Sunday Morning Knit Wit Leaf Shawls

Ok, so technically it is Monday and Labor Day has come.  Summer is winding down and it's time to get down to business. Whether you are headed back to school, getting ready for winter or just need to get started on some knitting projects, the season has come.  Get your knitting needles out and cuddle up with some yarn.

Today I am featuring 2 more lacy shawls.  Both are the same falling leaf pattern, but each one came out quite differently.

Early Fall Leaves is knit with soft shades of oranges, blues, greens, and lavenders.  I love the way the colors worked out and it is perfect for those sunny but cool autumn days.

Using the exact same pattern, I knit Adirondack Fall Leaves in deep, rich rust and added tiny glass beads to each leaf with a 3 bead cluster at each scallop point.  This shawl is for the serious leaf peeper! 

 Today is a dark rainy day, so I've started knitting an afgahn with cables and leaves.  With each row I get more excited to start the next row just to see the design come to life. 

I hope you are all getting your knitting projects planned and started. 

Keep you needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Chunky Knits by Biscuit Scout

While searching through etsy this week, I came across a truly remarkable shop and just needed to share with you today. 

Cables and Bobbles make a statement in beautiful knit sweaters, mitts and hats.  But when you find these gorgeous designs on ottomons, chairs and lampshades the designs pop and I, for one, am in awe! 

I'm hoping you will visit BiscuitScout's etsy shop and see her fabulous work.  Here is some information from her profile:
"I am a graphic designer who left the big city in search of my fortune. (Actually I just really wanted to live in the countryside.)

I have recently settled in Napier in the Overberg (near the bottom, most Southern tip of Africa) and apart from discovering the joys of no traffic and growing your own vegetables, I have had time to indulge my passion for knitting.

"It all started a long time ago when I decided to knit a cover for my ageing washing machine. I loved the result so much, that I experimented with various patterns and wools and shapes and sizes; using knitting as a functional art form. It opened up a whole world of possibilities, but back then I still had a day job and knitting took a back seat.

So when I found myself sitting on my porch staring at the cows in the valley, I decided it was time to knit in earnest. I now knit in a thoroughly contemporary way using a chunky Aran style and do winter “jerseys” for ottomans and armchairs, funky cross-shaped scatter cushions and pretty much anything that takes my fancy".

I am truley amazed at her fabulous work.  I would love to cozy up in a chair covered with cables wrapped in one of her blankets, with my feet up on an ottomon while reading a good book using lighting from her  light cover on a cold winters day.  My idea of true bliss! 

Lynn ~ Thank you so much for sharing your creative work with us today!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Summertime Knitting

I found a new favorite place to knit this summer.  I seem to have migrated to my back yard under our old apple tree.  It is so cool in the shade and I am enjoying the sounds of summer as I knit away!  The birds are chirping, the crickets are cricketing, bees are humming and sometimes, if I listen very very carefully, I can almost hear my garden grow.

Sitting in the shade with a cool breeze and a tall cold drink knitting a small project is my idea of summertime bliss.   I wouldn't suggest working on an afghan or blanket this time of year.  But working on a pair of socks, lacy scarf or pair of mittens are the perfect summertime project.  I'm usually don't use aluminum needles, but I tend to switch to aluminum when the temps go up.  I may be imagining it, but they seem to be alot cooler as well.

Here are a few of my current projects, all very good summertime projects :

Lavender lacy shawl:

Knit Vases for a baby shower:

And a pair of 2 at a time toe up socks:

And a side note on the socks - this is my very first pair of toe up and working 2 at a time.  I'm not sure if I really like this method yet or not.  I seem to be struggling with smooth edges, which I hope will be resolved after blocking.  But, I may just go back to the tried and true method working one at at time on double pointed needles cuff down.  We will see!

What is on your needles this week and what are your ways to keep cool during the summer while knitting?

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ A perfect match (Socks and Housework)

I knit socks the 'old fashioned' way - one at a time on double pointed needles.  And I have Second Sock Syndrome...  The first sock flies as I can't wait to see how it comes out.  But the second one goes much slower.  The excitement is gone.  Sometimes the second sock will can take 4 to 5 times as long to finish as the first one.

But yesterday, I challenged myself to finish the second sock for one of my daughters and get my house work done. So I broke it down by sock part and here is how it evolved:

I got up bright and early and set myself up in a comfortable chair in the shade under the apple tree.

