Knitting

WIP – Electric Blue Avenue

| Verónica

This lone bootie is one-half of an extended work-in-progress. I have a hard time knitting in pairs. Just when I experience the satisfaction of finishing one item, I sigh at the prospect of having to start all over again with the second.

The second bootie was languishing on its needles from lack of attention.

I used Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino in color #340032. I call it “electric blue.” This baby soft yarn is made in Italy from 55% Merino wool, 33% Microfibre and 12% Cashmere. One ball is more than enough for a pair for wee little feet. So after MONTHS of dangling around, I finally took up the needles and finished bootie #2.

Now all I need is a bouncing boy baby shower invitation and I’m all set.

Bind Off. Weave In Ends.

| Verónica

One of the steps in knitting that brings me a sense of satisfaction is getting to the part of the pattern that reads “Bind off. Weave in ends.” That’s when I know I’m almost done! Even though I enjoy the process of knitting itself – selecting the yarn, figuring out what I’m going to make with it, casting on stitches, knitting and purling, and watching the design evolve – my impatient self eventually just wants to get to the final product. Here are a few of my recently completed projects.

From top left:

I had fun selecting the various yarns in purple hues with a punch of blue to make this Easy Scallop Throw. The pattern is by Colinette although I have to admit that I did not use Colinette yarns.

I made this Garter Stitch Scarf for my husband. I liked the blue and yellow with a racy green stripe in between. I used Peruvian Mirasol Sulka – 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, 20% Silk.

I also made him this Monochromatic Scarf in garter stitch, knit lengthwise. I used RY Classic Yarns Cashsoft DK – Extra Fine Merino and Cashmere. It’s a very simple pattern but the grays and blacks give it a nice, elegant look.

From top right:

I kept seeing cowls in magazines so I decided to make one. I liked the look of this “Burberry” Style Cowl. Knit with Berroco Peruvia Quick – 100% Wool. Pattern here.

When I saw the Big Cable Scarf pattern in Men’s Knits by Erika Knight, I loved the look so much that I made it in lilac for me! I also knit a slouchy beret to match. It’s soooo soft in Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande.

I fell in love with the incredible colors of Noro yarn and used it to make this top for my four-year old niece. I used Noro Silk Garden #87 and the Tamayo pattern from Noro Family.

Knit Chair

Link | | Verónica

 

From the first time I ran across this Knit Chair by Claire-Ann O’Brien, I fell in love with it and her designs. I love the way she takes the knit stitch puts it under a magnifying glass and makes it functional as well as engaging to look at. Design Milk just ran an article on her knit stools. You can also see her work on her website and blog.

{Knit Chair from her website}

A Mild Texas Winter

| Verónica

I am stressed about my unfinished knitting projects. I like the process of knitting and usually it relaxes me but not lately. Perhaps it’s because I really wanted to have one in particular done by now, before winter was over. We have had a mild Texas winter. This is not a bad thing – there just haven’t been many days cold enough to wrap yourself up in wool.

On the other hand, the signs of spring are peeking out. I took this picture of white blossoms daring to show themselves on the tree in my backyard. They even made it through a thunderstorm, gusty winds and a tornado watch.


Well, if they can still bare their delicate blooms after all that, I can peacefully keep knitting.

Stella Design

Image | | Verónica

While I perused the rest of the Icelandic Contemporary Design exhibit, I couldn’t help but smile at these fun and whimsical drinking glasses. All the people pictured on them seemed so cheery. I particularly liked the one of the grandmother (I presume) knitting with a big ball of red yarn at her feet. I did a little research and discovered that the glasses were designed by the studio of Stella Design. Stella Design is a young studio established in 2005 by Dagný Kristjansdottir, a multimedia designer, and Ingibjörg Hanna Bjarnadottir, a graphic designer. The glasses are part of a collection they call “My Family” which was “created to brighten up the mundane domestic life.” In my opinion, they succeeded! To learn more about Stella Design and see more adorable pictures of the “My Family” collection, go here.

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