One month later

I remember my promise to not abandon my blog. So, here is my report on the past month.

I made all bunch of the Maine morning mitts: for myself, DH, Anne and FIL. I didn't take a picture of DH's though. Here is my collection on Ravelry.

Then the was the Wallaby tunic, based on the Wonderful Wallaby pattern. My tunic on Ravelry.

Then I made a sweater that I named Calypso Jungle. This was my first time using Japanese pattern. It was great! This sweater on Ravelry.

Last, but not least, I finished Forestry last Friday. Here it is on Ravelry. I don't have the modeled pictures yet.

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's weekend! We sure did! Thank you for stopping by and see you next time!

Chic cables and lace sweater

Here it is. Love the result!

Started: December 7, o8

Finished: January 2, 09

Yarn: Plymouth Galway and Filatura di Crossa 501 held double

Needles: US 6 and 7

Pattern: Chic Cables and Lace cowl neck by Sweater babe

Modifications: Most noticeably, I made the vertical darts, which resulted in this perfect fit. I used the darts described here. I also made the collar couple if inches shorter.

It's hard to tell how much yarn I've used. I made the sweater longer, then frogged it and made it as it is now, so I still have yarn wound in a ball. But roughly I used 3,5 skeins of Plymouth and 4,5 of 501.

After we came back from Florida I hardly knitted anything. I was reading blogs looking for some inspiration and found out that one of the Elannits - Lisa made 13 pair of Maine Morning Mitts for Christmas presents! What a great idea, Lisa! I just had to make some of those and ended up making 2 for myself, 1 for a birthday present and 1 for my father-in-law. Here is my favorite one in Noro Kureyon, made for Anne.

Next on my needles is a a hooded tunic inspired by Wallaby. I'm making it top down of course. Details in the next post.

Thanks for reading and do come again!

Vacation aftermath

Happy New Year all!

First of all, I have to say that I almost haven't' knitted since we went to Florida and came back. Let's see. I have finished the cowl neck sweater, it would've been a shame if I haven't. And that's it!

Second, I haven't even think about anything knitting related - blog, Rav, projects, Osinka, nothing! Which is very unusual. Even my in-laws were wondering why I wasn't knitting. I just wasn't in the knitting mood, I guess. After a while I started checking Osinka to stay on top of news, but I rarely posted.

Third, and something I'm really proud of is that I haven't bought any yarn for exactly 2 months! 2 months ago we came home from Stitches East with the trunk full of yarn and that was my last yarn purchase. The official stash listed on Rav is by far not all I have, so I can go without yarn buying for another let's say year (maybe more, but I know DH is reading, so I'd say a year).

Last, but not least, I've been so tired and swamped at work that I don't feel like starting a new project. Or I should say, I feel like starting something small, something I can finish quickly and boost my enthusiasm.

In the mean time I performed a surgery on my favorite vest in order to add length. I picked up stitches right above the ribbing, then picked up stitches 2 rows above those, cut the fabric in the middle and unraveled the cut stitches. Now I need to knit to the required length and graft the open edges. Brilliant!

So, next stop - pictures of the cowl sweater. See you then!

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours - Have a great Holidays!

This frame was created by Aljonushka from Osinka forum. Thank you, my friend!

For Hanna

My dear friend,

Thank you so much for calling me the other day. And thank you for worrying about me. I know I kinda abandoned my blog and since you are not on Ravelry, you wonder what's going on and why I'm not posting for so long. You know that I'm still knitting, but why in the world am I not posting???

Well, those on Ravelry might agree with me that it's much easier to post a project there rather then blog about it. Therefore my R page is up to date, while my blog is not.

I've created this little mosaic to sum up what I've made since my last post.

As you see, I've been quite busy making Christmas presents for friends and family and finally the other day I started something for myself. I'm making the Chic Cables and Lace Cowl Neck from SweaterBabe. Here is my progress as of yesterday.

Next on my list is this gorgeous sweater from Lana Grossa.

