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.  

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.  

Friday Shrug

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This was such a fun, quick knit!  And... it has color!  
All of a sudden, I am into knitting with color.  I don't know how long it will last, however, I am going to embrace it while I can!  
This pattern has intrigued me for a while.  I found the fade and the marling to be quite addicting.  So much so that I truly had a hard time putting this project down.  It took me 5 days to knit this.  
All of the yarn I used was from my stash.  I have a lot of singles from the KnitCrates I used to receive.  I found this to be the perfect use of them!  You hold two fingering weight yarns together throughout.  
While at my friend Susy's house we started looking at her incredible collection of the feather brooch she sells on her site.  True works of art!  

 We thought this was the perfect addition to the Friday Shrug as well as most of my wardrobe!

Pattern:  Friday Shrug
Yarn:  Fingering weight held double.  
Needle:  US 8/ 5 mm

I talked about this knit here.  

Hello Friend!

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 Hello Friends!  WOW!  It's been a minute!

It has been almost a year since I have visited this space.  However, I just blew the dust off and plan on being here a little more this year.  I have missed you!  

The big news last year was that I took a class from Clare at Sister Mountain and I wrote my first true garment pattern!  I have written patterns in the past, but have never graded one for 9 sizes.  It was a bit of a learning curve for me and I couldn't love and be more proud of the work I put into writing this pattern.  
It's called Hello Friend!  

It's basic.  It's simple.  It's for beginners.  It's for advanced.  It's to wear alone.  It's to wear over a blouse, or a t-shirt or a turtleneck.  It's to wear under a sweater.  It's to wear under a blazer.  It's to wear under a jacket.  

If you a new knitter, I have put together a YouTube Tutorial to help you.  And I knit right along with you.
If you are an advanced knitter maybe you will learn a new technique.  Either way I hope you feel as if you are knitting with a friend.

And, if you are still reading this blog, THANK YOU!  I'd like to offer you a pattern at half off.  Please enter the code HELLOFRIEND to download your pattern on Ravelry.    

I hope you are having a lovely start to your year and you have something you love on your needles!

See you soon!  xx, leslie

gift knitting

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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!

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.

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!

my favorite socks

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Hey friends!  Happy November!  So... I finally figured out a sock that fits me the way I want it to! Exciting stuff!   And while I was in Mexico I tweaked it to be exactly that.  I combined a couple of patterns and revised a few things to my liking.  
I'll share it down below.  I don't know how to do a printable, but will work on changing that.  If interested, you can just copy and paste and then print.
Opal yarn is some of my favorite.  This was colorway was Rainforest Monarch.  I have had this in my stash for a while so not exactly where I picked it up.  However, I did find a website that has a nice selection of Opal sock yarn.

(NOTE, I by all means do not have skinny ankles or calves.  In fact, I have been  told in the past that I have Cankles.  It's ok.  I'm over that.  No, really.  I'm over it.  ðŸ˜‰ And, I wear a size 8 shoe.)

My favorite sock pattern ::

Using size US 2 needles, CO 56 st onto double point needle.
Divide onto 3 dpn as follows:  28st on N1, 14st on N2 and 14st on N3.  Join being careful not to twist stitches.
Work in rib 2x2 (or 3x1 or 1x1, whatever your heart's desire!) for 2".  Change to knit stitch and continue until piece measures 6".  (Or again, length desired.)

Heel Flap
With N1, kfb, K28.  With N2 and N3, Knit.  57 st.
Work back and forth on the 29 st on N1 as follows:
Row 1 (RS) *k1, sl1, repeat from *, k1.
Row 2 (WS) purl
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until heel flap measures 2 1/2".

