Knitting Sunshine

Change of Address

2008-06-08T12:54:00.000-04:00

http://www.sunshineyarns.com/blog

Come on over!

A Quick Hello

2008-05-27T11:28:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone had a relaxing long weekend! Knitting to come soon - but for now, a pretty flower picture from the Chicago Botanical Gardens taken almost a year ago!

I posted lots of new yarn this morning in the store. Its a "Spring Fling" post with all flower colorways, go check it out!

Squares Are Everywhere

2008-05-20T11:34:00.003-04:00

Chugging along.... almost there!

Swallowtail Take 2

2008-05-13T14:10:00.008-04:00

This is just one of those lace patterns that I'll probably knit a dozen times. It goes quick; with the perfect amount of row repeats and changes in charts. Smooth lace needles and some lovely silk just make my day. I love the Swallowtail.

Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn Clark; Interweave Knits Fall 2006
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns Sunsilk in Sprout
Needles: Addi 32" US4 (3.5mm)
Measurements: 45" across top edge, 23" down center
Started: May 2, 2008
Finished: May 10, 2008
Other Details: Just as fun as the first time! This one however, wasn't for me - it was a birthday present for a friend I work with :)

Come and Gone

2008-05-09T16:01:00.011-04:00

Still busy, still knitting late at night! Last weekend we took a road trip down to New Jersey and Pennsylvania to see Scott's dad and to attend super-friend Taryn's baby shower. We had a great time seeing good friends and family; and now I can finally reveal some of my latest knitted works.

I had this idea early on to make some "Lehigh" colored things for the baby. I'm picturing their little one at their first football game this fall....

Pattern: Classic Cardigan by Debbie Bliss; published in Essential Baby
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, color #011, 3 balls
Needles: Addi circular 3.0mm and 3.25mm
Measurements: 3-6 month size, 19" chest
Started: April 10, 2008
Finished: May 1, 2008
Other Details: So, so cute! I added about a half inch to the body length and sleeves.

I needed a beautiful baby blanket to go along with everything else. Of course all I had to do was open on of my favorite books, Itty Bitty Nursery, by Susan B. Anderson. Susan got it right again; a simple easy to knit design, with gorgeous and unique details. I was in a bit of a time crunch last week trying to finish this up.. Lots of late night knitting, and then hours and hours the night before and morning of the shower to finish up the embroidery (please people, leave yourself more than eight hours to do the circles). After knitting like crazy and doubting the chocolate brown in there all darn week, the final product - well, I love it.

Pattern: Circles and Stripes Baby Blanket by Susan B. Anderson; published in Itty Bitty Nursery
Yarn: Blue Sky Organic Cotton colors #81, #80 and #621
Needles: Addi cicular US8
Measurements: One size; around a 34" square
Started: April 22, 2008
Finished: May 3, 2008
Other Details: I didn't knit each block seperately; I did two strips and seamed them together. The border went quicker than I thought overall, and took more yarn than stated in the pattern. I used about 3.5 balls of Sand #81, and two balls of each of the other two. Don't skip out on the embroidery, it really makes it special :)

And, some final pictures - many of the knitted gifts that made their way into Taryn's hands:

Making good use of all that orange paper:

Random Picture Wednesday

2008-04-30T12:39:00.002-04:00

No knitting news = secret knitting + very little knitting time. I know I promised a seaming tutorial to a few people, but its going to have to wait until next week. The crappy rain made good pictures nearly impossible, and we are heading out of town for a few days coming up.

I'll leave you with some pretty stuff - Some newly acquired handspun sock yarn from Julie on Ravelry...

Some new pretty Paper Source wrapping paper!

Soma, on daddy's shoulder -

Up For Air

2008-04-26T20:11:00.003-04:00

Whoosh! Just like that, a couple of weeks have come and gone. The store has been keeping me insanely busy, but I'm enjoying each and every yarny moment. Thank you so much to everyone who visited Sunshine Yarns this week; you make this all possible!

I have another update coming this Tuesday, April 29th at 11am EST. More Harry Potter inspired colorways (like last week), and some new Sunsilk colors...

The past couple of weeks have been especially amazing weatherwise. Finally, I can dye outside again, and let the sun and cool ocean breeze do its stuff to get this yarn dry. Man, I love Spring in Boston.

Felted Tweed Hats

2008-04-20T09:32:00.008-04:00

Remember this picture? The amazing Felted Tweed found its match with these very easy, and very manly beanie hats. Scott did manage to wear his before the weather turned to Spring here in Boston. The other two hats haven't made it to their homes yet, but will at some point soon. Thanks so much to Alison and Nancy for the little bits of leftovers!

All three; all done.

Scott modeling his hat-

Pattern: Striped Beanie by Martin Storey; published in Rowan Knitting For Him
Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed in color #153, 147, 154, 141, 155 and 133
Needles: Addi 16" circulars US4 and US5
Measurements: About 19" unstretched
Started: March 20, 2008
Finished: April 10, 2008
Other Details: The yarn really makes these hats! The plethora of fabulous colors make it really hard to knit just one.

Time For Me

2008-04-11T09:31:00.002-04:00

A break from all the baby knitting - time for something for me!

Yes, it's the first half of a Clapotis, all rolled up in a ball. The yarn is Artyarns Regal Silk in a delicious combination of orange, red, bricks, and grays.

Have a happy weekend everyone!

And Again

2008-04-10T12:02:00.007-04:00

Here is another one of my long lost FO's. I had been waiting to post this one with the hopes that there would be a cute matching Elefante to go along with the blanket - but no, I just didn't have it in me!

All machine washed and ready to go -

The back even looks pretty cool with all the seamed ridges -

Pattern: Garter Stitch Baby Blanket in Baby Knits for Beginner's, by Debbie Bliss
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran #102, 015, 002, 502, 011, 006, and 010 (1 ball of each color)
Needles: US8, I ended up using DPN's since the blocks were so small!
Measurements: About a 23" square after washing
Started: January 26, 2008
Finished: February 2, 2008
Other Details: This was my second time knitting this blanket (the first one is pictured here), and I just can't get enough! Its a great way to play with lots of beautiful colors, and it really goes by super quick (don't get overwhelmed by the 56 squares, they are only 3")!

Random Wednesday

2008-04-09T11:20:00.003-04:00

I never made it out to Colorado last week due to another attack of the sick bug. This time was bad, but the good news is, I am once again on the mend. My mom had made me these totally cute bags, which she sent home with poor Scott (he unfortunately had to still make the trek for work related reasons). Thank you so much mom, I love them all!

In other news, I want you all to go check out Knitters For Knockers, a knitting inspired Komen Race for the Cure team! When a knitter donates, they will enter your name into a drawing for every $5 increment. You can see all the prizes (including some Sunshine Yarns) and make donations online by going to the team's blog. Way to go guys!

At Last

2008-04-02T11:44:00.006-04:00

Finally, some loveable knits I started way back when...

Pattern: Teddy Bear from Simply Baby, by Debbie Bliss
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in #102
Needles: Addi circulars US3
Measurements: He's about 14" long
Started: February 8, 2008
Finished: March 22, 2008
Other Details: This teddy is knit in lots of pieces! The seaming was fun, but getting the arms and legs on there "evenly" was the big challenge. The only change I made was to just embroider on the eyes and nose rather than use felted pieces.

After seeing this on Susan's blog, I just knew I had to make one. Lucky for me, I had the two neutral colors already in my leftover bin. Picking out the other colors at my LYS was so much fun!