On the 23rd we are going to Florida to spend the Holidays with DH's family. Nick is very exited, because he knows that Santa always comes to grandpa's house.

I'll leave you today with this picture of Nick and I that was taken during Nick's first Christmas, in December 05. He's 9 month here. One of my friends created this holiday frame and sent it to me.

I promise not to abandon my blog for such long time anymore. I miss you a lot.

Love,
Svetlana

Before, After and More...

Before there was lots of hair. Lots of long hair.

Then there have been a desire to get a short haircut. Then there was an inspiration in the form of Kelly's new do. And it finally happened last Friday. After 20 years. Last Thursday I went to the Dante Salon in Fairfax to check my hairdresser's schedule and was surprised to learn that she has an opening the very next day at 5PM. That was a sign that it's meant to be, because she never has an opening so soon. So, I took it. Amber came with me to hold my hand and she took most of these pictures. Thank you, Amber, for your support and for documenting this important moment in may hair's life!

After:

I love it! My friends and co-workers were shocked, but they say they love it too. DH is not particularly happy, but he says he likes it. I know, nice guy! And Nicholas didn't even notice it until I told him! I'm still getting used to the fact that I don't have hair hanging on my back anymore, and I love the feeling of a much lighter head. It's easy to wash, easy to blow dry and I quickly learned to manage it in the mornings.

Last, but not least is the More part of the post. Before all of these before and after pictures, I finished the Silk Garden capelet, but never posted about it. It is based on the Anthropologie inspired capelet. So, here it is.

I thank you all for your comments on Nicky's Wallaby. I'm currently working on the one for DH and planning to finish it by Christmas. I also have another project almost done and will be posting soon about it. Until then Happy Knitting everyone!

Wallaby for Nicky

Everyone in our family loves this little hoodie! Especially Nicky! He doesn't look too happy on these pictures as I took them shortly after he woke up.

Started: September 19th, 08

Finished: September 24th, 08

Yarn: Jaeger Extra Fine Merino Aran, 7 skeins

Needles: 4.5mm and 4mm for ribbing

Pattern: Wonderfull Wallaby

Modifications: insignificant, almost none

This morning DS was very exited to hear that I finished his hoodie. He put it on and let me take his pictures. I asked him to take his hands out of the pouch, so I take a picture like that. But he stated: "Mama, but the pouch IS for my hands!" So, no pictures with hands out of the pouch. He loves the pouch!

I bought the yarn as a package deal from an E-bay store called Your Stash or Mine. I've always wanted to try Jaeger merino, so when I found 4 colors in a sweater amounts at an unbeatable price, I had to have it! All of it! Fran was very nice to give me an additional 10% discount and shipping was super fast too. She currently has some Zara, Zara plus and ZarOne at $3.25. I try not to look there, hoping it will all sell out.

As I said, we all happen to love this little hoodie. While I was working on this one, I thought I'll make one for myself too. When I was done with the body, I had DS try it on and DH said: "Now, this is something I'd like to have too!" Mind you, my husband never asks me to knit him anything. Only socks. I made him 2 pairs and he still wears them, which makes me happy, as I hate making socks. Now I have to make a hoodie in stockinette for a 6 feet-tall guy! But hey, this is the least I can do for a wonderful husband, who supports and encourages me and my hobby. He was the one who created the blog for me, he was there when I cried on my first top-down aran sweater, he bought me the camera to document my work, and finally, he never says a word about my growing stash. So, there will definitely be a "Wallaby for DH" post on or around Christmas time.

As for me and my next project, I have none. And it's Thursday. I guess I'll bring my entrelac scarf to the SLK meeting tonight.

Last, but not least, I thank you all for such wonderful comments on my latest FOs - CPH and Filati coat. I can't wait to start wearing them! It's finally getting little chilly here, it's actually raining now! Good knitting weather!

WIP# 2 is now an FO too!

This coat is the second project lately that was on hold for some time because of yarn shortage. Good thing I didn't have to wait for yarn to arrive from Moscow this time! Here is my coat and all I need now is a right weather to wear it.

