Lesley

The Lesley sweater is part of Hannah Fettig's newest book, Home and Away, which is available for preorder now (preorder of the hard copy includes a digital copy too!).

Back before Thanksgiving I had the opportunity to knit another sample for designer Hannah Fettig. I started sample knitting for her over 4 years ago in 2010 (how has it been that long?). She had sent the yarn for this pattern during the summer but the pattern didn't come until much later. And I think it was perfect timing. In August I started working on my own all-consuming design project and didn't have much brain (or knitting) space. But in November, we had a family crisis. My father-in-law went in for a routine procedure and suffered a stroke 3 days later. Three days after that he suffered a second stroke, never regained consciousness, and passed away a few days later. 

During that time, I was so overwhelmed with work, trying to keep our home afloat, and still be supportive to my husband who was the one suffering the most. I wanted to knit. I needed to knit. But I was completely incapable of thinking. Then this pattern showed up and the aran weight Osprey and seamless construction of this lovely stockinette sweater saved my sanity. I needed to loose myself in something, to not have to think. And what resulted was this simple and beautiful pullover. 

I remember when Hannah posted photos of the photoshoot day. It was a freezing day in January and I'm pretty sure I was home for a snow day. What an amazing model to stand in those frigid temps and not look at all cold! 

When people tell me what a faster knitter I am, I say that I used to be. It's hard to find a lot of knitting time with a 2-year-old running around. But this sweater really did fly off the needles. I knit the entire thing in 10 days! I'd credit it to Osprey and and a seamless stockinette design. I love the gentle scoop of the neck.

I'm already planning my own (I seriously have said this about every design of Hannah's I've ever knit!) and since the smallest size uses less than 4 skeins of Osprey, this will be a fantastically economical knit. 

As much as I love Lesley, this is just one in an amazing collection of patterns from Hannah. My favorite might be Georgetown. What also makes this collection really unique is that each pattern is written for seamless or seamed construction. I love this since for some shapes I have a preference to what I think fits well and maintains shape. 

You can preorder the collection on Knitbot, or you can queue and view the entire collection on Ravelry. Have you seen this collection yet? Which is your favorite?

Simple Hats

Last month I had the opportunity to work up a few quick samples for Hannah Fettig of Knitbot. I knit three Simple Hats.

I had been wanting to give this pattern a try since it came out but hadn't really found the time. So now I had to make the time. I used three different weights of yarn from Quince and Co.

The first hat was knit in Osprey in the color Clay. That was by far the fastest hat working up in just a day! Osprey is listed as an Aran weight but is a very versatile yarn. For this pattern it was used for the bulky weight version in a gauge of 14 sts over 4".

The second hat was knit in Lark in a heathered gray color (I can't find the tag). While knitting this hat I ran very close to using over 1 skein of yarn (the pattern actually calls for 2 skeins of Lark). When you are sample knitting, you must follow the pattern exactly and there's no trying to scrimp on yarn. So I did what any knitter would do and just knit faster (totally obvious, right?). Apparently it worked. After knitting to the recommended length, working the decreases and finishing off the crown I literally had 6" of yarn left. It was magic. 

The final hat was knit in  Chickadee in the color Iceland. While being the dk (and lightest) weight version of the three, this hat still only took two days to do. Part of it may have had something to do with the fact that I will still on break before returning to school after the holiday.  

This hat pattern is quick and easy to follow and comes in 5 sizes in 3 different weights of yarn! So many options to make that you will easily be able to find an appropriate yarn to use in your stash. I know just the skein I'll be using for my next Simple Hat. Do you have any favorite simple hat patterns?

Ravelry Link to Hat 1

Ravelry Link to Hat 2 

Ravelry Link to Hat 3

Began: December 22, 2014 (I think)

Completed: January 3, 2015

Towpath Henley

Thank you to everyone who helped with naming this little gem! Let me introduce to you the Towpath Henley (congrats Franny G.! I've sent you an email).

 

 

One more long-sleeved sweater to round out the season. I know so many people still have snow and even though we don't, it's still only like 37 degrees (F) here. So brr.

