The month is drawing to a close, and I am pondering on all of the creativity I have seen! (Flickr Pool continues to amaze me!) This triad has brought out some amazing crafts and creations. Thank you for being a part of Project Spectrum!

Thank you also for your feedback on my last Project Spectrum post. Definitely some food for thought. I appreciate every bit of it!

~Tomorrow starts with a whole new group of colors!~

Seems that the Yarn Girls have a new book every time I turn around!

Yarn Girls’ Guide to Knits for All Seasons [Amazon link]

The concept behind their fifth book is pretty solid: knits for every season of the year. The book is arranged by season, and there are 40 patterns represented of different technical skills. The majority of projects are well-suited to beginning knitters who are ready to move into sweaters. Intermediate and advanced knitters will appreciate the simplicity of the patterns, and can also use the basic constructions as a “jumping off point” to add colorwork, cables, or interesting embellishments.

The designs on the cover are actually some of the strongest in the book. The shrug on the left is knit with a great linen yarn and would be a great addition to any wardrobe. I am already thinking about yarn for that quick project! The belted cardigan would be perfect for fall and winter, and the men’s saddle shoulder pullover is another simple and classic design. Kris gave a nod of approval, so this one could show up on the needles this winter. The contrast yarn for the saddle shoulders would not be my first choice: I am thinking that a nice chunky tweed would work better

The majority of the fibers and yarns used in the book’s designs are easy to find, and are common weights and materials, able to be substituted easily. Many of the fibers used are natural, and there are also a few patterns that use vegan yarns and yarns from sustainable plant fibers (mainly linens and linen blends). My only complaint comes with the sizing: They are not quantified with sizes as many other knit patterns are (e.g. 34″, 36″, 40″) but rather XS, S, M, L. Knitted measurements are provided in the pattern along with a schematic, so a XS corresponds with a finished width of 16″, which would probably relate to about a size 32″ or 33″ (with some ease). They also give length in this same measurement way. Sure, the information is still there, but I am not sure why they do it in this unconventional way… it can be a little confusing to a beginner.

There are several attractive patterns – these two were also among my favorites. I liked the stand-up placket collar. The pattern calls for a worsted weight alpaca, and could easily be subbed with some wool or a nice blend. The hooded vest was another favorite: so cute and versatile. I could see myself wearing that all year long. It calls for a cotton/linen blend of yarn, but it could also be easily substituted with a cotton/silk blend or bamboo fiber.

The simplicity of the designs are what is so appealing – I like classic styles. If I am going to take the time to make something, I want it to be “in style” for years to come. These styles will undoubtedly stick around, and they will be fun to knit up in the process.

The book comes out tomorrow – July 31st. Give it a look!

With a mere two days left in this color triad of Project Spectrum, I decided to cast on for a simple stashbusting project in a glorious RED. I must admit that my mind seems to have shifted ahead to the next color triad; you may have noticed with the potpourri of new projects…

My newest projects are engaging and fun, but nearly all of them require some attention to charts. I was hoping for a simple stockinette project, and I found in the form of this beret from Greetings from Knit Café (a great book – my Canyon Hiking Socks are from the same book!) designed by the kind and talented Kat Coyle.

After finishing the Cherie pullover last fall, I held onto the leftover 2.25 skeins of Dale of Norway Sisik. It is one of my favorite yarns, and since it is no longer manufactured, I had to keep it close. I thought a hat would work, although I had no pattern in mind at the time. It is a nice match for the beret, and is working up beautifully on the size 3.5mm needles.

Project Spectrum was so shiny and new last year, and the concept attracted many people. This year, Project Spectrum changed formats and worked over a longer span of time with more color choices. With this change, it seems (at least to me) that PS has “lost some steam”, and does not engender the same creative spark and ingenuity that it did in its first round. What do you think? Please feel free to prove me wrong! I am gathering ideas and your thoughts on PS now, as I am starting to think about a third round. I have an idea that I am still working through, but I am not ready to commit to it. In the Project Spectrum Ravelry group, I have heard some feedback. Now, you can tell me more…

Please feel free to elaborate and tell me more in the comments or in email. I would love to hear from you.

~thanks~

The color scheme for my mittens differs considerably from the original pattern (from Folk Knitting in Estonia), but I think it is working pretty well. I swatched around with the colors and this was the one that really popped in my mind. The cuff was a simple ripple pattern, and I am about to start the row with the thumb gusset. The pattern knits up so quickly.

I really love stranded colorwork. I see much more in my future.

I worked on this last night as Kris and I wrapped up the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was a pleasure to read it together the way we did. I must admit, however, that Kris had to read many of the final chapters because I was getting a little too teary to read aloud.

The mittens will benefit from a good blocking to even up the little stranding and the lace on the cuff. I am using a size 1.5 needle, and I am wondering if a size 1 would have been better…

Mittens (and gloves) have popped up in a few other places, so I am happy to see I am not the only one thinking ahead for the winter. Did you see Jan’s new Selbu mittens? and Joanna just finished some amazing Norwegian gloves! …and Sandy is thinking about (another) encore for the Warm Hands knitalong. So many lovely patterns to choose from!

~Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!~

These past three years have been wonderful!

I started this little blog on a whim, never knowing where it would take me. Now I can’t imagine my life without it!

~Great friends, great crafts, and great opportunities~

All I can say is THANK YOU.