Socktoberfest. . . Autumnal Colors

I have a new rotation schedule for my sock knitting. This "scheduling" feeds my OCD and spurs my knitting mojo. Killing two birds with one stone. So, here's the schedule: a simple knit pair of socks is followed by a more complex patterned pair. This little arrangement provides a challenge (patterned socks) and the stockinette pair give me a little mindless knitting.

So, I followed up my Uptown Boot Socks with a simple pair in autumnal colors. I finished one on the first day of our trek; and the second on the last day.

I named these after a song that Cynical sang during our return trip.

Rain King Socks
Pattern from: Standard 72 stitch cast-on socks
Yarn: Trekking 161
Needles: Size 1 Addis (Magic Loop Method)
Completed: October 13 and October 21, 2007

Psssssttttt: There has been some knitting

I have managed to do a tiny bit of knitting along the way. . . even though I packed enough stuff for at least six projects.

I completed the socks the week before we left, but thought since they were such an oceanic color of blue I'd wait and photograph them here. Yes, I actually brought socks to photograph. Socks and the kitchen sink.

Here are the particulars:

Uptown Boot Socks

Pattern: Interweave Knits Favorite Socks

Yarn: Universal Yarns Pace in Pewter, just over 2 balls

Needles: Size 1 Addis, Magic Loop Style

Project Completed: October 7, 2007

I have to admit that I didn't like knitting these socks, not one bit. The pattern was easy to follow and I am happy with the completed cable-filled project. I think it was the splitty yarn that drove me nuts; that and the fact it got fuzzy whenever I had to tear back any stitches. These seemed to take forever. However, I did finish them and did it in time to include them in Socktoberfest.

All I need now is a Trapper Keeper

Back-To-School U-Neck Vest

Pattern: Fitted Knits by Stephanie Japel

Needles: #7 Knitpicks Options

Yarn: 3 skeins of Cascade 220 Superwash in Charcoal

Finished: September 23, 2007

When I was a kid, I didn't exactly relish the fact that autumn would put an end to my school-less summer. However, a little back-to-school shopping, a bag full of new jeans, underwear and shoes, and a new shiny Trapper Keeper and I was ready to catch the bus.

I miss going school clothes and supply shopping. I miss the smell of freshly sharpened pencils, folders free of doodling and my precious Trapper Keeper. They were all a symbol for me: a fresh start.

Now I won't get all sappy and presume that my newly knitted sweater vest is quite the same as a red Trapper Keeper, but it certainly is helping me close the book on the summer of 2007. I do feel a bit like I've got a bag full of new clothes, however. And I didn't need my mom to check the fit.

This sweater is sure to get a lot of wear for several reasons. First of all, it actually fits me in a way that I am comfortable with. It should, afterall, it is from a book called "Fitted Knits" that's primary purpose is to teach us newby knitters the importance of tailoring.

And the color is so very suitable for my closet. I am the queen of crisp shirts for fall, with a closet full of white, light blue, and red ones. I, therefore, have lots of options.

The book is full of mistakes and errata provided on Stephanie Japel's site, but nothing deterimental to the pattern. I did make the bottom ribbing a bit longer as to allow for my shape. I got a chance to experiment with the three-needle bind-off on the shoulder seams and I am very happy with the neatness of the connection. Picking up stitches for the arms and neck was an easy task. However, I was unhappy with my first neckline and ripped it out and started anew, this time I tidied up the neck area and bound off a little tighter. Still not sure which version I liked better.

Now all I need is a cool autumn day and some No. 2 pencils.

Weekend
My weekend was spent taking a short road trip, knitting my sweater vest, walking with my beloved (along a new community-wide trail system), power washing our house, cleaning house, washing loads of laundry, watching "Monk" and making chili. Bring on fall, we're ready.

Bright sunshine and a glaring white shirt worked against my resident photographer, Cynical. I much appreciate him breaking away to shoot a few shots. Maybe we'll get some better, less "fuzzy" shots this fall.

I cannot begin to do it justice

I took the photo above on our first morning there. Everyone was still sleeping when I took a little walk around my brother's extensive garden. Perfect lighting, saturated colors and silence made it the perfect way to begin my day.


Somehow whenever we began planning a trip to Asheville to visit my two brothers and their families I got so lost in the journey to get there that I forgot how wonderful it would be actually being there. Finding maps, packing coolers, gasing cars, prepping cat sitters. . . I was too caught up in the details of travel.