 

The Towpath Henley is knit out of fingering weight yarn, making it the perfect sweater to transition your kiddo from winter into spring. The sample is knit in the 12 m. size and uses just one skein of The Plucky Knitter's Merino Cashmere Nylon Fingering (in colorway Trusty Rusty).

 

Towpath Henley begins with a provisional cast on to achieve the folded hem. It is knit in the round from the bottom up, sleeves are knit separately and joined at the yoke which is finished with raglan shaping. The button bands are also folded to give the sweater a more tailored look, along with an applied i-cord on the collar.

 

 

 

 

What I'm really excited about is that this sweater is available in 10 sizes! From 3 months to 12! So now you can make one for all the kiddos in your brood.

 

 

I like this picture because those cheeks look like they are terribly heavy to carry around.

 

 

The particulars:

 

Sizes:

3 m (6 m, 12 m, 18 m, 2, 4)[6, 8, 10, 12]

 

Finished Chest Measurement:

18¾ (19¼, 20½, 21½, 23, 25) [27, 28½, 30, 32]”

 

Yarn:
The Plucky Knitter Merino Cashmere Nylong Fingering (80% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon) 385 yards/352 meters, 101 grams: 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2)[2, 3, 3, 3] skeins.

 

Neeldes:
US4/3.5mm - or size needed for gauge
16" circular (smaller sizes)
24" circular (larger sizes)
2 - 32" circulars (all sizes)
Set of 5 dpns

Gauge:
24 stitches x 32 rows = 4" in Stockinette Stitch

 

 

Still Standing

Who would've thought that such a small person could take up so much of your time?  What's that I hear? Mothers around the world laughing at me?  Well, I've still managed some knitting time for myself, although it is harder to get pictures of my projects these days. I just finished a sweater that will be a sample in an upcoming Knit Picks catalog and all I managed was a lousy iPhone photo. 

This is the Star Gazing pattern by Jennifer Thompson. I knit this out of Knit Picks Stroll Tonal Sock Yarn in the color Gold Rush. I liked the yarn, as it seemed like a pretty sturdy sock yarn, but I'm not sure the tonality of it really played up the lace panel in this pattern. I think a more solid yarn would have looked better. It was a pretty slow going pattern since it's done bottom up with over 250 stitches on your needles at most times. Those purl rows were killer. There was also a sash to go with it. If I were to knit this for myself, I don't think I would include that. It's like 57" of the lace panel and I kind of think it's lace overkill.

In other news, today was D's 1 month birthday! I can't believe how quickly this month has gone or that it's now been one month since I had a really good night's sleep. He's wearing 3 month sized clothes and I'm sure he's well over 10 pounds now. We tried to get some pictures of the little guy but it seems like he has a perpetual scowl on his face.

To celebrate? Mommy managed a nap this afternoon then suffered through an hour of screaming this evening!

Little Oak

Now with the first release from the new Coastal Kids ebook, I can begin sharing some of my knitting with you! 

This Little Oak cardigan was one of the samples I knit for Alana. I used Madelinetosh Pashmina in Filigree. I love this color a lot more than I thought I would. It adds so much depth and variation to the tiny sweater. The guage on this is pretty tight and I'm I did most of my knitting on 2.75mm (US2) needles. I did alternate skeins for this pattern so as not to get any pooling. Also, to alternate skeins for the sleeves I had to knit them flat (instead of in the round as instructed in the pattern) then seam them before joining to the yoke. But it was well worth it. I think this would make an excellent gift. It's such a beautiful little sweater and from just one skein of Pashmina? A pretty good deal too! I should point out I knit the 12 month size and the pattern comes in sizes 6 months to children's 14. 

Ravelry Link

Finished Samples: Knitbot Essentials

I'm sure by now you think I've given up knitting completely. I've been knitting like a maniac the entire month of March and into this month, honest! The knits, however, are all unreleased samples so I can't share them with you quite yet. 

In the meantime, I can share with you some sample knits I completed right around the end of December/early January. If you're a fan or follower of Hannah Fettig over at Knitbot then I'm sure you've already seen her newest publications, Knitbot Essentials. This book is a joint effort between Hannah and the lovely people and yarns over at Quince and Co. 

