And Yet, More Hand Coverings

Quite a bit more recently, I knit a pair of mittens for my mother. The colorwork seems a bit lost in person, but they are pretty impressive mittens if I do say so myself:

Pattern: Woodland Winter Mittens in Aurora (Ravelry mine)

Yarn: The Loopy Ewe Solid Series in Black and Colinette Jitterbug in Mint Julep

Needles: US2/2.75mm and US2.5/3.0mm

Timeframe: May 26 - 31, 2016

Mods: Used a variegated yarn instead of bands of color.

Problems: It was originally a bit small, so I went up a couple needle sizes. The Jitterbug also had some black in the pattern which would have obscured the pattern, so on the palm I let it be and on the front (back of the hand?) I knotted off black segments and ran the loops under the floats to secure them.

 

 

They came out quite nicely, and should fit well. I had enough yarn for a matching pair of socks too!

 

Pattern: Jeck (Ravelry mine)

Yarn: The Loopy Ewe Solid Series in Black and Colinette Jitterbug in Mint Julep

Needles: US1.5/2.5mm

Timeframe: May 19 - 26, 2016

Mods: Contrast cuff, heel, and toe.

Problems: There was a knot in the yarn with an obvious change in dyelot. I was too far in to go back, so the socks are quite fraternal.

Speaking of Hands

Here's a pair of gloves I knit awhile back, but never posted. They were a gift, a nice, simple pair of gloves with cuff details that made them special.

Pattern: Knotty Gloves (Ravelry mine)

Yarn: The YoYo String and Fluff in Kentucky Porch Swing

Needles: US1.5/2.5mm

Timeframe: October 12 - December 15, 2009

Mods: Mirrored the cable crossings on the Left glove.

Problems: None!

 

I enjoyed knitting these, though the fingers always take longer than you'd think. I hope the recipient enjoys wearing them as much as I enjoyed making them!

Fingerless Mitts

I LOVE fingerless mitts. You can still type, knit, and do whatever while keeping your hands and arms warm. Love them, and need more!

Pattern: Te Ara Fingerless Mitts (Ravelry mine)

Yarn: The Loopy Ewe Solid Series in Hydrangea

Needles: US3/3.25mm

Timeframe: April 28 - May 30, 2016

Mods: Added four stitches, widened the central motif by 4 stitches, added the cables before and after the main motif.

Problems: It was originally a bit small, since I used smaller needles for a tighter gauge. Second time was a charm!

Quick Cozy Commission Shawl

I've been hanging out in Ravelry's Will Work For Yarn group recently, and boy, is it dangerous! I have more than enough yarn already (see every stash post at the end of the month) but getting luscious yarns and knitting things that I'd love to make but might not want to keep? Excellent! Given how often I wear shawls, I have more than enough yarn and FOs, but someone else wants a shawl and I get some excellent yarn out of the deal? Sign me up!

Pattern: Kay's Tess D'Urbervilles Shawl (Ravelry mine)

Yarn: Ice Yarns Baby Camel Chain in a gorgeous purple, held double

Needles: US10/6.0mm

Timeframe: May 11 - 19, 2016

Mods: Made it a bit larger than the pattern called for.

Problems: None!

 

 

I only wore the shawl long enough to get pictures, but I love it and may need one for myself. So squishy and cozy, and a very fast knit!

Crochet Shawl

I've been wanting to crochet things for the past couple of months, and this shawl jumped out at me:

Pattern: Schultertuch / Dreieckstuch (Ravelry mine)

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Stripe in Georgetown

Hook: USD/3.25 mm

Timeframe: April 2 - May 6, 2016

Mods: Added a scalloped edging to finish it off

Problems: None! 

 

 

I'm not sure I love the finished product and don't know if I want to keep it. The shawl looks amazing in a long stripe, so I grabbed some striped yarn that looked somewhat reasonable and got started. The Lorna's Laces are very short stripes, so it didn't really turn out the way I had imagined.

It's also a bit smaller than hoped-for, more of a neckerchief than a shawlette even. I could block it out better, I'm sure, or give it to someone with a bit more hair than I have. Also, it's pretty hard to get a picture of the back of your own head.

Glad it's done, but it might go into the gift pile!

I am my own worst enemy

I have taken on a couple of commissions. And got yarn for a couple of wedding blankets. And, well:

Yeah. Not the highest it's ever been, but getting there. No more commissions! Yes, yarn is pretty, but getting the yarn does not mean you get the time to knit the yarn. Seriously.