So nice, I'd like to knit it twice

My first Imogen sweater:

Pattern: Imogen sweater by Adrienne Thomas
Source: Perl Grey
Materials: Dream in Color Classy in In Vino Veritas
(less than 3.25 skeins)
Needles: 10 US/6mm Denise needles

This is, hands down, an awesome pattern. So awesome that I've bought more yarn to make another one. I'm looking to make it in Manos Del Uruguay in a teal colour. I'm still trying to get through making the Equestrian Blazer (started the left front today, with two more sleeves afterwards to go). I couldn't resist casting this one on. So I did and finished it in less than a week. The yarn was great to work with, nice and cushy. I definitely want to use it in future projects. The variegated colour worked nicely that there aren't any splotches of colour all over. It's distributed quite nicely.

I stuck to the pattern although I added some small changes. I added a selvedge on the bottom edge of the sweater. I decided to go with the invisible cast on instead of unraveling the cast on. It's the first time I've used this cast on and worked out great. No signs of uneven stitch tension. I also added two extra stitches when picking up the front stitches to hide the holes at the armpit. I nearly completed the sweater with three skeins but at the very end broke into the fourth skein to finish the collar edging.

The bottom edge kept curling so I ended up ironing the bottom half of the sweater. I dampened a piece of cloth and placed that over the knit. Worked out well, the sweater flattened to the perfect length. It was the first time I tried this technique. Normally hovering the iron above the knit worked for me but the sweater resisted.

The little ones count too

My instant gratification project:

Pattern: Butterfly Mobius by Clara Parkes
Source: Knitter's Book of Yarn
Materials: SRK Ovation in Camel (2 skeins)
Needles: 5 US/3.75mm

No mods to report, it was simple and straight forward. This one was finished before the holidays and took maybe a week and a half to complete. I was planning to take pics of it in a warmer LA but I hadn't worn it out. I definitely like how this finished off but I'm unsure if I'll actually wear it when the warmer weather comes to Toronto.


I think it's amazing, yet slightly crazy one week there's a big ol' pile of snow that makes me try to think back when it last snowed that much and now... all the snow is gone. In the past week, the temperature in celsius has gone up to 15 degrees and for the next week, the daily highs are lingering around the zero degree.

In preparation for the winter months, I've casted on a scarf for myself. I picked up two skeins of Manos Del Uruaguay in a sumptuous colourway called Stellar. I had planned to make the "My so called Scarf" but I felt it's been done so many times. One of the things I really like about knitting your own gear was avoiding the dread of seeing someone else wear the same exact thing you are. Granted, that's going to happen and really, who really cares... it's just less likely when it's something you've made yourself. For the most part, every FO is like a snowflake. The same generic pattern may be used being used but people knit differently, make different yarn choices, make modifications! Maybe I've put too much thought into it.

Anyhoo.. here's the startings of my scarf. I started looking at stitch guides to avoid working the My so called scarf and remembered this star stitch pattern I loved from an Urban Outfitters scarf that on their site is selling as a crocheted scarf. I wouldn't have paid the amount they were asking for it, especially since it was all *cough* acrylic but it still looks lovely. I added a two stitch gartered chain selvedge to clean up the shape.


I've also come to think there should be different types of WIPs on the go. The only other project I've been working on right now is the Equestrian Blazer but it doesn't travel well because of it's complexity. I like having a project with me where ever I am so the scarf was a good choice. I could pack in my knapsack or purse even and the pattern is easy enough to remember.

Onward home

Sitting in the airport lounge, wanting to get home already. This trip home was the first canceled flight I've had but luckily things are looking good to get home. Luckily, there's free wi-fi here so I can finally post these FOs.

Pattern: Saartje's booties
Source: Saartje's Knits blog
Materials: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Teddybear
Needles: Susan Bates 2.75mm
Made for: an expecting cousin

These were newborn size. I tried them on my nephew who's 7 months but they didn't fit. They were fun to make and absolutely adorable.

Pattern: Danica by Jesse Loesberg
Source: Knitty.com

Materials: Paton's SWS in Natural Russet (3 skeins)
Needles: Denise Needles US 8 (5mm)
Made for: Christmas present for cousin

This Danica scarf was a quick knit. I love the colours on this one and am considering making one for myself. The entrelac was quite tricky because at one point I didn't make sure there were 10 stitches on the needle for every square. I was able to go back a few blocks safely to fix the mistake. I think I'd like to make the "So-called Scarf" for myself next. It's going to be a couple of cold months in Toronto. It's warmer in Vegas and in LA and I don't think I'm prepared to feel the winter in a few hours.

Vacation was relaxing and was great to see family. Christmas lunch was delicious but I can't imagine anyone finishing that portion. (see below) Can't wait for the next one although I can't stand airports anymore.

Happy New Year!!!