So Much Knitting, So Little Time

Scandes Mittens

It has been a busy knitting week around here! I have been enjoying my new mittens I finished recently.

Scandes Mittens

The pattern is by Adrian Bizilia, who I think is a master of mitten design!

Kierna Foley Test Knit - Complete

I do a lot of test and sample knitting, and most of the time I can’t show anybody since it’s top secret stuff. But, this week I finished test knitting this beautiful shawl for Kieran Foley, and I can show it off! It was a fun one to work on. I also finished testing a lovely sweater, but that one is top secret.

And, I just published another new pattern in my own series of scarves named for authors I like a lot—this one named for Isabel Allende.

Allende Scarf

Project Roundup

Dan got a new birthday sweater this year, made with Icelandic lopi yarn. It was the first time I had used this yarn, but it won’t be the last!

Stryta

Stryta

Other news, a new pattern: Anchee

Anchee Scarf

Anchee Scarf

And off the needles, some Mod mittens for a friend’s birthday!

Mittens

2014 Winter Light

Winter Hydrangea

I always get reflective this time of year, setting goals, making lists, feeling the urge to clean and start fresh in many areas of my life. Last year I thought about starting to publish some of my own designs, and unlike most of my resolutions I am happy to say I actually stuck to that one! It’s been an exciting process and one I am really enjoying. It has given me another way to think about my love of fiber, yarn and knitting. I am so grateful for all the support I have had to give this a go!
I published two in this last month of the year, between the hustle and the holidays. The Chester Creek Cowl and Terrestrial.

Chester Creek Cowl

(Pattern details for this cowl can be found here.)

Terrestrial Hat

(Pattern details for this hat can be found here.)

I also started posting here on the ScratchCraft blog, having been in the background most of the time. Who knows if we will both write some posts, or how that will shake out, it’s still evolving.
I am looking forward to what 2015 will bring. I’ll make the usual pledges toward fitness and diet, friendship and trying new things. How about you, what do you want 2015 to hold in store for you?

Yoshimoto Scarf

Yoshimoto Scarf

To continue my small series of scarves inspired by some of my favorite female authors, this design is inspired by Banana Yoshimoto and the delightful way she heartens us to appreciate with our senses simple things; a cup of tea, a wooden floor, hot noodle soup or an elegant and soft knitted scarf.

Yoshimoto Scarf

The yarn I used for this scarf is a luxuriously soft yarn from Blue Sky Alpacas, called Royal. It is 100% alpaca, and I used the Antique Black color (#705).

Yoshimoto Scarf

Since it requires only one skein of this luxurious yarn it would make a great and pretty quick gift for someone special, or yourself!

Yoshimoto Scarf

Pattern details on Ravelry.

Hoodoo Hat

Hoodoo Hat

I fell in love with Blue Sky Alpacas newest yarn, Extra, when it was first released. It is so soft that it seemed perfect for a hat, something cozy for winter. With just one skein each of three of my favorite colors I was able to make four hats, trying out multiple color combinations!

Hoodoo Hat

The yarn knits beautifully, with the softness of alpaca without any shedding, and the loft of the fine merino to give it a nice body. It’s a dream to work with.

Hoodoo Hat

This pattern is quite fun and quick to knit. Now we are just a little closer to being ready for winter!

Hoodoo Hat

Pattern details on Ravelry.