Christmas knits old and new

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Merry Christmas Friends!
I hope everyone had a very Merry day!
Libby made a cameo appearance on my latest 
YouTube video.  

She wore her Christmas sweater I finished for her.  She also wore it on Christmas Eve and that made my heart happy!

I'm wearing a Christmas sweater I made back in 1997!!!  It's one of the only sweaters I saved as I tend to give away sweaters I don't wear.  I haven't worn this sweater for at least 20 years.  That sounds crazy. I'm thrilled that I saved it.

Libby's sweater
Pattern:  Hotline Sweater by Wool and the Gang
Yarn:  Take Care Mohair
Needles:  US size 11

Libby's WIP
Pattern:  Trefann
Yarn:  Lion Brand Wool Ease
Needles: 

My sweater
Pattern:  #13 Fall/Winter '96-'97 Vogue Knitting

My hat
Yarn:  Lion Brand Wool Ease Chunky (Hue and Eye)
Needles:  US size 11

Happy week between Christmas Day and New Years Day.   I think it's the best week of the year!

gift knitting

finished knit
I'm not usually that organized when it comes to gift knitting.  But, I always seem to find a few things I want to make the closer we get to Christmas.  
TOAST.

There are always a few people I think about who may need a pair of TOAST mitts.  

I made my hair stylist daughter a Barbie Doll sweater from a book I have had since Libby was little.  Now THAT was FUN!
And a simple hat in a cute color is always a winter brightener!  
Pattern:  I winged it.  Cast on 50 stitches.  Joined to work in the round for 5.5" then started decreases evenly throughout.  Yarn is Malabrigo Rasta.  They make such fun colors!

I have a couple of more hats on the needles (The Savante) and a pair of socks for Steve.  I think sock knitting is tricky business.  Not only do I hope I can get them finished but I hope they fit!

the daily pullover

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Well, I started this post about 10 days ago, the day I really started to have flu like symptoms and took a Covid test.  The result showed positive for Covid.  Luckily, my symptoms remained mild for the entire time.  My symptoms also changed daily.  One day aches.  One day a sore throat.  One day super tired.  One day a cough.  One or two days a low grade fever.  
My son, Andrew got it first.  And then, of course, I passed it on to my husband.  I am so grateful that we all had pretty mild symptoms.  
Anyhow, I did have enough energy to knit everyday.  I have a few gifts knit and am still plugging along on a Christmas sweater for Libby.  More on those later.
Let's talk about The Daily Pullover for now.
I honestly can not say enough about this sweater.  Pure dreamy.  Especially if you like Linen Quill.  It is such a lovely drape.  Not too soft.  Not too firm.  Just the right combination.  
It's a top down knit and requires very little brain power.  You do have to keep track of your increases but once you divide for the body/sleeves it's pretty much on cruise control.  
I love this kettle black color and the flecks of white linen that come through to make a basic V neck sweater a little special.  
I did make my V a little "less" deep by binding off a little tighter than looser.  You can play with the bind off to get the right V for your liking.  

I truly think this is the perfect Daily Sweater.  I have 3 skeins of Nutmeg and will be casting on for another after the first of the year.  That's how much I love it!


Yarn:  Linen Quill in Black Kettle.  3 skeins
Needles: US size 3
Modifications:  The only thing I did differently was to add length to the body.  My body measures 12" before the short rows. 

episode 20

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I'm getting super fancy and bought myself a ring light.  
I sat here and filmed my favorite topic; knitting.  I also explain why I am lisping.  ☺️

If you care to find out you can head over and watch episode 20 of a friend to knit with podcast.

Happy Knitting, friends!  xx
 

knitting for a cause

There are so many lovely knitters out there making loving pieces for charities. Are you one of them? If so, I think you are the bomb.  I really need to do some knitting for others in the upcoming year.  I'm definitely going to look into that. 


 Well, Yarn Canada has taken a particular interest in these special people and along with their big hearts put together a giveaway for people who knit for good causes.  How awesome is that!  Whether you are with a group or donate your work individually you have a chance to win some Bernat and Patons Yarn.  

As a group you have a chance to win $1000.00 for the group.  One group in Canada is eligible and one group in America is eligible.  And then, they are giving away TEN $200.00 gift certificates to individuals. 

You can enter here.  

