Thursday, February 11, 2010

Knitting a gift and knitting for myself.

We had our knitting group Holiday Party in January 2010 so that we could relax and have fun. Just like last year, we exchanged our Secret Santa gifts after the holidays. We drew names in November of 2009 and had plenty of time to think about what we wanted to make.

I drew Jane's name. On the questionnaire that she filled out, she was not picky and was open to anything and any color. The only thing she specified was that she didn't like colors that pooled. She is a yarn dyer herself (I own a few skeins of her yarn) and is fabulous at it.I had bought one skein of Brooks Farm Acero in a gorgeous Red-Purple colorway at Rhinebeck 2009. I thought Jane would like it because the colors are deep and it didn't pool. I had this shawl pattern in mind when I bought the yarn. During one of our knitting meet ups, she mentioned that she had always wanted to knit that shawl. I was gleefully smiling on the inside that I was knitting something for her that she wanted.The yarn blocked out beautifully and had a wonderful drape. I did the full pattern repeats and it came out to be a nice shawlette size. Nothing too big. She was very happy when she opened her gift at the party.

Pattern: Multnomah by Kate Flagg (free pattern), see it on Ravelry.
Needles: US 4 / 3.5 mm
Yarn: One skein of Brooks Farm Acero, 420 yards. I used 404 yards and had 16 yards left.
Size: 48 inches by 17 inches


At the holiday party, we also had a One Skein Swap. Everyone brought in a ball of yarn and put it into a bag. We drew numbers and got to pick out a yarn from the bag, sight unseen, only by touch. I got a ball of "Suri Dream". It's super soft and light.

The next day, I pulled out my copy of One More Skein and looked for a pattern. I have been wanting a pair of light and soft fingerless mitts, so I cast on for the Fingerless Gloves. They are knit flat and folded in half. The thumb hole is created by seaming from the bottom and from the top to where your thumb is. These took me only ONE DAY to make! It was instant gratification.
Pattern: Fingerless Gloves by Leigh Radford from the book, One More Skein.
Needle: US 7 / 4.5 mm
Yarn: 1 skein of Knit Picks "Suri Dream", in the color: Woodlands. I used 62 yards.
Mods: I knit mine 7 inches long because my yarn is bulkier.

24 comments:

Stephanie said...

both objects are so lovely! Jane is a lucky woman to have received that gorgeous shawl!

Rima said...

That shawl looks so much bigger. It did turn out great and very pretty. I want a pair of fingerless mitts too (like everything else!). Yours can out real well.

Sayschnicklefritz said...

And BOOM! Fun stuff, good times.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

What beautiful shawl and fingerless gloves. On days like we're having today, I could use some of those. :) You do such wonderful work!

LittleCanoe said...

That shawl is soooo pretty! I think the deep red is just gorgeous. I love it. And I love the idea of the skein swap. If only I could reach my hand across the country and grab one myself!

Sue said...

The shawl looks just gorgeous!

knithound brooklyn said...

Jane is very very lucky to have you as her Secret Santa - the shawl in that gorgeous yarn is spectacular. Wonderful match of yarn to pattern!

caitlyn said...

The shawl is really, really beautiful!! Lucky Jane!
The fingerless mitts look very cozy in that yarn.

opportunityknits said...

The shawl is gorgeous!!! The colours are so rich and geautiful and the design really played up the yarn to its best. It's such a beaut hanging there on your wall.

LadyTr0uble said...

The shawl is stunning; Jane is so lucky!

kim said...

I've been wanting to knit Multnomah for awhile. Yours looks excellent. Jane is very lucky. The mitts look soft and dreamy, too.

Kirsten said...

Love all the red! The shawl is beautiful, very inspiring.

Anonymous said...

That shawl is such a nice color! I bet those mitts are nice and toasty in that Suri.

Lisa Stepi said...

That shawl is gorgeous - love the color.

Hannah said...

Incredible knitwear- both look so cozy!

rohanknitter said...

What a beautiful shawl and a lucky recipient. I just love that Multnomah pattern. The fingerless gloves look so warm and cozy!

Jeanne said...

The shawl is beautiful - what a great gift! I love the colorway - so pretty!

LadyTr0uble said...

A happy, healthy & prosperous year of the tiger for you and your family

Alice said...

She's so lucky, the shawl is gorgeous! The Brooks Farm Yarn is so lovely too.

hetty said...

Gorgeous shawl! Lucky Jane! The fingerless mittens look nice and cozy.

Rebekah said...

what a gorgeous shawl! That yarn is beautiful and the pattern really shows it off.

Vicki Knitorious said...

That shawl is wonderful! I think I have the same yarn in the same color -- or very close (Rhinebeck ca. 2008)!

Jackie said...

beautiful shawl and a cozy nice mitts to keep warm.

新年快乐 万事如意

Sam said...

Wowza that shawl is gorgeous and a delicious colour. Lucky, lucky lady :)