FO: Thujas and Star Crossed Beret

Now that the break has started I have some time to sit down and do absolutely nothing. Well, nothing by knit that is. Leah's "Spring Forward" socks are on the needles, along with my "February Lady Cardigan". Here are some finished knits that I've had done for a while, but finally have time to post.



Name: Thuja Socks (Knitty Pattern)
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted in Truffle
Time: A few days plus time for blocking
Note: I really loved making these, and I think that Ryan really likes wearing them as well. They knit up so fast because of the worsted yarn, and the pattern was pleasantly simple. It was fast, but not boring. I'm even considering using finer yarn and needles to make a female version of this sock. The yarn is also soft and feels pretty durable (not to mention, CHEAP). I will probably use it again. (Ravelry Link)






Name: Start Crossed Slouchy Beret (Pattern)
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted in Chestnut
Time: 1 day
Notes: Love this hat! The pattern is so easy and elegant, and would be excellent for anyone starting to do cables. The best part however, is the YARN. SO SOFT and just dreamy to knit with. I totally understand now why everyone is so in love with it, and I will use it again soon! This is was also the first time that I used the long tail cast-on. It was so helpful in making my ribbing look finished, my poor "in progress" Pomtomus socks look so crummy at the edges in hind sight. (Ravelry Link)



Ugh, I look so pale in these photos.

Lastly, Here is a sample of my crazy yarn shopping over the last few weeks to prepare for my time off. (You have no idea how long it took to get Nibbles into that position)

Study Break

To keep myself sane, I'm taking a little break from studying for my Chem final tomorrow to look at some future knits. These are things that I plan to start over spring break, and that yarn is already purchased for. Hopefully after my test tomorrow I can start these:


These are the "Spring Forward" socks from Knitty (Summer 08). I'm planning on making them for Leah, and they are the first thing on my break list. I bought some Crystal Palace Panda Cotton (a cotton bamboo blend) that hopefully will be good (sure is soft!).
Then I have...

The "February Lady Sweater", which I think is SO cute. I thought a cardigan might be nice for spring, and maybe easier to fit than my last sweater attempt. For this I got some cheap knit pick Comfy Worsted Wool, should knit up fine.
Lastly,

"Baudelaire". I LOVE these socks. I wanted to make them the first time I saw them, and finally think that my skills are decent enough to make an attempt. I've heard horror stories about these socks though (super tight ankle and instep), and hope that none of that bad juju is heading my way. The yarn is in the mail right now, and I ordered enough to give myself options.

Well, that makes me a little more excited to get through my tests and work tomorrow, then off to my knitting. Now, back to thermodynamics and electrochemistry.

(photos from Knitty Summer 08 and Summer 06, Feb. Lady Sweater from Flint Knits)

FO: Copy Cat Hat

Everything has been so crazy lately, and even though I have been knitting up a storm, finding time to take pictures is impossible. This morning though, before heading back to the UW (spent all yesterday there), Ryan snapped a few shots of my new hat.





Name: Slouchy Copy Cat Hat (pattern)
Time: about 2 days
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Forest Green (less than 1 skein)
Notes: I really love this hat. I started it to just kill some time before my mail order yarn came, and it turned into a favorite of mine. The yarn was pulled from an abandoned project, and ended up working out better than expected. Lately I've been trying to shy away from my crappy cheapo yarn, but because this is a wool blend, it seems to take away that icky feel that I get from plastic yarns. The pattern was really simple, and mindless, and I would make another one in an instant. And I probably will next time I want something quick to refresh my palette. Ravelry Link



Right before I finished this hat, I pushed through and made one of my pomotomus socks. The pattern is really beautiful, and I'm happy with the one completed sock, but it is really taxing to make. Maybe the pattern is a little too daunting for me, or maybe I don't like following charts while I knit as much as I thought I did, but either way, I needed a little break. That's when I picked up this hat.

Before I go back to my socks though, I have another project to complete. I started a pair of Thuja socks (knitty pattern) for Ryan. They are knit using a worsted weight yarn (instead of tiny tiny sock yarn), which I love, and are practically flying off the needles (SO FAST). Probably will finished them today or tomorrow.

Now, time for me to get back to homework. I have to complete my VERY last homework for chem, then I am done forever!

FO: Owl Mitts and Pink

Okay, time for a big post. Yesterday half of my new yarn came that I ordered from The Loopy Ewe. I was really pleased with how quickly the package came, and it even had a hand-written note inside, really great customer service. Definitely will be ordering from them in the future. Here's what I got:





The brown Malabrigo yarn in Chestnut is for a hat that I've been looking at for a while. Plus some Shibuiknits in Rappongi for my new pair of socks. The colors are great, really vibrant. The pattern is also really intricate, and a little more challenging than what I've done in the past.

I've also finally upload the finished pictures of my sweater. This knit has TONS of flaws, but I'm still pretty happy with it for a first sweater. The ribbing on the bottom is too tight, I didn't bind off loosely enough, and too baggy under the arms. For some reason there are also massive holes under the arms. I tried to stitch them up, but they are still pretty obvious. The yarn ended up being light and forgiving, and inexpensive. Overall, I can't really complain, and is makes me more confident for my next sweater.





Lastly, I made a quick mitten project the last 2 days. Initially it was just suppose to hold me over until my new yarn got here, but I really ended up liking the mitts. Not to mention, my new yarn arrived WAY sooner than I expected.



They have cute little owls on the backs, and someday soon I will finish them up by sewing some button eyes on them.

Now, off to more chem homework. Can't wait until this quarter is over!