Celebrate!

Summer is here!
Pool is open.
Kids rockin' the Cabo Hoodie!

Happy Memorial Day!

Turtleneck Tube Vest

I finally convinced my 8 yo daughter to take a picture of the finished FO.

I really enjoyed knitting this project. Since this was the only project I was working on, it did not take too long. The inspiration came not only from the flowers. It also helped that the color of the yarn was so yummy. It constantly reminded my of this delicacy.

Perfectly Periwinkle Turtleneck Tube Vest
Pattern: Stephanie Japel's Fitted Knits
Yarn: 2.5 skeins Lion Cotton-Ease in Sugarplum
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #5 and #7
(05/11/07 - 05/18/07)
Modifications: I shortened the neck ribbing to 3.75". I could not get the RLI/LLI to look right so I used with M1R/M1L instead.

I love it! It will be worn a lot this summer. I can see myself knitting more in different colors.

Just in time

My rose bush bloomed in time for my birthday.

It has never produced flowers like this. I almost whacked it off last fall.

There must be as many flowers as the candles later.

The joys of knitting

Yesterday, I knit in public. I dragged the Turtleneck Tube Vest to Pumpkin Girl's soccer practice. I knit maybe half a row before the other soccer Mom on our team who was so busy reading her GAAP book looked over and chatted with me.

[V's mom]: what are you knitting?
[Me]: a turtleneck without sleeves
[VM]: that's very pretty! [pause] did you knit what you're wearing?
I had my Ribby Shell on.
[Me]: Yes, I knit it last year.
[VM]: That's very nice! It looks machine made.

Work in Progress

I was out taking pictures of our garden and this became inspiration for my next project.

Rhododendron taken on 5/6/07
Turtleneck Tube Vest
Rhododendron taken on 5/13/07

Lucy Goosey was here

So I split for the front and back on the Turtleneck Tube Vest last night. I struggled with the LLIs/RLIs. One of them worked out fine but the other (I can't remember which of the 2) looked funky. I pulled out "the book" and decided to use M1s instead.

I decided to try it on for size. It seemed fine except for the ribbing on the neck was to "Lucy Goosey" for my tastes. Without hesitation I ripped the whole thing off this morning before leaving for work. I immediately rewound the yarn on the winder so it will be ready to be re-knit tonight. Goodbye Lucy!

P.S. - Ravelry rocks!

An excuse ...

... as if I need one.

Although I enjoy knitting on Wren and Salina, the yarns are a bit tough on my poor hands. I need to keep my hands busy. I want something quick ... maybe in time for my birthday (which gives me some time).

I saw some lovely Turtleneck Tube Vests in Robin's KAL.


I found 3 skeins of Sugarplum Cotton-Ease that should be perfect for this project.

Anyone know of good instructions for left/right lifted increases (LLI/RLI)?

Pumpkin Girl's Hoodie

As soon as Pumpkin Girl saw progress on Little Man's Hoodie (aka Cabo Hoodie), she requested one in blue. I needed to stay on top of this to keep boredom at bay. Tsk. Tsk. I still haven't sewn the pocket on Little Man's hoodie but he's wore it to school already. Yay!


Both knits were similar yet different. One wanted long-sleeves, the other short. I used the same yarn (stash Cotton-Ease) but different colors. Somehow, the Popsical Blue was easier on the hands (but still not as sproingy as the Orangeade) than the Cherry Red. One was size 6 and the other was size 12 and yet I used the same amount of yarn for each.

Cabo Hoodie
Pattern: Wendy Bernard of Knit and Tonic
Yarn: 4 skeins Lion Cotton-Ease in Popsical Blue for size 12
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #7 and #8
(04/20/07 - 04/30/07)
Modifications: I made the neckline bigger by deepening the V. I lengthened the hood using one of her hoodies as a comparison.

And at the very last minute, Nicks decides to be part of the shoot.

Random musings ...

I just noticed that most of my FOs this year have been knit from the stash except for the current Wren cardigan.

Calorimetry does not count since it never really became part of the stash. It was knit immediately.

I wonder how long I can keep knitting from the stash?

I finally spotted the elusive new Cotton Ease at the local Michael's earlier this evening. I managed to resist picking up a few balls since I know where to go if needed.

I've been itching to start a new project or two. Must resist this ... otherwise projects languish for a long time.

Lastly, where is my latest Interweave Knits magazine??? It arrived on May 5th. Thanks Mr. Postman!