Pattern: Giacomo's Baby Hat from The Purl Bee
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Sportweight Alpaca in #004 light tan, #500 natural, and #307 Turqoise. For the darker Teal I used Frog Tree Alpaca Sportweight color #63
Needles: Addi 16" circulars US4 and US5
Measurements: 15" circumference, unstretched
Started: March 18, 2008
Finished: March 22, 2008
Other Details: I don't think my fair-isle came out all too well with the alpaca - each time I put it down my stranding changed slightly. I have so much of the blues to make more hats, yipee!

One more cute picture for today-

28

2008-04-01T10:23:00.006-04:00

Thank you so much for all your good thoughts before the wisdom teeth removal on Friday. Sue - you had me chanting 10 minutes, 2 days, 10 minutes, 2 days, the whole morning before I went in! The waiting part the few days before is almost the worst of it. The procedure went well, though I would NEVER do it again without being sedated. Let's just say, nobody should be a witness to all the horrible sounds I heard going on in my mouth. But alas, I had very little swelling and have been doing fine on just Motrin, marshmallows, oatmeal and sorbet. It's amazing what gets us by, you know?! Now there are only 28 - it sounds sad.

On Saturday, I started a new project with some yummy yarn (there is that darn word again)! It took me a few years, but my first Clapotis is in the making. Still, I need to catch up on some FO's from the last couple of weeks.... Tomorrow, there will be pics :)

More Baby Love

2008-03-27T18:59:00.007-04:00

It never stops over here - more cute finished baby knits:

This one also went to the birthday girl. I've heard the mama talk about this scarf for years, how could I resist?!

Pattern: Cherry Scarf by Martin Storey; published in Jaeger JB29 (a truely must have book)
Yarn: Knitpicks Bare SW Worsted, red and green leftovers
Needles: Addi circulars US6
Measurements: 6" wide by 32" long
Started: March 3, 2008
Finished: March 15, 2008
Other Details: I only did three cherry pom poms on each end rather than four (that is what fit)!

Gah, I still am so behind on finished projects to post! I have a few more finished baby knits, plus some manly man hats to still go. I'll be moderately out of commission the next few days (those wisdom teeth are making their way out of my mouth tomorrow afternoon). Happy weekend everyone and see you next week!

Peace Baby

2008-03-26T08:24:00.005-04:00

The latest in cute baby knit designs - Peace Baby by Anny Purls. Have you seen her totally cute new shop yet?!

I really enjoyed this knit. I started and finished it last month but wanted to wait until it made it in the hands of the little birthday girl.

Pattern: Peace Baby by Anny Purls; you can find the pattern here
Yarn: Knitpicks Swish in Ballerina, Aloe and Natural
Needles: Addi circulars US6
Measurements: 18-24 month size
Started: February 8, 2008
Finished: February 28, 2008
Other Details: I added a little extra length to the body, since it seemed short in comparison to the arms.

Yummy

2008-03-25T14:24:00.002-04:00

Scott pointed out that I say "yummy" all the time in reference to yarn. Who knew?!

Some yummy pictures for today:

Still Cold Here

2008-03-21T11:28:00.003-04:00

Boston in March - we've got a crazy windy day, with temperatures in the teens. A perfect day to start knitting with this warm and tweedy yarn....

Moving Right Along...

2008-03-20T11:16:00.003-04:00

Thank you all so much for your good thoughts! I am almost back to normal - I still have some lingering stuff in my head and chest, but for the most part, all is well!

I've been busy getting caught up these last few days. When you spend 10 days living on the couch and hardly moving, errands, bills, grocery lists, and work stuff starts to pile up! I have bunches of finished projets to show you as well, but those will have to wait a few more days. For now, a new project I started last night....

Back to the Land of the Living

2008-03-17T09:16:00.002-04:00

The last 10 days have been complete misery - but the good news is, I'm heading uphill and can finally knit and dye again.

This weekend I was inspired to knit something green, for St. Patty's Day! Instead of starting a new project, I was a good girl, and pulled out an old one..

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!

I also have to give a big congratulations to my mom and dad, its their 29th anniversary today!! Wishing you many more wonderful years together :)

Birthday Remains

2008-03-04T10:10:00.007-05:00

Thank you all so much for the wonderful Birthday wishes! I had a fabulous long weekend full of celebration... You only turn 7 once, or I suppose in my case, twice :)

We went to a hockey game with family and friends - (Yes, my totally cute and dorky husband had my name put up on the scoreboard)!

I apparently played my first game of Quiddich (for all you HP fans out there). My cousin Peter rocks the photoshop!

My wonderful, and super-crafty, friends surprised me with fabric-y gifts... Thank you so much Alison, for the, already filled, fabric bowl! I love, love the yummy blues and the totally unique design :)

And Johanna, for my new favorite bag! I've been eyeing up this pattern for some time - its the one from Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts, just in case you are wondering. Thank you so much Johanna... I love it :)

Ahh, so life is getting back to some normalcy this week. I'll be doing some natural dyeing, finishing up a few more baby knits, and hmm, I'll be getting a root canal tomorrow. Wish me luck! xoxo

Seven

2008-02-29T08:27:00.006-05:00

One of the best parts of my birthday, has got to be the cards.... (ooooh, and frosting)

Yummy Blues

2008-02-27T17:31:00.002-05:00

A little something for a little cutie patootie - she happened to have a rough week last week and, I think, needs some pretty blue knitty love....

Pattern: Baby Shrug from Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran #010 and #202
Needles: Addi circulars US7 and US8
Measurements: 12-18 month size, 25" chest (very generous sizing)
Started: February 18, 2008
Finished: February 24, 2008
Other Details: Very cute with the contrasting rib! The sizings are very generous - I think the 12-18 month size will fit up to a 3-4 year old.

Change is Pretty Cool

2008-02-22T11:25:00.002-05:00

You really can't go wrong when cream of tartar is on your shopping list - not for cooking, but for natural dyeing.. The fun has begun!

Happy Feet

2008-02-20T10:23:00.002-05:00

I've been slowly stocking up on these amazing lil' shoes for a few special people who will be having wee ones this year. I was sorting through my pictures and came across a few from one of Johanna's craft fairs last fall. Look at all those colors! The football ones are a favorite of mine. My little cousin Kenny is sporting a pair of those along with his Giants hat I made... Remember that?!

Around and Around

2008-02-13T16:37:00.003-05:00

I envisioned a 2-3 year old going pumpkin or apple picking in this. Or maybe just romping around in the leaves - fall colors just make me smile.

For such a quick knit, it took me way too long to complete. I had most of this done a few months ago; the last sleeve was finally finished the other day. A little friend of mine tried it on at Knitsmiths this past Sunday and it looked so cute - now for the Acorn Hat!

Pattern: Child's Pinwheel Sweater by Shelley Mackey
Yarn: Knitpicks Swish in Sunshine, Aloe, Dublin, Jade, Copper, Fired Brick and Truffle
Needles: Addi circulars US8
Measurements: To fit a 6 months - 3 year old
Started: December 21, 2001
Finished: February 10, 2008
Other Details: The directions are a bit spotty when you get to the armholes, but otherwise it was an easy pattern that goes quick with all the colors changes!

A Cozy Morning

2008-02-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

My apartment on a cold Saturday - yarn ends galore, soaking the Koigu, a mountain of silk lace:

I'm trying to sort out some of my stash yarns today that need to be color adjusted. I picked up some lime green Koigu Kersti and the pinky peach KPPPM from Lisa in the last Knitsmiths swap. The colors are beautiful, but just aren't me. Some overdyeing should do the trick!

