A cotton hat and a new project.

I have a fo to show! And you all thought that I abandoned my knitting to play with my cute puppy instead. It's the Children's Cotton Hats from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I made it in the toddler size for a friend's baby because he has (ahem) a huge head. Well, he does! I used Mission Falls 1824 Cotton in Lemongrass, which I have heard is no longer available. I bought it long time ago for this project, but never got around to it. I still have one ball of it in Golden. The Lemongrass color is so pretty. This was definitely another quick knit.

The wip on the needles is the infamous Anthropologie-inspired capelet from Craftster.org. I read about it on Amy's blog and was instantly overcome with the desire to make it. Thanks for another neat pattern, Amy! She is always spotting the coolest things.

I am using a chunky weight yarn called Berella Whistler, a Canadian Yarn. I was so glad to be able to do a little stash busting. I have 20 balls of this color. I bought it at the Manhattan Yarn Riot last year. It's 100% Merino wool and it's machine washable. Since this yarn is not the same gauge, a little math had to be done. This yarn turned out to be 3.75 stitches per inch, so I cast on 60 stitches and added 1 to make it 61. The pattern writer said to be make it an odd number of cast on stitches by adding one if needed. I have frogged this piece about a billion times. Yes, a billion! I keep making stupid mistakes here and there. I finally ripped it back to the 1 x 1 ribbing last night and started from there. Everything seems to be going okay now, but I am keeping an eye on it. Hopefully, I will have more progress to show in a few days.

Fashion Shoot

Napoleon is a very sought after puppy model. His agent was able to squeeze us in his busy schedule after weeks of begging and treats. So, here he is modeling the 2005 Winter Amy S. Puppy Couture Collection.





The scarf was made by Amy. Click here for more information about the scarf.

I got tagged!

I haven't been posting because I went away for a mini trip (Atlantic City) and just got back. Not much knitting going on except that I finished one of my half done scarfs a few weeks ago. I still have 2 more to go. And last night, I attempted to learn how to spin yarn on a drop spindle. I bought a Learn to Spin Kit by Skeintly Clad from Plain Mabel a while ago. Tara carries awesome stuff, so do visit her shop and buy yourself some DIY goodness. Spinning is fun, but slow. I need a lot more practice because I seem to be spinning thick and thin yarn and I would like to spin more evenly. This weekend I ordered 4 rovings from Plain Mabel so I can add to my new hobby. I can't wait to get them next week.

Amy tagged me with this knitting meme. So, here it goes.

What is your all time favourite yarn to knit with?
I don't have an absolute favorite yarn because I buy different yarns all the time and never seem to knit the same thing twice. But if I have to pick one, I would say Karabella Yarns "Aurora 8" and "Aurora Melange". They are super soft. A little too pricey for my budget, but it makes a great gift for a special recipient. I made a scarf with it and it is very warm and soft.

The worst thing you've ever crocheted?
A hat that had the worst instructions from Lion Brand. It came out too big and it was funky looking. I threw it away.

Your most favourite knit pattern? (maybe you don't like wearing it...but it was the most fun to knit)
The Umbilical Cord Hat from the first Stitch and Bitch Book. It was my first knitted hat and first time using circs and dpn's. It taught me a lot plus it was fun. I have made 3 of these so far. 1st One 2nd One. I didn't take a pic of the 3rd before I gave it away.

Most valuable knitting technique?
Knitting in the round and frogging.

Best knit book or magazine?
The first Stitch and Bitch Book, Knitting on the Edge, Last Minute Knitted Gifts(even with all the mistakes in the initial editions) and Interweave Magazine.

Your favourite needles?
Bamboo needles. I like Crystal Palace better than Clover, but I run into Clover's more often. My favorite pair that I own are the Addi Natura Circs, but they are expensive! I only have one pair because I don't see it much at stores.

Your favourite knit-a-long?
I have not joined any yet.

Your favourite knitblogs?
They are listed on my sidebar of links.

Your favourite knitwear designer?
Nicky Epstein

The knit item you wear the most? (how about a picture of it!)
It was this scarf last winter and now it's this scarf for this winter. Thank you, Amy!