Mohair Dreams

The Games are over

I've been a blogging slacker lately so I have alot to catch you up on.

The Knitting Olympics are over and I have to report that I wasn't able to finish my Shani sweater.  Designing a sweater knit in the round in furry yarn was more of a challenge than I expected.  I've finished the body but have stalled at the sleeves.  I'm thinking about making raglan sleeves with a turlteneck.  I plan to cast on the sleeves this evening.  I had big plans for this KAL but it just didn't happen.  I hope to finish it this week.  This will be nice a nice cozy sweater once it's done. 

I've named my sweater after Shani Davis for his accomplishments in the Winter Olympics.  He has been portrayed rather negatively by his teammate Chad Hedrick but it's not hard to see that there is more to that story then we know.  Shani's story really resonates with me and I am very proud of him. 

While I won't get a gold medal for my blog, it was still a great experience and my first attempt at knitting a garment for myself without a pattern.  I designed a children's garment that will be in Greetings from Knit Cafe which is due out this Spring.  I'll tell you more about it when the release date comes up. 

Speaking of Knit Cafe, I am teaching another cable purse class March 5th and 12th.  The first class went so well that I was asked to do it again.  I hope that this class is just as much fun. 

I know that it's long overdue but I have hesitated in posting photos of my Sweater With Wide Collar because I don't have any clear photos and I'm not thrilled with the finished sweater.  The best that I have so far is this fuzzy picture, you be the judge. 

The collar just won't behave but I have still worn it and got lots of compliments.  Maybe I'm just being a bit to hard on myself.  I'll have to play with blocking again and see if I can improve the fit.

We are entering the final month of the Stashalong and I have been very good about not adding to my stash.  It has been hard to resist especially with the spring yarn hitting the stores but it's been worth it to take a break.  I recently exchanged some stash yarn to acquire this deliciousness for the Somewhat Cowl but that doesn't count as a purchase.  This will be my next project and I am really looking forward to starting it. 

Wendy is the designer and just love her work.  What I really like is that she designs short sleeved sweaters which are perfect for the mild LA weather.  She has a new design on her site that I've added to my wish list.  She is such an inspiration.

False Start

The Knitting Olympics are on but I've been having some problems getting started.  First of all, I am trying to work on my first sweater design and second, I am using GGH Esprit which beautiful, soft and FLUFFY!!  It's hard to see the stitch definition to count stitches and rows.  And the seaming is a pain to deal with as well.  My solution is to knit it in the round.  I casted on and was off and knitting when I realized it was too big.  I had to rip it out (even more fun with Esprit), regroup and try it again.  I put it down for a couple of days and searched for other patterns for ideas on shaping, etc.  So, I'm off again - my sweater is on the needles and I'm just moving along.  I haven't resolved the raglan vs. set in sleeves issue yet but I have time. 

Needless to say, this sweater will not be done in time for trip to Banff but it WILL be done before the Closing Ceremonies.  I'm looking forward to getting on my snowboard after watching Women's Half Pipe last night.  No tricks for me though!  And the best part of my trip- I get to wear my knitted scarves, Hourglass and debut Sweater with Wide Collar (SWC).  I'll be able to get alot of knitting done on my flight tomorrow and will have pictures to post when I get back in town.  Go team!

Mohair Dreams scarf

Several people have asked me about the pattern for the scarf in my blog header.  I am very embarrased to admit that I have lost my notes on the scarf.  Of course this is very just lame given my business is all about knitting organizers.  The stitch came from the 365 Knitting Stitches a Year Perpetual Calendar but I could not figure out which one it was.  If you don't have this calendar, you need to get it.  Anyway, I searched the calendar and had other knitters search it as well and none of us could not figure it out.  Well, Carol from Kansas City sent me an email about the pattern so I decided to take another look and I found it, the lacy rib on January 5!!  So, here is the pattern:

 

Mohair Dreams Scarf

2 skeins of mohair yarn (I lost my labels)
US 10 needles

Hold 2 strands together and cast on 25 sts

Row 1 (RS): K1, *K2tog, YO, P1; rep from * to last 3 sts, K2tog, YO, K1
Row 2: P3, *K1, P2; rep from * to last 4 sts, K1, P3
Row 3: K1, YO, sl 1, K1, psso, *P1, YO, sl 1, K1, psso; rep from * to last st, K1
Row 4: Rep row 2
Repeat these 4 rows until scarf is desired length.

My scarf is 6" wide.  If you want to change the width, the pattern works in multiples of 3 + 1 sts.  I suggest using a stitch marker to mark the RS of the scarf.

Enjoy!  Now I can finish my scarf as well. 

Knitting Olympics

I've finally figured out what I am going to make for the Knitting Olympics - a cozy turtleneck made using GGH Esprit.  I'm going to work on the pattern this week but it will be a basic design since the yarn will not show any fancy design work.

 

If you are not familiar with this yarn, you are really missing out.  This yarn is so soft and wonderful and knits up quickly on US 13s.  I am heading to Banff for a snowboarding trip next week and this sweater will be perfect for my trip.  I leave for my trip on Wednesday so can I make a sweater in 5 days?  CHALLENGE!!  I will really earn that gold medal by making a sweater in record time!! 

I originally bought this yarn to make a long coat but hey, I live in LA and it's warm most of the time so I just don't need it.  This winter, it has been too hot to wear most of my handknit sweaters.  I will have plenty of yarn left over to make another baby blanket, one of my basic baby shower gifts. 

My knitting class went so well!!  I had 4 great students - Cathy, Jamie, Mimi and Simone and we had a great time.  They are all making their bags using of Rowan Big Wool and Suzan picked out some great handles and ribbons for their bags.  I taught them to make cables and read charts.  I really tried to get them to learn to read their work rather than referring to instructions for each row.  Their homework is to finish the bag and next week we will seam, attach the handles and even work on the linings.  This experience makes me look forward to teaching another class!

Finally, this week, I am working on finishing my WIPS.  The sleeves on my SWC need to be reseamed, my poor wrap cardi still needs one more sleeve and I started an earflap hat out of some Artyarns Supermerino leftover from my knitster stint on Knitty Gritty that needs to be finished.  I should be able to get most of this done in time for the Olympics.  Go Team California!!