Wintery Obsession

2008-02-07T12:52:00.000-05:00

I couldn't quit. The entire month of January, I was totally and utterly addicted to Koigu. The small amount of knitting time I had, was all happy knitting - I loved watching each stitch, change from one color to the next.

These are going to be some lucky babies, checkout the latest getup:

Isn't it adorable?! If I were a baby, I would want to rock out (or poop) in these pants...

For those of you who want some super cute baby pants, you can find the pattern on Alison's blog. Isn't her wee one just too cute in the pinkie ones?

Pattern: Baby Bell Bottoms by Alison
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM # in an unreadable color
Needles: Addi and Inox 3.25mm circulars
Measurements: To fit a 3-6 month old
Started: January 10, 2008
Finished: January 28, 2008
Other Details: My gauge was a bit off with the Koigu, but not by much. I followed the 6 month sizing and ended up with a 3-6 month size. The only change I made was to knit the legs in the round using magic loop.

And the cutie bonnet....

Pattern: Top Down Bonnet by Hello Yarn
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM in an unreadable color
Needles: 3.25mm, I forgot what needles I used
Measurements: To fit a 0-6 month old
Started: January 14, 2008
Finished: January 20, 2008
Other Details: My gauge was a bit off with the Koigu (more than the pants). I'm thinking this hat will be more for a 0-3 month old, but with no babies to try it on, we'll have to wait until it gets gifted to see!

All in all, these projects used less than 2 skeins of Koigu! I probably could have done the next size up on at least the pants and been okay. Isn't it amazing how far it goes? Up next, darning...

Accio Knit-Bloggers!

2008-01-29T14:04:00.000-05:00

Some of the new Harry Potter inspired colorways that are now up in the shop:

From top to bottom: Ravenclaw stripe (book colors), Slytherin stripe, Umbridge, Dumbledore, Golden Snitch, Accio Firebolt, Dark Forest, Gillyweed, Horcrux and Phoenix...

A Very Happy Day

2008-01-25T15:06:00.000-05:00

I feel so renewed, so overly excited - like I need to jump up and down and run around in the street! I'm so happy to finally be able share my new home with you..... what do you think?!

More on the new site later next week!

I Heart KPPPM

2008-01-21T16:03:00.000-05:00

My latest knitting obsession has been Koigu. This is a big step for me; Koigu is normally my - keep in skein, do not knit, its too pretty, hold onto forever - kind of yarn.

Here is what three skeins can do. I think it was worth it, don't you?!

I just couldn't stop knitting up the specked, dotty yarny yumminess....

Pattern: My version of Debbie Bliss's matinee coat in Baby Cashmerino
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM #P118L808
Needles: Addi 2.5mm and 3.25mm
Measurements: To fit a 6-12 month old
Started: January 4, 2008
Finished: January 14, 2008
Other Details: I changed quite a few aspects of the Debbie Bliss pattern to create this Koigu friendly version. Some of the basic changes had to do with the sizing and the sleeves.

And, shoes to boot!

Pattern: Sandals by Debbie Bliss in Baby Cashmerino
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM #P118L808
Needles: Addi 2.5mm
Measurements: To fit a 3-12 month old
Started: January 12, 2008
Finished: January 14, 2008
Other Details: Cute booties, but be careful, you may run out of yarn like I did. I had to go back and dig up the scrap ends!

The Power Of Four

2008-01-18T11:57:00.000-05:00

You know when you end up with a bunch of almost completed projects, but can't finish them for one reason or another?! Well, that's me. I need some buttons, another skein of yarn, a needle I can't find, and some major seaming mojo....

Can I possibly finish all four to post next week?! I promise they are all super duper cute - you'll have to wait until Monday to see more. Happy football weekend :)

The Cat's Meow

2008-01-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

Yes. I knit a cat sweater for my cat...and, she absolutely loves it! The entire time I was knitting up that Manos afghan, Kali just wouldn't stay away. She's the kind of cat that likes the attention knitting brings, and so I decided to give it a whirl. I exchanged the one unused ball of Manos for a new Kali-friendly color; a muted celery green #73. I just measured her a bunch and started going crazy. A few hours later, voila, my own little Kali sweater.

"Mom, I'm really done with these pictures... for now. Look at my cute white fluffy chest!"

So, you ask, how is it going?! Well, I put it on her every so often, and she loves to just lay and sleep in it. She can take it off herself, so I don't feel bad sticking her in it.. She really doesn't seem to mind, and until that changes, I would call it a success. My Soma, I know, would despise a little kitty sweater, so I'm not knitting one for her.

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

Welcome, 2008

2008-01-14T09:16:00.000-05:00

Even though its a little late! As most of you know, 2007 was a year full of exciting things for us, and I can't wait for this year to unfold. A new home for Sunshine Yarns, new techniques, new yarns, new places, new hobbies - its all in the works. Stay tuned.

Pictures from our honeymoon in Belize and at Tikal in Guatemala -

Full of Merriment

2007-12-25T10:36:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!! Scott and I are having a very relaxing Christmas here in Boston. No traveling for us - we did plenty of that this year, and have much more in store for the future... We decided not to exchange gifts this year either; but low and behold, we ended up getting two big surprises in the last few days. Some of the closest people in our lives will be adding little wee ones in the coming year.... We are just beyond excited and couldn't have asked for better gifts!

Now, an excuse to let the baby knitting get out of control once again--

This is the Eyelet Baby Blanket from Blue Sky Alpacas. Doesn't it look fabulous with the natural colored ruffle?!

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: I've seen this blanket knit on the US11 (like the pattern calls for), and I didn't like it. I think its much better knit at a regular gauge on a US8 or US9. I still managed to get a similar gauge, even on the 9's. I ended up needed to crack into the third skein of green. If I knit this again, I would adjust it so that this didn't happen. The ruffle takes a lot of cream. I used two full balls, and about a 1/4 of a leftover skein I had. The good news is you can make matching baby bolero's with the extras....

Perfect Timing

2007-12-23T10:36:00.000-05:00

We've been gradually getting buried in snow here in Boston over the last few weeks. Our front street looked like this last Thursday:

Being the good wife that I am, I knit Scott a new winter hat with some new yarn from a friend.... Just in time for us to go out in the cold last Thursday.

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

We Never Stop Learning

2007-12-12T08:58:00.000-05:00

I've been knitting for a little over four years now, and have been able to slide by with just a few knitting disasters. Yes, my first scarves stunk and my first hat wasn't tall enough; yes, my first bag was horrifically seamed on the wrong side; yes, my first sweater is a bit too big. Being a self-taught knitter, these mistakes were my learning guide and I have no problem looking back and smiling at these early projects. However, recently, I've hit this unlucky stint and have produced a few new knitting disasters...

This was supposed to be a felted baby hat and ended up breaking open in the felting process. I think I might cut out some felted pieces and make a cat toy...

Then, most recently, I decided to knit Daphne out of Rowan Bambino.

Last night I'm sitting there watching this and seaming, and realized that the pattern is stupid, stupid. The tail is very deceiving in the pattern, and there is no good picture. There is way too much seaming for a simple little duck, and due to all the shaping, it looks bad. Even in the book, if you look closely, the seaming is bad. I could go on and on about how the gusset doesn't fit in there, and how you will run out of yarn, but why bother. This is going to the trash since there are too many ends to even attempt to recover. I still have most of a ball of yellow and orange, so you'll see these colors again, just not in the form of a duck...

