be thankful cardigan

So, I had a little fun with my latest finished knit.
Since I couldn't try it on my sweet Libby (she is in Colorado) I tried it on my grandmothers dress form and pretended it was Libby.  You know, whatever it takes to get through these times.
"Here sweetie, let me straighten this for you."
"Oh, why yes!  We really must get a photo of us."
"Let's show how great these sleeves are."
"See how blousy they are?"
"Oh, how I love you sweet Libby."

This sweater is extra special to me.  I used buttons from my grandmothers stash.  I used yarn I found in my mothers stash.  I used my hands to knit it.  And my sweet girl will wear it.  Boy, I know she will gain strength from all the generations of women while wearing it.  I'm calling it her superhero cardigan!

Pattern:  be thankful cardigan
Yarn:  Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran
Needles:  US size 8
Size: 1

be thankful cardigan

Summertime knitting is here and I couldn't be more thrilled.  I do love the feeling I get from knitting at the beginning of each season.  And it is finally warm enough here to get outside every morning and enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio while knitting.  Pure bliss!
I wanted to mention that Lily Kate is hosting a Knit-along for the month of June.  Not a KAL on a specific pattern; you can choose any of her patterns to knit.
I decided to hop in and bring this love of mine into a sweet circle.
{April 1, 2015 when we traveled to London and the two girls finally met in person.}

You see, my Libby and Lily were pen pals because of this blog back when they were 12.  We all met because Lily's mom and I became friends from her blog, Joli House.  All because of knitting.  And now, they are 22.  Lily has become quite the knitter extraordinaire and not only knits beautifully, but designs many beautiful patterns as well.  She is truly a kind soul and brings so much inspiration and love to this knitting community.
When I heard of the KAL i just knew I needed to make Libby something during the month of June.
Libby chose the BeThankful Cardigan.  A simple knit with a gentle look.  I can't truly explain it, however, it's just one of those feel good pieces.  Like a gentle hug.
While in Florida last month, my sisters and I went through my mothers stash.  She had 10 skeins of Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran that we decided I needed to bring home.
What perfect yarn to use for this cardigan.
As I knit, I am mindfully feeling the yarn and these lovely humans I am thankful for.  It's going to be like a giant feel good hug for Libby every time she wears it.

Take a look at Lily's patterns if you would like to knit-along!

missoni accomplished

Stash knitting never felt so good. I made a sweater that I actually love and am excited to wear! This yarn has been in my stash for a while and is a Classic Elite linen blend.  Unfortunately, Classic Elite is no longer in business.  But this sweater would work in an array of yarns.
This is the Missoni Accomplished that made me truly feel accomplished.  This piece taught me how to knit both continental and english style knitting.  Two handed stranded.  If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend trying it.  Some of my stitches don't look exactly perfect, but I'm okay with it.
I shortened the sleeves to make it more wearable for this time of year.   But definitely would like to make a winter version in the fall.

Pattern: Missoni Accomplished
Yarn:  Classic Elite Soft Linen  35% Linen, 35%, 30% Baby Alpaca
Gauge:  5.5 = 1"
Needle:  US 5
Size: L

change

"The only constant in life is change”-Heraclitus

Things absolutely need to change.
I am watching.  I am listening.  I am trying to educate myself.
It's a beginning.

Pssssst.  Anyone remember habit blog? The blog about capturing bits of everyday life.  Well, those amazing ladies have brought it back.  Couldn't seem to be at a better time with all that is happening in our nation and our world.  I'll be guest blogging for the month of June and I couldn't be more thrilled.