Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Felted Wool Hat

One of my goals this year is to introduce a line of felted wool hats, and I'm right on track!

Because you never know how something will turn out with the felting process, working out the right formula for number of stitches and increases can be a trial and error situation.   My first try came  up a bit short and wasn't quite right, but my good friend, April, was pleased when I gave it to her. 

My second try came out perfect and I am excited to present this Ivory Wool Cloche with a Pink Rose to you this snowy Sunday morning.



I am amazed at how much yarn and knitting it takes to make this hat. I can't resist sharing a before picture so you can see just how big these start out!








I already have a second one drying.  I made this one in brown and orange and will accessorize it with a large button.  

What colors would you like to see this hat in? I was thinking reds, greys and perhaps a black. 

Until next week ~ Stay Warm and keep you needles clicking!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Recent Reads

I just finished reading Jennifer Donnelly's lastest book Revolution and I loved it.  It is one of those reads that you can't put down and are sad that you finished it because you want more. 

This is the second Jennifer Donnelly book that I have read and I loved them both.  She has a way of putting fictional characters smack in the middle of a historical event and makes the story totally believeable.

I definately recommend giving this one a try!



Click here to go to Jennifer Donnelly's Web Site

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Diamond Cable Rim Hat

Winter is here!  And here in Booville NY, that means snow, cold and more snow.

It has recently been noted on the Weather Channel that right here in our little town we are ranked as #2 city in the country with the most snowfall - second only to Valdez Alaska. 

Although, I must say that this year we seem to be falling short of the average 220.5 inches they refer to in the article.   But we sure are having our share of the cold right now with a current temperature of 4 degrees F and expected -1 tomorrow.

So how do we Boonvillians fight this snow and cold?  We bundle up ~  Preferably in soft warm handknit woolies!

My newest hat design features extra warmth covering the ears where it is needed the most.   This Diamond Cable Knit Hat is a perfect way to enjoy the winter activities - whether you love to ski, ice skate, snowshoe or just walk. 




















No matter what the weather throws at you - get out and enjoy it!  And Stay Warm!

Until next week ~  Keep on clicking

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Alpaca

I really love working with alpaca fiber. And I really like the results of a knit alpaca scarf even more.  Alpaca is one of the softest and warmest natural fiber. 

My newest etsy listing is a handknit 50% alpaca 50% merino wool scarf with 3 rows of subtle cables. It is knit on smaller needles that I usually use and is very delicate and drapes perfectly.  I loved knitting with this yarn due to the softness.

Again, I used the cable pattern that doesn't use a cable needle, so it knit up quickly. 





I'm also spinning some of my own 100% alpaca.  I'm not sure about the colors quite yet, but looking forward to seeing them combined when plyed together.  I think I'll call this Arizona Sun Rise.....


What is your favorite yarn to knit with?  One of my goals is to try everything available at some point in my life.  I guess I'd better get knitting! 

Until next week ~  Keep you needles clicking!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Hooded Scarf

I spent the day yesterday putting finishing touches on a new hooded scarf design that I was working on.  I'm pleased with the end result, but still need to tweak a few things. 

This one is so soft, warm and fluffy and reminds me being in a mid-evil forest with Robin Hood coming to save the day.   Ok -  a little too much imagination going on this morning. 

So here it is:



For the scarf I used a cable stitch that doesn't require using a cable needle (see previous post for the stitch pattern).  The top of the hood uses the kitchner stitch and I'm proud of the way this one came out... you can barely see where it connects. 

I'm calling this the woodland hooded scarf and it is available in by etsy shop.

I'm working on getting the pattern up and ready, so stay tuned for that soon!

Until next week - Happy Knitting and Stay Warm!