Cast on and completed the ribbing -  then watered the garden (not a tough chore, but a chore nontheless)
Worked half the leg - came inside and started a load of laundry and cleaned 1 bathroom
Worked 2nd half of the leg - came inside and cleaned the refridgerator (oh boy, did that fridge need cleaning!)
Worked heel flap and decreased for heel - came inside and made mac salad (I had to put something in that nice clean fridge!) and did another load of laundry
Worked gusset - came inside and cleaned second bathroom
Worked half the foot - came inside and vacuumed and did another load of laundry
Worked 2nd half of the foot - finished up the laundry
By 4 PM I had finished the toe and my house work! 

It actually worked out very well and I think I actually finished the second sock faster than the first one!

Now, last week I took advantage of KnitPick's 40% off sale on their books and bought "Toe-Up 2-at a Time Socks " by Melissa Morgan Oakes.

I am hoping that this method will cure me of the Second Sock Syndrome.  Early this morning I cast on the toes for another pair of socks for another daughter.  It took some time to adjust to different methods as I am a creature of habit, but so far so good.  I have the toes completed and now I am off to weed the garden.  I am hoping to finish the foot ahd after that I will mow the lawn. 

I hope to have this pair done by next week and will let you know how they come out.

Do you have Second Sock Syndrome?  If so, tell me about how you challenge yourself to 'get them done'.

Until next week  - Happy Knitting!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Vacation Knitting

Summer is here and keeping us especially busy!  Lawn care, gardening, going for ice cream and vacations can keep us on the go, leaving little time to knit.

But summer is one of my favorite times to knit and I try to find every opportunity to get my sticks out when ever I can.  Nothing beats sitting on the porch with a tall cool drink in the evening working on a project.

This past week, Daryl and I were on vacation and we drove up the coast of Maine, stopping at flea markets and beaches along the way.  The trip to Acadia National Park was amazing and I recommend making the trip if you can.  It is a good thing that D does all the driving because I knit up this pair of socks while in the car. One of my daughters will get these for Christmas (but I can't tell you which one right now... just incase they actually do read my blog!)

This shawl was done partly on the porch and partly in the car driving to Vermont to pick up our grandson. 
Go to my etsy shop to see more pictures of this handknit shawl.

And I was able to finish my spinning project -  1,658 yards of heavenly merino/silk blend. My friend, April and I are each going to make a shawl with this fabulous fiber that we are calling Fairy Dust.  I'm still looking for a pattern, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know.  I was thinking of incorporating some type of bead work with this project as well.

So, don't let summer shove your knitting and spinning projects aside... it's not just for winter.  What's on your needles?  I would love to hear from you. I have another shawl with some surprising color work on mine and hope to have it ready by next week.

Enjoy your summer!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Fairy Dust Lace Weight Yarn

With summer approaching, my weekends have been busy with spring cleaning and yard work, so there has been little time left over for knitting.  I have been knitting some summer projects (mainly lace weight shawls and wraps), but as I mentioned last week, it seems that I have been spending more time ripping them out than knitting them together! 

One stitch forward, Three back ... 

So, I have been focusing on spinning project.  There is nothing more relaxing than spinning ~  especially when you are working with some dream merino and silk blend.  This stuff just seems to spin itself! 

My friend, April purchased an entire pound of the is lucious fiber. Yes, that is 16 oz of pure softness.  My job is to spin it into a lace weight two ply yarn.  We are then going to split it and each knit a shawl.  I think it will be so interesting to see how different each of our knit projects will turn out using the exact same yarn.

So far, I have 317 yards ready for the needles, which is just under 3 oz.  So if my math doesn't fail me, we should get about 1,600 yards of this dreamy fairy dust yarn! 

Hoping to have my green shawl completed for next week.. 
Until then, keep your needles clicking and HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Sunday Morning Knit With - Old Faithful

This morning I finished one of my 'old faithful' projects while the rest of the family slept. 

I call this project my 'old faithful' project because it is one of those projects that:
1) I don't want to think about the design as it is one that can be done mindlessly and I always can tell where I left off
2) There is no tracking a pattern as it is easily memorized
3) The result is a classic accessory that is easily worn and coordinated with my outfit of the day
4) A project that is always in my knitting bag, ready to take with me where ever I go

Basically, these projects are worked on while I am riding in the car, talking on the phone, waiting at an appointment or at knitting group when the conversations are so much fun that I can't concentrate on a difficult pattern.  (Know what I mean, April?)

