knitalatte

❤ Noro ❤

2014-03-23T13:30:00.001-07:00

My ~~obsession~~ love of all things Noro continues…

I love the textures, long colorways, and pure joy I derive from working with their amazing yarns. I love looking on Ravelry to see what other people are creating using Noro, I Love looking at boards on Pinterest to see even more Noro completed projects. I love typing in the hashtag Noro Yarns on Tumblr too, to see all the colorful knit and crochet creations that have been made using Noro.

It is at the top of my list of go-to-yarns. If you haven’t experienced Noro, I recommend picking up a skein and give it a go…Very therapeutic after a long workday. I repeat, I L-O-V-E this Yarn ❤

My latest project; Caplet, featured in Noro magazine, Spring 2013, by Designer; Kazekobo, aka Yoko Hatta is made using (3) balls of Noro Silk Garden Light in the colorway #2088 and a G size crochet hook.

This project is intended for my dear Mother, who will turn the big eight-o this year.

She is a darling and I can’t wait to see her expression when she opens the package.

I wish her many years of enjoyment wearing this cozy, warm piece.

I’m currently working up another crochet piece from the same magazine, “Butterfly Sleeve Dress” using Noro Silk Garden Sock. I’ve piles of crochet squares that need to be sewn together before I post pics. Soon, I hope!

sweet Leia bonnet

2014-02-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

I’m so excited to be headed up to northern California tomorrow to attend my niece, Hailey’s baby shower and visit with family. I’m hoping that there is a bit of a chill in the air as it has been way too summer like this winter in southern Cali…(seriously what is the point of making cozy knits if ya don’t get the chance to use them?) I’ve completed her gift, a Leia Bonnet along with a pair of matching booties.

The hat Pattern is from designer Mel Clarks book, Knitting Gifts forBaby. I used the suggested yarn, The Fiber Company; Terra in the color way Acorn. It is 40% baby alpaca/40% merino wool/20% silk. And oh, it is so soft, perfect for a babys precious skin. It is a quick knit and the construction is really unique in that it is knit in two pieces then kitchener stitched together before the final edging is completed. I did watch a youtube video on kitchener, to make sure I got it. Since we know Hailey is having a girl, we are decorating in pinks and having a baby bird themed shower. So sweet! I also completed the basket weave blanket that I promised a ta-da for in a previous post...

...Hope she likes her gifts!

winning...

2014-02-15T05:33:00.000-08:00

And the winner is: #3, Quinn of Comptonia. Congratulations Quinn! Please send me an e-mail with your snail mail address and I will mail you the mitts. Again, I wish to thank everyone who participated and especially thank Vicki for hosting this years Grow your Blog party. It was an amazing event and I look forward to participating again next year. Enjoy your weekend.

A sweet valentine

2014-02-14T05:27:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day

I will post the Grow Your Blog Party drawing winner tomorrow, good luck!

Thank you to all the sweet bloggers who visited Knitalatte during this years event. It was great fun meeting all of you...

gyb party

2014-01-25T18:41:00.000-08:00

Vicki is our gracious host!

I’m honored to be apart of this years Grow your blog party hosted by Vicki at 2-Bags-Full. Be sure to stop by her blog and check out this year’s list of participants. You won’t be disappointed as there are so many different types of blogs to visit and enjoy. And thanks for stopping by knitalatte where there is always something on the needles. I’ve been busy with finishing up a baby blanket for my niece Hailey’s expected arrival. I hope to have a blog post up soon with the fo pictures.

Giveaway, did someone say giveaway? Well of course! I’ve a pair of knitted mitts to give away this year. I’ll draw a number and announce on February 15. Happy blog hopping trails to you...

Mitts

2014-01-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

Like many of us knitting obsessed folks, I follow Stephanie the ‘Yarn Harlot’ blog on a regular basis. I’ve attempted to make a few of the projects that she herself has made and blogged about. Most recently, the Sakura fingerless mitts. (Oct 9th post)

I'd been looking for a pattern to make a pair of mitts to go with a scarf I completed using Noro yarn and when I saw the Sakura mitts, I thought, perfect!

