Knit and Crochet Design Week March 12-17

Stacey from Fresh Stitches is hosting a design week on her blog. It will take you right from the sketching phase up to putting your design on paper, giving you a great opportunity to fast track that great pattern that's been floating around in your head. I already have some thoughts on what I'm going to present. Run, don't walk, to Stacey's blog and sign up for the fun and exciting week she has planned for us!

FO: Litha

I really needed a quick knitting win, so when I looked around for a project I could put to use, I decided to go for a hat. I needed one, and I was looking for something cute and slouchy. I decided to go with Litha by Allison Haas. It was in the same issue of KnitCircus as the spiral baby blanket,  so I didn't even have to buy another pattern.

This was a very nice, fast knit, with just enough action to keep you from getting bored.  I knit it up in Debbie Stoller Stitch Nation Bamboo Ewe, in Periwinkle. I picked up two skeins just in case, but ended up only using one with about four yards to spare. That leaves a skein for some mitts.

This hat actually took longer to dry when I blocked it than it did to knit. I also spent a ridiculous amount of time straightening it out and repinning it because the cats kept tearing across it and wrinkling it up.

If you are looking for a beautiful hat that will span the seasons, Litha is the one for you.

Next project up: Knitting Like Crazy Mystery Shawl in Alpaca Sox. I am also working on writing and finishing up knitting an original sock pattern.

FO: Spiral Star Baby Blanket

Months ago, I knit my friend a Spiral Star Baby Blanket from last summer's KnitCircus. It was a simple pattern,  easy to work on in front of the TV, and I finished with plenty of time to spare. I got my ends woven in, put it in the washer on the gentle cycle ( it is a baby blanket, so it must withstand the washing machine) , pulled it out to block it, and almost stroked out on the spot.

One of the ends close to the yarnovers had pulled out, and left a big gap. I tried to tighten it up and weave it back in, but it looked awful.  I asked around, but nobody had any good suggestions. So it just sat there.

Meanwhile,  my friend has a beautiful baby boy, and insists she wants this blanket regardless of the ugly spot. I fixed it as well as I could, but it does still look a bit nasty.  So, I still needed to block this thing, so I handwash it this time,  just spin the thing out in the washer, and as I'm pinning it out, discover that ALL my ends are loosening up. I'm totally disgusted.

This problem made it glaringly obvious that I need to work on my finishing techniques.  I've gotten lax by knitting things that will never see the inside of a washer. The thing that really kills me is that I knew it would go in a washer and put extra effort into my weaving in, and it still fell apart.

FO: Diantha

My most recent completed knitting project is Diantha, which was offered by SusannaIC as a KAL.

This shawl is crescent shaped,  knit from the bottom edge up, and incorporates beads, Nupps, and short rows. As a bonus, it has directions for three different sizes, ans covers lace through worsted weight yarn.

The knitting experience doesn't disappoint, providing you with enough of a challenge to engage but not overwhelm.

I knitted mine in At Knits End Sparkle Ewe lace, which produced a lovely,  slightly drapey fabric with an elegant shimmer. 

It's a Sock and Shawl Knitting World

Thanks to my usual slacker tendencies when it comes to posting,  I have failed to keep you updated on my knitting life. Mostly it's been socks and shawls ( yes, my usual).

Over the last few weeks, I'd say the most interesting socks I've finished are the Achilles Heal socks from Knitty. The heel on this one was unique and a lot of fun to knit once you got your stitches organized.  FYI, I worked over 4 DPNs and had the needles meet where markers were called for, and used a marker to show the start of the round and the end of the heel. Right off the needles, I didn't like the way the instep and heel sat, but after washing and blocking,  it was fine. This is a great project for handpainted yarn. And as a bonus, they knitted up fast.

On my needles now, I am finishing up the SusannaIC January Mystery Shawl, which is looking fabulous.  I am planning on finishing that up today. For socks, I am working on a pair of my own design that is a combination of ribbing and lace.

On a more personal note, I haven't been getting as much knitting done as I'd like due to chronic migraines over the last month. I've started seeing a chiropractor and am getting some real relief,  so I will hopefully be more productive.

Wordless Wednesday

Passing It On

While this might not be the world's best picture, it is still representative of something vitally important to me, namely, the passing on of the major love of my life (behind my family,  of course) . Knitting is a major player for me. It keeps me sane, happy, and occupied in a productive manner.

Abby is eight now, and we have tried teaching her to knit and crochet several times, with no success.  Today she was home sick and came with my sister to do laundry, and out of the blue,  asked to try again, and this time it worked. Aside from some tension issues, she is doing great. I couldn't be prouder!  Even my four year old nephew knit a row with assistance.

This is just one of those great days that will stick with you forever.