And maybe that's why I was so surprised at the emotion of just being with them. At times it was more than this girl could handle. Simply being near those that know you best, sharing time with the two people who come from whence you come, and being able to see them in their natural habitat, the lives that they have built, makes me openly emotional and weepy.


Forgive me, if for the sake of prosperity, I provide a detailed rundown of the past few days. As I type this, I know that I cannot do it justice. I cannot adequately describe the beauty of the Asheville area, the mountains, the gardens, the art. I know that I cannot relay to you how much it meant to be with my family, to be with Cynical in this very unique and inviting place. I will not be able to tell you how my heart, much like the Grinch's, grew and grew and grew whenever I laid my eyes upon my niece and nephews. So, let me give you the logistical and clinical view, but know that underneath is more emotion, more than I will ever be able to wrap my mind around.


Cynical and I packed up early on Friday morning and hit the road to Asheville. The trip went quickly, thanks to a plethora of CDs, snacks and a cooler (remember me being so caught up in the logistics, sometimes that pays off). Stops along the way also broke up the seven-hours on the road. We even managed to hit an outlet mall somewhere between here and there. Every traveler needs a new pair of jeans, right?


Bro P and his bride-to-be Artist J had graciously offered to host us during our stay and to be our guides. Their home is colorful, welcoming, unique, creative and comfortable. We unloaded and headed out to Tomato Cocina Latina for some dinner. Mmmmmmm. Our guides then took us to a backyard gelato/sorbetto stand. Watermelon gelatto. . . just what we needed on a hot summer evening.


And then we trekked to Bro D's house where we met Prince R for the very firs time. . . what a beautiful, chubby, red-headed baby. He's so very sweet and so incredibly perfect. Adored by all, including his "big" sister, Princess S. It amazes me how precious it is to hold a baby. And to see my youngest brother with his little family is moving and inspiring.


Realizing that babies and two-year-olds need sleep, we went home and soon thereafter turned into bed. We had a big day ahead.

One of the many things we reluctantly left behind at the stuff store.

On Saturday, Artist J prepared an incredible breakfast and soon thereafter we headed out to some antique/collectible spots. We met up with my youngest brother and all went for lunch at Mamacita's. Mmmmmexicano. Later we found ourselves meandering around the Screen Door, yet another interesting shopping spot.

Yarn Paradise, Asheville

In the midst of it all, we managed to hit a yarn shoppe, Yarn Paradise where I scored some Koigu, my first Koigu yarn as a matter of fact.

Bruschetta with fresh mozarella, home-grown, organic tomatoes and basil.

Babies also need naps, so we parted ways and those of us of age started preparing a big dinner in celebration of Bro D's birthday. Bro P's extensive garden provided the bounty for the meal. Artist J provided the expertise. Ocra, tomatoes, bruschetta, local wine, fresh peach pie, grit patties, squash casserole. . . . .

Wine chilling in antipation of our celebration.

The food was wonderful, but perhaps what made it most meaningful was all of us, in the same household, recalling similar memories and sharing time together. As we recounted some of our most embarrassing moments, shared some memories we had never verbalized before and laughed and cried, I was overwhelmed with how much I miss my brothers. I missed being part of their daily lives. I missed knowing all about who they had become.


I have a lot to say about that night we spent in Bro P's living room, all of us having just dined on a meal we prepared in unison, talking and sharing, opening up and being together. . . but I don't know if I'll ever be able to verbalize it. Sometimes feelings are that way. . . difficult to describe and boil down into simple sentences.


We stayed up too late, ate too much food and made too big of a mess. We finally collapsed into bed, wondering what our Sunday would hold.

Purl's Yarn Emporium, Asheville

And our Sunday held so much. We nabbed breakfast at the City Bakery, met up with the little ones and I held that baby, that sweet, sweet baby.


Realizing that the yarn shoppes in Asheville are open on Sundays, we made a stop at Purl's Yarn Emporium, where spied some more Cascade Fixation in earthtones and a skein of gray Trekking Pro Natura. At the Earth Guild I snagged some Manos in wine and some Gems sock yarn in French Blue and Burgundy.

Wading in the cool, clear waters.

We later headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway for a view of the mountains, where we stopped at Graveyard Fields for a hike amongst the Rhododendrum forest and some wading in a beatifully clean stream and waterfall.

A shot of a portion of the stream moving through Graveyard Fields.

