Finished: Rosebud

I took a short break from my Traveling Woman shawl to make a Rosebud hat by Jared Flood with some discount Cascade 220 in a bright red.  I had previously started the hat with Malabrigo but quickly realized that I wasn't sure my wardrobe could handle another blue hat fighting for my affections.  Three days later, I have a new (and my only) red hat.  The pattern is quite easy, and a great project for those just getting into charts.  

I have a Honey Cowl planned for a dear friend... and a trade of sorts for a Windschief cowl/hat combo for another former coworker.  If I had to guess my needles will be clicking away all summer. 

Progress: Traveling Woman

After finishing my Stripe Study, I decided I would keep my shawl kick going by casting on a Traveling Woman shawl. I can't tell you how long it has been lurking in my queue--ages probably.  It is one of those patterns that has always escaped me, no matter how hard I've tried or no matter how many times I think I've found a good pairing with a particular yarn.  The yarn I am using, Blue Sky Alpacas Silk & Alpaca, was a gift from Phillip well before he was my Phillip.  It was purchased spur of the moment during a  trip to my LYS and it has sat dutifully in my stash just waiting.  When I thought about making the shawl, my first instinct was to use vacation yarn--only seems to make sense, being the traveling shawl after all.  Then I realized maybe it wasn't about vacation yarn, or a quick week long trip, but this yarn (and pattern) has traveled with us through our dating, through our wedding and now through the (almost) first two years of our marriage. (It is likely, can't remember, that I bought it during my very first trip to a good yarn store, too.)  This yarn and this pattern have become a symbol for all that life has thrown at us, and is just another reminder of how important knitting and our relationship is to me. 

Finished: Stripe Study

Yesterday, I bound off my Stripe Study Shawl... Not sure if you remember, but I also made a Different Lines in Cascade 220 Fingering a while back? As much as I wanted to love it, I had some issues with how visible my wrap and turns were. After long research, I knew before I started SS I better lower my needle size and pull really damn tight if I wanted to love this $60 project.  Well, I did and I do! 

I used a size 4 needle with the Madtosh Sport and I am amazed at how large it turned out after less than a week of easy garter stitch.  I was really impressed with how well the yarn blocked out, too.  I have used other Madelinetosh yarns, but not the sport and certainly not a color like Tart. I expected to sit the piece in its bath, only to have a big bloody mess of dye everywhere and the project ruined.  (I had read lots of horror stories and of course, I was too lazy to worry about silly things like washing the yarn beforehand...)

Anyway, way to go Veera-- I love it! 

Progress: Stripe Study

Earlier this week, I embarked on a Stripe Study Shawl in Madelinetosh Sport (Tart & Charcoal).... Geesh, I am in love with this yarn! The colors are amazing and the pattern is really easy to work with.  It makes for perfect stressless knitting. I am hoping to be blocking it by the weekend, as I've had many compliments on it already and can't wait to wear it! 

Finished: Haruni (!!!)

I am feeling quite the high after finishing a project that has been in my queue for years.  Today, after 4 hours of a tedious Icord bind off, I finished my Haruni shawl.  Like I have said in previous posts, Haruni always felt like the "it" project for me... the project I would finish and feel like a "real" knitter.  I am not sure why it held so much weight in my book, I certainly have worked adventurous lace projects before, but I felt intimidated by the 15 page pattern for a long time.  I am happy to say that after about two weeks, I have finally arrived! And it is beautiful.

In other equally great news, I am already approaching the four mile mark of yardage this year! 

Progress Part 2: Haruni

Just a quick note that I have finally made it to Chart B of Haruni with no problems! I can't believe I have managed to knit this without any major catastrophes or curse words.  I am anticipating starting the second chart in the next day or two and maybe wrapping up the project in the next week or so.  I can't wait to soak it all out and pin it... it will be a knitting dream to have conquered the longest running item in my queue.