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.  

a new year

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 Each year I make a calendar using last years knits.  Each month features the knit I made last year during that time.  It's fun to see them all in a collection.  Creams, browns and grey were predominant.  I may need to add a little color this year!  

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

the Dart-a-long

dartmoorkal


 Wow!  Meant to get over here and let you know about the fun Knit a-long we have going on.  It started on March 1 and ends on May 1.  But don't worry, it's already the 4th and I haven't even cast on!  

If you are interested we would love to have you join!  You can join the Dartmoor group on Ravelry or just use the #dartalongkal on Instagram.  We will find you!

It's gonna be fun!  And one of the best things... you will have a new sweater at the end of it!

Per Lei Schel

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You can't really tell from this photo, but this scarf is loooooonggggg. And super cozy and squishy and cool! While in Berlin in December Steve fell in love with a gorgeous scarf in the most beautiful yarn shop.
Although, the sample scarf was knit in a bulky yarn.  Steve requested something softer.  Cashmere?  Well, yes.  That will do!  


Pattern:  Per Lei Schel  (Free pattern on Ravelry.)
Needles:  US11/8mm
Yarn:  Lang Cashmere Light, 6 skeins.  88% cashmere, 12% nylon
Mods:  I followed the pattern, however, only used 3 colors.  I knit each ball until the end and changed colors when I completed 2 balls of color.  

this and that

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Spending the week out in Lake Tahoe and it's been very very relaxing! 
I started this pair of socks the day before we left and finished them up 2 days later. Such a rewarding knit! I'm not a huge sock knitter. I just don't find them fun to make and when I put on a shoe while wearing them, I can feel every stitch on the bottom of my foot! (Although, I have never tried cashmere!)

When I saw this pattern I thought a home sock is something I can get behind!  And these totally fit the bill.   I dug through my stash and found some Quince & Co from an earlier project.  I grabbed my needles and cast on.  They were not only fun to knit but they are fun to wear.  They are super cozy!  

Patttern:  Sunday Socks by Petite Knit
Yarn:  Quince & Co Owl 
Needle:  US 6/4.0mm
Size:  I made the 6.5"-7.5" and wear a size 8 shoe.  

My favorite Tahoe winter activity! (Instead of skiing!) Water temp 40º Land 41º.
In other news...

I made my 2024 calendar right before we left.  
I choose a knit from the month the previous year and use it for this years month photo.  It reminds me of past time and knits and what I was working on during that month last year.  This is my 4th or 5th year doing this and it brings me such joy!

Happy weekend, friends!  

warm friend - a hot water bottle pattern

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A Hot water bottle is one of those things that just adds a little something special to the day!  It is amazing how much it can warm you up and when kept in the bed all night (I scoot it away from us but keep it under the blankets) seems to keep the bed at a nice temperature during those freezing nights.  A true quiet luxury.  

Cast on for this today and you will be sleeping with a Warm Friend tonight!  

Pattern:  Warm Friend 
Yarn:  Hue + Me by Lion Brand
Needles:  US 11/ 8mm

Hot Water Bottle from Amazon (affiliate link):  

We woke up to snow and it is lovely!  Happy weekend friends!

 

the Fancy

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It's my first sweater of the year and I am so happy it came at the coldest time of the year.  With snow on the ground it is Winter White at it's finest!

This was my Christmas cast on, however, I cast on December 26th.  Originally, I had other plans for this yarn but, wow, it decided to be HUGE so Plan B was made.  
 
Since I had already made a Fancy out of Big Birdie, I knew it was the perfect combination of yarn and pattern.  Thanks to my friend, Margaret, I acquired a ball of MYPZ kidsilk Mohair to add a little bit of detail.  It's hard to tell from the photos, but it is a deep, rich plum and it is delicious!  

I added it to the inside of the neckline as well as the edge of the sleeve cuffs.  

Project:  Fancy by The Lamb and Kid
Needles:  US 9/5.5mm US 7/4.5 mm
Yarn:  4 skeins Big Birdie in Oats
Size:  2 (84 Cast On)
Mods:  The only modification was using the contrasting color on the neckline and sleeve cuffs.  

birthday scarf

birthdays

 It's my husband's birthday this weekend so what's a girl make her guy?  A scarf and a hot water bottle cozy that's what!  HA.

Well, poor guy.  He will get the Warm Friend (pattern coming soon), but the scarf will be wrapped "as is" and finished as soon as, well, as soon as I finish it!

Steve chose the yarn for his scarf while we were traveling in Germany last month.  I know they sell this yummy Lang Cashmere here in the states but it was so much fun to have him pick it out and purchase it there.  It's like I am knitting the memories of our trip into the scarf.  I love having a memory of where I buy the yarn and the places I knit the project.  

I made Banana Bread last weekend and it has been a friend every morning this week with my coffee.  Coffee, yarn and banana bread, well it just seems to be the perfect combo.

