Chuck

Posted on August 22, 2012 by CelticCastOn

It’s that time of the week again…

and I have a finished sweater!!

Meet Chuck, my test for Andi of Untangling Knots.

Knit with Cascade 220 in THE perfect shade of red #9552.

I love cropped sweaters, they truly look fantastic with day/tea dresses so when I found this dress in Portland on the way to Ireland I knew it had to be mine. It was a tad big at the time under the arms but other than that it fit well so I took it home.

My mum however is a whizz with the sewing machine and has been taking things in for me for a long time. She added a quick tuck on either sided and fixed the issues! Thanks mum!

……but what’s a black and white polka dot dress without a little red right!

I knew immediately I wanted my version of Chuck to be red to complete my ensemble. I found that perfect shade of red when I knit T’s Miss Lancelot in the Spring and knew I wanted to use that same yarn again for mine.

The center cable really sets off this little number but surround it by simple cables and you’ve got the perfect combination.

I adore the 3/4 sleeves and the fact that my summer dress is now wearable through the Fall and Winter with the addition of a worsted sweater.

The sweater is knit from the top down in pieces and then joined at the under arms to be worked in one full piece to complete the sweater.I really love this technique. Everything comes together so quickly and before you know it you have a finished body.

The sleeves are picked up and worked back and for in short rows for the caps and then joined in the round.

Andi’s pattern are clear, concise and very well written.

I would definitely recommend knitting one of her beautiful designs, you won’t be disappointed!

The only thing chuck needs know is a longer collared shirt so I can wear it with jeans too.

Suggestions are welcome!

Calendula

Posted on August 17, 2012 by CelticCastOn

A while ago I did a test for Alicia Plummer.

It was this adorable little dress called Calendula and I knew immediately that I wanted to knit it.

Last year I knit T a super sweet cardigan called Korrigan in a beautiful purple. It was Ultra Alpaca Light colour 4283, a lovely heathered purple that I knew I must use again.

T grew out of Korrigan much too quickly for my liking so I decided to use that same yarn to knit her a Calendula.

Calendula is an A line dress, knit bottom up with the sweetest texture up the side.

Three simple flowers climb the side of the dress and make this a stunning number for any little girl.

As usual I am more likely to knit something if it will last through more than one season.

Calendula is no exception.

My Calendula project page

T will definitely be sporting this with tights or even a long sleeved tee underneath when she starts *gulp* preschool in the Fall.

Ice Cream

Posted on August 4, 2012 by CelticCastOn

We took T to the park recently for some play time.

She enjoyed the swings,

the slides,

but most of all…

we enjoyed some much needed time with Daddy!

On the way home we stopped at our favourite Ice Cream Shop!

Moose and I have been frequent visitors to Sully’s for years.

In fact way back when we first met and were dating we always went to Sully’s.

It’s set up in the old train station in town, run by students and have a wonderful charm to it.

There are some benches outside where you can sit, enjoy your ice cream and watch the world go by.

The street in front is a pretty busy spot so there’s always something interesting to see.

Of course our ice cream was pretty interesting too!

I ended up trying a new flavour that day, Pecan Brittle Delight…. delicious!

There’s nothing like a cold ice cream on a hot day!

But it tastes better when its enjoyed with family.

Chugga Chug

Posted on August 2, 2012 by CelticCastOn

Its been a while since I’ve picked up a book around here but this week I was in the mood for an audiobook to listen to while I worked on they sleeves of Chalkstone. They are plain stockinette and the perfect companion to an audio book.

I chose The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. I knew nothing about it other than A Playful Day Podcast was reading it with her listeners in her ravelry group. So I downloaded it from my local library and started to listen.

I must admit I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue with it at first…. talking dogs and “The Noise” were all a little weird to begin with but I gave it a fair shot and I’m really starting to get into it.

Apparently it’s a series but I’ve gotta get through number one first!

As I said before I’m working on the sleeves of Chalkstone. I’m a little worried about running out of yarn for this and being a bottom up sweater doesn’t help me out any in figuring out if I have enough. I’ve opted for 3/4 length sleeves and I think I’m really going to like it this way. Once I get the sleeves attached I’ll be able to see if I have the yardage to finish.

Fingers Crossed!

Read any must read books lately??

Weekend

Posted on July 23, 2012 by CelticCastOn

What a great weekend!

I finished THREE knits!

It feels so great to have some needles cleared off, but I still have a few projects left to go before I will be satisfied with the current state of my WIP’s!

I had my first REAL smore!

Enjoyed toasted marshmallow’s and hanging with visiting cousins.

Of course there was fun on the 4 wheeler,

and playing around with sparklers too!

But most importantly….

We got to spent some quality time with Daddy!

That’s the kind of weekend we like best….

Right Moolee?

Gall Dang!

Posted on July 19, 2012 by CelticCastOn

Another week has rolled by again….. I don’t know where the time is going, this summer is flying by.

