half + half triangles wrap

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A few months ago, I mentioned that I was joining 3 Knit-a-longs. Two have already ended (Slipstravaganza and Knitcollage) but I'm not sure I ever mentioned the 3rd. CadyJax podcast is hosting the Half + Half Triangles Wrap with an intent to take an entire year to knit this beauty.  The culmination happening at Rhinebeck for those folks lucky enough to attend and HOPEFULLY it will actually happen!

It's a Purl Soho free pattern and I'm using the Linen Quill from PurlSoho that the pattern calls for.  It takes 2 or 3 skeins of each color depending on the size of the shawl you choose to make. The pattern is written for 2 sizes.  Small and Large.  I am knitting the large one.  It is simple and straightforward with short rows taking place to reduce the stitches in each color.   
I thought my colors were a bit boring, however, they are what I will wear.  Dark Denim + Heirloom White.  So.... 

 I started knitting this back at the end of October when I started learning Continental knitting.  I have knit English Style my entire knitting journey alway wanted to devote some time to learning Continental.  This seemed like the perfect time with the perfect project.  So, as you can see, the one on the top left is where my journey began.  My tension was off and needed some help.  I actually didn't mind that as it could be my reminder of the task and goal I had set for myself.  However, what i did mind was the sloppy edge.  I disliked that very much.  SO,  I cast on again slipping the last 3 stitches of every row with the yarn held in the front.  This gives the piece a much cleaner look.  (You don't have to slip the last 3, you can slip the last 2 or the last 1 even. )  Eventually I will put together a video showing how to do this as I had so many questions on the podcast when I spoke about this.  
I truly can't wait to get to the denim color...  

get away

fancy cocktail night
My husband and I decided to try something new this February.  "How about a couple of weeks in the desert?" he asked.  I was up for anything.  

We woke to a spectacular view.  I had no idea how gorgeous the Arizona sunrises and sunsets were!  Lucky peeps who get to experience this daily!
I brought one project with me.  Only one.  (That was a bit challenging for me.)  My Half + Half Triangles Wrap. However, since there is so much mindless knitting in this project, I knew it would be the perfect one.
I probably packed too much yarn for this project, but my eyes are always bigger than my stomach when it comes to my knitting!  

Our first Fancy Friday Cocktail night consisted of an Aperol Spritz.  Perfect as it matched the sky!

By the way... Did I tell you about Fancy Coctail nights?  During this stay at home time, we have been trying to branch out and make a special cocktail to mix things up!  Maybe I'll start sharing them here.  Fancy Cocktail night instead of Cookie of the week.  Oh boy... Life.  🧡

 Aperol Spritz::
1 part Aperol
1 part Prosecco
Splash of club soda.
Pour over ice.
Garnish with an orange slice.  

a valentine for your valentine

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Oh February. How did you get here so fast?!

I think this is just the perfect Valentine Gift.  I wanted to let you know that I have a code available over on my latest podcast (Number 14!) for this pattern. (And TOAST.) So, if you are interested head on over to watch. I think this pattern would make a great gift to remind someone how much you love them.  It might even be you who needs the reminder!
Enjoy!

2021

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I absolutely adore the Karen Adams calendars.  I've used one for the past several years after receiving my first one from my friend, Kathleen.  The first one came as a set with the easel.  You then can purchase refills every year.  
The artwork on each month is just that... pure, beautiful art.  I think they are worth every penny.
However, this year,  I decided to save some of my pennies and make my own using none other than knitting for my inspiration.  
I used a template that I created years ago, but it's fairly simple to do on your own.  And printed them on white card stock.  
I then chose photos of some of my finished knits from 2020. We all have plenty of those!  It was fun to change it up for a year.  :)