First in my line up is the always essential Featherweight Cardigan. I knit this out of Tern (fingering weight, 75/25 wool/silk) in a colorway called Boothbay Blue. I know that a cardigan in fingering weight seems daunting, but this sweater worked up in about two weeks. I attribute my speed to the design. It's easy to get going on this and blaze a trail forward without looking back too much (if you get my knitting metaphor). As I write this I'm still asking myself why I haven't knit one of my own...

Here are the 70 Yard Mitts. These were knit in Lark (worsted weight, 100% wool) in the colorway Honey. A super fast knit if you're in need of a little gift of your hands are cold. Like, you could wake up in the morning and say, "My hands are cold" and then whip these up by mid-afternoon.

This is the Tricolor Cowl, also knit in Tern in the colors Oyster, Back Bay, and Buoy. I knit this up on my way home from California after Christmas. Perfect knitting for a long flight. 

Finally, I knit up the Day Beret out of Chickadee (sport weight, 100% wool) in Pomegranate. If you've been following my blog for an extended period of time, then you're probably aware that I tend not to knit hats for myself. It has more to do with me having a ton of thick hair and an above average-sized head. But this hat is awesome! Just enough slouch, not too much that it gets stretched out. It's definitely on my "Must Knit Again" list.

If you're a fan of Hannah's, this collection of patterns is definitely a must have. In addition to these four, there's also the Effortless Cardigan ( a fan favorite), Breezy Cardigan (one of my favorites), the Lightweight Pullover, Trail Jacket, and Wispy Cardi. You can view them all on Ravelry. And considering you're getting six sweater patterns in addition to the three accessories, the price is an awesome deal! 

Coastal Knits Blog Tour

Those of you who have been following my blog for any period of time are probably aware that I'm a sample knitter. I LOVE sample knitting. What better way to spend my time than by knitting some awesome designs by knitwear designers I admire?  I've been knitting for Alana of Never Not Knitting since July of 2010 but had already been an admirer of her patterns. A few months later I was contacted by Hannah of Knitbot asking me to sample knit for her as well. Knitting for these ladies has been such a pleasure. They both have very distinct styles, but there is always something so wearable and current with their designs. So imagine my delight when Hannah mentioned in an email way back in January that she and Alana were planning a book (could you imagine knowing since January and having to wait all year? Painful, I tell you). 

When I received my copy in the mail I was in awe of just how professional and lovely it was.  Since so many other people have raved about it already, I'll just say that you definitely should own a copy of this book. You'll want to knit everything! 

Since I've already knit quite a few projects from this, I thought I would review them a bit and share with you my experiences. 

My first sample from this book was Alana's Wildflower Cardigan. My version was knit for the second trunk show (these ladies are popular!) out of Madelinetosh Pashmina in a color called Isadora. The knitting of this pattern went smoothly as Alana's patterns are very clear and descriptive. Getting started was only a slight challenge. The pattern calls for a gauge of 28 stitches to 4" on a size 5 needle. Apparently I'm a terribly tight knitter and ended up having to go down to a size 2 needle! Getting started knitting a sweater on a size 2 needle can be very scary but I was actually able to zoom along with this project and finish in about three weeks. Who doesn't love a sweet little cardigan with pockets? And these pockets have flowers on them! My favorite part of this design is the lovely scalloped edges. It's such a delicate and feminine detail that, for me, makes the cardigan. I could rave about this cardigan for days and am already planning the yarn to make my own.

My second knit was the Panoramic Stole by Hannah.  If you are looking for a simple and versatile wrap, this is it. My version was knit out of The Fibre Company's Canopy Fingering. This yarn is warm and lush something you'll want to knit a fall/winter item out of. This is such a simple and pretty wrap that is easy enough for new knitters and would also make a great take along project since the pattern is easy to memorize. 

My final sample piece was the Branching Out Mitts, also by Hannah. These may have been my favorite sample knit from the book. I've never done Intarsia until these mitts but these were a wonderful project. When knitting for these designers (whether samples or for personal use) I tend to really trust their yarn choices and this is no different. The mitts are done in Blue Sky Alpaca's Melange, a sport weight yarn. The fuzz and heathered color of the Melange is very forgiving to Intarsia. It also blocks out very nicely, allowing you to get more even stitches and a smoother fabric. The pattern used less than a ball of each so I'm thinking this should be on many a knitter's holiday gift list. 