The free pattern is by designer Kate Atherley for Estelle yarns. It knits up quickly except for the matchy thing…it made me a bit crazy. Stephanie had even warned about this in her write up, but I didn’t know how much it would bug me till I was in too deep!

I do love Noro yarns super long color ways most of the time but after almost completely unwinding the remainder of the ball of yarn, I rewound it to try and start at the same point of the color way I had originally started with on mitt number one…and after a couple of false starts, I just decided to ‘go with it’ and completed mitt number two, close enough…

I don’t know if my sister Diana, the recipient noticed that they are not exactly matchy, and I didn’t ask, but she does wear them and that’s good enough for me!

a word, my word

2014-01-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

The word I've chosen for 2014 is acceptance. It’s a big one…

I need to face up to the fact that I’ll be turning 60 this year, as I’m approaching a kicking and a screaming. I know my feelings about it are much more dramatic than need be, I learned that when I turned the big 5-0 ten years ago. How does one prepare for such milestones? I guess it is such a personal journey for each of us.

I know I’ve much to look forward to, as changes are a coming big time…

I’ve joined in with Kim Klassens’ 14 in 2014 this year – What fun!

My list includes;

-De-clutter, especially my closet

-Tidy up computer use, including

Unsubscribe to sites that continually send me e-mails that I systematically delete

Un-follow the blogs, twitter and instagram sites that I no longer read on a

regular basis

-Organize files for 2014 including photos, patterns and documents

-Continue to work on strengthen my left knee since I’ve a ragged meniscus (what

ever that is)

-Exercise regularly to strengthen core for an upcoming trip

-Find a common interest for hubby and I to enjoy outside the home

-Learn more about retirement and begin planning my own

-Knit a pair of socks (I planned on this last year, but didn’t get er done)

-Decide what projects I want to knit and/or crochet this year and try to not get side-tracked when I see something new that I just have to make

-Continue learning about knitwear design, take an on-line class and read all I can about the craft

-Make time for friends and family

-Paint my bedroom – as I’m ready for a new color to wake up to

-Continue to learn and improve my photography skills

-Watch more sunsets...

Cheers to 2014!

2013-12-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, where the heck have I been? It has been way too long since I've checked in here at Knitalatte to let you know what I've been up to. Since my last post, I learned that the baby I've been making the crochet star blanket for is a GIRL! So down with the stars and up with the basket weave knit blanket in pink (more on that later)...

Can you believe it? 2013 is coming to a close.

I love this time of year, when we allow ourselves to reflect on past accomplishments and failures. To let it go of it all and look forward to the New Year.

I’ve had such fun with the knit and crochet projects that I worked on (completed, ufo’s and frogged items too).

I’ve bought way too much yarn, I mean seriously, do I think I can really produce mass quantities of knit objects within the timeframe that I’m not working, taking care of things or sleeping? Jeeze!

I thought it would be fun to share with you the books that have peaked my interest and I plan on diving into in 2014.

Woodland Knits by Stephanie Dosen

Stephanie has been one of my favorite knit designers for some time. I was so excited to see that she put together a collection of her patterns into one book. I want to make the Dragon Watchers hood, and can’t wait to get started.

Knitting Gifts for Baby by Mel Clark

Who can resist baby knits? I love Mels patterns and baby knits work up so quickly. The finished product is well received by the proud parents to be, a win-win in my book! I’m crazy for the Leia Bonnet and have already gotten the yarn to make this up for a special baby.

The Yarn Whisperer by Clara Parkes

I’ve read such good reviews about this little book and I’m sure it will be a quick, satisfying read for a Sunday afternoon by the fire.

Knitting Yarns by a collection of writers and edited by Ann Hood

I’ve already read the Knitting Circle by Ann Hood and loved it, so I thought I’d give this a go.

And for pure inspiration; Running with Nature by Mariel Hemingway & Bobby Williams. My sister suggested this read and I’m glad she did!

So I’m wondering what is on your reading list for next year?

I want to thank each and every one of you who have stopped by for a visit, left a sweet comment and allowed me to be apart of your blogging adventure this past year.