Started: September 3rd, 08
Finished: September 16th, 08
Yarn: Louet Riverstone in Phantom, 7 skeins
Needles: 4mm
Pattern: Puple coat from Filati 36
Modifications: made it shorter and that's about it.

I bought the yarn at WEBS's Summer sale, never tried it, never even heard of it. The Ravelry reviews were decent and I thought at that price I'll give it a try. Well, so far so good. It is nice to work with, fairly soft, got even softer after soaking in Soak, keeps it's shape after wash and looks incredible in cables. A success story overall!

I'd like to thank a friend of mine, who was behind the camera for most of this pictures. Thank you, Amber! DH is doing very well too with the simple camera that we have, but we either have a wrong light on our deck in the mornings this time of year or the colors of my last projects are hard to photograph. But I always appreciate his patience and willingness to document my work. Thank you, dear!

I've started a new project last night, but there will be a new post about it later. Until then, Happy Knitting everyone!

WIP#1 is now an FO!

I'm in love with my new Central Park Hoodie! Thank to my friend Natasha from Moscow, I have a complete version of this wonderful jacket!

Pattern: CPH by Heather Lodinsky
Yarn: Katia Scotch in Cranberry, 13 skeins
Needles: US3 and US6
Started: August 19th, 08
Finished: September 9th, 08

Modifications: I made the size 36", but the sleeves seemed to be too snug, so I made the bottom part of the sleeves size 40" and the cap size 36".

This project was destined to become a complete CPH, but it was so hard to photograph! The next day after it was done DH made about 30 shots and I couldn't use even one of them. It was all blurred, unfocused and the colors were far from real. The following day we had a SLK meeting and Amber took quite a few pictures as well. But it was getting dark outside and we couldn't find the right light. We even took a few shots at next door salon, as they had better light.

So between DH and Amber I'm posting a few pictures. Maybe not the best, but they have to do for now. I actually like this one and it seems to become most popular among my friends. They say I look like movie star hiding from paparazzi!

And I took these two, they don't reflect the true color, but show the details better.

A special Thank You to Amber for taking the pictures! Without you this would've been a very plain post.

Last, but not the least I thank you all of you for being so nice to me and leaving such wonderful comments. Happy Knitting!

PS: Thanks to DH for proof reading!

3 WIPs

Remember the time when I was complaining that I want to have several projects going like most normal knitters and how I couldn't do it? Well I do now. Not because I've changed, but because I ran out of yarn while working on 2 of my latest projects!

WIP#1. When I bought Katia Scotch at Elann, I didn't have any projects in mind, so I bought two colors, 600gr each. Katia Scotch is a tweedy yarn, I figured I'll make something simple, so over 1000yards should be enough for a long sleeve project. I didn't know then that I'd want to make a Central Park Hoodie, which requires more yarn for the hood. So, here is what I have at this time. Well more than that actually, I have started the hood and the sleeves are done, of course.

Luckily, a friend of mine in Moscow(!) had the same yarn in the same color and even the same dye lot! How often does THAT happen? So, I'm currently waiting for the package from Moscow to finish this project.

WIP#2. Purple coat from Filati 36. Again, I bought this yarn from WEBS at their Summer sale without a project in mind and figured 1100yards should be enough for a sweater. Well, I didn't know I was gonna make a sweater COAT! So, here is what I have as of last night. I have ordered one skein from WEBS today, thank God they were not sold out on that color!

And finally, WIP#3. Entrelac scarf in Silk Garden that I bought at Little Knits bag sale. I started this scarf while on vacation in TX, thinking it's a nice mindless project to bring on the road. Since then it's been an in-between project and moving really slowly.

There, you've seen them all. Hopefully, next time I'll show you at least 2 FOs. Until then, Happy Knitting!

It's been a long time

More then a month since my last post. Long time. Well, it's summer, you know.