In addition to these three samples, I helped with Hannah's Bayside Pullover surgery (mentioned in Episode 60 of Never Not Knitting), and have even knit two of the patterns for myself (see my Rocky Coast Cardigan). If you'd like to see any of these knits in person check out the Coastal Knits trunk show as they might be coming to a city near you. And if you can't wait, then go order the book already! You definitely won't regret it. 

Now, if you've seen my Cambrian Cowl recently and thought 'my, that looks cozy', well it is, and here's your chance to win it. That's right! Just leave a comment below and I'll choose a winner on Friday, October 28th. In case you're concerned about allergies, the cowl is 100% alpaca and comes from a smoke-free, dog-friendly home. 

Thank you to both Alana and Hannah for including me on this wonderful project! I look forward to many more inspiring designs coming from these two. And don't forget to check out the rest of their Coastal Knits blog tour!

Spring

I don't think I've ever been so happy as I am this year to see spring arrive. Yes, spring. Some of you (especially those living in warmer climates) may find this odd. Perhaps it's been spring where you live for months already (don't be a show off. I used to be like that too). Here in northeast Ohio our weather has been so wishy washy for far too long. A warm day surrounded by eight days of rain and chilly weather has not been uncommon. I've been talking to my plants, encouraging them to keep at it and low and behold, I finally noticed this weekend that the lavender in my yard (which is also way big this year) is finally blooming!

And do you remember my lone peony that bloomed this time last year? Well this year it looks like I'm going to have four bushes full!

This is the second year that my flowers have been planted. My dad and I put in the brick and plants in 2009. It's funny because all the plants looked so puny then.

And now look at them!

In knitting news, I do have a project on the needles but it's a secret (of course, right?). I also started a baby blanket for some friends of ours that are expecting a little boy in June. So as much as I want to cast on for something else (another pair of socks maybe?) I really think I should finish my sample knitting and make some headway on the baby blanket. It doesn't look like much right now, I've only done one pattern repeat. The free pattern is the Baby Chalice Blanket. I'm using two skeins of Cascade 220 in a lovely heathered blue color. 

Hopefully there will be some progress soon!

Breezy Cardigan

I know a lot of you have been fawning over this picture of Hannah Fettig's lattest design, Breezy Cardigan. Well, it's available now and you know what that means...

I can finally share my sample knit with you! 

The Breezy Cardigan has to be my favorite design of hers yet. The length is great for both the sleeves and body. I knit this on 3.5mm (#4) needles to get gauge and was suprised by how quickly the body came together. I think it's because of the stockinette that you can just knit away and then all of a sudden look down and have four inches complete. 

The hardest part for me was the sleeves. I know I get a different gauge in the round than flat so I always change needle size but I was still having a problem getting the correct gauge. I finally got gauge but then started having trouble with ladders! I had to restart the first sleeve several times but eventually got going with magic loop. I think I knit one sleeve on the way to California in March, and the other on the return flight to Ohio. After fighting with and finishing the sleeves, the ribbing was no sweat.   

Assuming that I find time to knit something else for myself this summer it's definitely going to be a second Breezy Cardigan.  I have already picked out the yarn, too. I may have mentioned that I start tossing the phrase "it's my birthday!" around when it gets within a week of the actual day. So in order to celebrate last week, I bought myself a skein of Wool Candy Souffle, a 70/20/10 alpaca, silk, cashmere blend. The sheen on this is unbelievable. 

Hello, gorgeous.

Match + 1Up

2KCBWDAY2

 For this post, we're supposed to reflect on how we've grown as knitters/crocheters over the past year. I did a series of posts this year on where I came from and how much I'd achieved in a year so I'm not really going to bore you with the details of that (you can go back and read them if you'd like). In the past year, I've learned to knit sweaters, I've done cables, I've made socks, have become a sample knitter and even published my own crochet design. I'm hoping that the following year will prove as eventful. I do feel as though I've grown as a knitter. I want to keep challenging myself with new things and try to keep from getting stagnant.

