Calum

Project: "Calum" from A Season's Tale
Yarn: Cascade 220 - color: 4002 (charcoal)
Needles: US8 (5mm) 24" addi circulars
Modifications: changed the 3x4 sleeve and hem ribbing to 2x2

I knitted this sweater about 3 months ago for my husband. He prefers his clothes simple and low maintenance, so I used a yarn that's sturdy and easy to care for, and picked a classic design by Kim Hargreaves.

The pattern called for a 3x4 ribbing for the sleeves and hem, but I decided on a 2x2 instead so I can use a tubular cast-on. I really like how neat the cast-on edge looks with this method.

Another detail I'm quite happy with is the matching decreases along both sides of the raglan shaping for the WS rows. The pattern didn't specify the types of decreases to use (not that it's a problem). And I was happy to discover that the SSP decrease worked perfectly on the WS rows because it slants to the left on the RS, to match the K2tog decreases.

It's my first time installing a zipper for my knitting. I hand stitched it. It came out ok, but I will use my sewing machine for future projects that require zippers and do a better job next time.

He says it's warm and likes wearing it. I do like how this yarn softens up after washing. It's nice that this design is comfortable and casual for the weekends but not too casual that he can't wear to the office.

Hi!

Budapest, Hungary

It's been awhile, I thought I should stop by and say hello. Hope everyone is doing well!

Just came back from a tour of central Europe. I would like to post again soon and give an update on what I've been knitting. I'll be back!

Still Knitting...

Has it really been several months since my last finished project? Where did the time go?!

This is what's on the needles right now, I'm making a collared, long sleeve cardigan with cables in the front. It's a pattern from a back issue of Vogue Knitting magazine and the yarn is Cascade 220 in a dark brown. The back is done and the fronts are slowly growing. I'm excited to see how this one turns out.

Rosebud Cardigan

Pattern: Rosebud Cardigan from Simple Knits for Cherished Babies by Erika Knight
Yarn: O-Wool 2-ply - 100% organic merino wool
Needles: US 2 24" addi circulars
Modifications: used hook & eye closures instead of using the rosebuds as buttons.

This is a surprise gift for my friend's new baby. I just love how the rosebuds make this cardigan look so pretty and adorable. I would've used ordinary buttons if I didn't find these little roses. The pattern uses the rosebuds as buttons but it seems to me that it might be awkward to fasten, so I added hook & eye closures.

The yarn is O-Wool 2-ply, an organic merino wool that feels quite smooth after blocking. I would use this yarn again for another project and hope there'll be a wider selection of colors available in the future.

While shopping for the little rosebuds, I also picked out some buttons to go with the Tangled Yoke Cardigan. I can't wait to start knitting it.

Fall Knits?

Yes, it's been a long time since my last post. But I haven't forgotten about my favorite hobby. It's just that the weather is very warm and I've been spending time biking and enjoying being outdoors. I made some more prgoress on the Brilliant Retro since the last post, but not enough for new pictures, but hopefully soon...

I've been thinking about my "to-knit-list" for fall. These are some of the ones I'm looking forward to making.

Tangled Yoke Cardigan

I was so excited to see the new Fall IK issue at one of my local yarn shops. I've been looking forward to seeing Eunny's Tangled Yoke Cardigan. It's such a lovely pattern, I'm so happy! I really like this one, can't wait to start it.

Michael Kors Cape - VK Fall 2007

And I just started a new baby cardigan for a friend's new baby. It's the rosebud cardigan by Erika Knight.

I'm using an organic merino wool, the O-wool 2-ply.

Some progress...

The back for Brilliant Retro is done. I started on one of the fronts...

I'm already planning (and started) my next project. I bought some Blue Sky Alpaca sport weight to knit a 3/4 sleeve cardigan. I went to M&J Trimming for the buttons. Button shopping is fun!

This project should be enjoyable. I've always wanted to knit a classic cardigan like this for myself. I'm using a pattern from this book as a guide. These wood buttons were exactly what I had in mind for the cardigan. This is the back in progress. My stitches are not very even because of the loosely plied yarn, but I'm still happy with how it looks so far.

I haven't made any progress on the Frost Flowers since last week. But I hope to have more of it to show you in a few days!

Alpaca Silk

I've been wanting to try this yarn for so long. This is one of my favorite luxury yarns, Blue Sky Alpaca's Alpaca Silk. At last, I've decided on a suitable pattern. I'm using it to make Teva Durham's Brilliant Retro, from IK Winter '05. I think this project is perfect for it. I will be able to enjoy the wonderful silky feel of the yarn in this fitted cardi. I'm so excited! The silk content of the yarn will add a nice sheen and also give it some drape.

I hope I can finish it with no problems, I'm looking forward to wearing it.