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.

Waving Lace & Frost Flowers...

I started a pair of socks! It's the Waving Lace Socks from Favorite Socks. The yarn I'm using is Rowan 4-ply Soft that I bought from Rosie's during the recent Philadelphia trip that I mentioned. The shade is called "clover", it's a beautiful medium dusty mauve pink. I love the lacy pattern, so beautiful.

So the Frost Flowers & Leaves shawl is slowly growing, I'm up to round 39. I had to undo a few rounds a couple times to fix mistakes. It's a bit frustrating, can't stand the dpn's right now, the knitting is very awkward. I'll just bear with it until it's big enough to transfer onto circulars and then see how I feel.

Frost Flowers & Leaves...

Here's a little peek at my friend's surprise gift. It's the beginning of the Frost Flowers & Leaves Shawl from A Gathering of Lace. It was a bit of a clumsy start with the dpn's, but the pattern is coming out nicely. Can't wait to switch to the circulars, I'll be able to knit it easier. I'm so excited, I can't imagine her reaction when she sees this. I think she'll be so surprised, she has no idea I'm knitting something for her. I hardly ever knit for other people (besides my husband), but it's for a very special occasion so it's the perfect opportunity.

I can't stop buying knitting books. Lately I've been knitting mostly lace, and Victorian Lace Today is a must-have for any lace knitter, so I just had to have it. I can't believe I waited this long to buy it. I think I want to join the yahoo group for this book once I'm done knitting the Frost Flowers & Leaves.

These are some of my favorites...

Alpine Knit Scarf & Shawl in cherry leaf pattern

Rectangle w/ Leaf and Trellis pattern & Shawl in clover pattern

Myrtle Leaf Shawl & Curved shawl in diamond edging

I bought these mohair lace yarns during a recent trip to Philadelphia. Four balls of Madil Kid Seta in "roseberry" from Rosie's Yarn Cellar. It's the same yarn I used for the Icarus Shawl. This will most likely become the Alpine Knit Scarf, I'm itching to cast on!

Looking forward to this...

It'll be interesting to see some of the earlier designs.