Cynical and I sat in bewilderment at the beauty, while Bro P and my nephew Prince E swam in the clear pool of water. On our way back up the trail, they stopped and picked fresh blueberries which accompanied us on our trip home. Cynical and I sat together, watching the sunset over the mountains, in awe of the incredible peacefulness. It was truly breath-taking, as in it literally took my breath away, I think I gasped at the view. As we were in the Pisgah area, we stopped at the inn there for an incredible view of the mountains and an exquisite dinner.

Alice, the true hostess, slept with us one night while we visited Asheville.

So very tired, once we finished maneuvering through the winding roads, we parted ways as Cynical and I headed for our hotel and Bro P and his family turned in for the night.


We arose a little later than expected this morning and I reluctantly took my spot in the passenger seat. About seven hours, three stops and a fruitful visit to a used book store later and we were once again home. Loads of laundry, a list of chores and a work week ahead are not enough to distract me from reliving our weekend over and over again in my head. Forgive me, my mind and heart are still in Asheville.

Sun's shining in

It's Sunday yet again. . . and the weekend is winding to a close. It's been a good few days off and even though we have a busy week ahead, it's going to be a good week, I think.

On Friday I made my way to an open house/grand opening at a yarn shoppe I had visited for the first time only last week. I came home with some yarn fit for dyeing, a few additional goodies and a door prize of my very own. I made it home in time for Cynical and I to head out for dinner.
The next morning we parted ways; Cynical headed to assist his folks' in a move as I had to attend a little volunteer board retreat. At the end of the day he was still hard at work as I was making my way home. We had planned for me to join him, but my obligation ran late and soon his would be wrapping up; so I headed home alone. Ever so tired, I napped and caught up on all that we had procrastinated throughout the week.

Cynical made it home tired, sore and ready for a warm shower. Eager to join him in relaxing, we watched a few movies and made the best of what little time we had together. (Seems we are certainly getting our money's worth out of our Blockbuster All Access membership. . . perhaps we are enjoying it too much as it's keeping us indoors during this incredible weather.)

This morning I awoke to a terrible headache, a side effect of some new medications, and have been battling it all day. I am hopeful it will subside soon so that I can join Cynical in running some errands and enjoying this beautiful day.

This week I am going to attend several performances as part of a Mystery Writer's Theater being hosted by our community. Luckily my movie partner was as enthusiastic, so I have a partner in crime for three of the multiple viewing opportunities.

I am off to take a shower in an attempt to spur my energy and rid me of this awful headache. Medications: seems you can't live with them and you certainly can't live without them.

I should be ashamed of myself. . .

I really should be. It's Monday morning and I have nothing to show for my weekend. We literally relaxed it away. Call us lazy. Call us boring. Call us useless. We are all three.

I would like to blame it on the fact that starting this weekend we will begin a marathon of Saturday/Sunday excursions, social engagements and outings. Maybe we just wanted to take a breather before it all began. Then again, I suspect I have become a bit of a home body as of late.

On Friday, however, I did do something to talk about. Kissed Knitter and I ventured to a new yarn shoppe about 30 minutes from my home. I had learned about its opening via Needlefingers and had been itching to make the trip. Luckily Kissed Knitter was game, so we headed over immediately after work, loving the fact that they were open until 7 p.m. which is quite a luxury for yarn shopping in our neck of the woods.

The owners were delightful, a duo of daughters and their mother. The shop featured a great variety of yarns in all price ranges and blends, along with lots of stuff to tempt spinners. I have to admit that what I loved the most was the atmosphere and the welcoming by the hosts. So personable, so helpful and so warm. As knitters and crafters should I be, I think. I picked up a few goodies, enough stuff in fact to begin Rusted Root in Cotton Fleece in a great shade of Dusty Sage. Seems a bit of my knitting mojo has returned. I am even leaning toward making a trip to the knitting group there. . . just a little adventure.

The rest of the weekend was made up of two disks worth of "Veronica Mars", a few movies, some house cleaning, a walk at the park, lots of laundry, some front porch preparation and a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Like I said: a whole lot of nothing.

There has been some knitting going on. . .

Lately I seem to have lost my knitting mojo. I haven't been inspired to make anything. I finished Glee, but wasn't motivated to photograph it, even though after blocking I fell in love with the yarn all over again. Beautiful Lorna's Laces yarn prompted me to finish some socks long ago promised to Phin in a trade.

However, I struggled with each little project, losing my way, become distracted, my creative juices drying up. I'm blaming it on a series of not-so-wonderful events and unpleasant news. Maybe those days are behind me and my need to create will return shortly.

Details in the Finished Projects Section at right.