Since we're all into reflecting in this post, I thought I'd share with you a new piece I recently knit for Hannah Fettig. Now that Hannah has previewed the photos of her new cardigan, the Spring Ribbed Cardigan (which should be available for sale by the end of the week), I can finally share with you my finished project!  

This is a great, lightweight cardigan for spring. It is knit in The Fibre Company's Savannah DK in Pink Grapefruit, a blend of 50% merino, 20% cotton, 15% soy, and 15% linen. Despite the makeup of this yarn, it turned out to be surprisingly delightful to work with. The yarn was not splitty, although I would not suggest using it with the Knit Picks Zephyr needles. I started the cardigan on those needles and it was all I could do to keep going. The drag caused by the yarn on the needles was dreadful. I switched to my Knit Picks Harmony needles and all was well again. 

I knit this sample in the 36" bust size (which I am not even close to) but I would knit it again in this size if I were planning to wear it over layered tees and long sleeves. Since there's no closures, I don't think the bust size needs to be spot on to fit nicely. 

I also really like the collar/banding on this cardigan. It just seems that the wide band makes the overall effect very flattering yet casual at the same time. 

The hardest part of sample knitting is sending away the finished piece (especially when you want to wear it the rest of the weekend). A knitted garment is always labor intensive, no matter how delightful during the process. Then it's all grown up and headed to Hannah's house!

Pattern: Spring Ribbed Cardigan by Hannah Fettig

Yarn: Fibre Company Savannah DK, 7 skeins 

Needles: #4

Began: February 

Completed: February 27th

Ravelry Link

Snow Day

I'm sure I'm not the only one who stayed home today due to the weather. I was woken up at a little after 4am by the University weather alert telling me that the main campus was closed, which hardly ever happens. Seriously, it generally only happens once a year. There was one in December but it was the week after classes were over (how convenient). Either way, it does me no good as I didn't have a class scheduled for tonight. Adam however, works for the University so I woke him up to tell him the news. He asked, "how do you know" and before I even answered was already turning off his alarm. Ha! Unfortunately I wasn't able to fall back asleep because I was worried that my school wouldn't get closed for a snow day (which happened recently) and I'd still have to go. It just wouldn't be fair. At 5:40a I got the message that my school was indeed closed and was finally able to fall back into a sound sleep.  

I tried to use today to be productive and I was able to finish a sample for Alana. It will be on display at Stitches West in a few weeks.

This is her Amelie sock. It is written for whichever method of sock knitting you may choose (dpns, magic loop, or two circs) which I think is pretty awesome. And the yarn? It's Becoming Art Agave Light Fingering in a color called Looking Out. This yarn is really a dream to work with. Its a 80/10/10 superwash merino, cashmere, nylon blend and comes in generous skeins of 560 yards. This yarn would also make a gorgeous shawl. 

I was able to get some more swatching done today as well. One is for another test knit using Savannah DK from the Fibre Company.

I've never used this yarn before and was pleasantly surprised to find out how luscious it is! It's a surprising blend of wool, cotton, soy, and linen. It has a delicate sheen and is super squishy. This is going to work up into a lovely garment.

In other, slightly related news, I was reading Cold Mountain last night as a part of the book club my brother and I have started for ourselves. I came upon this passage that would probably make any knitter laugh:

The had begun walking to town in a chill, mizzling rain. Against it, Ada had worn a long coat of waxed poplin, and Ruby had on an enormous sweater she had knitted of undyed wool with the lanolin left in, her claim being that the oil turned water as well as a mackintosh. The sweater's only failing was that in the damp it broadcast the fragrance of an unshorn ewe.

Here's hoping for another productive snow day! Or does that make me greedy?

Contented Cardi

No, I don't have another finished Christmas gift to share (although I did finish the scarf for my sister-in-law Saturday night). I've kind of come to terms with the fact that I won't finish everything by Christmas (I've also gone ahead and made the recipients aware of this fact as well). 

 

The Contented Cardi is a brand new pattern from designer Hannah Fettig. 

