Hats in action

Baby B got his new hat today. As soon as his mom opened the door I knew it would be too big... and it is. I knit the ear flaps upwards of the brim so he could turn that up and get a little more wear out of it. I think he likes it.

And Mama V graciously donned the Fishtrap hat for a little photo shoot in the West Village. Now if only it would get cold enough so I could wear the hat.

In other news, I've been taking advantage of my days off to hit some of the new and not-so-new yarn stores around the City. Last night it was Knitty City on the Upper West Side. I had heard good things about this place and they were true! Cute store, nice sales people and a broad selection of stuff. I browsed for a good long time and no one bugged me. I just had to take this home - Colinette Jitterbug in Velvet Leaf. The picture does not communicate the depth of color, despite my and my camera's best efforts - the name is about right. It's like the richest pine tree you ever saw. A velvet pine tree. What I will do with it is unknown. As I've mentioned, I'm not the biggest sock fan. It will have to be something though...

I am also up for a little stash-busting this week. First on the list is this little beastie that I got from School Products at Stitches East this year:

Delicious udon-noodle-fat cashmere. It will be a hat. (Note: I have not worn one hat yet this season but will now have knit two.)

And this is one of the gems of the collection. Hand-dyed cashmere sock yarn from Loop in London. First off, this place is good fun - go if you have the chance. It's adorable and well-stocked. This yarn is by Hip Knits. Since I have no great love for socks I knew this was destined for something else. I've decided on the Lace Cowl from The Purl Bee. I think it will go smashing with my new cream hat repertoire. PS: The yardage on this is insane! 500 meters! Hurray!

Tomorrow: Hopefully a finished apron.

Hats off to me

Baby ear flap hat: Check!
Pattern: Loosely based on the beanie in Simple Knits for Cherished Babies.
Yarn: Karabella Aurora 8 from School Products.
Modifications: Cast on more stitches due to different gauge. Tubular cast-on for brim. Added ear flaps inspired by "Kim's Hats" in Last Minute Knitted Gifts, also with some modifications (I did four rows decreasing at either end and then did decreases at each end of each row which created the cupped look). I also stitched his initial on the back, so he's easily identifiable in a crowd.

Baby B is going to try it on tomorrow so let's hope it works!

Fishtrap aran hat: Check !!!
Pattern: Elizabeth Zimmerman's Fishtrap Aran Swatchcap from Knitter's Almanac.
Yarn: Brooks' Farm Four Play, purchased at Rhinebeck.
Modifications: That would suggest there was an actual pattern to follow...

Yes, that's right - I finished the twisted stitch beast. I sat down and knit furiously right through Pride and Prejudice and now it's all over but the blocking (which is in progress). As I've complained, this was not my favorite thing to knit. There were so many stitches to move on every cabling row (i.e., every other row) that it made my hands hurt. Plus, I'm a girl who likes order and instruction in her knitting. I did not particularly enjoy winging the crown shaping, although it came out nicely enough. In the end, I am pleased with the hat and it looks great on my head, if I do say so myself (modeling pictures tomorrow when it's dry). Added bonus: I have at least half the ball of yarn left. It will not become another Fishtrap hat, sorry folks.

Also blocking: The Boy's Bubble Scarf
Pattern: Bubble Scarf from Scarf Style
Yarn: Silky Tweed by Elsebeth Lavold
Modifications: None!

I finished this scarf over a year ago. The Boy wore it almost every day, and it was in desperate need of a bath and a block. So here are some shots of it reblocking. I loved working on this - great pattern, great yarn and great finished product.

Sparkly bright

I'm a sucker for Christmas decorations. I walk by this tree at the Bloomberg building at 58th and Lex each day on my way to work. I think it's among the more tastefully decorated in the City. No bells, no whistles, no animated singing sculpture things (yes, I'm looking at you Bl00mingdale's...).

I will be off the blog for a few days. However, I'm on VACATION (!!!!) next week and planning to get all sorts of crafting done. Goals for the end of the year include finishing my Fishtrap Aran hat and the apron. Also, Baby B has grown his noggin right out of his hat and his Mama V has requested a replacement - with earflaps. I must consult the stash to see if there's anything suitable, otherwise, more yarn for me!

Happy holidays!

I guess I have accomplished something

I always feel like I'm getting nowhere on all of my projects but turns out this here blog is helpful for showing that's not the case! I only got to knit for 15 minutes yesterday, but look how far these two pieces have come since their last appearances!

First, the Anemoi Mittens - I've reached the chart! They are still as much fun as ever. I never get tired of Koigu. Unfortunately this project is not very portable - between the five needles, two balls of yarn and 8"x11" chart, I feel like I'm taking up half the subway when I work on this. Sadly, this means it isn't getting so much love right now.









Next, the Frost & Flowers Scarf. I just love love love working on this thing. It is so soothing, and I love the pattern so much that I have to stop every row to admire and pet it. I'm actually another repeat further along than shown in these pictures. This thing is going to take forever though - it doesn't feel like the ball of yarn is getting any smaller and I still have two more to go!










As for that Fishtrap Hat... um... uh... I don't know what you're talking about.