Been busy.

Few days ago I finally finished my Arleen. It was a test knit for Dona and I really enjoyed knitting this project. Large amount of plain stockinette was very relaxing to work on and I absolutely love the button slit: it makes a simple raglan more interesting. It is a lovely detail.  I'm very satisfied with the finished garment and it will be worn this winter a lot. My next Arleen will be with long sleeves.

Pattern: Arleen by Dona Knits

Needles: 4mm/ US6

Yarn: Cascade Yarn 220 Heathers in 'silver spruce', 2.75 skein

Modifications: I modified waist decreases and increases to adapt them to my body shape (3 decreases every 10th round starting at 5cm from underarm, knit 20 rounds straight, 3 increases every 10th round) and made the body a bit longer.

And why is it so difficult to choose buttons...? After few days of searching I bought these coconut shell beauties but wasn't sure about them until I sew them on... 

I had some yarn left from Arleen as well as some old Cascade 220 Heather in 'birch' (roughly 25 grams) that had been sitting in my stash for way too long. I decided to use it for Norwegian Star Earflap Hat (link below). I think this blue and mustard colours make lovely combination together.

I cast on for the hat last night and got so much into knitting it that I got up at 6am this morning to carry on working on it. 6am for a sleepy head like me is quite an achievement :)

I cast on for child size but it turned out to be in adult size. I like it so much that I might wear it (though I'm not a big fan of hats on my head but on the other hand it's getting really freezing here so a hat would be nice).

I will make another one for G. from different yarn and one for C. in darker colours (black/grey or brown/beige). The pattern is easy and fun to knit.

Pattern: Norwegian Star Earflap Hat by Tiennie

Needles: 4mm/ US6

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Heathers (less than 0.5 skein of 'silver spruce' and less than 0.25 skein of 'birch').

Modifications: I didn't purl the first rounds and applied simple crochet chain for the edge.

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I started making some decorations. I want to be ready whet our Christmas tree arrives. These knitted Christmas trees are quick to make and I'm planning to knit plenty of them (great way to get rid of all unused old yarn stashed in the back of my wardrobe).

Pattern: Christmas tree by Baiba Dzelme.
Needles: 3.25mm/ US3

What are you working on these days?

Happy knitting Everyone!

Quick update.

Recently finished:

Simple beanie for G. She loves this little owl and I'm glad I finally got rid of this odd skein of Artesano Aran that I bought impulsively long ago in I Knit shop (just couldn't leave the yarn shop empty handed, could I?)

 Currently in progress:

"Arleen", test knit for Dona. This is a therapeutic project, loads of smooth stockinette is what I really need these days. And I love the yarn (Cascade 220 Heathers). And the colour (silver spruce). I ordered buttons today (it was difficult to pick up the right ones...)

New in stash:

New Lanark  Aran (90% wool, 10% silk, blue, 10 skeins)
New Lanark DK (100% pure new wool, fawn, 10 skeins)
Lovely, lovely wool. I just had to cheer myself up (well, it is Wovember, isn't it?)

On my bedside table:

 Some delicious books :)

FO: Something for her: Aidez

Do you remember this unlucky project? I decided to frog it and use the yarn for some more satisfying projects. Aidez, for example. I wanted to knit it the moment I first saw the pattern in Ravelry pattern base. It didn't even matter that this cardigan is knit in pieces (I'm not a fan of sewing pieces together), I just had to make it and I'm so happy I did. This cardigan is definitely my favourite knitted garment so far. It's very warm, just perfect for chilly autumn days.

The pattern itself is fun to knit, cable sections are easy to memorize and it knits up really quickly. It took me some time to block it and sew all the pieces together (and yes, there was some struggle involved) but it was all worth it. This is one of those project I wouldn't mind to knit again.

We had some great fun today in the park :)

"Something for her"

Project notes:

Pattern: Aidez by Cirilia Rose

Yarn: Cascade Ecological Wool, 1.75 skeins

Needles: 6mm/ US 10

Modifications: replaced ear of corn and cross-stitch cable patterns with simple cable pattern (details and more photos are on my Ravelry project page, here)

FO: Prestwick.

I'm so happy with this one that I almost regret it's not mine (it was knit with love for C.)