I'll be baking a cake later today.  Birthday cake goes well with knitting, too!   

Happy weekend!

*****

What I'm watching:  Fool me once on Netflix.  

What I'm reading:  One Italian Summer.

happy 2024

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Well, hello!
That holiday season pretty much flew by... and so did that year!  And we are already 5 days into 2024!
Since New Years Day, we've taken down Christmas, I started to swim again, I haven't eaten anything processed, I wrote up a pattern for a hot water bottle, spent a lot of time with Libby, started a scarf for Steve and ripped out my Violeta Pullover!  It's been a lovely 5 days!

I also filmed a few things. 
 On instagram, I put together a quick try on session of all the knits I knit in 2023.  Well, most of them anyhow.  I must have made 12 Friend to Friends that didn't go into the pile.  And, a pop-life cardigan for my sister, Lisa.  That video is here.  
I also uploaded a video of some of the places we traveled in 2023.  I left out Seattle, Orcas Island, Bainbridge Island, Rochester, NY,  Lancaster PA and Philadelphia PA.  Going to try a little harder this year on remembering to film the clip wherever we go!  The places you go (and knit) video can be found here.  
And then I filmed a YouTube where I did a quick show and tell of the same 2023 knits.  That video can be found here.  

This is Violeta.  Isn't she a beauty?!  I have loved working on this.  But that sweet piece of fabric is no longer in existence as I ripped it out because of something I forgot to do.  I should have been adding cables in that stockinette section.  That's what happens when you don't read the entire pattern.  (Note to self!)  That's okay.  The pattern has fully clicked in my brain and I know exactly where I am going now.

If you would like the pattern, it is on sale until the end of January.  Half off!  There is also a KAL going on... the only thing you need to do is start a project page on ravelry.  They are giving away great prizes!
Enter code leslievioleta at checkout.  

Happy New Year Friends!  Here's to you and your crafty endeavors!  I hope your fingers take you to projects and yarns that make you feel incredible in yourself. 

xx, leslie

acorns or knit caps

cookie of the week
This. Now THIS is what I call a dreamy day.

I used to spend a lot of time baking cookies and trying new recipes.  I don't bake as much as I used to.  However, when I do, I get super excited to pair it with my yarn.  It's all just so delicious.  

 And what could be better than Big Birdie by The Lamb & Kid paired with the most amazing fall cookie.  They are called Acorn cookies but all I see is little knit caps.  Still.  Oh, and I don't make them Gluten free.  I used unbleached white flour.  

WIP:  The Lyon Sweater by Petite Knit in Big Birdie by The Lamb & Kid in Oats color way.  

Rhinebeck 2023

my knitting life

Well, the sea of Antique Flora's was all that and more.  For some reason it is just SO wonderful to twin with other knitters!  Gina did the most amazing job dying the yarn so that all the sweaters looked wonderful together!  It was raining on and off that Saturday... But that didn't stop us!

{Gina, me, Sara, Stephanie, Laura}

I do wish mine fit a little like the others.  Ha.  I guess I should have made the 37" instead of the 34"!
Can you stand the cuteness of these sweeties?!!!
Felted.  I mean!!!

Okay.  SO many yarn experts, dyers, companies!  It truly makes your head spin in the most glorious way.  It is just an entire day of everything that makes my heart sing.  And I know I'm not alone!  
I love, love, love seeing samples and obtaining inspiration from them.  I really love that sweater up there and love being introduced to a new company.  Maybe this will be in my future.  
This was during the CAKEpoloosa event.   That's gorgeous Gina loving the rain wearing a no frills in her yarn. (Ha!)  And that is marvelous Margaret from Boboleros sporting her Saturday Shrug in her yarn.  

I'm wearing the Barbie Bubble Wrap designed by Margaret.  I'll be back to tell you all about that.  

Antique Flora

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 I finished it for Rhinebeck!  And wore it along with 4 other friends who wore one also!  All in different color ways.  It was a Sea of Antique Flora's.  More on that soon.

Pattern:  Antique Flora by Wool & Pine Designs

Yarn:  SkeinCocaine (Kits coming soon)

Needle:  US 4 cuffs, US 7 (color work)  US 6 body

my rhinebeck sweater

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The Rhinebeck sweater is important.  I learned this during my first trip to Rhinebeck when I failed to wear a knit.  WHAT?!!!  I've learned a lot since then!

9. 28. 23   Boulder, Colorado

This year, when I go, I will be wearing the Antique Flora by Wool & Pine.  The yarn is by Gina from SkeinCocaine and she will be wearing one also!  Along with a few others.  All in different colors with the body of the sweater in the same color.  I am super excited to see them all together.  
9. 29. 23    Grand Lake, Colorado 

We were in Colorado last week (more on that later) and I spent some quality time outside knitting.  
What a joy!  
10. 6. 23     Home

This weekend, I am determined to finish the second sleeve and get it on the blocking mat.  (I actually don't have a mat, just a towel and the floor.)

