Knitting

Well, my sock yarn has arrived! Here's a pic:

It's gorgeous, and quite nice yarn (and cheap, too). I am looking forward to knitting this sweater, but unfortunately, the needles I need are currently engaged in knitting a sweater for Mitch. Once I get that one done, I'm looking forward to starting this one.

I was so inspired by the hat at Knitty that has the flower top, that I worked to create one of my own. I've put the instructions here for anyone to take a look. The pattern is written for baby size, but you should be able to resize it if you want.

This is a great hat for using up stash. It takes less than 25 yards per color! The top is made in a chocolate brown so that it looks like dirt, and the three flowers on top can be whatever color you like.

I think this is a great hat for boys or girls. Just choose the colors to suit the gender or the outfit.

These instructions have not been checked for errors, so please let me know if you find any!

With white, cast on 72 sts. Being careful to avoid twisting, join in the round.
Round 1: Purl
Round 2: Attach CC1, *K1 with white, K1 with CC1 repeat from * to end of round.
Round 3: *Sl1wyib (white sts), P1 with CC1, repeat from * to end of round
Round 4: *K1 with white, K1 with CC1, repeat from * to end of round
Round 5: Repeat round 4
Round 6: Repeat round 4

It's finally done! Christmas Eve, after getting presents wrapped and under the tree, I finished up this lace scarf. It's the Party Lace Scarf from MagKnits. I've been working on this scarf for the better part of 2007, so I am glad to have it off the needles. Plus, it's so cold here today (high of 26), I get to wear it. That KidSilk Haze yarn is deceptively warm.

I've just moved the patterns from the webstore to the boutique. The new program in the boutique does a much better job with downloadable items. If you need a fun Christmas gift, be sure to check out the boutique for great, quick-knit patterns and finished items as well!

So I ordered up a set of the new laminated wood double points from KnitPicks. They arrived the other day, and I finally had a chance to use them. I have mixed feelings about them. Here's my experience for anyone who is interested.

First of all, I expected them to be much brighter colors. It seems the polishing process really dulled the colors. They are still pretty, but I would really prefer them to be more cheerful!

Next, they are really heavy, compared to bamboo needles. I'd say they are two or more times heavier and more stiff than what I find with bamboo. That's not all bad, but if you knit loosely, the heavy weight is going to pose some issues with needles falling out.

Also, the size is not marked on the needles at all. I don't think this will be a problem, but if you got several sets and just keep them loose in your knitting bag, then you may have concerns with this.

A mystery knit-along! Join me for this fun Christmas project. This is a felted project, and I know you'll love it! Stay tuned to the blog and my newsletter for the details on how to sign up.

So how does this work? Well, I'll give you "hints" via email for four consecutive weeks. Each hint will be a part of a pattern, but no description or photo of what it is. You get to knit-along and try to figure out the project is before we get done. There's prizes along the way, too. Watch for my mid-October newsletter to see how to join.

Mystery knit-alongs are a lot of fun! I hope you'll join me!

I just have to tell you about this great new knit-along I'm doing. It's a mystery knitting project. You get a section of the pattern every so often, starting October 5. By Christmas, you'll have a gorgeous new lace and beadwork stole to wear. If you've never done lace knitting or if you are looking for a fun way to knit a project, please join me. You'll love the community and the connections you'll make.

Hurry, the group membership closes October 5, and you don't want to miss out. Over 2000 knitters will be participating! Sign up to join the group and start working on your mystery stole today.

I've put the newest pattern online for sale, and I'm having a special. The Fun and Funky hat pattern is only $1 until September 15. Stop by the webstore and get your copy during this great sale.

This pattern is a "recipe" so you can use your own choice of yarn, needles, and hat size. Make these fun hats for Christmas and your friends and family will be too cool!