And, a pretty "last night of Chanukah" picture to leave you with -

Manos Love

2007-12-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

I didn't think I had it in me to finish this work of love. I started it, oh, back in February hoping that it would be a gift to my parents for helping us out so much with the wedding. Yeah. Right. Words of advice for future knitter brides - don't think you are going to get much done in the few months before the wedding. Anyhow, I mustered up the strength around my mom's birthday and got cracking on the Manos squares once again. It didn't make it to my mom for her birthday, but I did slide it in their Chanukah package last week. Unfortunately, its is terribly hard to take pictures of a 45 by 70 inch afghan in my apartment, especially on a dark New England day... here is the best I could do:

I wasn't really happy with it until I added the fringe - it really tied all the colors together. My parents loved it, even my dad, and I know it will get lots of use in the coming years. Thank you - happy - wedding - birthday - Chanukah - mom and dad!

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.

Flower Power

2007-12-06T10:17:00.000-05:00

Little girlie baby and kid designs in pinks and frills just don't do it for me. I love bold colors, retro and mod designs and anything cute with a flower on it. Evidence #1, Kaya's 1st birthday sweater:

From the second I saw this fabulous design in Susan's new book, Itty Bitty Nursery, I just knew I had to make it. It was a really fun knit, a balance of basic knitting and fun embelishing. A cutie knit for a cutie little girl....

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: I can never get 5 sts/1" with this yarn. I followed the 6-12 size (and the 1-2 length measurments) and ended up with a 1-2 year size. I made the flower petal and center bigger and did a 3 sts i-cord instead of a 2.

Evidence #2 - I kept the flower power going with the Petal Bibs from One Skein. I just loved these colors together;

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...

Quick Hello

2007-11-30T19:42:00.000-05:00

I am still here, I promise! I have about a weeks worth of FO's to show next week, so stay tuned. In the meantime, here are a couple new cutie Soma and Kali pics:

I've taught Some how to "wave"...

Having fun outside watching squirrels and birds,

Kali sniffs the sky...

Whirlwind Week

2007-11-16T10:43:00.000-05:00

This week has been busy, busy, exciting, and busy! Most of you don't know yet, but I've been a busy bee working on my new website!!!!, which is going to go live in a few weeks! Its been a thought in progress for well over a year and a half, and an actual work in progress since we returned from the honeymoon. I am so excited for everyone to see it.. only a few more weeks to wait. I'm hoping that my December 4th post will be at my new home :)

The highlight of this week; however, was the Susan B. Anderson book signing at Black Sheep! Of course I am a huge fan of her patterns, but man, was she just a totally sweet, genuine person! It was great getting a chance to meet her, and see all the totally adorable knits from her new book.

I think my favorite sample, was the mouse mobile! It was just so precious and, in my mind, totally worth the effort of knitting all those little pieces! Look at that face...

Susan, I hope you had a great time in Boston and at the store! Thank you so much for fitting us in to your busy schedule, we truely appreciate it :) I can't wait to see what you come up with next...

Turtles Rule

2007-11-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

How frick'in awesome is this?!

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!

Socks For Society

2007-11-07T10:24:00.000-05:00

And, a NEW SOCK CLUB... SOCKS FOR SOCIETY!!!

This club is going to be great :) I've been wanting to do some sort of charity sock club for some time, and I have finally settled on it....

Theme: This club is designed to support various charities that mean a lot to you! Yes, you! Once in the club, I will be taking suggestions for charities and organizations to support. This club will initially run for 3 months and each month we will be supporting a different organization.

How It Works: You will receive a skein of yarn mid-December, mid-January and mid-February. I will donate $5.00 for each subscriber each month... this can add up to alot if I can get a lot of sign-ups! Each package will contain yarn and a brief message about the organization we are supporting that month.

Yarn and Colorways: You get to pick your base yarn for all three months.. either Twist or Soft (for more information see my store). The colorways will reflect the organization, or something I see fit...

Some Ideas of Organizations to Support: Red Cross Disaster Relief or the San Diego Humane Society (to help those humans and animals who have been displaced by the recent wildfires); Nature Conservancy; Alzheimer's Foundation, First Book for Children, March of Dimes, etc. etc.

Cost: $100.00 for 3 months including shipping for US/Canadian customers. $115 for other international customers. $5 from each month will go towards that months selected charity.

To Sign Up: Please email me your full name, email address and mailing address. I will be sending out invoices later this month! I'm so excited.. LETS DO SOMETHING GOOD!

HP Sock Club!

2007-11-06T12:01:00.000-05:00

HARRY POTTER SOCK CLUB SIGN UPS!

I'm opening up sign-ups again and will continue this club for an additional three packages! If you are currently in the club, you can renew your subscription, or you can join if you are not currently in the club.

The socks above were knit by Rachel, using the Gryffindor self-striping yarn. She even made it into a little magical photo shoot... I love it!

WHAT IS IT?: A Harry Potter themed sock club

WHAT WILL I GET?: For new members: Just yarn. No patterns or extravagant extras. Two skeins will be variegated (think characters/animals/places), and 1 skein will be striping in whatever house color you desire! At least 2 of the skeins will be in the Soft yarn, one MIGHT be in the Twist. For returning members: Your packages will each be a variegated colorway... no striping ones unless you want to rejoin for the full cost.

WHEN WILL I GET THE YARN?!: The mailing dates are the end of December, February and April!

HOW MUCH? For new members: The cost is a flat $100.00 to those in the U.S. and Canada, $115 to those overseas. For returning members: The cost is a flat $85.00 to those in the U.S. and Cananda, and $100 to those overseas.

WHEN DO I SIGN UP?! Now! Send an email to sunshineyarns@yahoo.com with your full name, email, mailing address and for new members, what striping house colorway you want!

WHEN DO I PAY?! Now! Once you send me your contact information, I will send you an invoice.

ANY QUESTIONS? Email me at sunshineyarns@yahoo.com

And, another sock club for those that want to do something a little bit different around the holidays... a Socks For Society club. Details on the club and how to sign up tomorrow!

Blue Ice

2007-10-31T14:11:00.000-04:00

The last two days we've been doing some work and some exploring around Anchorage. The weather has been a bit spotty, but we still managed to drive down the peninsula to the Portage Valley. It was crazy windy and drizzling, but seeing all the blue ice made it worth it!

We went hardcore last night for dinner and ate at Simon and Seafort's. We couldn't come to Alaska and not have some king crab legs! We have been eating lots of seafood, but this was really nop notch. I'm still full this morning :)

Everything From Fruit to Tires

2007-10-29T13:56:00.000-04:00

If you are wondering about the title of this post, go listen to Glen Phillips Fred Meyers song! He is one of our favorite musicians and we were lucky enough to see him play here in Anchorage on Saturday night... If you have heard of Toad the Wet Sprocket, well, he was the singer for them and has since gone solo.

Some pictures from our trip up to Denali (aka Mt. McKinley):

And, views from our room:

The weather has actually been fairly rock'in so far up here in Anchorage. I was expecting the worst since it had originally said rain/snow every day on the weather channel. They still haven't changed the forecast, so I've just come to the conclusion that they leave it on that every day just in case :) We have had partly cloudy skies in the 30s - I can't complain! My favorite part about traveling this time of year is that you have no crowds. I would expect that the scenic area we stopped at would be full of RV's, but we were the only ones there. So. Frickin. Amazing.

P.S. Don't worry mom, I'm not broke from buying Qiviuk. I snatched up some of this instead!

Yarn Away

2007-10-28T14:42:00.000-04:00

Before we left Juneau, I saw yarn,

some crazy, crazy, soft yarn,

And, landing in Anchorage....

