Category: Newly Finished Knit Projects

I finished two long-running knits this week, and although they aren't blocked yet, I couldn't wait to share them.

First up is my Lida linen shawl, which is going to be insanely beautiful once it is blocked out.  This took me forever, but between carefully blocking out the pattern (which was a bit confusing) and using stitch markers to keep the repeats marked off, it got easier and easier and was a truly enjoyable knit.

I've also finished the Antler sweater, which needs buttons sewn on after a good blocking.  I have some sweet little wood buttons and can't wait for this to be complete.

The sweater will be easy enough to block because it's small, but the shawl is so large that it won't fit on even my large folding blocking board.  I'm going to scavenge some of those foam pieces the kids use and see if I can use them to extend it enough, because Lida is going to require some serious blocking. 

My knitting blues, which set in when I ran out of yarn about 7/8th of the way through these fingerless mitts, is gone!  The knitting gods smiled upon me.  Although the replacement yarn I was able to find was not precisely the same dk weight as the yarn I started out with, it was close enough.  And the color match when I dyed it was excellent!

Although my boxer puppy, Fig, is transfixed by them (she repeatedly tried to run off with the yarn, a finished mitt, or the entire work in progress), once they are blocked, they are going onto the hands of my youngest son, who seems equally delighted with them.  

I can't say enough good things about this simple, versatile pattern.  In a knitting emergency, you could knock out a pair in an evening, making them perfect for last minute Christmas knitting.

It's a miracle!  My Shetland Lace Shawl is done and I am in love.

So in love that I'm going to wrap it around my neck and never take it off.

It even looked pretty while it was being blocked, a chore I usually dislike, but one that was a pleasure here because of, well, just look at it!

As an added bonus, it was a fabulous accent for my Game of Thrones temporary tattoo for Halloween.

Thank you Malabrigo!  I love your Silky Merino yarn, I love your skillful dyeing.  It's hard to pick a favorite yarn, but for me, this one is surely close to the top of the list. 

We'll have winners announced for the one-skein pattern contest by the middle of this week.  Some unexpected travel has interfered with knitting and blogging for the next few days. I'll leave you with this post until I get back.

This is my favorite new, quick knit.  Possibly my favorite quick knit of all time.  It is Saccade Elyse's Golden Tulip Cowl.  I'm a slow knitter, but as you can tell from the cast on post for this project, just a few days ago, it took only a few pleasant hours to knit up this cowl in aran weight yarn.  And, it's a pattern you can feel good about purchasing, as she asks for a donation to an Epilepsy charity instead of payment.

I'm planning on knitting several of these cowls as presents.  Surprisingly, my 11 year old son has asked for one.  Despite the hot, humid Alabama sun this afternoon, he put it on and wouldn't take it off.  So he's next up.

A word about the yarn.  I used it because I wanted to knit something from the black bean-dyed yarns I've been sharing with you all.  The results are good so far.  This yarn is light and color fast and incredibly soft.  In fact, this pattern just begs to be knit in cashmere, a silk blend, or something equally soft and drapey.  So go for it.

I used a traditional cast off, but am going to go back and redo it, as it's looser than the cast on edge.  I'll substitute my friend Helen's favorite stretchy bind off, which is k1, *k1, slipt the two stitches on the right hand needle back to the left hand needles, k2tog through the back loop*, repeat from *.  This should produce a nicer, more finished edge.

If you are looking for the one skein pattern giveaway, please click here so you can enter!

Citron is done. The pattern haunted me for years. In the pre-Ravelry era (yes, I actually remember it), I tried it and couldn’t figure out the cast on. Then, I got scared off by the final rows with umpteen zillion stitches. But I finally took the plunge during the Adventurous April Knitalong and finished it up on an airplane earlier this week.
My Citron isn’t blocked yet and I’ll get prettier pictures when I get a chance, but I wanted to do a quick share. Because, if I can knit Citron, anyone can. If you’re on the fence, go ahead and cast on. As I type, my neck is swathed in a cloud of cashmere and silk, perfect for a cool day in the Berkshires. I’m in love with knitting, yet again.