Little Bunny Faux Foo

People do the nicest things, don't they? And I am always amazed at their generosity and thoughtfulness. I often hope some of it will rub off on me.

For instance, I had been coveting Blue Moon Fiber Arts Little Bunny Foo Foo sock yarn for some time and had even pondered ordering it. However, after a little "googling" with Needlefingers, we quickly learned, much to my dismay, that the colors pooled in the most unfortunate of ways. Needlefingers assured me that we could come up with something much better. And that she did.

She surprised me with a skein of her very own hand-dyed Little Bunny Faux Foo for my birthday. It's so very gorgeous and right up my alley in softness and color. She did such a wonderful job. How thoughtful is she?

Stash Flash: Secret Pal 10

Here I go, flashing my stash, all for Secret Pal 10. In reality, I am only flashing a part of my stash. You see, if I showed all my stuff, well my true obsession would be revealed and I suspect I'd be exposed for the yarn horder that I am.

Above is a shot of my sock yarn basket. Just a snippet of my "collection", as it awaits its newest members, my finds at the Fiber Festival, currently stowed away elsewhere. I can't give away all of my secrets.

I went to Greencastle and all I got was this. . .

hunk of woolly stuff and a drop spindle. That's not exactly true, but it's better than that whole t-shirt reference.

I have been absent from blogging for a little while, but not because I have been caught under a large, heavy piece of furniture, choking on butter cookies or involved in some sort of highly confidential police sting operation.

In reality, I ventured to Illinois to meet up with Needlefingers and Jenny from the Blog for a little trip to Greencastle, IN to attend the Fiber Festival there. And the party began when I drove up on Thursday night to stay with Pilot and Needlefingers. (Thanks for dinner guys!)

In transit north for the meet-up, I was able to make a stop or two along the way and found myself with yarn well before the festival was even in view. At one break in my drive, I ended up with enough stuff to make a Paton's sweater. Another stop yielded some Trekking in 126 (aka Brach's candy yarn) that I have been stalking for some time, but feared I'd never find. I addition, I picked up a few balls of Regia wool and some Online that caught my eye. (Note that this is all sock yarn, a theme that would continue throughout the weekend, good, bad or ugly.)

Before hitting the Pilot/Needlefingers homestead, we made a stop at Needles' LYS, where I became the proud owner of some blue Pace wool sock yarn and tiny, tiny double pointed needles. (Note the trend.)

On Friday, after joining up with Jenny from the Blog, we headed out bright and early, stopped by the Olive Garden and Starbucks for sustenance and then trekked to the Fiber Festival. Fortunately, the weather cooperated as we made our way from building to building, outdoor vendor to outdoor vendor. We spied all sorts of goodies, and with some restraint, decided to make our rounds before making any large purchasing decisions. . . that was until we spotted the Trading Post, where we dumped out bins of Fleece Artist merino and sea wool, wallowed in it, refusing to leave, even after security was called. (In reality we very politely handled each skein, oohing as we raised them above our heads in homage.) I scored a skein of each (one in red, one in green, destined to be some pretty lacy socks, in keeping with said trend).

We made our way through the booths, touching each and every item in each and every one. And thanks to some careful planning, we met up with fellow knitter and blogger, Knitterbunny and pal, who joined in our searching and scouring. We perused, we petted bunnies and a blind goat, we found lots of good stuff including a too-cute vintage fabric project bag, an even cuter yarn-oriented charm and a good start on my very own Elizabeth Zimmerman book collection, Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn in Loden, pretty green alpaca mittens and some Fiesta extrafine superwash merino in Wild Oak.

Having felt the gentle tug of want of a drop spindle, I convinced Jenny from the Blog to join me in searching for an inexpensive version (one that wouldn't be too large a commitment, but would give us an opportunity to test our skill at such a thing.) That lead to a big hunk o' roving.

Our little gaggle of knitters opted for pizza for dinner. We required the use of a luggage dolly to transport all of our haul into the hotel, where we proceeded to spread it all over the bed to admire it.

Then it was time to put that drop spindle and roving to work. Having a master spinner in our midst, we took full advantage. Jenny picked up the technique immediately while I, much like the time I first put on ice skates, took a while to remotely get the hang of it. However, we did make yarn. . . we did create yarn where there was fluff.

We then rested in anticipation of the Sock Madness pattern being dropped the next morning. Our favorite sock knitter and leader, Needlefingers, has been annihilating the competition with her enviable skills. Feeling the need to support our leader in any way possible, Jenny and I joined together to form Team Needlefingers, there to support our candidate at any cost.