The thing is with my 'old faithful' project is this - they seem to take forever to complete.  Because they are left waiting for a convenient time, I'm not in a hurry to get them done.  Although this one should have only taken a few days to complete, it has been with me where ever I go for the past month. 

So, here it is, a classic red cranberry scarf  with cables.  I used large size 11 needles and double worsted weight yarn.  The yarn is two very very slightly different shades of red/cranberry that gives just enough highlight to the colors to make it more interesting.

I think it is a classic - after all, everyone needs a red wool scarf.  And this one is knit with Mission Falls Washable Wool for an ever so soft next to skin comfort.

What are some of your 'old faithful' projects?

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Knitting for Spring

The calander says it is spring but someone forgot to tell Mother Nature that spring is here in Central NY.  Although it is sunny and I do hear some birds chirping here and there, we woke up to a cold 5 degrees again today. 

But I know that it will begin to feel like spring soon and I already have spring fever. And that doesn't mean my knitting needles are put away for the season.  In fact, I love knitting on the porch during the summer months, especially in the early morning. 

I'm also looking forward to seeing the daffidols, tulilps and other fabulous flowers.  And what better way to show these great flowers than in a unique vase?

My newest item available on etsy is a hand knit cabled vase cozy in soft pink.  This item comes with the vase and is ready to show your spring flowers.  (A perfect Mother's Day gift as well!)

I'm already working on a lovely lavender alpaca version with 'claw' cable design which is sure to be just as pretty. 

So don't put away your knitting needles and wool just because spring is here.  Keep knitting and make something wonderful for the season. 

What are some of your favorite spring projects?  I would love to hear and see what you are working on, so please leave a comment and link to a photo! 

Sunday Morning Kit Wit ~ Grey Cable Scarf and Olive Green Leaf Design Neckwarmer

I couldn't decide which project to feature this week, so I have included two this week.

While I was browsing through my knitting stitch book this week looking for some fun edgings to try, I came across this fun leaf design.  I felt that it would make a great edge on a cowl or neckwarmer, so I got to work on it right away.  I used Mission Falls Washable 1845 washable yarn in deep olive green.  This yarn is wonderful to knit with!  The cables in the neck area give the illusion of branches swirling down to the leaves and the wooden toggle button to keep it together adds a bit of woodland feel to the design. 

Already, I am thinking of other ways to incorporate this edging in my designs, so be on the look out for some new patterns using this edge in the future.

Olive Green Leaf Neckwarmer

My lastest creation is knit with super soft silver alpaca (my own hand spun) and grey wool (Paton's Classic).
Because it is knit on larger needles and the yarn is held double throughout, this scarf is airy, light and super soft.

I took the basic cable design a step further and incorporated a design that flows and swirls through the entire scarf.  I also made cables on each edge for the scalloped look. 

Grey Alpaca Wool Blend Cable Scarf

Both are available in my etsy shop and make perfect gifts.  Just beware:  If you are purchasing them for someone else, you just may keep them for yourself once you feel them!

What is on your needles?  I'd love to hear what your current projects you are working on.  Leave a message here or stop over to my FaceBook page and leave a photo too! 

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - New Ascot Cable Pattern

Cables are my thing..  I can't seem to knit something that doesn't have a cable or two. I really love the way they add texture and and movement to a knitted item. I find knitting plain stockinette stitch really boring and will loose interest almost immediately if there isn't some type of cable work within the project.

I've been working on the design for this cable neckwarmer for quite some time and my cable ascot neckwarmer pattern is finally perfected and available for sale on etsy.  This was one that was a long time in the making, but well worth the modifications. 

Although it looks like it is pretty difficult, if you can make cables, it is pretty easy (I knit the entire neckwarmer in a total of 4 hours). I worked closely with my tester and together, we streamlined the instructions to make it easy to follow and have a really cool check off grid to make sure you stay on track!

What I like most about this pattern is by simply changing directions of the cables mid-way, a beautiful diamond is formed in the center of the neck in the back. And, of course my signature cables on each edge make scalloped edges stand out.

This is available in pattern form on etsy and ravelry for the DIYers, or I have a few fininshed versions on etsy and artfire.

I have a few more ascot style patterns being worked on, so stay tuned for some fun new patterns coming soon!

Until next week - keep your needles clicking and stay warm!

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!

