Eastern Winter Shawl

I don’t usually knit christmas gifts, in fact the whole gift giving has been scaled down to just the children in our family.

We do however have two very special people that have been very good to our little family and I wanted to make them something special.

I knew right away I wanted to make the first recipient a shawl. She is the shawl wearing type and she knits too so I knew this knit would be appreciated.

It must be noted that I don’t enjoy knitting shawls… I love how they look when its all said and done but the process is not my fav.

I chose to knit the Northern Summer Shawl by Jo Kelly in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine.

I love how this shawl intersperses sections of stockinette throughout giving me a little bit of reprieve between those yo sections.

I wanted this shawl to be geared more for winter than summer so I held the Ultra Alpaca Fine doubled for a thicker and larger shawl and named it the Eastern Winter Shawl.

I think it worked perfectly.

Warm enough to wear around her shoulders while working at the computer but still delicate enough to wear out, pinned with a brooch.

The shawl was gifted on Saturday and I think its safe to say she liked it.

I know it will be treated well in its new home!

Adhara and A Giveaway!!!

 This beautiful shawl was a test for Tanis of Tanis Fiber Arts.

I fell in love with this design when I first saw a sneak peek of it on the banner of Tanis’ website.

Not only did I get the chance to test one of Tanis’ patterns , I also got to try Tanis Fiber Arts  yarn’s for the first time and it didn’t disappoint!

Pink Grapefruit, one of the newest colours in her collection, happens to be one of my favourite colourways.

I paired it with the Sunset colourway and love how they look together.

Although Adhara uses two colourways, it looks best when the 2 shades are similar and don’t have a stark contrast,  colours that will just flow into each other.

Pink Grapefruit and Sunset do that perfectly!

Adhara is a triangular shawl worked from the top down. It starts with a beautiful star stitch pattern knit in alternating colours, a lacey leaf border is added followed by a dainty little crochet border that really sets this whole design off.

I don’t know what’s NOT to love about this design.

There is just the right amount of each section to keep you interested, anticipating what comes next.

Blocking of course is when the real magic happens. The star stitch pattern really opens up showing off those beauitfully subtle stripes and you really get to see how pretty that little crochet border is.

As is the case with all Tanis’ designs, this was a purl delight to knit and I’m thankful for the opportunity to try Tanis wonderful fingering weight base in such beautiful colours!

It wasn’t until I had finished testing Adhara that I learned it was to be part of a collection.

The Stella Collection!

4 lacey summer patterns designed by Tanis Lavallee  and Julie Crawford.

Together they have taken different TFA yarns  and designed some beautiful pieces that really show off the yarn and amazing colours that Tanis Fiber Arts is known for.

You already saw the first design Adhara but I must show you Tanis’ original version in a completely different colour pairing.

Tanis chose Shadow and Atlantic for her version which made me fall in love with the shawl in the first place.

It will be interesting to see what colour combo’s ohters come up with when they knit Adhara.

Suncrest is Tanis‘ second design in the collection.

The simplicity of garter stitch paired with a beautiful Fan Shell border really makes this one pop. The arc shape is very appealling and modern, this shawl that would be perfect to wear anytime.

Knit Suncrest with that skein of variegated yarn you’ve been stashing and just didn’t know what you would use it for or that super special luxury skein you have been hoarding.

Solaria, Julie‘s first design  is a gorgeous lacey cowl/capelet.

 If you read Julie’s blog or have come across some of her projects on Ravelry you know she loves capelet’s and wears them a lot so it was no surprise to me we I saw that she had designed her own.

The capelet however is quite different to the bulky cabled ones I have seen on Ravelry. Delicate and lacey sets the stage for this beautiful knit. A small project with just the right amount of lace to hold your interesting and keep you on your toes.

As a cowl it would be the perfect way to add a pop of colour to a plain jacket or wear it over a t shirt but wouldn’t it also be adorable keeping your  shoulders warm over your favourite sundress on a summer evening?

Nashira is the final design in the collection and also designed by Julie.

This design screams elegance to me.  Long lines, a drapey silk fabric and just enough lace to keep it simple yet modern.

Nashira would look perfect paired with a simple evening dress that shows off the beautiful lace work and yet not too dressy that you couldn’t wear it every day as a scarf or shoulder wrap.

How is that for a beautiful collection??

Tanis and Julie have generously offered up the entire Stella Collection to giveaway to one lucky commenter.

In order to be entered into the draw you’ll need to do two things.

1) Tell me which Stella Design you love the best

AND

2) Head on over to Tanis site  and tell me which colourway you love or would like to knit your favourite design with.

You’ll have until Friday July 6th to enter the drawing.

