Christmas knitting finally done!

And I decided to knit only one gift. Why was this so hard to complete!?! Anyway, the socks are finished, and I really like them. I think that Allan will, too.



The sock blockers are for my size (women's 9) so these men's 10's are a little loose. I'm happy to say that they do look better on an actual foot.



The yarn is Lana Grossa's Meilenweit 100 Tweed, purchased a year and a half ago(!) at the Springwater Fiber Workshop in Alexandria, VA. I had *very* little left over after knitting these size 10 socks on Addi 0's. I'm ready to knit something colorful!

crochet fingerless gloves

I wondered if fingerless gloves would be quicker in crochet. I've made lots of knitted mitts, but wanted to try some in crochet. A back issue of Crochet Today magazine had a pattern for a pair that looked nice. They did work up quickly, but the strap feature added on a little extra time. If I make more, I might skip that part and the "beltloops" that go with. If you're looking up the pattern, it's called "Spring Fever Glovelettes."

need a quick gift?

This scarf is a new version of one I crocheted a little while back. Originally worked in Jitterbug, the pattern was written as a way to use that fabulous merino sock yarn some way other than knitting socks. Also, I needed an easy pattern to use in an upcoming crochet class. So the Frilly Scarf was born, and I never really got around to writing it up, at least not officially.



When Malabrigo came out with it's Silky Merino yarn, Madge suggested that it would make a nice Frilly Scarf. With a little refiguring, the pattern adapted well to this heavier gauge yarn. Not a heavy yarn, mind you, but a heavier gauge than the Jitterbug. When the scarf was completed, we agreed that it is a great way to use the Silky Merino! Wearing this one will feel decadent. Yum!





I finally wrote up the pattern, and free copies are available at Cozy in Durham!

ETA: If you live somewhere other than Durham, send me your email address, and I'll forward the pattern to you!

cuteness

One of my friends from way back has just become an aunt. Sounded like a good reason to use this fabulous super wash pink merino yarn.



The label says that it's Liisu Superwash Merino, but I think this company may have changed its name since I bought the yarn at Quilts Like Crazy sometime last year. Coincidentally, Quilts Like Crazy has also changed its name and location! They are now Yarnbirds, found on Falls of the Neuse Road in Raleigh.

The pattern is Madge's hat pattern, available at Cozy. I love the twin points, and, of course, the crocheted doodads.

ziggy zaggy

Even though this scarf is still on the needles, I blocked part of it last night just to see how it was going to turn out. Impatient knitter! But I'm glad I did it--I like it so much, now I'm really motivated to finish it.

The Trekking Pro Natura, a wool/bamboo blend, makes a scarf that's light and airy. Feels really good, and it will be even softer once I soak the whole thing in Euculan before the final blocking.

mesh bag

Last night I finished the 2-color market bag waiting for trick-or-treaters. Although this project got a really slow start, I ended up liking the stitch pattern. Maybe I'll use it in the future.
This bag will keep its shape a little better than the meshy ones, but that means that it will not expand to hold as much, either. I'll just have to try it out and see.

new scrumble for the exchange

This is #9, going to Jenny in Australia. It goes out today!

freeform projects

The 3 point scarf is coming along; I'm taking it into the pit so that I can work in the loose ends in the little bit of knitting time there is for Phantom, our current show. Here are some (hopefully) better pictures.















I'm also working on the next scrumble to send out in the exchange. It's for Jenny in Australia, who chose colors that I have in large supply. This one is turning out to be lots of fun--no surprises there!

bad pictures of a fun project

I've assembled all of the big pieces that I've collected for this project over the last year and a half, and I'm pleased so far. After I weave in the ends I'll add on pieces where needed. Can't wait to wear it!



I may have to wait for a sunny day to get better photos. Taking pictures outside is so much easier for me.

back to freeforming

OK, I've taken a little break from the freeform projects---both my own and the scrumbles for the exchange. Now I'm ready to jump back in, and just for inspiration, I reread the new book by Renate Kirkpatrick today, "Freeform Crochet and Beyond." It's always fun to see what other freeform artists are doing, and to decide which of their tricks and tips to incorporate into your own work.
To get the creative juices flowing again, I'm revisiting some scrumbles that I made a while ago.







Initally, these were going to become a jacket. Then, they weren't. And then they were going to be a jacket again, and now they are going to be a 3 point scarf. That's something in between a scarf and a cape. I almost have enough to form the entire piece, but there will be spaces to fill in and edgings to consider.
Along with this 3 point scarf, I plan to make some freeform mitts to sell at the Artwalk, and probably some more covered tape measures.
Fun stuff!