This just makes my heart happy.  

new WIPS

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It's 4:30am and we are headed to the airport in about 30 minutes, but I just had to pop on and organize my WIPS.  If you know me, you know I am a monogamous knitter and having too many things on my needles makes me a bit uneasy.  HA! 
Yesterday, I cast on for two projects.
I have two lovely shades of Linen Quill in my stash that I thought I would use for another Half + Half Triangles Wrap,  but decided a sweater would get more use.  I loved the Daily Pullover the minute I saw it in my email from Purl Soho.  Its just SO wearable!  I think it truly will become a Daily Sweater.  

 My second cast on was the Loop it Up Cardi which is part of Knit Collage's KAL.  DREAMY!  On 17 needles this thing will practically knit itself!  How's yours going, Denise?☺️

I have the Daily Pullover packed and hope to make some progress on our journey.

Happy weekend!

creeping fig boxy pullover

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First off... I can't believe that today is Libby's 24th Birthday!  TWENTY FOUR?!!!!  How can that be?  Wasn't she just four?!!!  And wasn't I just 24?!!!

And, I know, I know, this isn't much of a boxy sweater as the name suggests. And, I absolutely fell in love with this sweater because of its boxiness and that is the beauty of the Creeping Fig BOXY Pullover.  However, while I was knitting it, I decided my wardrobe had a lot of boxy already.


It didn't really dawn on me until I was envisioning wearing this and the look I wanted to achieve and that is when I decided to take out the "box".  I suppose that is how ideas come to life.  

This truly was a joy to knit with the squishiest yarn.  There was a lot of "play" in the fibers so the actual fit wasn't achieved until I blocked this sweater.    

I absolutely adore the cable detail along the raglan.  Just enough detail to make it extra special.  
And this yarn feels dreamy on my skin.  No scratch at all!  
I can only imagine that this will now be on continuous rotation in my closet. 
Always up near the top of the pile!

BTW... I had the pleasure of meeting Beth MacDonald Stone at Rhinebeck.  More on that soon!  

Needle:  US size 7 and 8
Size:  S

Thoughts and Modifications:

I bought this as a kit and joined a knitalong hosted by the girls at Knitting Posse. (Love them!)

It was such a fun knit with a combination of the sweater I like to knit; a little bit of detail to keep things interesting with some cruise control knitting thrown in.

I did make some modifications while I was knitting and pondering what I wanted to add to my wardrobe.  

After reading other reviews, I decided to go up a needle size for the neck.  So, I used a size 7 needles for all of the ribbing (AND DID A TWISTED RIB) and a size 8 needle for the sleeves and body.

I cast on 76 stitches (instead of 64) to make a slightly bigger neck and after the completion of the ribbing, decreased 12 stitches around on last row.  Then I followed the size 1 directions until the split at the underarms.

Instead of the increases to make the sweater boxy, I decided to make a more fitted sweater.  I bound off at raglan by k2tog, Bind off, K2tog, BInd off (6X)  178 stitches remainded and I joined to work in the round.  

For the sleeves, I decreased 10 stitches.  (40 st) and knit straight until 5 inches before the total length I wanted, then knit in twisted rib for 5".  

stephen west MKAL21

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Today is the day! First Clue of the Stephen West Mystery Knitalong has hit my inbox.  It's sort of like Christmas morning... I couldn't wait to get out of bed!


 This year's MKAL is named Shawlography.  There were kits available for purchase but I went stash diving as Stephen suggests.  Mmmmmm.  I guess this pallet was just waiting for this project.  
Most of these yarns were from my Knitcrate Subscription.  I have grown quite a stash because of it.  (As always if you would like to receive 20% off your first crate use code FKW20 at checkout.)
The purple color is from when Sandy from by the Lakeside was dying yarn.  I think its been patiently waiting for this project all along. 

Happy weekend, Friends!  It's fancy cocktail night!  

pop-life no. 4

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Yep. I love a Pop-Life Cardigan!
My final (for the time being) Pop-Life Cardigan was finished for my niece.  I hope she loves it as much as me.  
I have a new video up over on YouTube if you are interested in hearing me talk about it.  (Wearing Dirty Denim.)  
It truly is a quick knit and a very versatile sweater to wear.  

