starlight progress

This is the cardigan I'm currently test-knitting. I started a few weeks ago and I'm going as quickly as I can. It's about 15" in length now and I'm about halfway up the armhole (armhole steek visible on upper right). The body is about 34" circumference. I am enjoying this immensely.

I am learning a lot, which is something I really try to do with each new project, if I can. As a result I am also rather obsessed with norwegian knitting at the moment. I even ordered some yarn to make my son a Dale of Norway 2010 Olympic ski sweater (they're in Canada, after all).

I did a quick steam block on the lower few inches, if you're wondering. It was rolling up a bit and getting in the way. Body done soon. Steeking to come.

followup

By special request for my good friend S., I am showing the result of the massive amount of work (mostly on the part of my husband, I completely admit) which started as this several weeks ago and ended up with a fabulous new floor in our basement last week. Nothing like a lot of company coming over to motivate.

One room (top) is a spare bedroom and stash organizer. My wheel usually lives upstairs. We had a holiday party so it was moved down temporarily. The dresser is full of more roving. I won't admit to the percentage of my total yarn stash visible in this photo (50%?). And most of my 800,000 WIPs are upstairs in cupboards (but they don't count as stash per se) (they're in cupboards in my diningroom, actually. Most people use those areas to store things like fine china; I didn't see the point.) BUT. I did manage to get rid of at least half of my sewing fabric stash during this re-org. Hah.

The other room (bottom photo) is a catch-all games, tv, hang-out room. I need to find an area rug for it. It also got a new coat of paint. Fresh and good.

christmas sweater

Pattern: Pikkuveli by Suvi Simola
Yarn: Cascade 220, colours #8400, 8914 and 2404

I tried to keep knitting for Christmas to a stress-free minimum this year, but here is something I made for my cousin's one-year-old little guy. It's the same one I made bigger and pinker for my daughter last month. I love this pattern (Suvi's a genius) and I wanted to try some boy colours.

I wish this little guy lived near us as he's such a sweetheart. Thank goodness for holidays so we can visit with those we love. Now for a snowy and relaxing week off.

christmas vest

Pattern: Dr. G's Memory Vest by Kirsten Kapur
Yarn: Cascade 220 superwash in colour #865

This vest is not for me - I only tried it on for a sec as all of my unmodeled shots didn't seem to do it justice. I sent it to my Dad a few weeks ago and I hope he likes it. This pattern is wonderful - designed to honour Kirsten's father who suffered from Alzheimer's Disease. I have made this before and I'm sure I will again.

I am keen on vests right now. I have several more planned. Not having to make sleeves is a bonus.

peace and joy

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! Thanks for your friendship and encouragement this year. I'm so happy to have met you all!

more testing

I'm test-knitting another cardigan (Ravelry link only), for my daughter, this time on tiny needles and yarn. It was originally written up to size 24 mos., but then the designer, Kirsten, asked me if I wanted to test a larger size for her, so I'm doing 4-5 yrs. This means I'm about a month behind the other testers and I'm running to catch up. I just got the yarn this week and it's lovely to work with - Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport.

I am also working on a different cardigan (for myself!) which was going to be my first steeking experience, but now this one will be. Eeek! I'll show you how it goes when I get there.

Have a great weekend!

this changes everything

I had a birthday a few days ago and my fabulous husband gave me this, from his fabulous friend who was upgrading to an even better camera (thanks Tim! You rock!). It's a Canon EOS 20D and he threw in an awesome macro lens to boot.

I should be able to take much better photos now, if we ever get more than a few minutes of daylight around here.

I'm going to go play now. Stay warm!