DIY Ruffle Headband

I took a break from knitting and decided to upcycle a headband!  I was inspired after reading tutorials like this one.  Unfortunately, I didn't think things through and I didn't take a "before" photo.  Try to imagine starting with a plain red headband...Add a glue gun, fabric from a shirt and a little bit of imagination and you get this!!

This project only took about 20 minutes!  I don't think I can knit anything wearable in 20 minutes...!

Must make more of these!!  :)

{finished} Array Cowl & Sister's Mitts

I can't believe it's been so long since my last post!  I have had a few projects on the go so here are some photos of the completed ones =)

Array Cowl

Pattern: Array by Shibui Knits

Yarn: I used two yarns with different weights to keep the texture interesting.  Main colour is Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Linen and the contrast colour is Martha Stewart Crafts Merino in Poppy.  Michaels had a giant yarn sale over the holidays...these yarns were cheap cheap!!

Mods:  I cast on 260 stitches to compensate for the difference in gauge of my yarn and the pattern's yarn.  No, I didn't do any calculations....I just cast on until I felt like I had enough stitches.  I guess I really lucked out with the results!

Raveled here!

One thing I noticed while knitting this cowl is that using slip stitch techniques for colourwork makes the project take forever to complete!  It literally felt like it took twice as long to knit this cowl compared to any other one and I almost gave up after the first 8 rounds. But I'm glad that I didn't!

Sister's Mitts

Pattern:  Grammy's Mitts by Tanis Lavallee

Yarn:  Just some scrap stash yarn that I'm trying to use up!

Mods:  Followed the pattern as written.  The directions were very loosely written but still simple enough that it made me wonder why I haven't tried to make mittens before!

Raveled here!

I have already started working on my second pair...photos will come soon =)

{finished} Glen's Winter Toque

I knit this for Glen during a ski trip over the holidays.  He has been bugging me for a toque with long ear flaps.  It only took me 2 years to get around to it.... :)

Glen's Winter Toque
by Jana Falls

Yarn:  Patons Shetland Chunky Tweeds in Pewter for the main colour.  Loops & Threads Impeccable in Grass for the contrast colour.

Mods:  Used bulky weight yarn and followed the pattern instructions for size medium.  Followed the rest of the pattern for the shaping of the hat.  Decided to use green yarn for some colourwork.  I just winged that.  I think it turned out well :)

Raveled here!

I would like to line the inside of the hat with fleece to make it extra cozy.  I've never done that before.  Hopefully it isn't too difficult!

Always need to have a silly photo ;)  

{preview} Holiday Beret

As you may have read in my last post, I recently finished a Christmas gift.  As lovely as that beret is, it's one of those knits that gives you cramps in your hands from all the k2tog, k3tog, etc. type of stitches.

After all that finger strain, I needed something simple and satisfying.  That's when I started working on this...

But I can't reveal too much, of course.  Because it's going to be a pattern that I will share with all my friends in this knitterly world!

{finished} Cascading Leaves Beret

Another project off the needles!  This one has actually been finished for weeks now....I just never made the time to take photos.

This beret is going to be a Christmas gift!  I am not very good at keeping knitted gifts secret, but I think the special recipient of this one still doesn't know it's for them  ;)

Cascading Leaves Beret
by Mei Lynne Travis

Yarn:  Diamond Yarn Tempo

Mods:  Rows 1-12: For the brim, I did k1, p1 ribbing instead of the folded over stockinette.  Row 13: Increased to 90 stitches. For the increases I did one m1 after ever 3 stitches.  For the 3 stitches in between I followed the k1, p1 ribbing.  i.e. [k1, p1, k1, m1, p1, k1, p1, m1]* repeat from* until end of row. 

I ended up doing 4 lace pattern repeats to give it a little extra slouch  =) 

Raveled here!

{finished} Cabled Beret

This hat was a fun knit!  Lots of cables to keep it interesting with a pattern repeat that was easy to memorize.  I ended up using just over one skein...so maybe a pair of matching hand warmers are in order   =)

Cabled Beret
By SweaterBabe

Yarn:  Bernat Alpaca Natural Blends in Lavender

Mods:  For the brim I followed the k2, p2 ribbing for 12 rows before starting the increases.  I wasn't sure that I wanted it as long as the pattern recommended.

Raveled here!

Now it's ready to be wrapped up as a special gift for a special someone!



Next on my needles.....

A simple cowl in a juicy colour for a good friend!

And as soon as I get this deliciousness wound up, I'll be starting on another accessory!

Looooove Quince & Co. yarn!!

{finished} State Street Cowl

I started this project in April....and then finally picked it up last week to finish it off!  I think I completed this project just in time for frosty mornings and chilly evenings.  Too bad I can't seem to get motivated to finish this one too....

It was a really quick knit and relatively simple pattern to follow.  I love purchasing patterns from Quince & Co. - they are always so easy to follow and their photography is lovely!

State Street Cowl
by Pam Allen

Yarn: Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in Mushroom

Mods:  I started with size 11 needs intending to switch to size 13 (instead of the instructed 13, then switch to 15).  However, I moved while I was in the middle of the project so I ended up losing some of my knitting supplies (sad sad!).  I unintentionally decided to do three pattern repeats in size 11 needles.  And I also didn't have enough yarn to complete a fourth repeat...but that is okay because I actually really like the outcome!

Raveled here!

Yes, we took these photos at a restaurant :)

I will admit...at first, I was not really in love with it.  I believe my exact words to a good friend were, "I think it looks better sitting on my couch's armrest than on me!"  And she just laughed at me.  But after a couple wears, I fell in love.  First completed knit of the season!!