more finished things!

I think life is finally settling down after the holiday rush! I've certainly been busy with my fiber work! Below are some objects that I have completed over the past couple of weeks.

After a few months, I was eventually able to finish the "My So-Called Scarf" from the MenWhoKnit KAL. This was truly the first knit project I started and I just couldn't stick with it for more than a couple of hours at a time. I guess I'm just not monogamous in the project department. In any case, I love how it turned out and I wear it all the time. I used Manos del Uruguay, colorway "Quail" on size 11 needles.

After I had completed an oil painting of my Grandmother's garden for her, I thought I wanted to give her something knit or crocheted as I knew that she would truly appreciate it. When I saw this Fan Bookmark, I knew it would be the perfect "little something" to give her. She loved it and the painting (unfortunately, I did not photograph said painting). It's a beautiful bookmark and I may make one for myself as well :) This was made from J & P Coats Royale "Cardinal" #10 crochet cotton with size 1.30mm hook.

I also completed my baby cousin's Tiramisu blanket. I made this from Bernat's Softee Baby "Pink" with a size H hook. I was fortunate enough to meet new baby cousin on this trip. She's so adorable! (Again no pictures). The poor thing just returned from the hospital and is recovering from a bought with staph, and she's only two months old. Luckily, she has a new blanky to keep her warm.

Okay, I seriously love the Koolhaas hat that I FINALLY finished! It's made from Berroco Ultra Alpaca, in colorway Leaf, with size 6 and 8 needles. I've gotten several complements on it while wearing it out and about. Although, my dad did say that it reminded him of a hat that my great-grandmother used to wear. I'm going to assume that means that great-grandma was incredibly hip.

dashing all the way

Well, I finally finished the "Dashing" mittens for Dan. The second one looks much better after I ripped back and knitted tighter.

I also finished the OneSkein scarf for my brother's fiance. This was a super quick project, I started it one evening and finished it the next morning! I used the same Patons Merino "Leaf Green" from my brother's aviator hat and discovered it was the exact same yarn used in the pattern. I generally like to spice it up a bit, however, it looks great and they coordinate.

I've also started a "Tiramisu" baby blanket for my new baby cousin. This seems to be going well, I've worked on it for a couple of days and I'm over half-way finished. I love the stitch pattern in this, it's a simple single crochet but looks gorgeous.

And finally I've restarted my Koolhaas hat. My problem wasn't the "ktbl", but the pattern. I was reading one thing and doing another. So now my hands and brain are on the same page and it's looking good.

aviator hat completed

So, I finished my brothers aviator hat. I think it turned out fabulous! The color stranding process was so fun. I felt like a little knitting machine whipping through it. Oooh, I foresee Selbu mittens and sweaters in my future... :) Anyway, I opted to finish off the hat with a contrast crochet border and braided ties. It's going to be difficult to part with...sigh...

color stranding

I finally taught myself continental style knitting! I started a color stranded aviator hat for my brother and decided now was the time. I was so excited to finally learn the continental technique that I had to jump on here and blog about it! (I'm so lame). The hat is made from Patons Classic Wool Merino in "Dark Grey Mix" and the stripes are "Leaf Green" and "Natural Mix". I'm using size 8 circular needles.

If you've been following my projects you'll notice that I use alot of Patons Classic Wool Merino. There are several reasons for this. First, Michael's seems to have it on sale all the time. Second, the majority of my projects thus far are for Christmas gifts in which the recipients aren't concerned with fiber content. I am somewhat fiber conscious however, and prefer to work with natural fibers than acrylic. The Patons is one of the only 100% Wool yarn available at the craft store, so that is what I choose. The other wool that I'm aware of at Michael's is Lion Brand Wool, but I haven't caught it on sale. They do have some great colors, so I may find myself with some in the future. I have several projects lined up myself after the holidays, so I'll have to visit some local yarn shops for higher quality product. Hopefully I'll have some extra cash at Christmas, as there are alpaca and wool farms near my parents house that I may have to visit.

I finished my dad's fishermans watchcap. The size is perfect after I cast on the extra stitches. I've noticed that my new knitting technique has help with my gauge and my knitting isn't so tight anymore. I feel like I'm making progress :)

it is better to give

I have completed a ribbed beanie for my brother for Christmas. It was knit from Patons Classic Wool Merino "Natural Marl" on size 8 needles. I really enjoyed this project, it was quick and easy and turned out great!

I have also cast on for my dad's fisherman watchcap. I am knitting this in Patons Classic Wool Merino "Deep Olive" on size 8 needles. I've worked 2 rows and decided that it will be too small, so I'm ripping back and increasing my cast on number to 90 and hope that will be sufficient.

first socks!

I've completed my first pair of socks! They are for my mother for Christmas. She's always cold and loves wearing um...festive...socks. So I think she'll really appreciated them :) I knit them from Patons Classic Wool Merino "Regency" on size 8 dpns.

I've also started a garter stitch scarf as a gift for my cousin. I'm using Patons SWS "Natural Earth". I love the feel of this yarn, and I love that it's a blend of wool and soy. It has a tendancy to split so I need to keep watch. I initially tried it on size 8 needles and liked the results, however I thought I'd experiment with size 11's and loved the modern chunky texture that was created. I felt that the mixture of the muted colors with the soft, but chunky texture resulted in a perfect scarf to be given to a gay man :)

In other news, I completely frogged my Koolhaas hat. I don't think I'm doing the Kbtl correctly. It just comes out as a bunch of bumps without any real pattern. Oh well, I guess I need to do some more research and come back to it.

thanksgiving knitting

I've been busy in the knitting department for the last couple of days. I started and completed one sock for my mother for Christmas. As of now the other sock is well on its way. These socks are being knit in Patons Classic Wool Merino "Regency" on size 8 needles. I know, it was suggested that I use size 5 but my gauge was WAY off. I obviously knit too tight and need to correct that.

I had to rip back the half-inch or so that I worked on past the ribbing of my Koolhaas hat. I could read part of the design in the hat and the rest was completely jacked up. Maybe now that I have a feel for the pattern I can make it work. This whole "knit in the back of the loop" thing has me crazy, I feel like I'm creating a purl stitch instead of a knit stitch.

I've also added a couple of photos of my My So Called Scarf, one in detail. I'd like to finish it soon, however it appears to be on the back burner for now.

Oh, I had a request for a doggie sweater at Thankgiving dinner today. It'll be so much fun! Right after I make one for my little Kyan :) I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Stitch on!