 The winner will be annouced the following Monday, July 9th.

Good luck to you all!

Bowland

I couldn’t be more excited to test knit a first design for Amanda of Joli House.

You all know Lily, Amanda’s daughter and how much I love her designs so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Amanda’s first design is nothing less than amazing!

 Bowland features a beautifully delicate lace panel up the middle off set by garter stitch and purl rows.

I used Malabrigo Lace for my version, it made the shawl a bit smaller than Amanda’s version in light fingering but really wanted to keep the delicate feel of this pattern and the lace really showcases that.

It is beautiful as a shawl and will be equally as stunning when I wear it as a scarf to spice up my trench!

Congratulations Amanda on your first design.

As if that isn’t enough, Amanda is already working on her second design, Broughton.

 I’m sure there will be many more and can’t wait to see the designs flying out of Joli House!

Haslam

Well here you have it. My first project for the Lily Kate Spring KAL!

HASLAM!

Pattern: Haslam by Lily Kate France

Yarn: Kidazzle by Fleece Artist

I knit Haslam exactly to the pattern but then blocked the snot out of it because I had plans of using it as a shawl AND a scarf.

Knit from side to side, Haslam is an easy knit with beautiful openwork and short rows to keep you on your toes.

I’m completely smitten with this yarn.

It was wonderful to knit with not to mention look at.

The colour is pure perfection!

A slight and I mean very slight variegation  makes it the perfect choice for me.

I must get my hands on more!

Once blocked Haslam becomes a good sized scarf.

I wear my shawls like this most of the time so I know this one will see lots of wear and add some much needed colour in the Fall and Winter months.

It will also double beautifully as a shoulder warmer over my summer dresses that I”m just itching to get into!

I have one more project to go for this KAL.

I think I can swing it!

There’s still time to join the KAL.

Lily has lots of accessories you could whip out by the end of the month. Or maybe you’d like a Haslam too??

Knit East Part 2

Wow loosing your internet SUCKS! Getting your internet back and only having it work in your cold basement isn’t much better!

I’m happy to say I’m currently on the couch as I type and NOT standing on the cold cement basement floor. Hopefully we are back up for good.

So before I tell you about Thanksgiving weekend and the awesome weather we had I best wrap up Knit East.

You saw the shawl I knit for Sarah. In return I received this beauty from Sarah.

The pattern is Aestlight by Gudrun Johnston.

The yarn is MadelineTosh Sock in Filagree

The colour is most true in this  picture  during Knit East. It rained…my hair poofs in rain… I can’t however explain the crazed eyes I’m sporting. None the less it is a lovely addition to my Fall attire and has been worn a lot already.

The Yarn Harlot was not only a teacher at Knit East, we got to listen to her speak before the fashion show. She talked about the effects that knitting has on your brain and emotional well-being. We are all totally aware of that but it was interesting to hear of  different studies and statistics.

After the fashion show I met Gayle from Maine.  She introduced herself and said she reads my blog.

This never fails to freak me out. Well maybe not freak me out but I find it weird that people read my blog. I post and people comment but it always seems to skip my mind that OTHER people, that aren’t commenting ARE reading.

Anyway Gayle was lovely, I probably seemed more hyped than usual with all the goings on and meeting someone who READS my blog IMAGINE!! hehehhe

I didn’t get a chance to ask her what classes she was taking but I’m so glad she stopped by. Hi Gayle!!

I’m sure you’re all wondering what class I took. Thats up next and will wrap up my Knit East posts.

Knit East part 1

So as  you know I attended Knit East this past weekend in New Brunswick`s lovely St. Andrew`s by the sea.

The event was held at the Algonquin Hotel

Sarah and I organized a shawl/cowl swap for the event.  We ended up with about 20 knitters taking part and we had a great time exchanging swaps.

Here’s a group shot taken by the lovely Heidi.

I knit the  Amberwell Shawl by Judy Marples for Sarah.

I used Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply its a merino/silk blend. I wasn’t sure what I thought of the yarn at first. Its kind of squeaky to knit with, I know thats the silk in it but it was different.  The colour is very saturated making the end result beautiful. I think I could handle a little squeak again if the project were to turn out as nicely.

Love those points!

I don’t overly enjoy knitting lace but I wanted to give myself a bit of a challenge. I think  this design had just the right amount of pattern before switching to something totally different. It definitely kept my interest by throwing something new into the mix.

If you noticed Sarah in the group shot wearing her shawl I think you’ll agree that she looks fabulous in this colour. She said she had nothing like it but loved it.  I’m glad it has gone to a good and loving home ;)

One last shot of Sarah with her shawl. *Photo taken by Sarah*

The shawl I received is up next!

McCafferty

McCafferty is finished!!

