my jose hood

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The Jose Hood.  Sure to get a lot of use this winter and I can't wait!  Rumor has it, we will be getting a lot of snow this winter!  BRING IT!
 
I purchased this yarn while traveling in France last March.  I found the most lovely yarn shop in Bordeaux who talked me into purchasing yarn for two wonderful knits.  This and another I will share soon.  This was a wonderful travel project as it is knit in all garter.  Perfect for bopping around and picking up and putting down the needles.  I love it so much I am considering making a second!
The attached i cord and i cord bind off use a lot of yarn so proceed to those steps with enough yarn!

Pattern:  My Jose Hood
Yarn:  Pascuali Cashmere Charis  5 skeins
Needles:  US 8/ 5 mm
Mods: None really... However if I knit another one:  

From a friend (thank you Vivian) who suggested perhaps you want to knit the i-cord edge as you go...

* Knit to last 3 sts on every row
* bring yarn forward
*slip those 3 stitches purl wise
*turn your work and knit the first 3 sts on new row.


I spoke all about the making of this in Episode 65:
https://youtu.be/yZPYSCMfXCg
Purchased:  

my new babylon knitting bag

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This is truly the knitting bag of my dreams!  And to think I made it myself makes it even sweeter!
It's a kit from Babylon leather.  Everything you need comes in the kit and the materials are quality!  Top grain cowhide and full grain cowhide leather.  There is a video tutorial with each kit and online support if needed.  
I ended up spreading everything out on my dining room table and working on it a little bit of a time.  I think that was the right way to approach it.  That way it wasn't too overwhelming.  
I worked on it a little in the morning.  A little in the afternoon.   A little in the evening.  Just whenever I had a few moments.  The pinholes make it very easy.  As well as the heavy thread and needles.  
I ended up using it while in New York in August.  And it could not have been a better bag to carry my knitting in during the day.  And use as a purse in the evenings.  
This is the unlined Picotin bag in caramel with the white stitching.  I truly adore it!  


I spoke all about this in Episode 65.  If you would like to try your hand at one I have a 10% code (as well as the 20% discount already on their site.  Use code Friend10 at checkout.  

Happy knitting (and sewing)!

 

aureliano

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 It's September!  The 12th to be exact!

Just arrived home from a wonderful few days spent with my sisters.  Feeling so very blessed.

I realized I never added my Aureliano (as well as a few other knits) to this space.  

SO looking forward to some cooler days to wear this beauty.  Honestly, it feels like a cloud.  The yarn was a complete dream to work with!

Pattern:  Aureliano by Claudia Quintanilla 

Yarn: ITO Sansei 60% super kid mohair, 40% silk

Needle:  US 4/3.5mm

Mods:  none.

I spoke all about it on Episode 64

a very sweet baby knit

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Lemon yellow. Probably my favorite yellow in all the world. It just screams happy, cheerful, full of life!


I mean lemon adds flavor!   It adds a lovely appearance to any dish or drink.  It just seems to be the perfect companion.   If I were to be a food, I would definitely want to be a lemon!  
As I was searching for a toddler pattern, I found this on Etsy.  Something classic.  Perfect for a 2 year old! 
I made the size 3-4 year hoping she will be able to wear it for a couple of years.  
Knitting sleeves two at a time in order to keep them even was very helpful.  A little bit of yarn management but well worth it!  

The yarn was in my stash from a knit crate I received years ago.  I had two skeins.  584 yards in total.  Not enough for an adult sweater but perfect for a childs sweater.  Or so I thought!  I ended up playing a bit of yarn chicken however, was able to finish with a few yards to spare!  
Choosing buttons is always something I like to do.  And made even more fun with the challenge of using what I have.

I ended up narrowing it down to a few and asking advice on Instagram.  Mismatched flowers won the vote!    And added so much LIFE to this sweater!  

The sweater is blocked.  The name tag and buttons are sewn in place.    I can't wait to wrap and gift this!

