So, I finished Kris’s sweater.  I finished it with time to spare before our 7th wedding anniversary.

All pretty in the close-up shots, right?  not so much in the modeled shots… so, you don’t get to see those until I figure out how to fix it… I guess you could say that I am disappointed.  Making the anniversary sweater is something I look forward to each year, and I want each one to be special and unique.  This one felt special while I was knitting it:  I liked the small linen-stitch detail and the wool was great to work with… but I guess I am not the biggest fan of the pattern. I felt that there were some details that the designer neglected to mention in the details and descriptions:

For one, the pattern never states that the pullover is elbow-length sleeves.  The photo in the magazine (Interweave Knits, Winter 2008) is slightly deceiving because the model has shirt cuffs rolled out of the pullover, giving the impression that the sweater’s sleeves are pulled up.  Once you look at the schematic, it is pretty clear that they are shorter sleeves (17 inches instead of the 21+ inches of an average man’s arms) but it would be nice if the pattern stated that somewhere, just in case people miss it or assume it is full-length… (I mean, it is not common to see short-sleeved men’s pullovers, so it is a fair assumption to make)  Since I did notice the sleeve issue early, I knit my sleeves longer - I had enough yarn, so this was not a problem for me, but if you don’t know…

Secondly, the neckline.  Since this pullover is knit from side to side, it is harder to envision the neckline as you are knitting because the garment is bunched up on the needles vertically.  I got gauge and followed the pattern, but I ended up with a very wide boatneck.  That was *before* I even blocked it. (Edited To Add:  One of the other knitters on Ravelry mentions a possible mistake in the pattern for the neckline increases/decreases…)  Once Kris tried it on, it looked like a woman’s boatneck top - and that is not what I was going for at all.  With all the seaming done and garment blocked to proportion, the neckline looks even bigger.  So, I am trying to figure out the best way to fix it.  There is some room on each side of the neckline where I could seam in 1-inch without puckering the neckline… but I am not sure that 1″ is enough to help the overall look.  Of course, I am willing to try it.  Picking up stitches around the neckline would not look right with the stitch pattern and the existing edges, so I think that is not really an option.

He could relegate this sweater to his camping trip/hiking sweater, but it would be nice for it to get a little bit of face time too.  The yarn is nice.  The stitch details are nice.  Hopefully with some little fixes, the fit will be better too.  I don’t want a failure sweater on my hands (especially not the first of the year - and for Kris!) and I even considered ripping it and just figuring out another use for the yarn.  Hmph. 

I am not trying to blame the designer for the issues with this pattern - I realize that there could have been some “user error” involved here too (i.e. *me*).  A few others have knit this sweater on Ravelry with relative ease, although others have noted the problems with the sleeve length and the neckline, so in that, I am definitely not alone… but theirs are also turning out to look better than mine!

I hope to come back with some good news (and a more positive attitude!) and nice photos to share after I do some more work on the pullover… stay tuned!

I was having a conversation with one of my fellow hockey-loving pals over on Ravelry, and we dreamed up this fun idea of starting an informal knitalong for our group in January… we would focus on making some hats - perfect for the cold weather in the northern hemisphere - and we could knit while watching our favorite teams.

The January Hat Trick knitalong was born… Each participant is going to try to knit three hats in the month of January - effectively scoring a “hat trick” (three goals in hockey) as they complete three knit (or crochet) hats. At the end of the month, the participants that have completed hats can enter their hats into a contest and the other participants will vote on the *Three Stars* of the knitalong (the hats that get the most votes will be the stars of the knitalong).  Just a little fun - if you are so inclined, you can check out the original post on Ravelry!

…and today, on the very first day of the year, and the first day of the knitalong, while watching my beleagured Pittsburgh Penguins lose (again) 3-2, I completed my first goal… er, hat :)  I like to think that it was a perfect wrist shot, going over the goaltender’s shoulder - didn’t even see it coming!

