F.O. Shore Cardigan by Carrie Bostick Hoge

After completing Louise by designer Carrie Bostick Hoge I knew I would enjoy knitting her Shore Cardigan pattern just as much.

Pattern:  Shore Cardigan from the book Swoon Maine 
Designer:  Carrie Bostick Hoge

Yarn:  Quince & Co. Owl Worsted Weight 50% Alpaca 50% Wool

Colourway: Bubo  10 skeins

Needles:  4.5mm and 4.0mm

Added Notes:

1. This pattern was easy to follow. The back dips down lower than the front which is a nice added feature of the cardigan.  It would be a great beginner pattern as there is no seaming and it was knit top down so you can totally try it on as you go. 

2.  This is my first time knitting with Quince & Co. Owl yarn and I have to admit that I am impressed. It is one of those rustic yarns that will wear well with little pilling.  It is lightweight yet warm, and somewhat itchy given the alpaca content.  It doesn't bother me, but if you are at all sensitive to scratchy yarns, this is probably not the yarn for you. I bought this yarn on a trip last year to Washington D.C., when I visited Looped Yarn Works, where they had an amazing selection of Quince Yarn.  I love the tonal look of the Bubo colourway, and the price point of this yarn is very reasonable compared to other yarns.

Quince & Co. Owl Yarn:  50% Alpaca 50% Wool

Quince & Co. Owl Yarn:  50% Alpaca 50% Wool

3.  I am quickly becoming a fan of Carrie Bostick Hoge.  Carrie is one of those designers who creates classic patterns that become wardrobe staples.

That was the last winter sweater that I had on the needles.  I am now trying hard to clean up my other works in progress to make way for some new spring projects.  Stay tuned as I have lots of knitting plans and different coloured yarns that I want to share with you.

What pattern are you looking forward to knitting this spring?

F.O. Louise

I am delighted to show you my first finished object for 2017.  

Louise Top Down

Pattern:  Louise Top Down (my Ravelry page) from Madder Anthology 2:  Simple Pleasures
Designer:  Carrie Bostick Hoge
Yarn: Berroco Peruvia (aran weight)
100% Wool 

Colourway: 7104 Taupe (5 skeins)

&

Yarn:  Quince & Co. Osprey (aran weight)

Colourway: Shell (1.5 skeins)

Needles:  5.5mm and 6mm 
Buttons:  M & J Trimming, NYC

Modifications:  None

This knit made me so happy for several reasons.  First, it only took me ten days to knit.  The beauty of an aran weight cardigan is it is done before you know it. As it was knit top down it was an easy pattern to follow and I was able to keep trying it on as I knit.

Secondly, the Berroco yarn was deep in my stash and there is something satisfying about finally using it.  Berroco Peruvia, being a twisted roving yarn, split easily while I was knitting, but the knitted fabric is very lofty and warm.

Another thing I love about this cardigan is the Quince & Co. Osprey Yarn I used for the ribbing and button band.  I love it.  It is just so squishy and the stitch definition is perfection.   I definitely see more of this yarn in my future. 

I am so happy that I will get to wear it this winter.  This sweater is light weight yet very warm, perfect for those sub zero days that we can have here in Canada.

If you haven't knit a heavier weight sweater in some time, and you live in a climate where you can wear one, I highly recommend this pattern.  The pattern is also written as bottom up if you prefer that method. (see Louise). 

Now back to my fingering weight projects!

Happy Mother's Day and Suggestions on How To Spend a Day of Leisure

Happy Mother's Day!

Hopefully you will find time to relax this weekend whether you are a mother or not.  May I humbly offer a few suggestions to help fill your day?

While sipping on your morning coffee/tea, how about reading a few blogs?

Inspiring Blogs
The Fringe Association
Knitted Bliss
The Gift of Knitting
Purl Soho
The Blue Brick
Blueberry Hill Crafting

Pick up a knitting/crocheting project and watch some vlogs to keep you entertained:

Favourite Vlogs
Along the Lanes
Legacy Knitz
Casey Neistat
Fun for Louis

Of course checking out the newest patterns on Ravelry is a must.  Brooklyn Tweed is coming out with a new pattern collection May 11th, which I am sure many of you are looking forward to checking out.

Craftsy Tutorials
How about picking a Craftsy Class and learn something new?  There are so many classes to choose from in a variety of the arts.  Recently I bought My First Toe Up Socks by Susan B. Anderson.  I have been working on a pair of striped socks using Scrumptiouspurl Stripe Me Up yarn that I purchased at the Knitter Frolic's show in Toronto last weekend from Shall We Knit, a yarn store located in Waterloo.

Scrumptiouspurl Yarn

This class was the perfect cure to a hectic week.  I followed along listening to Susan's calming and encouraging voice and before I knew it I had knit my first pair of striped toe up socks.  It was the perfect balance to my crazy week. This is the fifth pair of socks I have ever knit but my first pair of toe up socks, using the afterthought heel and Russian bind off.  I am so pleased with my socks because Susan's instructions on gauge and fit are extremely helpful and have led to the first pair I have knit that truly fit.  

Essential Techniques Every Knitter Should Know  by Sally Melville is another Craftsy video that I recommend to all my knitting friends. I love this kind of platform for learning.  You can return to your video time and time again and even ask questions if you get stuck. Let's face it some of the videos on Youtube teaching knitting are not the best.  Craftsy gives you a chance to learn from an expert instructor who teaches knitting for a living.

Awaiting the afterthought heel

Books & Magazines
There are so many knitting books and magazines available.  Have you had a look at these?
Swoon
Knitlandia
Knit-Wear Magazine

And for a non-knitting favourite, here is a fantastic cookbook that comes highly recommended to me by a friend who is a cooking expert.
The Yellow Table 

I am looking forward to doing a few of these suggestions today while I enjoy some knitting time.  Those socks are awaiting the after thought heels and I will finish them up today.

And lastly, how about checking out some Instagram feeds. (Don't forget about mine:  woolercoaster :) There are so many fantastic ones out there.  Here are a few yarn stores Instagram feeds that I love, some of which I have had the good fortune to visit.

Instagram 
La Bien Aimée-a yarn store in France
Do Ewe Knit-a New Jersey yarn store with the best yarn photos
Fibre Space-a yarn store in Alexandria, Virginia
Loop London-another fabulous yarn store in London

Happy Mother's Day!

Have a wonderful day!