Have a safe and Happy New Year. Cheers to 2014!

some patterns are just magic...

2013-10-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

I recently learned some wonderful news, we have another great niece or nephew on the way.

How lucky are we that our family keeps growing! My lovely niece Hailey is expecting her first child. Now what is a great auntie to do when the parents to be are not going to find out if it is a boy or girl? Why create two blankets of course. I’m knitting a pink basket weave patterned blanket for a little girl. I’ve knit the pattern numerous times so a pink version will be a fun easy knit. For a baby boy?

I found this adorable pattern ‘all star blanket’ by designer Doris Chan to crochet.

The yarn is elsebeth lavold Eucool that I've in stash. The colors; blue, red, tan and creame for the squares and brown for the connecting rows and trim.

The magic of this pattern is how the shapes of the individual squares change with every round; Round one a circle, round two creates the star, round three a circle again and round four the square shape that will make up the blanket.

Magic!

I'm thinking 30x30, so I'll need about 36 squares. I’m loving watching it progress. Stay tuned for the ta-da…

oh chapeau

2013-09-21T16:23:00.001-07:00

Did you notice the change this morning? It really felt like fall! The outside air so crisp and clear. The perfect time for hats...

abbey, zoe, libby, mara and sam model their new hats

My girls insisted that I make them each a new one and with that, I worked up a crochet hat pattern using noro sock, oh how I love noro sock yarn. So pretty, long colorways, the texture is rustic and soft at the same time…If any of your blythe girls are in need of a new hat, the pattern is below...have fun!

Blythe doll Chapeau

Construction

Crochet

Abbreviations

ss…slip stitch

sc…single crochet

hdc…half double crochet

st…stitch

sts…stitches

Gauge

7 stitches and 7 rows = 1”
Finished Size 9-1/2” circumference at hat band and 3” tall

Difficulty

Easy

Material

Sock yarn- stash is good! I used Noro silk garden sock in the color way 269

Equipment

Crochet hook size 3.5/E

Darning needle (for sewing in ends)

Pattern

Create an adjustable loop and sc 6 into the loop.

R1: 2 sc into each stitch around (12)

R2: (2 sc into the 1^st st, 1 sc into the next st) (18)

R3: (2 sc into the 1^st st, 1sc into each of the next 2 sts) (24)

R4: (2 sc into the 1^st st, 1 sc into each of the next 3 sts) (30)

R5: (2 sc into the 1^st st, 1 sc into each of the next 4 sts) (36)

R6: (2 sc into the 1^st st, 1 sc into each of the next 5 sts) (42)

R7: (2 sc into the 1^st st, 1 sc into each of the next 6 sts) (48)

R8: (2 sc into the 1^st st, 1 sc into each of the next 7 sts) (54)

R9-R16: sc into each stitch around

R17: sc around and decrease 4 stitches evenly

R18-19 sc around

R20: hdc around

R21: (2 hdc into the 1^st st, 1 hdc into the next st) around

R22-24: hdc into each st around

R25: (2 hdc into the 1^st st, 1 hdc into the next stitch) around

R26: sc around

R27: ss into each st around

Finishing

Break yarn. Use a darning needle to sew in ends.

a bit of summer knitting

2013-09-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

Want to make some cool washcloths? Yes, I do…I was visiting the Yarn Harlots blog back in August and read Stephanie’s post about knitting up some washcloths and it sounded to me like the perfect summer knit. Holding cotton in lieu of wool during this heat, how refreshing!

After stash diving I found my Sugar n cream yarn and started in on a very simple yet satisfying knit using the Bee-Stitch pattern. Our really hot spell starts late August and goes till about the middle of October. Another 6 weeks, oh boy. I imagine I can make up a pile of these...

As Stephanie suggested, cast on 31 stitches, knit 6 rows, then on the next row follow the 4-row Bee Stitch pattern, leaving the 1^st 3 and the last 3 stitches as knit. When almost square, finish up with 6 rows of knit before bind off. Give this pattern a try if like many of us, you need a break from wool.

