I’m Knitting As Fast As I Can

I’ve been trying to clean out some old WIPs but, for some reason, I can’t stop myself from casting on for new projects, too.  Granted, they’re small projects.  But for every skein of stashed yarn I use up, it seems like I buy 2 more.  *sigh*

It was particularly satisfying to finish this first project, which was an actual WIP.  I found it in a bag when I was cleaning out my stash room.  It was completely knit and the ends were even woven in!  I guess I just forgot to felt it.  Well, into the washer it went on Saturday morning (sans lighter):

And out it came a few minutes later:

Pattern: Felted Oven Mitt by Bev Galeskas from the book, Felted Knits

Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes

Ravelry: Project page link

Mods: None.  I love this pattern and have made quite a few of these mitts over the years.

Unfortunately, my next project is a chemo cap.  But it, too, was satisfying to knit.

Pattern: Felicity by Wanett Clyde

Yarn: Manos Cotton Stria

Ravelry: Project page link

Mods:  I cast on 81 stitches and worked the first inch in seed stitch using my new-found Continental knitting powers.  I followed the pattern after that, although because I cast on more stitches I didn’t work as many increase rounds so my hat is just a bit smaller.  Love, love, love this pattern!   And the yarn is perfect for chemo caps.  Soft and cozy.

Since I’ve been a bit obsessed with cowls lately, I dug through the stash for single, lonesome skeins of yarn and found this lovely ball of Knit Picks Ambrosia.   How can you go wrong with an alpaca/cashmere cowl?

Pattern: Pull-Off Cowl by Alissa Baptista from the book Weekend Knitting

Yarn: Knit Picks Ambrosia (this might be discontinued)

Ravelry: Project page link

Mods:  I cast on 97 stitches instead of the 133 called for in the pattern because I used a much heavier yarn.  I worked two rounds of garter stitch before casting off in purl.  Perfect, one-day project!  I might make another of these on the plane to New York on Wednesday with a skein of Manos Silk Blend.

And, now, I’ve saved the worst for last.

Although I’m still on the fence about whether I’m going to Rhinebeck (I’ll be in NYC on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), I went ahead and knit an obligatory Rhinebeck sweater.  Inspired by a Garnstudio sweater Cheryl knit, I bought the pattern booklet and merrily knit along until I got to the sleeves.  Yikes!  They were huge.  So I made quite a few alterations, including working one less repeat of the lace pattern, lengthening them, and completely re-working the sleeve cap.

The result?  Crap.

The sleeves/armholes are still ginormous!  You can read all my bitching and see more photos on my Ravelry project page.

If I go to Rhinebeck, will I wear this sweater??

You shouldn’t bet your life on it.

I swore I would only make one of those School Spirit hats . . .

really . . . .

But the constant whining pleas and the lure of some Cascade 220 in the stash finally wore me down:

The hats make their debut at the game on Friday night.  And while I still have enough Cascade 220 and Shepherd’s Wool left over to make a couple more . . .

I’m not doing it . . .

I swear.

Months ago, my daughter’s friend asked if I could make him a beanie.  Yesterday I decided I needed a break from a commissioned project that has a rapidly approaching deadline.  So I picked up some yarn on my way home from work and whipped up the hat in one night.

Instant gratification.

Yarn: Shepherd’s Wool

Needle: U.S. 7 (4.5mm)

Pattern: Improvised.  I used a twisted rib at the bottom and inserted the school name in a two-color band.  The crown decreases are double decreases, worked in 5 sections.

I love, love, love this yarn but after blocking the hat I realized it has very little memory.  In that sense, it reminds me of Cashmerino Aran — soft but easily stretches out of shape.  I’m using a different colorway to make this scarf. . . .

.

. . and now I wish I’d used a smaller needle.  I may full/felt the scarf slightly when it’s finished.