Warm weather means....

DSC_1281, originally uploaded by suntheim.

Sweater time?

Two nights ago I cast on for Bell Sleeve Jacket from Vogue Knittings Holiday 2006 Issue.

This is the beginning of the back. I am using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in a color called Hush. The yarn is a little rough to work with, but actually softened up to my hands as i knit with it a bit. I really love this color.

This past weekend my husband and I went to Connecticut to hang out with my family and take advantage of some free massages that were part of the package we got by having out wedding at a Resort and Spa near my parents house...

On Saturday we did some yarn shopping. We went over the the new Connecticut Yarn and Wool Company store. They carry mostly Farmhouse Yarns, which are very pretty, but also a little bright to make a whole sweater or large project from.

From there we went over to Yarns Down Under where mom found a pattern and some Cascade Tweed to make herself a lovely seed stitch sweater in a dark/olive green. I picked up the last skein in the same color to hopefully make my husband a pair of Dashing fingerless gloves. I showed some surprising restraint, spending less than $10.....perhaps the fact that we will be house hunting this weekend has convinced me I am in need of a yarn diet....


I also sneaked in a bit of knitting time while I was up there. I made significant progress on Branching Out and also worked on my Jaywalker Socks.

Being the beginning of the year, I suppose I should verbalize my knitting resolutions/goals for the year:

1. Try fair isle - I already have some yarn and all the tools I need.

2. Finish at least 1 sweater

3. Delve further into lace knitting : I plan to try the flower basket shawl, and have yarn to do at least 1 more shawl (maybe a Niebling)

I can think of a lot of other goals, but because I am in school right now I will leave it at this for now.....

I cheated

DSC_1275, originally uploaded by suntheim.

I told myself I would not start anymore projects before Branching Out was complete, but last night before bed I cheated and cast on for a pair of Jaywalkers. I know I am like the last person (well maybe not) to jump on this bandwagon, but the pattern was just too cool to pass up. I am using Koigu (the skein that is the header of my blog). So far I like the yarn a lot it is soft and has gorgeous variegation.

Red Striped Socks

Another project down! I actually finished the knitting of these before the new year, but did not graft the second toe and weave in the ends until yesterday.


Pattern: Yarn Harlot Basic Sock Recipe
Yarn: Reynolds Swizzle 1 ball
Needles: US 1 Addi Turbo 16" Needles
Gauge: 8 Stitches per inch


I am pretty happy with how these came out, being my first fingering weight socks, but I am not sure I will knit them again, as they were a little too plain. I like a little bit more excitement in my patterns. I think my next pair of socks may be a pair of Jaywalkers.

I might try a wider toe, this one is 16 stitches ( 8 and 8 grafted together). Its not bad, but I think it could be more comfortable. I like the slip stitch heel, although I ripped it out 3 or 4 times, before I realized I was reading the directions incorrectly, and finally got it right!

Even thought these were boring to knit, I think I may be an official sock addict. As I was knitting them, I picked up more yarn to knit 4 more pairs of socks, and already have some patterns picked out. I was especially pleased with knitting on two circular needles. I find it to be much easier than double points, and makes for less laddering between needles. It is actually a fairly easy technique. You can find a video about the technique here.