Cashsoft needed! Thanks again to Cassie for providing the yarn :)
Blog Entry: More Baby Love




Pattern: Montego Bay Scarf from Interweave Summer 2007
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk in Moss
Measurements: 7" by 70" after blocking
Started: May 15, 2007
Finished: June 1, 2007
Other Details: I used a US7 rather than an 8 since it was all I had available. I had probably 30 yards of the yarn leftover, but am happy I ended it when I did since it has since stretched out a bit. Love it!
Blog Entry: Simple Love




Pattern: Flirty Ruffles Shawl by Fiddlesticks Knitting
Yarn: Jade Sapphire Lacey Lamb in Natural
Measurements: About 76" across the top edge and 45" down the center
Started: May 15, 2007
Finished: July 27, 2007
Other Details: See post!
Blog Entry: The Wedding Shawl




Pattern: Monkey Socks by Cookie A., published on Knitty
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns in Neapolitan
Measurements: Made to fit my sockpal!
Started: May 25, 2007
Finished: August 30, 2007
Other Details: I used an Inox 40" 2.5mm and added two repeats to the leg!
Blog Entry: Behind The Wagon




Pattern: Geordie Stripe Yoke Jacket from Natural Knits for Babies and Moms by Louisa Harding
Yarn: Pachuko Organic cotton in natural and green
Measurements: 18 month size
Started: September 1, 2007
Finished: Septeember 9, 2007
Other Details: See post!
Blog Entry: A Quick Little Guy




Pattern: Zoo from RYC Mother and Baby
Yarn: Rowan Cashcotton 4ply in 900, 903 and 904
Measurements: 6-12 month size
Started: April 24, 2007
Finished: September 17, 2007
Other Details: See post!
Blog Entry: Ready For The Zoo




Pattern: Hemlock Ring Blanket by Brooklyn Tweed
Yarn: Cascade Ecological Wool #8025, approximately 1.5 skeins
Needles: Addi Natura 32" US10
Measurements: 48" diameter
Started: September 14, 2007
Finished: September 20, 2007
Other Details: See post!
Blog Entry: Hemlock Ring




Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn Clark; Interweave Knits Fall 2006
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns Sunsilk in Mushroom
Needles: Addi 24" US4 (3.5mm)
Measurements: 45" across top edge, 23" down center
Started: September 27, 2007
Finished: October 3, 2007
Other Details: The different lace patterns keep this project moving! The lace bobbles are really beautiful, though not the easiest thing to make when you have to purl 5 together. I would invest in a set of Addi Lace needles for this project just for the sharp tips.
Blog Entry: Swallowtail




Pattern: Foliage from Knitty; by Emilee Mooney
Yarn: Malabrigo Chunky in Olive #56
Needles: US 9 and 10 DPNs
Measurements: Women's
Started: October 8, 2007
Finished: October 9, 2007
Other Details: I knit this down a needles size since I have a small head. The lace pattern doesn't stretch out as much on me, but it still looks great :)
Blog Entry: Inspired By Fall




Pattern: Sheldon by Ruth Homrighaus
Yarn: Knitpicks Shine Sport in Grass and Green Apple
Needles: Brittany DPN's in US3 (3.25mm)
Measurements: Approximately 9" long
Started: September 10, 2007
Finished: November 7, 2007
Other Details: The main body and shell went quick, but I had a hard time getting myself to make the legs and put it all together. Its so super cute, totally worth the effort!
Blog Entry: Turtles Rule




Pattern: Petal Bibs from One Skein book by Leigh Radford
Yarn: Rowan Handknit cotton in 316, 305 and 314
Needles: Addi US 6
Measurements: One size
Started: November 27, 2007
Finished: December 1, 2007
Other Details: So cute! Really quick and interesting. You can easily do one of these a night.
Blog Entry: Flower Power




Pattern: Flower Cardigan in Itty Bitty Nursery by Susan B. Anderson
Yarn: Manos Cotton Stria in (crap, I lost the yarn labels), I think it was Denim for the main color
Needles: Addi US 5
Measurements: An approximate 1-2 size
Started: October 1, 2007
Finished: December 3, 2007
Other Details: See Post!
Blog Entry: Flower Power




Pattern: Design Source Collections Four Seasons Throws
Yarn: Manos Wool, 15 skeins total; 119 was the variegated color and the solids were 11, 14, 30, 37 and 64
Needles: Addi US 9
Measurements: Approximately 45" by 70"
Started: February 24, 2007
Finished: November 30, 2007
Other Details: Each color has a different stitch pattern - which kept the project interesting. You knit this in strips so it is much easier to manage while knitting. Seaming the strips together wasn't easy, especially the third strip, but its totally worth it in the end.
Blog Entry: Manos Love




Pattern: A basic 1x1 ribbed hat with 96 stitches on a US7.
Yarn: Jasper in an unknown colorway
Needles: Addi US 7
Measurements: About a 19.5 circumference unstretched (will fit an average men's head)
Started: December 10, 2007
Finished: December 14, 2007
Other Details: You need about a 120 yards of worsted weight yarn
Blog Entry: Perfect Timing




Pattern: Eyelet Baby Blanket from Blue Sky Alpacas; design by Leslie Scanlon
Yarn: Blue Sky Organic Cotton in #80 and #602
Needles: Addi US 9
Measurements: About 28" by 25" without the ruffle
Started: December 5, 2007
Finished: December 18, 2007
Other Details: See post for more information
Blog Entry: Full Of Merriment




Pattern: My own creation
Yarn: Manos Wool #73, a muted sage or celery green
Needles: Addi US 9
Measurements: To fit a small-medium sized cat. My cat is 7.5lbs and has a circ of 14.5-15"
Started: December 23, 2007
Finished: December 23, 2007
Other Details: I used about 2/3rds of a ball of Manos
Blog Entry: The Cat's Meow