toast

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The knit I love to wear the most is hands down (Ha! Hands down, get it?!) TOAST mitts. Well, don't get me wrong... sweaters are my number one knit. However, the most worn knit I wear is TOAST.
I throw them on in the morning when the house is cold and dark and I stumble to the coffee maker.  They are a great addition to my jammies.  
I throw them on when I'm wearing a t-shirt or a sweater and need just an extra something to warm my body.
I throw them on with a coat to pull over my fingers when I'm walking or driving.  They add a little extra when the steering wheel is too cold.  
There truly isn't a time I don't wear them.  
I must take them on and off a half a dozen times in one day.  
And they are that easy to wear.  Pull down, push up, take off! 
The yarn I used in my latest batch of TOAST was from my November Knitcrate.  I was thrilled when my box arrived knowing immediately that the yarn inside must be TOAST mitts. (That's the beauty of having stash!)  I knew they would be a tiny bit short of the 11" that the pattern calls for, but that would be fine.  These measure almost 10".  To make sure I would have the same amount per mitt, I used my kitchen scale.  Everyone always talks about using their scale, so I finally felt like one of the cool kids on the block.  I loved the yarn and color so much, I snagged an extra skein of each for another pair to gift.  
Yarn:  Vidalana Ambiant Worsted.  !00% Peruvian Highland Wool.  100 yards/50 grams
Color:  Titan
Color: Michelangelo
Color:  Vanezia
Color:  Fresco

As always, if you are interested in a KnitCrate Subscription you can receive 20% off your first crate by using code FKW20 at checkout.  
Yarn at my doorstep never looked so good!  

flower power cardigan

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I miss my girl. I miss my boys, too.  I took Libby to the airport last Sunday after winter break.  That was hard.  That stunk.   She was the last child to leave and get back to their lives.  It meant that it was time for me to get back into a routine, too.   It was just one of the best Christmas breaks with my kids.  And not only because Libby started knitting.  (YES!!!!  More on that later!) 
I took these pictures of my girl in her new sweater back over Thanksgiving break.  I just kept forgetting to post them here.  

This is the Flower Power Cardigan that was part of the Fall Knit Collage Knit Along.  
If you ever have the opportunity to do a Knit Collage KAL it is an awesome experience.  Whether you are a beginner or an advanced knitter.  Whether you have never knit a sweater or you are a sweater knitte.  I just can't recommend this Knit Along more.
This is unlike a KAL where you buy the pattern and use the yarn of your choice.  Knitcollage sweaters have a certain look to them and a style all their own.  For this KAL, kits are sold with each pattern and include yarn colors you get to choose.  For this KAL, there were 4 patterns to choose from and when you sign up you have access to all of them.  The patterns aren't released for a while after the KAL ends so this pattern is not available yet.  I'm not exactly sure when she releases her KAL patterns after the KAL.  If you like this you will just need to keep checking her website.  
Amy Small has a team to help you every step of the way.  And the community she builds is amazing.  She adds zoom calls and yoga classes and weekly emails to cheer you on and keep you up to date.  
It's no wonder I wanted to make Libby this sweater... It's like a big girl version of the backpack I made her so many years ago.  (Almost 14 years!)


Yarn:  Knitcollage 

mousseux

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Mousseux.  
/mo͞oˈsə/
adjective ::  (of wine) sparkling.
  1. "vin mousseux"
noun  ::  sparkling wine.


  1. Well, well, well.  A word I had never heard but came to love rather quickly! 🥂

This is a pattern from Espace Tricot that when I saw, I knew I immediately wanted to make!  I loved everything about it so decided to knit it in the exact same yarn/color.  The yarn is dreamy but I never met a mohair I haven't loved!  
 I did make a few modifications which I will explain further on my podcast.  But basically, I wasn't happy with how it was looking on a US size 8 even though I was getting gauge.  So, I ripped it out.  Ouch!  Ripping mohair can be a bit challenging!  (I did receive a message over on Instagram telling me to pop it in the freezer next time before ripping.  Apparently, it helps with the process! -Thanks Caitlin!)   So, I dropped down to a 7 and therefore had to adjust the pattern.  I cast on for a size 2 but needed to jump up to a size 4 stitch count in order to get the 44.75" measurement at the bust.  (44.75" is a size 2.)  I adjusted the increase rows, increasing more each increase row until I was at the correct number of stitches for the size 4 before separating for the sleeves.  
And because I was knitting on a size 7 needle, I was going through yarn quicker. Because of this I wasn't going to have enough yarn to knit a full length sleeve.  I contemplated buying more yarn but decided to try to make do with what I had.  

