As summer winds down. . .

Last night, I finished the last of my summer classes. Phew! So glad to be done!!! I'll have three weeks off, sort of, before the start of fall semester. On the 23rd I'll take the first of my certification exams.

In the meantime, I've been knitting a bit here and there and trying to clear my plate of past projects to get going on holiday gifts. First up, Hannah's birthday gifts!




Pattern: Short-Sleeved Cardigan with Ribbing
Source: Fitted Knits, by Stephanie Japel
Yarn: Plymouth Galway Chunky, Color 1 (natural), 5 skeins
Needles: Sizes 8 and 10




Pattern: Pinkie Blankie
Source: Knitting Juju, by Julie Ridl
Yarn: Cascade 128, color 8559 (orange!!!) Thanks, Season!
Needle: 15
Bedtime Story: Goodnight Bush

Hmm, what else? I'm working to finish up a hat commission, just needing to attach the brim. That should be done soon! I've also completed my second Great American Afghan square, brought Starsky out of the UFO zone, and am working on three silk and silk-blend samples for Jen.

Recent Creations

It's been a busy two months. . . I finished spring semester, leapt straight into summer courses, AND we celebrated our one-year anniversary! Of course, I'm still knitting like crazy. . .


The Lady Eleanor entrelac stole, made for Jen's store.


Melissa's Starry, Starry Night baby afghan, crocheted in Berroco's Comfort worsted.


More of Barbara Prime's little cutie lambs.


Barbara's Easter bunny, reworked as a Peter Rabbit-ish doll.


My first Great American Aran Afghan square!


And, of course, the infamous Meatwad hat for the famous Matteo.

Meet Oscar!

He's hit the turtle jackpot! We certainly didn't need another pet, but poor Oscar was found in the garbage (hence the name) at my SIL's work, and needed a home. He's sooo cute! We think he's a midland painted turtle.


Check out the pad! (still in progress. . .) Oscar's over on the left.

Easter Explosion

I've been knitting like mad for various kids' Easter gifts the last couple of weeks! Luckily, Jen came to visit just in time, and helped me wrap up the last couple of sweater/vest combos. Thanks, Jen!!!

First up are my new favorites. . . two little lambs, knit using Barbara Prime's FREE Fuzzy Lamb pattern. Yup, free! These little cuties are quick to make, and a ton of fun! The little felt egg purses came from the One Spot at Target. Love it!


I knit them using stash Lion Brand Wool-ease in fisherman and mushroom, on a size 6 needle. One skein of each color was enough for both lambs. I usually knit them up in a couple of hours, and then spend another hour and a half or so seaming, stuffing, and perfecting eye placement. . . totally worth every minute!

Next up are more bunnies. Sooo cute! Jen took these shots for me (thanks again. . . !) Also a Barbara Prime pattern, these bunnies were knit with white Vanna's Choice acrylic, Lion Brand Wool-ease in fisherman, and Encore Worsted in fox. Their dresses and sweaters are all Caron Simply Soft with the exception of the green vest, knit in Patons Astra.





Thanks so much for visiting, Jen! See you soon for your Yarn Tasting!

Projects, Projects, Projects! (image heavy)

It's definitely official now. . . the grad school project bonanza is in full swing! In keeping with my tradition of crafting up a storm to deal with school stress, I currently have 10 WIPs, and many lovely finished things to show you!

First up is Jaime's 30th birthday afghan. Working almost every day for about three weeks, I was able to finish this one a full five days before the celebration -- a record for me! The pattern is called Trip Around the World, from 50 Sensational Crochet Afghans and Throws.




Next is a baby gift for one of Mom's co-art teachers. This is E. Zimmermann's February Baby Sweater! Love it!!! The yarn is Zitron Ecco, and I used just about 1 1/2 skeins on a size 7 needle.


I sent Hannah arm warmers for Valentine's Day, also from Zitron Ecco, and these babies used less than 1 skein. Fantastic! I modified the pattern to be entirely cabled . . . no pesky ribbing!


On to the WIPs. . . beginning with Barbara Prime's Easter Bunny. Too cute! This little guy is knit from Berroco Comfort, using worsted for his body and dk for the clothing. A pleasure to knit, and surprisingly fast!


Next, a clapotis. You knew it had to happen sooner or later! This one is for Jen's shop, a sample per her request. Yay for sparkley yarn! This is Blue Heron's rayon-metallic blend.


Last, but certainly not least, is a wonderfully warm, squishy-soft scarf I'm crocheting as a pattern tester for my new friend Allison. I'm working it in Encore chunky weight, and I looooooooove it!


See? I'm coping just fine!

Umm. . . no?

Glowing Embers

I really need to be better about updating my blog! Thanks to ravelry, I don't even read other people's blogs anymore, much less update mine!

Many, many projects have been finished. . . some small and unblogworthy. . . and it's only February 6. Is it obvious yet that I'm back in grad school?! Knitting is definitely my coping strategy!

Gusto's afghan is finally done. Here it is, flowing out of the gigundo box I had to find to ship it in. I insured the sucker for $300, and am now secretly praying it gets lost in the mail!

This was one of those projects that sat around just a little too long, getting on my nerves and creating a lot of resentment for the space it took up. With that said, much love to you Gusto, and I hope you enjoy it for many years to come! Red Heart is a little like cockroaches, in my mind. . . they'll both be around long, long after we're gone. This project came out of Home Sweet Home Afghans, a really nice little resource! I made it a little wider and longer than required, per Gusto's request!

I've also finished not one, but TWO Hemlock Ring blankets. You'll remember that it was on my New Year's resolution list, which I'm working through like a champ. I'm psyched to be teaching the blanket as a class at Robena's Trumpet Hill shop this month and next! These babies were worked up in Cascade 220 Heathers (purple) and Cascade Eco Wool, respectively. The purple one follows Mr. Tweed's specifications, using just about 650 yards. The gray one used almost all of the two Eco skeins Robena sent home with me, yielding three additional pattern repeats and using almost all of the 956 yards! It's mammoth!