Pulling From Stash

My friend Tom could not find a gray that he liked at a price he wanted.    We chat every morning on the bus.   I had noticed that he could use a new one.   The stash holds a lot of gray yarn.   I pulled some and knit up the Two by Two hat for him.   He got it yesterday and loved it.

Elan's Chateau in Black Pearl

When I saw the way the crown shaping was done in this pattern, I had to try it.   Any time someone figures out an elegant way to shape the top of a hat....in ribbing no less....I want to give it a go.  I did a version of this in Berroco's Ultra Alpaca to see what I thought about the pattern.   Made a few mistakes, fixed them, and gave it to someone on Christmas Eve.    The Elan Chateau was a limited edition luxury blend of merino, cashmere, and angora.  Knitting it was a pleasure.  It did really need to be washed to soften up.  It is not the most resilient of yarns but the stitch definition is exquisite.   I have a bit more.   I may make a hat for myself......gray or blue???????

Finished Cardigan....

Last night, I looked around in my many hiding places for buttons for Piper's sweater.   The zip bag

that held buttons from Borealis's going out of business sale had the perfect set.    As I had time, I sewed the buttons on right away.   This morning, the sweater left in the mail.

Would I do this sweater again?   Yes.  BUT..first I would do the on-line steeking class that I am signed up for on Craftsy.  

Piper is ten now, still into fashion, and really needed something a little more grown up.

Jace's sweater will have buttons added today and will leave in the mail tomorrow.   This sweater was

frustrating in a couple of ways.....some that can be chalked up to the knitter and some to the pattern.  The good part is that it is done!

Still don't like hoodies.....not to wear and definitely not to make.   I hope this fits him as it should.   I followed directions....fingers crossed.

The buttons I chose are metal.   They look nice...suitable for a boy and not a baby.   I wanted something more "fun" but realize a safer choice will likely result in the sweater being worn more.

Elle got her stocking this year.    Annie's Woolens cannot be beat for cute stocking kits.    I make sure that the stockings are similar but not the same.   Growing up in the middle of five children taught me many useful things.

I had not yet done the moose.   Elle's brother, Jace, has the bear.   I thought this would make a good

airing.   This project and Piper's sweater were good colorknitting with both hands practice.    Though these turned out pretty well, it is a sign that I need to do more to even out my gauge.  Now I have a pair and a quarter of socks to do....and maybe a couple hats.   A few things have not gotten done.  I will get to them after Christmas. 

Next year will be the year of knitting what I please...which I say every year!

Steeking.....OH STEEKING!

I steeked for the first time.   While I am signed up for the Craftsy class....I have not yet taken it.   Instead, as I need to get this project done, I consulted on-line experts.   Eunny Jang and Kate Davies had excellent, well-illustrated advice.   What I learned on my own was to use a smaller yarn...with a contrast as I could not see what I was doing with the matching yarn....and it was big enough to distort things a bit.   This could be a first-timer's problem.  Now I want to be able to do this better!

Last night I cursed (think blue cloud) and nearly wept when I thought that I had destroyed the sweater.  While it is not "my finest work," it is not destroyed.  I got through it!

Before I do another steek on a "real" project, I want to practice.  This was...unnerving.   I am glad it is this far.  I hope Piper will wear it!