F.O. Sweet Clover Shawl MKAL by Alicia Plummer

This summer Alicia Plummer hosted a Mystery Knit Along called the Sweet Clover Shawl MKAL.  The pattern was for a worsted weight shawl, and would use two skeins of the main colour, and one skein of two different contrast colours. Beyond that no other information was given.  I dug deep in my stash and found two variegated skeins of Riverside Studio Superwash whose colour I absolutely loved.  The added bonus was they contained 10% cashmere making the skeins super soft.  With Alicia Plummer as the designer I confidently signed up, knowing that I was guaranteed to like the finished product. The KAL clues were given out every two weeks and the slow pace was perfect for summer knitting.  As predicted I loved the finished shawl.

Pattern:  Sweet Clover Shawl MKAL

Designer:  Alicia Plummer

Yarn:  Riverside Studio Superwash (80% merino 10% nylon 10% cashmere) 183m 1.5 skeins
Colourway:  OOAK 

Riverside Studio Superwash

Yarn:  Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage

Colourway: one skein each of Fig & Moss (100% Merino) 183 metres (I used all of the Fig and about 90% of the Moss colourway)

Fig

Moss

Needles: 4.5mm

Ravelry:  see my notes

Sweet Clover Shawl

Added Notes:

1.  Although it may be hard to see in the photos the lace opened up beautifully after blocking.  The measurements of the finished shawl are 74 x 33 inches, a very generous size that I am super pleased with.

2.  If you are looking for a relaxing knit that works well with any colour of worsted weight yarn, you should definitely check out this pattern.

Now if only the cooler weather would arrive!  I can hardly wait to wear this shawl.  

F.O. Old Romance by Joji Locatelli

Pattern:  Old Romance

Old Romance

Designer:  Joji Locatelli

Yarn:  Sweet Fiber Yarns Cashmerino 20 (70% merino, 20% cashmere 10% nylon)

Colourway:  Verve

Sweet Fiber Yarns Cashmerino 20

Yarn:  Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light  (100% merino)

Colourway:  Cathedral

Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light

Needles:  3.5mm and 3.0mm

Ravelry:  my notes

Added Notes:

1. I enjoyed the unique construction of knitting Japan Sleeves by Joji Locatelli three years ago, and I decided I wanted to repeat the fun, and knit the cardigan version of the pattern.  I finally got around to it, and started the lace inserts on January 1, 2018.  I don't usually take four months to complete a sweater, but this is one of those patterns that I would pick up and add a few rows now and again, while I worked on other projects.  The first step for this pattern is to knit the lace for the sleeves and this took me quite a bit of time.  After construction of the lace strips Joji has you cleverly join both to create the sleeves. 

Construction of the sleeves

However, that's where the fun ended for me.  After the sleeves were constructed the remainder of the sweater is knit in stockinette and I felt that it went on forever.  My only modification was to knit the body two inches shorter than suggested in the pattern.  With blocking the cardigan grew a couple inches so the length ended up perfect for me.

2.  I was lucky to get Sweet Fiber's Verve colourway during one of the shop updates.  I first spotted this colourway on a trip to Victoria to the Beehive Wool Shop and saw a shop sample of Viajante by Martina Behm knit in this gorgeous shade of purple.  Unfortunately, it is no longer listed as one of the colourways that Sweet Fiber dyes.

3.  I usually stay away from variegated yarn when knitting lace but I am pleased with the result.  However, I find that the Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light pills quite a bit and my lace inserts are no exception.  I have knit a few sweaters with this yarn and they all pill. And for that reason, I have learned that I prefer to knit sweaters with plied yarn, not single ply.

4.  The boredom I experienced while knitting the body was forgotten when I tried on the sweater.  This is an open cardigan that will be perfect to slip on top of whatever I am wearing.  The cashmere content in the Sweet Fiber Yarns makes a super soft fabric and since it is a fingering weight it will be worn year round. My conclusion is that it was definitely worth it!

F.O. Ghostwood Mittens by Kiyomi Burgin

Pattern:  Ghostwood Mittens

Designer: Kiyomi Burgin

Yarn: 
Rowan Kidsilk Haze:  70% Mohair 30% Silk 
Colourway:  665 Hibiscus

Madelinetosh Tosh Merino:  100% Merino
Colourway:  La Vie En Rose

By combining a worsted weight yarn with a mohair/silk blend I ended up with a fluffy, cozy pair of mittens.  I am so happy with them.

Rowan Kidsilk Haze

Madelinetosh Tosh Merino

Needles:   3.25mm and 3.5mm

By using this smaller needle size the fabric produced is quite dense, which is perfect for keeping out the wind, and keeping your hands nice and warm.

Size:  2

Ravelry: My notes
Added Notes:  This is a lovely quick pattern to knit.  The cable design adds a nice touch of visual interest and is perfect for those new to cabling.