Heel Turn
Row 1:  Sl1, K15, SSK, K1, turn.
Row 2:  Sl1, P4, P2tog, P1, turn.
Row 3:  Sl1, K5, SSK, K1, turn.
Row 4:  Sl1, P6, P2tog, P1, turn.
Row 5:  Sl1, K7, SSK, Ka, turn.
Row 6:  Sl1, P8, P2tog, P1, turn.
Row 7:  Sl1, K9, SSK, K1, turn.
Row 8:  Sl1, P10, P2tog, P1, turn.
Row 9:  Sl1, K11, SSK, K1, turn.
Row 10:  Sl1, P12, P2tog, P1, turn.
Row 11:  Sl1, K13, SSK, K1, turn.
Row 12:  Sl1, P14, P2tog, P1, turn.

Gusset:
Knit across 17 heel stitches, Pick up and knit 16 st along edge of heel flap.  With new needle, knit across 28 stitches of instep.  With new needle pick up and knit 16 st along heel flap.  Knit across 8 stitches of heel.  This is the new beginning of round.
Next round N1, Knit to last 3 st, K2tog, K1.
With N2, knit.
With N3, K2, SSK, K to end.
Round 2, Knit.
Repeat last 2 rounds until 56 stitches remain.  You will have 14st on N1 and N3 and 28st on N2.

Foot
Continue knitting until foot measures 5 1/2 inches or 2" less than desired length.

Toe shaping
Next round.  With N1, knit to last 3 stitches, K2 tog, K1.  With N2, K1, SSK, K to last 2 sts, K2tog, K1. With N3, K1, SSK.  4 sts dec'd.
Knit 1 round.
Repeat last 2 rounds for 8 times more, then rep dec end once more- 16 sts.
Divide sts evenly on 2 dpns.  Graft toe closed using Kitchener st.

scarlet and gray

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 I made these fingerless gloves so that I could look like a great fan of The Ohio State University.  Since my Charlie is a Buckeye,  I thought I needed a little school spirit, also!
(Thanks for the emails.  He is fine.  Praying for all of those involved.)
 You can change the colors to color you prefer.  Whether it be colors to show your school spirit, your team spirit or just your favorite colors.  (I want to make a grey and navy pair.  One of my favorite color combos. )
Pattern available here.   Enjoy!

Happy December!

scarlet and gray

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I finished this pair of mitts, whose colors represent OSU, where my Charlie goes to school.  I think they would be great in any color combo, representing a school or not.
I'll share the pattern soon!
I've been trying to knit, but nursing an infection/allergy of my eyes, due to eyelash extensions.  Yes.  I tried them.  I LOVED them.  I had a reaction.  I had to have them removed.  They were so much fun until the reaction!
Headed to Lake Tahoe tomorrow to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Something new and different.  I'm super excited!
Happy weekend, friends.

dashing

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 I made a pair of Dashing Mitts 100 years ago.  They were one of my absolute favorites.  Squishy, twisted cables wrapped around my wrist.  Oh, I just love that!
While we were in Alaska, last summer, I met a darling girl who was living and working at Glacier National Lodge.  Over the next three days we quickly became besties.  I wanted to give her something when we left, as my token of appreciation for her lovely soul.  I gave her my old, dirty, dashing mitts.  (So sweet, right?! She seemed to be thrilled.  Honest!)
We then traveled to the quaint town of Sitka, where I stumbled upon a yarn shop.  I picked up the yummiest skeins of Madelinetosh.  You know the kind of yarn when you pick it up and you have the urge to eat it?  (Oh.  That doesn't happen to you?  Me neither.)  I decided this yarn would become a pair of Dashing.  A really delicious pair of dashing.
Pattern:  Dashing
Yarn: Madelinetosh Vingage, Firewood

pop life cardigan

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Shoot!  I'm so sorry the coupon code for KnitCrate is not working.  I'll be sure to let you know when it is resolved.  
It's fall break and SO nice to have Charlie home for the weekend.  
 So, this Pop Life Cardigan is one of those quick knits that I will wear over and over.
 It's one of those sweaters that I will wear in warmer temperatures.  Spring.  Summer.
 It's one of those knits that I will keep near me all summer long. I'll throw it over my jammies in the morning.  I'll throw it over a dress in the evenings.
 The cotton is dreamy.  I can't remember a time I called cotton "dreamy".  But it is.  It is soft on the hands and easy to work with.  It's just lightweight and nice.  Ya know?
The pattern is easy to follow.  And truly simple.  The right front and right back are knit in one long piece and then seamed in the center to the back of the left side. You then add the sleeves (which are short due to the dropped shoulders) and then add the ribbing around the front and neck.
Somewhere along the way, I measured the first piece wrong and knit everything else based off of those measurements.  So, mine is shorter than the pattern suggests.  Honestly, I would have loved it to be longer.  However, this doesn't stop me from loving it.  It's sort of the summer version of my beloved slouchy cardigan.