The Bee-Stitch gives such a nice puffy texture, perfect for soap and water to mix into a nice lather before using, sweet as honey! Thank you Stephanie i.e. Yarn Harlot for such a great idea.

a bit of cozy for the girls

2013-08-11T14:24:00.002-07:00

I found an adorable little bed frame that came with a mattress and pillow inserts on the bay and I thought they’d be perfect for a makeover.

Zoe and middie girl hanging out

After a good cleaning and light sanding, I spray painted the bed frame off-white.

Then once I had the dimensions, I made a dust ruffle out of a bit of stash cotton fabric.

The mattress and 2 pillow covers are sewn from a set of cloth napkins I purchased from the Rachel Ashwell collection (love the little flowers). The accent pillows are knit with crochet trim out of bits of Noro left over from the bedspread.

The bedspread is crochet, single crochet using Noro silk garden sock yarn. The fringe was added for a bit of whimsy.

Zoe seems to like sleeping on her new bed way more than the box she was put away in. haha… Such a fun little project and I’m glad to see that she is willing to share too!

he is a diver boy…

2013-08-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

I’ve completed the Dustland mitts for hubby, and I think he must like them,

as he let me take photos.

It was a really fun photo shoot. We went down to the boat at Oceanside harbor and I posed him in various positions. He turned out to be a very cooperative model, which I wasn’t expecting, haha…I think he will like these mitts because they are so lightweight and warm.

Brooklyn tweed yarns, both shelter and loft are, in my opinion, the best for these qualities. Loft yarn along with this pattern by Stephen West are a great combination.

I’ve asked my diver boy to put them to the test this week and report back if they are doing the job I’d envisioned for him, warm hands after a cool dive in the beautiful pacific blue.

cuffs

2013-07-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Zoe is back from her spa vacation. She spent a week in beautiful Idaho with Sarah Glahe of Kalidescope Kustoms. Do check out her site to view some of her outstanding custom work with Blythe dolls. Sarah made sure that Zoe got lots of rest and sent her back to sunny southern California feeling refreshed and well, down right beautiful! Thank you dear Sarah for taking such good care of her. Now all Zoe wants is for me to make her new clothes and take pictures of her wearing them. Lucky for her, I thinks it is so much fun to do...

I made her this little pair of blue knit boot cuffs to wear with her 'I'm heading outside' boots. Really easy to make and only takes but a bit of stash to whip up. Enjoy…

Pattern below;

Blythe boot cuffs

Construction

Knit with sewn edge

Abbreviations

k…Knit

p…Purl

co…cast on

Gauge

10 st = 1”
Finished Size 2-/2”

Difficulty

Easy

Material

Sock yarn- stash is good!

Equipment

Needles size 0 and size 2

Darning needle (for sewing in ends)

Pattern (Make Two)

Using size 0 needles, CO 10 stitches

Row 1 knit

Row 2 purl

Row 3 KFB, K8, KFB 12 stitches

Continue in stockinette till piece measures 1” from CO edge

Next row KFB, K10, KFB 14 stitches

Continue in stockinette until piece measures 2” from CO edge, ending with wrong side row

Change to size 2 needles

Right side row (K1, P1)*

Next row (P1, K1)*

Repeat the last two rows two more times

BO in stitch pattern

Finishing

With darning needle and starting at the top stitch slip stitch sides on down to the cast on edge

Fold over top of cuff.

For personal use only. Do not reproduce or sell the pattern.

Any questions? Contact Karen kace520@cox.net

Karenlcase.blogspot.com

Dustland

2013-06-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

I’ve started this project, Dustland Mitts, pattern by Stephen West, numerous times over the past weeks and I’ve just now managed to kick myself into gear with the first mitt.