Alaska Time

2007-10-27T22:46:00.000-04:00

Scott wanted to call this first Alaska post, "I Don't Know, Juneau?!". He's such a dork, a cute dork! Our first day in Alaska at the Mendenhall Glacier...

Snapshot of Rhinebeck

2007-10-24T15:53:00.000-04:00

Wow! What a weekend :) I think my mind was racing in total overload all weekend after seeing so much and meeting so many of you! I came home with some yarn from Morehouse, two cashmere scarves and two bags of maple cotton candy.. that's it! I really wish I took more than a few pictures, but my camera was always just out of reach.

I truely had a great time talking to all the bloggers and Sunshine Yarns customers that I had a chance to meet. Thank you for introducing yourselves and your friends.. it really made my weekend!

I have some new knitting to show, but will not be posting it most likely until I return from my upcoming trip to Alaska! We leave tomorrow and get home the end of next week :) I'll be posting some, hopefully, gorgeous pictures, so stay tuned!

Rhinebeck!

2007-10-16T13:10:00.000-04:00

So, I have to blurt it out, I'm going to Rhinebeck! Unfortunately, I didn't get in as a vendor this year since I applied too late, but I will be there, shopping, laughing, knitting, and hopefully meeting lots of other fabulous people.

Are you going?! Well, if you are, COME SAY HI!!! I will be wearing a light blue Sunshine Yarns shirt, and will have lots of goodies to hand out, new sock club information, an email list sign up and a raffle! Yay, I am so excited :)

In other knitting news, I knit up this totally rock'in hat over the weekend for my cousin's first birthday. They live in New York and are HUGE Giants fans.. pretty sweet, huh?! I tried to embroider the NY on the hat, but kept on ripping since I couldn't get it right. I still think its super cute...

Pattern: Football from Itty Bitty Hats; by Susan B. Anderson
Yarn: Cascade 220 SW and assorted leftovers
Measurements: 6-12 month size
Started: October 13, 2007
Finished: October 15, 2007
Other Details: I just did a regular ol' pompom for the top of this one.

Inspired By Fall

2007-10-12T09:53:00.000-04:00

I have had a very, very rough week, but the cool crispness in the air has at least kept me knitting. I love fall, just in case you missed that. Cool mornings, colors all around, fresh rain, and the chance to knit warm accessories to carry you through the long, (way too long) winters.

I hardly wear hats since I have curly hair (for those with curly hair, you understand). But, when I do this winter, I'll have one other option since I now have Foliage. A quick, beautiful top-down hat pattern in one of my favorites, Malabrigo.

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 :)

And to complete my week, I started playing with some sock yarn and patterns. I loved the Rusted colorway I put up in the store this week, its kind of like the Where's Waldo of knitting, eh?!

Swallowtail

2007-10-05T09:25:00.001-04:00

A small lace project for those crisp fall days....

If you haven't knit a shawl and you want to give it a go, this is a wonderful pattern to experiment with. The lace knitting is easy to moderate, and the size of the shawl keeps the knitting time to a minimum. I wanted to knit up something out of my new Sunsilk yarn, and was reminded of this gorgeous project on Ravelry.. go "Ravelry! The best part is, it only took one skein!

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.

Can't Get Over The Lace

2007-10-04T13:06:00.000-04:00

My latest knitting project is now blocking. It came out totally awesome, and I just love how quick it was! You'll have to wait until at least tomorrow for pictures :) You want a sneak peak?! Ok, here you go....

Latest Knits

2007-09-27T10:19:00.000-04:00

Even though it felt like July in Boston yesterday, I started knitting something new for myself. I've been leaving the house much earlier than usual these past few weeks since my Pilates class began, and its chilly out that time of day. This would be so much cuter than my old Lehigh sweatshirt, no?!

Hemlock Ring

2007-09-24T12:40:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have been rather stealth-like with my knitting lately.... But, isn't it purty?!

Normally, I don't have the time or the desire to knit each night. But, with Scott being gone last week, and me being on top of yarnie business things, I had a couple hours each night to work on this... I normally don't keep track of my knitting time, but I was curious to see how long this took. 20 hours for a beautiful lap throw?! Yep, see, you can do it too :)

Some outdoor pics:

Kali apparently found her new sleeping spot for the fall. She loves the woolly smell of the Ecowool and just can't get enough of her scent on it! Luckily, the heathered, rustic yarn with cover up the accumulating cat hair and nail pulls nicely :)

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: This pattern is wonderful on the heavier yarn. If you can get the Cascade Yarn, use it since it provides a rich, rustic feel. My only qualm is with the blocking. At first, I just dampened and pinned, but that wasn't nearly enough. So, I steam blocked it a few times by holding the iron about an inch over the blanket. I started in the center and worked out. For the edging, I steamed it before and after pinning.

Lace

2007-09-21T10:28:00.000-04:00

Remember that plain ol' silk from the other day? Here are a few of my favorites...

These skeins and many other colors will be posted in the store this coming Tuesday. I think I will be starting a new lace project soon, since I just finished my latest knitting project. You will have to wait until Monday since its blocking away, blocking away :)

Oh yes! I almost forgot - we got our wedding pictures yesturday in the mail... We have over a thousand pictures to go through, but here is one of my favorites I've found so far :)

Happy weekend!

Ready for the Zoo

2007-09-18T10:15:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you see a project and its just too. darn. cute. You must cast on immediately, or else! That is how I felt about Zoo.....

Zoo hasn't been blocked, and I don't plan on blocking it either since its going to live at my place all folded up and nice, nice for a while....

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: My only qualm with this pattern is the wave chart on the bottom border. They don't take seaming into account, so when you put it together you loose the pattern right on the sides. I absolutely loved using this yarn, its light, soft, heathery.. just perfect in my mind. Go Rowan!

Silky Smooth

2007-09-17T08:55:00.000-04:00

Today, its just me and this:

What a way to start of the week! I just got my new custom spun silk, and you know, I am in awe at how beautiful it is! Starting next week, I'll have a new laceweight silk and a fingering weight silk in the store. The fingering weight silk is alot like Handmaiden SeaSilk if you have used that beautiful yarn before.. I can't wait to dye this up....

Green Thing

2007-09-12T09:34:00.000-04:00

Pretty, pretty greens....

Its pretty obvious what this is, right?!

A Quick Little Guy

2007-09-10T10:58:00.000-04:00

I just had to cast on for something new the second I finished my sockapaloooza socks! I had purchased this organic cotton yarn out in Colorado earlier this summer with a specific project in mind: Geordie...

Nothing too crazy; simple lines, simple yarn...

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: I used a slightly heavier yarn, but still knit this on a US6. The yarn was great, but splits easily.. I followed the 12 month size figuring it would come out more like the 18 month with my larger gauge.

Behind the Wagon

2007-09-03T09:57:00.000-04:00

So, I was a couple of weeks late in finishing and sending off my sockapaloooza socks, but you know, it was definitely the best I could do with all the recent happenings in my life.. I explained to my pal that I would be gone and then out of the country and she definitely was cool with waiting! You rock sockpal!

I really hope she likes them!

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!

E is for Etsy

2007-08-29T10:24:00.000-04:00

I posted a bunch of yarn yesterday in the store. Here are a few of the colorways I posted...

I'm also getting ready for September, where I'll be the featured fiber artist at Yarn 4 Socks. Go check their site out on September 1st to see my yarns and an interview! How fun!

R Is For Ravelry

2007-08-27T12:05:00.000-04:00

Yes, I'm on there now as sunshineyarns! It took me a few months, but I am offically addicted. I was invited to join earlier in the summer and had no time to give it a chance. I didn't think that it would be useful to those of us who already have blogs, but boy was I wrong!