Purly MarioBeret
Pattern: MarioBeret (Ravelry free pattern link)
Designer: Jatta Saukko at Jatta Soheltaa (blog is in Finnish / pattern in English)
Yarn: Folktale Fibers Patchwork Handspun - Earthen colorway (wool/cotton/silk/bamboo blend)
Needles: Size US 8/5.00 mm 16″ circular

*(More Photos of the MarioBeret here)

A simple and sweet pattern - with so many ways to embellish and dress it up.  I love Jatta’s original idea of adding the crochet detail to the side.  Since I chose to work with such a textural and colorful yarn, I didn’t think that my hat needed any more dressing up, but if I make the pattern again, I will definitely consider this option.  And can I just give a *huge* shout out to Abby at Folktale Fibers?  I fell in love with this yarn when I saw it at the Crafty Bastards show in June and was reminded of it beauty when I saw Knitting School Dropout and Owl and Acorn using it), and when I decided to use it for a hat pattern, I wanted something simple.  Jatta’s pattern fit the bill perfectly.  And within a matter of hours on New Year’s Day, I had a new hat! I liked the way the yarn looked with the reverse stockinette side out, and I took care to finish it nice and neat, so it is pretty much reversible, I can change it to reflect however I feel on the given day!

…now to knit at least two more this month so that my hat trick can be complete!

Nova Scotia

Looking back, I don’t think that there was anyway that I could fully anticipate the changes that 2008 would bring.  The things that were easier to anticipate were the tangibles:  I traveled to some wonderful spots - the Shenandoah mountains of Virginia, south-central Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York City,  Nova Scotia, the beach, San Francisco,  Atlanta, and most recently to Pittsburgh - and saw so many amazing sights.  I read a lot of books.  I saw my family grow as my baby sister got married on a beautiful autumn day.

It was the intangibles that were so unanticipated;  this year was full of many emotional and physical highs and lows.  I learned more about human nature - how some people can let you down and how others can boost you right up.  I spent a lot of time outdoors to nurture my spirit and my mind.  I dealt with one of the scariest and most uncertain times in my life when I got sick in August, but it was the love and care of my family and true friends, as well as the treatment plan of my doctor, that helped me get through the struggle.  And while I am still in treatment for the Lyme disease that I contracted in the summertime, I have gained a new perspective.  If it were not for that “wake up call”, I would have continued on my (mostly) unhealthy path.  I would have continued feeling depressed and lethargic.  I would have continued to eat foods that contributed to the problem rather than provide a solution.  And for this realization, I am grateful.  Not enough to thank the dozen ticks for biting me, mind you, but grateful that I woke up to what was actually happening to me.

…and this is why I can look back with a genuine smile… 2008 has been a year for the books.  I feel stronger, both mentally and physically, and ready to face the challenges ahead.  I have made new commitments for 2009 - first in my mind is my Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) certification that starts next month.  (In fact, there are several of us on the Namaste Knitter Ravelry group who are making yoga resolutions for 2009 - check it out if you are interested!)  I hope to continue along my path of health - and I see my yoga training as an integral part of that wellness plan.  Yoga just makes your mind and your body feel good.  This is so much of the reason why I want to share this with others.

Of course, 2008 has been a year chocked full of crafty endeavors - well-documented here on my blog (4.5 years of LollyKnitting Around and counting!).  I have knit my heart out, purchased way too much yarn, and even learned to weave.  I think 2008 has been the year that I was able to learn new techniques and really apply them to my knitting.  It was in November 2003 that I picked up the needles, and this fifth/sixth year of knitting has been the best yet.  I put together a small mosaic of the sweaters that I completed this year:

Knit and Handwoven Scarves + Cowls Mosaic

Knit Accessories + Socks Mosaic

(details about all of my projects in My Gallery)

It is hard to choose a favorite among all of the knits, but I do remember the challenge and absolute thrill and satisfaction of finishing my sister’s cardigan back in April.  I felt a similar thrill when I finished my first Fair Isle pullover in October.  Of my weaving projects, I think that I am most fond of my Minou Wrap.