Life has happened in a big way here in our world and it has derailed me off of my ‘creative’ path for a bit. I find it interesting that when I’ve experienced a major life-changing event, I loose all my creative mojo. I just can’t seem to get that part of my brain to engage, no matter how hard I try. It seems to me that it would be of some comfort to sit and knit or draw, etc. but I have no interest or the ability to think continual thoughts what so ever. Jeeze…

I won’t go into a whole lot of detail, but we’ve lost a beloved family member, my mother in law, Betty. She passed away recently and I’ve been experiencing what we all do with loss, sadness and all that goes with these moments. She was a dear, I consider myself so lucky to have known and enjoyed her company over the course of my marriage to her son, Rob. The family held a beautiful service for her in memory of a life well lived.

Betty & Harry celebrating her 92nd Birthday in September 2013

I’m knitting these mitts for hubby, using Brooklyn tweeds Loft in the color Hayloft. He is in need of a pair of cozy hand warmers when he comes out of the water after a dive. He is an urchin diver off the coast of California, and he comes home mighty tired, hungry and chilled after a day of swimming around in the Pacific. Hope he likes em.

No place like home

2013-05-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

It's so nice to be back home! I was away on a trip up to northern california for a family event. Here is a picture of me with my lovely sisters. It is a rare treat for us all to be together, loved spending time with them!

I'm always so excited to get away but then so happy to be back home to my own routine. Also, I’ve been busy getting Zoe ready for her spa vacation. She is headed to stay with a talented customizer this summer for a bit of rejuvenation, lucky girl! She needs sleepy eyes, new pull strings, eyelashes and maybe a surprise or two!

Zoe is pictured here wearing a cozy little outfit that I knit up for her. The top is knit with lace weight and sparkly yarn held together. Her pants are made with Swan Island finger weight, and they are the softest, I want a pair! Perfect for travel. I will write out the pattern for the pants soon and post over on ravelry.

I want to wish all of you sweet ladies a Happy Mothers day!

Hugs and Flowers to you all…

Frothy mohair dress for Libby - Blythe doll

2013-04-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

What is small, fun, and a quick knit? Why doll clothes of course!

I found this really cute dress pattern by designer Natalie Scrimshire on ravelry and made modifications to suit my girl. See my ravelry page here or below.

I have to admit I’m over the moon smitten with my little Blythe doll, Libby.

She has the sweetest smile, the prettiest hair color and those eyelids are amazing! Who wouldn’t want to make a few custom outfits for her to wear? She especially likes hanging out with her bff’s, who are also in need of some new things to wear. More later…

Sweet Libby

Frothy Dress - my modified version

Supplies;

4 stitch markers

Yarn; Rowan kidsilk haze

Needles; size 1 and 4 - 12” circulars

Darning needle

Abbreviations;

Sm; slip marker

Kfb; knit front and back of stitch

M1; make one

Co; cast on, backward loop method

Using size 1 needle cast on 24 stitches

Row 1; k6, pm, k2, pm, k8, pm, k2, pm, k 6

Row 2; purl

Row 3; knit to one stitch before maker kfb, sm, kfb, kfb, sm, kfb, knit to one stitch before maker, kfb, sm, kfb, kfb, sm, kfb, knit to end (32 stitches)

Row 4; purl

Row 5; knit to one stitch before marker, kfb, sm, kfb, knit to one stitch before marker kfb, sm, kfb, knit to one stitch before marker, kfb, sm, kfb, knit one stitch before marker, kfb, sm, kfb, knit to end (40 stitches)

Row 6; purl

Row 7; knit, sm, kfb, knit to one stitch before marker, kfb, sm, knit to marker, sm, kfb, knit to one stitch before marker, kfb, sm, knit to end (44 stitches)

Row 8, decrease row - purl to marker, drop marker, bind of in knit to next marker, drop marker, purl to next marker, drop marker, bind off in knit to next marker, drop marker , purl to end (28 stitches)

Row 9; k2, m1, repeat to bind off, co 2, k2, m1, repeat to bind off, co 2, k2, m1 to last 2 stitches, k2 (46 stitches)

Row 10; purl

Row 11; *k 2, yo* repeat to last to stitches, k2 (68 stitches)

Row 12; purl

Row 13; change to size 4 needles and knit all stitches

Row 14; place marker and join for in the round and knit (can use double points if not using 12" circular)

Continue knitting in the round to desired length (Libby's is 4" from shoulder to hem)

Bind off in purl and weave in ends

Slip ribbon thru yarn over holes created in row 11 and tie a bow as desired

Sew in small snap closure at rear neck opening.