The most wonderful part of it is the ability to search through patterns at one site rather than searching the web at various online knitting stores, free sites and blogs. It unifies a great deal of it through pictures, which makes the search easy, quick and thorough. Plus, you get the added benefit of sharing your own projects and yarns, and seeing what everyone else is doing.. too. cool.

It was also really neat to go to the yarn section and do a search for Sunshine Yarns! Tons of cool projects people! I need to get added to the Yarnie section so that I can correct my yarn categories, but hopefully I hear back from the Ravelry peeps soon... I am keeping myself busy in the meantime, stop by and say hi :)

The Wedding Shawl

2007-08-23T15:01:00.000-04:00

Finally, some pictures of the shawl! This project was a true labor of love... It took me a few days right before the wedding to get the thousands of stitches bound off. I blocked it on Friday before the wedding and ended up wearing it a few times over the weekend. The pictures below were taken by Lisa (thank you Lisa) at the after wedding BBQ and concert at my parents house..

What an amazing time we had that night! I had secretly hired one of our favorite singers, Patrick Fitzsimmons, to play some songs during the wedding and then a concert that night. This was Scott's wedding present, and he was so surprised and shocked it made the year long wait/secret worth it in the end :) Here are a few more happy dancing pictures...

I took a few more pictures today of the shawl just so you can see it close up. I can't get a picture of the whole thing, but if you use your imagination....

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: I really enjoyed knitting the body of the shawl, but found the ruffle to be crazy, crazy, crazy (the ruffle took more yarn than the rest of the shawl). I switched needles a few times and ended up being super happy with the Addi Lace needles. If you want to knit this, make sure you leave enought time for the ruffle :)

A Sweet Return

2007-08-20T10:17:00.000-04:00

After a month long journey, we are back home at last! What a crazy summer its been :) I can't believe how crisp the air feels in Boston right now... Fall feels like its just around the corner. I'm sitting here this morning, drinking some tea, and wearing my brand new pair of handknit socks from the amazing Iko! Quite the change from Belize, don't you think?!

Look at the gorgeous detail and color! Iko knit these out of Colinette's Jitterbug in Velvet Plum using the Evelyn Clark Waving Lace pattern. Fabulous Iko, thank you, thank you!

I have so much catching up to do its unbelievable! I promise to post often these next few weeks, with lost more wedding pictures, wedding shawl pictures and more knitting/dyeing content :)

The Day We've Been Waiting For

2007-07-30T16:28:00.000-04:00

Just a quick hello and a few pictures!!!! The day was absolutely amazing - it was just about as good as it gets in the Colorado mountains. Scott and I are just about as happy as we could be and are thrilled to be able to share some pictures right away.. Thank you Mike!!! I'll have to fill you in more once we get back from Belize.. But for now, enjoy :)

Just The Beginning

2007-07-26T20:55:00.000-04:00

Yes, only 2 days until the wedding... 2 DAYS!! You must be wondering how I have time to post. Well, really, Scott and I have been out here since Friday late night and we had 5 days of crazy, crazy running around, being crafty, doing errands kind of days. We are finally able to enjoy the fruits of our labor and are able to spend time with friends. Here is a bunch of us on Mt. Sanitas with Boulder below...

We even had this cutie guest stay at our place last night....

With all these great people around and lots of blue everywhere.. how could I not be totally psyched?!

I promise I will post a quick picture on Monday of the big day!

My First Webs

2007-07-16T09:17:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went out to Northampton for my first Webs experience! What an amazing place... a wonderful selection and even more wonderful discounts! The store was having a special Charmed Knits booksigning event with Alison, so of course a bunch of us had to go and show our support. They even had cake! It felt good to be in a happy Harry Potter environment, since I just saw Order of the Phoenix the night before and was still a bit traumatized.

I even splurged a little bit and came home with some beautiful yarns!

I absolutely love Jaeger yarns, especially the Siena and the Aqua. The Siena is great to use in patterns that call for Rowan 4-ply cotton and the Aqua is a great baby/kids knit yarn. I also couldn't resist the sweet deals on the Debbie Bliss cotton angora or the fun colors of the Artyarns Ultramerino.

The store was giving out little kits for the house colored bookmarks! Too cute :)

This yummy green Jaeger yarn also followed me home yesterday, but it came from Carol, not Webs! Thank you again Carol! We did a little yarn swap that left me with 16 balls of soft greeny goodness. On the way home I was brainstorming on patterns for myself, but then Scott started throwing hints on how it would be nice for him too.. hmm :)

20 Days 14 Rows

2007-07-09T15:39:00.000-04:00

I'm getting married in 20 days! 20!!!! If you could possibly put excited, anxious, nervous, overwhelmed and elated together in your head, than you can understand where I'm at right now! Seriously people, I'm good. Still here dyeing yarn and making my way through the few huge orders, sock club and etsy posting skeins this week.

The only knitting that has been going on the past month or so, is the shawl. Only 14 rows left, but man, each row has thousands, yes THOUSANDS, of stitches. I'm at about 50 - 60 minutes a row....

Yes, it will be done! 14 rows in 20 days, I can do it!

Harry Potter Sock Club

2007-06-19T13:33:00.000-04:00

Since I've had lots of questions, I'll post the information here as well.

HARRY POTTER SOCK CLUB!

WHAT IS IT?: A Harry Potter themed sock club
WHY?: I have had lots of requests for striping and other variegated colorways since the new book and movie are coming out next month. I cracked people, so here you go!
WHAT WILL I GET?: Just yarn. No patterns or extravagant extras. Two skeins will be variegated (think characters/animals/places), and 1 skein will be striping in whatever house color you desire! At least 2 of the skeins will be in the Soft yarn, one MIGHT be in the Twist.
WHEN WILL I GET THE YARN?!: The mailing dates are July 15th, either September or October 15, and either Nov/Dec. 15th! (The only set date at this time is July). Since I am getting married next month, and will be gone until the middle/end of August, I want to give myself some flexibility. I will let you know once I return when the set dates will be for the fall).
HOW MUCH? The cost is a flat $100.00 to those in the U.S. and Canada, $115 to those overseas.
WHEN DO I SIGN UP?! Now! Send an email to sunshineyarns@yahoo.com with your full name, email, mailing address and what striping house colorway you want!
WHEN DO I PAY?! Now! Once you send me your contact information, I will send you an invoice.
ANY QUESTIONS? Email me at sunshineyarns@yahoo.com

The socks above were knit by Rachel, using the Gryffindor self-striping yarn. She even made it into a little magical photo shoot... I love it!

Where I Sit

2007-06-18T14:10:00.001-04:00

Since we have been back from our trip, I have been working diligently on my wedding shawl. Its growing.... Can anyone guess what pattern I am doing?!

I'm posting lots of yarn at the store tomorrow at 11am EDT! Also, if you want to be a part of the Harry Potter Sock club that is starting in July, go check out the information there as well, or email me!

Simple Love

2007-06-11T10:19:00.000-04:00

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind! We were in Chicago for four days for a wedding, then went to Colorado to work on our big day next month. Overall, it was a wonderful trip..

Here's Scott and I on the shore of Lake Michigan just before the wedding ceremony (with my latest knitting project).

Isn't the scarf fabulous?! It was so easy, and yet turns out so beautiful. I am a Handmaiden Sea Silk addict! There is a yarn that I can get from my supplier that is very similar to this silk, so I might have to dye up some and see how it goes.

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!