So, what have I been up to all this time? First of all, I went on vacation. By myself. I went to San Antonio, TX to visit a friend of mine. This was the first time I had such a vacation - without DH and my precious son. I cried the first night and had a blast for the rest of my stay in TX. We had all sorts of fun - we went shopping, we knitted (she is a knitter too), we went out to eat, we stayed up late chatting and catching up, we went to 6 flags. Fun, fun! Here I am on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk:

What else? Oh, yes, I made the Gathered Cardi. This is not the first time when I got inspired by someone else's FO, not an original pattern. Does this happen to you too? You see it in a magazine, you notice it, but the wow-factor is not there, so you forget about it. Then suddenly you see someone's FO and you realize you must have it! You frantically start looking for the pattern, search Ravelry to see what yarn people used and how it turned out. That happen to me when I saw the Gathered cardi made by a friend of mine. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it. Anyway, without further ado, I give you my version of the Gathered cardi:

Started: July 22nd, 2008

Finished: July 28, 2008

Yarn: Queensland collection Maldive, 8.5 skeins

Needles: addi 3.25mm

Pattern: Gathered Cardi from Knit1 Summer 08

Modifications: I made the sleeves much shorter as well as the body. I also made mine less gathered then the original.

Some time ago I bought this yarn on Elann - Queensland collection Maldive in Lavender and Green. I used lavendar for Ms.Marigold and noticed it was very drapy, so I figured it will be great for this cardi. And I was right.

I leave you today with another little FO that I brought with me to TX as a gift for my friend. Here she is modeling it. A red version of the Feather and Fan scarf I made earlier in white KSH. This time I used little over 1 skein of Mohair Royal by Needful Yarns.

Happy Knitting!

Cable-down raglan

Yes, I knit wool in the middle of the summer! I just couldn't postpone this sweater any longer, especially after receiving this yarn. Kathmandu worked beautifully for this project. Here is the yarn:

And here is the FO:

Started: July 7th, 2008

Finished: July 15th, 2008

Pattern: Cable-down raglan from IK Spring 2007

Yarn: Queensland Collection Kathmandu DK, 6.5 skeins in blue-grey

Needles: addi 3.25mm and 3.5mm

Modifications: A lot. I made raglan increases my own way and divided the stitches my own way, making the front wider then the back. I figured my front is not as flat as the back, plus I have cables in front. Then I cast on 5 sts under each arm and made waste shaping approaching the waste line. I also eliminated the lines between small diamonds.

I loved working with Kathmandu. Very soft with great stitch definition, it didn't grow or shrink after Soak and blocking. Because it's DK weight, my gauge was different and 5 large diamonds were not enough length for my long torso. So, I had to start the 6th diamond and was stressing a lot about it in the beginning, but after I finished the body I figured it doesn't really matter that much.

So, here I am, all caught up with my blogging and knitting. Leaving you today with a picture of gorgeous Silk Garden I just received from Little Knits.

Thank you all for reading and commenting on my work, I truly appreciate it! Happy Knitting everyone!

Catching up

Ok, I'm behind in bloggng once again. But I'm trying to catch up. Or maybe I knit too fast, faster then then I have time to blog? Gotta slow down a bit...

Here are couple of latest FOs.
First up is Rusted Root.

Started: June 29th, 2008
Finished: July 2nd, 2008
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Prosperous Plum 2.5 skeins
Needles: Addi lace 4mm
Pattern: Rusted Root by Zephyr style

I love the end result, but if I had to make it over I'd start sleeves increases after the sleeves are separated from the body. That way there would be more puff to them.





Very easy and fast project otherwise. It is really doable in 3 days. Day one - top part to the sleeves separation. Day two- knit down to the waste line or more. Day three - finish the body, knit the neck and sleeves bands. That's it. Done. Next!

Next is my Feather and Fan scarf, inspired by Nina's.



This was an ongoing project for about 2 months. I used 2 skeins of KSH on 3.5mm needles. Needles to say that I love this scarf!



And here is Amber modeling it during one of our SLK meet ups. She is also the one who took most of these pictures, which I greatly appreciate.



Talking about the SLK, we celebrated our 2nd anniversary last Thursday by having a potluck. It was great! Lots of food, lots of fun! Thank you Amber!