I ended up making the sleeve length 3/4 and I actually adore the way it turned out.  

At one point I thought it was going to be a very boxy sweater but after a light blocking not only was I able to adjust the body,  it truly bloomed into what I was hoping it would be.  

Basically, I love how this ended up and it truly feels as light as a feather.  Did I mention the pattern is FREE!  

Pattern:  Mousseux
Yarn:  4 skeins Espace Tricot Halo in Opera  (2 strands held together throughout)
Size:  2 (See above.)
Needles:  US 7
Mods:  Mentioned above.  

happy new year!

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Well, Hello Friends!  Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that it's already page 8 of your 2021 365 page book!  

Through these uncertain and changing times it is so nice to focus on what is constant in my life.  Family, food and knitting are at the top of the list.  Thank you God for knitting!  I decided to gather all of my sweaters that I knit in 2020 and they are pictured above.

From bottom to top:
1.  One Lovely Sweater  in white
4.  One Lovely Sweater in grey
5.  Miromisnil 
9.  Frida
11.  Flower Power Cardigan (Blog post coming soon.)
12.  Mousseux  (Blog post coming soon.)
13.  Be Thankful Cardigan  (Not pictured above.)

It's safe to say that Knitting was an incredible force in my life in 2020.  

I'll be back to share some of my knitting goals for 2021.  (Thank you for prompting me to make them, Nadine!)

I wish you all the health, peace, love, happiness and projects on your needles for 2021.  

just a few things...

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• We were part of "Gail" that hit the Northeast yesterday and today.  We received about 12-14" and it is so beautiful!  
 •I made caramels for the first time ever.  They are pretty easy to make but mine turned out a bit hard.  I'm going to try to remelt the caramel to try to soften them.  I don't want anyone pulling out a filling! Wish me luck.
• I filmed and uploaded Episode 13 of my Podcast.  If you want a free pattern for TOAST mitts head on over for the coupon code.  You still have time to make a few for gifts or a special pair for yourself!

• I still have plenty of shopping ahead of me.  How about you?

• I plan on finishing the body of Mousseux this week.  That's the goal anyhow. :)

Happy Day to YOU! 

winner

chalk lots


 Hi sweet friends!

Thank you so much for sharing your email for the Chalk Lots newsletter.  Last night, Charlie and I cut up all of the names into thin paper strips and drew one name.  It felt good to do it the old fashioned way instead of the random number generator I have used in the past.   It felt sort of like how Chalk Lots feel.  Real, genuine, comfortable.  Like a warm cocoa on a cool winter day.  Anyhow, I seriously wish I could give you all a set.  I SO would if I could!  But, Emily, you are the winner of the Chalk Lots Giveaway.  And since I have your email, I will be emailing you to let you know!

Again, thanks so much, friends.  It means a lot.  

xx, leslie

mine/giveaway

chalk lots
My heart is never happier than when I have my three children around me.
 {Thanksgiving 2020}
My three children grew up with Chalk Lots and are actually still using them. We doodle, draw and decorate.  My son, Charlie, is helping with the small business.  He's updated the website, he posts on instagram and he is still a giant fan of using them around the house.  He believes they belong in every household! 😍

Because we love them so much we want to share the happiness with one of my friends to knit with!  By signing up for our email, you will automatically be entered in the giveaway to win a set of Chalk Lots placemats.  Your choice of Licorice or Graham Cracker.  You see, he really is quite a talented writer and I would love if more people were reading the emails!  
So, by signing up, you will be entered in the giveaway and be inspired on how to use the Chalk Lots to make life even more fun.  They truly promote creativity and encourage those to use their imagination.  If you aren't fully satisfied you can unsubscribe at any time!
So, enter here.  We will announce the winner next Monday night, the 7th of December.  You will have them in plenty of time for the holidays.
xx, leslie

