Ariann

What can I say about this Bonne Marie design? It's perfect! I love it!

Ariann was started the weekend I noticed Copper Bear feeling under the weather. When Copper passed away, I found it very hard to pick up this project (or any other project for that matter) since I associated knitting to fond memories of Copper laying on my feet. The pattern is so easy to memorize and at the same time so easy to mess up. Ariann has been sent to "time out" a few times due to "user error". You know the drill, knit 18 rows then rip out 8 rows.

The holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) were so hectic that I barely had a chance to knit. I mean all I did to finish this was bind off the collar, seam the pits and weave in the ends. I had to join a new ball to bind off the last 20+ stitches. Unbelievable! I bet if I knew how to do those spit joins, I would not have touched the 13th ball. Anyway, in all the excitement, I wove in the ends on the collar on the WS of the sweater. When I tried it on and looked at the mirror, I saw the bumps on the collar. Sheesh! Another ripfest but I fixed it almost immediately. Who needs dinner anyway, right?

Ariann
Pattern: Chic Knits
Yarn: 12+ KP Andean Silk in Chocolate
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #6, 7 (8 for bind off)
(10/14/06 - 12/29/06)

I finally got the courage to sew on the buttons last Thursday evening. Yes, it took me almost a month to get the courage to sew buttons on this. I'm still not sure on the placement though. It still needs a good blocking but that will come later.

First project of 2007 - CPH

It took 5 days into the New Year before I picked up the needles again. I was mostly blog surfing and looking for inspiration for my next project. Yes, I have UFO's hanging around but I need something new to kick start 2007.

Remember this?
Peace Fleece haul 5/15/06
I've decided to knit from the stash and join the bandwagon known as the Central Park Hoodie. This is the first project where I actually knit a swatch. Here's my progress so far with 1 skein (~ 14" on the back).

True color - Lena's Meadow
Without flash to see the cables
I already did some surgery on this. After I did the first set of charts (10 rows), I looked at my work and noticed that the 1st crossover (lower right side) was reversed. It was clearly my mistake. Option A was to rip 8 rows. Option B was to drop 6 stitches 8 rows down and fix the cable. I opted for option B. I don't think it is noticeable, do you?

P.S. - Sorry for the blurry photos!

Molly is done!

Finally I got the courage to finish knitting Molly last night. Yesterday was spent picking up stitches for the bands and the cuffs. Today was all seaming. I was a bit terrified of seaming since this is my first knit project that required it.

The pattern is awesome!!! Seaming was a breeze as everything lined up perfectly. This little bolero will be perfect for her Jazz classes.

Molly
Pattern: Debbie Bliss' Junior Knits
Yarn: Bernat Satin in Sea Shell
Needles: Addi Circulars US #7 and #8
(October 10, 2005 - February 25, 2006)

NOTE: The fuschia tank she's wearing is the first knit garment I made.

My First Cardi

Here she is ... Sitcom Chic. I stalled on this project a few times (sleeves and button bands). I got quite confused with the sleeves instructions so I emailed the designer, Bonne Marie Burns. To my surprise, I got a response back very quickly with some clarification. Talk about Customer Service (and this is a free pattern). Thanks Ms. Burns!!!

This project has a lot of firsts for me. I learned a lot! Let's mention a few:
1. Knitting sleeves in the round since I actually started this project before the Hourglass Sweater.
2. Now I know how to create eyelets.
3. Picking up stitches for button bands and collar.

All I need now is the perfect button.

Sitcom Chic
Pattern: Knitty Spring 2003
Yarn: Lion Cotton-Ease in Cherry Red
Needles: Addi Circular in US 5 and 8
(July 5 - September 26, 2005)