And Again

This is a cowl version of the chevron strip.  I love the colors as they are perfect for fall.  Thick. Chunky. Warm. Wool.  Yum.

Here are the real pictures

Fair Isle Ornament

This is my next fair isle project - small but I love it.   It's still slow going as I have yet to master holding 2 yarns at the same time while knitting.  This pattern from Lion Brand is free - click here for pattern.

This beautiful pattern is not worked in the round and from all that I have recently read about Fair Isle knitting Fair Isle was meant to be worked in the round.  I will be making more of these so I will have to re-write the pattern for working in the round.    This back and forth business is for the birds.  Tweet tweet. (You know how I love to knit in the round.   Less seaming = quick knit)

I think that if I work the first part of the pattern in stockinette sts and join  for working in the round just as the Fair Isle part begins I should have enough room to jam in the foam ball in at the end and sew up the short seam.  But I'm not there yet.  I'll let you know.

This is also a great way to use up small amounts of left over yarn which all knitters have laying around somewhere.   I never knew a knitter who threw away the tiniest bit of yarn that was left over from another knitting project.  I mean it may be useful someday even if it is 20 yrs down the road.

New Pillow Sham Designs

Today I unveiled my first set of new pillow shams for 2011.   I  just love these shams.  They started out as a custom order for a restaurant but I have to tell you I really did not want to let them go.  I am, actually, going to be making these for my own home but in different colors.

Each pillow is fully lined inside and out.   The wool that I choose was top quality and it shows in each of them.  I installed a zipper closure which I have to say that I prefer.  However, installing zippers on shams without a lining is not preferable due to the movement in the yarn.

These shams will last for years and are very well made (patting self on the back).   They were a labor of love and without help from my mother these would not have been posssible.  Thanks mom!!!  Her knowledge and patience is bar none.  Patience is something that I have yet to learn but I'm trying.  As I was pulling my hair out when our sewing machines were not cooperating (yes, both machines) she sat there patient and calm working on the problem.  I took note and a deep breath and carried on.  After many hours, lots of coffee and patience they were complete.

Here is the result- what do you think?

Yummy New Yarn

So, Malabrigo is one of my favorite yarns to work with these days.  The colors are just amazing and the feel of the yarn is delicious!  I heard today that they are coming out with a superwash merino.  I cannot wait to knit with it.  However, it's on backorder.. grrrr.... here are some of my favorite colors to ponder whilst I wait for it to be restocked..I wonder what I will create with these beauties....








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Old Pillow, New Color

100% wool.  It's safe to say that one must pay attention to the pattern so one does not lose their place.  A lot of work but certainly worth it.

The Result

436 yds of wool. Yum..  The color is hard to photograph but it is a salmon color. Love it.  I think that I did pretty good for my first try.  I also had an "a ha" moment during the drying process.  I have one of those front loader dryers.  It comes with this rack which is used for drying sneakers or things that you don't want thrown around.  It makes the PERFECT yarn dryer!   Yet one more plus for getting front load washer and dryer!!