Progress

I hadn't done much colorwork before my Danae Mitts last winter. I enjoyed every minute of those mitts and added many many fair aisle projects to my Ravelry queue. Many of these projects are not Southern Cal appropriate... boo hoo. But I decided that a small project for a friends baby boy would help satisfy my craving.

I decided on this free pattern by Tina Barrett. I had enough stashed Shibui yarn from my KP days and decided to cast on right away. I'm loving the color combo I chose (well, truth be told I gave a lot of yarn away when I moved so I didn't have much of a choice... more, I got lucky with what I saved).
All I have left are the two sleeve ribbed edges and it's ready o go out in the mail!

In other knitting news, I did a little rav research and found a knitting a group that meets regularly on Tuesdays very near my house. I joined the group and received a very sweet message from one of the members. I'm really looking forward to meeting some new people and having some me time. Ravelry is such a great community!

Finished Object

I came across this pattern last week and almost instantly cast on. Since moving to Southern California I've struggled to find the motivation to pull out and finish my BEAUTIFUL cabled sweater. I have 1.5 sleeves left and the shawl collar. That's it! But when the heck mam I going to wear the darn thing now? sigh...

So I decided to jump back to my knitting therapy with a small baby project. Something fast, adorable and rewarding. Something to remind me why I need to keep my knitting train-a-chugging!

Kragetopp / the collar top by Paelas Paelasit. I love the way it turned out. I'm on the hunt now for little cotton, light weight, floral bloomers or pants to pair with it.

Mission accomplished. I haven't lost it! I still love knitting.... thank GOD!

Gift: My cousin Megan's Baby Kate

Juniper Moon Farm - Zooey - color Taro

I've been designing a baby sweater. This yarn is so nice to knit with. A cotton linen blend. Perfect for the warmer falls or mild winters.

A bit about my opinion on cotton yarn... I can't stand it! Let's just get right to the point! As much as I'd like to enjoy a cotton tunic or tank, it's just not pleasant to work with. The final garment stretches out after wearing a few short hours and never quite looks the same again. Well, add a little linen to the party and all of a sudden I'm a fan!! The addition of linen adds structure and texture and some sophistication. Good job linen! Way to share some of your awesomeness with cotton!!

I'd love to read your relationship with cotton! Is it as bad as mine? Do you like cotton better after a little swing around the dance floor with linen? What projects do you use for a cotton or cotton blend yarn?

** 2/15 update. this sweet sweater and cap went to a dear friend's son who was born a couple weeks ago. Funny how you make plans for knits and sometimes they had a different plan all along! Happy that it's gone to a momma/friend who loves yarn as much as me.

(legos... there are legos and toys everywhere. But does he play them? no. He throws them around and 
then plays with foil and toilet paper and anything he is not suppose to touch of his sisters.)

My trip to the yarn store yesterday was hilarious! The little guy made all sorts of new girlfriends.
He even passed around big kiss-y lips and flirty smiles. He's so stink'n cute! Kills me!

I nabbed another skein of the grey wool to knit Trent's other sock. And as you can see above, 2 skeins of Malabrigo Rios in color Pearl Ten. This picture makes it look blue but it is actually a more grey black with hints of blue/purple. But still very masculine. I think it will be adorable with the leather elbow pads i'm going to add. I finally got around to writing this pattern set. Sweater and hat. The one above is a test knit in the wee man's current size. The newborn set I knit him before he was born is teeny tiny. I miss seeing him in it. So now I have another one and a cute kiss-y faced model for the photos. 

Red hair, blue eyes, big lips and a hand knit sweater... 

be still, my beating heart!

I'll put a could pictures of his newborn sweater set. It's so TINY! Have a great afternoon!

Malabrigo - color Pigeon