The next morning we stalked the Internet, awaiting the pattern. Once we had it in hand (or in PDA to be precise) Needlefingers commenced to knitting and we commenced to packing up. Cold rain and temperatures meant that our last run at the festival would be short and purposeful. I found yarn for my Secret Pal 10 recipient.

Cold and wet, we were ready to head back. After lunch at the OG and a few hours of driving later we were back in the state of Illinois, where I parted from my pack o' knitters and headed home, where my beloved Cynical awaited.

I have wasted away my Sunday with laundry, yarn photography, White Castle eating and open house going. And it's time to start yet another work week. Maybe I should wear my pretty green alpaca mittens, that's sure to cheer me as I approach Friday.

Warm sunlight this afternoon allowed me to photograph the test drop spindle and roving I nabbed at the Fiber Festival.

Knitting up the stash

Amidst all of the action at Chez Ragged, there has been some knitting going on. Atop you can see something that was knit on a bit of a whim. Who doesn't need a green hat with earflaps and tassles. I make no promises that it will be worn, but darnit, it's so very gnomish and cool. The yarn was thick and thin, making it nubby and interesting when knit up.

Next you see the Jaywalker socks that I FINALLY completed. The first sock went quickly, but due to lack of concentration, poor notes or too many butter cookies clogging my arteries, I found myself ripping and re-casting on repeatedly. I just kept getting hung up. Not pleased that they aren't very stretchy, but loved the colors and love the pattern. All-in-all the struggle was worth it: they are a hit.

The photographs do not do the colors in either project justice. Unfortunately I am not getting full use of the extended sunlight hours. For details, check the finished objects section at right.

Isn't she fetching. . .

Fetching
Pattern: Knitty.com
Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft Aram 57% extra fine merino; 33% microfibre; 10% cashmere

Needles: Size 8

Completed: February 1, 2007

Notes: I followed this pattern pretty much verbatim. However, I decided, after looking at the picot bind-off, to use a regular bind-off instead. I struggled with the thumbs a bit, and fiddled with them a bit to assure there weren't any gaps on either side of the opening. I love, love, love this yarn. It felt wonderful to knit with. It feels awesome to wear. I must make more of these. I really think this is a knit I'll wear repeatedly.

Finished Projects July - December 2007

Rainy Day Socks (Sorta)

Pattern from: Magknits
Cast on 60 stitches

Yarn: Plymouth Sockotta Color 803

Needles: Size 1 Addis (Magic Loop Method)

Completed: July 5, 2007
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Hard to Hold Socklettes

Pattern: Found it online somewhere, but kinda developed it on my own. I cast on 40 stitches
Yarn: Cascade Fixation in Color 2137 (98.3 percent cotton; 1.7 percent elastic)
Needles: Size 3 Addis
Complete: July 6, 2007

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Irish Hiking Scarf
Pattern: Hello Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Cashmere Blend in Charcoal (72% Merino Wool, 14% Cashmere, 14% Nylon)
Needles: Size 8 Knitpicks Circular; 10.5 Straight to Bind Off
Completed: July 16, 2007

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Tomato Socks Version 2
Pattern: Found it online somwhere, but kinda developed it on my own. I cast on 40 stitches

Yarn: Cascade Fixation in Color 9245 (98.3 percent cotton; 1.7 percent elastic)

Needles: Size 3 Addis

Project Complete: July 21, 2007

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Stand By Me Socks
Pattern from: Standard 72 stitch cast-on socks
Yarn: Online Supersock Tropic (Color 930)
Needles: Size 1 Addis (Magic Loop Method)
Completed: July 23, 2007

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Purple Rain Socklettes
Pattern: Found it online somewhere, but kinda developed it on my own. I cast on 40 stitches
Yarn: Cascade Fixation in Color 9989 (98.3 percent cotton; 1.7 percent elastic)

Needles: Size 3 Addis

Complete: July 29, 2007

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French Market Bag

Pattern: Knitty.com

Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Roasted Coffee and Victorian Pink
Needles: Size 7 Bamboo (29 and 16 inch)

Complete: August 5, 2007

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Rusted Root

Pattern: Zephyr

Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Dusty Sage (80 percent Cotton; 20 percent Merino Wool) Needles: Size 6 Knit Picks Options

Project Complete: August 16, 2007

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Seattle Chill Chaser Scarf
Pattern: Knit Along with Debbie Macomber, Back on Blossom Street
Yarn: Paton's Classic Wool Merino in Aran Color (100% wool)

Needles: Size 7 Brittany Straight
Project Complete: August 29, 2007
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Royal Blue Ribbed Socklettes for M

Pattern: Found it online somewhere, but kinda developed it on my own.