As always, I thank you all for reading and leaving such nice comments! And until the next time - Happy Knitting!

Sea Foam

First of all, thank you all for wonderful comments on my last few projects! It's been very busy summer so far and don't have much time for blogging. I'll try to keep you up to date as much as I can.

I've been always a classic yarn lover and never experimented with any novelty yarns. But for my birthday a friend of mine in Zurich sent me 10 skeins of this gorgeous ribbon yarn in the color that reminds me of sea foam and I decided to give it a try. I used Stephanie's Ubernatural as an idea for this cardi, but didn't use the pattern as my gauge was different.

Started: June 21st, 2008

Finished: June 24th, 2008

Yarn: Lana Grossa India Cotton, 8 skeins

Needles: Addi 4,5mm

Pattern: Ubernatural by Stephanie Japel

For those of you who is planning to make this cardi, I suggest you make the buttonholes as k2, yo, k2tog, not k3, yo, k2tog. I made mine as the pattern suggests and the buttonholes are not centered on the band.

For those who is wondering how I made a cardi in 3 days, I actually made it during the weekend, but didn't have buttons. There are a few reasons I made it so fast:
- the yarn is bulky
- I love top-down raglans
- I was pissed because I screwed up a crochet project
- a 4,5 mm needles after 2,5mm hook is a big difference and I just couldn't put it down

So, because of all of the above, I got myself a nice cardi that I can either dress up or down. I love projects like that! I was pretty upset after my crochet disaster and needed a pick-me-up project. This little cardi just happen to be in my queue waiting its time. If I decide to go back to that crochet project, I'll tell you all about it then. Not any time soon though.

Today I'm happy with my new FO and wish you all the same! Happy Knitting!

Something old, something new...

It's been a while since my last post and I'm little behind in blogging about my projects. This is going to be a long one, so grab a cup of coffee and make yourself comfortable.

I want to start with an old project of mine, in fact as old as 2006. I made this tunic after seeing something similar at Forever 21 store. And that's exactly how I feel every time I wear it. Thank you Amber for this wonderful pictures!

Started and finished sometime in 2006

Yarn: Elann Sonata solid in black and white, don't remember how much of each

Needles: Addi 3.25mm for the body, 3.25, 3.5, 4, 4.5 for the ruffle

Pattern: my own design

Method: a simple top-down raglan construction. The ruffle is made by making 3 sts out of every stitch of the last row. I then changed the needle size every few rows. This was my first time making a ruffle and I think it turned out really well.

Here it is in action:

Next up is Ms.Marigold. I made it without a pattern by looking at pictures on Ravelry. I've never made a top-down V-neck, but I think I figured it out OK.

Started: May 31st, 2008

Finished: June 3rd, 2008

Yarn: Queensland Collection Maldive in lavender, 5.5 skeins

Pattern: used Ms. Marigold as an idea

I'm not crazy about my yarn choice, it's too drapy for this project. The yarn itself is very nice to work with, very soft and feels good next to skin. I'm glad I got it in 2 more colors.

Last, but not least is my Lace Nighty. I love how it turned out!

Started: June 10th, 2008

Finished: June 15thm 2008

Yarn: Patons Grace in black, 5 skeins

Needles: 2.5mm

Modifications: I added 2 more waist decreases and made 3 waist increases before I started armhole shaping. I also made the back a lot higher, as I intend to wear this as a tank top, not a nighty, therefore I plan to wear a bra under it. I made a simple crochet chains for straps, as I thought the ones recommended by the pattern looked too thick.

All and all, I'm very happy with the result. Patons Grace worked great, and as I said on Ravelry, I think it's one of the most underrated mercerized cottons out there. I made 2 Oranginas with this yarn and both are being worn very well.

Well, I think you are done with you coffee and I'm done with my blogging for today. Thank you for reading and please do come again. Until the next time, Happy Knitting!!

Chocolate anyone?

It's done and I love it! A lot!

