And the scarf goes on...

The Willoughby scarf is still on the needles, but folks we're talking really close. I've not allowed myself to knit on anything else because I want this done.

Although that doesn't mean I haven't been busy. I was going thru my sweater stash to see what would need washing and just checking the condition of my hand knits. I was quite surprised to see so many sweaters.



Do you remember this? It's the Ogee Tunic. I finished this last October and in that years time I've worn this in public twice. I don't like it. It's way to big and it grows with wear. The sleeves are bell shaped and I like bell shaped sleeves, but not when they measure 14 inches of growing fabric.



I frogged it. That sweater no longer exists and let me tell you it was a pain in the ass. I have learned that I certainly know how to weave my ends in so good they don't come undone;)

I unwound the entire sweater with the help of my niddy noddy. Then secured each skein and plopped them into a hot bath with a little sweater soap. I then let them air dry on hangers.



Now that it's dry I've started to swatch. I'm in the designer mood and I've been wanting to get this idea down on paper for some time now.

On another note, I'm signed up to teach my sock class again at Nana's Knitting Shop. If your interested toe-up two-at-a-time on Saturday afternoons let Trish know!

FO: Ishbel Beret

I'm just smitten for this hat and amazed that I was able to get it finished with the already dipped into skein. Love That!

Pattern: Ishbel Beret by Ysolda

Yarn: .75 skein of Isager Strik Alpaca 2

Needles: US 2 and 6 circular

Started: October 25, 2009

Finished: November 3, 2009

Modifications: except for doing an added repeat of the lace chart. I have a big head big hair and wanted to give more slouch.



The other cool thing I like about this, is the matchy-matchy with my scarf. I'm usually a Colorful Punky Brewster, but how cool is it to look put together.

What Else Would I Be Doing...

In the mists of carving pumpkins and Marking. Each. Day. Off. The. Calendar. Because we're so close to Halloween the kids can practically smell the candy. I'm a glutton for punishment. I finished the Ishbel scarf and had to immediately cast-on for the Ishbel Beret.




See the lifeline? Oh yeah, I've already ripped back twice and I'm still loving it. I'm kinda sick that way;)



I've been making some good progress on my Willoughby as well. I had reached the end of the required amount of repeats for the pattern when I noticed that I was only at the end of a one skein. I have three set aside for this project.

What do I do? Do I go as the pattern suggests and be left with a practically full skein? What would I do with it? Fingerless mitts? Nope... I really wanted to just use up all this loveliness in one scarf. I decided to add a few more repeats and that way I'm not left with a dilemma of too much left overs and the scarf will be all the more lovely with the added length.

FO: Ishbel

Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda

Yarn: 1.25 skeins of Isager Strik Alpaca 2

Needles: US 6 circular

Started: October 14, 2009

Finished: October 23, 2009



This is one very popular pattern and you'd think it would be a fairly easy knit if so many people have made it. Well, I was wrong. It was very difficult for me. There is something about that darn yarn-over move that just makes my life hell. This is not to say that it isn't easy for someone else and I certainly don't want anyone to think I didn't like doing it. Granted NOBODY likes having to rip out anything, but this was an obsessed challenge that was I was not going to lose at.

Ishbel = 0 / Me = 1



The only modification that I did was knitting the larger size lace pattern on my smaller stockinette beginning. I did have to dip into a second skein which makes me ponder... Could I get a small version out of just one skein?

With the leftover yarn I'm going to cast-on for the Ishbel beret. I foresee tons more cussing;)

Random Monday

Just popping in to give some random updates. Lets see...



Linda and Eric got married. Congratulations! and how can you not love the lacey-loveliness she has draped over her shoulders.



Took advantage of the sunny day and made our way to the pumpkin patch.



And this piece of evil has been driving me bonkers. Yes, I love it and I want to burn it at the same time. Why-oh-why do I feel this driving force... I will conquer over this Ishbel.