I cast on 40 stitches; 2 x 2 rib
Yarn: Cascade Fixation in Color 2550 Lapis (98.3 percent cotton; 1.7 percent elastic)
Needles: Size 3 Addis
ProjectComplete: September 3, 2007
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Striped Tote for C

Pattern: Improvised
Yarn: Lion Wool in Sage, Dark Teal, Cocoa, Rose

Needles: Size 3 Addis

Project Complete: September 2007

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Misti Alpaca Ruffles & Ribs Scarf (without the ruffle)

Pattern: Misti Alpaca Ruffles & Ribs Scarf (Available Online)

Yarn: Misti Alpaca Chunky

Needles: Size 13 Addis Project
Complete: September 16, 2007
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Back to School U Neck Vest

Pattern: Fitted Knits by Stephanie Japel
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash in Charcoal (3 skeins)

Needles: Size 7 Knitpicks

Project Complete: September 22, 2007

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Market Bag
Pattern: Plymouth Website

Yarn: Plymouth Fantasy Naturale Color 9939 (2 skeins)
Needles: Size 10.5 Acryllic Needles; 15 Bamboo Circulars
Project Complete: September 27, 2007

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Uptown Boot Socks

Pattern: Interweave Knits Favorite Socks
Yarn: Universal Yarns Pace in Pewter

Needles: Size 1 Addis (Magic Loop)

Project Complete: October 7, 2007
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Rain King Socks

Pattern from: Standard 72 stitch cast-on socks
Yarn: Trekking 161

Needles: Size 1 Addis (Magic Loop Method)

Completed: October 13 and October 21, 2007

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Dashing
Pattern from: Knitty.com
Yarn: Plymouth Galway Highland Heather 742

Needles: Size 7 Addis (Magic Loop Method)
Completed: November 12, 2007
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Dashing

Pattern from: Knitty.com

Yarn: Paton's Classic Merino Wool Grey Mix 00224
Needles: Size 7 Addis (Magic Loop Method)

Completed: November 12, 2007

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Socks for M
Pattern from: Standard Sock Pattern
Yarn: Plymouth Galway Worsted Weight Color 106

Needles: Size 8 Addis (Magic Loop Method)
Completed: November 16, 2007
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Juliet

Pattern from: Zephyr

Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece CW 610 (Nymph) Less than 7 balls
Needles: Size 10.5 Knitpicks Options

Completed: November 21, 2007

Size: Large

Modifications: Made top portion slightly longer and included an additional set of increases to allow for some additional arm room.

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Sunflower Tam

Pattern from: Knitting Nature
Yarn: Malabrigo Kettle Dyed Pure Merino Wool in Bijou Blue 608; less than 1 skein

Needles: #8 (16-inch Addi Circulars & Crystal Palace Bamboo Double Points)
Completed: November 25, 2007
Size: Adult

Modifications: Used a smaller gauge yarn, knowing I'd get a slightly smaller hat, but it worked for me.

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Cable Toss Mitts
Pattern from: 4 Ladies Needle Arts by Barbara McIntire

Yarn: Alpaca With A Twist Highlander, less than 1 skein
Needles: #6 (32-inch Addi /Magic Loop Method)

Completed: November 25, 2007 Size: Adult
Modifications: None

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Tam

Pattern from: Ann Budd's The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns

Yarn: Elsbeth Lavold Baby Llama in Linen (less than 2 skeins)

Needles: #7 (16-inch Addi & Bamboo Double Points)
Completed: December 9, 2007

Size: Adult

Modifications: None

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Mini-Mitten

Pattern from: Ann Budd's The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns

Yarn: Plymouth Encore Worsted (Color 560)

Needles: #8 (32-inch Addi/Magic Loop Method)

Completed: December 13, 2007

Size: Child's

Modifications/Notes: I used the smallest pattern in order to make a mitten ornament.

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My So Called Scarf
Pattern from: Sheep In The City
Yarn: Manos de Uruguay Mulled Wine (2 skeins)

Needles: #11 Bamboo

Completed: December 29, 2007

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Two Hour Handbag

Pattern from: 101 Designer One Skein Wonders

Yarn: Cascade 220 in Dark Brown (7822) & Light Blue (7815)

Needles: #13 Knit Picks Options

Completed: December 31, 2007

Felted: January 1, 2007

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