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 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 Morning Knit Wit ~ Ribbed Cable Stitch

For those of you following my blog,  you know that cable work is my favorite.  For those who are new, you just have to check out this ribbed cable stitch that I found.

It is worked without using a cable needle and it is an amazing quick knit!  I've only tried it with 2 stitch ribbing, but will try some modifications soon.

The cable working pattern goes like this:

K2, P2, *  (as many repeats as you like)
P2, K2
K2 tog without taking them off the left needle, then K 1st stich of the 2 on the needle and slip off both, P2
P2, K2

Repeat these 4 rows

I used this stitch to knit this super soft scarf in 100% alpaca wool with 6 cable rows surrounded by seed stitch boarders. 

I hope you will give it a try.

As the holidays are approaching soon, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and thank those who have supported me through out the year in 2010.  I appreciate every single comment and click on my little blog so very much! 

Merry Christmas ♪ ♪ ♫ ♫ ♪ ♪

Sunday Morning Knit With ~ Festive Wine Bottle Accessory

Are you going to give a bottle of cheer to someone this holiday season? 

I plan to give several and wanted to do something a bit different to spice it up a bit.  So yesterday I sat down and knit this fun Santa Hat and Scarf to adorn the bottles.  I think this is so festive and the best thing is that it just takes a bit of scrap yarns and a few minutes (ok... maybe an hour or so) to knit up quick.

I used DK weight yarn and size 6 double pointed needles and worked in the round for the hat.

Cast on 6 stitches on 3 needles and work 5-6 rounds of white (just knit stitches)
Change to red and knit another 6-8 rounds (depending on how long you want the hat)
Next Round:  K 3, K2tog, K1 on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)
Knit 2 Rounds
Next Round: K3, K2tog on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)
Knit 2 Rounds
Next Round: K2, K2tog on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)

Knit 1 Round
Next Round: K1, K2tog on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)

It is at this point that I moved all stitches to one needle and did a few rounds of I-cord.

Make a tiny white pompom for the end or sew on a small jingle bell for even more fun!
Let the white rim roll to give it the appearance of fluf.


For the scarf, I just did a 5 stitch I cord in red about 20 inches long and added a white tossel to each end.

I hope you have fun making some of these wine bottle toppers!

Until next week ~ Keep your needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit With - Mixing it up

I am hopelessly addicted to spinning right now. I know - I really don't need another distraction, but this distraction is one of the most relaxing and soothing additions ever.

One of my latest projects is a wool/mohair mix in a gorgeous purple, blue and green color way. It spun very nicely (although I am still trying to perfect my tension to achieve consistency). I actually like the bumps and ilregularities though.

I knit a basic ribbed scarf combining the hand spun with commercial fingering weight wool. The results: a lofty warm and unique classic scarf. The color combination is perfect and the feel is luxurious!

The pattern for this classic scarf is simple:

Cast on 26 (holding 2 stands of yarn together throughout)
Row 1: (K2, P2)* Repeat to last 2 stitches, K2
Row 2: (P2, K2)* Repeat to last 2 stitches, P2

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 to desired length
Bind off and weave in loose ends

This hand knit handspun classic scarf has been added to my etsy shop this morning. And for those of you who like to have their holiday shopping done early - I am offering 15% all purchases in my etsy shop today only - Just use Promo Code : SundayShopper at check out to get your discount.


Until next week - Keep your needles clicking and Happy Thanksgiving!



Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Fingerless Gloves

With summer coming to a close I'm getting ready for cold weather in my etsy shop. I've been adding handknit hats and scarves as quickly as I can knit them up, but really focusing on fingerless gloves.


I am excited to let you know that I now have 3 fingerless glove patterns for sale, and my most recent pattern knits up quickly and has a classic - never out of style - design. They are worked in the round with double pointed needles with two strands of worsted weight yarn and an easy thumb gussett makes the fit dreamy!

Here is what my tester said when she sent the final pattern back to me: "These are really quick to make and so comfy to wear".


So, if you are looking to make some fun handknit gifts for Christmas this year, consider making these fingerless gloves. Your friends and family will love them. The pattern is available in my etsy or artfire shops and now available as a down load for those of you on Ravelry!



And if you are not up to knitting them yourself, I have a variety of colors available on etsy/ artfire for $26 a pair. ....Easy-peasy Christmas Gifts!

So, get ahead of the Christmas rush this year by making these fun gloves ~

Keep you needles clicking and Stay Warm!