Papery Goodness

2007-05-23T09:49:00.000-04:00

By now you all probably can guess that my blogging time has been quite limited these past few weeks. The wedding to-do list is getting longer and longer and we are gearing up for another trip to Chicago and Colorado. I have to say that even though I am a bit stressed overall, I am really enjoying putting it all together - literally...

The pretty extras that went into our invitations came out so fantastic. We made 100 of these last Tuesday night. Scott helped glue, but was quickly put on cutting duty!

All the elements are in place!

I even had the stamps covered...

I heart wedding invitations! Next up: shower pictures from last Saturday!

A Square Day

2007-05-14T10:42:00.000-04:00

More Baby Love

2007-05-09T10:35:00.000-04:00

I feel revived today after returning last night from a long weekend up in Vermont. We were at our favorite place to hide away and got a chance to do some exploring, cycling, knitting, cooking and lounging. Sounds great, doesn't it?! Well, back to catching up - I've had this Bonbon sweater finished for almost two weeks and I'm finally posting about it...

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 :)

And look, something else from the book is in the works... I am loving the Rowan Cashcotton!

Moving on - Wait until you see my Lizard Ridge!!

The Final Chapter

2007-04-27T11:37:00.000-04:00

This is it people.. no more hats for me for a while! I think there is 16 total. I need to get a group shot, but unfortunately that will have to wait for another week or so. The last few were a bit painful, but I think they all came out wonderful in the end... A big thank you to Susan B. Anderson, for creating such a beautiful book :)

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 :)

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 :)

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.

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!

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! I have so many ideas in my head for different color/ribbon combo's. This yarn was gifted to me by a super generous Sunshine Yarns customer. Thank you Cassie! And, wait until you see the little top I did to match it...

Hats - Take 2

2007-04-17T14:21:00.000-04:00

Its okay to call me crazy, I'm cool with it :)

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

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.

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.

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

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!

My New Obsession

2007-04-09T12:41:00.000-04:00

Like Cara, I too am a creature of repetition. Sometimes I find a project that I like so much that I just can't stop until I am literally "sick to the stomach, can't stop knitting this until I have knit them all or I want to throw up if I see that yarn or project one more time". My obsession? Baby hats from Susan B. Anderson's Itty Bitty Hats book. I've owned this book for a few months now and loved the patterns. I was busy with other larger projets last month, and then crack, had a problem and needed a quick project(s) to make me feel better.

I've feeling so much better.. the sun is shining, colors are happy, FO's all over the place!

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.

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).

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?!

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: I knit these two hats tandem style. The hat is very basic with some eyelets thrown in there. I have a million ideas in my head for different ribbon/hat color combos. I am sure you will see more of these in the future. To get really inspired for these hats, I made a stop last Thursday at the Paper Source.. one of my favorite places :)

More hats are on the way! I'm addicted :)

Double Yay!

2007-04-03T10:21:00.000-04:00

Sweet. Alison is already on board with a Charmed Knits KAL. I absolutely cannot wait to see this book out and about! The Sockapalooza 4 is also getting ready for sign-ups.. so excited for both!

A Quickie

2007-04-02T15:59:00.000-04:00

A quick knit was started and completed mostly last Sunday and Monday when I was so yucky sick. It is the Baby Hoodie pattern from Blue Sky in the 3-4 year old size.

Some new colors made it into the store one day recently and I just had to give it a go! Love. It. Need. Baby. Model.

Pattern: Baby Hoodie from Blue Sky
Yarn: Blue Sky Organic Cotton
Measurements: 3-4 year old size
Started: March 24, 2007
Finished: March 28, 2007
Other Details: Super easy, quick knit. Just be careful with the sizing since the amount of stitches they have you cast on (combined with their gauge), does not work out to the proper size. I CO for the 1-2 year old size, but ended up following the length measurements for the 3-4 year old size to make everything fit together (and hopefully on a toddler) properly!

Brunch It in Style

2007-03-26T12:44:00.000-04:00

Ever since I saw Alison's copy of the new Sublime Little Handknit Book, I've been obsessed with the Sunday Brunch Jacket (see it in white?!). It is just so cute and seems practical for a wee one since there is lots of growing room with a longer sleeve and the dress like shape. So, where is it?! Well, I blocked it last week and it has been sitting all folded up ready for a picture. Mind you, there are now creases all over the place...

Now, you may be in shock to see something pink on my blog. However, I just loved this super cute pink color of Rowan cashsoft dk and just had to give it a whirl. 4 balls and not quite 2 weeks later, voila! (The cashsoft was a wonderful replacement for the Sublime yarn.. I got both stitch and row gauge dead on).

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: This was a fairly easy knit. However, the pattern had some mistakes, so just make sure you double check your numbers and use the schematic. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me about the mistakes :) The only sort of rough part about this pattern was with the finishing and the collar. I think I would give myself a B for seaming on this one. I just didn't get the sleeves in their perfectly, and we all know how hard it is to do a good job with seed stitch seams. The collar refused to sit right (like in the book picture), so I doctored up the collar with a single ply of the cashsoft and sort of sewed it in place.

Just a quick note: A Sunshine Yarns update is coming tomorrow, March 27th at 11am EDT. Stop by to check out the Harry Potter inspired yarns :)

Some Manos Love

2007-03-22T19:19:00.000-04:00

Just a snapshot for today...

1 strip down, 2 to go!

And Finally

2007-03-20T10:13:00.000-04:00

The Cadenza Socks are done! They actually have been done for over a week and are now getting their second wear.

They are great to wear around the house, and unfortunately, came out just a touch on the big side. So, you ask, how does the new Colinette Cadenza stand up against my favorite worsted weight sock yarn, Artyarns supermerino??!! Let's just say I am so not converted, but I would use the yarn again if they came out with some more usable colorways. I think that the Artyarns (though not as soft in the hank), ends up being softer once it is washed. In terms of long-lasting, we'll get to that next year maybe :)

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.

Spring Preview

2007-03-12T11:09:00.000-04:00

My apartment is currently full of Spring! I'm in the midst of reskeining hundreds of skeins of yarn for this weeks post and two wholesale orders... Its a lot of work, but it sure does make my table super pretty!

Yesterday at Knitsmiths, we had another yarn swap! The last few times the swaps went on I was here and here. My goal was to come home with less than what I brought.. Success! I showed up with about 25 skeins in tow and left with this:

The first picture is what I ended up with in the swap (Koigu, Malabrigo, some Alpaca and Wool Cotton). The second picture was a birthday present from Johanna! So sweet :) Its Mind's Eye Yarns merino tencel sock yarn (and look, an undyed skein for me to play with)!. I've never been to Lucy's store in Cambridge, but plan on going soon to say hello.

So, that is it for today. I still have to catch up on some current projects and another finished one... There will more posts soon once I get all this yarn off my table (literally speaking). Have a great week everyone!

Dollar And A Half

2007-03-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

I started the beautiful Dollar and a Half Cardigan from the latest Interweave. Veronik Avery really does a wonderful job with the pattern and choice of yarn!

I know that tons of people have been looking for the Reynolds Soft Linen, and guess what people, I found tons of it! Call up Black Sheep Knitting in Needham, MA. Hurry (yes they do ship)! They have beautiful summery colors, which is why I have this gorgeous pale blue. For only $6.00 a ball, how can you go wrong?! The yarn is much softer on the hands than a 100% linen yarn, and it has great drape and stitch definition. They have a swatch in the store... a before and after washing swatch, and man, I can't wait to wash this sucker!

