200

U neck vest
Originally uploaded by zeelyknits

Blogger tells me this is my 200th post! Pretty cool.

I've been knitting a lot, but nothing is at a point of completion. All the pieces of Edie are finished, save one. I'm waiting for the blocking board I ordered so that I can lay everything out and get ready to seam. I have about a zillion baby sweaters in various states of done-ness. And, I've been working on a vest (in the pic over there). It's going to be a somewhat cropped, U-necked vest. I've been trying it on as I go, and it's knit to the measurements I calculated, but I think I may need to down-size it somewhat. It just seems like it will be a little bulky. It's knit with zero ease, but I think I should knit it with negative ease. Anyway, I'm trying to force myself to just finish it the way I originally planned, and then see if I need to change it. I think that way I'm not second-guessing myself. The yarn is Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted. I found three skeins of the light blue in the clearance bin at Lakeside Fibers - $9.00 a skein! And since I knew three would not be enough, I got a fourth skein of chocolate brown, which will be used for the hem, neckline and armhole trim. I'm using US 10 1/2 needles to stretch the yardage. Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes. The weather was pretty breezy today - maybe I'll even get to wear it soon!

Kim Hargreaves

Kim Hargreaves' fall collection is up.

My favorites: Evie, Olivia (seriously might have to buy this one), Cate, and Still. Oh, and this one, without the ruffles.

Stitches Report

As I mentioned, I went to Stitches Midwest last week. I had prepared ahead of time by updating my Future Projects list, being careful to note the weight of yarn and quantities needed, and even thinking about colors I'd like to use for the upcoming season. Of course, even the best-laid plans can crumble in the face of the sheer volume that is the Stitches Market. I was totally overwhelmed! Good thing I decided to spend the day there, because it took a good 2 hours before I had a handle on what/who was there, and still longer before I made any purchases! I had the good fortune to run into Corinne, and I also had made plans to meet up with Jewell. They both helped me get off the dime and buy some stuff. So, without further ado, here's the haul:


This is organic yarn! Woot! It's from Green Pastures Fiber Co-operative in Illinois. It's 100% merino, and it's been fulled - so it's kinda fuzzy. Also beautifully hand-dyed, you'll note. There's enough here for a special scarf...and I know just the recipient.


I tried to get a good picture of this stuff - I may have failed. This is Shelridge Farms DK weight. I got enough for a fab sweater for moi. I was totally stalking their booth all day - they had a lot of beautiful stuff. I was considering this kit, until I learned it was fingering weight...never gonna happen! But I loved the color, which is the same as you see here.


Last but not least...an awesome combo from the ladies at Knitche. The pink is Lobster Pot Worsted - this is from a one-woman operation on Cape Cod. Her colors are soooo beautiful - this one is called Salt Rose. (if you don't believe me, ask Corinne about Drawn Butter!) The multi-colored yarn is handspun, and is (I think) only available at Knitche. I thought this would make a great combo - as if the pink needed any 'brightening'! Anyway...I'm not sure what this will be - probably some sort of scarf.

Well, I've gone on long enough. Hope everyone is having a good week!

Still Stitching

This is a sleeve. A what? A sleeve. Oh, a sleeve.

I'm about 40% finished with the knitting for Edie. Unfortunately, I haven't started blocking anything, so the only piece that looks halfway decent is this one. I'm using Lorna's Laces Fisherman, as called for in the pattern. I had been wanting to try this yarn, and when I found it at my LYS on sale in a good color for me, it was all over. The yarn has a lot of bounce and the hand dying gives it a beautiful, dappled effect. I'm really enjoying this project and this yarn.

Today is Stitches! I'm headed off in a couple of hours. I have an invitation for dinner, but I may be too pooped by then - we'll see. I'm not going on Saturday, so I'll probably miss most people. I'm hoping to avoid going on Sunday, but if I am indecisive I may have to go back.

There are so many things on my shopping list! I don't plan to buy something for every project I'm considering, but if I don't have enough things on the list, I might strike out entirely. So my list includes a mix of big, grownup sweater projects, smaller vest and scarf projects, baby projects, etc. My strategy will be to try and get yarn that I can't find anywhere else, or things that are just a really good deal (but that still will work for a specific project). I'm also looking for things like Rebecca magazines and certain types of needles. Hopefully I will have some luck.

Okay, see you later! Have a great weekend, everyone!

Eyelet Cardi Recap

Thanks so much, everyone, for your kind comments about my Eyelet Cardi! I feel so good about this project - partly because it's finally done after so much stalling, and also because it turned out so nicely.

I promised a little recap of my experience with the pattern/yarn/etc, so here goes:

I didn't modify the pattern at all. For me anyway, the sizing was perfect as written. The pattern was extremely easy to follow - I really commend the designer, Alison Williams, for a terrific pattern.

The yarn - ah, what can I say? Blue Sky Dyed Cotton is one of my favorites. Well, I should say it's one of my favorites to knit with...I don't yet know how it will wear. After three or four day-long wearings, the sweater is developing pills in the areas under the arm, where the most friction is - but they pull off easily without damaging the fabric. It's very soft and despite the thickness of the yarn, the sweater doesn't feel heavy at all.

The only other thing to say is that I plan to make another one in wool for fall/winter. As far as gauge goes, the Blue Sky Worsted would probably be spot on...however it is pricey. And, I think something with plies would make for more stitch definition - isn't that right? Anyway, I'll be looking for the perfect yarn for this perfect pattern. Maybe I'll find something at Stitches Midwest. Who's going?

News Flash!

Hey y'all, I'm on Ravelry! Look for me as zeelyknits.