MKAL20 - slipstravaganza

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Well, well, well. Here we are at the end of November. No, no, no!
Have you ever heard John Mayers song, "Stop This Train"?  Well, that is pretty much how I am feeling.  I cry every time I listen to that song.  
Although, I was always super excited for a new day and a new week during this Mystery Knitalong by Stephen West.  He brought so much joy to this time.  If you haven't ever participated in one of his KAL,  I highly recommend it!
This shawl did not disappoint on the interest, challenge and excitement.  Stephen West puts so much thought into his designs.  His design creativity is truly off the charts.  
There were stitches I have never worked.  There were deadlines I pushed myself to make.  There were rows that seemed to go on F O R E V E R.  There were nights I couldn't put it down and mornings I couldn't wait to get out of bed.  
I love how the combination of my yarns give it the perfect drape.  And, as I have mentioned before, Stephen encourages you to do some stash diving to find your combination.
I have built up quite a stash because of my Knitcrate subscription.  And when I went diving, I was so grateful!  As all of these yarns are from past Knitcrate boxes.  

This knit will truly be one of those knits I will be excited to wear.  One of those knits where the outfit will be planned around.  Or one of those knits I will love to wear regardless of what I am wearing.  And, I'll feel damn proud to be wrapped inside it.  

Well done, Stephen West!

Pattern:  MKAL2020 Slipstravaganza
Needles: US 4
Yarn:  
2 skeins La Brebis Light Alpaca in Ancient Greens.  100% Baby Alpaca (dark green)
1 skein Vidalana Linen Jewel in Oasis  50% Superwash Merino, 30% Linen, 20% silk (mint green)
1 skein URA.YARN sugared Sport in Diamond 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon, 10% Stelina
(taupe)
1 skein Knitologie Sparkling Sock in Turquoise 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon, 10% Stellina 
(white)

feeling festive

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Hiya Friends! So... After my last post, I was thinking more about my Thanksgiving tablescape and exactly how that was going to look this year. We have a new dining room table and I want it to look extra festive this year.  I was inspired by a floral arrangement my mother received using a pumpkin as the vase.  
In my mind I thought, we have a perfect flat pumpkin and I do have a glue gun after all.  (Damn I missed that thing!)
I know, this pumpkin almost doesn't look real.  But it is!  I promise!  I bought a few succulents at HomeDepot and headed to Michaels for the few items I wanted to use to embellish it.  
 I literally glued the moss to the top, placed the living succulents around the stem, and then glued a few other earth toned dry items to the moss.  
I absolutely adore the feathers and thought they were the perfect finishing touch.

You can literally make this in about 20 minutes!  Get busy, friends!

acorns

chalk lots
I can't believe in less than two weeks it will be Thanksgiving Day!  It's so hard to believe.  
In case you need a fun knit to acorn, I mean, adorn your Thanksgiving Day table, I found one!

I was flipping through "50 knitted gifts" and stumbled upon this cute acorn pattern. (SO many cute patterns in this book!)  Like you, I have a lot of odds and ends in my stash so decided to whip a few acorns up.  We will have a table of 9 this year, so nine acorns it is!
If you don't have that book, I found a free pattern here and one on Ravelry for 50 cents here.  
I think they are simple and sweet.  

 Our Graham Cracker Chalkboard Placemats come out every year at this time.  I just love how warm our table feels when they are adorning it.  And they truly are fun for all ages!  If you would like to emulate this festive look, I'm offering my sweet friends 25% off the Graham Cracker Placemats.  Enter code THANKFUL at checkout.  


Better get knitting, friends!  

november 3

birthdays
November 3 was an important day.
I had two VERY important things to do on my list.  