For 2009, I have set some pretty lofty goals.  We’ll see how I fare.  I signed up for the National Knit a Sweater a Month Dodecathon on Ravelry.  Essentially this means that I am hoping to knit at least 12 adult-sized garments in 2009.  I think it is possible, considering that vests and tank tops (no sleeves!) can count towards the total.  I am thinking ahead to all of the garments that I want to make, as well as the yarns that I want to use from my stash.  Should be a fun year!  As for the annual projects, I am still deciding on what the 2009 theme of Project Spectum 4 will be.  If you have some ideas or any feedback, please feel free to comment here or in the PS page…  I am tentatively planning for March 2009, but that is subject to change.

I thank you so much for continuing to read my blog and to send encouragement, love, and support in the form of comments and emails.  I am so very grateful for you and this whole community.

Happy New Year to you, my friends!!

For the past few years, right before Christmas, I have made a habit of asking Kris this question:  “So, would you like to go up to Pittsburgh to see a hockey game for your birthday?” My question is usually answered with a sigh - not because he doesn’t want to go to see our FAVORITE HOCKEY TEAM ever, but because we usually have some other obligation on the plate.  However, this year, in an unprecedented move, he actually answered YES!  And I was so happy about it - since his birthday is the day after Christmas, we rarely do anything special to celebrate it.  Plans usually involve eating leftovers and laziness… this year, we did a little bit of shopping with the family, then we came home and packed the overnight bag in order to head up to Pittsburgh the next morning!

I offered to drive the four hours up to western Pennsylvania, but Kris laughed it off and said “You need to work on my sweater, remember?” Of course, that made me happy because I would much rather knit than drive… so, we took the scenic route, stopping for some lunch and enjoying the beautiful views of the Allegheny mountains.  We got to our hotel and were absolutely thrilled to see that we had a *perfect* view of the arena!  We donned our Penguins gear and were off to see our team play at the famed “Igloo”!

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens game - 12.27.08

I wish I had photos of the inside of the arena, but evidently cameras with big lenses are verboten.  They told me that they would have to confiscate it because it is longer than 3 inches. I tried to get Kris to take it and re-enter with a different security guard… no such luck…  So, I ran back to the hotel room to drop it off - luckily the hotel was right across the street and we were back in time for the pre-game warmup.  I SO wish that I had brought the smaller lens so that I could have something to show of the game!  Wouldn’t you know that this was the night that we had the most incredible seats?  we could see the players’ faces! (and what fine faces they are!)  The Penguins played a great game, but ended up losing to Montreal 3-2.  I was hoping that our presence would be the good luck charm that they needed… despite the loss, we enjoyed the game immensely.

We woke up on Sunday morning with a plan:  see a few designated spots in Pittsburgh before we had to head home.  My priorities quickly fell to 1) FOOD and 2) YARN.  So, we found some great vegan-friendly eateries to check out…

Quiet Storm is a vegetarian coffeehouse with loads of vegan options.  The staff was friendly and the menu was eclectic - Sunday brunch is a good time to check it out.  Included on their menu was a list of all of the local producers of their food and their wares - even down to the tables and chairs inside the cafe.  It was great to see that level of sustainable commitment.  They had so many different kinds of coffee and tea brews - I had a delicious orange spice tea and the vegan breakfast burrito.  Kris tried the frittata (with eggs) and fresh OJ. 

Next stop was Coco’s Cupcake Cafe for a little treat for the road trip back home… I cheated a bit on my diet with the sugars and gluten in the cupcake, but I didn’t have to worry about the vegan choice - Coco’s offers several “regular” cupcakes as well as many vegan options of cupcakes and brownies.  I got the vegan Vanilla Mint, one of their holiday specials, and Kris got the Chocolate Bliss cupcake. They offered vegan Red Velvet as well as several vegetarian options (buttercream frosting with sprinkles at left). There were just so many options at the shop, it was hard to decide! It was a great cafe.