Pattern:  Sirdar 
Yarn:  Knitcrate Vidalana Lofti DK  584 yards in Daffodil  
Needles:  US 6/ 4mm 
Size:  3-4 year
Mods: none 

hello august!

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I literally used to blame being so busy on my kids. And their schedules that kept me on my toes.  However, life has shifted and I feel that I am busier than ever.  Or certainly as busy as I was when they were young!  

I started the Freestyle Shirt on May 25.  I finished it on June 26.  It is August 4 (my eleven year wedding anniversary!) and I am just posting this!  Holy cow!
 
I can honestly say that I will only knit with black yarn during the summer months.  When the light is bright and long.  And, preferably when I am outside!  
I had been wanting to knit this sweater since last summer when it was released.  So grateful I finally did!
The neck detail is my favorite.  It reminds me of the raw edge of a sweatshirt neckband.

Pattern:  Freestyle Shirt
Yarn:  Onling no. 21  Holding two strands together.  12 balls black.
Needles:  US 5/3.75 mm
Size:  Small  (124 st cast on)
Mods:  Long sleeve instead of short!  The fabric is a bit heavy to be a short sleeve.  So, I made it long sleeve!  And I do believe it was a wise decision.  It's like a sweatshirt and I have been wearing it so much!  I LOVE it!


the colors of tahoe

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We spent the last part of June on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.  June just happens to be one of my favorite times there.  The air is crisp in the mornings and the evenings.  The afternoons are warm but not too warm.  The colors are vibrant.  And, the crowds are low! 
I finished my Free Style Tee (photos coming soon!) and Easy Ruffle Socks while there.  The hat I packed was my Oslo hat.  I thought it would be perfect for early morning hikes and swims.  (The water is 57°, too cold for me to swim for exercise but still cold enough for cold plunging. )

I waited until the last morning to snap some photos and was so very grateful that Liesl agreed to wake at 7am to be my model.  
Pattern:  Ultra Easy Ruffle Socks by Easy as Knit
Yarn: Artisan Yarns Sockpaca Fingering Weight held double (wool, alpaca, nylon)
Needle: US5/ 3.75mm
Size: M  Cast on 40 sts
Mods:  none
Pattern:  Oslo Hat
Yarn:  Rico Socks neon, color 005 held with Rico Essentials, color 062
Needle:  Us 3/3.5mm
Size: Cast on 108st 
Mods: none
I did not plan to match the colors of Tahoe.  But was so pleased while looking at my camera roll and noticing the colors of my knits matched the scenery.  

one of those days

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This was one of those summer evenings that will always hold a special spot in my heart.  

Where the temperatures are warm and the sun is still sitting high at 6pm.  

Where we ate our favorite take out.  

And, laughed.   
A lot.  


Where we played one of our favorite games.  


These are the type of summer days I never want to end.  And want to hold onto forever.  

On my needles:  Half + Half Triangles Wrap in Linen Quill.  

something new

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I started something new last night.  I took my first ballet class!  I have been wanting to take ballet for years and finally jumped in.  I loved it!  I showed up 30 minutes before the start time.  (I hate to rush. And, I was a little nervous.) While waiting,  I knit a row on my Half + Half Triangles wrap.  
I woke up in the night thinking that I needed to knit a pair of legwarmers.  I had the perfect gradient yarn in my stash.  Pink.  Obvisouly!

 {Waiting for class to start.}

I think I'll use this pattern.   However, I may change my mind after looking at all of these!

cake + socks

cookie of the week

My friend/neighbor and I decided to have a little KAL and knit a pair of the Ultra Easy Ruffle Socks.  A super easy pair of socks to maybe get some sock mojo going over here.  Maybe, maybe not.  The construction of the heel is super simple.  Not a completely defined heel.  It's a perfect pattern for beginner knitters.  I'm using yarn from my stash acquired from one of my past Knitcrates.  
 