Ok, yes, I am having way too much fun!

Love her!

Hofsos Mitts - Westys-besties KAL

2013-04-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

Designer Stephen West of West Knits

Yarn; Brooklyn Tweed Loft in fossil, woodsmoke and barn owl

Knit holding two strands together thru-out

Size eight needles, I used both double points and straight for this project

What I love about working with Stephens’s patterns, is their diversity.

What I like about this pattern in particular is that it has six distinctive parts,

which is interesting and rewarding in and of it self. Each time I’d finish

a section, I’d feel a sense of accomplishment. (Take a mini break for a cuppa tea, etc. ohh plus a scone or two!) Its diversity lies in that each section is made using a different stitch pattern. So once again I learned a few things along the way. The forth section consists of knitting one thru the back loop and purling one and I really like how the knit stitch stands out and uniquely away from the purl stitch.

These mitts are cozy warm and after their bath, the yarn puffed up to perfection. Now, I’ll tuck them away till next winter to wear along with my Kvosin hat.

(Iceland anybody?)

Front section

Back side

crochet for my girls

2013-04-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

Hi, say hello to Abbey, Zoe and Libby, my sweet little Blythe girls.

I have to tell you that making things for them to wear is so much fun!

With the weather here in sunny So. Cal so fine, I thought they each could use

a new dress, so I headed over to ravelry and found a versatile pattern that I really like. Amanda Carey wrote the pattern and it is available for free, with my modifications here. Enjoy your weekend!

the payoff...

2013-03-23T07:11:00.001-07:00

photo by LynneaY13 on Flickr.

Remember the middy sweater?

Well, dear little Charlotte is now old enough to wear and model hers
Her mama, Lynnea, took a photo of her for me to share.
Isn’t Charlotte the cutest model ever?

I can’t think of anything more rewarding than seeing something I’ve made being worn. This just made my day…

Honey Cowl the 3rd

2013-03-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

There is something quite therapeutic about this pattern and yes, I’m in love with it. (Free on the Madelinetosh site or on Ravelry) It continues to captivate and hold my attention. Even though I’ve completed three versions of this project, I will probably make another. This particular incarnation is intended for my dear mothers birthday. She recently moved to Northern California, where it can get a bit chilly during the winter. I thought she might like to have a Honey Cowl of her very own to snuggle in. I used about 2-1/2 skeins of Madelinetosh worsted in the color way Isadora. This yarn is so soft, squishy and warm! The slipstitch honeycomb style stitch pattern is hypnotic and really easy to remember for great TV viewing-type knitting.

Hope mama likes her gift this year…

I love blogging!

2013-03-17T06:47:00.001-07:00

I was recently nominated for the Liebster award. Thank you Terri of Cache-mire for this honor…

I was asked a bit about myself and the answers are below.

I thought it would be fun to pass this award along to blogs I recently

found and now follow via Vicki's Grow your blog tour party.

I’m asking the same questions asked of me to:

Carolabartz

Carola

Comptonia

Quinn

Goplacidly

Rachel

1. What has been your favorite book to read?

-Great expectations is my all time favorite book, I pull it off the bookshelf and reread it every couple of years. I just love all the characters and how Dickens weaves their stories and lives together.

2.If you could go back and meet your 20-year-old self, what one piece of advice would you give her?

-I would tell her to just eat healthy and be active on a daily basis.

3. Have you ever traveled outside the United States? If so, where?

-Yes, I’ve been to France, Monte Carlo and Italy. Loved them all and would go back in a heartbeat.

4. How do you spend your quiet time?

-With my yarn and needles. Such a great way for me to get back to center.

5. What is your favorite activity and how do you feel when you are doing it?

-Walking along the beach. Love the beauty, scent of the ocean and the wind blowing gently on my face.

6. What is your greatest accomplishment?

-I would say raising my children. I have a lovely daughter soon to be 25 and a son that just turned 20. They are both such lovely young adults.

