Wine and roses mitts

I've been super busy this month and just haven't had time to update this here blog-o-mine, sorry about that. I have finished quite a bit of knitting so I figure I better hurry and get caught up before I get my Ravelry invite and get all distracted over there. I just checked and there are only 530 people ahead of me!

I finished these up awhile ago and (as usual) I couldn't get a picture that captured how lovely they are. I wish I could show you just how soft and light these are. How incredibly elegant they are, but I can't. So, quick, go knit yourself up a pair - you won't be sorry!

Pattern: Wine and roses mitts, by Jolene Treace - Interweave Knits Winter 2006
Yarn: Rovings Cashmere Tweed
Needles: US #1 Crystal Palace dpns
Gauge: 8 sts = 1"

This yarn is WONDERFUL! My husband gave it to me for Christmas (he left the price tag on so I would know he wasn't skimping out). It is so soft, I love knitting with cashmere. The only problem I have with cashmere is that I don't like to frog it! I agonize over what I will knit with it because I want it to be right the first time. I have touched this yarn almost every day since Christmas and finally decided this was the right pattern. It was, I loved it from the moment I cast it on. I knit the pattern exactly as written, didn't change a thing and I didn't notice any errors either (at least I don't remember any errors, I did finish these awhile ago).

I had planned on keeping these for myself, but as I was knitting them I kept thinking about how great these would look on my mother's hands and how much she would love them. By the time they were finished, I knew they were meant to be for her. I am a little disappointed that they aren't mine but that's just the way it is sometimes. I will just have to knit another pair for my self.

Solstice Slip and some other distractions

I finished these last night and I just love them.

Pattern: Solstice Slip - Rockin' Sock Club pattern
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts lightweight STR in Firebird - June club yarn
Needles: US #0 dpns

I wouldn't normally care for these colors but I guess I was just in the right mood. I did make some minor modifications to the club pattern. I added a ribbed cuff (k3,p2) which flows beautifully into the pattern, I added a heel flap (personal preference) and a stockinette stitch toe (again, personal preference). This is a really great pattern and I really like how it looks in this yarn. The pattern is relatively easy to remember and knits up super quick, especially if you do the cables without a cable needle. These would probably have been done sooner, but I got distracted by the strangest thing. . .

I was reading through a pattern for a summer shawlette and it seemed to have a lot of stitch markers. I don't often use stitch markers (because I usually end up flinging them across the room instead of slipping them) but this pattern didn't have a picture of the front of the shawl or of any of the shaping. Stitch markers would probably be helpful, at least in the beginning. Next thing I know, I'm making these little cuties.

Now, not only do I rarely use stitch markers, but I'm not really a "beading" person either (not that there is any thing wrong with that, I'm just not). I am, however, the type of person that doesn't throw things away. I had all these little beads and wires and stuff from when my guys were little. (They used to make little beaded ornaments for Christmas presents, angels and snowflakes, etc. I do remember being surprised one year when I received a lovely beaded ornament of a Christmas Spider and I believe my Mom has a praying mantis on her Christmas tree. The joy of raising boys!) Anyway, I used some of the left over beads and such to jazz up my stitch markers and they turned out pretty cute. I guess I figured I would suddenly start using them a lot more because I kept going and made these.

And these.

I had to try them out so I cast on the shawl. The first few rows, I still flung them, but they didn't go very far. After a few more rows, I started to get used to them and they slipped quite nicely. I will admit, a few rows after I got used to them, I slipped them off, you really don't need all those stitch markers. I left two on there just because they are cute.

This is the shawl so far. I now have three shawls (wraps, scarves, whatever) on the needles; a white one, and white & blue one and now a blue one. I have a feeling this one might get finished first, I really like it. More details to come, I think this is enough for today.

It not ALL about socks

I got distracted by the June Rockin' Sock Club shipment and forgot to post about these little sweeties.

First up

Pattern: Lutea Lace-Shoulder Shell by Angela Hahn in Interweave Knits Summer 2007

Yarn: Cotton (this yarn has been in my stash for over 10 years!)

Needles: US #5 Crystal Palace circ.

This pattern does have corrections (but there is an error in the correction - left-back shoulder Row 1 should begin K2). This was a super fast knit and it's worked in the round so there is almost no seaming. I knit it up following the pattern and wasn't happy with how wide the shoulders were on me. So, I ripped them back and decreased a few sts. on each side and it fits perfect. I love it.

Next, this is totally Alyssa's fault. She knit up this great little baby sweater and baby knitting is so contagious! It really is a great pattern. It's simple and quick and best of all, it is knit top down in one piece. No seams at all.

Pattern: Easy Baby Cardigan

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-ease

Needles: US #4 circ.

Now I just need someone to have a baby so I can give it to them.