Started: May 20, 08

Finished: May 30, 08

Yarn: Cotton Cable by Longues Fibres (fingering weight mercerized cotton, 50gr/160m), 7 skeins

Pattern: based on a crochet coat pattern from a Russian magazine

This was my first time when I've improvised an existing crochet pattern. First of all, I'm not a very good crocheter, so it was quite a challenge. Second, I didn't have enough yarn for a coat, not that I needed a coat anyway. Third, just to add to the above two, I decided to change the round neck to a V-neck.

I haven't crocheted with such a fine yarn since last summer I think. It felt tiny in my hands and the work didn't seem to progress fast enough. At the beginning I was able to work one skein a day and was hoping to finish it within one week. Didn't happen.

But I'm still more then happy with the result.

What's next for me? Not a crochet project, that's for sure! While working on this vest, I was thinking of making a crochet dress from one of the old Verenas, but decided to start a knitted project instead. I was so hungry for knitting that I've knit up 4 (90m) skeins last weekend! Needless to say, I'm almost done with my new project. Stay tuned!

Lace Ribbon Scarf

It was a nice mindless little project and I love the end result.

Started: 5/11/08

Finished: 5/18/08

Pattern: Lace Ribbon Scarf by Veronik Avery

Yarn: Deluxe by Taiga Yarns, 2 1/3 skeins in Wine

Finished measurements: 10"by 82"

The only downside is the yarn I used. Well, I shouldn't say that, it isn't' that bad. It's just not that supersoft yarn you want for a scarf. The color is beautiful, the stitch definition is great, it blocks like a dream! If only it was a little softer and didn't have those long hairy things you sometimes find in a wool. This yarn had a lot of those and they drove me crazy! But it is done now, all hair is gone and I'm happy.

Last, but not least, I thank you all for such wonderful comments you left for my Ribs and Lace tank. The name of the German knitting magazine that the bra part is from is Lena, I believe.

Happy knitting!

Ribs and lace tank

After having a blast at this years MD Sheep and Wool festival (see my Flickr set here) I finally finished my Ribs and Lace tank.

Started: April 28th, 08

Finished: May 5th, 08

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Purple, 2 1/3 skeins

Pattern: Ribs and lace tank from Spring IK 07

Mods: Got rid of the "target" effect of the bra area (Thanks Les, I was looking for the right words to describe the issue) . A friend of mine from Germany translated a very similar looking top for me and I used the bra part from that pattern. Basically, you knit in ribbing for about 4 inches, then mark two points in the front for center of each breast. Because it's in 2x2 ribbing, you need to choose the knitted ribs, not purled. You also need to mark the center purled rib between the marked points, this will be the center front. From now on you will be working back and forth, not in rounds.

Row1 (RS): It's better if you start the row with k2 rib. Knit in pattern to the first knit stitch of the marked center breast, k2tog, slip next st, k1, psso, knit in pat to the marked purled rib in the center front, twist those two sts (knit the second st and move the first one to the left needle and leave it there unknit), turn. You will end the row with 3 knit sts.
Row 2 and all WS rows knit in pat.

Each RS row you will be decreasing 2 sts. Repeat decreases until you have decreased all purled ribs and you will have 7 knit sts on your needle. Continue straight for as long as you need your straps. Repeat for the second bikini part.

If I tell you that this tank is a very fast knit, you might not believe me, but you have to knit it yourself to see that it's true. First of all, it's knitted in rounds, so there are no seams. Second, the lace part is so much fun, you are almost sad when it's over. Third, the bra part is an interesting knit. You make decreases in the center of a breast and it forms a perfect bikini top. Forth, after you are done knitting, all you need to do is attach the straps, that's it! No picking up stitches, no bands, no seams, nada! In fact I didn't even wet block mine, it was just perfect the way it came off of my needles.

And last, but not least, I thank you all for such nice comments on my previous FO. Here is the link to the archive of free patterns from Fuer Sie magazine. The Ferre knock off must be there too.

Happy knitting!

It's Ferre jacket again!

