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!