Saturday, September 26, 2009

FO: Branching Out

Fall has arrived. I started a class of Spanish and finished Branching Out!


I remember when I originally printed this pattern. It represented for me a challenge: learn how to knit lace!

I remember that I used to knit very tight and that k3tog was impossible... It's all taken care of now and I have a much looser tension, although I still tend to knit tighter than the average knitter.

The yarn is what was left from my first Thermal. The resulting length of the scarf is decent. It will be perfect for the autumn!

Pattern: Branching Out by Susan Pierce Lawrence
Yarn: KnitPicks Gloss
Needles: US 8 / 5.0 mm
Color: Black
Start to finish: March 2009 - September 2009
For: Me
Notes: -

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Mindless knitting

I haven't started any new projects yet - not even swatching. The only thing I did is adding my next two projects on the side bar. Now, that doesn't mean that I am not looking forward to starting them, you know... ;-)

I'm still very enthusiastic about knitting my second Thermal, so this is what I do! It's going very well and it could be ready for the fall! Perfect!


As you can see, no mods for this Thermal. At least, I don't expect to make any. This one is going to be exactly like the original: same yarn, same color, same shape, ...

I bought my copies of Interweave Knits and Vogue Knitting this week. I really like the hat patterns in Vogue Knitting. Very tempting...

Have a great week!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

New yarn

In July, I went to Mouliné. This yarn store is located in south-west Montreal. It's a very good yarn store. It has a wide variety of yarns and very good specials. The lady is always very nice and gives excellent recommendations. I already knew what I wanted, but I was really excited about going there again (my second visit) and see what colors were available.

My next projects will be Fetching and Neoknits' Bliss Shawlette.

Fetching is a very popular pattern and I've always wanted to knit it. The recommended yarn is Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, but the lady at Mouliné told me that Extra Merino would be an excellent choice in substitution to it. I bought two skeins. I think I will really enjoy working with it. Although this is not a color that I am used to wearing, I find it rich and it will look great this fall!

Then, you will have to forgive me for my lack of originality for the Bliss Shawlette choice of yarn, but among the colors that were available, I was really drawn to HandMaiden Double Sea Silk in Topaz. The designer used the same yarn and color. I have to say, for my defense, that the color really inspired the name I suggested. I really like that it looks like if the sun was shining on it all the time! I bought two skeins as well.


Then, being in a very happy mood, I went knitting in a park. I had one and a half hour to kill before going out for dinner with my friends! Of course, when you knit, one and a half hour is a very short time!

Have a great weekend!

Friday, July 24, 2009

The good side of fall

A lot of previews from our favorite magazines are appearing this week.

My favorite knitting magazine IK, among others, have great patterns. Unfortunately, I honestly don't think I will have time to knit any of them. At least, short term. But I always buy a copy. You never know ;-) Here are my favorite patterns:

Also, Vogue Knitting will be releasing the previews shortly. We can already find some of the patterns on Ravelry. I find this one especially nice:

HOWEVER, what really cought my attention is news about Brooklyn Tweed. He will be releasing a booklet of patterns with Classic Elite Yarns this August (if some of you see it in Montreal, please, let me know if you don't mind). You may go to SWAK News for a preview of the patterns.

You may also want to take a look at this interview with Jared Flood. I haven't bought any patterns yet from Brooklyn Tweed, but I regularly visit his blog. Every time I see a new pattern of his, I immediately fall under the charm! Here are my favorite patterns at first glance (but really, all of them are gorgeous).


There is a lot of talent in this community!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

FO: Lilas

Tonight, I went to knit night with my Lilas on. It is a "première" for me to wear something that I knit and that fits quite well. I am very happy!

Pattern: Lilas (no. 136) - This pattern is no longer on BdF web site...
Yarn: Coton Fifty - Bergère de France
Needles: US 2.5 / 3.0 mm
Color: Mauve
Start to finish: January 10, 2009 - July 21, 2009
For: Me
Notes: No modifications other than picking up the stitches to knit the button bands instead of knitting them separately and then, sew them.

Here is a link to instructions I found useful to knit the buttons:
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/3854/sew-buttons-securely-on-hand-knits.

Althought I am continuing Thermal, I will start some new projects soon (a shawlette and fingerless gloves). I already have the yarn and will take pictures to show you shortly.

I've spent a lot of time finishing Lilas and need to do something else now, like reading...

Have a great rest of the week!

Monday, July 20, 2009

Lilas ready for this summer!

Ouf! Finishing IS a lot of work...

As we speak, all is knitted, sewn, woven in... Tomorrow, I will sew the buttons and soak it (it's been on my sofa for quite a while now!). And then, I can wear it! And then, I can move on to another project!


I will take more pictures when it is finished!

I wish you all a great week!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Neoknits shawlette!

I just found out that I won the newest pattern of Neoknits Shawlette! What do you think? Isn't it a gorgeous shawlette?

There was a context this week to find a name for her new and gorgeous summer pattern. My suggestion (Océane) is in the top 3!

The suggested yarn is Hand Maiden Double Sea. I have never knit with this yarn before. It looks so luxuous and brilliant...

I will be going to Montreal this Thursday. Something tells me I will buy the yarn and start the project very soon. After all, I'm on vacation and I deserve it! Sorry current WIPs...

I just wanted to share my joy!