Yes, I made it again! I loved my first one very much, but alpaca time is over in VA, so I made another one in cotton. Love, love, love this little jacket!!!

With my first Ferre jacket I quickly learned how easy it is to wear it. It goes practically with anything in my work wardrobe - skirts, wide pants, regular trousers, and looks awesome with jeans. I wore it so much that I was afraid people would start saying - Gee, she's wearing that jacket again!

So, I had to make another one for summer. This time I used white cotton to make it look almost like the original. I didn't use dark color for shoulders as I thought it'll be easier to wear it with other colors if it's all white.

Started: April 14th, 08

Finished: April 20th, 08

Yarn: Elann Lara, doubled, 10 skeins

Needles: Addi 4mm

Pattern: from a German magazine "Fuer Sie"

This popular German women's' magazine publishes a runway knock off every couple of weeks and I'm fortunate to have a friend who translated this one for me into Russian.

I can foresee that this jacket is going to be one of my favorite things to wear this summer. And I don't care if people will get tired of seeing it on me!

Last, but not least I thank you all for wonderful comments on my Juliet and for birthday wishes I've been receiving here, on Ravelry and other boards and chat rooms. I had no idea I knew so many people virtually. Thank you! And have a great week!

Juliet

Yes, I've joined the crowd of over 600 people on Ravelry who made this little cardi. Only I didn't pay $6 for the pattern. I love designing top-down sweaters and didn't feel I need the pattern. A friend of mine gave me the bottom lace pattern, which is not exactly the same, but very close to the original. So, here is my little Juliet:

Started: April 10th, 08

Finished April 12th, 08

Yarn: Gedifra Marokko, 4.5 skeins

Needles: Addi 4mm

Pattern: Juliet by Sarah and Rachel from Zephyr Style

This was a really enjoyable little project. Fun, easy and when it was done, it was done. The only downside was the yarn. Very splitty.

But the end result is more then satisfactory. I wouldn't change anything. Even the yarn.

The light on the last pictures is not good. I thought it was hard to take pictures when it's cloudy outside, but it turned out that too much sun is not good either. I'm also grateful to have a supporting photographer, who doesn't mind documenting my work and by now even takes instructions pretty well. It was chilly in the morning and as DH mentioned, I was not dressed for outside. So, we have what we have for now.

And last, but not least, I thank you all for such nice comments on my Bonsai tunic. I forgot to mention that I crochet the knots instead of knitting them like in the pattern.

Bonsai tunic

Since I did go through all the trouble to get the magazine, I decided to make this tunic. And I'm glad I did.

Started: March 31st, 2008

Finished: April 6th, 2008

Yarn: TLC Cotton plus, 3.5 skeins

Needles: addi 4mm and 3mm for ribbing

Pattern: Bonsai tunic from IK Spring 2007

Modifications: I didn't get the row gauge and made the top part shorter. I ended up with empire waist, but I like it better, since I have a long torso and empire waist makes it look shorter.

This is the first time I used TLC Cotton Plus, so I don't know how it will wear, but it looks and feels great. I didn't even block it. I think I like it better then Cotton Ease, as this one doesn't split, has a nice glow and feels better on my hands.

All in all, this tunic is going to be a nice addition to my spring knitwear, I'm sure I'll wear it a lot. Besides, it's in one of my favorite bright colors!

Last but not least, I thank you all for coming, for reading, for leaving such nice comments! You make my day every day. Have a great week!

Indigo Ripples skirt

First the pictures, then the story behind this skirt. Here it is:

Started: March24th, 2008

Finished: March 30th, 2008

Yarn: Elann Den-M-Nit in dark indigo, 8 skeins

Needles: 3,25mm, US 3

Pattern: Indigo Ripples skirt from IK Spring 2007

Modifications: I knit the stockinette part for 15 inches and shortened the lace part to 40 rows.