Pattern:  Pop Life Cardigan
Yarn:  Wool and the Gang Billie Jean Washed Out Denim
Needles:  US11
Size:  one size

Happy Weekend, Friends!

elen

finished knit
Remember this sweater?  I started it back in April.  Then ripped it out back in June.  (Remember our friends who like yarn, too?)  And, finally finished it at the beginning of August.
I made the body a few inches longer than the pattern calls for, as I didn't want it to be cropped.  The sleeves were shortened by 2 inches as the pattern calls for extra long.  It was fun working on the "mesh lace" pattern.  That kept it interesting.  
I love the high/low aspect of this sweater. Anything that covers my behind is always a welcome piece of clothing!

Pattern:  Elen
Yarn:  Sanibel, color #1320, horizon
Needles:  US 7
Size: medium

happy feet

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These are most definitely the happiest socks I have ever made.  They truly make me smile.  
It took me about 10 tries to get the cast on just right so that the stripes added up.  But finally... It worked.
Oh, did I mention it took me a couple of months to get this yarn because of how quickly they sell out.   They update on Thursdays and sell out pretty quickly, so if you're looking to make a pair, set your alarm!  (That's what I finally did.)

Pattern: Vanilla Latte Socks omitting the stitch pattern with a Slip Stitch Heel
Yarn:  Trailing Clouds - Mind the Gap
Needles: Size US 2
Made for:  Libby's happy feet

folie vest

finished knit
 Ooooooh Loop Stitch!
I had so much fun working the Loop Stitch for the very first time.
And Libby and I had so much fun shooting the photos of the Folie Vest.
Libby says it reminds her of a fur vest, only cooler.
That's what I'm talkin bout!
So simple.
So quick.
So fun.
Oh, and guess what?  Last weekend, Libby asked if she could knit a row on Maine Squeeze.  I calmly handed her my knitting.  I didn't want her to see the excitement inside me.  And then, after row 4, she asked if we could get her a project.  She wants to make a poncho.
Be still my heart.

I love this company.  Their projects come kitted including, pattern, yarn and needles.  Everything you need from start to finish.

Pattern:  Folie Vest Kit

Oh!  And come visit next week.  I'll be hosting a giveaway for anything on We Are Knitters site valued up to $100.00.  SO exciting.  And if you just can't wait to get a project going, you can order and enter promo code AWAKFRIEND to receive a 15% discount on any items.

Have a beautiful weekend, friends!

madge for libby

finished knit
Okay friends.  When your daughter see's you making a new sweater and asks if it's for her, you immediately respond, YES!  (Even though you had yours eyes on it.)
I have not made a sweater for Libby for quite some time.  Not for lack of not wanting to.  But, because she had entered into that phase of not really wanting me to.  (GASP!)  I think the last sweater I made her was the Libby.  Yes, there have been socks.  And hats.  And cowls.  And mitts.  But, no sweaters.  
Until Madge.
And Libby LOVES Madge.
And I loved making Madge.
There is just the mix I love in a project.  A little stitch pattern.  Some stockinette.  A hem.  Rib sleeves.  Snap closures.  It had all the makings for a project that keeps me fully interested.  Not to mention my girl asking me if I was almost finished.  
It's just so gratifying when someone really appreciates your work.  Right?!
It was so worth the wait.

Pattern:  Madge
Yarn:  Manos Del Uruguay 10 Skeins
Needles:  Size 8
Size:  34