WIPs

I finished these up last night, just in time! I decided to go with a folded hem on the top rather than the ribbing I considered when I wrote the pattern. Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Well, the sweater is getting closer. I finished up the back section last night after my trip. I was hoping to finish on the flight, but my overhead light was burned out and with the dark blue yarn, I just couldn't see the stitches well enough. So, to avoid having to rip out several rows of cables, I opted to work on my scarf instead. So, arriving at the hotel, I finished off the shoulder decreases and eagerly awaited the moment to put the stitches on a holder only to realize I had forgotten my stitch holder and had no scraps of yarn in my bag. Fortunately, the ribbing is knit with a smaller diameter circular, so I am able to switch between the two and leave one on the neckline of the sweater back.

Also, I'm able to get a few rows done on my star rib mesh scarf....more coming soon!

So, I have been working on this sweater for a long time and I dug it out of my knitting bag the other day. I realized that I'm making a 3/4T size, and my son will be that size any minute now. I've gotten about 6" finished on the front of the sweater. The back and sleeves share the cable pattern, so you can see I have my work cut out for me. I am seriously considering putting myself on a pattern writing sabbatical so I can finish the sweater. I plan on taking this project with me on my upcoming travels so that I can start making some serious progress.

I am working on a new afghan pattern, which I am thinking will be a fun new design. As you saw in my previous post, I am currently enamored with the linen stitch and the half linen stitch.

So, I thought it would be cool to make an afghan that uses these stitches. My plan is to make a circular afghan (center out) that uses them. Typically you have a hard time using this stitch in an increasing pattern because it depends on having the slipped stitches line up. I've found a way to make it happen and I'm looking forward to the finished product. Stay tuned here for more!

I finished this scarf up on my DD's birthday and I love the finished product. I used up all seven balls of yarn, instead of leaving most of the last ball as leftovers. I hate yarn leftovers, especially at $15 a ball! I don't think I'll do that on the others I have in the queue, though. The finished scarf is about 90" long, and that's too much on me.

I think the pattern is lovely with the changing textures and the flaps. I have had nothing but compliments on it all day! I found it a rather tedious knit, though. By the time I got into a groove, it was time to bind off for the next flap.

I just finished up these socks a few days ago. The yarn originally came in a pre-knit scarf that you unravel as you work. This was my first experience with the "pre-knit yarn" and I have to say it was nice to work with. The socks are quite cushy and very comfortable. I did find the yarn a bit splitty, but it does feel nice in the hands. The added nylon isn't at all rough in this yarn. The yarn is called Happy Choices from $Plymouth Yarn and I used color 2. I had hoped for more identical socks, but these are fun anyway. The pattern I used was the Mash Up Magic Toe Up Socks from Aesthetic Entanglementz. It's a recipe that you can use to make socks in any size from any yarn. Very well written and easy to follow. Stop by and try it!

I promised that the crochet scarf would be next, and it’s almost done. I will be felting it tonight, and probably releasing the pattern over the weekend. This will be a free pattern and I’ll post it here on my blog and at Ravelry. Enjoy!

I spent the day yesterday canning some green beans. I finished up a couple of knitting projects and had a big ol' bag of beans that I wanted to put away for winter. So, I ended up with six pints of beans, a pair of socks for my daughter, and a new shrug for me. Here's some pics:

I've been working on a new baby bonnet pattern that I'm about ready to release. I have a couple of test knitters working it now, and as soon as we've tested the pattern, I'll be able to release it.