I love learning about designers that are new to me.  It wasn't until I was writing this blog post that I realized that a bunch of designs I have admired over the years  were designed by the same person...Kiyomi Bergin, a fellow Canadian.  When I look at her collection I am amazed by her talent. Here are a few of my favourites:  Kiyomi designed the Deep Woods Toque that was originally published in Knitscene Winter 2015 magazine and has been in my queue since then.  The designer has recently re-released it.  Other favourites published in Pom Pom Quarterly are Windlass, Carlu Pullover, Boum, and Fragmentation.  I also really like Fredericton, which is a gorgeous his and hers shawl collared cardigan.
Kiyomi has a twin sister named Sachiko Bergin, who is also a knitwear designer, with a gorgeous collection of designs as well.  Check out their website Needle Leaf Designs for further information.

Time to go cast on the Deep Woods Toque!

F.O. Ekua by Kirsten Kapur

Pattern:  Ekua aka TTL Mystery Sock 2017

Designer:  Kirsten Kapur

Yarn: Madelintosh Tosh Sock (100% merino)

Colourway:Button Jar Blue
Yarn: Sweet Georgia Yarns Tough Love Sock (80% merino 20% nylon)

Colourway:  Silver

Needles:  2.5mm

Ekua by Kirsten Kapur

Added Notes:  These socks were part of a mystery knit along where participants received different parts of the pattern weekly for a month.  I signed up for this KAL, not knowing what the sock pattern was going to look like.  I ended up spending many precious knitting hours on a pair of socks that I wasn't really enjoying knitting.  I am not a big fan of knitting cables, especially with fingering weight yarn.  Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful and fit me well, but I learned through this process that I enjoy knitting a simpler (and quicker) pair of socks, and that I don't really enjoy a mystery KAL.  I need to know what I am knitting.   How do you feel about complicated socks and MKALs?  

No sooner had I decided to stay away from MKALs then the amazing designer Joji Locatelli came out with her Mystery Wrap KAL.  Joji is one of my favourite designers so joining is very tempting.  However, the wrap requires five skeins of fingering weight yarn, which means it is a huge project.  Reluctantly, I have decided not to participate as I want to stay focused on knitting sweaters.  I am currently participating in the very popular Tops, Tanks and Tees Knitalong hosted by Very Shannon which runs from April 10 to May 8.  From Hannah Fettig's new book Texture I am knitting the Eventide Cardi. This cardigan is knit in pieces, and I think seaming is going to be easy, as the rows of seed stitch on the separate pieces will line up perfectly. 

Eventide Cardi by Hannah Fettig

I am really trying to stay focused on my sweater knitting goal. 
However, I find it very challenging given the number of new patterns that keep cropping up on Ravelry each week.  So many temptations!  Well I better get back to my Eventide Cardi...I only have about a week left. 

F.O. Contour Lines by Laura Aylor

Contour Lines is a pattern that I knit, as part of a MKAL (Mystery knit-along) called Just For You, that designer Laura Aylor was hosting before Christmas.  For those knitters who had bought one of Laura's patterns in the past it was free, a thoughtful way of thanking her customers.  For the remaining participants who paid for the pattern, she donated the earnings to a charity of her choice.  Each day, starting December 13th, she gave the participants a part of the pattern until the final clue on December 24th.  I was able to keep up with the KAL until the last two clues where my life was too crazy to find time to sit down and knit. I am happy to say I finished this beautiful cowl in January and can't be more pleased with the result.  Here's my version:

Pattern:  Contour Lines
Designer:  Laura Aylor
Yarn:  Madelinetosh 80/10/10 Worsted MCN
merino/cashmere/nylon
300 yards
Colourway:  Sand Dune
Needles:  4.5 mm

Notes:
1)  The side I am photographing with the buttons is in actual fact, the back of the cowl.  The front of of the cowl dips down into a perfect "V", making this perfect for wearing under your coat, and keeping you cozy on those cold days.

Back of cowl

Right after ripping out my sweater before the yarn got a good soa

2)  This yarn was previously knit up in a sweater I never liked.  It was way too nice of a yarn to be wasted, so I ripped out my sweater, soaked the yarn and reskeined it all.  I still have enough yarn left to make a hat and mittens to go with this cowl.  Even the buttons are from an old sweater I had many years ago.

3)  And just as a side note, I recently bought a new lens that I am using for this blog.  I visited New York City over the holidays and my husband bought a new lens for my camera at B & H Photo for my birthday/Christmas present.  If you love photography then this is the store for you. The variety of cameras and products available was incredible, I have never seen anything like it.  The sales staff were extremely knowledgeable.  I absolutely love taking pictures and wanted to bring my photography skills to the next level.  I wasn't sure if I needed a better camera.  The extremely knowledgeable employee I spoke to really spent time with me, asking a lot of questions, before giving me advice.  He recommended spending my money on a good lens instead, and to practice with that for a while.  My new lens can still be used on an upgraded camera.  A lot of the pictures I have been putting on Instagram and on my blog recently are taken with my new Sony Macro FE 50mm lens.  I still need a lot of practice, but I am really liking the odd picture that I take.  I am looking forward to practicing and improving my skills.