I have a confession.. last wednesday instead of knitting away I was actually having an organ removed!

Sounds a lot worse than it is but really last wednesday I was in surgery having my Gallbladder removed.

Since we were in Ireland 5 months ago I began having back pain, I thought it was just the bed and pillow I was using and couldn’t wait to get home to my own but when I got home the back pain got worse, I couldn’t sleep through the night and I started having these spasms that wrapped around my rib cage and up over my right shoulder. I thought I had pulled a muscle at the gym but this pain was unlike anything I had ever experienced before and lasted for quite some time. I contined to take muscle relaxers to get rid of the pain until I had a huge attack and ended up in emerg. Fast forward 5 months, several trips to Emerg, an ultrasound and meds for the pain it turns out I had gallstones.

Its been a week since surgery and everything seems to be healing nicely my only quam is that I can’t life anything over 15 pounds for two weeks. I’m adjusting but its pretty annoying for someone very independant to not be able to lift anything especially my daughter.

Only one week left to go and then hopefully I can get back to my normal self… its been quite a while since I’ve seen her and I’m excited for her return. Hopefully we’ll be able to get some fun activities in before the summer is gone.

Last week I finished Colour Block so I was able to start another sweater this one for me.

I’ve started a test knit for Isabell of OwlSisters . The pattern is Chalkstone and you can see Isabell’s original version here

Colour Block

Posted on July 13, 2012 by CelticCastOn

I’m a little bit late on this weeks update for the sweater KAL but I do have an FO!

For those who might have missed my other weekly updates I was testing this pattern for Karen Borrel of NO2108

The pattern is Colour Block and is due to be released in late August.

I used two shades of Lion Brand Cotton Ease, Terracotta and Stone, that I was planning on making myself a sweater with but in the end T’s sweater won out.

Rav Page

This is such a classic little unisex sweater that has so many wonderful possibilities.

Knit it with those fabulous stripes in the pocket, cuffs and button band, as a two coloured sweater without the stripes or in one solid colour.

I can’t even begin to imagine all the colour combo’s that are going to pop up with this little sweater.

Colour Block was fun to make too. Knit from the top down in one piece it just flew off the needles. All that stockinette was just what I was craving and once I got started it was really hard to put down. What really makes this sweater though in my opinion is those contrasting stripes.

The kangaroo pocket in the front is the perfect size for stashing all those treasures in. *rocks in T’s case as of late*

I’m sure I will be making a winter version of the sweater for T soon but right now the cotton one will be the perfect boating sweater.

One sweater down!

I think the next one will be for me!

Citrus

Posted on July 9, 2012 by CelticCastOn

This is another sweet test knit for Elena of Anadiomena Designs.

Knit with more of that yummy pink Malabrigo lace this cardigan is like a soft fluffy cloud.

Rav project page

A delicate open cardigan that gently falls to the side pairs beautifully with her favourite sun dress.

There is always the option to pin it closed at the side with a small brooch if desired as well.

As always Elena adds little details that truely set off her garments.

This ruched sleeve is one of those incredibly sweet touches.

I love that I can grab this at a minutes notice, throw it in my bag and I have something to cover her shoulders that doesn’t take up much space and is light as a feather.

T decided she needed to carry a stick with her when I was taking these pictures in the pasture. It wasn’t until I took this last picture that I thought “My goodness doesn’t that just look like a minature version of Kate Davies?

It shouldn’t be much longer before Citrus is available for purchase.

Before I get a flood of comments saying they wish this was in adult sizes too I’ll save you the bother.

There is an adult version being test knit right now and you may see some progress of that shortly.

Colour Block – Summer Sweater KAL

Posted on July 4, 2012 by CelticCastOn

It’s time for another Summer Sweater KAL progress report!

Since last week I scraped Shellseeker…. I just kept thinking potato sack potato sack and I didn’t want knit the sweater only for it to end up in my closet never worn.

I still love my yarn combo and I’m thinking maybe a driftwood would be nice in this yarn as well with less positive ease but since I haven’t decided on another adult sweater just yet, I’m still swatching some options.

In the meantime I’ve started a sweater for T.

So my first sweater for the KAL will be a version of this sweet sweater.

I’m testing this for Karen but had one heck of a time deciding on colours, this has been happening to me a lot lately.

In the end I grabbed a skein of the Coral Cotton Ease that I just kept coming back to and cast on. I’m still undecided on what the other colour will be yet but I’ll decide when I get to that point.

When asked T if she could try the sweater on to make sure the fit was ok she said she wanted to knit too.

How am I to say no to that??

She’s got the in, around and out down part down now just to get it in the right hole instead of behind the stitch!

Have you joined the KAL or do you have a sweater on the needles right now?

I’d love to hear about it.

Adhara and A Giveaway!!!

Posted on July 2, 2012 by CelticCastOn

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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!