My Mom loved my first $5 in Paris sweater so much, she asked me to knit her one. She's my biggest knitting fan/cheerleader, so I was happy to do it for her.  She opted for cables and long sleeves rather than short sleeves and stripes. I checked out a bunch of stitch books from the library to find a cable and my mom out a Celtic knot.  I thought it was a beautiful choice. 

 I knitted a gauge swatch beforehand and the yarn grew quite a bit.  So the pre-blocked sweater fit me like a glove (the greedy, devilish side of me wished it would stay my size so I could keep it for myself) but after blocking it was the right size for my mom.  Someday I might make one for myself...

"Splash" Reversible Cables Baby Blanket

 It's been a long time coming, but my "Splash" Reversible Cables Baby Blanket pattern is complete!   

I'm really happy with the way it turned out.  

It can now be purchased on Ravelry... Just click HERE.

 

Koolhaas For Me

I now, finally, have a Koolhaas to call my own. 

 This was my first time using Malabrigo yarn. I wanted to know if it was all that people make it out to be. It felt nice enough at the yarn shop. It wasn’t until I actually started knitting with it that I was a believer. I told my husband that it felt like I was knitting a cloud. Every now and then I would rub the ball on my face to feel again how soft it was.  Mmmmmm...

Today is Children's Growth Awareness Day

The Magic Foundation is a such a fantastic organization that's made a huge difference in my family's life.  It's Growth Awareness Day and they are asking people help spread their message.  Feel free to copy and paste/ share this information:

Why is children's growth so important?

Children's growth (how much they grow each year) is a major indicator of their overall health. If they are growing at least 2 inches each year (after the age of 2 and before puberty) it is a strong sign that they are healthy. If they are NOT growing this bare minimum, it can be an early warning sign of underlying health issues such as disease, tumors, nutritional problems, hormone imbalances or unidentified syndromes. Paying attention to those height markers made on walls by parents, and the growth charts at the physicians offices gives crucial information for catching problems in their early stages.

Many people do not realize the importance of this simple information. Consequently children may struggle for years with an unhealthy body or serious problem which can be treated.

What good does spreading this information really do?

Efforts like this have literally saved the lives of children. Simple information about children's growth have helped parents realize that something was wrong, pointed them to online educational resources, and helped them find their way to experts- quickly. Serious problems like brain tumors have been identified with enough time to make a life long change for children.

Why should you get on board with this challenge?

Because you are probably just like us...hard working people who have busy lives. Alone, we cannot possibly make enough noise for the world to hear us...but united we are loud!

How you can help!

Send one simple email to your friends and family. Ask them to forward on and continue the chain! It's that simple! I assure you that somewhere along this information path, a child's life will be changed! You could be the person who makes that happen.

Thank you. Together we are MAGIC!

Vivonne Bay hat

I used Jude Webster's Vivonne Bay Hat pattern to make this cute lace hat.  It turned out smaller than I was wanting.  Next time I would do more ribbing, more pattern repeats, or both.  But it is cute!

My First Adult Sweater!

I've been knitting for 16 years but until now, I haven't ever knit a piece of clothing larger than a baby sweater.  I was afraid to invest a lot of time, effort, and yarn into something that may, or may not, end up fitting and I may, or may not, end up liking.  I finally got over my inhibitions and knit an adult sweater and guess what? I like!  The $5 in Paris pattern by Anna Peck Maliszewski has been one of my favorites since I first saw it on Ravelry.  And bonus: it's free!

Here are the notes I took while knitting it:
-Cast on for large, but used size 5 needles to get a smaller neck.
-Knitted a row of cc with size 9 needles before starting increases.
-Moved stitch markers over one stitch to make jogless stripes easier.
-11 repeats of arm increases. If I were to knit it again, I would probably only do 10.
-Moved side shaping markers to to be centered under sleeves.
-Shaping: Decreased 3 times, knit 10 regular rows, increased 5 times.
-Knit 1 round of MC before ribbing.
-Had to decrease 2 sts, in first row of ribbing.
-4 inches of ribbing on bottom.
-Used Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-off for bottom ribbing.
-Planned on slightly longer sleeves, but thought that two more stripes would make them an awkward length.
-Used size 7 needle for arm ribbing.
-2.5 inches of arm ribbing.
-Used regular cast-off for arms.
-If I make again, I would consider making the stripes a row or two wider to get more length before starting the ribbing.
-Used 1.5-ish skeins (137 g) aqua and just over 2 skeins (215 g) of gray.
-I was really nervous to wash and dry it, because I’ve used a superwash yarn that grew/sagged like crazy after getting wet. But the Plymouth Merino Superwash did great. The fabric is a little bit drapier, but it didn’t loose it’s shape. It’s even softer after washing.

Kindle Fire Cozy

 Here's my latest project... a cover for my Kindle Fire:

I used theCabled Kindle Sleeve pattern by haramis design and used smaller needles so it would be snug enough to leave the flap and button off.  It's pretty darn tight, so I don't think I really needed to go down a size in needles, but it does the job and I'm sure it will stretch out some.  The pattern suggested using Judy’s Magic Cast-On... I had never heard of it, but it's awesome! I love it when patterns teach me new techniques.  Overall, I'm very satisfied and my Kindle is cozy.

Thank You!

I just wanted to post a quick THANK YOU to those who donated money to help Mason get to Chicago.  It was such a fantastic opportunity!  We hope to be able to go again someday.

{Mason with his RSS / Small For Gestational Age friends}

{Mason with THE Russell-Silver Syndrome expert, Dr. Harbison}

Green Leaf Headband

I am all about running headbands to keep my ears warm in the winter.  Here's another one I just finished:

I used Adrienne Krey's Blue Leaf Headband pattern.
  It's an extremely quick and easy knit.

Koolhaas

 I've been meaning to make myself a Koolhaas since the first time I spied the pattern on Ravelry.  I've also been in need of a cute running hat.  I decided the Koolhaas would be that hat.  So, although this hat was intended for me, I didn't have the internet handy while I was working on it and started the decreases too soon making the hat a tad too small for me... and Enoch, the lucky recipient of the Kool that is the Koolhaas.
Let's be honest... there is no chance I could look this cute in it. 

 

Scarf

I made a Chunky Braided Scarf, by Jimenita to go along with my Bella Mittens.  I love the look of this scarf!

Ribby Hats

I made these cute hats for Christmas using Elena Nodel's Fancy Ribby Hat pattern and modifying it to be large enough for my girls. They turned out great!

My Jogging Headband

I've been trying to run outside, but it's cold!! So, I finally made myself a Morning Walk Headband, by Tif Matthews. More projects to come soon. I've been knitting again. Yea!

Quick, easy, and great for running in!