Vote.  Obviously. 
And work on my Flower Power Cardigan that is part of the Knit Collage Fall Knit Along.  It is ADORABLE and so much fun to make.  
It's for my sweet girl.  I wish I would have cast on earlier.  
{Libby is wearing the Be Thankful Cardigan by Lily Kate France.  I talked about this cardigan here. }
Because it could have been Libby's birthday present.  She turned 23 on the 3rd!

Keep those hands busy, friends!  

slipstravaganza

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Hello there Friends! Happy beautiful Friday! 
So, if you are participating in Stephen West's MKAL2020 Slipstravaganza, this may be a bit of a spoiler.  So, please look away if you do not want to see how it looks.  However, I am just showing clue 1 and today we received instructions for Clue 3, so you may be caught up, also!
I finished clue 2 one day before the new details were revealed.  And I must say I was happy to take a day away from this bit of gorgeousness.  Only because I have decided to try to make the switch to become a Continental Knitter (again) and my hands are tired and sore from the constant tension I find myself holding in my hands.  
Oh, and if you are wondering what happened to the orange?  I swapped it out at the last minute for the white up there (with flecks of mint and forest green).  Although it was going to be fantastic with the pop of color and I would feel as if it were a little more "West knits" I questioned myself and wondered if I would wear it as much as I would wear a more monochromatic color palate.  
I am thanking my inner voice as I am loving the color palette and think this will fit nicely into my winter wardrobe.  

Now onto more Continental knitting and repeating my Slipstravaganza mantra to myself; relax, breathe. 
 
Happy Weekend, friends!

frida

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Oh boy, I uploaded all of these photos last week and then I forgot to write about it! Anyhow... here Frida is. And I am so happy with how she turned out!
I first saw this sweater from Jackie over at CadyJax.  And when I RAN to check out her ravelry page I mistakingly took the amount of skeins she held together for the amount of skeins needed to knit the entire sweater.  I kid you not.  I bought 3 skeins of yarn thinking it was going to make a sweater.  Jeez, this yarn must be magic!   It didn't quite get the job done and I needed to make another trip to the yarn store. Let me tell you, this yarn is a DREAM to work with and to wear!  It's just so light yet warm.  
The yoke consists of lacework that is very easy to follow.  It contains "columns" in between each panel.  I ended up carrying each "column" down the entire body of the sweater. (But not on the arms.)  I think I needed this bit of interest because I knew I would be bored of the twisted rib.   
I started the sleeves two at a time on magic loop and planned on just knitting until I ran out of yarn.  Since you hold two strands of mohair and one strand of mohair tweed, I decided to use one cake of the mohair pulling from the inner and outer cake.  After hearing my friend Nadine express her concern about the twisting of the yarn, I decided maybe that really wasn't such a great idea.  I did a little research and found this video explaining exactly what Nadine was talking about.  I ended up making two little balls and knitting the sleeves one at a time.  

Pattern: Frida
Yarn:  6 skeins of Shibui Knits Silk Cloud/ 5 skeins Shibui Knits Tweed Silk Cloud.  Both in Abbys.  
Size: S
Mods:  I made a couple of modifications.  The first was that I cast on for the Medium because after casting on for the Small I was concerned that the neck would be too small.  After finishing the ribbing I made sure to get the stitch count for the Small so that I could continue with the Small instructions.  I also carried all of the "columns" down the entire body of the sweater.  
I talked all about Frida and my new yarn purchase(s) over on Podcast 11.  

play nice

chalk lots

(Not my new kitchen.  It's my girlfriends and I do love it!)

 Good Morning Friends!  Happy Sunday!

School has been in session for a few weeks and to commemorate so many families out there,  Chalk Lots is running a back to school sale.  I can only imagine how challenging and stressful these times are for families.  Chalk Lots truly make my life at home a little more fun.  From the time my kids were younger till even now.  You can fit a little more school in at dinner as you have your children practice spelling or writing or answering a question.  They won't even realize they are still in their classroom. ;)