Happy Weekend!  
 

corran cardigan

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This knit was finished back in June however, I just took photos of it last week! 

Why?  Well, there were several reasons.  First, I couldn't decide on the buttons.  And then, once I decided, I changed my mind and decided I didn't want buttons after all.  So, I sewed the buttonholes closed.  
Then, whenever I tried to wear it, it just wasn't right.  I couldn't find the right outfit.  This came mostly because although it is a mesh fabric, it still was a little too warm for a summer knit.  
And then the weather shifted.  And something magical happened.  The fabric became just right.  Just the right amount of warmth on those crisp days.  

 And now?  Now I think I might want buttons again.  Ha!  But since I have closed up the buttonholes, I may just sew some on for the days I want to wear it closed.  That way, when I want to wear it open I can just easily remove the buttons.  

Jeez.  I never knew I would have so many indecisive thoughts about my Corran Cardigan!  

Pattern:  Corran Cardigan by Creabea
Yarn:  Onling No. 1
Size:  2
Needle Size:  US 6/ US 8
Mods:  The pattern has several options.  You can make a V neck cardigan or a crew neck cardigan.  You can make a short sleeve cardigan or a long sleeve.  I made a v neck cardigan and added 4" to the short sleeve option to make the sleeves longer.  

everyday attitude

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This sweater has truly been my end of summer love. I just love a super wearable wardrobe essential! This truly checked all of my boxes.
I had some stash yarn I had in mind right from the start.  Yarn I ordered from Purl Soho last year during one of their summer sales.  Unfortunately, the yarn was being discontinued and was a close out sale.  Ugh.  

I found this yarn to be lovely.  I used it for my Never Ending Story Sweater and it has worn so beautifully.  Not to mention it feels wonderful on my skin.  So, I was pretty bummed upon learning that it would be discontinued.    
The pattern had a few details that I absolutely adored.  That side seam up there is one of them.  Wow!  What a perfect way to bring together the side seam of striping!  Especially since this sweater is knit in garter.  I just love the texture with the lines...
And the chevron shoulder couldn't be more perfect!

Pattern:  Everyday Attitude by Susanne Sommer
Yarn:  Buttercup Cotton by Purl Soho (Discontinued)
Needle:  US 3
Size:  3 but measures a size 2
Mods: Well, since I was changing yarn I had to do a gauge and figure out what size would give me the measurements I wanted the finished object.  My stitch count was 26 st = 4".

Esmeralda Sweater

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 Can you feel it?  The chilly mornings, the crispness in the air, the smell of the leaves?  It's coming.  And it is my favorite time of the year.  FALL!  I absolutely adore this time of year.  And the prospect of donning the hand knits once again.


Esmeralda came off of my needles back in June.  It's one of the yummiest sweaters I have ever knit.  Squishy yarn + a simple design is sure to be a sweater I will wear a lot and for a very long time.  Just a true classic.  I can't wait to wear this!  

Pattern:  Esmeralda 
Yarn: Onling No. 10 (silk mohair) held with Onling No. 20 (shetland wool)
Size: 2
Needles:  US 6/ US 8
Mods:  I made the body a little shorter.

knitting with friends

cookie of the week
SO, whenever I have a coffee and knitting date at my home I want to make my friends something yummy to go with the yarn and coffee. Actually, I love to have something special most weekends with my coffee! And Sundays are usually that day.

I woke up knowing exactly what I wanted to accompany yesterdays coffee + yarn session!
I have been making these scones since 2010 and they are always consistently good.  My kids especially love them.  
The dough is rather sticky so don't be afraid to flour that surface!  I usually just use the heal of my hand to flatten the dough.  No need to get out the rolling pin!  We like them on the small size... that way you can eat a few!  (Or six!)
The cinnamon chips can be hard to find locally but Amazon usually stocks them.  I know, you have to buy a lot but they freeze well!  
And wouldn't you know it that my sweet friend brought delicious scones that she had baked that morning also.  
I guess knitters think alike!  

I started another Best Friend Butterfly Blanket to accompany my treats.  I promised a friend I would make one for her new baby that welcomed their family 3 months ago.  I really needed to get it started.  
I also started 2 other "summer" projects this weekend.  They are on tiny needles and are using black yarn.  What was I thinking?  Well, for one that I can only knit with black yarn in bright light.  So, no time like the summer!

Pattern:  Best Friend Butterfly Blanket
Yarn:  Big Twist Value 
Scone Recipe:  Here
Mods:  I have started to bake at a lower temperature (350º) because my family likes them a little cakier.  But if you like them a little firmer than continue to bake at 400º.
Cinnamon Chips:  Here