The story behind the title: my parents were here visiting and last weekend I had to take them to Prestwick Airport for their flight back. We knew we would have to stay at the airport whole night as their flight was scheduled in early morning hours so I decided to take some knitting to keep me awake. I needed something quick and easy and Thermis seemed the best choice. And it was. I cast on on the train to Glasgow and by the time we got to the airport half of the cowl was done. I really wanted to carry on knitting but the light at the airport was really poor and it was so cold: I couldn't feel comfortable knitting with my jacket on. So I finished it the next day, at home.

I liked this pattern a lot and I will definitely knit more of these cowls. My mum ordered one and I'm planning to make one for my sister and my niece. It only takes 0.75 skein of Cascade 220 (large size) and knits up really quickly!

Project notes:

Patter: Thermis by Kris Knits

Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers, 0.75 skein

Needle: 4mm/ US6

And one bonus photo:

Little G., having her bad hair day but still modelling beautifully (and patiently) for her mama. ♥

FO: Spring haze.

I know it's autumn not spring time but this project took a long nap in my knitting basket. I was occupied by other projects (most of them turned out to be failures- see previous post) so in desperate need of regaining my knitting mojo I decided to dig this cardigan out and finish it. So I did and I couldn't be more happy with the final result. Though there was some crying involved... I really loathe picking up stitches :(

Project notes:

Pattern : Peasy by Heidi Kirrmaier

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed DK

Needles: 3.25mm/ US 3 and 3.5mm/ US 4

Modifications: I stopped following the pattern after raglan increases. I knit the body first, omitting body decreases and eventually doing increases only. I wanted the sleeves to be quite snugly so I knit them straight for about 14 cm and then did decreases every 20th round four times. The yarn blocked very nicely.

I like this pattern a lot and I'm already planning to knit a pullover version of it.

Oh, and one more thing. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Rowan yarns...? :)

FO: Love affair.

This project was inspired by this beautiful nightdress by Francesca: when I first saw it, I fell in love with it and wanted to do something similar as a summer top. I'm not very good at working with crochet but I decided to give it a go anyway.

In the beginning it was love affair between knitting and crochet (I planned to crochet the lace part and knit the rest) but as it usually happens with love affairs: they start with excitement but they rarely work out well and they finish with tears. I don't know how many times I had to rip this project off. I don't know how many times I changed my mind about it. But in the end I decided to stick to hook only and crochet the whole thing. And I think it was a good decision.

Joining the fabric was tricky since I'm hopeless at sewing. It took me few days to gather my courage to pull out my sewing machine from the depth of my wardrobe. Few tears here and few swears there and it was done. It is not perfect, it actually is very, very imperfectly sewn but I like it anyway. I only hope I get a chance to wear it. Summer in Scotland doesn't seem to be very summery...

Project notes:
Yarn: Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton DK, one skein
Hook: 3 mm
Fabric: 100% cotton bought on sale in John Lewis
5 mother pearl buttons for closure

FO: Strawberries and peaches.

Today I finally finished this summer cardi for my daughter. Simple, seamless and sweet like strawberries and peaches on a hot sunny day. I am so pleased with the final result. I was worried it was going to be too small but I can see it fits little G. perfectly and I think she will wear it a lot. She looks pretty cute in it, doesn't she?

Project notes:
Yarn: Araucania Pomaire, 1.2 skeins
Needles: 4mm/ US6
Ravelry project page

The weather was marvellous today, warm and sunny with perfectly blue sky. We enjoyed staying in the park most of the afternoon and the photo session went very smooth.

I particularly like the picot edging: I think this time I finally got it right. It was worth to go through the pain of time consuming cable cast off...  

Free spirit... She runs like Phoebe form "Friends" :)

FO: Baby cardigan.

I haven't been knitting lately as much as I'd like to but as some of you know we're getting ready for a big removal and most of my stash is already packed away. All I've been working on in the past weeks are just small baby garments- I'm trying to update my folksy shop a bit. Today I finished a simple baby cardigan and I'm quite pleased with the final result.

I used Araucania Ulmo (one hank) and all I can say is that I loved working with this yarn. It splits a bit but it knits up very evenly and gives very smooth texture. Plus, I absolutely love the vivid mix of colours: turquoise blue, amethyst purple and bottle green. I used two wooden buttons for closure- a natural touch to this fantastic hand dyed cotton.

