Projects, Projects, and More Projects

 

Well, I have plenty to keep me occupied until 2015. I've been getting back into knitting and I just want to make everything! After successfully making a lacy cowl, I decided to try open work in a hat (since I've also been obsessed with making hats). I'm excited to see how the decreasing goes, as the lace continues to the end.

The pattern I picked is the Greyhaven Hat, by Robin Ulrich. I love how the lace still feels modern, and how the pattern is simple enough that it would still look lovely with a yarn that has some color variation.

I recently picked up this beautiful ball of Malabrigo Yarns, Rios, from Nine Rubies Knitting in San Mateo. It was my first trip to the shop - a suggestion from the ladies at knit night - and I loved it! It's the kind of place you can hang out and knit at if you like, but I'll write a separate post about the shop, later.

I'm also about to start a seed stitch wrap for a family member - a little Christmas knitting - and I'm using three pretty, purply-pink heathers from Lion Brand's Wool-Ease Worsted, for some nice monochromatic striping.

On and then off was the beginnings of the Piper's Journey Shawl, by Paula Emons-Fuessle. I bought the yarn before reading the pattern - beautiful Samp'a from Mirasol Yarns - and didn't see the bit about blocking and the before-and-after size... Once I did, I knew there was no way this 100% cotton yarn was going to do that. So, I'll be heading back to the yarn shop for a more suitable yarn (oh, darn), because I really want to work this pattern!

While at Nine Rubies, I also picked up some Cascade Yarns, 220 Superwash in this pretty Walnut Heather! The little sample above is me trying out the Twisted German Cast On for the first time - best cast-on ever for ribbing!! I am going to write up a little post about it and compare it with projects that I've cast-on differently. I love how neat the edge is! This yarn is going to be an amigurumi bear, eventually.

I recently picked up these beauties at Article Pract, in Oakland. They're closing at the end of the year and all of their yarn is on sale, so I couldn't resist this super soft stuff! My plan is to make this turban, designed by Amelie Bernier, with one of the hanks, but I might make extra for friends or family if it turns out well! Or I might just squeeze them and use them as a pillow, forever...

Fresh off the needles, Saturday morning.

I also plan on making at least two more of my Simple Knitted Beanies before Christmas (pattern coming soon - it's written out, I just need to get pictures together). These have been a great transit project! I commute to San Francisco three times a week on public transit, and they're easy enough to make in busy train cars, standing or sitting (I actually got really good at balancing in packed BART cars). While most people have their focus on their phones, I'm working away, and I don't feel like I've waisted any time.

Believe it or not, there are even more projects I want to start before the year is up (including these adorable crochet amigurumi mice), but I will stop writing for now, and start knitting.

What are your latest projects? Did you see anything here that you'd like to try?

Take care!