7. What has been your greatest adventure?

-Taking a ride up in a hot air balloon with my girlfriends. I was terrified, but once up above the ground, I loved every minute of it!

8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose? Why?

-The island of Maui. I just love the ever changing beauty and the pace of life there. Plus the spirit of Aloha is forever calling me back.

9. Name one thing still on your bucket list.

-Taking a road trip across America.

10. What do you most want to be remembered for?

-Always trying my best to be a good daughter, sister, wife, mother and auntie.

11. Why do you blog?

-I love blogging! I’ve met so many wonderful like-minded creative artists via blog-land. It is so much fun to share what projects I’m working on receiving feedback and visa versa. It is the best!

my kvosin

2013-03-10T12:14:00.002-07:00

This has been such a fun project...

What I loved;

Knitting an object that has interesting and new experiences to offer. The kvosin pattern fit the bill perfectly. Each of the four sections offered a unique challenge including fair isle, cables, stockinette, garter stitch, joining and picking up stitches.

Crown full of cables

What I learned;
-Knitted kitchener stitch (grafting)

Via this youtube video by Kathleen of wipinsanity.

I really took to the knitted version of kitchener, it makes so much sense, after all it is knitting, why sew the piece together for petes sake?

-Bind-off by knitting two together thru the back loop. The brim is super stretchy. This hat is so soft, warm and light as a feather. Sweet!

Yarn used

Brooklyn Tweed – Loft

-Colors

Hayloft (yellow)

Fossil (cream)

Barn Owl (brown)

Foothills (pale green)

love my kvosin

What next?

I want to make another in darker colors!

Thank you Stephen West for a great pattern and Jared Flood for such beautiful yarn…

kvosin

2013-03-02T16:15:00.000-08:00

kvosin hat pattern by Stephen West

West knits has done it again. Designer Stephen West has created yet another set of gorgeous knitting patterns via his latest KAL; Westy’s Besties featuring Brooklyn Tweed yarns Loft & Shelter. All 12 patterns are available thru Ravelry. BTs Jared Flood photographed these beauties in Iceland and the pictures are downright spectacular! Such a great collaboration. There is also a group on Ravelry for this KAL, sweet…

Brooklyn Tweed Loft

I decided to start with the hat pattern, Kvosin, using Loft yarn. It is worked in four parts. Mine is still in progress and I’ve completed two sections thus far. It is so challenging and engaging due to its multiple construction methods. Part 1 features a section of multi colored fair isle, what me? fair isle? I can’t believe I’ve been so intimidated by the thought of this technique. The directions and chart made it easy to give it a go. Once I completed this section, I was over the moon happy!

Section 1 - Fair Isle

I then knit section two in a single color to form the body of the hat with alternating blocks of stockinette and garter ridges.

Section 2 Stockinette and Garter stitch rows

I’m currently working section three, the brim, featuring cable work. Finally, I’ll move on to the last section for the crown shaping in cables.

Beginning - Section 3 Cable Brim

Kvosin is such an interesting knit and with its infinite possibilities of color choices, it has had me enthralled from the moment I set eyes on it. I can’t stop thinking about it or wait to get back to it. This project has helped me to once again appreciate Loft yarn, especially now that I 'get' that it requires a gentle touch and loose handling while knitting. I’ve learned to relax my hands and grasp of the needles while knitting its stitches. I'll have my Kvosin finished soon so I can share it as a fo. Stay tuned...

more toast...

2013-02-16T15:41:00.003-08:00

What have I been up to lately you might ask? Well I’ve rekindled my obsession with the pattern, toast, by designer Leslie Friend (visit her blog; a friend to knit with…)

I made sever pairs last winter and they disappeared as fast as I cast them off the needles. This season, I’ve made a pair in Brooklyn Tweeds; Loft, two pairs in Malabrigo lace, colors blue and grey.

I love knitting with my size 2-12” circulars. They make knitting in the round so much easier than double points. The results; wrist warmers that are soft, cozy and well just plain fun to wear!

Wonder how long before this batch disappear?

How about you, what is on your needles or?