Finished: Chevalier Mittens

Despite my batty need to cast on a million and one projects in order to sate my batty nerves through crunch studying for prelims, I appear to have discovered a new side to myself. The side that actually finishes some of the knitting projects that I begin... and in a timely manner, no less. Case in point: I got yer awesome chevalier mittens right here! (Actually, these are MY chevalier mittens, but you could always make yourself some... no seriously, you NEED some. Really, they're that awesome.)


Finished: Chevalier Mittens
Pattern: Chevalier Mittens designed by tikru aka MadeByMyself
Fiber: Rowan Yorkshire Tweed DK in "Skip" (sadly, discontinued)
Size: Women's hand-sized
Needles: size 4 DPNs
Date Started: November 2007
Date Completed: December 2007


I can't sing enough praises for this mitten pattern! The cable design is spectacular and the shaping and fit of the mittens are perfect. I like my mittens to fit snugly, and this pattern fills the bill and then some. Because they have long, tight cuffs, too, which I love. I foresee lots and lots of chevalier mittens in my future (especially since the boy has already espied them and wants some of his own).


I also like my mittens to have a dense, tightly knit fabric so as to keep out that pesky winter wind. I knit my chevaliers at a slightly tighter gauge than the pattern suggested, and while my fingers didn't really enjoy knitting twisty-turny cables on size 4 needles with DK yarn, they're thanking me now, from inside their awesome new WARM mittens.


Chevaliers in their new habitat: permanently on my hands.
Me + my chevalier mittens = 4-ever and ever.

Finished: Colville Mitts

Hiya! Just popping in for a second to finally show off my new favorite winter accessory, the much-loved-by-me Colville fingerless mitts.

Finished: Colville Mitts
Pattern: Based loosely on Knitting at KNoon fingerless mitts
Fiber: crumbs & co. handspun merino in "Colville" colorway
Size: hand-sized
Needles: size 7 DPNs
Date Started: November 2007
Date Completed: November 2007
Notes: Easy-peasy mitts that now live on my hands all the time!


Made from handspun yarn and so snuggly! I am such a convert to handspun yarny goodness. I thought I would be bothered by the thick-and-thin aspect of handspun merino, but it turns out that I don't mind so much that some stitches are big and puffy, while others are thin and teensy. Handspun is so fluffy and warm--perfect for awesome mitts like these. Also, the color combination is pure, pure genius. I am also a total convert of all things aqua and olive.


The mitts, they live on my hands. Always.
I like my street cred striped, buttony, and awesome.


What is more, I can combine my mitts with my 'roo pocket for double hand-warming action. I didn't think it was possible to improve on the 'roo hand-warming method, but it turns out I just did. Perfection achieved.


Also, mitts are great nose-warmers. What aren't these things perfect for? Must have more. Many, many more.

And now, alas, I must *sigh* return...

Drat those prelims. They are kicking my brain's butt.

Finished: Silky Wide Collar Cardigan

At long last, the silky Wide Collar Cardigan, she is done. This one was quite the adventure. And by adventure, I mean ultimate test to a knitter's sanity. On the verge of giving up knitting entirely, I somehow managed to come out of this battle of perseverance with a pretty, pretty new fall cardigan.


Finished: Wide Collar Cardigan
Pattern: Jo Sharp Knit vol. 3
Fiber: RYC Silk Wool DK (14.5 balls of Porcelain)
Size: 35 3/8" bust (Medium)
Needles: size 6 Lantern Moon ebony straight needles
Date Started: July 2007
Date Completed: October 2007
Modifications: My gauge was looser than the pattern calls for, so I knit one size smaller than I would have had my gauge been accurate.
Notes: I simply cannot express enough that, while not the cheapest yarn on the block, RYC Silk Wool DK is well worth every cent you spend on it. The stitch definition is impeccable. The knitted fabric is heavenly--shiny and pretty, snuggly and soft, and so warm. And not the teensiest bit itchy like our good friend the tweedy wool can be. And pilling after a good wash? Nope and nope. Smooth, shiny and flawless. I will be investing in more of this stuff very, very soon.


Aqua silk wool + marble of fancy Philadelphia Mercantile building = prettiest FO photo shoot ever.