The knitting world is amazing isn't it?  There are always so many KALs going on at any given time.  However, the Mystery Knit-a-longs are always a bit of a risk, as you have no idea what the finished product looks like.  In my experience I find that if I stick to MKALs hosted by designers whose work I love, then I usually am happy with the finished product.

Linking up with KCCO.

Christmas and Holiday Fun

As the countdown to Christmas continues there are so many opportunities to join in the Christmas and holiday fun.

Here's a round-up of just a few seasonal ideas that caught my attention.

1.  First up there is Vlogmas.  Many crafty YouTubers are spreading Christmas cheer by podcasting everyday until December 25th.  One of my favourites is Kristen from the YarnGasm podcast who is a very successful hand dyer (Voolenvine Yarns) and knitter, to name just a few of her talents.  She always has fun and creative content in her videos.  Another favourite of mine is Molly of A Homespun House.  She lives in Berlin and is also a hand dyer and crafter.  I also have been watching Eric from the Sticks and Twine podcast. He lives in Toronto and is one of the authors of the new Rib Magazine that is coming out soon.  He is quite a character.

Voolenvine Yarn Wolke Base in "Deck the Halls"
Pattern:  Vanilla Latte Socks

2. Have you heard about this one?  The infamous Kate Davies has started the Islay Club, which starts on December 14th, so you still have plenty of time to join. Club members will receive a Kate Davies pattern each week for twelve weeks.  Once all the patterns have been delivered to your Inbox her new Inspired by Islay book will be mailed out to members.

3.  Another fun one is a KAL (knit-a-long) with designer Laura Aylor called Just for You 3.  Starting on December 13, KAL members will receive small bits of a new pattern to knit for twelve days, using DK yarn.  If you are too busy at this time of year to join in the fun, don't worry!  There will be another KAL starting on Christmas Day for the same pattern, with a new chat thread on Ravelry.  If you have bought a previous pattern from Laura Aylor, then this pattern is free. If not Laura will donate the $2 fee to a charity. So you can't lose!

4.  Here's an original idea for this time of year.  On Facebook Tin Can Knits is hosting a Hackathon.  Select a Tin Can Knits pattern (some are free) to knit and then your are encouraged to add your own inspiration and create something unique.  Post the result for all to see.  It just started so there is plenty of time to join in.  To top it off they are offering a new pattern called The World's Simplest Mittens which would be a perfect pattern to add your own twist to.  The Hackathon goes until January 17th.

I love Tin Can Knits patterns. I just finished a pair of mitts called Paddle.  Many of their patterns come in many sizes and ranges from mitts, hats, sweaters, shawls...something for everyone. Paddle is a very simple pattern knit in DK yarn, perfect for a last minute gift, and it comes in a variety of sizes.

Pattern:  Paddle (Size medium)
Designer:  Tin Can Knits
Black Yarn:  Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK
Colourway:  Thunderstorm
Blue Yarn:  Tanis Fiber Arts Green Label
Colourway:  Midnight
Needles:  3.25 mm and 3.75mm

Paddle Mitts by Tin Can Knits

5.  And finally, here's a reason to take a breather and put up your feet and relax, if only for a few minutes. For all you tea lovers,  David's Tea has a wonderful kit called the 24 Days of Tea.  Each day there is a new flavour of tea to try.  If you don't have time to get it, here's another one that you don't open until December 25th.  It looks fun too.

A perfect end to a day

Each drawer has a different flavour of tea

Well that's my list to get you started.  Don't you just love the knitting community?  There are so many generous, kind-hearted, and creative people out there with a passion for yarn.  Have you heard of any Christmas/holiday fun?  Let me know below so I can check it out.  Thanks for stopping by...I appreciate it.

Christmas Market and Spree Socks

One of my dreams is to visit the Christmas Markets held in Germany each year. However, with the job I have I am never able to travel in early December.  The closest I can get is the Toronto Christmas Market held annually in the Distillery District.  It is one of the Christmas activities that my family enjoys doing together each year.   I think the best time is to go in the evening to see all the amazing lights.  This year the event seemed better than ever.

every Christmas market needs a fabulous tree

an orange snowman!

a lovely outdoor bar

a forest of pink Christmas trees

And as for knitting this week I needed a diversion.  I ended up digging into my stash and whipping up this crazy pair of socks.  This is a great free pattern for using up the variegated DK or worsted weight yarn in your stash.  It would be a perfect gift since it is a fast knit and creates such a cozy sock to wear on those cold days.

Pattern:  Spree Socks 
Designer:  Kemper Way
Needles:  3.25mm and 3.5mm
Yarn:  Madelinetosh DK Twist
Colourway:  Electric Rainbow
Notes:  Instead of the 18 rows suggested I knit 25 rows for a bit of a longer sock.

I hope you all had a great week and had time to do something fun for yourself. Cheers!