OK, here is the story. First of all, I haven't been subscribing to IK and only seen this skirt when I briefly flipped through the magazine at a store. Nothing really impressed me, so I didn't buy. A year goes by and I saw this on Ravelry. I felt like I was struck by a lightning and decided I must have that skirt. I started looking for the magazine and was lucky to find last copy at my LYS. Then I ordered yarn from Elann as I thought the delivery will be faster then from WEBS. Then I got a terrible flu and couldn't even think of knitting until after Easter. But once I started, I couldn't put it down until it was done.

I have to say this skirt is the best fitting skirt I ever made. It hugs where it should and flares where I wanted it to flare. And the ruffle is so cute and flirtatious, even though it was such pain to make and even more pain to bind off. In fact I bind off 1/3, then took a nap, then bind off another 1/3, then made dinner, then finished the rest. It felt like that last row will never end. But it is so worth it! Love the skirt, love the ruffle! Thank you Eilene for the inspiration!!!

Last, but not least I have to say that I now subscribe to IK, I'm afraid to miss something as grand as this skirt again.

Knit1 cropped cardi

After having a really bad flu and not knitting for over a week, when I finally was able to look straight, I felt real hungry for knitting again. I decided to make something simple, something that don't require a lot of concentration, something of my favorite top-down construction. That's when this simple raglan cardi came to mind.

Started: March 15, 2008

Finished: March 17, 2008

Pattern: Cropped cardi #2 from Knit1, Fall 07

Yarn: Mondial Prima, 8 skeins

Needles: 3.5mm, US 4

I bought the yarn at Stitches East last year at the WEBS booth and absolutely loved working with it. Superwash merino, so smooth and soft, it didn't require any blocking. I finished the sweater last night and wearing it today. That's what I love about the top-down - minimum finishing.

I didn't have the magazine, but really there is no need for the pattern. Your basic top-down raglan, garter body, ribbing on the neck and sleeves. I love this type of knitwear, when you can play around and wear it with anything.

Something else has happened during this hazy sick time. I received an e-mail from one of the Ravelry girls, saying she really liked my work and would like to give me some of the knitting books she had. I couldn't say no, even though I mostly knit my own designs. And yesterday I received all bunch of Anny Blatt and Bouton d'or magazines, plus some French ribbon yarn!

Isn't this amazing? Aren't knitters the most amazing people? She doesn't know me, I don't know her, we never met or talked and she gave me some magazines and yarn! Thank you Julie!

Last, but not least I'd like to thank all of you for lovely comments on my Diamond sweater. And until the next time - Happy Knitting!

Gotta love the diamond!

Yes, it's finally done and yes, I love it!

Started: February 25th, 08

Finished March 7th, 08

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Taupe, 3.5 skeins

Needles: Addi 4mm

Pattern: by a friend of mine

This sweater went through the celebration of our son's 3rd birthday, me being sick afterwards, so it took me almost 2 weeks to finally finish it. I've modified the original graph and the schematics that were shared with me by a friend of mine from Osinka, but tried to keep the general idea.

It wasn't easy to photograph this color in the inside light, so the cables are not as prominent on the pictures as they are in real life. This picture was taken earlier in the day, so you can tell how great the stitch definition is.

This turned out to be a very versatile sweater. I wore it tonight with the jeans and heels and it looked great. I didn't like any of the pictures of that outfit though, but I'm sure I'll have another opportunity to show you.

OK, I gotta go put it on my Ravelry notebook, then show it off on Osinka!
Good night everyone! Thanks for reading!

Diamond sweater

This is the original:

And this one is made by a girl from my Russian forum, who made the graph.

I'm so glad I got to know many of those talented Russian girls who live all around the globe and share their incredible talent with us. I could have probably figured out that diamond pattern myself, but boy, am I glad someone did it before me!

Here is my progress today:

I'm using Lion Brand Cotton Ease. I made one top with this yarn last summer and always wanted to use it again. It's easier on my hands then other cottons, it feels soft to skin, and I really love how it looks in cables. Such an incredible stitch definition!

Amazingly, I already have my next project in mind and can't wait to finish this one. I'll probably not have much time this weekend as our boy it turning 3 and we expect people over both days of the weekend.

See you some time next week! Hopefully, I'll have something to show you.