Friday, February 17, 2012

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KNITTING

Fall and winter is when I really immerse myself into all things wool.  Wool rug hooking and knitting take up most of my free time.  I adore them both and typically I knit almost every night especially in the winter.  During the very hot summer months in NE FL - I sometimes have to forfeit my knitting in lieu of less sweltering activities like stitching.

I am excited to say I have a finish.  I have been working on a lovely baby afghan for DF Betsy's first grandchild from her only child.  Daughter Camille (fondly known as Bunny) is due in early March.  I am ecstatic that I finished the afghan ahead of the birth.

For any knitters out there - this is a Madeline Tosh pattern called Heirloom and it is an easy 8 row repeat.

Here's little Harriet my bunny looking in at Baby Bunny afghan

I used Spud and Chloe Sweater in color Ice Cream - the Sweater is a worsted weight 55% wool/45%organic cotton yarn and a dream to work with.

Next on the focus list is the First Quarter Challenge project with the Loopy Ewe.  This is Elinor by ShibuiKnits - the pattern is for a cable rib scarf by Shibui and the yarn is Shibui Silk Cloud one strand with one strand of the gorgeous Shibui Baby Alpaca which is a worsted weight.  This yarn combo is absolutely heavenly to knit with and the color is greener than it looks in the photo.

The next project I am almost done with is also a Shibui pattern called Eustrucia or something like that out of the Shibui Luxury book.  It is a huge long cowl that is crossed over after finishing and then connected to form a big loop. 

Another exquisite Shibui yarn combo - this was my first taste of Shibui luxury and I don't think I can go back.  This is 2 stands of Silk Cloud with one strand of Shibui Staccato which is their luxury fingering weight made of wool and silk.  What better combo and soft is putting it mildly - it is a luxurious fabric.  The colorway is called Poodle Skirt so on Ravelry - it is called Pink Poodle Skirt Cowl.

Well friends - I hope I didn't bore all my stitching friends to death with my knitting projects and progress.  I hope to have another post soon to show what little progress I have made on the Ann Dale SAL with my local sampler guild.   Hopefully I can spend a little more time with Ann now that the pressure to get that baby afghan is crossed off my project list.

Thanks for visiting my blog - I love reading your comments and hearing from you

I hope everyone has a marvelous weekend with plenty of time to do your favorite needling.

16 comments:

Deb said...

I love seeing all your knitting projects. Winter is always the best time for those types of things. Here in Michigan it's too hot and humid to think about handling wool. I just love the afghan - it's beautiful.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

That baby blanket is gorgeous! "An easy 8 row repeat" at least I think that's what you said, doesn't look so easy to me! Love the other projects, too!

Margaret said...

I love seeing your knitting! I always wish I were more of a knitter than I am. That baby blanket is soooo gorgeous! Love your other projects too, but that one is a doozy!

Kim said...

Ooooh Mel! I LOVE that baby blanket pattern....I see another stole in my future! ;o) And that is TOO FUNNY! I just ordered some Shibui Baby Alpaca and some Silk Cloud to pair up in a wrap. And have a pending order for the stuff to make that cowl! To hear you say it's pure luxury...well...that will just make me press that "order" button sooner! Beautiful knitting!!

Nancy said...

All of your knitting projects always amaze me. The baby afghan is gorgeous! Have a wonderful weekend!

krayolakris said...

Congratulations on finishing the baby blanket! It's a lovely gift. All of your knitting is inspiring me to dig into the WIPS...or...perhaps look to cast on a new project. The Poodle Skirt is really coming along nicely! Yay for you!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congratulations on your finish! MadTosh is a wonderful yarn and will be so soft for the baby. I've enjoyed seeing your other projects too. I've never knit with ShibuiKnits though I do have some of their sock weight yarn. The color on it is lovely.

Joanie said...

Mel, I don't think I could ever be bored by your knitting. It's so gorgeous! Love the baby afghan.

Joanie said...

Mel, I don't think I could ever be bored by your knitting. It's so gorgeous! Love the baby afghan.

Karoline said...

Lovely projects Mel, congratulations on finishing the baby blanket.

henri said...

What a beautiful baby blanket, I know it will be a
treasured gift. The scarf looks like a fun project!
Always enjoy reading your blog.

Loraine said...

What a gorgeous blanket! I wish I knew how to knit. It's one of those things I will learn someday!
Everything looks great, and winter is a good time to be under something warm!
Take Care.

Isobel -Argante- said...

Hi :-)
I love your project, they are gorgeous! I red the comment you left to my TDIPT post, the Isobel Hare :-)
If you want to purchase her please write to me at this address: order@theprimitivehare.com
I'm looking for your e mail but I don't find it.

Thanks and congrats!
Hugs
Isobel

TeresaB said...

The baby blanket turned out wonderfully! Love the color. Congrats on the finish.

Jeanne said...

They look beautiful Mel! I am contemplating trying to crochet a baby afghan...got another baby on the way in our extended family and I am tired of making baby quilts. I haven't crocheted in over 20 yrs so may be spending time on YouTube! Can you recommend any nice yarns to use for baby stuff? I am clueless beyond what I see at the big box craft stores. Congrats on your finishes!

Susan said...

What a lucky baby to get such a beautiful blanket! I love seeing pictures of your knitting projects as they are all done so well. I am trying to hold off on starting Ann Dale until I finish a few other projects, but I am weakening. I'll look forward to seeing your progress.