Mohair Dreams

Stashalong Success

Today marks the end of the Stashalong and it has been a great experience.  I have refrained from buying new yarn and instead turned my attention to the forgotten treasures in my stash.

During the 3 month KAL, I finished the following projects from stash yarn.  Take a look at my album for photos:

- Sweater with wide collar
- Several cable knit purses
- Sweet baby pullover set
- Yvette's poncho
- and the latest, my Big Sack Sweater

During the KAL, I was also inspired to finally finish my wrap cardi.  Not bad for 3 months.  A big thanks to Kim for planning this KAL. 

Although I am excited to do some yarn shopping, I still have a few more projects for my stash yarn.  First, I have accepted the fact that I will never make a Clapotis so I need to find another project for my Artyarns Royal Silk.  I came across this Diagonal Triangle tank from Artyarns which looks like it will be fun to knit.

Second, I saw this new Karabella design in an ad in Vogue Knitting and thought of my Karabella Lace Mohair.

The only thing is that my yarn in light blue and I think this would like much better in black.  Teal or white sand would also look good.  KPixie has so many colors that it's hard to pick one.

Next up, Flash your stash KAL!  I'll flash on Saturday.

Spring has sprung

I spent some quality time at Knit Cafe yesterday teaching the It Bag class.  The first It Bag class that I taught went so well that I was asked to teach another.  I really enjoy teaching project classes and will teach a Baby Bobbi Bear class in this summer.  I also signed up to take a six week design class with Denise, an amazing knitter/ designer.  I have really wanted to learn more about designing and this class will be perfect.  I need some ideas but have plenty of books and magazines to check out for inspiration.

While my students were busy concentrating on their cables, I had some time to check out the new spring yarn and books.  Can I just say WOW!  The new yarns are just beautiful - the Rowan Classic yarns and Art Collection book are everything that I miss about Rowan sans Kim Hargreaves.  I finally got to see One Skein and although I didn't buy it, it has some cute projects and clever ideas for what to do with those random skeins in my stash.  The other gem was the Vogue Knitting Spring issue.  My subscription has expired but after picking up this issue, I am inspired to send in my renewal today!  The patterns are fantastic.  The ruffled edge sheath is my favorite:

If I had more time, I would try to make this for Easter.  It's in Cascade Fixation and is just so feminine and classy and so me. 

After finishing up some of my Winter projects, I will be ready for some new Spring yarn and projects.  Most exciting of all, I got to see an advance copy of Suzan's new book.  I squealed like a little girl when I saw my design!  The book looks great (Melanie Falick has the magic touch) and has some amazing patterns.  I don't just say that because of my connection to the store and the designers.  It really is good and I think it will be a popular book when it is released on July 1.  Wait until you see the knit gown!  I'll share more later.

Oh, and look who is lounging around waiting for another sleeve.

 

Showing off

I wore my Wrap Cardi last night and I looked so good!  I just had to take some photos today to show off.

Twisted Sister Voodoo is a beautiful yarn and a pleasure to knit.  It's a bit pricey but every now and then I don't mind to splurge especially when I end up with something amazing.  The design is so unique and I look forward to wearing it again...soon. 

I have made some great progress on my Big Sack Sweater.  I finished the back and now I'm working on the front piece.  It's a boxy design that will be great when I want a casual cozy sweater to wear. 

The only issue I see so far is with the yarn.  Rowanspun Chunky is pretty rough on the hands so I wonder how it feel when I wear it.  I am hoping that if I wash it in fabric softener it might not be so itchy and rough.  This will be the last project of the Stashalong which ends on March 31.  I'll give a full Stashalong report next week. 

I also joined the Flash Your Stash KAL (I just can't get enough).  I have three bins full of stash yarn and should be post some great yarnography photos.  Here's a teaser.

Oh baby, that's so hot!

En Feugo

I finally finished my Wrap Cardi and it is so elegant.  I really want to post pictures but I need someone to take my photo.  I can't wait for you all to see it. 

To celebrate finishing another sweater, I cast on Big Sack sweater.  It's been on my Wish List for awhile and it's time to make it happen.  And in honor of the arrival of Spring, I cast on Somewhat Cowl.  Working in size 5 needles is already making my hands ache a bit.  While the Big Sack should be a quick project, I expect that the Somewhat Cowl will take awhile to finish.

Another FO!

The Sweet Baby set was a big hit at the baby shower.  To my delight, the ladies even gushed over the bunny rabbit buttons!  And in the spirit of the Stashalong, the yarn came from my stash.

I was also able to give Yvette her poncho and she loves it! 

It should keep her warm and stylish in NYC!  It is a two-rectangle poncho in Classic Elite Bravo and Rowan Lurex Shimmer and it came out really well. 

Now that I have finished a couple of projects, I really want to cast on something new like the Somewhat Cowl.  However, I am determined to finish either my Wrap Cardi or Shani first. 

On Sunday, my book club had another great meeting (food, wine and girl talk) to discuss "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls.  What a great book!  If you are looking a well-written compelling story, I highly recommend this book. 

Oh Baby!

Another Sweet Baby pullover set is all done and it is mighty cute.  The shower is this weekend and it feels good not be in a rush to finish the gift.  I'm sure that Baby Girl Thorpes will look great in her new sweater set.

I always find the cutest buttons at Jennifer Knits.  So adorable.

I also found a great gift bag at Target.  It completes the whole handknit theme.

All I have left is to finish Yvette's poncho which is going a bit slowly.  Row after row of stockinette stitch with no shaping is just boring!  I have the same problem with finishing blankets.  I just get bored!

Knitting Pretty

One of my co-workers clipped an article for me from W Magazine called "Knitting Pretty".  It is about the next generation of cutting edge European knitwear designers such as Anat Fritz, Clare Tough, Giulia Piersanti and Mina d'Ornano.  Some of their designs are below.  I have added the article to my planner for inspiration.  It's in the March issue so pick it up if you can.  These crochet designs are just beautiful!

   

 

So what is on my needles at this time?  Good question.  I am stuck on the sleeves of my Shani sweater.  I have to admit that I got bored.  Right now, however, I have 2 other projects that require my immediate attention.  Of course another friend is having a baby so I have to make a shower gift.  Since everyone knows that I knit, a store bought gift just wouldn't go over well. 

It's a girl so I'm making another Sweet Baby set in white Goa with pink Amelie trim.  It's a quick and easy project and crowd favorite.  I finished the back last night and since this is going to be a cold and rainy weekend, I'll finish it in a flash.

The other project is a poncho for my friend Yvette.  It has been on the back burner for about a year now but I need to finish it this week.  I forgot to call her on her birthday this week (BAD FRIEND) and she agreed to forgive me if I finish her poncho.  She is coming to LA for our friend's baby shower next weekend so I have a week to get it done.  I can't believe that I forgot.  I am very sensitive about my friends forgetting my birthday (it's July 4th so it's easy to remember) so I feel horrible.  Thank goodness that the poncho will get me out of the dog house!