I whipped up an Orange Ricotta Cake over the weekend using my sourdough discard.  If you have been visiting this space for a while, you know how much I love to bake.  However, over the years I haven't done much baking because no-one seems to want to eat it.  Including me!  But, doesn't a baked good and knitting just go together?  I think so!  

This cake is a keeper.  And, I plan on making it on repeat this summer!  I left off the glaze topping this time but definitely want to try it the next time.  

my june knit

cookie of the week

I started the FreeStyle Shirt on May 25th, however, I am calling it my June knit. I like to save my black yarn for when the sun is high and the days are bright.  
I'm using Onling No. 21 holding two strands together.  It is a cotton/linen blend and I am hoping will work beautifully for this pattern.  

 I also made a Chocolate Chip cookie that supersedes any I have made in the past.  I know that is a tall order, however, it's true.  I have tried to duplicate the delicious Levain cookies from New York.  This is the closest I have ever gotten.  I followed this recipe.  (I'm going to also jot it down below in case the link one day expires. )

INGREDIENTS

  • ½ cup (112g) unsalted butter, slightly softened

  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar

  • ¼ (50g) cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs, cold

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2½ (300g) cups all-purpose flour, sifted

  • 1½ tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (or 1 tsp kosher salt)

  • 2 cups (250g) walnuts, roughly chopped
    (if omitting walnuts, you can add roughly 50g extra AP flour)

  • 2 cups (325g) dark chocolate chips


    Measure out 3 oz balls. Refrigerate balls for 30 minutes or longer. Bake at 375˚ for 11-13 minutes.

CMC Sweater

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 I love a quick knit.  And I love a quick knit that fits right into my wardrobe.  As a matter of fact, I'm not sure how I ever lived without a pale pink sweater in my wardrobe!
I spoke all about this on my latest podcast.  

You can find that here.

Pattern:  CMC Sweater
Yarn:  Blue Sky Fibers Extra  5 skeins.  (I think I could have gotten by with 4 skeins.) Color 3513
Needle Size: US 9/5.5 mm
Size: Small
Modifications:  I made the neckline a crew by knitting for 1 inch instead of 4 inches.  I also continued the pattern that runs down the sides so that it also runs down the inside of the sleeve.  

may... now that was quick!

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Looking back through the photos on my phone, it seems like this happened a while ago. Yet, May seemed to have flown by.
d

 I mean we had a big graduation, there was Mother's Day, plants were planted, and there was a 10 day power outage.  Yes... 10 days.  I made the most of the time without electricity (or hot water!) however, when the electricity finally came back on, I cried.  Seriously.  
I set up the dining room table like I was hosting craft days.  Only, the only crafter was me!  
I would get up, swim my laps, head to Starbucks for a coffee and hit the craft table.  
If you were a loop and you happened to be in my house, you were becoming a pot holder.  Pronto!  
In the end I made 6 dishcloths (HIGHLY REWARDING!) and eleven (I thought it was one a day... hmmm maybe the power was out for 11 days.  It's all a blur.)  potholders.  

I made the most of my time.  :)

The dish cloth recipe using Crafter's Secret Cotton or Sugar and Cream:

Using a US 6/4mm or US 7/4.5 mm needle (I prefer a US 6 because I light a tighter cloth)
Cast on 3 stitches.
Knit 2, yarn over, knit to end.
Continue until 44 stitches on your needle.
Knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2 together, knit to end.
Repeat until 3 stitches remain.  
Bind off.




on my needles

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How can it possibly be April 25th already!  Can time please slow down?!
We have been busy around here.  Mostly traveling.  Always knitting.  Much to share, however, I am going to start with the present and share what is currently on my needles. It is bringing me much joy.  
Aureliano by Claudia Quintanilla.  
This knit is delicate and delicious.  And requires me to be fully present.  It's a nice change from many of my mindless knits.  

 The weather has begun to change.  Windows are open and fresh air is flowing into the house.  I moved some things around and it is crazy how much small changes can change the energy in a room.  It feels like a fresh space.  

Happy weekend!