I am happy to report that my skepticism of the final fit/wearability of this knit was entirely unfounded. The wide collar does not tug uncomfortably on the back of one's neck, the collar flaps don't beat wildly and uncontrollably in the wind, and having no front closure on the cardigan is not utterly annoying and fiddly. The shortness of the garment is a little odd for me, mostly because I am tall and I'm not used to wearing "cropped" things, but the style of it actually works, because I tend to layer super-long shirts with shorter jackets, so I think I can pull it off. And, seriously, it feels like I am wearing a blanket--which is a sensation I am willing the throw fashion out the window for. Mmmmmm, blanket-y goodness...


Love the extra long ribbed cuffs, too. Heh, speaking of ribbing...


Ah, yes, the ribbed wide collar that would not end. It really, truly was painful to knit the wide collar portion of this otherwise easy-as-pie cardigan. Let's just say that it will be a very, VERY long time 'til I can bring myself to knit another scarf-like object of any kind. That said, the wide collar is the best aspect of the cardigan... it really is cushy and snuggly and makes the cardigan very cozy! (and warm).


See how preeeetty? Sweater with a built-in scarf. Ingenious.


And that's a wrap. A pretty, pretty, snuggly wrap.

Also, Grizzly Bear? So very, very good live. And live in a church, no less. (yes, that *is* the inside of the church the show was in. super-awesome. i'll be seeing Yo La Tengo there this week. super-duper awesome. sit-down shows in churches rock.)

Finished: Sockapalooza4 Rococo Socks

They are finished. On time. My sock pal will have socks! And a matching pair at that. And, um, they fit me perfectly, despite my apparent sizing them for a foot two sizes smaller than mine. Hopefully with a little wash and block action, they'll fit her, too.


Finished: Sockapalooza4 Socks for my sock pal!
Pattern: Rococo by knitspot
Fiber: All Things Heather 100% superwash merino in "Orchid"
Needles: size 1 dpns
Date Started: 20 June 2007
Date Completed: 10 July 2007
Modifications: A few minor modifications. See below for more details.


First, I now love these socks. The whole time I was knitting them I was so not into them. But they turned out great. They're sort of difficult to photograph with any due justice, mostly because the yarn is very fine and the pattern is subtle. But the combination of those two qualities created these amazing light, wispy socks. Love the Rococo pattern. I *will* knit some of these for myself, definitely. And see that cool detail in the above photo? Gutters of purl stitches along the sides of the sock, which work a lot like elastic. For, you know, a perfect fit. Great design detail.


The most extreme modification I made to the pattern was knitting the back panel of the sock in plain stockinette, rather than repeating the front lace panel. I just fell in love with the little stripes the colorway created on the foot bottoms that I wanted to keep it going on the back of the sock. Now, I have to admit that I do like the lace panel knit in back too... have a look at the newly finished pair knit by the chemgrrl. Very pretty. But I think the plain stockinette works better in the case of my socks. The yarn is thin, so stockinette adds stability to the sock and seems more balanced for the variegated colorway.


Cute toes! I love the combination of pseudo-cables and laciness.


And check out those cute lacy cuffs! Love that detail.

Did I mention already that there are two? That's right, there are two. I hope my sock pal loves them.

Next up: 'Tis the season for blogiversary celebrations! Seems mine is coming up in a few days. There will be a big-time-fun contest. With some sort of give-away, I'm sure. Though I have yet to establish what that will be; I'll have to get creative, as I am beyond poor right now. Yay, one year old blog!

Finished: Photographer's Mitts

Finished: Photographer's Mitts
Pattern: Fingerless mitts loosely based on Eunny's Endpaper Mitts
Fiber: Claudia Handpainted Yarns fingering weight in "Navy Olive"
Needles: size 2 DPNs
Date Started: 02 June 2007
Date Completed: 13 June 2007
Modifications: A number of minor modifications were made to these mitts to make them more boy-friendly; most obviously, no schmancy 2-color stranding in girly pattern.


Gather 'round, dearies! I have a finished object! No single socks, here, I'm talking about an actual finished object! Fingerless mitts made especially for my boy and my photographer. Though, they're a lot like socks...