Spread The Warmth

2007-02-27T12:49:00.000-05:00

I've never been a huge mitten fan, but Eunny has converted me this winter! My Anemoi mittens are so lovely that I was actually psyched to see snow last Thursday morning. I am really proud of myself for finishing these while its still cold outside, but also because this was really my first attempt at Fair Isle.

The only thing I really changed on these was the thumb. On the first one, I had accidentally started carrying the border lines up the inside of the thumb. Then, I realized that I actually liked how that looked so I left it. As I knitted more and more, I gained a better understanding of why its important to hold the contrast color in the same position the whole time. The second mitten was knit with this in mind and, let me tell you, I can see the difference in the two mittens. I had switched back and forth a few times with the first mitten and the changes are noticeable to me. Not a biggy, but I see what you are all talking about finally!

And since there is snow, let there be a pretty one hand in mitten picture...

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.

See My Vest

2007-02-22T10:43:00.000-05:00

I finally managed to finish the Jo Sharp Vest.... yes, it took me 6 months. This was one of those projects that you get excited about and start knitting before you really think about the project overall. It was boring, very boring since it was a slow go on a US3. Now, don't get me wrong, I prefer to knit on smaller needles, but I lost interest very quickly with all that rib! I knit this in the round up to the armpit, then divided and knit seperately. I am happy it's done and that it fits well. I really couldn't have done much better size-wise. So, you ask, will I be wearing it tons?! Probably not. I was unsure about how this would look on me, since things that have ribbing around the waist/hip area actually make me look bigger. Scott keeps on telling me I'm crazy, but I think most importantly, I don't feel super comfortable in it. I wore it to work yesterday at the yarn store and I just kept on checking, pulling, looking... not a good way to live. So, we'll see.. I'll be optimistic :)

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). Questions?! Just email me :)

Whats next you ask?! Well, since my big order of yarn never came this week, I've had some more knitting time on my hands. I also finished my mittens, which will debut soon as well :) Sweet.

Wedding Knitting

2007-02-19T11:17:00.000-05:00

So, here I am... less than 6 months to go before I am a Mrs. and all I can think about is how to incorporate knitting or yarn into my wedding! Now, I am not talking about knitting a dress, or food, or doves (if you are confused, see this)! I was thinking about knitting small bags for favors or maybe some coasters, but I want to see if anyone had a great idea since I am not totally in love with either idea). Ideally, I would like it to be something small that is found on each person's plate (perhaps a felted or crocheted flower?), or something that could be used as a table assignment or part of the guest book. Any takers?!

Here are some bags I've been toying with:

I've also decided that I will be knitting myself a wedding shawl. You'll have to wait a few weeks to see the start of that. I'm also going to be knitting something from the new Rowan magazine to maybe wear around at night if it isn't too warm. Pretty huh?! I just need to ditch the extra white ruffle hanging off the end.

Frozen Valentine

2007-02-14T14:10:00.000-05:00

Boston is getting its first real bout of bad winter weather today.

It doesn't look that bad from the picture, but man there is sleet, wind, rain, snow. Yuck! Luckily, I don't have a ton to do today since I got all the packaging done late last night. I just got back from a trip to the post office and am ready to cozy on up with my coffee, knitting and a few good movies. Scott is even working at home today, so its nice to have him around knowing we are all safe and sound, warm and inside...

Let there be knitting!

Triple Take

2007-02-12T10:59:00.000-05:00

I haven't managed to get much knitting done this past week after our quick trip to Colorado. I finished the first Anemoi mitten and am now on the second. That's it. I didn't even manage to get a huge batch of yarn done for the store since I decided to play with a new dyeing technique instead...

Its sort of a combination of techniques; a little bit of handpainting while immersion dyeing. I'm calling the colorways that fall under this category, "Triple Dyes". In most cases I started with a light color, then added two more shades of something that would complement the original color. These additional colors were poured, squirted, splotched and handpainted on. Don't you love my terminology?! In some cases they came out looking like a toned down variegated colorway, while others looked more like a "Not So Solid" (NSS) shade.

Some favorites:

I have 10 different colors to post tomorrow in the store. Some, hopefully finished knits will be coming soon!

Alive and Well

2007-01-31T10:11:00.000-05:00

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

2007-01-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

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

2007-01-10T11:16:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-01-02T14:17:00.000-05:00

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

2007-01-01T12:25:00.000-05:00

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

Auld Lang Syne

2006-12-31T09:56:00.000-05:00

Yes, the days of long ago, well of 2006 at least. We had a wonderful year...

The following pictures are from Vermont, Ireland, Cape Cod, Fenway and Colorado. Happy New Year to all of you!

And, go check out my now complete 2006 Gallery on the right hand tool bar! I looked back at all my knits last night, and man, I knit alot this year! My favorite project you ask???? It had to be this!

Quick Fix

2006-12-30T17:50:00.000-05:00

I felt that Scott needed a bit of knitting love this week... so while visiting one of my favorite knitting stores, Black Sheep, we picked up a few skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Superchunky. I have never knit with the superchunky before, and loved it.. super quick, super easy, super soft and super loved.

Its not the widest man scarf out there (only about 6" wide), but its long enough to wrap around his head a few times. Perfect. Now all we need is some cold weather here in Boston.. Are those snow flakes I see today?!

Pattern: Just a basic garter stitch scarf knit the long way.
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Superchunky in colors 25, 15, and 22
Measurements: 6" wide and around 75" long.
Started: December 28, 2006
Finished: December 30, 2006
Other Details: CO 205 sts on a US11. Knit every row and change colors when desired!

Happy Holidays

2006-12-25T11:04:00.000-05:00

It just happens that these are the two projects I have been working on the past few days...

Happy holidays!

Lucy In the Sky

2006-12-24T13:03:00.000-05:00

Lucy has had buttons for over a week, but I just haven't had a chance to take decent pictures.. These dorky ass dining room and attempted self pictures will just have to do! I love this cardigan and have already worn it twice.. its super soft and provides just enough warmth for this mild New England winter we are having so far.

Pattern: Lucy in the Sky Cardigan by Cosmicpluto Knits
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran #13 (10 balls was all I needed!)
Measurements: As per the patterns recommendations, I knit a size smaller than I normally would. I knit the 35" chest to fit a 37" chest.
Started: September 23, 2006
Finished: December 12, 2006
Other Details: I added some length to the body and to the arms, but other than that, I changed nothing! Since there is no waist shaping, I highly recommend knitting down a size for a flattering fit.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!! Best wishes to all of you..

Sock Club

2006-12-18T13:14:00.000-05:00

Let’s give it a go! The first Sunshine Yarns sock club will take place for 6 months from January through June! You can either sign up to receive yarn each month (6 packages total), or you can just do every other month (3 packages total).

Mailing Dates: The last week of the month, or every other month

Your package: Each package will include a skein of sock yarn in a new color never seen before as well as some other fun stuff

Cost: Within the U.S. and Canada the cost is $85 for 3 months and $170 for 6 months. Outside the U.S. and Canada, the cost is $95 or $190.

To Sign Up: Please email me your full name, mailing address and email address. Also let me know whether you are going to do 3 packages or 6 and if you are going to pay via Paypal or with a check or money order!

Questions: Feel free to email me at sunshineyarns@yahoo.com

Hopefully sweater pictures will be coming tomorrow :)

Teaser

2006-12-15T09:17:00.000-05:00

Its just a teaser, but the Lucy in the Sky Cardigan is done! Its even been washed and blocked and freed from the piles of cat hair that were knit into it. Hopefully I'll have some more photos of this on Monday!

I dyed a crap ton of yarn earlier this week. I had more special orders, another batch for Black Sheep, and of course, plenty for the store's post on Tuesday!