 

I worked on this during October and November and while the start and finish dates span about a month, it was a actually a very quick knit. Overall, I probably worked on it for about a total of two weeks. The design is simple and so wearable. This is a top down cardigan with increases worked consistently down the length of the cardigan creating the open, flared sides. A single row of cables provide a bit of interest on the back. Add elbow length sleeves all done up in Classic Elite's Inca Alpaca yarn and you have a completely cozy cardigan. 

 

I think my favorite thing about this cardigan is it's wearability. I can see this being worn with a variety of outfits. After completing the knitting, I had a very hard time packaging it up and sending it to Hannah. This has definitely made my list of must-knit items to be added to my wardrobe.

 

I really liked the Inca Alpaca. As far as alpacas go, it was not very sheddy but did have a tendency to split some while knitting. I also should mention that I while knitting, my gauge flat and my gauge in the round can be quite a bit different and this project was no exception. To remedy this, I knit the body with #5 needles and the sleeves (in the round) with #6 double points.

 

Pattern: Contented Cardi by Hanna Fettig (you can purchase here or here)

Yarn: Classic Elite Inca Alpaca in Partridge #1114 (9 skeins for smallest size)

Needles: #5 for flat, #6 for round

Began: October 20

Completed: November19

Ravelry Link

Autumn Vines Beret

Alana of Never Not Knitting has just released her newest pattern: the Autumn Vines Beret. I got a chance to test/sample knit this new pattern for her early in November. Remember the Madelinetosh Pashmina? Well, let me just say, it made one lovely beret. 

This beret used approximately half of the skein (I didn't weigh it before I sent it back. Just kind of eyeballed it). While I love the color, I really love the color of the Pashmina that this Raveler used and really, really love the color that Alana used in her beret.  I just think the viney cables really stand out in a much more vibrant color. 

This was pretty quick to knit; I knocked it out over a weekend. I would say that this isn't really a beginner knit. But maybe an advanced beginner. There's cabling and, as with any lacy/cabley pattern, counting. Overall, the yarn was a dream to work with and the pattern was a pleasure to knit. I'm hoping to actually make one for myself before winter is over.

Pattern: Autumn Vines Beret by Alana Dakos

Yarn: Madelinetosh Pashmina in Briar

Needles: #5- 16" circular

Began: October 29

Finished: November 1

Ravelry Link

Briar

I'm just getting started on another sample knit this weekend. I received the yarn last night and had a bit of a moment when I realized that it was Madelinetosh Pashmina. I've never used Maldelinetosh before but have heart nothing but wonderful things about it. The colorway is a gorgeous dusty plum color called Briar. 

 I got straight to swatching and cast on this morning.

Don't forget, there's only two days left to enter my giveaway!

Cosette Wrap

I tried to convince Adam to take some pictures of the Cosette Wrap I had knit, but he rushed it and they didn't come out so great so then I was stuck trying to take my own  (perhaps this job needs to be reassigned?). Either way, I figured I better post some now since the Cosette Wrap got shipped off today to its home with Alana. 

I know the pictures are a bit shadowy, but it is what it is.

 

 The Malabrigo was a delight to work with. And the finished Cosette Wrap is probably the most snuggly, cozy thing I have ever knit. I am definitely going to have to make one for myself now. 

Pattern: Cosette Wrap by Alana Dakos

Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted in Simply Taupe (2 skeins) and Brown (1 skein)

Needles: #8
Began: October 10
Completed: October 18

Ravelry Link

New Beginnings

I'm getting started on a new sample knit this week. I had to swatch a couple of times to get gauge but who would complain about swatching when that means you get to play with some lovely alpaca yarn?

Not me.

The Job of the Husband

I like to tell my husband that it's the "job of the Husband" to do all the undesirable things (read: things I'm too lazy to do). For example: in my house, it is the job of the Husband to get ice cream late at night.

Right now it is the job of the Husband to take a picture of me modeling my finished handknit. But he's been unavailable so despite being completed, there is no modeled picture to show. I'm hoping to get one tomorrow since by the time I get home tonight it will be getting dark. So this will have to do.

 

 

In case you were wondering, this is the Cosette Wrap, a knit for Alana's trunk show. If you're thinking that this is the coziest thing ever, you'd be right.