Ever since I made my fingerless mitts, M has been begging for a pair of his own. This year, he has really gotten serious into photography again, and, having acquired a new *old* camera (the trusty Rollieflex), he'd traipse all over town taking rolls and rolls of photos. Often, with chilly hands and fingertips. Fingerless mitts to the rescue!


Granted, it is summer, now (ahem, procrastinating girlfriend just got around to making them), so chilly fingertips really aren't a huge problem for him these days, but he took off today for the Dordogne to excavate and to begin dissertation research (yes, there will soon be two academics cohabitating and both writing archaeology dissertations. we'll do our best not to permanently injure one another out of sheer stress and frustration). Apparently, mornings in the French countryside tend to be quite chilly (especially for those archaeologists/researchers living in tents). Fingerless mitts ("Finally!!" he said) to the rescue!


He likes them, he likes them!


Up next: Another single sock. And I finally get around to starting my Sockapalooza pal's socks!

Finished: Rosy Baltic Socks

Despite my spearheading the Single Multiple-Women Single-Sock Liberation-Movement (thanks to these great gals for joining me!), I've managed to finish a pair! Two! A complete set!


Finished: Rosy Baltic Socks
Pattern: clementine's Baltic Socks by Di of clementine's shoes
Fiber: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock lightweight in "Rose Quartz"
Needles: size 1 DPNs
Date Started: 10 April 2007
Date Completed: 05 May 2007
Modifications: I cast on 68 stitches instead of 64 and completed 8 pattern repeats on the leg instead of the 10 called for in the pattern. I reduced the number of pattern repeats because STR does not have super-great yardage. I may have had enough yarn to do 9 pattern repeats, but definitely not 10.


The reason for my ability to finish these socks? This must easily have been my favorite sock pattern I've yet knit. What a great pattern! It is written clearly and it is super easy to memorize, making it a fun, quick knit. And the best part is that you end up with some really cute lacy socks that look somewhat complicated without the fuss of following charts.


See how cute? They go with my Birk mary-janes like nobody's business! Love!


The other reason I was able to finish these socks without procrastination is because it turns out I *am* a fan of STR... with two very important qualifications: it must be the lightweight version and it has to be the semi-solid "Shaded Solids." I love that the STR base yarn is perfectly spherical. It is sproingy and really tough (doesn't break easily, which is a characteristic I like in sock yarn). It also has great stitch definition. I will admit that even the shaded solids pool a little bit, but paired with the right patterns, like this one, it isn't incongruous and doesn't make me shriek in terror, like the pooling effects of some of the multicolors. I am no longer hesitant to openly praise STR. I like it, I like it!


Some favorite details of this pattern: I got to try out the short-row heel technique again. This time 'round was much easier, and, well, I love the short-row heel. Having done it a couple of times now, I am more able to appreciate the not having to pick up gusset stitches and try desperately to avoid gaps and holes. I also love the pattern the slightly variegated yarn makes on short-row heels.


I also love the vertical lacy-leaf pattern on the front and back of the socks. The lace panels are separated by panels of stockinette stitch on the sides, which makes the socks fit really well, as they provide a bit of stretch. You can also add or subtract stitches from these side panels to customize the fit of the sock for your leg size, too. Ingenious.


I love these socks. They may very well be my favorites that I've knit thus far. I know I will knit this pattern again, no question about it.

And now that I've finished a whole pair of socks, be prepared to see several new beginnings of socks-to-be popping up shortly!

Have a terrific Sunday and can't wait to see everyone's MDS&W Festival loot!

Finished: Lucy Loves Schroeder Chevron Scarf

Finished: Lucy Loves Schroeder Chevron Scarf
Pattern: By the talented Joelle Hoverson in Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Fiber: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock mediumweight; one skein of "Lucy" and one skein of "Foofaraw"
Needles: size 5 straight needles
Date Started: 08 March 2007
Date Completed: 24 March 2007
Modifications: Just some random tinkering here and there with gauge and starting some rows with different ends of the balls of yarn to obtain maximum color variation. Quite a bit of effort went into controlling where the red portions of the yarn appeared.