Wearing Reclaimed Blue.  Hanging from my hand on the left is Dirty Denim.  Two on my right are Washed Out Denim.  
Needles:  US 8/ US 11
Size:  I finally heard back from Wool and the Gang.  I purchased this pattern when it was a OneSize pattern.  They currently have 6 sizes.  The size I am wearing is equivalent to the Size 2.

Modifications and Helpful Tips:
• Use bamboo needles.
• This size takes 5 balls of Billie Jean cotton.
• If the yarn is twisted too tightly, re roll it by hand into a ball.  This helps take out the twist and makes the yarn much softer! 
FRONT:
• Knit the fronts and the sleeves simultaneously.
• To achieve this length, knit 18 rows of rib and then knit 62 rows for the fronts before the neck increases.
BACK:
• Knit the back in one piece by joining the fronts after you cast on the stitches for the neck.
• To achieve this length for back, knit 68 more rows (including the increase for neck rows) for a total of 130 rows and then knit the 18 rows of rib on back piece.
SLEEVES:
• Knit the sleeves simultaneously.
• Sleeves are NOT knit in reverse stockinette.
• Knit rib on sleeves for 18 rows.  Then knit 40 rows before binding off.  The increases end after 56 stitches omitting 2 of the increase for a total of 4 stitches.
FRONT BAND:
• Front band is 200 stitches by picking up 1 stitch in every row.
• When binding off band, decrease by knitting 2 together along neck edge while binding off.  (Neck edge = where you cast on the 12 stitches along neck.
FINISHING:
• Fold your sweater to match the front rib to the bottom rib and seam the ribs together at the sides. 
• Continue up side seam for a few inches. 
• Fold sleeve together and match the center stitch of sleeve to the center stitch of shoulder.  Start here seaming sleeve to body of sweater.

Pop-Life Cardigan no. 3

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A few things about the Pop-Life Cardigan.
I truly do love it.  Libby's above in Washed Out Denim with my newest one in Dirty Denim.  
The Dirty Denim Colorway is more like your new blue jeans in the fact that it stained my hands a little as well as my bamboo needles.  
I haven't blocked it yet but I assume it will fade a little when I do.  
This color way seems a bit softer than Washed Out Denim.

I just finished the front and back of my Pop-Life no. 4 in the Reclaimed Blue color way and that color is not fading at all on my hands or needles.  However, it is twisted a bit tighter and so is a little less soft.  

Yarn:  Billie Jean  in Dirty Denim
Needles:  US 8/US 11
Size:  I mentioned this same thing in the post below, but here's the thing.  When I purchased this pattern 5 years ago it was a One Size.  I noticed on Ravelry that there are now different sizes.  I have an email out to Wool and the Gang asking what this One Size is equivalent to in their new sizing. Still haven't heard back from them.  I"ll keep you posted.

Modifications and Helpful Tips:
• Use bamboo needles.
• This size takes 5 balls of Billie Jean cotton.
• If the yarn is twisted too tightly, re roll it by hand into a ball.  This helps take out the twist and makes the yarn much softer! 
FRONT:
• Knit the fronts and the sleeves simultaneously.
• To achieve this length, knit 18 rows of rib and then knit 62 rows for the fronts before the neck increases.
BACK:
• Knit the back in one piece by joining the fronts after you cast on the stitches for the neck.
• To achieve this length for back, knit 68 more rows (including the increase for neck rows) for a total of 130 rows and then knit the 18 rows of rib on back piece.
SLEEVES:
• Knit the sleeves simultaneously.
• Sleeves are NOT knit in reverse stockinette.
• Knit rib on sleeves for 18 rows.  Then knit 40 rows before binding off.  The increases end after 56 stitches omitting 2 of the increase for a total of 4 stitches.
FRONT BAND:
• Front band is 200 stitches by picking up 1 stitch in every row.
• When binding off band, decrease by knitting 2 together along neck edge while binding off.  (Neck edge = where you cast on the 12 stitches along neck.
FINISHING:
• Fold your sweater to match the front rib to the bottom rib and seam the ribs together at the sides. 
• Continue up side seam for a few inches. 
• Fold sleeve together and match the center stitch of sleeve to the center stitch of shoulder.  Start here seaming sleeve to body of sweater.