More photos on my Ravelry page.

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From other news: I'm seriously thinking of joining this year KCWC. It starts next Monday. I'm aiming to knit one spring/summer cardigan for little G. as well as summer dress for her, combining knitting and sewing together. I already bought some fabric but I'm so bad at sewing that I'm not really sure if it's a good idea. Well, I will try. Trying doesn't hurt, does it?

Happy knitting!

FO: Mini me.

Do you remember this project? I had some yarn left over and decided to knit mini version of my sweater for little G. I really couldn't stand having the rest of that nice Debbie Bliss Donegal Tweed sitting in my stash, doing nothing so one evening I simply cast on for mini-me sweater. And now it's finished and I couldn't be more happy with the final result. Isn't it cute?

I'm steadily falling in love with Debbie Bliss yarns...

Cooperation from the little model during this photo session was possible only thanks to her favourite crackers :)

Project notes:
Pattern: $5 in Paris
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran
Needles: 4mm/ US6 and 4.5mm/ US7

FO: Easter shawl.

Finally finished... And I'm not sure if I like it. I loved the pattern (very easy to follow) but I think it would work better for me in solid colour. Next time (yes, there will be next time) I will definitely use different yarn. 

I called it Easter shawl because whenever I look at it, its colours remind me of Easter eggs. You know, those little chocolate eggs in yellow and blue shells that kids are hunting for :)

The picot bind off was a real pain. It took  f o r e v e r. I managed to watch whole "Out of Africa" while casting off and I thought I was going blind but it was worth it: I love the ruffle section and the edge.

Project notes:
Pattern: Summer Flies by Donna Griffin
Yarn: Araucania Ranco Multy
Needles: 5mm/ US8
Modifications: added two more rows in section 6

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Spring is here, spoiling us with plenty of sun and perfectly blue sky. It's time for some cotton knitting, I am just getting ready, expanding my stash and experimenting a lot with different kinds of cotton.

Have a great weekend Everyone!

Mojo's back!

I have lots to share with you today. I've been back to my needles, knitting quite feverishly; I've finished three projects this week and now I'm digging through my stash in search of new projects. Here are my recent FOs:

1. Cable sweater for C.

I started knitting it in November last year; it was supposed be Christmas sweater but, of course, I didn't manage to complete it on time. I was knitting it on and off and I'm so glad it's finally finished. It's seamless, knitted from top to bottom. I improvised the cable pattern as I went. I think the sleeves are too large but C. says he likes them this way so if he's happy, I'm happy. I just know I would't be able to frog the whole thing up to the arm increases to make the sleeves smaller. I admit I got pretty tired with this project.

Yarn: Sirdar Click Aran with Wool

Needles: 5mm/ US8 

2. Baby beanie.

I produced this little hat one evening. It's a gift for my friend's baby boy who was born last Sunday.

Yarn: Patons Fairytale DK

Needles: dpn 4mm/ US6

3. Stripy sweater.

I just love it! My quickest knit ever: it took only three days to complete it. I had some Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran sitting in my stash and after some search on Ravelry I found this fantastic project by Audrey. The pattern is "$5 in Paris" but I didn't  follow it. It's an easy seamless top, knitted from top to bottom. I wrote my notes on my Ravelry page (here).

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran

Needles: 4mm/ US6 and 4.5mm/ US7

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From other news: yesterday I finally visited Loop, the legendary yarn shop in Islington (though the nearest tube station is Angel; I didn't know that and had a bit of a walk from Highbury&Islington station).

The shop is a real paradise. I could easily live there... Not only they stock high quality yarns but the way everything is presented makes this place very special. And the customer service is excellent too; you really feel welcome (something I never experience when I visit I Knit shop, for example). The shop assistant complimented on my Noro shawlette that I had wrapped around my neck. It felt good :)

I was a good girl and didn't let myself to buy much, although I was really tempted. The choice of yarn that they offer is fantastic but I only bought one skein of Colinette Jitterbug. I plan to knit socks with it; I wanted small shawlette but I think one skein wont be enough.

And the last thing: it's official now- I am addicted to Araucania yarns. I have stashed some more:

Happy Knitting!