Lucy loves Schroeder! Well, we always knew that, but, more importantly: this time Schroeder loves her back! Okay, before I truly confuse any readers who are not regulars around these parts, an explanation: Lucy, of course, is the STR colorway name of the blues and tans yarn, but, for the purposes of my own keeping my own palette of colorway names pleased, I took it upon myself to rename Foofaraw (the reds, oranges, greens, and pinks colorway) Schroeder. Foofaraw, as much as I understand that it is an authentic, verifiable, perfectly correct word, is just not a word to be used by the likes of me to describe anything likable. And this scarf? It's very, very, VERY likable! That Lucy and that Schroeder, they do make a great pair!



As much as I claim not to be a bandwagon-eer, I'm glad that, deep down, I just want to be like everyone else. I really love this scarf and it was such fun to make! Scarves usually feel like a hassle to make, what with the über-repetitiveness and über-ÜBER-length, but this scarf just flew by. I can definitely imagine making another one of these babies. And SUCH a productive way to use STR without wanting to gouge your eyes out to deliver yourself from pooling horrors. And, on that subject, the STR mediumweight is, in this case and ONLY this case, a better choice than Koigu. You will likely never hear me say that again, but I mean it. The mediumweight STR is just a tad thicker than Koigu, and for the purposes of making this scarf, the STR is definitely more suitable. More variegated colors are also better for making this scarf, too.



Now, did anyone happen to notice my oh-so-very swell ensemble? I'm referring to the awesome, awesome red t-shirt I'm wearing. The one with the badass swallow freezer paper stenciled on in black ink. Did I mention that it's my new favorite t-shirt? Because it is. Did I mention that the very talented and very generous Christy made it for me? Because she did. And it is my favorite. Heart! Thanks again, Christy, for being talented in a way that I am not and being willing to share those talents. And look! It goes perfectly with the chevron scarf.



Thus concludes the saga of the longest scarf I ever knit (thus far). This sucker ended up being over six feet long... close to seven, I think. I love the scarf and I think the color choices--though I was very dubious in the beginning-turned out fantastically. This bandwagon was well worth the ride, indeed. Now, where are those Fetchings and Jaywalkers I've been meaning to knit??

And now that I have a completed chevron scarf to flaunt, won't some knitbloggers come visit me so I can flaunt, too?

Have a wondrous weekend, all!

Finished: Mossy Monkey Socks

Finished: Mossy Monkey Socks
Pattern: An amazing sock creation by Cookie A.
Fiber: Sundara Somewhat Solid sock yarn in "Burgundy over Moss"
Needles: size 1 DPNs
Date Started: 22 December 2006
Date Completed: 10 March 2006
Modifications: I worked seven lace pattern repeats, rather than six.



What a joy these babies were to knit. Upon finishing these socks, my third pair of knit socks, I realized that I have somewhat of a fetish for Cookie A. sock patterns. The Monkeys are my second Cookie A. sock pattern, and they fit just as perfectly as the Hederas.



Cookie's patterns really are ingenious. Patterns that are rather easy to memorize (um, except for, perhaps, the Pomatomus) with tremendously fantastic payoff results. Her socks look complicated to knit, what with all of the texture and lace, but they aren't at all. Easy peasy. And did I mention lovely? Yes, lovely.



You can image how disappointed I was that I couldn't go to Stitches West, where Cookie was going to be selling the myriad of unbelievably, mind-blogglingly AMAZING sock patterns of hers. There are like twenty. Each of them more awesome than the first. Is Cookie a robot? How is a single woman capable of such things?? (oh, right). The latest news is that Cookie will be selling her most recent sock patterns online through her blog site on Tuesday.



I'm sure you all can guess where I'll be on Tuesday.



The Monkeys turned out fabulously. And, as per usual, the Sundara sock yarn certainly worked its customary (but not to be overlooked or taken for granted) magic.



Number two of my set of 4 things to finish is done. Next mateless WIP up: this guy's other. Long overdue, I'm afraid. Now, I'm off to gambol with my chevron scarf and gear myself up for grading the stack of midterm exams that must be dealt with.

Have a super-terrific weekend, all!
And WOOT! for Knittin'-n-Sleepin' Fest 2007*!!


* more common appellation: Spring Break