Pop- Life Cardigan no. 2

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I wear my Pop-Life Cardigan I made almost 5 years ago almost everyday in the summer!  I throw it on over my jammies in the morning and wear it over tank tops and dresses in the afternoon.  These last couple of years, the Pop-Life Cardigan has become the summer version of my Slouchy Cardigan which serves the same purpose in the winter.  

This summer, while Libby was home, she mentioned how much she loved it and would love if I could make her one.  I was IN!  
To me, it's that easy breezy sweater that just feels good.  Sort of like that favorite pair of blue jeans.  And it's all due to the yarn!
I made a few modifications for this Pop-Life and I plan on continuing these mods on the next couple I make.  Yes.  I have two more in the wings.  Maybe three.  That's how much I love this sweater.

Yarn:  Billie Jean  in Washed Out Denim
Needles:  US 8/US 11
Size:  Here's the thing.  When I purchased this pattern 5 years ago it was a One Size.  I noticed on Ravelry that there are now different sizes.  I have an email out to Wool and the Gang asking what this One Size is equivalent to in their new sizing.  I"ll keep you posted.

Modifications and Helpful Tips:
• Use bamboo needles.
• This size takes 5 balls of Billie Jean cotton.
• If the yarn is twisted too tightly, re roll it by hand into a ball.  This helps take out the twist and makes the yarn much softer! 
FRONT:
• Knit the fronts and the sleeves simultaneously.
• To achieve this length, knit 18 rows of rib and then knit 62 rows for the fronts before the neck increases.
BACK:
• Knit the back in one piece by joining the fronts after you cast on the stitches for the neck.
• To achieve this length for back, knit 68 more rows (including the increase for neck rows) for a total of 130 rows and then knit the 18 rows of rib on back piece.
SLEEVES:
• Knit the sleeves simultaneously.
• Sleeves are NOT knit in reverse stockinette.
• Knit rib on sleeves for 18 rows.  Then knit 40 rows before binding off.  The increases end after 56 stitches omitting 2 of the increase for a total of 4 stitches.
FRONT BAND:
• Front band is 200 stitches by picking up 1 stitch in every row.
• When binding off band, decrease by knitting 2 together along neck edge while binding off.  (Neck edge = where you cast on the 12 stitches along neck.
FINISHING:
• Fold your sweater to match the front rib to the bottom rib and seam the ribs together at the sides. 
• Continue up side seam for a few inches. 
• Fold sleeve together and match the center stitch of sleeve to the center stitch of shoulder.  Start here seaming sleeve to body of sweater.

LOVE

fancy cocktail night
I just can't say enough about LOVE. It most certainly is what makes the world go around.  Love is everywhere.  You truly don't have to look very far.  

It's in my sister's visit.  The way she lights up a room.  It's in a Friday evening and the way we choose to celebrate life. 
It's in a fancy cocktail and how it matches a sweater.   It's in the joy in our voices.  
It's in the way I knit sweaters.  One after the other.  
It's in the air in September and the smell of basil.

It's in the Motive Mitts and the heart is a reminder to remember YOU are LOVE.  
Because we all need to be reminded at times.  

Please enjoy this pattern for free for rest of the month.  Because you really don't need to look very far when wearing these.  Just in the palm of your hand.  

Enter code lovetoyoufriend (love to you friend) at checkout to receive your pattern. 

hanne flakenberg ballerina

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Well, I can't even believe that today is August 31.  How did August fly by so quickly?  This morning, I looked at my calendar in such disbelief.  Where did the days go?  

{Charlie left on the 1st, I got new contacts, I swam a lot, I knit with friends, I worked, I celebrated a 7 year anniversary, I had friends over for lunch, I baked cookies, I bought peaches from the peach truck, I peeled a lot of peaches, I helped pack, drive and move Andrew into his new college apartment, I spent a few days loving on my Mom, I celebrated a bride, and I worked A LOT on THIS Ballerina and finished it!}

I am not underestimating the amount of time spent on this sweater.  I spent many moments with this draped on my legs and boy was I happy.  
Each section is like it's own little project.  My goal for the beginning of the week.  For the weekend.  For the evening.  
This is a project that keeps things moving.  That never gets boring.  
It's a project that becomes a piece of clothing that will be worn many times.  
I truly can't say enough about how much I love these sweaters.  