The pattern is McCafferty, another great design by Lily Kate France. I used Filatura Di Crosa Centolavaggi held doubled. It created a soft and squooshy fabric. I’ll keep the doubling prospect in mind if I have another sock weight project because this yarn comes in awesome colours!

To be honest I’m not really a lace knitter…. I’d rather knit cables or the like but I do love the product lace knitting  produces so I do delve into the depths every now and then if I for example want a new shawl/scarf to match my jacket.

McCafferty was a nice knit, the garter stitch body was enjoyable and easy enough to knit on while watching Corrie…….ohhhhh Nicole I can’t wait till you get back from your hols and get caught up!!

There was a nice little section of yo’s that peaked my interest and kept me from increase boredom, thats the thing about shawls that drives me crazy, it feels like the increases will NEVER END!

Then for something a little different… Lily’s patterns always have some unique detail that makes you think. For McCafferty it was the final border, knit perpendicular to the body of the shawl joining them together at the same time, awesome!

It turned out to be the perfect sized shawl, and will definitely get lots of use.

Yarn Along 7

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for Yarn Along.
“~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? … ~”

Reading – I finished Pretties by Scott Westerfeld, the second book in the Uglies series, it was a quick read and I couldn’t put it down. I don’t want to spoil the series for those of you wanting to read it so I’ll keep mum on this one. The other book is Little Bee by Chris Cleave. I listened to this as an audiobook  when I got the chance. The story is about two women’s lives and how they are connected. The narration goes back and forth between  a Nigerian girl called Little Bee and Sarah who lives in England. They cross paths when Sarah and her husband leave the compound they are staying in on a vacation in Nigeria. Neither Sarah or Little Bee’s lives will ever be the same. A powerfully tragic story that was beautifully narrated. Worth a read.

T’s Pick –  T’s pick this week is Hug by a Jez Alborough. The only word in this book is Hug but T loves it. Bobo, the monkey see’s all the other animals hugging and wants to find someone to hug too. Mommy Elephant takes him through the forest but Bobo is very sad and starts to cry. That’s when mommy monkey makes her entrance and Bobo finally gets his hug. I catch T all the time sitting in her chair, imitating Bobo crying, saying Bobo, mommy, its very cute.

Knitting –  I just cast on for another of Lily’s designs. This one is a shawl pattern, McCafferty. Nothing can compare to Amanda’s version, the yarn she used it perrrrfect. I knew I wanted to do mine in a solid but didn’t have enough yardage in any colour to complete it. Then I went back and had a look at Elephantjuice’s version again, she had used 4 strands of laceweight held together and it turned out beautifully. I opted for 2 strands to make sure I’d have enough and cast on with Skacel merino lace, the same yarn I used for my Wray just in a different colour. It’s knitting up to be deliciously soft and smooshy.

Kouyou

As I mentioned before I test knit Oiyi`s beautiful pattern Kouyou.

Pattern: Kouyou by Angela Tong

Yarn: Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool

Needles: 4.25mm circs

I used a liittle over 2 skeins of Elspeth Lavold Silky Wool to make the sport weight version of this shawl. I wasn`t sure if this yarn would provide the warmth needed to wear as a scarf but I was pleasantly surprised by how cosy it is. I`ve already worn it out several times, even on top of a sweater it makes a nice statement.

I love how quickly this knit up. The lace portion added just enough interest to keep me wanting to see one more leaf emerge. There are also instructions and pictures on how to block your shawl, this was such a great idea. I`ve seen one to many beautiful shawls ruined by bad blocking. Oiyi shows how to block and accentuate the natural curve on the garter portion. I just love how that section looks.


There would be plenty of time to whip up on of these for someone special this holiday!

DayBreak

 

Pattern: Daybreak by Stephen West

Yarn: Louet Gems in Ferm Green and Regia 4ply Grey

Needles: 3.5mm circs

Start Date: September 24th 2009

Finish Date: October 2nd 2009

The plan to put Daybreak on the back burner lasted  all of 2 seconds, it proved to be a great t.v. knit with lots of stockinette and a few slipped stitches. The colour changes kept my interest enough to keep trucking along and not get bored.

 I decided to go with two plain colours instead of the many variegated daybreak`s I`ve been seeing on Ravelry andI`m pretty pleased with the outcome. I wanted something wearable unlike my clapotis*… *love the yarn I used for it but its so bright it just doesn`t go with anything, its headed to the frog pond soon me thinks* This green and grey combo is a bit more subtle and definitely wearable with all of my jackets.

I`ve worn this a few times already, its proven to be wonderfully warm and will be a great staple in my winter wardrobe.

I can see more scarf shawls in my future!