pink cabled hat, deconstructed

ok, here's what I did. I knit the hat on straight needles (not in the round)--i'm trying to work on my seaming skills...

I used the following pattern:

CO92

*k2, p2, k4, p2*, repeat to last two stitches, k2

*p2, k2, p4, k2", repeat to last two stitches, p2

continue in rib until 3", end WS row

then continue in cable pattern:

*k2, p2, C4F (put two stitches on holder and hold in front of work. k2 stitches from reg. needle, then 2 from cable needle), p2, k2, p2, C4B (put two stitches on holder and hold behind work. k2 stitches from regular needle, than 2 from cable needle), p2* repeat until last 2 sts, k2

continue in rib pattern, cabling every 6 rows.

knit until piece measures 9" from beginning and begin decreases. (more decrease info to follow)

Cutest Knitting Bag Ever

In knitting news, KB presented me with the world's most adorable knitting bag. And, it just so happens that one of my WIPs fits perfectly inside.





Yep, I'm making another cabled cardigan. This one for my niece (who will be one next fall--getting a head start this time). Of course, this one is in pink. So far I finished the back.





I've been pretty picky this time around, even going so far as to drop stitches 12 rows to fix the direction of a cable...clearly I have lost my mind.

My new project

So last summer I managed to snag quite a haul of some discontinued yarn in a rose color that I adore. I've been looking for the perfect pattern for this yarn ever since. I think I've found it in Adrienne Vittadini's Trina Cabled Coat.



Here's the unblocked swatch...I think it'll work...



The yarn I plan to use is Jaeger Chamonix which is 48% Angora, 47% Extra Fine Merino, and 5% Polymid. Whaddya think? The swatch is on gauge...but should I try a needle size larger in order to emphasize the eyelets, or will blocking take care of that? Any advice most welcome.

I got an "A"

It has been tough taking a Thursday night class--every week 6:30 - 9:30 pm after working all day. Back in the day when I was in college I loved night classes...they were only once a week, and being a night owl was no big deal. I would often stay up all night and then head to fencing practice at 5:30 am.

Those days are long gone. Tonight as I sat down to take a mid-term exam I experienced a quick moment of panic when I tried to remember the last time I actually had to take a test for a grade...

Once we students were done taking the test, the teacher had us line up and watch him as he individually graded our tests. It was a unique experience. With his red pen at the ready, he scanned each test, pausing only to circle incorrect answers while raising his arms and shaking his head...it was quite a shaming experience.

I got two questions wrong--I'm actually surprised I didn't miss more since I'm too close to the subject itself and work with it daily. It was hard to pick the "best" answer from a field of right answers. I was probably overthinking each question a bit...

Still, I got an "A". Whew. Now for the final and group presentation...

So, so smug

Miss Mabel officially has the most smug mug going. Late yesterday afternoon she was crouched patiently and intently by the washing machine, frozen for what seemed like hours...until she finally emerged holding her prize--one tiny mouse. Poor little mouse...

In a perfect world she'd catch bugs and spiders--you know, instead of running away from them at puma-like speed.

Since she managed to snag her prey it has been difficult to make room on the couch for her and her giant, furry ego.

The Great Guest Gauntlet

We have officially run the Great Guest Gauntlet of 2006--and survived. A steady stream of guests has been coming and going for the past two weeks... It's wonderful having everyone visit. Hopefully next time we can work in a bit 'o buffer time though. I mean, Mabel is completely exhausted. She's so tired she's snoring. Loudly.

London Calling

Or, rather, yarn purchased while on holiday in London is calling to me...ready to be a warm, snuggly scarf. Especially since the weather is so ridiculously cold here...I mean, if I wanted to live in perpetual rain I'd move to Seattle or Portland...

That said, I purchased a couple of skeins of Colinette Prism whilst at the Knitting and Stitching Show in London last fall without really having a project in mind (it was just so darn cheap over there). That is, until I started watching #1 Single. That's when I first began coveting Lisa's many, long, gorgeous scarves.

Thus began the large cable scarf. I've started this one over several times, but I think I finally like how this one is turning out.


bad photo--reflections of seldom seen sunlight





I know it just looks busy at such a small size, but I think that's what I like about it. And, since it's going to keep raining until at least mid-April I should get plenty of chances to wear it. Sigh.

Pink Cabley Goodness

I've been procrastinating about finishing my cabled sock. And, while I loved the cable and rib part of the sock pattern, I don't really like the plain old garter part of the sock (footbed).

So, I decided to take that sock pattern, and turn it into a fabulous pink cabled ski hat, which I absolutely love.





I suppose I should stop procrastinating and get back to that sock now...

On another note, I've been watching #1 Single starring Lisa Loeb. I already knew she was fantastic...she's not only got the best Hello Kitty collection going (although I haven't seen a Hello Kitty water cooler yet), but she also has a wardrobe full of fabulous long scarves...

Hmmm...maybe I'll whip up a quick scarf...anything to avoid finishing that darn sock...