Pattern:  Ballerina by Hanne Falkenberg  Kit no. 19 substituting the Apricot for a Pistachio.  
Size: S/M
Needles:  US 3
Start: 7.1.21
Finish: 8.18.21
Notes: This is my 4th Hanne Falkenberg and I am wondering if it will be my last. (My others are here and here.)  Wouldn't this be fabulous in a solid color, too?  (Hello, black.)
If you decide to make this, remember to read ahead within each section.  Don't confuse yourself by going beyond the section but ABSOLUTELY read ahead within each section.  Also, try not to get overwhelmed by looking too far ahead.  
There are always a few things you are doing in each section so I recommend writing it down and keeping good notes while progressing.  I also like to use the little stitch "pins" to keep count of increases and decreases.  If you make this, enjoy the process, because the finish object is definitely worth it!

august

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I absolutely adore the month of August.  Although, it always rolls around a little too quickly.  This year was no exception.   

Ahhhhh, August.  It's the month we took our family vacation when I was a child.  It's the month my first child was born. (Oh wait, that's September, but I was very pregnant in August!😍.) It's the warmest month of the year.  It's the month I dream about wearing hand knit sweaters.  It's the month to wear sundresses.  It's the month to buy school supplies.  It's the month I want to knit all things.  It's the month the tomatoes and corn taste the best.  
Nothing better than sitting outside with my knitting in my hands eating freshly picked veggies and herbs complimentary of my husband.  I added onions, black olives, oil and vinegar complementary of Trader Joes.  

Going to try to savor these sweet days.  

slope

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Well, I finished this knit at the end of June and kept forgetting to talk about it.  Not sure why, as it has been on rotation in my wardrobe since then!  I've worn it with these black joggers, and I've worn it with both white and blue jeans.  Also, under a jean jacket.  

 
It truly has been a great layering piece.  
The yarn was a bit thin.  As my friend Linda put it, it was like working with dental floss.  I had a few places where the yarn had twigs or something stuck to it. (Ha.  Hence the name "twig".)  I noticed it after I knit it and tried to pull them out.  That did not go well.  I decided to leave it instead of ripping it out.  It doesn't bother me now.  

 Pattern:  Slope by Shibui Knits
Yarn:   4 skeins Shibui Twig in Caffeine 
Needle:  US 3
Size:  S
Start date:  6.3.21
Finish date:  6.27.21
Modifications:  Did not do the German Cast on.  I was a bit too impatient for that.  I also shortened my high low effect that the pattern called for.  To do so, I did my wrap and turns with 5 stitches left before the wrap instead of the 3 stitches the pattern calls for.   The pattern calls for a cropped version and a long version.  This is right in between both.  In doing so, I started my decreases at 1.5" then decreased every 12th round.  

THEA

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It's my latest WIP and the jury is still out.
I usually know if I'm going to like something, but this feels a little different.  The yarn feels heavy and the fabric feels thick.  I'm wondering if the drape will be what I thought it would.  I like the color although I keep wondering what I will wear it with.  I have one pair of pants that might work.  
I'm going to forge ahead and see if I can get this finished and blocked and make it work.  If not, it will head to the frog pond.  
I really want a few summer handknits in my wardrobe.  I'm just not sure I chose the right yarn for this pattern.  And now I am dreaming about making this or this.  
So little time.  
 

episode 17

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Hiya Friends!
I know I wrote all about the Simple Stripes sweater but if you want to hear me talk about it, I uploaded a video over on YouTube.  I talked about a few other things as well.  A few tips were also thrown in.  

My Worsted weight Linen Quill just arrived so I'm off to wind it and hopefully get started.

Happy July!  

 

whispers cardigan

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This truly was a breeze to make.  I think it took a week from start to finish.  And, it was one of those projects that I picked up and knit here and there.  We were traveling, so I didn't have that chunk of time I usually have in a day.  
I dug into my button stash and choose navy buttons to match the navy romper.   (I love all the colors it comes in!)  I think an outfit is always a nice gift for a new mama.  
As I mentioned, I think this pattern is best suited with a solid yarn so that the lace detail can shine.  It pretty much gets lost in the speckles.  Live and learn.  I still think it is a sweet sweater and can't wait to give it to the precious girl!

Yarn:  KnitCrate 
Needles:  US size 4 
Size:  12-18 months