Falling Off My Needles - Gnome Edition

Who can resist a plump garden gnome? Not me.

I filled this guy with beans and some toy stuffing, but mostly beans. It gives him a great weight to live his life's purpose of being a doorstop.

He is going to live at my sister's place, as a housewarming gift. I hope their dog doesn't eat him.

Want to make one for yourself, or share the gnome love? This link will bring you to the pattern via Ravelry. Enjoy!

Falling Off My Needles - Cabled Vest

First of all, let me just remind you that I don't knit garments. I have had so many failures in that department that the taste in my mouth is nothing but sweet bitterness. Sweet bitterness? Yes, that's the kind of bitterness that sometimes tastes a little sweet to make you forget the real bitterness taste giving you the gull to cast-on that beautiful, seamed, stranded sweater that you added to your favourites on Ravelry only to re-discover how much you hate knitting those kinds of things.

I digress.

This is a garment, yes. BUT - it's for a smaller human and it doesn't have sleeves. Vests are my new besties. That being said, this half-garment was a challenge. The cables, the button bands, the lining for the button bands, the i-cord button loops...phew! Lots of steps in this one.

I put this down many times to knit others. I really procrastinated on the i-cord button loops and sewing down the lining on the button band. It's always the final steps that frustrate me.

The pattern can be found here, and my Ravelry notes here.

It just fits my little subject. Oh well...I'll save it for little miss.

Falling Off My Needles - Slouch Hat

Slouch hats are all the rage now, aren't they? It seems anyone can wear them. Hipsters especially seem to like them.

The white one I'm wearing with Lady Gaga in the background was for my son's former daycare provider. She knows I wore it before giving it to her. It was so warm and smooshy and lovely. And yes, the Gaga concert was AMAZING! That woman knows how to put on a show.

The Blue one is one of the projects that I mentioned here. The Cashmerino is a bit 'looser' (I'm sure there's an appropriate knitting term here, my brain just isn't finding it) so it has more slouch than the white one but it will do. If I make another one, I think I'd choose the Diamond Luxury Collection again.

Pattern: The Rikke Hat

Plans For Knits

Oh. My. Goodness. Our local yarn store had their 3rd anniversary sale this past Saturday and I went prepared with my list of knitting potential.

Here's what I got.

1. Some Tanis Fiber Arts Green Label for these beauties. I had to cast on these mitts because I'm still a little upset that the Fiddleheads didn't fit. These are looking quite slim but when I try them on, they do stretch. I should probably have swatched these first, and perhaps maybe gone up half a needle size. Next time?

2. Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in Navy for this hat.

3. Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in black for Eric's Valentine's gift. Here's a picture of it. Ignore the creepy head. (good thing my hubby doesn't read my blog!)

4. And some Diamond Luxury Fine Merino Superwash for these lovelies.

Surprisingly there are no projects in here for the kids. I typically like knitting for the smalls since their projects are usually fast and size forgiving.

What is on your needles?

Falling Off My Needles - Mittens

Remember these mittens?

They are finally done. Knit. Blocked. Knitted Liners. Blocked again. D.O.N.E.

The kicker? They don't fit. Not even close. I have super long piano fingers that I just cannot squish into these beauties. It's heartbreaking. I blocked these suckers like there was no tomorrow. Some would even say aggressively, but they just weren't meant to be, for me.

The upside is that they will hopefully make someone really happy and their hands warm.

I bought the pattern/yarn as a kit at our local, amazing yarn shop. I think I remember someone saying that the kits have been discontinued. Here's the designer's blog.

Happy Wednesday.

This Moment

Linking up with Soulemama

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Falling Off My Needles

I have been a knitting finishing machine as of late. This past week, I blocked three projects that have been long overdue.

This is one of my favourites.

Knitting away

Before you ask, no.....I haven't sewn in the ends or chosen buttons for the purple sweater yet. But - I have finished the blanket (pics to follow soon-ish) and cast on two more projects.
Here they are:

1. Bobble Edged Shrug by Debbie Bliss

























Knitting this out of Rialto Lace in this beautiful creamy white colour. I just wanted something pretty to knit (and hopefully finish so I can wear it). Maternity clothes just don't make a girl feel pretty.

2. Beyond Puerperium (again - this is really becoming my go-to baby sweater of choice. It is really a quick knit that's easy and looks great)
Knitting this in some EcoBaby cotton for a girlfriend that just had the most adorable baby boy. This will be done before the shrug. It is nice to take a break from pattern reading/counting/bobbling.

On My Needles

Here's what I've been up to lately.

This is another Beyond Puerperium cardigan - knit with Sirdar Baby Bamboo in this awesome purple. Super easy knit. You can find the pattern on Ravelry. As you can see, I still have to weave in ends, block and add buttons. I don't know about you, but I have the hardest time deciding on buttons...

This is a chevron baby blanket. You can find it here. After the pink, there will be white and then two different blues. The yarn is held doubled so it's thick, warm and a quick knit. 

What's on your needles?

Crafty Sunday

Again, I didn't knit this all today - I'm no superhuman. I had started this bad boy back in the fall before my school took over all my free time. I finished knitting him last week and put the finishing touches on him today.
You may realize I have a little crush on Rebecca Danger's knitting patterns....this one can be found in her book.
I can't seem to find the perfect name for him though - perhaps you have an idea?

Crafty Sunday - Monster addition

No, I did not knit this today but I thought you might like to see it, and considering that I didn't have time to craft today (went to a movie instead) it fits right in to a Crafty Sunday post!
I started knitting this back in 2010!! (I'm ashamed to even admit that) and didn't finish it until this past September. As you may have guessed, this mama and baby are another one of Rebecca Danger's fabulous designs. Ravelry link.
This adorable pair is currently living at Bridget's store, Needles in the Hay, where they are surrounded by beautiful yarn and yarn loving people.

Photo credit: Bridget @ Needles in the Hay

Photo credit: Bridget @ Needles in the Hay

Photo credit: Bridget @ Needles in the Hay

Photo credit: Bridget @ Needles in the Hay

Crafty Sunday...on a Tuesday

(this was knit on Sunday...however, it took until today to get a pic of it)
Looking for a quick knit? Look no further than Rebecca Danger's Chubby Chirps. Ravlery link
Quick and adorable.
I'm thinking the baby's room needs a nest full.

He was used as a 'yarn bomb' on a colleagues desk this morning

Procrastination is a sweet thing

This is what I'm doing instead of homework.

I will be regretting this later, but for now...this sock has all my attention.