…and it just so happened that on our way out of town, located right next the interstate highway, was Pittsburgh’s premiere yarn shop, Knit One. I swear, I couldn’t have planned it better.  We got there right as the doors were opening and were welcomed by Julie, who hadn’t even turned the lights on yet (but the door was open!).  A few minutes later, I recognized Lizzytish from Ravelry come into the shop… nice to see you! The shop was huge and filled with so many lovely yarns, books, and knit samples.  Kris even spotted some of my favorite yarns and said “Oh, come over and see this!” And while I oohed and ahhed and felt my way through the shop, Kris shot some photos…

As he was snapping away, he even caught me in a jawdropping moment when I realized that one of the lovely yarns that I was feeling was actually 30% off… so, the lovely Simply Shetland Silk and Wool yarn - 246 yards per skein for $7.00 each - came home with me.  There were several skeins of the lovely Craignish colorway - a green/brown/rust blend - in the cubby hole, so I put them right into my basket.  It was just too perfect.  Oh yes, I have some options for this yarn too.  I am thinking they would be perfect for one of Connie’s Interweave Knits patterns…the one that first came to mind was the Henley Perfected from Winter 2007 issue.  Just a thought for now…

Oh Pittsburgh! you are a great city.  I look forward to visiting you again very soon!

[See the whole Pittsburgh photoset here!]

My mother’s Christmas dinner table - silver birds and amaryllis lily

Christmas came and went so quickly this year - but during the actual celebration, it was quite lovely to look up and see the faces of my loved ones all around me.  It was a nice holiday.  I hope you had a great holiday too!

Up until Christmas Eve, I was finishing up the knitting project that kept me busy for the last few weeks… Backstory: I got a phone call from my sister’s new mother-in-law (remember her wedding in October?) after Thanksgiving about the possibility of knitting my sister (the newest member of their family) a stocking to match the family’s handknit stockings - ca. 1980s.  I agreed.  She gave me a model - Andrew’s stocking - to follow for style, dimensions and colors, and I was off to figure it out.  I stopped by the LYS to check out the yarn selection.  I came across a stocking kit with a generic colorwork pattern that was similar style, so I decided to take the plunge…

The template stocking had duplicate stitch colorwork on it, and I decided to do traditional stranding for Sarah’s stocking.  So, it was not the same exact style, but definitely inspired by the template…

"Christmas Miracle Stocking"

…and on Christmas Eve, I bound off, embroidered her name on the cuff, and added a braided hanger for the mantle… just in time for her mother-in-law to pick it up and take it away.  (It was still a little damp from the blocking!)  If I had had more time, I would have done a second blocking because some of the stranded areas - particularly on the instep of the foot - were still puckering slightly.  However, I am sure that once the stocking was filled with candies and goodies, the puckering would be the last thing on anyone’s mind!  Sarah’s stocking came out slightly longer than Andrew’s.  Andrew just laughed when I showed it to him on Christmas Eve and said that he was happy that Sarah’s was a little bigger - maybe so he could steal some of the candy from hers?

Andrew + Stockings

The Brown Sheep Lambs’ Pride yarn was true to its nature as a hardy and sturdy yarn.  I liked working with it.  To add a little something special, I also picked up a skein of Berroco Metallic FX in silver to hold with the white wool and to add sparkle to the cuff, heel, and toe of the stocking.  It created a little more bulk with the two yarns held together, and gave me an easy canvas to embroider Sarah’s name on it.

Since the stocking was a surprise for Sarah, she did not see it until Christmas morning when she celebrated with her in-laws.  She called me on Christmas morning and was excited to tell me that she had received it and that it was great.  I was just so happy that I was able to finish it - and that I was able to find a way to follow a template, yet still have some fun and add a little of my own style into it as well!