Christmas Knitting Summary 2006

After seeing all the wonderful things that other people were knitting for Christmas, I decided there was no excuse to not make this Christmas a woolly one. I started late, October 26, but made up for lost time.



Mittens for my mom
Yarn: Lamb's Pride, colour Kiwi (from Alterknits)
Pattern: Standard mitten pattern from Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns
Adjustments: I extended the cuffs for extra warmth.



Mittens for Charlie
Yarn: Lamb's Pride in kiwi (what remained from mom's mittens)
Pattern: Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns

I love making tiny things!



Odessa for Hilary
Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK
Pattern: Here

I was really happy with how this turned out. This yarn is super-durable, only slightly splitty (I blame the 'ssk's) and very very soft.



Behold! Giant Dad Socks!
Yarn: Paton's Shetland Chunky
Pattern: Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns

Dad likes really really thick socks, so I always knit them out of Shetland Chunky (machine wash) and use 4mm needles, which make a really firm fabric. I know know exactly how long they need to be to stay above his boots.



Koigu Fancy Merino Scarf (for my Aunt RA)
Yarn: Koigu KFM (in a kit)
Pattern: Simple lengthwise garter stitch scarf

I think I cast on too tight, but blocking improved it somewhat. The nylon was a little hard on the hands, but that may be because I knit this scarf in two sessions over two days. I fringed it after, but didn't take a picture. For those of you who block on your bed? The orange dye ran a little... it looks like my sheets are slightly rusty now.



Fetching for Leanne

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca Worsted
Pattern: Here

This yarn is utterly and completely divine. Go now and buy some.

I steam blocked these, and the yarn got even more soft and drapey, though I didn't think that would be possible. The picot edge required a pressing to stay straight. I want a pair for myself!




Don't Drop the Soap Pouch! for Rosemary

Yarn: Sugar N Creme from Mary Maxim (!)
Pattern: My very own!

My mom had one of these that my grandma had crocheted... I decided to make my own version. I always thought they were a neat idea, a washcloth and soup dish all in one.

Testing, testing!

Tubey!

Tubey!
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted Merino (Cinnabar) 5 skeins?
Pattern: Here
Finished: February 14th, 2006

I am pretty sure this was the first pattern I ever finished while the pattern's issue was still current.

I love the design of this sweater! It actually took my awhile to fully understand the construction. The neckline is very flattering on me, I think. I love this sweater. I also love Malabrigo.

Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan
Pattern: Cosmopolitan, by Jo Sharp
Yarn: Jo Sharp Rare Comfort Infusion Mohair (blueberry)
Finished: November 20, 2005

After fiddling around with it for the last month or so, I've finally finished Cosmopolitan! I had to put her away for the summer because mohair and SW Ontario humidity do not mix! Then, once I got around to picking it up again, I finished the sleeves, then set it down. Then picked it up, and steam-blocked it. Then set it down. Then eventually sat down and picked up the roughly 274 sts around the neck/front edge and knit for two inches. It took me about two hours to pick up the stitches, an entire hour to knit that first super-tight row, then I knit the next 8 rows or so in about 40 minutes. Love that. The ties took no time at all, either, but the ENDS just about were my end. I need to get in on this knitting-in-the-ends thing. I don't mind the actual weaving in so much as the oppressed feeling of being done, but NOT done.

(out of the four or five pictures Mike took, I look goofy in all of them, so I just cropped off my face. I know you understand.)