It's Snowing!

We have had a very mild Winter here in SLC. In fact, it has been so warm, that I rarely wear a coat to work. I go from a warm car in the garage straight to work, and often don't even notice the weather until I am driving down the road. Today was one of those days. It is now well into the morning, and it has started to snow. I guess I'll be a little cold and wet, as I run to my car for lunch. Oh well . . . since we live in the high desert, we really need the water. I would be really sad if I was forced to let my lawn die in the Summer. So, I say "Let it Snow".

I took me 4 weeks, but I've finished my "Charlie's Cardigan" by: Amy Herzog.  I loved knitting the chevron patterned lace down the fronts, but because I chose a marled yarn, the pattern doesn't really show through.  I think this design is meant for a solid colored yarn.

However, I am really happy with the finished sweater. It is knit of our very own "Salt Grass Alpaca Yarn", in Waffles/Spud Twist. The yarn was a dream to knit with, and the sweater is so soft and warm to wear. There doesn't seem to be a color in my closet that doesn't look good with this sweater, so I know I'll be wearing it a lot. I should have worn it today!

My endeavors in using "Custom Fit" patterns, has really increased the number of sweaters, knit for myself, that have found their way into regular rotation in my wardrobe. It is a welcome change from those that have taken up shelf space in the past, but were never worn. It is seriously, so exciting to knit sweaters I LOVE! However . . . I don't think I'll ever feel comfortable posting pictures of ME, wearing these sweaters. They always look much better, to me, when they are photographed on my dress-dummy. She never gains an ounce!

I still have a stack of yarn and patterns waiting to get onto my needles. A new grandson and grand-daughter (twins) are expected in April. I've got to get busy. I'm guessing these items will make great travel knits, since they are small, and the yarn won't take much room in my luggage.

I've moved on to the next project. It is "Botanica Medallion Cardigan" by Shiri Mor.  At a recent, SLC Knitting Guild Meeting, I saw a Botanica Cardigan worn by one of our local knitters.  I immediately remembered seeing this pattern on the cover of "Vogue Knitting", several years prior.  I ran home and dug through all of my old magazines.  There it was and couldn't wait to get started.

I ordered the cotton yarn suggested by the pattern, Blue Sky Alpacas-Skinny Cotton, in a pure white.  I'm planning a cruise through the Panama Canal this Summer, and thought it would be perfect, worn with a white t-shirt and patterned pants.  The medallion is finished, and knit up in less than a day.  I'm now plugging along on the outer circle.  It has a very unusual stitch pattern for outside edge, and I just love how it looks. 

We returned our exchange projects to the yarns original owner at the SLC Guild Meeting in February.  I received a beautiful shawlette knit from my KnitPicks Cashmere Blend yarn.  It was knit by the secretary of the guild, and I must say, it is beautiful.  I couldn't get it around my shoulders fast enough.  Many thanks to Sarah for all of her hard work.  It was such a fun thing to participate in.  There were some really beautiful things exchanged that night.  I really don't think anyone was disappointed, except those who chose not to participate.  I'm sure they will jump right in the next time.  It is such a joy when "knitters" gather together.  I am always so inspired by the FOs I see there.

Thanks for stopping by.  Happy Knitting!

Knit Nights . . . back in business

After taking a little break for the Holidays, we held our first "Knit Night" of the year. Like always, it was loads of fun. We continued with our "Lady Kina" KAL.

Kathy, Jeri and Sharalee continue to work on their "Lady Kina" sweaters.  They are all coming along nicely!  Joan was knitting a braid banded hat, and Carolyn was stuffing the arms and legs of a cute little doll.

Kayti was a new member to join our group.  She is quite an accomplished knitter and was working on "Velvet Morning" by Knitted Bliss.  She is self-taught, with a little help from her Stepmom.  She has chosen such beautiful colors.  I can't wait to see the finished product.  It is going to be beautiful!

Kayti's Mom, Rachelle and my dear friend Karen, also joined the group.  They are both beginners, but picked it up like pro's.  Rachelle was the WINNER of the Salt Grass Alpaca Yarn and the"Miss Marple Scarf" pattern.

Emery was there, crocheting a hat, along with Jennifer and Tiffany, who was crocheting around a darling baby blanket. Jennifer just had a darling baby girl, and this was the first time she had left her, so she scooted out early, to make sure Grandpa was doing a good job.

Marlene was knitting a Walaby Sweater, with a little Kangaroon Pocket.  Joan and Sharalee brought some yummy Valentine's treats, which we all gobbled up.  There we lots of Valentine's Day inspired patterns available for the taking.  Just another fun Knitting Night.  I am still plugging away on the sleeves of my "Charlies Cardigan".

I'm looking forward to attending some classes, taught by Sally Melville this weekend.  The Salt Lake Knitting Guild has brought her to SLC to teach us all.  It is always fun to learn some new knitting techniques from a Master.  Thanks for dropping by . . . and Happy Knitting!!

Goodbye January . . . Hello February

Cold, dreary January has left us behind. It has been unusually warm here in SLC, and February has brought my tulips to the surface. I hope they are able to grow and bloom, but I expect there will be some snow to come. Today is "Groundhog Day", and it's the first time I've not been wishing for an early Spring. I guess that is because I fear "snow in June". I just want to get the cold season overwith, and move on to a long, beautiful Spring.

Running out of yarn for my Bloomsbury, may have been a blessing in disguise. Even though I was able to secure another precious skein of the yarn I needed to finish, the break has allowed me to finish up a few other projects that have been weighing on me. One of these, set aside, projects was the shawl KAL I was participating in with The Salt Lake City Knitting Guild. I had chosen to knit "Flowering Weeds" by Karalee Harding, knit of a fine, lace weight, alpaca yarn in black.

It was a fun pattern to knit, and when spread out to block, the design really jumped out.  It is an extra fine shawl, and will not provide much warmth, but I'm fine with that, as it is planned to be more decorative than functional.

These are not the best pictures, and I would never wear the shawl with these clothes, but my plan is to wear the shawl over a black coat, and the camera really can't catch the flowering design, when it is worn over black.

I'll be returning my knitting project from someone else's yarn in a few weeks.  I knit these Cable-Heart Mittens, but Margaret Radcliffe.  In addition, I incorporated the cable-heart design into a warm headband.  It was difficult to decide how to use these two colors together in one design.  I hope the recipient will be happy with them.

I'm progressing on my "Charlies Cardigan" by Amy Herzog.  Using a Custom Fit pattern, I've got the back and fronts completed, and I'm moving on to the sleeves.  I purchased buttons over the weekend, and I can't wait to be wearing this.  Perhaps I'll have it ready for my next post.

My "Knit Nights" will resume this week.  I've missed seeing everyone, since our Christmas Party in early December.  Our "Lady Kina" KAL will continue.  Here is what we have so far.  I'm looking forward to posting more pictures of finished "Lady Kina" sweaters from our knitting group.

Thanks for stopping by . . . . Happy Knitting!